With recent developments, there are strong indications that, there might not be a Chairmanship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State in the forthcoming, Plateau State Local Government Elections, as a Plateau State High Court has granted Orders of Interlocutory Injunctions, restraining the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) from giving effect to the alleged unconstitutional primary election of the APC in Pankshin Local Government Area.

The Plateau State High Court, Pankshin Division, presided over by, Hon. Justice, B. S. Ngyou, upon hearing a Motion on Notice brought by Abafaras Gabriel Ngolong and Rotshak G. Yokden(Plaintiffs/Applicants) pursuant to Orders 42 and 43 of the High Court of Plateau State (Civil Procedure) rules 2020, has granted an Order of Interlocutory Injunction, restraining the APC, being the 1st Defendant, in suit No. PLD/P27CV/M2/2021, whether by itself, its agents, privies of assigns or any other person acting through it, or however, from recognizing or further recognizing, Hon. Audu Kak’mena (2nd Defendant), as the nominated candidate from the primary election purportedly held on the 24th of June, 2021, and/or presenting or submitting his name to PLASIEC (3rd Defendant), as the nominated candidate of the APC for the Chairmanship position of Pankshin LGA of Plateau State in the forthcoming Plateau State Local Government Councils elections, pending the determination of the Plaintiffs/Applicants substantive suit.

The Court also granted an Order of Interlocutory Injunction, restraining PLASIEC (3rd Defendant) from giving effect to the purported primary election of the APC of Pankshin LGA, pending the determination of the Plaintiffs/Applicants’ Substantive suit.

From the face of the Orders of the Court, the 2nd Defendant, Hon. Audu Kak’mena has been also restrained from parading himself or acting or presenting himself as the candidate of the APC for the Chairmanship position of Pankshin LGA in any manner whatsoever, pending the determination of the suit.

“And after hearing, M. A. Abdullahi (Esq) with J. E. Okpe for the Plaintiffs/Applicants, it is hereby ordered that: parties in the suit are directed to maintain the Status Quo Ante, pending the final determination of the substantive suit”. The Court Order further stated.

The case was adjourned to the 16th of November for hearing.

The Plateau Chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP has expressed disappointment over the Plateau High Court Ruling by His Lordship Justice Ibrahim Kunda which dismissed the petition filed by the Party challenging its exclusion from the forthcoming Local Government Polls slated for 9th October, 2021 by the State Electoral umpire, Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC).

In a statement signed by the Party State Publicity Secretary, Hon. John Akans ksm, the party said the judgment exposed the true self as enemy of the people. It said it is shameful that a judge could go down to such despicable levels to show his contempt for the people of Plateau State by shocking attempt to demonize the cries of the people against injustice while seeking for justice.

“This judgment can only be celebrated by those whose consciences are dead to the plight of the people and marooned in government house at the feet of the oppressors of their people in quest to please ‘oga at the top’ for their personal gain”

“We therefore call on our members across the state to remain calm as arrangement has been made for an appeal to be filed immediately, which our legal team has commenced the process” the statement said.

According to him, the PDP will never allow anti democratic forces in an open confrontation with norms and values of democracy, and at this time the people will not be the victims of those forces.

The full statement reads;

PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY(PDP) PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER, 20/22 YAKUBU GOWON WAY OPP NTA JOS

29TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2021

PRESS STATEMENT

It was disappointing as we watched justice kunda delivered most ridiculous judgment in the history of the Nigerian judiciary.

It is obvious that this judgment has unveiled the government’s true self as enemy of the people. It is indeed shameful that a judge could go down to such despicable levels to show his contempt for the people of Plateau State by shocking attempt to demonize the cries of the people against injustice while seeking for justice.

In his judgment, the judge claimed that our case was based on the interpretation of a judgment of a court of coordinate jurisdiction and thus robbed him of jurisdiction to review or try. Notwithstanding he went ahead to wholesomely interpret and review, and also claimed that he could enforce the judgment by making far reaching orders which none of the parties asked for, one of which is the order of justice Gang in kaze’s case and the parties were not even invited by kunda to address him on those issues.

This judgment can only be celebrated by those whose consciences are dead to the plight of the people and marooned in government house at the feet of the oppressors of their people in quest to please ‘oga at the top’ for their personal gain.

We therefore call on our members across the state to remain calm as arrangement has been made for an appeal to be filed immediately, which our legal team has commenced the process.

The PDP will never allow anti democratic forces in an open confrontation with norms and values of democracy, and at this time the people will not be the victims of those forces.

We will not allow this merchants of retrogression succeed, as they only think of themselves and not the people.

Justice Kunda has clearly descended into the arena of the absurd and inflicted us with grave travesty of justice.

The people have rejected the APC and its agents and so it stands, so no amount of intimidation can change the peoples stand.

Election remains the only democratically available means of transition and changing an under performing administration such as what we have on the plateau under Lalong.

Long live the PDP!
Long live Plateau State!!

Signed..

John T Akans ksm FICA JP.
State Publicity Secretary (PDP)

Plateau state information and communication technology development Agency PICTDA Supported by GiZ, yesterday Organized a workshop for the validation of the ICT Value chain Gap Analysis and review of the Plateau State ICT Policy and Implementation Strategies.




The DG PICTDA Mr. David Daser made this known on his Facebook page. According to DG “the Plateau State ICT Development agency had a policy dialogue with various stakeholders within the Plateau State ICT sector.“

“It was a workshop for the validation of the Plateau State ICT Value Chain Gap Analysis and review of the Plateau State ICT Policy and implementation Strategies.”

David Daser also said “Plateau State ICT Value Chain Gap Analysis is a research sponsored by GiZ and carried out by nHub to analyse the gap in the Plateau State ICT value chain for the purpose of possible intervention.”




“The Policy dialogue that ensued was for the purpose of assaying possible grey areas of the policy vis-a-vis the research findings of the value chain gap analysis to answer the question of if a possible review of the policy was necessary at this time or not.”

“And yes, there is a need for a review.
Thanks to GiZ for the wonderful support and partnership.”

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT

PRESS STATEMENT ON NIGERIA’S 61ST INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

As Nigeria counts down to its 61st Independence Anniversary, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG, on behalf of himself, family and the good people of Plateau State, hereby felicitates with His Excellency, the President and the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, Nigerians and lovers of Nigeria on this forthcoming special event.

The celebration started with a Church service last Sunday 26th September, 2021 at the Government House Chapel, Rayfield at 10.00 a.m prompt. There will also be a Juma’at prayer tomorrow Friday, 1st October, 2021 at the Jos Central Mosque at 1.30 p.m.
At the same time there will be a march past and funfare by selected primary and secondary schools, and full parade by the security agencies at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium at 10.00 a.m.
His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG, Executive Governor of Plateau State will take the salute.
You are all invited to attend.

Happy 61st Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Dan Manjang,
Honourable Commissioner of Information and Communication,
Plateau State.
30/10/2021.

Hon.LilianMadaki-Dyel has called on People’s Democratic Party (PDP) newly elected State Executive Council to unite and ensure all hands are on deck for progress of Plateau bearing on minds how necessary and crucial political moment Nigeria is in currently.


In a statement of appreciation to supporters despite loosing the position she aspired for, Madaki said, “In the spirit of sportsmanship, and in my sincere heart of acknowledging the fact that, “a team is like a toolset, hence, not one tool can do all the jobs, but together it can” And therefore, the need and call for all hands been on deck for progress is necessary at this crucial political moment”.



Raising concern over the state of the Country’s affair, Lilian who is a former Councillor in Bokkos LGA, is a known female vibrant politician and an online media practitioner E.D Sawabiya, reiterate the need for PDP to work towards progress.

“Considering this fact, may I use this opportunity to also plea that, the newly sworn in EXCO should as a matter of urgency, identify areas of weaknesses and work on it towards gaining strength, and ensure that, hope is prefare over fear, unity over division, and reality over mire dreams. “Do not impose candidates in 2023 and the sky shall be our stepping stone” said Madaki.

The former Councillor thanked supporters for the overwhelmed support received.

“I Hon. Lilian Madaki Dyel ( SAWABIYA), from the bottom of my heart, wish to immensely express gratitute to you all my family, friends,supporters, community, and well washers for the kind prayers, support and unwavering wishes shown to us during the just concluded Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Plateau State’s Congress which I aspired for the position of State Assistant Youth Leader (Central Zone Youth Leader)” the female politician maintained.


The statement reads:

Appreciation!

We won, but TECHNICALITIES couldn’t allow delegates votes count.

I am still in PDP and I remain PDP head to toe.

In the spirit of sportsmanship, and in my sincere heart of acknowledging the fact that, “a team is like a toolset, hence, not one tool can do all the jobs, but together it can” And therefore, the need and call for all hands been on deck for progress is necessary at this crucial political moment.

I Hon. Lilian Madaki Dyel ( SAWABIYA), from the bottom of my heart, wish to immensely express gratitute to you all my family, friends,supporters, community, and well washers for the kind prayers, support and unwavering wishes shown to us during the just concluded Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Plateau State’s Congress which I aspired for the position of State Assistant Youth Leader (Central Zone Youth Leader).

Special thanks goes to the delegates who gave me their votes massively though technicalities couldn’t allow it count(invalid votes).

Let me use this opportunity to join Hon. Bitrus Kaze in also congratulating not only congratulating Hon. Chris Hassan for winning the chairmanship but the whole of those who were declared winners for various positions.

Special appreciation goes to all PDP members and the various unique women groups who rose up in support of my aspirations, God bless you richly, I sincerely appreciate the massive support across lines.

You made me felt most qualified!

On this note, i call on all my supporters to remain in PDP as 2023 is around the corner, and PDP is the only credible alternative for the restoration of Plateau known dignity.

Considering this fact, may I use this opportunity to also plea that, the newly sworn in EXCO should as a matter of urgency, identify areas of weaknesses and work on it towards gaining strength, and ensure that, hope is prefare over fear, unity over division, and reality over mire dreams. “Do not impose candidates in 2023 and the sky shall be our stepping stone”

Note: “It is only PDP itself that has the capacity to tear PDP apart” therefore, the need for collaborative support to salvage Plateau current situation becomes imperative and the ball is in PDP’s coat.

Our turn to either serve or return the ball to…..

United we stand.



LilianMadaki-Dyel

ARMY CHIEF FAROUK YAHAYA VISITS GOVERNOR LALONG

Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya has visited Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House Rayfield, assuring that the Nigerian Army will continue to work with the State in restoring peace and security to Plateau State.

General Yahaya said the efforts of the Governor in promoting peace in the State through non-kinetic means has been very valuable and key to engendering peaceful coexistence.

He also said the Army through Operation Safe Haven and the 3rd Armoured Division will not relent in its operational duties of dealing with criminal elements who are working against the peace of the State and country at large.

Farouk sympathised with the State over the recent attacks and assured that the military would not allow such occurrences again, saying the people need to continue to support the security agencies.

He thanked the Governor for supporting the Army structure in the State and also at the level of the Northern Governors Forum towards overcoming security challenges.

General Yahaya said the security challenges in the country will definitely be overcome with the support and collaboration of all citizens.

Governor Lalong while welcoming the Army Chief to Plateau State said he was delighted by the visit which is an opportunity for the Government to appreciate the efforts of the armed forces in tackling insecurity in the State especially in recent months.

He said though the challenges are yet to be overcome, the Army has made enermous progress in various parts of the country where bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other enemies of State have been dealt a heavy blow.

Lalong assured the Army Chief of the continued support of the Plateau State Government and the Northern Governors Forum to the army and other law enforcement agencies in addressing insecurity.

The Governor maintained that his Administration will continue to utilise the Peace Building Agency and other structures towards addressing conflicts and preventing violence.

A one minute silence was observed for late Gen. Abraham Luka Dusu, a course mate of the COAS who died recently.

The Chief of Army Staff had delivered a lecture at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
29th September 2021.

Breaking: A Jos High Court dismisses suit filed by PDP against PLASIEC, awards N2.5million against PDP.

September 29, 2021

Justice Yakubu Kunda of High Court 5 sitting in Jos has dismissed a suit filed before him by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the decision of the Plateau Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) to exclude it from participating in the scheduled October 9, 2021 local government council polls.

Delivering his judgement, Justice Kunda held that PLASIEC was legally right to have refused PDP nomination and expression of interest forms for the said election adding that the PDP instead of abiding by the judgement of SP Gang of November 20, 2020 to conduct state Congress, the party went ahead to evoke sections of its constitution to dissolved the state EXCO and constituted a caretaker committee which conducted its primaries that produced the candidates which PLASIEC refused to issue forms.

In the circumstances, the judge further held that all the steps and actions taken by the caretaker committee including the conduct of the said primary elections was null and void.
“The entire claims in the submission the claimant is hereby, dismissed”, said the judge.

The sum N2.5million damages awarded against the PDP

Details of the judgement later. Copied

RESOLUTIONS OF THE NORTHERN STATES GOVERNORS’ FORUM MEETING WITH NORTHERN STATES EMIRS AND
CHIEFS HELD ON MONDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER, 2021

The Northern States Governors’ Forum, in its continuous efforts to address the challenges bedeviling the Northern States convened an Emergency Meeting today Monday 27th September, 2021 at the Council Chamber Sir, Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna. The meeting was also attended by Chairmen of Northern States Traditional Council led by His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto.

2. The Forum discussed issues of Peace, Progress, Development and well-being of the Northern States. The Forum took stock of progress made in handling challenges of Banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and insurgency.

After extensive deliberations, the following resolutions were arrived at:-
1. The Forum reviewed security updates from the Region and observed the need for a sustained synergy and coordinated efforts between the Federal and Northern States Governments while noting success of recent measures. The meeting also noted with concern the constraint of the security services and urged the Armed Forces to embark on simultaneous operations and resolved to share the plans of the Frontline States come up with common with other Region; and assured of its readiness to work in synergy with the Federal Government of Nigeria in finding lasting solution to the current security challenges.





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2. The Forum appreciated the ongoing onslaught against banditry, kidnapping and Boko Haram especially in the North East and parts of North West and North Central States and encouraged the Armed forces and other security agencies to sustain the tempo to enable the security challenges be permanently addressed in the shortest time.

3. The Forum received updates on the Renewable / Solar Energy Project and NOTED that request for land for the project had been submitted and are being processed by the Northern States. The Committee had commenced negotiations in a public private arrangement and sovereign guarantees to ensure bankability of the project by multilateral financial organizations. The Forum called on States yet to process the request for allocation of land for the project to expedite action.

4. The meeting received updates on activities of some Committees constituted by the Northern States Governors’ Forum and NOTED that recommendations contained therein are being considered with a view to coming up with implementation strategies.

5. The Forum observed that some Northern States Governors had earlier expressed views for a power-shift to three Geo-Political Zone in the South with a view to promoting unity and peace in the Nation. Notwithstanding their comments, the Forum unanimously condemn the statement by the Southern Governors Forum that the Presidency must go to the South. The statement is quite contradictory with the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended that the elected President shall:-






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(a) score the majority votes;

(b) score at least 25% of the votes cast in 2/3 States of the Federation.

(c) In the case of run-up simple majority win the election.

6. The Northern State Governors Forum considered the on-going National debate on the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT). As responsible leaders while we are constraint by the fact that the matter is sub judice we however for the purposes of educating the public make the following observations:
(a) the judgement of the Federal high Court calls to question the constitutionality of VAT, withholding tax, education tax, Niger Delta Development Commission, National Information Technology Development Agency, 13% derivation, National Economic Development Council and many other currently levied and collected by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Federal Inlands Revenue Service.

(b) Rivers and Lagos State Government had enacted their own VAT laws and the Southern Governors Forum have expressed support for this course of action;

(c) VAT is being confused by these State Government as a sales tax. If every State enacted its own VAT Law, multiple taxation will result in increases of prices of goods and services and collapsed in interstate trade. VAT is not a production tax like excise, but terminal tax which is paid by the ultimate consumer;







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(d) Another confusion is ignoring observation above and its “overall effect”. The reason Lagos account for our 50% Vat collection is because most of the telecommunication companies, Banks, manufacturing and other trading activities have their headquarters in Lagos with the resultant and wrongful attribution of VAT

(e) Until and unless the Supreme Court pronounces judgement on the substantive matter between Rivers State and Federal Government, the matter is sub judice and Northern States Governors Forum would respect this.

7. The Traditional Rulers Councils appreciated the efforts made so far by the NSGF in addressing the key areas of challenges facing the Northern States, they expressed their willingness, solidarity and collaboration with the Governors’ in addressing these challenges particularly the issue of security. It was equally resolved that perpetrators of crimes should be dealt with irrespective of their status in the society.

8. The Forum decried the high level of conspiracies being perpetrated by some Judicial Officers in releasing / granting bail to arrested criminals. This attitude sabotages the fight against criminality, therefore, there the need to develop good and robust intelligence mechanism amongst States was identified as a panacea.









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9. The Forum calls on Agencies to leave up to their responsibility, Traditional rulers are to equally mobilize their various communities in checkmating the ugly trend of criminality in their domains.

10. The Forum NOTED the ugly trend in the spread of drugs and consumption amongst the teeming youth and therefore, calls on all levels of Governments and communities to raise to the occasion by stemming the tide.

11. The Forum also call the Federal Government to expedite action on the well establish National Livestock Transformation Programme as a spring board in transiting from the open grazing system as widely practice in the North


His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong KSGG,
Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum.

Beneficiary of the Code Plateau training initiated by the Director General, Plateau state Information and communication development Agency PICTDA Mr. David Daser has being of great impact to the development of the state and Nigeria at large through it’s programme.

Mr Pofi Abel Amos who is one of the beneficiary of the Code Plateau program initiated by PICTDA , also an indigene of Plateau State shared this testimony

“I started out learning to write code as self-thought, which was quite tasking and self-driven. A major challenge for me was not having a Laptop of my own which made me approach my father hoping he would help out by buying me one – but then he felt instead of buying me one, he would rather borrow me one, with the condition that within a given time frame, I would have saved up enough to buy my own. Hopefully, with my interest at heart, he felt it would make me focused.”

Pofi said “Since I joined the Code Plateau Community, the entire experience has been overwhelming, so much I had to suspend my NYSC service year till after the entire training, and I must say a big thanks to the Governor of Plateau State in the person of Barr. Simon Bako Lalong, to PICTDA, and the Chief Sorcerer himself Mr. Daser David for the inexhaustive support they have rendered to us all here at the community and to me personally for gifting me a new laptop to support my career in tech and also for securing me a Job at Abuja to resume alongside my NYSC service year”.

He also stated that “Code Plateau is such an opportunity for anyone who wants to start out in the tech world. It is quite challenging no doubt but then to anyone that might be in a similar situation, I would say don’t use your limitations as a reason to not take a bold step towards your dream. “

Bigwigs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State have accused the House of Assembly Speaker, Abok Nuhu Ayuba, of engaging in anti-party activities and that he is already working against the interest of his party, the APC.
The party bigwigs said since the recent crisis in the state, some forces, groups and individuals have begun instigating the speaker against his party and the government, and rather than joining hands with the authorities and his party, he is already towing a different line.
Speaking on their behalf after the APC bigwigs meeting, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, said they have gathered that the speaker is already in talk with another party and that he is planning to leave the APC, and that is why he is currently exhibiting his unexpected actions.
Zazzaga said for a while now the Speaker has not been attending the government and APC functions alike, and that he absence from such functions not only speak volumes but confirmed the information they gathered about the speaker planning to leave the party.
He said they are therefore asking the speaker to come forth and explain to the party the reason for his recent actions and clear the air on his secret affliction with another party, otherwise they will write to the party to sanction him.
According to him, they will reveal all their facts about the Speaker’s recent contrary activities as they have fully gathered their facts, but that they want the APC leadership to take it resolution on the Speaker first.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Zazzaga urged the Speaker to retrace his steps because he should not be doing things that clearly shown he is ‘biting the fingers that fed him’.
It would be recalled that the APC bigwigs few weeks back gave the speaker an ultimatum to tender public apology to the people of the state as well as the government over what they termed divisive activities and unhelpful utterances in the wake of the recent crisis that rocked parts of the state.