The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has taken its time to provide for itself firmly, a Constitution for the purpose of promoting good leadership and welfare of members on the principle of freedom of expression, rule of Law and social justice.
And by its enactment, the Constitution shall be supreme and binding on all Organs, Officers and Members of the Union.
From the allegations in the petition raised, written and addressed to the leadership of the NUJ, that is now making the rounds in Plateau State, it is expected that, the authorities meant to handle the issue(s) must note that:
Article 7 on Discipline provides as below, concerning Procedure:
Where a complaint has been made against a particular Journalist, the Journalists shall be notified of such a complaint in writing and given at least twenty one (21) days notice within which he shall prepare his defence and appear before the committee.
Where the complaint is on a member of the Committee, he shall not sit in the hearing of the complaint by the committee.
On the other hand, Article 3 on Membership of the NUJ, the Constitution provides that, FREELANCE JOURNALISTS can only speak in a meeting, but cannot vote or be voted for.
ARTICLE 3 READS:
1a. A person shall not be a member of the Union, except if registered by the National Secretary of the Union on the recommendation of the State Council.
2a. In addition to the provision in Article 3(1), a person to be qualified shall also posses a minimum of Diploma and cognate experience in Journalism or Mass Communication obtained from recognized institution, with a working experience of not less than 12 Months in a recognized media establishment.
2b. A person shall be entitled to be registered as a Journalist, if he has not less than five years experience as a Journalist prior to the Nigerian Press Council Act 85 of 1992.
3a. Associate Membership shall also be accorded to all veteran Journalists and Journalists operating on FREELANCE BASIS.
3b. Such members shall have the right to attend and speak at meetings of the Union, but shall not vote or be voted for.
The Union shall however, have the right to exclude such persons from meetings where sensitive matters are to be discussed.
3c. A Journalist who moves out of the profession after Seven (7) years of active practice shall be accorded his length of service period in the profession, If such a person decides to return to Journalism practice.
Women’s Rights Advancement And Protection Alternative (WRAPA), has been charged to train men on Gender-based Violence and on the provisions and importance of VAPP Bill.
The participants at the One-Day Town Hall Meeting held yesterday, at City Lodge Hotel Jos, Plateau State, also charged WRAPA to train men to help demand accountability, the signing and implementation of the VAPP Bill and GEO Law in Plateau State.
FORMER SPEAKER, RT. HON. TITUS ALAMS
The former Speaker of the Plateau State 7th House of Assemble, who participated in passing these Bills, Rt. Hon. Titus Alams, Journalist Katdaba Gobum, Hajiya Lare Baba, Elder Nanle Gujor, among others spoke in this line of action.
JUMMAI MADAKI
For Jummai Madaki, the State Project Officer, while speaking to Journalist at the venue of the meeting explained that, the aim of the gathering is to make participant embrace the spirit of Action that would elicit adequate and timely implementation of the GEO Law and signing of the pending Bill.
PARTICIPANTS
She said the Gender and Equal Opportunity Law is for the benefit of all hence, it is titled: “Gender Equal Opportunity Law”.
MADAKI
Jummai Madaki and Ruth Abow, who received praise for their efforts in fighting for women in the state and country at large, from the various speakers at the meeting, were however, charged to train others to replace them.
JOURNALIST GOBUM, FORMER NUJ CHAIRMAN, PLATEAU
In his remarks, while speaking to Journalist, the former Chairman of NUJ Plateau State Council, Journalist Gobum, extended his advocacy to Women Journalists.
He charge Women Journalists to rise to the occasion to mobilize women in the direction WRAPA is going in order to help themselves and other women achieve the purposes of the Law and the Bill in question.
You would recall that, REALITY had reported that, according to the invitation letter signed by Jummai Madaki (the State Project Officer) and the information received by REALITY News desk, the program is in commemoration of the International Women’s Day 2022, with the theme: Break the Bias, to saturate the landscape on Gender-based Violence and demand accountability for the signing of the VAPP Bill and implementation of the GEO Lawl in Plateau State.
PARTICIPANTS
It must be that, WRAPA is a registered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Non-political and Non-profit making charitable organization with a mandate for the promotion, protection and realization of women’s human rights, the elimination of all forms of repugnant practices and VAWG, with the aim of enhancing their living standards. The organization seeks to advance and protect the rights of women as provided by national laws, policies, regional, international treaties, and agreements.
WRAPA is supported by African Women Development Fund to implement a two (2) year project titled “Legal and Social Empowerment Program on Women’s Rights in Kaduna and Plateau States.
PARTICIPANTS
At the end of the Town Hall meeting, it was agreed that participants from a Coalition to advocate for the take-off of the Gender Commission and the assent of the Plateau State Governor, to the VAPP Bill.
Women’s Rights Advancement And Protection Alternative (WRAPA), is to hold a One-Day Town-Hall meeting in Jos, the capital of Plateau, Nigeria.
According to the invitation letter sighted by REALITY and signed by Jummai Madaki, the State Project Officer and the information reaching REALITY News desk, the program is holding in commemoration of the International Women’s Day 2022, by 09.00am, on 26th March, 2022, with the theme: Break the Bias, at City Lodge Hotel, Jos, to saturate the landscape on Gender-based Violence and demand accountability for the implementation of the VAPP Act and GEO Bill in Plateau State.
It is of note that, WRAPA is a registered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Non-political and Non-profit making charitable organization with a mandate for the promotion, protection and realization of women’s human rights, the elimination of all forms of repugnant practices and VAWG, with the aim of enhancing their living standards. The organization seeks to advance and protect the rights of women as provided by national laws, policies, regional, international treaties, and agreements.
And that, WRAPA is supported by African Women Development Fund to implement a two (2) year project titled “Legal and Social Empowerment Program on Women’s Rights in Kaduna and Plateau States”.
This project seeks to gain the approval and adoption of the VAPP ACT and the Gender and Equal Opportunities bill in Plateau and Kaduna States, which seeks to eliminate Gender-Based Violence in women and girls and promote equal opportunities for beneficiaries of the project intervention (Women and Girls).
As the investigation concerning the report of a Social Media video making the rounds concerning a Nurse, who was performing her professional duty of advocacy to patients in Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) continues, Human Rights Activists based in Jos, have called on the Management of JUTH, the Nurses and other Staff of the institution to rally support for the Nurse, as they described the report as an “Espionage” and not Journalism.
Speaking to Journalists in Jos, a Director of Civil Liberty Organization, Comrade Steve Aluko Daniel among other Human Rights Activists in the state, hinted that, the Reporter, though using clandestine approach, which is not journalistically recommended to get his information, was also not the maker of the video and yet both the video and the journalist targeted the same Nurse.
Aluko said, the Staff and Management of the institution must look at this line of action and know that, it is the institution that is been spied on and not just the innocent Nurse, who was performing her professional duty of advocacy in her department and place of work.
He said, “The purpose of targeting the Nurse is not clear by the medium, as the video and the journalist acted at different times to achieve same purpose.
“The fact that, the Nurse’s advocacy, was for the general public, why was her statement edited by the journalist and the medium?
“The strong bias exhibited by the Reporter and his medium is also traceable to the fact that, they were more concerned about a statement and not the wellbeing of the patients in the Hospital, as they could not establish segregation among patients in the wards, and other professional sections of the Hospital.
“I therefore urge the Nurses, the Management and other Staff of the institution to rally round the Nurse, as there is more to this that meets the eyes”.
On his part, the Publisher of REALITY Newspaper, Journalist Valentine Adese (JP), while on a Talk-Show on JayFM, monitored by this Newspaper in Jos said, “Journalism does not in any way encourage espionage. The best practice according to the Code and Ethics of the profession, identification of a practitioner is key, especially when the environment poses no danger, like the case in JUTH.
“This is necessary in order to enable the interviewee know his boundaries and responsibility.
“Of course, from the facts before us now, the Journalist was not the maker of the video. He may have been authorized to investigate the matter, but his decision to go for the same Nurse in a Policy-Based issue, was not right.
“Secondly, since the Nurse spoke to the patients in public and he needed explanation because he disguised himself as one, he must identify himself at that point. This is because interviews are journalists’ professional tool”.
“Furthermore, the editing of the presentation of the Nurse by either the Journalist or the Medium was completely wrong and professionally bias.
“From the video making the rounds, the Nurse simply used Fulani, Hausa, Taroh, Plateau, Jos North, Ogbomosho and other place to illustrate her points, while advising the patients at the GOP. That question that would come to mind will be, why the emphasis on Hausa/Fulani by the Journalist and the Medium?”
REALITY NEWSPAPER has just discovered some unreported humanitarian and generous activities of Mr. Kefas W. Ropshik across Plateau State over the years.
The discovery also discloses that, his gesture and charitable activities are being felt by all with no discrimination across the state.
You would recall that, REALITY had reported that, Mr. Kefas W. Ropshik, had in an interactive session with members of the Independent Publishers’ Association (IPA) explained that, his generous, humanitarian and charitable nature steams from his humble and religious background and in line with his late father’s philosophy of life, as an Evangelist.
THE HUMANITY IN KEFAS
He had said, “My father was an Evangelist and he always tries to touch people’s lives. I saw this passion in him. You must know that, I also grew up from a very poor background and when compared to my present state, I see myself as an opportunist.
“Thinking back, as a young man, I have always hoped of living out that terrible life. So, when I see people in that same situation, I am moved to push towards assisting them”.
SEE SOME PICTURES OF THESE HUMANITARIAN ACTIVITIES BELOW:-
As the 2023 general elections draw closer and political parties are preparing to sell their forms to Aspirants under their platforms, to enable them express their interests and get nominated, Mr. Kefas W. Ropshik has called on Nigerians and the people of Plateau State, to first ask these aspirant, what they have done for their respective states and Nigerian at large.
Mr. Kefas, urged the People of Plateau State to also seek to know, what these Aspirants intend to bring on board, if given the opportunity to serve in any capacity, especially, as the governor of Plateau State come 2023.
MR. KEFAS
Mr. Kefas W. Ropshik, who made these demands from the citizens and people of Plateau State, while in an interactive section with members of the Independent Publishers’ Association (IPA) in his residence in Jos, Plateau State, emphasized that, his call is based on the fact that, “leadership has constantly been the problem of the state”.
MR. KAFAS AND THE WOMEN
According to Mr. Kefas, “Leaders in Plateau State have given their best shots as governors, but this seat and position have been handled and treated as if it is for retirement and this is very wrong”.
Mr. Kefas W. Ropshik explained that, because it is treated as a retirement seat, nothing new is brought on board than salary payments, despite the huge human potentials and solid mineral resources in the state.
He said, “Plateau people must make a good choice come 2023, to enable the state come out of the present sad situation.
“To add value to our revenue and development stride, the people must look at the Private Sector and get somebody, who has done well in order to turn the state’s fortune around. The world over is currently been ran through the Private Sector and this is a fact”.
GENEROUS AND HUMANITARIAN NATURE
Mr. Kefas W. Ropshik, further disclosed that, his generous, humanitarian and charitable nature steams from his humble and religious background and in line with his late father’s philosophy of life as an Evangelist.
He said, “My father was an Evangelist and he always tries to touch people’s lives. I saw this passion in him. You must know that, I also grew up from a very poor background and when compared to my present state, I see myself as an opportunist.
“Thinking back, as a young man, I have always hoped of living out that terrible life. So, when I see people in that same situation, I am moved to push towards assisting them”.
Women in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State seem have to taken the peace initiative in the Local Government (LG) into their hands, as they unveiled and launched the “Bassa Women for Peace and Unity Association” today, the 19th of March, 2022, at the popular Prestige Event Center in the LGA.
THE UNVEIKING
In attendance during the unveiling were, Maj. Gen. O. O. Oshinowo (Rtd), the Amb. Of Peace in Bassa LGA, who is the Guest of Honour, the Plateau State Commission of Police, CP Oyeka, (ably represented), the Chairman of Bassa LGA, Engr. Stephen Ingmala, and several Royal Fathers, among other distinguished dignitaries.
UNVEILED
While welcoming the women to the occasion, the Guest of Honour, Maj. Gen. O. O. Oshinowo (Rtd) said he loves women because of their peaceful nature and that, since they have decided to push the peace initiative, “Peace has come to stay”.
GUEST OF HONOUR
In her welcoming address, the Founder and Chairlady of the Association, (Bassa Women for Peace and Unity Association), Mrs. Rashida Usman Yahaya, explained that the association was formed for the purpose of peace because, “Peace initially is life and without peace, the three major aspects of life cannot be done, which are Education, Business and Religion”.
MRS. RASHIDA, FOUNDER
Mrs. Rashida added that, “these three cannot be achieved, if there is no peace or freedom in the environment that we live in. this is why it is of utmost important to me to unite all the women in Bassa LGA, to come out and contribute their quarter towards bringing lasting peace in our society, by enlightening them to come together and promote peace and unity and also to say n to evil acts like kidnapping, rape, ritual and all other acts that will disorganize the peace and unity of our people, regardless of their ethnic background, educational level or religion, and also to unite and support our men to create a peaceful living environment for all of us”.
The high points of the event was the traditional dance and the launching proper of the Association’s T-shirts and caps.
As political activities heighten with the release of the timetable for the 2023 general elections, governance has notably slowed down across the country.
While this may be the case in some states, it is not so on the Plateau, as Governor Alert! (a name by which, Governor Simon Lalong is fondly referred to by Plateau State workers after he cleared 8- 10 months outstanding salary arrears inherited from the last administration) has not shifted his focus on the goal of working for his people.
GOV. LALONG
With an average monthly commitment of 2 billion naira paid to workers in the state in the last six years, the local economy has received a huge boost with the injection of more than 84 billion naira in the corresponding years of the current administration.
These payments have no doubt stimulated the economy of the state substantially and unleashed additional economic growth for the people thereby closing the gap of inequality and reducing hardship across board.
While economists are best suited to measure the accompanying leapfrog in economic activities and its concomitant boost in small and medium scale enterprise (SMSEs) along with its social impact, the effect is such that even laymen are testifying of the difference recorded.
Buoyed by passion to uplift urban and rural poor through land, which is the physical bedrock for human activities, Gov Lalong is unlocking these resources for the benefit of all and sundry.
The Governor only recently assented to two critical bills on land administration on 14th July 2021 viz The Plateau State Property Land Use Charge Law 2021 and The Plateau State Geographic Information Systems (PLAGIS) Law 2021.
In the bid to unveil the benefits of these laws to the business community, the Plateau State Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning organised a stakeholders engagement with support from a major German development agency, GIZ (The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH).
THE FORUM
At the forum, Gov Lalong reiterated the subsisting 50 percent waiver on land transactions to empower the business community in the bid to promote the ease of doing business and empower the populace while the Attorney General and commissioner of justice, Chrysantus Ahmadu, xrayed the benefits of the law to the leadership of the SMSEs.
MR. DATI
Chairman of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS), Dashe Arlat, in his remarks, reaffirmed his agency’s commitment to generate N5 billion monthly as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
On the heels of all these positives, Governor Lalong flagged-off the construction of N9.9 billion British-American Junction fly over and the dualization of 1.7 K/m road to Lamingo roundabout in Jos North LGA.
Initial announcement of this landmark legacy project was greeted with mixed reactions by those genuinely concerned about where the funding will be sourced and the opposition who are confined by the walls of pessimism they built around themselves to be blind to positive derivatives of government.
While the former became convinced about its workability and welcomed the realization of the project with a sigh of relief, the latter thought they could harm the project and finding no means of doing so, resorted to lies claiming that the 9.9 billion naira project would cost a whopping 19 billion naira!
Sonya Parker, an author, succinctly captures these naysayers in his treatise when he said, “a hater’s job is to hate you, and they stay on their job 24/7. So, if you’re expecting them to clock out, and leave you alone think again.”
Unperturbed by these opposition elements however, Gov Lalong is taking the bricks hauled at his administration and is using them to stay the course of leaving Plateau better than he met it.
Underscoring the importance of the event is the fact that, the ground-breaking ceremony was performed by the former Head of State and living legend, Gen Yakubu Gowon.
Governor of Niger State, Sani Bello, his Kwara State counterpart, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and Edo State Governor, Godwin Obasaki represented by his Deputy, Philip Shuiabu joined other well meaning patriots to be part of history by coming to witness the event.
GOV. LALONG
To overcome the stranglehold of funding, which is responsible for many abandoned projects, the Government adopted the Contractor-Financing model which tilts the process in favour of preferred bidders.
A firm, Craneburg Construction Company Ltd, armed with funding from Access Bank, easily distinguished itself amongst several bidders to emerge top.
Commissioner for Works, Pam Botmang, affirmed that the bank has mobilized the contractor and work has commenced in earnest from the preliminary works of the Right of Way from the Federal Ministry of Works, to relocation of public utilities with underpass and roundabout, slip roads and approach, as well as scarification and site clearance.
The scope of work is also huge and includes a 6 – span dual bridge of 15.0m/Span with a total length of 90m as part of the Over-Pass and erection of four retaining walls on the approaches of various lengths totaling 300m.
The contractor will also carry out earthworks with extensive filling on the bridge approaches with ramps, slip roads and underpass.
Furthermore the contractors are to build two reinforced concrete single spans of 20m length bridges along the 1.7km British American Junction to Lamingo Junction Roundabout and it is to be dualized and reconstructed with asphaltic binder and wearing coarse which will include pipe and box culverts, reinforced concrete drainages, concrete kerbs, concrete walkways and other auxiliary or ancillary works like street lights, road signage and markings, etc
As an Awardee of the internationally recognized Open Governance Partnership (OGP) the Plateau State Government is adhering to strict financial template that ensures direct disbursement from the bank to the contractor on receipts of Certificates of Valuation (CVs) certified by the Ministry and duly approved by the Governor.
The Performance Monitoring and Results Delivery Office (PMRDO) led by Noel Donjur, Chief of Staff, has put these rigourous process of transparency, accountability, citizen participation and responsiveness in place to ensure the delivery of the project on time.
Gen Yakubu Gowon, at the event, expressed satisfaction with the level of support accorded Governor Simon Lalong by Plateau people in the last six years and urged him to leave better legacies that would be emulated.
He applauded Governor Lalong for completing projects inherited from the successive administration saying continuity in governance is critical to the development of the society.
The ongoing British/American overhead bridge, for example, is another demonstration of a government in action.
MR. YAKUBU DATI
While a majority of patriotic citizens welcome the construction which has commenced in earnest, the few depleting opposition elements are confronted with brick walls in their failed bid to throw spanners in the works.
Forgetting that the Rescue administration, paid up debts incurred by the last administration including the cost for the dualization project the former governor, Jonah Jang named after himself in a purse case of a self serving attempt at self immortalization.
The British/American Overhead Bridge which has become a nightmare to road users is a very important artery that serves the city and is an important gateway to travelers transiting the state.
It is pertinent to note that, due to the insecurity created by the last administration, states like Bauchi, Gombe and others, who were forced to build airports to avoiding transiting through Jos, are back to using this artery, following the restoration of peace, thus increasing the vehicular traffic.
For the purpose of emphasis, the British/American flyover with 7 km dual carriage way is contractor financed, meaning that the contractor came with a financing from a reputable bank to fund the project, similar to the model adopted by the Federal Government in financing the rail and airport projects. In simple terms, the bank is funding the contractor directly.
Governor Lalong continues to leverage on innovation to steer up development and entrepreneurship. The automation of land administration has secured land owners, attracting over 7 billion naira in mortgages during his administration.
Little wonder, Plateau youths have continued to shine on the national stage, winning laurels in their stride. At the National SMSE Awards organized by the Muhammadu Buhari administration, Jerry Mallo came tops in 2019, while Luka Bot and Mafeng won in 2020 and 2021 respectively.
Governor Lalong, continues to expand the frontiers of possibilities by bridging the gap.
Just like a dream, the women in Plateau State have become very resolute in protecting their rights and getting themselves respected after several trainings, workshops and engagements with the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), (WRAPA).
WRAPA, a Non-Governmental, Non-Profit and a Charitable Organization has produced as output, over 100 women from its trainings, workshops and engagements, who can now stand and fight, on behalf of others and themselves, the rights of women in Plateau State, from the state’s suburbs, to the 17 Local Government Areas with few months.
WRAPA TRAINING IN SESSION
You would recall that, WRAPA under the coordination and management of Jummai Madaki and Ruth Abwo, have constantly trained or engaged 25 participants each time of its trainings/workshops in Plateau State in order to meet the objective and main goal of WRAPA “to advance and protect the rights of women in Nigeria as provided by national laws and policies, regional and international treaties and agreements, through an integrated approach that, entrenches respect for the human dignity of the woman, as well as, her inclusion in decisions that affects her life, and the development of her community”.
WRAPA’S TRAINING SESSION AND PAUL NAOMI IN ATTENDANCE
The impact of WRAPA’s engagements from REALITY finds, can be felt with the way Traditional Rulers have set up women related desks in their palaces to check violations against them. The security operatives in the state are not left out, as they have also established desks to attend to such cases when the need arises.
It was therefore not surprising, when Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), took Women’s Rights Advocacy to the Traditional Ruler of Gyel Community, the Local Government Chairman of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Hon. Gideon Davou Dandereng and to the women in Gyel market during the celebration of the 2022 International Women’s Day.
at the palace
WRAPA led by Madam Ruth Abwo, during the advocacy visit to the Gwomrwei, Da. Nga Dangyang in his Palace, with the LG Chairman in attendance, expressed the sadness of women, over the rejection of Gender Bills by the Nigerian National Assembly.
Madam Abwo on her feet
Abwo said, “It is regrettable that, the proposed Gender Bills in the 5th Constitution Alteration Bills that were rejected are Bills targeted at addressing the current gender imbalance across the Legislative Arm of Governments across the country”.
According to her, the rejection of the Bills has further reduced women representation in political office and has made their vote during elections as irrelevant.
GYEL MARKET, JOS SOUTH, PLATEAU STATE
At the Market place in Gyel, while rallied around by women and flanked by members of WRAPA, the voices of the women could be heard resolutely saying that, “despite what has happened at the National Assembly, we will not stop fighting and celebrating the Women’s Day. It is our day and we have to celebrate!
GYEL MARKET, JOS SOUTH, PLATEAU STATE
Adding that, “The men of the 9th Assembly, have rather reinforced the discrimination and political bias against us, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution,. but we have resolved to move on and we shall punish those who rejected us with our votes too and very soon”.
You would recall that, the 2022 theme of the International Women’s Day (IWD) is: Breaking the Bias with the hashtag, #BreakingTheBias.
It is a theme centered on Gender Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.
SEE OTHER PICTURES OF WRAPA’S TRAINING SESSION BELOW:-
The crisis currently rocking the All Progressive Congress (APC) may soon be delving towards a solution, as President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to all members to sheath their swords and bury their anger for peace to reign in the party, begins to gain support from stakeholders.
PRESIDENT BUHARI
In an exclusive telephone interview with, Engr. Shehu Bello, the former Transition Chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Plateau State, and one of the key political parties in the merger that gave birth to the APC, the Chairman gave total support to the call made by President Buhari to all APC members.
ENGR.. SHEHU BELLO
According to Engr. Shehu in the interview, he said the defunct CPC, which President Buhari belongs to is a family and the growth of the party from inception up till when it became part of the APC has constantly been driven by a united purpose.
He said, “This is why, President Buhari is still a movement and still has the clout and ability to pull the votes he had in the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections”.
CENTRAL: PRESIDENT BUHARI AND ENGR. BELLO
“My worry here is that, most of the politicians, who later joined the merger, refused to understand the objective of the defunct CPC and the movement of Mr. President hence, most of them fell by the way side and returned to their former political parties.
“Secondly, some of the present members are not looking at developments and assessing those benefiting and those sacrificing for the APC. This is because, If you look deep, you will discover that, because the CPC produced Muhammadu Buhari as the President, it has never allowed its member to contest for the National Chairman’s seat no matter where it was zoned to.
“It is therefore surprising that, now and for the first time too that we are presenting Sen. Tanko Almakura for the seat of National Chairman, a lot of people are trying to create controversy out of it.
SEN. TANKO ALMAKURA
“I am in total support of the directive of the President for all members to cause peace in the party and unite as we match towards 2023.
“But we must get it right by bringing on board a reliable National Chairman, who to my mind is Sen. Almakura is”. He added.
You would recall that, REALITY had reported that, the defunct CPC members in Plateau State have unanimously thrown their support to the bid of Sen Almakura as National Chairman of the APC and which the former State Secretary of the defunct CPC chapter in Plateau State, Hon. Podar Johnson, had given his nod to in an interview.
Reacting and fielding answers to this line of thought, Engr. Shehu emphasized that, he is also convinced and would remain in support of the Plateau defunct CPC’s position.
He said, “The members of the defunct CPC in Plateau State have stated my mind and position on the matter in the press statement.
HON. PODAR JOHNSON
“I appreciate Hon. Podar, who also doubles as the National Chairman for the Diaspora and Online Social Media for the campaign for Almakura’s Chairmanship.
“He has actually done well!
“However, this is in line with the goals and ideals of the CPC for members to stand for the right things in other to advance justice in the party and the country at large”.
In his closing lines, Engr. Shehu, called on members to take hint from the directive of the President and also allow the defunct CPC to present a leader, Sen. Tanko Almakura, who has the qualitative skill to administer the party.
An Aspirant on the Platform of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Plateau State, Hon. Nanbol Josiah Gommam has emphasized the need to encourage the economic well-being of women and Youth empowerment, as a pinnacle to revamping the loss glory of the Tarok Nation in Plateau State.
In an interview with Journalists, Hon. Nanbol, reeled out his reason(s) for joining the race for the House of Assembly seat of Langtang Central Constituency.
Hon. Nanbol said, “As a Nigerian private security expert with vast experience in organizing and managing various private security outfits, and as a visionary leader in no time, if given the opportunity and mandate to serve in the next (10th) Assembly of the state, I will drive the economic values of Plateau State to my constituency”.
Nanbol Gommam, harped on his course of engagements, which is consensus building and that as a honest broker he enjoys the trust and confidence of business organizations and other stakeholders.
In the interview, he claimed his engagement has spanned the period of about two decades and that he has gained world-class knowledge in the industry and that he is widely regarded as a skilled practitioner.
He said, “I am an effective consensus builder and a honest broker. I enjoy the trust and confidence of business organizations and other stakeholders”.
He alluded to the fact that, “Langtang Central Constituency of Plateau State, needs an experience technocrats to transform the rural communities into suburban and giving priority to education of children ,qualitative drinking water to vulnerable areas to enable them also enjoy the dividends of democracy”.
Adding that, “I Nanbol Josiah Gommam, I am offering myself, as a solution to unite the Tarok speaking natives of Plateau State and the Middle-Belt people and I shall encourage togetherness with neighboring LGAs, if given the opportunity and mandate come 2023”.
In order to help the Plateau State Government improve its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), the Chairman of ALGON, Plateau State chapter, Hon. Shehu Bala, who doubles as the Chairman of Jos-North Local Government, the German firm, GIZ, the Plateau State Business Community, among other Stakeholders, have shown and expressed support for the implementation of the Plateau State Land Use Charge Law 2021 and the Plateau State Geographic and Information Services (PLAGIS) Law 2021 in the state.
This support was made public, during the Stakeholders’ Engagement on the implications of the two Laws on the state’s IGR, organized by the Plateau State Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning in conjunction with GIZ, at the Festival Hall of Crest Hotel Jos, on Thursday, 10th March, 2022.
STAKEHOLDERS
Earlier, while declaring the Stakeholders’ Engagement meeting open, the Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, represented by the State’s Commissioner of Budget and Planning, Hon. Sylvester said, the engagement would enable standards to be established by the Stakeholders so that, everybody would be carried along and nobody would feel cheated.
Adding in part that, “If you register your property and proper documentation is done nobody can cheat you.
“We must therefore avail ourselves to the benefits of the new ways things are done. We must cooperate with one another and key into the vision of the state Government”.
In its good will message during the occasion, the representative of GIZ, Hauwa Mankilik said, GIZ has been supporting the Plateau State Government and has been helping the state improve on the enabling environments that would help in increasing its IGR. Hence, the firm was willing to support the Stakeholders’ Engagement on the two Laws by the Plateau State Ministry of Land, Survey and Town Planning.
Adding that, “We believe we will see a better result, when we look at where we are now and where we will be in future”.
MR. DATI
In his welcome address, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning, Mr. Yakubu Dati, had explained that, the Plateau State Land Use Charge Law 2021 and the Plateau State Geographic and Information Services (PLAGIS) Law 2021, are two critical laws passed by the Plateau State House of Assembly to aid revenue collections from land administration.
Mr. Dati in his address stated that, “It is for this and other reasons that the Management of the Ministry deemed it necessary to organize this stake holders’ engagement in order to bring heads of government Ministries, Agencies, Departments, development partners and members of the business community especially the Small and Medium Sale Enterprises in the state who are clients of the ministry under one roof to present theselaws, appreciate their implications on land administration and to chart a way forward for the growth and development of the state through increased revenue generation from the collective collaboration of all critical stakeholders.
“It is imperative to state, that the business community especially the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises are close to the hart of the administration of this government. This is evident in the evident in the 50% waiver granted by His Excellency on all land based transactions with the Ministry since the inception of his administration.
“The business community is therefore urged to take advantage of these reliefs by cooperating with government while saving huge resources through timely payment of their Property and Land Use Charge.
“With the PLAGIS Law now in place, the tone has also been set for the constitution of its Board which the law empowers to innovate its operations in a simplified manner to enhance revenue collections in synergy with the Ministry.
“On the whole, the Ministry is not leaving any stone unturned in its bid to becoming the major revenue earner of the state and a critical stake holder in the realization of His Excellency’s vision for the state which can only be realized with the cooperation of the citizens of Plateau State and especially, members of the business community.
“I therefore urge you not to hold back in your opinions and suggestions which could make the difference between success and failure and because we have no intention of failing, as partners in progress, I urge you to apply your wealth of experience in the discussions on these laws in order to guide us on the path of increase in the area of revenue generation in the state while applying the laws’.
From documentary facts before REALITY, the Plateau State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Hon. Chris Hassan and the Member representing Jos-North West State Consituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Esther Simi Dusu and 10 others, would be dragged to a Chief Magistrate Court very soon for alleged Criminal Conspiracy, Cheating, Breach of Trust among many others offences contrary to and punishable under Sections 58, 59, 118, 119, 120, 296, 297, 306, 307, 344, and 345 respectively, of the Plateau State Penal Code Law of 2017.
The Complainants against them are, Auwal Shehu Iliya, Basir Muhammed, Yazid Abubakar Shu’aibu, Alh. Bala Mohammed, Ahamed Shehu Salami, Hassan Ismail, Alh. Yaro Mairake, and Okechukwu Nonso Augustine.
From the Statement/Particulars of the complaint, the 1-6 Complainants were Ward Chairmen of the PDP, representing Gangere, Garba (sic), Sarkin Arab, Ibrahim Katsina, Abba Na’Shehu and Naraguta “A” Wards respectively of Jos North LGA of Plateau State.
The 8th Complainant was the PDP’s PRO, representing Tafawa Balewa Ward of Jos North LGA and the 7th Complainant is the PDP’s Assistant State PRO and a Stakeholder of the PDP.
Other Defendants apart from Hon. Dusu and Hon. Chris are, Sunday Chigbata, Kasimu Musa Wetka Bashir M. Mahmum, Mansur Lawal, Ali Sa’ad. Ismaila A. Abdullahi, Ado Garba Jibiya, Ahmen Mohammed Mai Worworo, Sunday Gini Umaru and Danjuma Izang.
The 1st Defendant is the present member representing Jos -North West in the Plateau State House of Assembly (PLHA). The 2nd Defendant is the PDP Pro of Jos North LGA. The 3rd Defendants is presently, the Plateau State Chairman of the PDP, while the 4th Defendant, is the PDP Chairman, of Sarkin Arab Ward of Jos North LGA.
Facts are that, the Counsel to the Complainants, J. D. Morolayo (Esq) of F. A. Onchie & Associates has in an Application, dated 4th March 2022, already applied that, a Criminal Summons to be issued at the instance of the Complaints against the above named Defendants for the offense of criminal conspiracy, giving and fabricating false evidence of breach of trust, cheating and forgery, contrary to and punishable under sections 58, 59, 118, 119, 120, 296, 297, 306, 307, 344, and 345 respectively of the Plateau State Penal Code Law of 2017
The matter with Case File No. CMC8/DC/2022, is to hold in the Chief Magistrat’s Court of Plateau State holding in Jos High Court Premises.
