PLATEAU PDP: E-SUPPORT GROUP CONGRATULATES, HON. MUSA AGAH, CALLS ON LEADERS TO SETTLE, JANG AND USENI, AS 2023 DRAWS NEARER

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

A group under the aegis of E-SUPPORT GROUP, in the fold of the Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on all leaders at the Local, State and National levels of the party, to wade into the dispute still lingering between, Sen. Jonah David Jang and Sen. Jeremiah Useni, as it might spread among their supporters if not controlled before the coming 2023 general elections.

The group in a press statement, dated 28^th February, 2022, made available to REALITY specifically, called on the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, to prevail on Sen. Jang and Sen. Useni, to set aside their differences.

The press statement signed by, Isa Musa Kwarshak, as Chairman and Nafor Mafulul Sylvanus, as Secretary of E-SUPPORT GROUP, in part reads: “We are therefore on this note and base on the situation in the chapter, making a passionate appeal to the National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, to immediately call for a meeting with the two leaders of our great Party in Plateau State, Sen. J. T. Usieni and Sen. Jonah Jang and also prevail on them to set aside their differences.

“We urge the National Chairman, to call on them to make concessions and sacrifices where necessary for inclusiveness of all members in the affairs of the chapter in the overall interest of the chapter.

“This action if taken, we believe, would complement the personal efforts already put in by, Governor Nyesom Wike, during his recent visit to Plateau State and the party leadership”.

The group took time to congratulate the candidate of the PDP, Hon. Musa Agah, for winning the Jos-North/Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau State seat, but swiftly advised members of the chapter not to be carried away by the victory.

READ E-SUPPORT GROUP’S FULL TEXT BELOW:-

E-SUPPORT GROUP OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP), PLATEAU STATE

28^th February, 2022.

PRESS RELEASE

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press

We wish to start this press statement by appreciating God Almighty, for making it possible for our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Plateau State chapter’s recovering of our mandate for the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency, which was openly stolen in 2019 by the APC.

We Congratulate, Hon. Musa Agah on his victory!

We want to use this opportunity, to also appreciate the National Chairman of our great party (PDP), Dr. Iyorchia Ayu and members of the National Working Committee, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the Co- Chairmen of the Campaign Council for the bye-election, His Excellency, Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi) and His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom, the Leaders of our great party in Plateau State, particularly Sen. Jeremiah Useni, Sen. Jonah Jang, His Excellency, Sir Fidelis Tapgun, Hon. Damishi T. Sango, among others too numerous to mention here, for closing ranks and working together before the bye-election, which resulted to the massive victory on Saturday the 26^th of February, 2022.

Gentlemen of the press,

We must also appreciate the State Leadership of our great party under the able leadership of, Hon. Chris Hassan, members of the National and State Assembly, other members of the Campaign Council, critical stakeholders, party agents, vibrant youths, as well as, party members and citizens that came out to vote for the PDP in Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau State and Pankshin South State House of Assembly Constituency.

As a conscious group that is fully committed to the overall success of our great party the PDP, we want to urge the State Leadership of the party not to be carried away by this victory and be complacent, but to draw inspiration and motivation from it and to also immediately started planning and strategizing for the 2023 general election that is fast approaching.

Our party’s victory in the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau State and the great performance in the Pankshin South State House of Assembly Constituency election, are clear indications that, majority of Plateau people trust and believed in the PDP more than any other party in the state and therefore, we must do everything possible not to betray their trust, but create buffer and security for it.

We are therefore on this note and base on the situation in the chapter, making a passionate appeal to the National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, to immediately call for a meeting with the two leaders of our great Party in Plateau State, Sen. J. T. Usieni and Sen. Jonah Jang and also prevail on them to set aside their differences.

We urge the National Chairman, to call on them to make concessions and sacrifices where necessary for inclusiveness of all members in the affairs of the chapter in the overall interest of the chapter.

This action if taken, we believe, would complement the personal efforts already put in by, Governor Nyesom Wike, during his recent visit to Plateau State and the party leadership.

We must put on record that, Governor Nyesom Wike, during his visit, met with the two leaders in an effort towards having a virile and stable PDP in the state that will be capable of winning any election in Plateau State.

With respect to the Pankshin South Bye-election and its observed outcome, we want to appeal to the party, to immediately assemble a solid team of Legal Experts to help file a petition against the illegality and rape of democracy.

Gentlemen of the Press, it will surprise you to know that up till now, there’s no formal declaration of the results of the election conducted by INEC, anywhere in Pankshin South and yet, victory is already and fraudulently, allocated to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

We strongly are of the hope that the mandate given to the PDP and its candidate will not be allowed to be stolen again!

Finally, we are appealing to Plateau people to continue trusting and believing in the PDP, as the only party that is genuinely committed and concerned of their safety, security, welfare and development and reject the APC that has nothing to offer other than despair, hunger, poverty, insecurity and illiteracy because, they are less concerned with education and have perpetually kept our students at home and thereby, increasing the rate of crime and all sorts of social ills bedeviling our communities today.

Thanks and God bless you all.

Signed:

Isa Musa Kwarshak–Chairman

Nafor Mafulul Sylvanus– Secretary

BREAKING: JOS-NORTH/BASSA BYE-ELECTION: PDP’S MUSA AGAH, DECLARED WINNER BY INEC

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The much talked about, Jos-North/Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau State Bye-election has come and gone with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Musa Agah, declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), few hours ago.

According to the result announced by INEC, PDP’s Musa Agah, pulled a total of 40,343, while its runner up, the Peoples redemption Party (PRP) got 37,757, followed by he All Progressives Congress (APC) with 26,111 votes.

From the result declared by INEC, the breakdown is as below:-

1. Jos-North

APC – 13,231

PDP – 25,367

PRP – 34,474

2. Bassa

APC -12,880

PDP-14,976

PRP-3,283

Total difference between PDP and PRP: 2,586

 

PLATEAU JOS-NORTH/BASSA RERUN: SORTING AND COUNTING BEGINS AT POLLING UNITS, AS VOTE BUYING ENDS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The voting exercise in the on-going Jos-North/Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau State, to fill the vacant seat at the National Assembly, caused by the sudden death of the late occupant, Hon. Haruna Maitala has come to an end in some polling units in the Constituency, as sorting of the votes and counting has began.

In areas within Jos-North West, in Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) like Jenta (Adamu, Makeri and Mangoro), Gada Biu and Tudunwada, counting in some polling units have commenced. REALITY can authoritatively state.

This also brings to an end, the vote buying allegedly across the contesting parties in these polling units.

The sad situation however, is the lack of concern for the security operatives deployed to these polling units.

It is gathered that, the security officers, who secured the voting materials through yesterday night have not been fed or given their right full allowances to proved same, for themselves.

It is of note that, immediately the votes have been counted the next exercises and activities would shift to the Collation Center for Jos-North/Bassa Constituency.

The major parties in this contest as observed by this Paper are PDP, APC, ADP and PRP.

you would recall that our Reporter, Hauwa Kabir had earlier reported the situation at Ajayi Street.

SEE SOME PICTURES OF THE ELECTION EXERCISE BELOW:-  

 

PLATEAU: ISHAYA ADAMU vs PDP & 8 OTHERS: COURT LAMBAST PDP LEGAL ADVISER, AS IT DISMISSES APPLICATION TO CORRECT SLIP ERROR

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Plateau State High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice A. I. Ashom, has questioned whether the Plateau state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has a Legal Adviser or that the state Chairman of the party is now the Legal Adviser.

The Judge while rule on an application filed by, Hon. Markus Heseini Nyam (aka Kaduna) had (for himself and all the purported witnesses of the Jos East PDP Congress), Hon. Gwott Yakubu Chocho (for himself and all the Caretaker members of PDP Plateau State), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Plateau State Chapter (sued for itself and on behalf of the members of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC), Mr. David Wwanya, Capt. Modey Hart (PDP LGA Appeal Panel), INEC, Prof. Maxwell Gidado, for an Order of the Court, to correct the slip in Relief (f) in the Judgment in Suit No: PLD/J276CV/2020, delivered on the 24^th of June, 2021 by correcting the word “Congresses” to read “Congress” and by adding the phrase, “in Jos East Local Government Area (LGA)”, immediately after the word Congress, expressed surprise over the role of the State Legal Adviser of the party.

In his ruling, Hon. Justice Ashom said, “From the foregoing, one then wonders how the Legal Adviser to the Applicants, who deposed to the supporting Affidavit gathered as he deposed in paragraph six that Ehibit1 nullified the entire Congresses in all the Local Government Area of Plateau State?

“It would appear, (sic) that it was the Chairman of the PDP that advised the deponent, its Legal Adviser on the import of the Judgment, and not the other way round.

“The Legal Adviser definitely first got it right what the Judgment meant but allowed himself to be misled and ill advised by his Chairman which informs his misconceived view that there are slips or errors in the Judgment which need to be corrected.

“No doubt, if such errors existed and are pointed out, the Court definitely possesses the power to correct same. The Law is trite on that.”

You would recall that REALTY had reported that, the Plateau State High Court had dismissed the Application of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and 8 others, seeking for an Order of Court to correct alleged Slip/Typographic errors in the Judgment in Suit NO: PLD/J276CV/2020, delivered on the 24^th of June, 2021, for lacking in basis and merit.

In his ruling on the Application yesterday, Thursday, 24^th February, 2022, the presiding Judge, Hon. Justice A. I. Ashom said, it would amount to redrafting the words of the claimant in their relief (f) in suit No: PLD/J276CV/2020.

Hon. Justice Ashom, in his ruling stated that, “In the Application at hand, the implication of what the Applicants seek the Court to do is to redraft for the Claimant the words of their relief (f) by adding the word Jos East LGA to take away their impression that the Claimant meant that the Court set aside the congress conducted in the whole of Plateau state.

“That certainly is not a correction but an alteration or an amendment which this Court has no jurisdiction to do.

“I so hold.

“I resolve the issue in the negative, and rule that the Application is lacking in basis and merit. Same is accordingly dismissed.”

“I WILL NOT STAY BEYOND MY CONSTITUTIONAL TWO TERMS”. PRESIDENT BUHARI REITERATES, AS GOVERNOR, EMIR, OTHERS WELCOME HIM TO NASARAWA STATE

By: Willy Punvwet (Lafia),

President Muhammadu Buhari has cautioned leaders, who take oath of office, and swear with the Holy Books, to be careful, not to abuse the trust of leadership placed on them by the people and God.

Speaking during a courtesy visit at the palace of the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad 1 (Rtd), yesterday, Thursday, the President also reaffirmed that, he has no intention whatsoever, to stay beyond the constitutionally recognized two terms in office, as the leader of Nigeria.

”The traditional ruler is on a terminal appointment. Constitutionally, we elected public office holders are not. I cannot go beyond two terms and I have sworn by the Holy Quran that I will uphold the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

”Politics apart, whenever we are made to swear by the Holy Quran, we have to be very careful. We must make sure that we do not abuse the trust God has given us as leaders.

”I have seen former Governors here and I am looking forward to also becoming a former President,” he said.

President Buhari thanked the people of Nasarawa State for a rousing welcome, while expressing delight that, the North-Central State was wearing a new look since his last visit in 2019.

He congratulated the immediate past Governor and now Senator, representing Nasarawa South Senatorial District,   Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and the incumbent Governor, Abdullahi Sule, for the laudable initiatives and accomplishments in the State.

President Buhari

Welcoming the President to the over 200-year old palace, the Emir of Lafia thanked him for ending the problem of insufficient power to Nasarawa State with the provision of 330kVA sub-station.

The Emir, who is also the Chairman, Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, told the President that, the provision of the electricity plant has taken out 80 percent of the state’s problems.

”Our people have never had it so good. Our people are back to their normal life as entrepreneurs”. He said.

Adding that, “the Federal Government projects that were ”standing as ghosts” in the state in the past have now become a reality”.

The retired jurist listed the newly inaugurated CBN Building in Lafia, the Federal Secretariat, UBEC Smart School and completed Ecological projects, just to mention but a few.

On arrival in the capital for his 2-day State Visit to Nasarawa, President Buhari inaugurated the Lafia Airport, Vocational and Skills Acquisition Centre, Modern Bus Terminal and the Shinge-Barkini Abdullahi-Kilema road, executed by the State Government.

He also inaugurated CBN Lafia Branch building and a 330kva Akurba Transmission Substation executed by the Federal Government through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to boost power supply in the state and its environs.

PLATEAU: ISHAYA ADAMU vs PDP & 8 OTHERS: COURT DISMISSES PDP’S APPLICATION TO CORRECT, SLIP/TYPOGRAPHIC ERROR

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Plateau State High Court has dismissed the Application of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and 8 others, seeking for an Order of Court to correct alleged Slip/Typographic errors in the Judgment in Suit NO: PLD/J276CV/2020, delivered on the 24^th of June, 2021, for lacking in basis and merit.

PLATEAU STATE HIGH COURT

In his ruling on the Application today, Thursday, 24^th February, 2022, the presiding Judge, Hon. Justice A. I. Ashom said, it would amount to redrafting the words of the claimant in their relief (f) in suit No: PLD/J276CV/2020.

Hon. Justice Ashom, in his ruling stated that, “In the Application at hand, the implication of what the Applicants seek the Court to do is to redraft for the Claimant the words of their relief (f) by adding the word Jos East LGA to take away their impression that the Claimant meant that the Court set aside the congress conducted in the whole of Plateau state.

“That certainly is not a correction but an alteration or an amendment which this Court has no jurisdiction to do.

“I so hold.

“I resolve the issue in the negative, and rule that the Application is lacking in basis and merit. Same is accordingly dismissed.”

You would recall that, Hon. Markus Heseini Nyam (aka Kaduna) had (for himself and all the purported witnesses of the Jos East PDP Congress), Hon. Gwott Yakubu Chocho (for himself and all the Caretaker members of PDP Plateau State), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Plateau State Chapter (sued for itself and on behalf of the members of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC), Mr. David Wwanya, Capt. Modey Hart (PDP LGA Appeal Panel), INEC, Prof. Maxwell Gidado, had approached the Plateau State High Court with their Application filed by their Counsel, S. G. Odey (Esq) of S. G. Odey & Associates, with S. Oyawole (Esq), Frank Daniel (Esq), among other Lawyers, for an Order of the Court, to correct the slip in Relief (f) in the Judgment in Suit No: PLD/J276CV/2020, delivered on the 24^th of June, 2021 by correcting the word “Congresses” to read “Congress” and by adding the phrase, “in Jos East Local Government Area (LGA)”, immediately after the word Congress.

While Ishaya Adamu Izang, in his reply filed by C. B. Ameh (Esq) of Shibany Attorneys (Prestige Chambers) had explained that, “The position of the Law is that once a Court or Tribunal delivers its final Judgment in any case before it, it becomes Functus Officio with respect to that case.

“It has no powers to reopen the case for the purpose of making corrections or changing any opinion expressed in its earlier judgment in the case.

“The only exception to this rule is where there is need to make minor permissible corrections under the slip rule.

“What can be altered under the slip rule is not as to the substance of the judgment earlier delivered but limited to minor errors, such as spelling errors, typographical or mathematical errors wherein correct figures can be entered”.

TO BE CONTINUED…   

PLATEAU RERUN ELECTIONS: PDP MEGA RALLY TO HIT JOS-NORTH, AS CRISIS HITS PRP

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

With less than 48 hours to the rerun election slated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill the vacant seat at the National Assembly, caused by the sudden death of Late Haruna Maital, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is to hold its Mega Rally for its candidate, Hon. Musa Agah, for the Jos-North/Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau State today, Thursday 24^th February, 2022.

From the announcement concerning the event from the PDP, the Maga Rally, is expected to hold at the Polo Club field in Jos, the capital of Plateau State.

Expected at the Mega Rally today at Polo Club, is the National Chairman of the party, Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, including, NWC/BOT Members, the former APC Plateau State Chairman, Hon. Letep Dabang, and other leaders of the party that is expected to commence today, Thursday 24^th February, 2022 at 11:00 am prompt.

While the PDP is celebrate its own candidate, crisis has started enveloping the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) chapter in the state, as some aggrieved members have told the media that they do not have a candidate in the coming election.

A faction of the PRP in the state led by one Yusuf Umar has said the party has no candidate in the rerun election for Jos-North/ Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau State and would not participate despite 48 hours to the crucial election.

Umar said, “As far as I am concerned, we are not participating in the election”.

Adding that, the party has already sent a petition to INEC concerning the leadership crisis rocking the chapter.

“Anybody parading himself as the leader of PRP in Plateau State or at the National level apart from me and Abdulmajeed Yakubu Daudu, that would be a misinformation.” He warned.

On his part, and standing on the position of Umar, the representative of the National Leader of the party, disclosed to news men in Jos that, at the moment, they are only planning to restructure the party.

“We heard that some miscreants have taken PRP to court and we are waiting on the court to decide. Not until April, we have noting on ground.” He further disclosed.

WE ARE DISSATISFIED WITH THE JUDGMENT OF HON. JUSTICE MUSA KURYA OF THE FHC. WE ARE CONSULTING---MRS. SARAH OCHEKPE

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Finally, the former Nigerian Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe has disclosed that, she and the other two persons (Hon. Raymond Dabo and Eveng. Leo Sunday) convicted and sentenced to prison over violation of financial regulations/law, are dissatisfied with the Judgment as delivered by Hon. Justice Musa Kurya of the Federal High Court (Jos Division).

She said they are currently consulting with their lawyers and other experts on the next line of action.

Mrs. Sarah, who took her time to narrate the journey of the case from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s office in Gombe in 2015 and to their subsequent arraignment at the Federal High Court (Jos Division) in 2018, appreciated God, her family, friends and other well wishers for standing by her through the trails.

SARAH OCHEKPE

She said, “Let me start by appreciating God, my family, my friends and well wishers that have been part of this journey.

“It was a tedious and stressful one though, since December 2016, when we receive letters of invitation to Gombe EFCC office.

“We were invited to assist in some investigation, which we didn’t know. It was on getting to the EFCC office in Gombe that we got to know that, there were allegations of some missing funds, which we were said to have been involved in and we were made to write statements, as to what we exactly know about the funds.

“And it turned out to be that, the funds were related to the Presidential Campaigns of 2015.

“The investigation took about a year and then we were arraigned in Court in 2018 and since then, we have been going to the Court.

“At a point, our Lawyers filed for a “No Case Submission”, but the Judge ruled against it and said we should go into defense, which we did.

“Today, he delivered his Judgment, which involved a conviction of two count charges of Conspiracy and withdrawing of fund not through financial institution.

“The third count was an allegation of retention of the funds, which is N450 million, but from the investigation of the Court, and from our defense, the Judge himself ruled that, there was no evidence that, we retained the funds because it was proven that, the funds were taken to the campaign office.

“Then we were sentenced to three years imprisonment with an option of a fine of One Million Naira, which we have paid.

“But, we are not satisfied with the Judgment of the Court and so we are consulting with our lawyers alongside other experts on the next line of action.

“Like I said, I am grateful to God for the journey or the experience of the past 5 years and in spite of the Court Judgment today, I am back home with my family, friends and well wishers.

“You can see that, there are people still around here with me, who have come to pray and to encourage me over what has happened.

“We trust that, the God in heaven, whom I serve, will vindicate me and the two others at the end of the day”.

 

FORMER NIGERIAN MINISTER, MRS. SARAH OCHEKPE, TWO OTHERS JAILED FOR VIOLATING FINANCIAL REGULATIONS/LAW

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

A former Nigerian Minister of Water Resource, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe has been sentenced to 6 Months imprisonment by a Federal High Court (Jos Division) for withdrawing N450 million from Fidelity Bank in 2015, above legal limits set by Law and the transaction not passing through Financial Institution.

The Presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Musa Kurya, who handed down the sentence yesterday also said, he agreed with the charge of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), which prosecuted the case against the convicts, saying that, Sarah Ochekpe, Raymond Dabo and one Evangelist Leo, conspired to violate the Nigerian Financial Regulations/Law, when they met and agreed to go to Fidelity Bank to execute the withdrawal of the N450 million.

Hon. Justice Kurya said, “They are guilty as charged”.

However, the Judge discharged and acquitted them on the 3^rd count, which stated that the money after withdrawal ended in the custody of the Defendants.

According to the Judge, the EFCC and the Counsel to the Defendants have proven that the money was taken to the final beneficiaries with the aid of the Bank’s Bullion Van and secured by Nigerian and Bank security officers.

Justice Musa Kurya, However frowned and agreed with the Defense Counsels that, it was wrong not to have brought CBN, Fidelity Bank, among others, as Defendants in the matter.

Owing to appeals from the Defense Counsels, S. Oyawole (Esq) for the 1st Defendant, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe  and Gyang Zi (Esq) for the 2^nd  and 3^rd Defendants that, the Court should temper Justice with Mercy since the defendants are “first time offenders”, the Court sentence each of the Defendants to 3 month each for each of the two counts and to run “Consecutively”.

The Court added that, their imprisonment would start immediately after the Judgment, at the Jos Prison (Correction Center), but with an option of N1 million fine.

MRS. OCHEKPE

As at the time of writing the report the three convicts and their Counsels were seen making frantic efforts to settle the fine in order to avoid the waiting Blackmaria.

PLATEAU: MOSES OKO (ALLEGED KILLER OF JENNIFER ANTHONY OF UNIJOS) ARRAIGNED IN COURT TODAY, AMIDST DRAMA

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Plateau State High Court presided over by, Hon. Justice S. P. Gang has adjourned the case between the Commissioner of Police and Moses Oko, (the alleged killer of one Miss Jennifer Anthony a 300 level student of the University of Jos), to the 3^rd and 4^th of March, 2022, for hearing, but not without a drama.

Moses Oko is charged for Murder and Mischief, when he snatched the Handset of late Jennifer Anthony and allegedly killed her in a hotel.

Before the adjournment, Moses Oko, refused to answer any question directed at him by the Court Clerk. This provoked the reaction of the Judge, who called on the Defense Counsel to explaining.

In his explanation, N. E Jesse (Esq) Counsel for the Defense told the Court that, Oko was not mentally stable, as his senses fluctuates.

Reacting to Jesse (Esq) submission, Muleng Alex (Esq), Counsel for the Prosecution told the Court that, the medical report before the Court shows otherwise. She claimed that, the Defendant spoke very well to his Counsel very clear in English language before the matter was called.

On his part, the Defense Counsel while replying told the Court that, the certificate of health concerning OKO, would be subjected to legal scrutiny and medical diagnosis, since the medical document is coming from the prosecution, when they get to the bridge.

He rather urged that the Court should “Not Guilty” for the Accused person, owing to the nature of the charge.

In his Bench Ruling, the Court directed that, the charge be read to Oko and for not answering the questions put to him, the Court entered, “Not Guilty”.

UNLOCKING REVENUE: THE LALONG LEGACY OF PROSPERITY

By: Yakubu Dati,

The opening of Domino’s Pizza in Jos, the Plateau State capital during the week has trended among the fast-food connoisseurs.

With a Net income of 491.3 million USD (2020) the birthing of this American multinational pizza restaurant chain in Jos, is sure to shake the table, a little bit.

The news heralding the arrival of an ultra modern mall, which will house ShopRite in Jos, has been greeted with jubilation.

According to accountants, the ‘book value’ of its operations in Nigeria, as at 2021 is N25.6 billion.

The attraction of these global players is not by accident, but results of deliberate actions.

Governor, Simon Lalong, assumed office with the keen ability to envision Plateau State’s future and to rally human and material resources around a shared vision

Early in the life of his administration, he inspired confidence, following his deft moves in connecting the state to international trade. In quick succession, he acquired the BARC farms, and the Jos Inland Container Dry Port.

GOV. LALONG

Furthermore, he successfully lobbied for the completion of the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, and its subsequent designation as a Cargo international terminal. To add fillip to the stratagem, Lalong’s intense lobby paid off with the establishment of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Zonal Office in Jos, dedicated to international shipping trade in the country.

The approval to reactivate the Jos railway lanes and the dualization of the Abuja/Jos/Gombe roads is well secured in Lalong’s goodie kit.

Gov Lalong has, no doubt, put in place an engine of local economic development with its value addition of job creation, entrepreneurship and wealth creation.

The Jos-Plateau is being steadily recalibrated into a central core of commerce with attraction to investors, manufactures, suppliers and distributors.

There is a connect, between the huge potentials and existing realities.

His deliberate policies and programmes, as encapsulated in the Plateau State Development Strategy Developed by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) attracted many investors by its sheer clarity and achievable road-map.

With over six years of peace, the beautiful Plateau we projected is being achieved.

Those that locked their business premises and ran away from Plateau in those days are now working their phones making enquiries about staging comebacks.

As confirmation of the growing confidence on the Lalong administration, many private businesses have sprung up, while companies and government agencies are jostling for Jos, as a prime venue for conferences and retreats.

Transport companies are experiencing a period of boom due to the desire by many to come to Plateau.

Investments in the creative and sports industry is yielding high Returns on Investments (ROI) ditto, Mining and Agriculture.

Aware of this, Governor Lalong has opened the state for critical infrastructural development by rebuilding roads and bridges.

MR. DATI

In the Lands, Survey and Town Planning Ministry, Governor Lalong has simplified land administration through automation and the 50 percent waiver on title processing to empower the populace to key into land capital, in line with the Greater Jos Masterplan.

Furthermore, the Enumeration exercise, powered by the World Bank is the process of registering over a hundred thousand properties, under the SFTAS pilot project

In a pioneering effort to unlock the revenue potentials, the State is benefiting from a strategic partnership with, Compliance Professionals (CPP) led by the cerebral Mrs. Ifeako Okauru, ex-FIRS boss, whose track record at turning around the nation’s internal revenue reverberates to this day.

As Chairman of the Revenue Council established to harvest low hanging revenue lines, Governor Lalong’s alliance with CPP is redesigning the economic landscape, towards laying a sustainable foundation for financial self sufficiency, in line with the global trends.

Lalong continues to match words with action by creating opportunities for youths through new streams of digital skills up program and software engineering, under the #CodePlateau Project. propelled by ICT agency of the state.

The Performance Management and Results Delivery Office (PMRDO), has been structured into governance architecture to provide the requisite layer of transparency in fiscal accountability.

The Governor’s office has transformed into a ‘melting pot’, of ideas, energized with, enviable technical capacity to raise government revenue and to lower expenditure.

The introduction of the Revenue-League, fashioned after the National Football league, is promoting healthy competition amongst Ministries, Departments and Agencies for improved revenue.

The PSIRS, the State’s revenue ombudsman is championing process of integration and harmonizing revenues from all revenue generating points, with a view to blocking leakages, addressing, multiple taxations and growing the state’s revenue base.

The overall objective is to develop the capacity of the state to fund its budget solely, through the Internally Generated Revenues (IGRs).

Bequeathing a robust revenue base for the next generation and generations yet unborn, remains a lasting legacy for Plateau’s amiable Governor, Simon Bako Lalong!

PLATEAU: HOW, GOV. LALONG’S POLICY IS BENEFITING LAND OWNERS AND USERS

By: Yakubu Dati,

There is no doubt that, Governor, Simon Lalong, since his assumption of office, as Governor of Plateau State, the operations and strategic vision of the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning have turned around for the benefit of the citizens, especially, for Land owners and users.

The achievements in the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning from every point of evaluation can only be attributed to the keen capacity and visible ability, of the incumbent Governor to rally the human, material and the challenging financial resource of the state to envision Plateau State’s future.

MR. DATI

You would recall that immediately he assumed office, it was reported that, in quick succession, he acquired the BARC farms, and the Jos Inland Container Dry Port. Furthermore, he successfully lobbied for the completion of the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, and its subsequent designation, as a Cargo International Terminal. To add fillip to the stratagem, Lalong’s intense lobby paid off, with the establishment of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Zonal Office in Jos, dedicated to International Shipping Trade in the country.

In the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning, to be specific, Governor Lalong has simplified land administration through automation and the 50 percent waiver on title processing to empower the populace to key into land capital, in line with the Greater Jos Masterplan.

This single gesture of the Governor, compelled the Ministry into awareness campaign to drew the interest of Land Owners and Users to the benefits embed in the administration’s policies with respect to Land.

Furthermore, it should be of note that, the Enumeration exercise, powered by the World Bank, which is process, is projected to registering over a hundred thousand properties, under the SFTAS pilot scheme.

MORE TO COME….

GOV. LALONG’S LEGACY OF PROSPERITY AND THE UNLOCKING OF PLATEAU STATE’S REVENUE

By: Mr. Yakubu Dati,

It is an evidential fact that, Governor, Simon Lalong, assumed office, with the keen capacity and visible ability, to envision Plateau State’s future and to rally human and material resources around his shared vision for the state.

Early in the life of his administration, he inspired confidence, following his deft moves in connecting the state to international trade.

As reported, in quick succession, he acquired the BARC farms, and the Jos Inland Container Dry Port.

Furthermore, he successfully lobbied for the completion of the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, and its subsequent designation, as a Cargo International Terminal.

GOV. LALONG

To add fillip to the stratagem, Lalong’s intense lobby paid off, with the establishment of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Zonal Office in Jos, dedicated to International Shipping Trade in the country.

The approval to reactivate the Jos railway lanes and the dualization of the Abuja/Jos/Gombe roads is well secured in Lalong’s goodie kit.

Governor Lalong has no doubt, put in place an engine of local economic development, with its value addition of job creation, entrepreneurship and wealth creation.

Jos-Plateau is being steadily re-calibrated, into a central core of commerce, with attraction to investors, manufactures, suppliers and distributors.

There is a connection between the huge potentials and existing realities.

The Governor’s deliberate Policies and Programmes, as encapsulated in the Plateau State Development Strategy Developed by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) attracted many investors by its sheer clarity and achievable road-map.

With over six years of peace, the beautiful Plateau we projected is being achieved.

Those that locked their business premises and ran away from Plateau in those days are now working their phones and making Inquiries, about staging comebacks.

As confirmation of the growing confidence on the Lalong administration, many private businesses have sprung up, while companies and government agencies are jostling for Jos, as a prime venue for conferences and retreats.

Transport companies are experiencing a period of boom due to the desire by many to come to Plateau.

Investments in the creative and sports industry is yielding high Returns on Investments (ROI) ditto, Mining and Agriculture.

Aware of this, Governor Lalong has opened the state for critical infrastructural development by rebuilding roads and bridges.

The opening of Domino’s Pizza in Jos, the Plateau State capital during the week has trended among the fast-food connoisseurs.

With a Net income of 491.3 million USD (2020) the birthing of this American Multinational Pizza Restaurant Chain in Jos, is sure to shake the table, a little bit!

The news heralding the arrival of an Ultra Modern Mall, which will house ShopRite in Jos has been greeted with jubilation.

According to accountants, the ‘book value’ of its operations in Nigeria, as at 2021, is N25.6 billion.

The attraction of these global players is not by accident, but as a result of the deliberate actions of Governor Lalong.

MR. YAKUBU DATI

In the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning, Governor Lalong has simplified land administration through automation and the 50 percent waiver on title processing to empower the populace to key into land capital, in line with the Greater Jos Masterplan.

Furthermore, the Enumeration exercise, powered by the World Bank is the process of registering over a hundred thousand properties, under the SFTAS pilot project

In a pioneering effort to unlock the revenue potentials, the State is benefiting from a strategic partnership with, Compliance Professionals (CPP) led by the cerebral Mrs. Ifeako Okauru, ex-FIRS boss, whose track record at turning around the nation’s internal revenue reverberates to this day.

As Chairman of the Revenue Council established to harvest low hanging revenue lines, Governor Lalong’s alliance with CPP is redesigning the economic landscape, towards laying a sustainable foundation for financial self sufficiency, in line with the global trends.

Lalong continues to match words with action by creating opportunities for youths through new streams of digital skills up program and software engineering, under the #CodePlateau Project, propelled by ICT agency of the state.

The Performance Management and Results Delivery Office (PMRDO), has been structured into governance architecture to provide the requisite layer of transparency in fiscal accountability.

The Governor’s office has transformed into a ‘melting pot’, of ideas, energized, with enviable technical capacity to raise government revenue and to lower expenditure.

The introduction of the Revenue-League, fashioned after the National Football league, is promoting healthy competition amongst Ministries, Departments and Agencies for improved revenue.

The PSIRS, the State’s revenue ombudsman is championing process of integration and harmonizing revenues from all revenue generating points, with a view to blocking leakages, addressing, multiple taxations and growing the state’s revenue base.

The overall objective is to develop the capacity of the state to fund its budget solely, through the Internally Generated Revenues (IGRs).

Bequeathing a robust revenue base for the next generation and generations yet unborn, remains a lasting legacy for Plateau’s amiable Governor, Simon Bako Lalong!

 

PLATEAU: PUBLIC OFFICERS, RESIGN NOW OR BE BOOTED OUT WITHIN 10 DAYS—SSG

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

With 10 days remaining out of the 28 days’ period given as grace by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in Plateau State, that all public officers in the state should resign from office if they have interest to contest in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, there are strong indications that, the State Government may have to resort to booting them out of office, as compliance is very low.

Facts are that, most of the public officers are simply flying their interest on various social media platforms and bill boards in defiance to the directive of the State Government, signed by, Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

GOV. LALONG

You would recall that, Governor Simon Bako Lalong, through the SSG, owing to the countdown to 2023 general elections, and in the face of heightened political activities, had reasoned that, it is necessary for Government to provide a level playing ground for all political actors, especially, those in Government to exercise their fundamental human rights.

“Consequently, I am to bring to the notice of all public officers occupying public offices under this administration that, those interested and nursing political ambition to contest in the forthcoming 2023 general elections to honorably resign their appointments on or before 28^th February 2022”. The Directive stated.

REALITY gathered that, this directive was copied to, the Permanent Secretary, Governor’s office, Jos, the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s office, Jos, the Chief of Staff Government House, Jos, the Head of Civil Service, Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries, and Chief Executives of Commissions, Boards and Parastatals.

READ THE FULL RELEASE CONTAINING THE DIRECTIVE BELOW:-

GOVERNMENT OF PLATEAU STATE

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE     GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE (SGS)

RESIGNATION OF ALL POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS WISHING TO CONTEST THE FORTHCOMING POLITICAL ELECTIONS

As the countdown to 2023 general elections draws nearer and in the face of the heightened political activities, it has become necessary for Government to provide a level playing ground for all political actors, especially those in Government to exercise their fundamental human rights.

Consequently, I am to bring to the notice of all public officers occupying public offices under this administration that, those interested and nursing political ambition to contest in the forthcoming 2023 general elections to honorably resign their appointments on or before 28^th February 2022.

The essence is to reduce to the barest minimum, political distractions in governance and enable such concerned Public Officers to focus on their aspirations.

While wishing you success in your future endeavours, please accept the assurance and high regards of His Excellency, the Executive Governor, please.

PROF DANLADI ABOK ATU

Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS)

CC.

The Permanent Secretary Governor’s office, Jos

The Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s office, Jos

The Chief of Staff Government House, Jos

The Head of Civil Service

The Commissioners/Permanent Secretaries

Chief Executives of Commissions, Boards and Parastatals.

PLATEAU: PDP vs PLASIEC: SHOW US THE LAW THAT EMPOWERS YOU TO BAR A POLITICAL PARTY FROM CONTESTING ELECTION. PWAJOK (SAN) VEHEMENTLY REQUESTED

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Court of Appeal, Jos Division has adjourned the matter between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) for Judgment, after parties had adopted their briefs filed in the matter.

While adopting the brief of the Appellant (PDP), E. G. Pwajok (SAN) leading Chief S. Odey (Esq), had asked the Respondent (PLASIEC), to show any Law in the country that empowers it to bar any political party from contesting Plateau State Local Government elections.

Pwajok (SAN), in what he termed a “Funny Surprise”, told the Court that, while the National Umpire is recognizing PDP in an election that is due in the state, the State Umpire, PLASIEC, was barring PDP from election in the same state.

“The Respondent is trying to deregister the PDP in Plateau State yet; PDP is exists in the books of INEC and will be contesting in the forthcoming elections in the state. Is this not a surprise? Pwajok (SAN) asked.

PLATEAU STATE HIGH COURT

You would recall that, PLASIEC had refused to acknowledge the list of PDP candidates in the Local Government elections conducted in the 17 LG in the state and subsequently PLASIEC also refused to issue forms to the candidates and the party. This necessitated the suit at the Lower Court.

Not being satisfied with the outcome of the suit as delivered by Hon. Justice I. Kunda, on the 29^th of September, 2021, the PDP appealed to the Court of Appeal.

However, while reacting to the question of the PDP’s Counsel, G. S. Pwul SAN, Counsel to PLASIEC, drew the attention of the Court to a subsisting Judgment of a Lower Court, marked as “Exhibit H” in the transmitted record before the Court.

He said, “That is the Law that empowers PLASIEC”.

PWAJOK SAN

While Pwajok (SAN) urged the Court to allow the Appeal and grant the reliefs sought, Pwul (SAN) on his part, urged the Court to Dismiss the Appeal.

It is of note that, the Appeal filed by the PDP against the Plateau State High Court Judgment delivered on 29^th September, 2021 has 13 issues in its brief for the Court to determine, while urging the Court of Appeal to nullify the Local Government elections conducted by PLASIEC (Respondent) on 9^th October, 2021, in defiance to the pendency of the Appeal.

JOS-NORTH/BASSA BYE ELECTION: ADP’S CANDIDATE, HON. JAAFAR BALA, MAKES INEC’S FINAL LIST, AS THE PARTY FLAGS OFF CAMPAIGN FOR PANKSHIN SOUTH CANDIDATE

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Action Democratic Party’s candidate for the forthcoming Jos-North/Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau State Bye Election, Hon. Jaafar Bala Suleiman, makes INEC’s final list of qualified candidates.

Others are: Samaila Achigah Ahalu Rukuba ADC, Joseph Abbey Aku PDP, Umar Nasiru APM, Fwangmun John Verengkat APP, Aliyu Umar Salihu LP, Salahudeen Uba Ibrahim NNPP, Musa Agah Avia PDP, Adamu Muhammad Alkali PRP, Panshak John Veregkat SDP and Francis Sati Agwom YPP.

You would recall that, INEC has slated the 26^th of February, 2022, to conduct the bye-election to fill the vacant seat at the National Assembly, made possible owing to the sudden death of late Hon. Haruna Maitala.

Ahead of the election, the ADP has fixed, Thursday, the 17^th of February, 2022, to flag off the campaign for its candidate for Pankshin South State Constituency Bye-Election also slated for 26^th of this month.

“All National Exco from Plateau and others, State Working Committee (SWC), Zonal Chairmen/Secretaries, LGA Chairmen/Secretaries/Youth & Women leaders  Stakeholders, Elders, Members and the general public are all invited to the Flag-Off occasion of Mrs. Data Happiness Biplang Gideon our Candidate for the Pankshin South State Constituency Bye-Election.” A release from the party signed by the state Secretary of the ADP, Hon. Bitrus Boyi Ngah for the PRO, stated.

Adding that, the venue is, Chip Central Primary School near the market and commences by 10:00am prompt.

“The meeting point is Vom Junction, Anguldi. Mararaban Jama’a round about. Barkin-Ladi/Bokkos junction. Mangu town. Panyam junction and finally at Jiblik before kwanan Machiji”. The Secretary directed members.

TO BE CONTINUED…

PLATEAU: ADP COMMISSIONS NEW OFFICE, UNVEILS CANDIDATES FOR BASSA/JOS-NORTH, PANKSHIN-SOUTH RERUNS

By: Jennifer Nentawe,

Plateau State chapter of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) has opened and commissioned its new office in Plateau State today, the 11^th of February, 2022.

The office is located at the Twin Plaza, immediately after the National Defense Academy (NDA) Base Camp, along Anguldi-Vom Road in Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

IN PRAYERS

During the Commissioning/Inauguration ceremony today, after committing the leadership and the office to God, Hon. Capt. F. V. Lamda (Rtd), the State Chairman of the party, expressed satisfaction that, “the party has been able to re-establish itself despite financial challenges”.

He called on members to join hands with the leadership to build the party up in order to enable the State Executive, achieve the party’s objective and goals in the state and in extension the national level.

HON. LAMDA

Capt. Lamda said, ADP cannot fail the people just as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the incumbent administration led by the All Progressives Congress (APC) have and are doing that has led to maladministration, suppression and impoverishment of the people.

“We must be friendly with them as members of the ADP, to make and enable them understand their mistakes in governance and for them to see the package the ADP has for Plateau State people. The era of antagonism has come and gone with the wind. What we are adopting now is the sincerity approach to lead the masses out of modern slavery.”

HON. GODWIN

Joining in this line of advice in his remarks, the State Youth Leader of the party, Hon. Godwin Binyir, called on youths to rise up and evaluate themselves.

He said, the youths in the state and in the nation at large, have constantly allow the elderly/senior citizens to take their roles in molding the state and the country away, while they take the back seats as thugs.

According to Hon. Godwin, “the Youths have positive powers to influence the needed changes in the country, hence they should not abandon their role of creating a better future for the citizens of the county. They should wake up to elect credible and competent leaders for the country now!

“I have no faith in the PDP, hence I joined to form the APC in the state, but this too, has failed the masses. The only hope left now from my conviction is the ADP.

“We must work for the success of ADP in the state and the country at large.

WOMEN LEADER

Others, who spoke, apart from the Northern Zone chairman at the occasion, include the Women Leader of the chapter, Mrs. Mary Izam, who called on women in Plateau State, to come out in their numbers, to support the candidate of the party in Pankshin South, who is contesting the seat of Panksin-South State House of Assembly Constituency, Mrs. Happiness D. B. Gideon.

unveiling

The highlights of the occasion was the unveiling of the office and the candidate of the party for the Bassa/Jos-North Federal Constituency of Plateau State rerun, Hon. Ja’afar bala Suleiman, slated for the 26^th of this month by INEC and the issuance of clearance certificate of the party to him and Mrs. Happiness.

The Secretary of the chapter, Hon. Bitrus Boyi Ngah, who appreciated members and other guests for attending the occasion, called for all hands to be on deck, as the time for sleeping may have ran out for members as the struggle to contest the state from the hands of the PDP and the APC has commenced with the commissioning of the office.

STATE CHAIRMAN

Speaking to REALITY in an exclusive interview, the State Chairman of the ADP, Hon. Capt. F. V. Lamda (Rtd), expressed his happiness over the commissioning of the office, while advising members that the building of the chapter has just began.

He said, “To me, sleep has disappeared today, until ADP achieves its goals of freeing the people of Plateau State from democratic slavery.”

SEE SOME OTHER PICTURES OF THE OCCASION BELOW:-

BREAKING: Group Queries Gov. Wike’s Appearance in Court in Jos, Threatens to Petition, NBA, NJC

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

A group under the aegis of “Plateau Maintenance of Justice Group (TPMoJG) has queried the presence of the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike (Esq) in a Plateau State High Court in Jos today.

The group in a statement by its National Chairman, Ezekiel Zet said it suspects that, the coming of Wike and his presence at a Jos High Court is allegedly to intimidate the judiciary, “with his status as an oil rich Governor and  to use his enormous wealth and resources to tinker the cause of justice in the trial of the former governor of the state, Sen. Jonah Jang, who has been charged with alleged misappropriation of 6.3 billion belonging to the state”.

You would recall that, the former Plateau governor is standing trial at the Plateau State high Court on allegations of misappropriation of Plateau State funds and diversion of SUBEB money amounting to the sum of N6.3 billion.

Adding that, “As the case opened in Court today, the Rivers State Governor, was seen in Court ostensibly in solidarity with Sen. Jang.

Zet stated that, Wike’s presence is unacceptable to his group and the people of Plateau State, while threatening that, “TPMoJG will soon be sending a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), to investigate the matter.

In its worried state over the development, the Group further added that, “We know that Wike controls billions of naira as Rivers State Governor, but we the people of Plateau true to our conscience cannot be intimidated with money and we urge the Judiciary to stand its ground and dispense justice without fear of favour.

GOV. WIKE IN PLATEAU STATE HIGH COURT PREMISES

“It is an insult on the collective intelligence of the people of Plateau for a sitting governor to leave his state and choose to identify not with the teeming populace of another state but with those accused of plundering the resources of the state”.

Comrade Zet stated that, it is obvious from Wike’s presence in Court that, he places partisan and selfish interests over and above common good.

In part he further stated that, “Otherwise, how do you explain a situation where the Rivers State governor with all the resources at his disposal failed to identify with the people and Government of Plateau during times of calamities but left his busy schedule as governor to identify with a wrong cause.

“Is he saying that Jang his friend and party man is more important that the entire people and government of Plateau and as far as he is concerned that Plateau people can perish as long as it is well with Jang?

‘This is bad leadership and we urge the people of Rivers to call their governor to order before his lack of empathy for the masses and inordinate partisan interest ruins him.”

LAW SCHOOL CAMPUS, OTHERS: WHY CRITICS OF GOV. LALONG SHOULD HIDE THEIR FACES IN SHAME. MR. YAKUBU DATI, WRITES

Following the approval for the establishment of a campus of the Nigeria Law School in Jos by the Senate on Tuesday morning, the social media has been on overdrive on the issue, with torrents of comments extolling the deft and strategic manoeuvres of the peace loving Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong.

The showers of encomiums have been deafening that, critics and naysayers who have made it their stock in trade to question every action of Governor Lalong, especially, his loyalty to the Federal Government, are hiding their faces in shame. This latest achievement has clearly overwhelmed them.

The inclusion of Plateau State, as one of the beneficiary states for Federal Government’s expansion of legal education in Nigeria is not a mere happenstance, but a consequence of the vision and pragmatism of the Governor, a Lawyer and longest serving Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly.

For good reasons, Governor Lalong, from the inception of his government, made education one of the cardinal pillars of his administration.

Armed with Nelson Mandela’s dictum that, “education is the most powerful weapon to change the world,” Governor Lalong’s intervention in the education sector has not only been sustained, but has become one of the most impactful in Nigeria.

On assumption of office, the Governor reopened the Plateau State University, (PLASU), which was shut down by his predecessor and today, this citadel has successfully got 15 out of the 16 courses it offers, fully accredited, while graduating thousands of students over the years.

Appreciative of the role of education as the first step towards acquiring knowledge, Governor Lalong devoted huge resources into the construction and renovation of thousands of primary school blocks and for the recruitment and training of Teachers to educate pupils.

The administration’s flagship project – the Lalong Legacy Project- consists of 12 primary and secondary schools of world class standard spread across the three geopolitical zones in the state, all at advanced stages of completion.

To create opportunities for further education, the Governor also facilitated the establishment of The Federal Polytechnic, Nyak, Shendam and The Federal University of Education, Pankshin in Plateau State.

Not done with that, Governor Lalong, saw to the sustenance of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Training School and the NDLEA Academy in Plateau State.

Added to that, the Governor has encouraged private sector investment in education through several policies and programmes including the establishment of one-stop-shop and the 50 percent waiver for land titles and documentation, in the Plateau State Ministry of Lands and Survey where I oversee.

Little wonder, two private Universities, Karlkum University, Vom and ANAN University, Kwal, found the necessary synergy to rev up to life and open its campus for learning.

The Switch Foundation, an initiative of the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Regina Lalong has equally tapped into the vision with the promotion of the “Girl-Child Education”, through provision of computers and other learning materials that will encourage scholarship in the state.

The establishment of a campus of the Nigeria Law School in Plateau State will no doubt add zest to the growing academic environment in the State and further instill in the youths the virtues of scholarship and good character.

MR. YAKUBU DATI

This is not to talk of other benefits like employment opportunities and boosting of the tourism potential of the state.

There’s no doubt that, the Lalong administration is clear on its set goals for the betterment of the people of Plateau State using solid education as the foundation.

But the most striking is the assurance that the Governor knows how to go about bringing goodies to the state.

That the Federal Government, which in the past has had cause to relocate key strategic institutions in Plateau State to other places has now considered Jos, as a first choice for its expansion of Legal Education in Nigeria, speaks volumes about the confidence Plateau has earned through its Governor.

As the Americans would say, Lalong is a leader, who knows how to bring home the BACON.

Lalong is working and to God be the glory!

WHY DO YOU ALWAYS DISH OUT FAKE FIGURES AND LIES? APC ASKS PLATEAU PDP, MR. JOHN AKANS IN A REPLY (UNEDITED)

By: Our Reporter,

APC PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER, EWAREWAH HOUSE, YAKUBU GOWON WAY, JOS

RE: THE QUEST FOR A STRONGER, UNITED AND BETTER PLATEAU STATE

The attention of the All Progressives Congress, APC Plateau State Chapter has been drawn to a press release by the People’s Democratic Party in the state with the above heading.

A perusal of the piece clearly brings to the fore the predicament of the party which has found itself in a complete quandary and quagmire.

In fact the law of diminishing return seemed to have been propounded with the Peoples Democratic Party in Plateau State in mind.

The party which has inflicted so much damage by fighting itself to a standstill, is  in the wake of heightened political activities now  blaming Governor Simon Bako Lalong as and the ruling APC in the state as usual for its misfortunes.

According to the press release by its spokesman, John Akans, the party is strategizing to regain power in Plateau state as part of its quest for a better Plateau.

Let the point be cleanly made that the PDP’s quest would remain a long wait and  long walk to nowhere as long as it continues to see nothing wrong with its style and arbitrary conduct.

First, it ought to realize that, it has been totally rejected by Plateau people twice in 2015 and 2019.

Instead of conducting a surgical operation on itself, it wreaked more grievous havoc on itself which led to its losing out from the October last year local government election.

As it is today, the party stands a great risk of not fielding candidates for the 2023 General elections due to lingering litigations bothering on impunity   and unbending stance its sole proprietor.

Remember Honourable Bitrus Kaze, a former Member of the House of Representatives and a Chairmanship aspirant under the party who was ruthlessly edged out of the contest for falling out of favour with the sole proprietor, had warned those who cared to listen that the party’s repeat state congress in September 2021 was worse than the first one as 12 LGAs were excluded from the exercise with only 5 LGAs said to have participated.

Now the party in the state is heading towards the precipice with the suit instituted by Muhammadu Abdulwahabab, Ali Abubakar and Hamisu Adamu from Kanam LGA, challenging the impunity visited on them by unlawfully replacing and substituting their names as elected officials after duly taking oath of office.

The trio are seeking an order of the Plateau State High Court, to set aside the Congress conducted by the party as, “unconstitutional, unlawful, null, void and of no effect”.

Secondly, they are seeking the Chairman of the party Chris Hassan and his Exco, to vacate their seats and cease forthwith from acting in their various capacities.

These have put paid to what Hon. Bitrus Kaze had foretold in the wake of the repeat congress of the PDP in the State which was mired in unending myriad of controversies.

There are still multiple court cases the party is swimming in which might hasten its final downing.

Watching carefully and with keen interest how the PDP has been behaving in the  recent times, it is clear that it is getting more confused and lacks the appropriate line of action to redeem itself and convince the remnant of its members who have become totally disenchanted due to its exclusionist tendencies.

Its major pillars, financiers and strategic stakeholders in the state, including its gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 election, Senator Jeremiah Timbut Useni, the late Senator Ibrahim Mantu, former Deputy Senate President and Board Member of the party from its inception, Hon Damishi Sango, State Chairman of the party and former Minister of Sports who Jang made sure they were all sidelined in the power sharing formula and you expect to have peace in such party?

You cannot certainly eat your pie and have it.

It is against this backdrop that one wonders, who the party is trying to deceive with its arrangee. APC members defecting to the PDP, which it claimed it received 12,000 defectors in Langtang North alone!

As usual, the PDP’s love for quoting bogus figures is simply embarrassing. Going by the APC membership registration, the number of registered members in the local government, with 114 polling units is supposed to be 22,400 at 200 per polling unit if at all, the membership cards were exhausted.

How can a decampee himself receive fellow decampees to the party without the key stakeholders of the party?

Has Honourable Beni Lar, a ranking member ( four term member) of the Federal House of Representatives also fallen out of favour with the sole administrator of the PDP or what is her role in thus defection charade?

Is Honourable Letep sure he is not embarking on a political suicide by defecting to the present PDP as it is presently constituted?

Is he ready to remain a floor  member since it has put all its exco and delegates in place? This is a food for thought. We don’t want to delve into the so called big shots who allegedly defected in Langtang North but would watch keenly those who would defect in the central senatorial District where Hon . Letep Dabang hails from and northern Senatorial District.

One of the ways it has resorted to in order to remain relevant is to heap blames and more blames on the Lalong APC administration in the state.

The PDP went to the extreme of accusing the APC of having, “criminally foisted themselves on Plateau people in 2015 and 2019” which to say the least, is as uncharitable as it is unfair and self defeating.

The truth is that, Governor Lalong won his election squarely, fairly and transparently.

The PDP is consistent in its accusation of Governor Lalong making unfulfilled promises which are just the puerile imagination of the party as the difference between the present administration and the past PDP administration is very clear even to the most casual watchers of events.

The PDP, always obsessed with figures which it quotes so lavishly, but wrongly as a means of pulling the wool across the eyes of unsuspecting public, again reeled out figures on different issues.

First, it pointed out that, N400 billion has been wasted with no convincing projects.

The Lalong projects are not window dressing and skewed as those of the immediate past PDP administration. They are both tangible and well spread across the entire state rather than the mindless sinking of state funds in one small district of a local government area.

It also claimed in the press release that the people, especially the youth have been denied of job opportunities and the state is running short of workforce due to retirement and death of public servants.

This accusation cannot fly in the face of the recent report of the John Gobak Committee, which was presented to the state government in January.

The PDP chose to go on a selective process of profiling 20 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs ) in the state and arrived at a clearly mischievous monthly wage bill of  N934m  instead of N3billion which even the party knows to be false as the wage bill even under the Jang administration was more than N2billion with lots of ghost workers who were weeded by the Lalong administration.

The true position according to the report of the Gobak Committee which took a painstaking and wholistic look at the workforce, screened a total of 74 MDAs instead of the selective 20 listed by the PDP.

It authenticated 13,978 staff on the payroll of the  State. This dropped to 13, 809 as at December 31st, 2021 which is 172 less.

With this report, the government has a very clear picture of its staff strength and employment and replacement of  staff instead of the self-seeking and confused strategy employed by the past dispensation of posting workers back to their local government of origin and employment and putting square pecks in round holes which created confusion and disaffection in the system.

We call on the PDP as we have always done, to learn to set its house in order to serve and play the role of a credible opposition party.

Signed:

Hon. Sylvanus Namang,

APC State Publicity Secretary

 

PLATEAU: TRIAL OF SEN. JANG & ANOTHER BY THE EFCC, CONTINUES WITH MORE WITNESSES CALLED

 

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The trial of the former governor of Plateau State, Sen. Jonah David Jang, continued today at the Plateau State High Court in Jos, with two more witnesses called by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to testify on the financial accusations against Jang and a Cashier at the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

You would recall that, among other charge against the former governor is the alleged looting of the state funds and the question of the whereabouts of the N2bn loan acquired from the CBN to developed SMEs in the state.

At the trial today, the EFCC called, one Mr.  F. Jonah, a Civil Servant, serving in the office of the SSG and a retired Permanent Secretary, Mr. Chuwang S. Davou.

In his Examination in Chief, Mr. Jonah told the court that, he is one of the Principal Officers, who takes munities during the state’s Security Council and State Executive Committee (SEC) meetings.

He also disclosed that, in 2014, there were 14 of such meets held during the former governor’s tenure.

According to him, himself and one Mr. B. Emmanuel, usually take the munities, develop them and later forward same to the Permanent Secretary for vetting during and after the meetings.

“After vetting, it is presented at Council meetings for adoption by a Council member, through a motion and seconded by another. The SSG is always the Secretary at such meetings, while the Governor chairs it and the SSG is the last person that receives the munities. These munities are usually not signed, as the adoption validates it”. He disclosed.

Mr. Jonah told the Court that, the administration of Sen. Jang, requested for a N5billion loan from Zenith Bank to finance ongoing infrastructures in the state, with a tenure of 36 months and that the memo was prepared by the then Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Davou Mann, and N600million from Fidelity Bank, to balance outstanding payments in the state.

According to Mr. Jonah, all the requests were approved by the State Executive Council despite the fact that, the administration only had 2 months to end its tenure and the request not disclosing the outstanding payments.

The witness added that, some of the meetings were chaired by the Deputy Governor.

However, under Cross-examination by Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN) Counsel to Sen. Jang (1^st Defendant), who is with E. G. Pwajok (SAN), leading other Lawyers, and S. Oyawole Esq, Counsel to Mr. Yusuf Pam (2^nd Defendant), Mr. Jonah told the court that he is conversant with the Civil Service Rules to some extent. That he never worked directly with the former governor and has never reported to his office for duty.

Jonah said he never found any money with Sen. Jang in his home, Bank account, Wife, Children or any relative.

Furthermore, Jonah told the court that he has never being/serve as the chairman of the Security Council or SEC nor is he a member of any security outfits operating in the state.

“Not being a member of any of the security outfits in the state, I will not know the level of insecurity and challenges they face. I was never a member of the state Exco at anytime. I was just a necessary corollary because, I was not the Commissioner of Finance.

“I was a staff in the SSG’s office as Assistant Chief Admin Officer. The overall Boss is the SSG.

“There is nowhere in the munities to show that adoption tantamount to validation. I am aware that there is internal and external borrowings however, subject to procedures.

“But I cannot show any borrowing internally other than the Bank.

“It is not the duty of the Security Council to re-deliberate the approval of funds already approved by the State House of Assembly.

“Yes, the Security Agencies are Federal Government Agencies and you are right to say that they have their own budget”. He told the Court.

The second witness of the EFCC, was Mr. Sylvester Davou, a retired Permanent Secretary, who claimed he was appointed to be the General Manager (GM) of Plateau State Small Medium Enterprise Development Agency (PLASMEDA), but was never given the letter of appointment.

He told the court that, he was aware of the CBN N2billion loan through the Mr. Davou Mann, the then Commissioner of Finance who also informed him of his appointment.

“The Hon. Commissioner of Finance then, Mr. Davou Mann forwarded the resolution of the Plateau state House of Assembly and showed me my letter of appointment as GM and the 5 staff to the appointed out of the 6 recommended”.

Mr. Sylvester claimed that, he never performed his function in office but that, he signed a letter directing the CBN to pay the request sum of N2billion to Project I Account after PLASMEDA account was rejected.

“I wrote the letter to the CBN, conveying the Account of PIPC to Mudashiru a Director of Finance at the CBN yet, he was not satisfied. He said he has reservation on the decision of plateau state government. He said he preferred that of PLASMEDA.

However, during cross-examinations, Mr. Sylvester blamed his inability to function on the CBN for not providing the needed training and approving the Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) to benefit from the scheme.

He also showed surprise, when shown communications between the CBN and the Plateau State Government.

He said, “I am just seeing the response of the CBN but it was not sent to me. I see some inconsistency here! The State Special Purpose Vehicle is a semantic for PLASMEDA. I really do not know what the fund was used for as I was not a member of SEC”.

In all, over 42 documents have been tendered as exhibits so far in the matter before Hon. Justice Dabub.

You would also recall that the trial is beginning so moto under the court presided over by, Hon. Justice C Dabub.

The highlights of today trial, was the appearance of Governor Wike to observe and witness the trail.

Governor Wike, was recognized by his colleagues as a Life Bencher, with echoes of praises for his administrative style in Rivers State and calls to other Governors to emulate him.

They acclaimed that, he is a shining example of Lawyers in governorship and other elected political offices.

The matter is adjourned to today 10/02/2022, for further hearing.