Plateau 2023 Governorship race - No better candidate than Dr Nentaweh Yilwatda - Group

By Golok Nanmwa ,Jos

Less than 15 months to next year’s general elections, a Group  operating under the aegis of Plateau Youths for Good Governance has called on citizens of the State to support Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, the former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue State who has since accepted the numerous calls to offer himself to serve Plateau State.

The group further declared that there is no better candidate for the 2023 Governorship  election in Plateau than Nentawe.

In a statement made avail­able to journalists on Thursday in Jos, the pressure group led by Hon. Murphy Lazarus Gobus the Direc­tor-General of the Group, called on citizens of the State  to support the aspirant whose objective is to further transform the State.

Mr Yilwatda, a former engineering lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, was appointed REC in July 2017 and posted to Benue State. 

During his four-year stay in office, he participated in the conduct of over six elections in Benue and other States such as Anambra, Osun, Rivers, Kogi and Cross River States where he delivered free and fair elections. 

The group said that Dr  Nentawe Yilwatda has what it takes to consolidate on the achievements of not only Governor Simon Lalong but all other Governors before him.

Lazarus Gobus further described Dr Nentawe  as what Plateau needs at the moment as he did so well in all tasks he had handled in the past.

He stated that Yilwatda has good political antecedents ,"No doubt, Nentawe has the pedigree to make Plateau  one of the best and most developed states in the country."

"As a group we are postive ,he would turn around the fortunes of Plateau if given the mandate."

It is true that there are other contestants vying for the gubernatorial slot but I can assure Plateau citizens  that Nentawe is the man to beat in next year’s elec­tion,” he said.

He  explained why the people of the state should support Nentawe adding that Plateau citizens need him to improve on the laudable achievements of Governor Simon Lalong .

The group further added that if elected  Dr Yilwatda would deploy technology to secure Plateau,

" I recall that as at then Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda  was able to organize and conduct the most peaceful election in the history of Benue State  in spite of  the preemptive red flag warning issued by United Nations Organization of a possible bloodbath in the 2019 elections in Benue State.

"How did he achieve this? Being an Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence, he personally developed an application that was sensitive to all Tiv, Idoma, Hausa, Igede and English phrases that connotes violence and deployed them on all local Networks which successfully identified, tracked and disconnected all communications by individuals speaking vocabularies that are suggestive of violence."

This was how all political thugs and their sponsors were disconnected and put in total disarray. The result? There was sanity in the polity and for the first time in the history of elections in Nigeria, over five political parties won seats to both National and State Assemblies in Benue State without an incident of violence. 

As a group we call on Dr Nentawe Yilwatda to contest the 2023 Governorship election as the people of the state are solidly behind him ,the statement further added.

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Plateau to partner with organization for enhanced eye health program

By Golok Nanmwa,Jos 

Plateau State Government is to partner with Sightsavers, an international organisation in establishing a comprehensive eye health program throughout the State.

Governor Simon  Lalong stated this while receiving the Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria and Ghana, Dr. Sunday Isiyaku at the Government House Jos.

He said the partnership is based on his earlier visit to the United Kingdom where he interacted with the global leaders of the organisation and a subsequent request for the partnership which is aimed at addressing the challenges of eye health in Plateau State particularly in the rural areas.

Lalong said one of his passions is to see that people who are living with disabilities in any form get assistance and reprieve through deliberate steps such as the one being taken in the partnership with Sightsavers.

He thanked the team for the visit and assured them that the Plateau State Government was ready to play its part in the partnership by paying its counterpart funding and also making facilities and personnel available for training and actual operation.

Earlier, Country Director Sightsavers Nigeria and Ghana Dr. Isiyaku said they were in Plateau on the directive of the global office which responded to the communication sent to it by the Governor for partnership.

He said a three year partnership is being proposed and will support the establishment of a State owned comprehensive eye health program that is well coordinated, accessible, affordable and sustainable based on national policies and guidelines for the over 4 million people of Plateau State.

Dr. Isiyaku said in 2021, a survey was carried out which showed that there was a significant gap in eye health in Plateau State which needs to be addressed immediately to save many citizens from going blind. This he said will involve manpower training, improvement of infrastructure and advocacy. 

The Country Director asked the Governor to approve health facilities in the Central and Southern Zones; commit to pay counterpart funds; fund budget lines for eye health; and work towards improving the human resource in the eye health sector.

Head of the Christoffel Blinden Mission (CBM) also assured the Governor that they will partner together with Sightsavers to achieve the mission.

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Bassa/Jos North bye elections - (8) APC members jostle to replace deceased federal lawmaker Maitala

By Golok Nanmwa,Jos 

Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Plateau state Hon. Rufus Bature  yesterday said that eight aspirants of the political party have purchased forms to contest the forthcoming by-election at Jos North/Bassa Federal constituency.

Bature made this known while speaking with   journalists in his office at the party secretariat in Jos.

Our correspondent reports that the deceased lawmaker at the Federal House of Representatives for Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency Mr. Haruna Maitala had died in a ghastly motor accident along Abuja, Jos road about a year ago, was elected on the platform of the APC.

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC recently fixed the 26th of February 2022 to conduct the bye-election to fill in the vacancy created by the demise of the federal lawmaker.

Similarly, INEC has also fixed the same date for the conduct of the bye-election at Pankshin South state sonstituency to replace a member of the state assembly who died recently from an undisclosed ailment.

The APC chairman in Plateau told journalists that three APC members have bought forms to succeed the deceased state legislator.

“As we speak, those who bought forms for the bye-election are being screened in Abuja, party primaries will hold next week.”

According to him, the APC under the leadership of Governor Simon Lalong has fulfilled its mandate to the people.

Hon. Rufus Bature further said he is confident that his party will win the forth coming bye election of Jos North/Bassa federal constituency, slated for February 26th by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).

"Governor Simon Lalong is doing excellently well and the people of Plateau are solidly behind him."

He called on the people of Plateau to continue to support the Simon Lalong led administration at all times, as it is determined to better the lives of citizens of the state.

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WHAT IS OUR SOCIETY TURNING TO? - A clear case of man's inhumanity to man

By Pwol Benjamin Dature

27th January, 2022.

Sequel to a reported case of one Mr Samson Eze, a 31 year old resident of Kampala in Rukuba road Jos, who lured two Tricycle owners and a motorcycle rider at different times to his brother's new house in Agingi, Rukuba road under construction and killed them just to take possession of their tricycles and motorcycle.

Three dead bodies were today uncovered in a soak away inside the house and has since been evacuated.

Kudos to our gallant officer's who have worked tirelessly in making our society a save Haven.

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PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR SWITCH FOUNDATION

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has commended the Support Women Initiatives to Transform Children (SWITCH) Foundation for its tremendous impact in touching the lives of many under-privileged women, children and young girls in Plateau State. 

The Governor was speaking while recieving Mrs Zainab Tsok, Coordinator of SWITCH Foundation at the Government House Rayfield Jos during a courtesy visit. 

Lalong was told that SWITCH Foundation which is the brainchild of Plateau First Lady Mrs. Regina Lalong, has continued to assist women with funding, training and facilities to enable them carry out businesses and farming which have yielded positive results. 

Mrs. Tsok said thousands of women have been removed from poverty due to the empowerment given to them by SWITCH Foundation which has enabled them overcome the challenges of widowhood, health and social issues. 

She said the girl child in Plateau State has also been given proper attention through ICT literacy, counselling and mentorship and other efforts of the SWITCH Foundation which target rural girls and youths throughout the State. 

Zainab also stated that the Foundation has also carried out advocacy and rehabilitation of young persons affected by drugs with tremendous success where many have been returned to good standing in the society. 

She however explained that the Foundation which is a nonprofit organisation has a lot of challenges of funding and will need the support of the Government and well spirited individuals to enable it carry out its mandate. 

She thanked the Governor for his support so far and solicited for more collaboration and support in the next phase of its activities which require expansion, consolidation and the movement to a permanent facility. 

Governor Lalong appreciated the efforts of the SWITCH Foundation which he said has greatly assisted Government to address the plight of the poor and vulnerable. 

He promised to support the Foundation in every way possible and also directed relevant Government MDAs to engage with SWITCH with a view to ensuring that some of the challenges are addressed. 

He commended the Founder, First Lady Regina Lalong for not only deploying her personal resources for the success of the Foundation, but also keying into the activities of the Future Assured Programme of Nigeria's First Lady Aisha Buhari. 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State 

26th January 2022.

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LALONG AND HIS DIVIDENDS OF GOOD RELATIONS WITH PMB (PART 1)

Dear Plateau PDP and Lalong/APC Haters, 

You keep asking what Lalong and the APC has  brought to Plateau State out of the cordial relationship between the State and the Federal Government (which you have mischievously referred to as "servitude", "sell out" etc). You have called Governor Lalong names and accused him of being a "Buhari boy", "Caliphate stooge" and other uncomplimentary names despite what he has done to ensure that Plateau State is at the table in national affairs and gets its fair share of the National Cake. 

Without any abuse and insults, let's do a comparative analysis of what Lalong and the APC attracted to Plateau and what Governor Jang and the PDP brought in 8years. 

In no particular order, here is Governor Lalong's list in 6 years: 

1. Establishment of Airforce Base Kerang

2. Establishment of FRSC Training School Shendam

3. Establishment of Nigerian Shippers Council North Central Coordinating Office Jos

4. Designation of Yakubu Gowon Airport as one of the 4 Cargo Airports in Nigeria 

5. Federal Polytechnic Ny'ak Shendam

6. Federal Orthopedic Hospital Jos

7. Appointment of Rev. Yakubu Pam as ES Nigerian Pilgrims Commission 

8. Appointment of Sir. Joseph Ari as DG ITF

9. Appointment of Engr. Rose Ndong as Executive Director Petroleum Regulatory Agency

10. Appointment of Engr. Mathew Pwajok as Acting MD, NAMA

11. Appointment of 4 Major Generals and many Brigadier General equivalent in the Armed Forces in recent promotion 2021

12. Appointment of Prof. Garba Sharubutu as ES Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria 

13. Appointment of Dr. Mikaila Zakari as Rector Federal Polytechnic Ny'ak

14. Appointment of Prof. Sebastine Maimako as VC Unijos

15. Appointment of Prof. Angela Miri, VC Federal University Lokoja

16. Appointment of Prof. Edmumd Banwat as CMD JUTH

17. Appointment of Mr. Solomon Dalung, Minister of Sports 

18. Appointment of Dame Pauline Tallen, Minister of Women Affairs 

19. Appointment of Dr. Simon Harry as Statistician General of Nigeria 

20. Appointment of Bar. Amos Azi as Chairman, Investment and Securities Tribunal 

21. Approval for 2 New private Universities in Plateau State (ANAN and Kark Kumm)

22. Appointment of Alhassan Yakmut as Secretary, Prisons, Immigration, Civil Defence Board

23. Appointment of Da Jonah Madugu as Federal Commissioner,  Federal Civil Service Commission

24. Appointment of Steve Jings, Federal Commissioner, Federal Character Commission

25. Appointment of Mr. Alex Shaiyen, Federal Commissioner, Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission 

26. Plateau Daughter Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem is President of the Appeal Court of Nigeria

27. Appointment of Amb. James Dimka as Nigeria's Ambassador to Liberia

28. Appointment of Prof. Abdullahi Shehu as Nigeria's Ambassador to Russia

29. Appointment of Amb. Martin Adamu as Nigeria's Ambassador to Cote d'ivoire 

30. Appointment of Late Ambassador Abdullahi Wase, Nigerian Ambassador to Qatar 

31. Establishment of Mobile Police Squadron, Shendam 

32. Appointment of Engr. Silas Buba, Executive Director North Central, FERMA

33. Appointment of Commodore Isaac Mankilik (rtd) as Registrar, Admiralty University Delta 

34. Appointment of Dr. Chirfat as Provost, College of Education Pankshin 

35. Appointment of Prof. Sani Mohammad Adam SAN as National Commissioner INEC 

36. Appointment of Dr. Nentawe Yilwada INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner 

37. Appointment of Dr. Pokop Bupwada, Acting CMD JUTH

38. Appointment of Late Ignatius Longjan, Chairman Governing Council, NIPSS 

39. Construction of Ibi bridge linking Plateau and Taraba State 

40. Construction of the greater Mangu/Gindiri Regional water project abandoned by PDP after collecting billions 

41. Appointment of Hon. James Ayuba as Board Member, FIRS

43. Appointment of Mr. James Lalu as Executive Secretary, Nigerian Disabilities Rights Commission 

43. Appointment of the Registrar, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo

44. Appointment of Prof. Dakas CJ Dakas SAN as Chairman Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic Ayede Oyo State 

45. Appointment of Nde Joshua Waklek as Chairman of Council, University of Ibadan

46. Appointment of Mr. Nansok Shehu as Librarian, Federal Polytechnic Wannune, Benue State 

47. Appointment of Dr. Celina Shitnaan Gana as Registrar, Federal Polytechnic Ny'ak 

48. Appointment of Mr. James Tunlong as Librarian, , Federal Polytechnic Ny'ak 

49. An illustrious Plateau son and Legislator per excellence, Rt. Hon. Idris Ahmed Wase is the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives (No. Senior Office Holder in Nigeria)

50. Governor Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG is the Chairman of the 19 Northern Governors Forum. 

There's more to come...... 

Oya, over to you my good friends on the other side, kindly give us your list of PDP's 8 years under Dara Jonah Jang and his closeness to GEJ. 

#Lalongissucceeding

#Plateauissucceeding

#APCisworking 

We remain yours in the struggle for a better Plateau, 

Comrade Iliya Mark, JP

Chairman 

Comrade Tina Dabak

Secretary 

For: Rescue Monitoring Team.

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ENIGMA OF MONETIZED JUSTICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT IN NIGERIA - THE LINGERING CASE OF MOSES OKO

By Pwol Benjamin Dature, Jos

26th January, 2022

It is common knowledge that Justice delayed is Justice denied, the remains of the murdered Miss Jenifer Anthony may have been put to rest amidst anguish by family, friends and loved ones, but her spirit and soul still yarns for Justice.

1. Over two weeks after this case was bloated and suspect paraded by the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters here in Jos, Mr MOSES OKO has neither been charged to court nor has he been properly handed to the Police authorities detention system, as he has been recieving treatment and relaxing in the Pchychiatric Department of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), on pretence of mental health which was only reported after he had allegedly committed the said crime, what an irony.

2. It is a point to note that such heinous crime can never be committed without an organize accomplice network, which the police hasn't uncovered nor identified to the best of the knowledge and information available within the media space.

3. A sibling to the accused, one Miss ENE OKO, has profusely sent dead threats to but online bloggers and journalist on WhatsApp with the number herein; 0814 901 7444.

Journalist have just but a goal which is making sure Justice is served in this case to a logical conclusion, but rather she has repeatedly said, boostfully that "for Naija case na money" which establishes for a fact that money has definitely exchanged hands within the prism of law enforcement as well as the Justice system as the case maybe.

4, Within less than a week after the crafty father to the accused, one Mr JOSEPH OKO, was released from police detention due to possibility of absconding as he is a flight risk, he was seen gallivanting in a latest edition Hilux SUV worth over N20 million which is suspected to have been purchased by him from proceeds of crime committed by his wicked and inhumane son.

We are all aware of the possible salary scale of a Senior Lecturer within the Federal University system and also we are well aware that Within the means of income of Mr JOSEPH OKO he cannot dream of acquiring such a luxury, this in fact has made him an accessory to murder in many facets.

4. Still on the University of Jos community, the said case can be referred to as a family issue, due to the involvement of all parties, whom are members of the University; firstly the accused Mr JOSEPH OKO is said to be a University of Jos student, under the faculty of Natural sciences, the victim late Miss Anthony Jenifer also a student under the Faculty of Education, Department of Rehabilitational sciences and the Father a Senior Lecturer with the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Architecture all within the canopy of thesame University of Jos.

5. After the above established facts, it is our prayer that the UNIVERSITY OF JOS, SENATE consider the following recommendation to maintain it's reputation and reassure parents and wards of there 100% safety within the University community;

i. An ethics community should be set up to look into the facts and fallacies of this case, probe both the parents of the accused.

ii. The full course of the law should gravitate on  both the Father who is an employee of the institution and the son who is also a student, if the are both found gullible in any way regarding the murder of Miss Jenifer Anthony.

iii. All operational certification issued to the accused father be suspended, pending the outcome of the findings by the established committee.

iv. Further proactive measures should be established and recommended to curtail further occurrences.

6. Finally this is a call to all asundry to rally round in support of Justice, arresting and prosecuting such dastardly act can prevent or save another person's child, sister, cousin, nephew, etc from been the next victim...

While the family the accused, Mr MOSES OKO are comfortably living within there household of kassamines, Gamajigo along Bida Bidi of Zaria Road, Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria. like it is business as usual the buried body of Miss Jenifer Anthony returns to mother Earth without her eyeballs...

if really there is an iota humanity in us, we should all agitate Justice for late Miss Anthony Jenifer.

Please share and comment till we go viral in search for total Justice for the victim and many others uncovered.

#justiceforjeniferanthony.

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FED POLYTECHNIC NY'AK, PLATEAU STATE TO ADMIT STUDENTS IN 2022 - GOVERNING COUNCIL CHAIRMAN

Chairman of the Governing Council for Federal Polytechnic Ny'ak, Shendam, Plateau State Engr. Sistus Ukelina Abetienbe has said that new students will be admitted by the end of the year 2022 as the Polytechnic takes off in the temporary site donated by the Plateau State Government. 

The Chairman was speaking when Members of the Governing Council paid a courtesy visit to Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House, Little Rayfield as part of their working visit to the State. 

He praised Governor Lalong for not only seeing to the establishment of the Polytechnic, but also making sure that the institution is granted large percel of land, very big and suitable temporary facility with quality infrastructure for take-off, planned provision for basic infrastructure such as power, water, and access road  to the permanent site among others. 

Engr. Sistus said the institution was fortunate to have been established during the administration of Governor Lalong who is not only passionate about education, but very interested in partnering with the Federal Government to provide educational opportunities for his people.

He disclosed that the Institution will give strength to courses in areas that Plateau has strong advantage such as tourism, agriculture and mining among others. 

Governor Lalong while welcoming the delegation said he was eager to ensure that the Polytechnic commences operations because so much efforts have  been put in by various stakeholders to bring the dream of the school to fruition. 

He said that was why the Government did not hesitate to donate one of the Legacy Schools, the Model Secondary School Ny'ak, which has large infrastructure for the take off of the institution. 

He expressed his determination to ensure that the Institution commences operations and develops to gives quality education to citizens of Plateau State and other Nigerians. 

The Governor congratulated the Governing Council for their appointment, and again expressed appreciation to the President, Minister of Education and the National Assembly for approving the Institution, saying there is high hope that the Federal College of Education Pankshin will soon be upgraded to a University of Education once the President signs the bill before him into law. 

Rector of the Polytechnic Dr. Mikaila Zakari Ya'u said the efforts of Governor Lalong has made the task of commencing academic activities of the school very seamless. 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.

25th January 2022.

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Insecurity - Plateau assembly urges security operatives to intensify surveillance in communities

By Golok Nanmwa ,Jos 

Plateau State House of Assembly , on Tuesday  resolved to officially write security formations in the state to intensify surveillance in communities that suffer from unwarranted attacks.

According to the state assembly, it is with a view to forestall ceaseless killing of people across Communities in the State.

The House’s resolution follows a motion of urgent public importance by member representing Jos North West Esther Simi  Dusu on last week’s killing of four miners at Dong Community.

Member representing Jos North West constituency Esther Dusu ,in a motion called on the State Government to mobilize for a security Outpost in Dong, Jos North Local Government to protect citizens from unprovoked attacks.

Citing last week’s killing of four persons in a mining site, the lawmaker decried the carnage people in the community had suffered lately.   

Contributing to the motion, members of the House noted stringent measures must be taken to address security challenges in the State   

Speaker of the State Assembly Yakubu Sanda in a resolution expressed the House’s resolve to visit Communities affected by the incident.

Meantime, the House deputy speaker Saleh Yipmong in a motion called on Local Governments in the State, the State Legislative Arm, Development Associations as well as Formal and Non Formal sectors to key into the  Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency scheme so as to benefit from the State Universal Health Coverage initiative.  

Members in support of the motion challenged PLASCHEMA to make its services more accessible to ensure effective publicity of its activities stepped down to the grassroot.        

In a resolution, the House resolved to summon PLASCHEMA, Primary Healthcare Development Board and the State Ministry of Health to furnish it with information about its activities.

Our correspondent also reports that two bills secured first reading. 

They are Plateau State meat product inspection bill 2022 sponsored by Mohammed Abubakar and the Plateau State University of Agriculture Garkawa bill 2022 sponsored by the majority leader Naanlong Daniel.

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URGENT: COLOSSAL OF A HELPLESS NIGERIAN STUDENT!

By Pwol Benjamin Dature, Jos.

He is IBRAHIM ABUBAKAR MUHAMMAD, A final year (500l) Electrical Electronics Student, Faculty of Engineering, University of Jos.

He was hale and hearty, he was a hardworking gentleman who wishes to make things worth it, gleamy and rosy. Until he unfortunately meet with an accident around Nasfat mosque close to Naraguta Hostel gate on his way back from transporting passengers from Jos to Bauchi. An accident which claims four lives of passengers returning from Bauchi with him.

All he wanted was to raise the school fees lawfully and calmly, not having to disobey the University authority by not paying at the lawfully speculated time.

The Gallant, Agile, and well to do Ibrahim now bedridden in the hospital at Lamingo Juth. Sadly the School fee he was working tirelessly for, is still very unattained. 

HELP PAY IBRAHIM'S SCHOOL FEE WHEN IT'S STILL AT ITS LAW-ABIDING PRICE.

Acct No:0226912812 

Name:Ibrahim Abubakar Muhammad 

Bank: Gtbank.

Your little will definitely add to the nothing he has acquired. 

We pray Allah Grant him quick recovery, forgive his wrongs and shower him with his endless blessing, Aameen. 

© MSSM UNIJOS CHAPTER

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GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS FAMILY OF FIRST REPUBLIC POLITICIAN, CHIEF MICHAEL AUDU BUBA, SAYS HE DESERVES BETTER RECOGNITION.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has eulogised frontline First Republic politician, Chief Michael Audu Buba, Wazirin Shendam, who he said played a key role in the emergence of democracy in Nigeria and opened doors for many politicians in Plateau, the Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria. 

Governor Lalong who was speaking when he met with some family members of the late politician at the Government House Rayfield Jos, said the late politician was yet to be accorded the honour deserving of his personally and political achievements. 

He recalled that Chief Michael Buba, one of the closest associates of the late Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, was a member of the Northern House of Assembly where he became a Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources under the then Northern Region. 

During the nation’s independence era, he was variously appointed as the Northern Region’s Minister of Trade and Industry, as well as the Minister for Social Welfare and Cooperatives where he served creditably. 

Lalong said the late political heavyweight played a key role in launching the then Plateau State into the political landscape of the Northern Region and Nigeria, as well as fought for rights of the people. 

He told the family that the Government will ensure that his labour and sacrifice do go unrecognised by ensuring that he is given proper honour in Plateau State, the Northern Region and Nigeria at large for the role he played in the democratic journey of the country. 

He urged the family to sustain the legacies of their father and also participate in politics in order to influence the lives of people like their father did during his time on earth. 

Responding, a son of the late politician, Musa Michael Buba said they were happy for the invitation by Governor Lalong who is also the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, saying they remain proud of what their father did to mentor many young politicians and technocrats who have become great people in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole. 

He said the family appreciates the goodwill of Governor who has decided to give their father proper recognition and honour, many years after his death. 

Michael Audu Buba, a prominent member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in Plateau State, was also an official member of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) having served as the party’s regional secretary, Northern Region. 

He was born in 1924, and hailed from Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau. He worked with the Lowland Native Authority as a Secretary and Councilor before he was elected into the Northern House of Assembly in 1951, and later became a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives in 1952. 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State 

25th January 2022.

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Bashir Abdullahi II convener, Hope Initiative Abuja declares political ambition to vie for Nasarawa Reps seat in Kano State

By Golok Nanmwa, Jos

A Social Entrepreneur, philanthropist and promoter of good governance, the Convener Hope Initiative, a non profit organisation,  Bashir Abdullahi ll has declared his intention to contest the Nasarawa Federal Constituency seat in Kano state.

Speaking with our correspondent in Kano, Abdullahi ll who is also the Founder and CEO Konad group highlighted the soft spot he has for vulnerable and underserved groups such as  the youths, women, children and the elderly, through several philanthropic and Empowerment schemes aimed at improving their human condition.

He also reiterated his determination to work towards the reduction of poverty to its barest minimum when elected.

Bashir assured that he would strive to ensure sustainable empowerment by creating an environment that allows the people to continuously generate a source of income and livelihood. 

Bashir Abdullahi ll  further said  his decision to run for this elected office is  to deliver unmatched representation to his constituents,  and speak the mind of his people.

He promised to take advantage of other legislative instruments and privileges to indirectly impact the lives of the people of his constituency and the nation by extension. 

The Youth activist promised to run an open door policy, welcoming feedbacks from his constituents as democracy is about the people. 

"I would work to ensure that poverty is reduced  to its barest minimum in my Constituency if elected" he added .

Mallam Abdullahi II on the subject of unity and cohesion stated that "together we can build block by block, hamlet by hamlet, village by village, town by town, but only together", he emphasised the benefits that lies with a paradigm shift in the way we conduct our affairs stressing that unity of purpose remains the key.

Mallam Bashir Abdullahi ll further made a commitment before representatives of the 11 wards of Nasarawa Federal Constituency that his ambition is about service and bringing  development to the people.

 He added "I am committed to bettering the lives of the Youth, women the elderly stressing the need for the inclusion of the youth and women in decision making towards a greater and cohesive constituency.

Speaking to our correspondence on the World Education day, Bashir Abdullahi II who had earlier paid a condolence visit to the family of late Hanifa Abubakar, the five year old girl who was brutally murdered by her teacher in Kano stressed the need for putting in place better measures towards improving the security of peoples lives and property especially, school children.

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GOVERNOR LALONG PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE FIRST CLASS RULER, DA NELSON BAKFUR, MISHKAHAM MWAGAVUL

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has paid tribute to the late First Class Traditional Ruler in Mangu Local Government Area, the Mishkaham Mwagavul, HRH Da Nelson Bakfur who joined his ancestors at the age of 73. 

Governor Lalong while speaking at a funeral service for the deceased traditional ruler held at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Kerang, said the Royal Father was man of peace who did a lot to promote peaceful coexistence and tolerance within his domain and in the entire State. 

He said "Our father did his best and served with all his might and strength. He was a man who loved peace and did everything possible to encourage unity, love and tolerance among all citizens within and outside his domain, irrespective of their tribes, religion or political affiliations. He did not discriminate against people, but brought them together". 

The Governor Governor described him as a very reliable ally of Government particularly at difficult times when enemies of the State attempted to disrupt public peace. His proactive approach enabled Government to nip the situation in the bud and sustain security of lives and properties. Criminals had no hiding place within his domain as he mobilized his subjects to be vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in flushing them out. 

While asking the family and the Mwagavul nation to bear the loss and sustain his legacies, Lalong said the late monarch will be remembered as a man of honour who paid very close attention to the economic prosperity of his people. Apart from being a farmer himself, he encouraged the people to also work hard and engage in farming and other business activities. 

The Governor also appealed to the Mwagavul traditional Institution to unite and put the interest of the Chiefdom above personal gains particularly during the election of a successor, assuring that the Government will not interfere in the process in line with the stance of the Rescue Administration to allow justice and fairness to prevail. 

Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman, Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs Da Jacob Gyang Buba, extolled the virtues of the late Royal Father, describing him as a very jovial, intelligent and constructive personality who made valuable contributions to the decisions of the Council. 

He also appealed to the Mangu Traditional Council to avoid anything that will bring disharmony and hatred in the choice of a successor to the late monarch, urging them to abide by the laid down procedures spelled out in the Gazette. 

COCIN President Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo said the late Mishkaham Mwagavul was a believer in Christ who supported the Church and also depended on God for wisdom during his reign. 

He asked the family and sympathizers to always think about eternity in all their activities as death is inevitable and cannot be avoided by anyone no matter his status. 

Widow of the deceased, Na Monica Bakfur, and his son, testified that their late father was a man of integrity, love and forgiveness who paid attention to his family as well as the people of the Chiefdom. 

Several other speakers affirmed that the late monarch was a man who loved education and supported the establishment of schools within his domain by both Government and the private sector. 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.

24th January 2022.

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REJOINDER: LIKE QUAAN PAN LGA, LIKE JOS NORTH LGA, LIKE BASSA/JOS NORTH HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

We are compelled to make a rejoinder to this article for many reasons. First because it is full of concocted lies and character assassination targeted at the political fortunes of Governor Simon Bako Lalong and his hard earned reputation. Secondly, we want to let the authors (who wrote under an anonymous fake group, Jos/Bassa Vanguard) to realise that we know them and are fully aware of this and other evil plans they have unleashed on the Governor and the APC in Plateau State. To our chagrin, the brain behind this write up is not even from the Northern Zone, nor is he from Bassa/Jos North Constituency. In order not to allow the concocted lies go unchallenged, we hereby dismantle it with the following points. 

In the case of the Southern Zone Senatorial which the writers claimed the Governor threatened aspirants including former Chairman of Quaanpan who was removed by the Legislative Arm, this allegation is laughable and mischievous because all processes leading to the election were supervised by the erstwhile suspended Chairman of the Party Chief Letep Dabang a.k.a the Masquerade. If there was anything as such, the Masquerade and party hierarchy would be the ones to answer as they ran the show without any interference. Till today, none of those aspirants has made any comment that he or she was denied opportunity to contest the election and indeed non went to court over the matter. How is the Governor to blame now?We wish to say this is a big lie because even one of the aspirants, Chief John Dafaan agreed voluntarily to serve as the Chairman of Campaign Council when Prof. Nora Dadu'ut emerged. Is there any Harmony bigger than this in a democracy? 

Coming to Jos North Local Government Chairmanship, the amorphous Vanguard Group claims that Governor Lalong imposed the current Chairman after all aspirants were hoodwinked by the Governor to accept his candidate. What a big lie! How can the Governor singlehandedly do such a thing when there are strong stakeholders in Jos North and a party management that is vibrant? Even though the former Chairman Chief Letep was on suspension when the elections were held, the Acting Chairman Hon. Enoch Fanmak was fully in charge and ensured that all the process was conducted fairly and transparently according to the party's guidelines. The Governor had no interest in who emerged from the aspirants as his interest is for the party to win, and it did. Governor Lalong is not a dictator and has never arrogated himself powers that he does not posess. His only interest is to grow the party in the State and see that it gives the people good governance. 

Again, the writers came up with another unsubstantiated and defamatory claim that Governor Lalong has summoned aspirants for the forthcoming Bassa/Jos North Constituency bye-election and told them to drop their ambitions for his anointed candidate from Bassa. Without naming names, the amorphous Vanguard Group is yet making baseless claims that the Governor is interfering with the process of electing the candidate for the party. 

We ask the following questions: is it the business of the Governor to determine the candidate for the party as an individual? Is he taking over the role of the party? Even if the Governor met any aspirant seeking to contest the elections, is that a crime or against the party's guidelines? As a father of the State and leader of the APC in Plateau, what is wrong if the Governor is involved in any engagement with party members whether aspirants or ordinary members. Should the Governor shut his doors to members of the party who seek audience with him ahead of an election that will be contested by other parties? Who does that? 

We challenge the writers to name the so-called anointed candidate and also give the minutes of that meeting and the attendance list. Why are they hiding themselves even in writing this junk? Has any candidate complained publicly that the Governor stopped his ambition in a race that has not started? Those who are afraid of losing when the time of the elections come and know they have no weight, have started finding fault and looking for scapegoat in the Governor instead of selling themselves to the electorate and convincing the party faithful that they deserve to fly the party's flag. Please leave Governor Lalong alone! We beseech you! 

Typical of the character of the brain behind this write up who is a manipulative, power drunk, frustrated and desperate politician still suffering from his ejection from the centre of power, the article went ahead to whip up ethnic sentiment which is about the last weapon still left to fight the Governor and the APC in Plateau State. 

We wonder how they reached a conclusion that the Governor hates Irigwe people and wants them to play second fiddle in politics of the State. What is the evidence? We are not surprised because these same characters are the ones fuelling the insecurity in Bassa and always stocking the embers of hate with this toxic narrative that Lalong hates Irigwe people. 

Of what benefit is it for a whole Governor to reduce his office to fighting his people? Lalong is one Governor with a difference who has redefined Governance by embracing all irrespective of religion, political, ethnic affiliation. He has vowed to do justice to all by spreading projects across the entire State notwithstanding those who voted or did not vote for him. He believes it is their democratic right to choose those to govern them and since his victory, he has declared that he is for all. His pedigree as a peace maker is recognized and celebrated the world over. This cheap propaganda cannot reduce him. 

We stated earlier, Governor Lalong is one Leader that allows the structure of the party to function without interference despite being the Leader of the Party in the state. It is no news that he allowed the former Chairman to run the party without any interference untill the erstwhile Chairman got puffed up and ran it like his personal estate which made the national office suspend him for anti-party activities. 

For the umpteenth time, we wish to again reiterate that Governor Lalong has no iota of dislike for the Irigwe nation whatsoever, and knows that there are many sons and daughters of the Irigwe nation that love, support and pray for his administration. He equally loves them and is doing everything possible to ensure that peace returns to their land and those who kill and maim innocent people are brought to justice. This merchants of crises using elections to generate hatred through write ups such as this have failed woefully. 

One tends to be in doubt if the so-called "Bassa/Jos North Vanguard" are members of the APC, otherwise why crying wolf when none of the aspiring members of the party has complained of not being allowed to pick the declaration of intent form. We know who is stoking this fire and inciting them, even when he is from far away from the Constituency. 

The final paragraph of the write up unfortunately batrayed and gave up the brain behind the concoction who is clearly a disgruntled member of the party that is bent on drowning with others by deceit, manipulation and lies. To say that the actions of Governor Lalong are driving ways members of the APC to the opposition party is a huge joke taken too far. We wonder what they are talking about. 

If they are referring to the sham meeting convened by the suspended former Chairman of the party in Barkin Ladi, then they are hallucinating. That meeting has since been denounced, discarded and disowned by most attendees who were deceived to attending a "consultation for reconciliation", only to have their signatures of attendance being paraded as decamping to the obscure PDP. 

We make bold to say that the APC is one big family whose members are always carried along and even when they have grievances, they sit and discuss to resolve. Those who are mouthing the fake decamping story are wasting their time because the APC is getting stronger by the day and is set to not only retain the Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency seat, but also win all elections in 2023. The last Local Government elections were an appetizer. 

The so-called Jos/Bassa Vanguard should note that no one can eat his cake and have it. Politics is about dialogue, consensus, lobbying and making people see reasons to support you. In these days where there is need for exhibition of duty of high sense of responsibility, the Governor will never support any action that will cost the party victory at the polls. APC remains the only vibrant party in Plateau State irrespective of the propaganda by amorphous groups like this. 

Comrade Iliya Mark, JP 

Chairman 

Comrade Tina Dabak

Secretary 

For: Rescue Monitoring Team 

22/01/2022.

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The perturbing story of Hanifa; I am very very sorry for what I did to them - Proprietor

As reported by, Pwol Benjamin Dature, Jos

21st January, 2022.

The story of Hanifa who was kidnapped since December last year on her way from school has giggled in the mouth of many sympathizers.

Revelations has it that Tanko the proprietor of her school, kidnapped her and had demanded a N6 million ransom from the parents of the child and in the process of collecting part of the money, he was arrested.

He had failed to disclose that the victim had been killed.

“I have three daughters…I seriously have regrets, even the moment this girl was dying, I was in shock. It was financial crisis that made me do it" I am owing landlords. 

First thing I want now is, I just want to plead to those parents. Honestly, "I’m so sorry about what I did to them, I’m very very sorry about what I did to them. I have killed their daughter so I’m very sorry."

“This is a life, a life is something precious. I’m aware of all the laws.”

He also narrated how he killed the innocent child and said he used N70,000 from the N100,000 collected from Hanifa's parents as part of ransom demanded to settle part of his staff salaries.

Details into this case will be followed meticulously to a logical conclusion, may the good Lord grant her soul eternal rest...Amen

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