FG vs SEN. JANG & ANOTHER: THE DEFENDANTS NEVER SIGNED OR AUTHORED ANY LETTER OR DOCUMENT. ABUBAKAR HASSAN, EFCC’S WITNESS, TELLS COURT

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Abubakar Hassan has told the Plateau State High Court trying Sen. Jonah Jang and one Yusuf Pam (A Secretary serving at the office of the SSG) that, the two Defendants were not authors nor did they sign any of the documents, letters and appendixes he was accosted with by the Counsel of the EFCC, Rotime Jacobs (SAN).

Abubakar who said he is an Assistant Director with Universal Basic Education Commission Abuja, said whiel they were investigating the over N6 Billion sent to Plateau State Basic Education Board (SUBEB), they never investigated the personal Accounts of Sen. Jang, Mr. Yusuf or any member of their families.

He explained under cross examination by Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Counsel to Sen. Jang (1^st Defendant) and S. Oyawole (Esq), Counsel to Mr. Yusuf Pam (2^nd Defendant) that he has never had any dealings with them and does not even know the name of the 2^nd Defendant, Mr. Pam.

HIGH COURT

Abubakar under cross examination in part said, “My name is Abubakar Hassan. I am a Muslim and I have heard of Paradise and that if I lie, I will miss it. I also took an oath in this matter to say the truth and nothing but the truth. I also so know that I can go to jail when I lie in this matter.

“I am an Assistant Director in the past one year with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). I am an Accountant by profession.

‘I am aware that one of the requirements for taking the Loan of UBEC is that a state must pay its 50% Counterpart fund. Yes!

“I made my statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the 16^th of March, 2022 being last month.

“The date on Appendix 5 of Exhibit 52 is 20^th June, 2014. It is titled, Request For Approval To Borrow Money.

Appendix 3, is dated 3^rd January, 2017 and it is titled, Request To Freeze Plateau State Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Marching Ground Account.

“Between 2014 when the approval was made it is about 8 years now.

“Between, 3^rd January, 2017, to the date on my letter is about 5 years, when I told them to freeze the Account.

“When we say these illegalities, we did not report to the Police, EFCC, ICPC or any other security agency.

“The N2.79 billion borrowing by the Plateau State government, was addressed to SUBEB and the letter was signed by Mr. bouyi Souka the then Accountant General (A-G) of Plateau State and the letter was not written by the 1^st Defendant, Sen. Jonah Jang.

“The request to borrow the over N2billion was not meant for the 1^st Defendant, Jonah Jang.

“The hand written comments and approval was for the benefit of the state and not Sen. Jang.

“The State Executive Council (SEC) which took the decision and which the Secretary was referring to was not the 1^st Defendant.

“I don’t know the 1^st Defendant before now and I have never worked with him.

“I have never found his personal signature in any Banks documents that I have been shown, from Eco-Bank to Zenith Bank. I did not see him signing for UBEC or SUBEB in the whole documents concerning communications between UBEC and SUBEB nor is his name in any.

“In all my official engagements, I have never had any dealings with Sen. Jang.

“In my evidence before this Court, on Exhibit 52e, I made it clear that the sum over N6 Billion received by the state and the sum of over N2 billion borrowed was not borrowed by Sen. Jang, the 1^st Defendant.

“I did not also find anywhere where, Jang, his wife, children or other family members borrowed from SUBEB’s Account.

“I did not also trace the over N6 billion to the Accounts of Sen. Jang but to SUBEB’s Accounts. For emphasis, I don’t even know his Accounts.

“The over N2 billion borrowed was also not traced to Sen. Jang’s personal Accounts nor to other members of his family.

“You are right to say that SUBEB is an agency of the Plateau State Government and not of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“I am aware that, Plateau state has appropriation bill every year and it becomes law when passed by the House and assented to by the Governor of the state.

“I am not aware that the appropriation or budget within this period under review, allows the Plateau State Government to do both Internal and External borrowings.

“I am aware of the handing over note and that it exhibits these borrowings and loans.

“Looking at this exhibit and the letter dated, 13^th January, 2017 and annexure 6 titled: RE: Request To Defreeze Plateau State Marching Ground Account, it was written by the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Prof. Mathew Sule and it was not the 1^st Defendant.

“The letter was directed to the Executive Secretary (ES) of UBEC and this is not Sen. Jang.

“From my investigation and knowledge, Sen. Jang was not a staff of SUBEB or ECO Bank, and in view of the undertaking by the Plateau State Government to refund the balance, they were allowed to begging to re-operate the earlier freeze Account and from the undertaking, it is the Plateau State Government that will do the refunding and not Jang.

“I did not author or make any of the Appendixes and some of the Appendixes are statements of Accounts.

“I have never worked with ECO-Bank. I don’t know the 2^nd Defendant and from all the letter and documents that I have been shown, none is signed by any of the Defendants.

“The approvals in the letters I can confirm are not made by the two Defendants. More so, I did not see the name of Yusuf Pam on the face of any of these documents.

“I have no complaint with respect to Yusuf Pam in any of the transactions”.  

BREAKING: SENATORS AND REPS FROM PLATEAU STATE, SHUN CALLS TO SECURE THE HEALTH OF CONSTITUENTS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

It was a surprise to Journalists in Plateau State when they were informed that, the Three (3) Senators from the state, representing the Northern, Central and Southern zones of the state and 7 Members in the House of Representatives have refused to buy-in into calls to secure the health of their constituency by the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA).

This disclosure came during an interface of PLASCHEMA and the Media, tagged: “Securing Community Sustainability, The Media Experience”, at crest hotel today, 29^th April, 2022.

While interrogating the Agency and its operation in the 17 local Government Areas by Journalists, the Director General (D-G), Dr. Fabong J. Yidam, lamented over the effect of poverty on the young and elderly in the state and the refusal of the state’s elected political representatives to help.

He said, “Apart from, Rt. Hon. Maje in the House of Representative, other members and the Three Senators from Plateau State, have refused to help their constituents, health wise. They rather prefer to give them bore holes”.

You would recall that, PLASCHEMA as an Agency of the Plateau State Government was established with the goal of ensuring that, residents in the state have adequate access to quality and affordable healthcare services when the need arises.

PLATEAU: FGN vs SEN. JANG & ANOTHER: I GAVE MY STATEMENTS TO EFCC UNDER DURESS! MR. YUSUF PAM (WITNESS) TELLS COURT

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Surprises in the matter between the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the former governor of Plateau State, Sen. Jonah Jang and a Cashier, Mr. Yusuf Pam, who worked in the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) seems not to have an end as, Mr. Pam (The Cashier) has told the Plateau State High Court again that, his statement at the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) office in Abuja was obtained from him under duress.

My Yusuf Pam, who is the 2^nd Defendant in the matter concerning the alleged looting and mismanagement of Plateau State funds, a charge brought against him and the former governor of Plateau State, Sen. Jang by the EFCC, in Examination-in-Chief by his Counsel S. A. Oguntuyi (Esq) told the Court that, he made the statement after he received slaps from one Mr. Sunday, the IPO handling the matter at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja.

Yusuf also added that, he was forced to corporate to write the statement in the way of the EFCC, as the process used to obtain the statement was a question and answer session.

Yusuf disclosed to the Court that, he was deprived of his drugs, despite making the IPOs know that he is a hypertensive and diabetic patient. Rather, he was taken to an underground cell in the Headquarters to put him under compulsion to corporate with the IPOs of the EFCC, who questioned him in their open office at the headquarters having over 13 desks.

COURT

He lamented that, even when he told and pleaded with the IPO, Mr. Sunday, to allow him make a call to his children over the death and burial of his wife, he refused and this kept him under pressure to cooperate with the IPOs.

Lamenting the situation before the Court, Mr. disclosed that, he is still suffering the trauma to date.

Under Cross-Examination by EFCC’s lead Counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), Mr. Pam told the Court that, he wrote the 7 statements obtained from him within 6 hours because of the EFCC and that, the Six (6) hours being talked about, runs for over 16months of him coming and going from the EFCC’s headquarters and getting involved in two fatal accidents on his way.

Pam said, several of his comments during the last trial in the Plateau State Court then presided over by, Hon. Justice Longji (Rtd), are not in the statement he was confronted with by the EFCC’s Counsel.

PLATEAU STATE HIGH COURT

You would recall that, a trial within trial arouse as the EFCC attempted to tender the statements obtained from Mr. Yusuf Pam at the EFCC’s headquarters Abuja.

In another development, the hearing of the substantive case came up today, with EFCC’s witness Mr. Sunday testifying, but was stalled, owing to a pending ruling before the Court.

The Court has therefore adjourned the matter to tomorrow, 28^th April, 2022.

NIGERIA STATE HOUSES OF ASSEMBLIES, MAY SOON EXPERIENCE PROTESTS OVER LG AUTONOMY, OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS, IF NOT RATIFIED

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

There are strong indications that, Nigerians, across all fields of life, may soon be mobilizing for protest, if State Houses of Assemblies refuse to ratify, Local Government Autonomy, among others provisions in the 1999 Constitution, as amended by the National Assembly recently.

You would recall that, information has it that, the amendments in the 1999 Constitution have been transmitted to the State Houses of Assemblies since 29^th of March, 2022, yet Nigerians have been kept in the dark by the State Assemblies.

In a crucial meeting on 21^st April, 2022 (last week), organized by PERL-ECP, titled: “STRATEGIC MEETING OF CITIZEN GROUPS ON ADVOCACY FOR THE RATIFICATION OF CONSTITIONAL AMENDMENT BILLS”, Participants have resolved to mobilize their constituents, professional bodies and industrial association, towards engaging the various State Houses of Assemblies for the need to ratify the Constitutional Amendments, centering more on Local Government Financial Autonomy, Administrative Autonomy and Food Security.

In attendance at the meeting in Abuja, were leaders of frontline Labour Movements, Journalists and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), which includes, NLC, NULGE, NUJ, among others.

Earlier in their remarks, while welcoming the participants, Dr. Adiya Ode, the National Team Leader of PERL-ECP, Sen. Bala Adamu, Amb. Jerry Ugokwe and Mr. John Mutu of Democracy Vanguard, called on all participants to join hands towards achieving the purpose of the ratification. They said, “It is now a NEED for the country”.

RT. HON. YUSUF A. GAGDI, BAGS IPA'S PRESTIGIOUS AWARD ON LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATION AND YOUTHS EMPOWERMENT

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has bagged the prestigious Award of the Independent Publishers Association (IPA) on “Invaluable Legislative Representation and Youths Empowerment”.

Presenting the Award to him in his office, the Chairman of IPA, Mr. Shabul Mazadu flagged by other members of the Association, said Hon. Gagdi has tremendously and remarkably curved an excellent niche for himself in the representation of his constituents at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly and that, “Never in the annals of PKK Federal Constituency representation has any member distinguished himself with selfless,  tremendous and remarkable achievements for the constituents as Yusuf Gagdi”.

MR. SHABUL, MEMBERS OF IPA, OTHERS

Adding that, “He has exhibited excellence in his representation, both at law making and bettering the welfare of his constituents.

“Of the bills he raised and were enacted into law include; Police Reform Bill, Conversion of Federal College of Education Pankshin to Federal University of Education, among others. Some of the bills undergoing reading include creation of Federal College of Education Kanam, and one being considered is the creation of Federal Technical School Amper, and others”.

In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Gagdi, thanked members of the Association for finding him worthy for the Award. He said, he has respect for the Association, especially for the members, who constitute it.

RT. HON. GAGDI ON HIS FEET TOO

He said he is proud that, the members of the Association, despite their critical minds have not found him wanting in his representation in the past three years of the good people of PKK at the National Assembly, while disclosing that, the Plateau State Council of the NUJ earlier same day has giving him an Award too.

Gagdi, used the opportunity of the event, to call on Journalists to also use their Pen, to bring development, unity and peace to the state and the country at large, while promising to unveil most of his achievement that are yet reported, soon.

Chairman Shabul on his feet

READ THE FULL SPEECH OF THE CHAIRMAN OF IPA, MR. SHABUL MAZADU BELOW:-

Independent Publishers Association, IPA, Chairman’s Speech on the Invaluable Legislative Representation and Youths Empowerment Award Presented to Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi on 24th April, 2022.

The recipient, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Permit me to stand on existing protocol.

The Independent Publishers Association, IPA is here today, to bestow an award of Invaluable Legislative Representation and Youths Empowerment on Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency.

Hon. Gagdi has tremendously and remarkably curved an excellent niche for himself in the representation of his constituents at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.

Never in the annals of PKK Federal Constituency representation has any member distinguished himself with selfless,  tremendous and remarkable achievements for the constituents as Yusuf Gagdi.

He has exhibited excellence in his  representation both at law making and bettering the welfare of his constituents.

Of the bills he raised and were enacted into law include; Police Reform Bill, Conversion of Federal College of Education Pankshin to Federal University of Education, among others. Some of the bills undergoing reading include creation of Federal College of Education Kanam, and one being considered is the creation of Federal Technical School Amper, and others.

Gagdi has secured employment to over two hundred youths of his Constituency with the Federal Government in various agencies, departments and ministries, aside empowering hundreds with motorcycles, grinding machines and cars.

While most politicians use most of their foot soldiers and dump them, such political gimmick is not on the menu of Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, as none on his 2019 campaign train ever complain of betrayal by him.

Infrastructurally wise, Gagdi has constructed some roads and ICT centres. He is also constructing skills acquisition centre, and constructing palaces for some royal fathers.

He has achieved so many to his credit that time and space will not permit me to mention all.

As we present you with the Award of Invaluable Representation and Youth Empowerment, it is our earnest prayer that you don’t relent, but inflame your zeal, passion and enthusiasm in representing your constituents and bettering their welfare and also raising bills that will continue impacting positively on your Constituency, Senatorial District, Plateau State and the entire country.

Well done and God bless!

Signed:

Shabul Mazadu

IPA Chairman

SEE OTHER PICTURES OF THE EVENT BELOW:-

PLATEAU SOUTH SENATE: GOV. LALONG SHOULD INDICATES HIS INTEREST NOW, IT IS NOT GOING TO BE BUSINESS AS USUAL---RT. HON. JOHNBULL SHEKARAU

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The former Deputy Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Johnbull Shekarau has call on the Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, to indicate his interest now if he is going to run for the Plateau South Senatorial District seat before it is too late.

Rt. Hon. Johnbull in an exclusive interview with REALITY said the Governor should indicates his interest now because, “It is not going to be business as usual”.

HON. JOHNBULL SHEKARAU

Johnbull, who has also indicated to run for the Plateau South Senatorial District, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also disclosed that there is nowhere in the Southern zone of the state where the Governor’s interest is established even through posters.

“He needs to do it now and sharply too because, there are few months left”. Rt. Hon. Johnbull stated.

He said, “It is not the issue of birth right. We have governors that were never Senators. Late Chief Solomon Lar, Sir Fidelis Tapgun, never went to the Senate.

SHEKARAU

“So, because Sen. Dariye and Sen. Jang were able to make it to the Senate, does not mean it is a birth right!

I understand that, governors have this penchant of wanting to contest to go to the Senate after their tenure, may be to go and hide or cover their filth past among other motives, but there is no way you can say that, it is a birth right.

“It has happened in many other states when governors wanted to achieve that feat, but they lost!

“If you recall, in Bauchi State, former governor Muazu, tried and he was defeated and there are plethora of examples of such cases in different states in the country.

“So, I don’t think is an issue for me to worry about!

PLATEAU

The way it is at the moment, especially in the Southern zone of Plateau, our Governor, Simon Bako Lalong is not interested in coming out to contest for the seat of the Senator representing the zone because, he has not indicated such interest and no posters are on the streets for that purpose.

“As at this moment, election is just few months from now and he has not indicated interest simply means, he is not interested.

RT. HON. JOHNBULL

“My advice is, if he is thinking of contesting, it is better for him to do it sharply because, it is not going to be business as usual!”

2023: RT. HON. JOHNBULL SHEKARAU CONDEMNS ETHNIC AND TRIBAL CAMPAIGNS GOING ON IN PLATEAU STATE

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

A form Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly has strongly condemned the ongoing tribal and ethnic campaigns going on in the country, especially in Plateau State.

RT. HON. JOHNBULL

 

Rt. Hon. Johnbull Shakarau who also is a former member of the Lower Chambers of the National Assembly, then represented the good people of Mikang/Shendam/Qua’anpan Federal Constituency of Plateau State, also call on the people engaging in the practice to desist.

Rt. Hon. Shakarau, who spoke in an exclusive interview with REALITY, explained that, representation from such political ideology cannot produce needed performances and results.

He said, “I am not comfortable and this is a very sad observation. Ethnicity and bigotry is not allowed in politics. Politics ushers in a platform where one gets the opportunity to represent, and govern people that live in a particular area. When it is reduced to ethnicity or religion, it becomes bigotry and this is entirely not right.

“I think politicians and their followers should be advised to desist from that approach and opinion.

RT. HON. JOHNBULL SHEKARAU

“What we need in politics is to initiate what will effect changes in the lives of the people of a particular area, be it a zone, a constituency or a state. But, when the political purpose is trivialized, you don’t achieve anything because, at the end you may not be productive as expected.

“We must learn to elect people that are right, qualified and that have the basic capacity to represent and lead, attached the competence to deliver.

“So, people that are using this bigotry style to represent the people should be advised to desist from it. That is my take!”

PLATEAU SOUTH SENATORIAL ASPIRATION: I WANT TO LIFT THE BAR ON REPRESENTATION--RT. HON. JOHNBULL SHEKARAU, SPEAKS OUT

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Rt. Hon. Johnbull Shekarau, a former Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, who later represented the good people of Mikang/Shendam/Qua’anpan Federal Constituency of Plateau State, has finally broken his silence on his ambition to represent the good people of Plateau South Senatorial District at the Upper Chambers of the National Assembly, come 2023.

Rt. Hon. Johnbull, while speaking to REALITY on his aspiration to contest for the Senate seat come 2023 revealed that, he is pushed by the desire to raise the bar of representation to a higher level in order to meet with the needs and yearnings of the people in the constituency and the country at large.

He explained that, he is the best for the Job to Prince Valentine Adese (JP) the Editor-in-Chief in an exclusive interview at his residence in Jos recently.

Rt. Hon. Johnbull Shekarau also revealed that he would be contesting under the plateform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

READ THE EXCERPT IN PART:-   

I am Rt. Hon. Johnbull Shekarau am from Shendam Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

It is true that, if you go round the streets of Plateau South, you will see my posters. I have indicated my interest to run for the Senate seat of the Plateau South Senatorial District, to represent the southern zone of the state at the National Assembly in the 2023 general elections under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

WHY I AM GUNNING FOR THE SENATE:-

RT, HON. JOHNBULL

Yes, you can see that, the Senate is a high and very respected chamber of the National Assembly and an important arm of the Legislature.

As a legislator myself and having been groomed from the State House of assembly,  to the House of Representatives, I believe I have the capacity, ability and  dexterity, to withstand the punches, the challenges and the vibration of the senate. This is why I am contesting.

Again, it is on record that the southern zone of Plateau State has been having deficit on representation. We have had several senators and to my mind, they have done their best but, I have the drive to improve on what they have done.

I want to break political barriers and bring things that would make that office attractive and make the people happy over my representation and also attract things to the zone that I believe are lacking.

JOHNBULL SHEKARAU

I really want to create a serious paradigm shift in the polity. I want to lay the foundation for a proper and effective representation and these are things my people have been yeaning for.

WHETHER I AM SCARED OF OTHER ASPIRANTS?

I cannot be worried that someone else is interested in a position that I am interested in too! This is because, it is a contest. The other aspirants are expected to bring their issues while showcase mine with attached solutions, then the people will decide.

To my mind, I feel that is how it should be. I know that some Aspirants want to contest in the coming PDP primaries, I still don’t know where they are coming from and I am sure they also don’t know where I am coming from too. But, one thing I know is that, I have the capacity and the needed drive for the office and for quality representation.

I have been in this field mark you, I know the needs of my people and the people know me. I am sure I shall emerge victorious.

So, other Aspirants are welcome to the contest. Let’s see how will present our case and manifesto and allow the people decide.

For me, there are lots I have done while serving the people, I will therefore be listening to hear what other Aspirants will tell the people concerning what their achievements are that will surpass mine and that will convince the people to make decision in their favour come the PDP Primary and the 2023 general election.

IS THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY YOUR BIRTHRIGHT?

The good thing about legislative job is the experience! Is not just a place where you come and go! I have been a member of the House of Assembly, I have been a member of the House of Representatives, I am trained and loaded with needed experiences. Records have it that some members have been at the National Assembly representing their Constituency for about six (6) times now.

Hon. Ben Lar, Rt. Hon. Idris Maje, and the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives are all heading for the fifth (5th) times are elected Representatives. On my part, I have only gone to the House once and you can see and attest to my performance within the period.

I am not trying to praise myself, but simply to say the facts.  I even raised the bar during the period hence, anybody coming after me, must either exceed it or be stalled and this one of the major reasons why, I am also gunning, for the senate. I want to raise the bar!

We should have a basic minimum we cannot go below in representing us from Southern Plateau.

So, going to the senate and working with other senators will be easy. This is because I am not a new comer but rather I will use my experience to attract what is necessary and needed in the southern zone.

NOMINATION AND SECURING THE CANDIDATURE AND THE ON GOING CAMPAIGNS

People are free to campaign against me because, everybody has his/her opinion. This is why I call this a contest and that is why the majority will always have the day. So, no matter what you do in this world, people would always have different views. And no matter how brilliant, ideological, one may sound, people will always have another way of seeing it.

I know that at the end of it all, majority will tell you that, I am capable and competent for the Senate Job. So, it is not about having dissenting views because, this happens every time. Like I told somebody recently, I said, even if Our Lord comes to stand for election today against the devil, you will still see people queue behind the devil and this is very definite. This is the human phenomenon!

PLATEAU AGAIN: MR. SHABUL MAZADU, SHOWS EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP, ADDS SMILES ON THE FACES OF IPA MEMBERS ON EASTER

By: Hauwa Kabir,

The Chairman of the Independent Publishers’ Association (IPA) Mr. Shabul Mazadu has again today Sunday, the 17th of April, 2022, added smiles on the faces of his members, as he sourced and distributed Easter gifts and consumables to members.

The distribution of the items under his supervision was carried out at his Newspaper’s office (THE BEACON), which also doubles, as IPA’s Temporary Secretariat, after an emergency meeting.

CHAIRMAN SHABUL

Items distributed include Rice, BUA Pasta Spaghetti Slim, Honey Well Macaroni, Hot Chocolate Drinks, among others.

The Chairman saw to it that, members of IPA were given priority in the distribution exercise before him, irrespective of the outcome.

Members unanimously prayed for him, asking God to grant him more wisdom and ability to lead.

You would recall that, the Chairman of the Independent Publishers’ Association (IPA) Mr. Shabul Mazadu had on Friday, the 24th of December, 2021, exemplified the same leadership, when he sourced and distributed Christmas gifts and consumable to the same members.

PDP'S IRRESPONSIBLE AND MISCHIEVOUS POLITICISATION OF PLATEAU KILLINGS--APC BLOWS HOT (READ UNEDITED STATEMENT)

15th April, 2022.

APC PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER,

EWAREWAH HOUSE,

YAKUBU GOWON WAY,

 JOS.

PDP’S IRRESPONSIBLE AND MISCHIEVOUS POLITICISATION OF PLATEAU KILLINGS

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Plateau State Chapter has noticed with great concern and sadness the indifference of the supposed opposition Peoples Democratic Party in the state over the unfortunate attacks on our people which led to the loss of unsuspecting lives and wanton destruction of property.

Instead of joining hands with the people of the state in condemning the acts and preferring solutions to these cowardly acts, the party has always deliberately chosen to look the other way.

Known for its love for bogus figures, the party is the only one to have come out with a 300 number of people killed in the recent terrorist attacks on some  peaceful communities in Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas last weekend.

We know that every live lost in such manner is regretted and condemned as none of us can create one life.

This is not done as a demonstration of concern for the communities but as part of its usual irresponsible and pass time blaming of such unfortunate occurrences on the Governor of Plateau State.

The recent carnage visited on our people in the two local government areas, were widely condemned by Nigerians across political divides but not so for the Plateau PDP which has isolated itself from happenings around the state and the nation.

It always wakes up from its slumber and throws unnecessary blames on Governor Simon Lalong who is the Chief mourner in all the killings of our people by dare devil attackers.

We call on the PDP in Plateau state to be responsible and sensitive for once and join hands with the people and government of Plateau state in stemming the tide of these attacks, killing and maiming of our people either from Irigweland or the recent surprise terrorist invasion of some Kanam and Wase communities which left on its trails the loss of precious lives and displacement of many peasants.

What these communities need from all of us at this solemn moment is genuine show of love and assistance to alleviate their plight and not politics and shading of belated crocodile tears.

It is not in doubt that Governor Simon Bako Lalong, since assumption of power in 2015, has done everything possible to secure the people of Plateau State and reuniting the diverse ethnic nationalities in the state.

This has attracted commendation from all except the PDP which is not happy as  his efforts of uniting the people has gone against its divisive policy of causing disharmony and fractures which were part of the reasons for its being booted out of power.

It did not stop its blame game on only Governor Lalong but this time around, for intended political gains  it also extended the blame to the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives,  Rt. Honourable Idris Maje.

It mischievously claimed that the Deputy Speaker was busy celebrating Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia while his people were being killed.

This is a combination of mischief and crass ignorance. If not, when has the performance of a religious obligation such as the Lesser Hajj become a celebration?

Because the PDP in Plateau state which is enmeshed in intractable crises and endless litigation over its leadership and ownership, it has been so self distracted and has lost complete touch with current happenings.

If not, the party should have known that the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives,  Rt Honourable Idris Maje, a true son of Plateau state and proudly APC, presided  over the sitting of Federal House of Representatives physically and not visually when matters of urgent public interest condemning the Kanam and Wase Local Government killings were tabled.

The PDP should come out of its shell and stop the wishful thinking and false confidence that when it takes over power in 2023, it will do better.

Plateau people cannot be deceived by the twice rejected PDP in Plateau state as it has sufficiently proved that the leopard cannot change its spots.

Signed:

Hon. Sylvanus Namang,

 APC State Publicity Secretary

OPINION: RE: PKK MICROZONING: A CASE OF ELECTORAL XENOPHOBIA

By: Samuel O. Nentawe,

My attention has just been drawn to a write of one Hosea Nash, titled: PKK MICROZONING: A CASE OF ELECTORAL XENOPHOBIA, published by REALITY NEWSPAPER few minutes ago that has caused my heart to bleed.

I took my time to also googol to know the profile of the writer, and I discovered that, he is the Publisher/Owner of the defunct APEX Magazine.

In his write up that may have gone viral, courtesy REALITY NEWSPAPER, Hosea claimed and I quote that, “The opportunity created by political parties to enthrone geopolitical equity and good conscience is about to be mangled by ethnic fear as fortune seekers attempt to forge an arrangement that is not supported by any historical facts and antecedents.

“First of all, constitutional matters must be separated from Party privileges and consensual norms. The entrenchment or creation of geopolitical zones, senatorial districts, federal constituencies, state constituencies, and Federal Wards in the 1999 constitution was to keep the federation intact in terms of political representation.

“The same constitution is silent on how the tribes within such political demarcations collaborate and coagulate socio-politically. To a large extent, political parties intervene with privileges such as rotation or zoning. But not even the political parties prescribe zoning or rotation along the political prefabrications of Federal, State, or Wards.

“Rather, ethnic or cultural configuration is the predicate of zoning to the effect that it conduce cross-cultural cooperation, understanding, and reduces tension and self asserting agitations”.

I really do agree with him that, there is nowhere that political agreements among tribes have been documented like the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and that, the ethnic groups within a State, Constituency or Ward, work things out in order to effect “Cross-Cultural Cooperation, Understanding in order to reduce suspicion, under development, marginalization and some form of superiority and domination in all forms.

It therefore calls to question Hosea’s write up, on whether it is the Ngas tribe (People) alone that took the decisions in the Central Zone of Plateau State, as he failed to put it across to his readers.

It is unfortunate that, Hosea, being a Plateau Son from the Southern extraction, who must have been educated of the tribal composition of Plateau Central Senatorial Zone from his Primary School days to his present exposure is found wanting, as he mischievously equates PKK to mean Ngas people.

There is nowhere in the history that he has relied upon from Gowon to J. D. Gomwalk that the Ngas people have every claimed PKK.

To me, this imagination is troublesome!

Secondly, if he believes that there is zoning among the tribes in the zone, it simply means that, the people of PKK wish to remain equals, while providing the needed opportunity for each component of the brotherhood to have a thirst of several political appointments and elective offices, which in my humble reasoning includes, the governorship seat.

Sadly, it is shameful to read and note that, a Journalist of Hosea’s standing, who is supposed to lead in the information industry with the expected wealth of his exposure, could hardly differentiate between a Military Rule and Democratic System. As he tried hard to mislead his readers concerning General Yakubu Gowon, as Head of State, and the great Joseph Gomwalk of blessed memory.

Kindly allow me, to reproduce part of his assertion on this and how his thought and pen trekked with his reasoning.

Hosea, having his brain between his legs stated and I quote, “Come to think of it, who is attempting to twist the records and stand history on the head? An excursion into history will throw up some truths and inalienable facts that are non-negotiable in this context. Even if the curtain is drawn against the era of General Yakubu Gowon as head of state, and Joseph Gomwalk as the military governor of the erstwhile Benue Plateau State for years in excess of present day term limits, PKK that is attempting to avoid electoral justice by pleading micro zoning, has been lavishly favored by the restoration of democracy since 1999”.

What a chase of the wind! Is he implying that, Ngas people should have closed their eyes in the face of an opportunity like this, which will allow many tribes in PKK, who are able and credibly qualified to replicate quality leadership in the state, to go away without nipping it on the bud? Haba Jama’a!

From the collection of the Aspirants from PKK, is there any that he can fault not to be able to wear the shoes of past leaders that have governed the state or is he already saying that, he and his undisclosed sponsors and group are more worried about the emergence of an Ngas?

I want to put it to him already that, the people of Ngas are ready to put in, the needed lobby and sacrifices in order to balance the inequality within the Plateau Central Senatorial Zone, politically without fear!

This is democracy and it is the government of the people by the people and not an instructive government by an administration, like Hosea Nash wants his readers to believe and treat as TRUTH.

The Ngas people have spoken and have advised in the course of their lobbying for the “Microzoning” that, it is for the Peace, Unity and Progress of PKK and not just Ngas as a tribe, just as Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency is not about Mwagahvul people as been erroneously pushed by Hosea in his baseless write up.

His baseless write up has not added anything to knowledge, peaceful living or the unity of the zone, as it rather speaks volume about the inherent greed and selfishness of those, who have no respect for other tribes and their people.

OPINION: PKK MICROZONING: A CASE OF ELECTORAL XENOPHOBIA

By: Hosea Nash,

The opportunity created by political parties to enthrone geopolitical equity and good conscience is about to be mangled by ethnic fear as fortune seekers attempt to forge an arrangement that is not supported by any historical facts and antecedents.

First of all, constitutional matters must be separated from Party privileges and consensual norms. The entrenchment, or creation of geopolitical zones, senatorial districts, federal constituencies, state constituencies, and Federal Wards in the 1999 constitution was to keep the federation intact in terms of political representation. The same constitution is silent on how the tribes within such political demarcations collaborate and coagulate socio-politically.

To a large extent, political parties intervene with privileges such as rotation or zoning. But not even the political parties prescribe zoning or rotation along the political prefabrications of Federal, State, or Wards. Rather, ethnic or cultural configuration is the predicate of zoning to the effect that it conduce cross-cultural cooperation, understanding, and reduces tension and self asserting agitations.

This makes the recent claim by some self-serving politicians of Fortune that any Party that zones especially it’s Gubernatorial ticket to Plateau Central Senatorial district has automatically micro zoned the position to Pankshin/ Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency for the reason that Joshua Dariye (1999), and Soni Gwanle Tyoden (2015-2023), from Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency had occupied the positions of Governor and Deputy Governor respectively. This claim is basically expression of low self-esteem and electoral xenophobia.

Come to think of it, who is attempting to twist the records and stand history on the head? An excursion into history will throw up some truths and inalienable facts that are non-negotiable in this context. Even if the curtain is drawn against the era of General Yakubu Gowon as head of state, and Joseph Gomwalk as the military governor of the erstwhile Benue Plateau State for years in excess of present day term limits, PKK that is attempting to avoid electoral justice by pleading micro zoning, has been lavishly favored by the restoration of democracy since 1999.

From the primitive hold on the position of Senate to Secretary to the Government of the State, Heads of Commissions, Head of the state economy, Ambassadors to Chief of Staff to the governor, the Ngas, who prefer to hide under the political canopy of the PKK, have had a preponderant share of democracy dividends, opportunities, and patronage.

As far as the Plateau State is concerned, the position of Governor come 2023 is for the Plateau Central; and it is open to all the constituent local government areas. It is for all the contending Local Government Areas to decide; and certainly not a matter or opportunity for some ethnic alarmist and frontiersmen to seek to appropriate to their tribe. Not even the political party at the zonal level is conferred with such powers to contemplate “micro zoning”, let alone try to canvass it as a template to determine who should emerge as the party’s Gubernatorial candidate.

The State Executive Committee, SEC, is the highest decision making body of any party at the state level; and this is not replicated at the zonal level, thus every Party lacks the platform and authority to pronounce the dubious and clumsy arrangement such these authors of doomsday politics are recommending for PKK.

Thus, in the interest of justice and common sense, Central Plateau is urging the gang of ice cream sucking Guber aspirants to leave their funk hall of shotgun primary and face the ever eager army of dispassionate Plateau delegates. The office and responsibility of a Plateau state governor, is certainly not some low hanging fruits where the mere wish of some cat burglars will get it to their pockets. Shape up or ship out!

JUST IN: LEGAL AND SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT: WRAPA HOLDS MEETING WITH PLATEAU STATE EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATURE, OTHERS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Women’s Rights Advancement And Protection Alternative (WRAPA) in order to push for the assent and implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Bill, and Gender and Equal Opportunity (GEO) Law respectively, has organized a Strategic meeting between the Plateau State Coordination Committee, the State Legislature the State Executive and many other critical stakeholders in the legal implementation process.

The program, which was held at City Lodge Hotel Jos, organized by WRAPA and funded by African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), is aimed at legally and socially empowering Women’s Rights in Plateau and Kaduna States, as well as, formulating a strategic action plan.

The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, who was humbly and ably represented by Hon. Esther Dusu, and who showed total support for the move to formulate an action plan to push on the Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong for his assent to the VAPP Bill, also assured WRAPA and the Coalition of CSOs present that, he would help to facilitate any other agreements reached after the meeting.

Hon. Dusu, also disclosed in an on-the-spot interview with Journalists that, “the Plateau State Speaker is already on the matter. He had a session with the Governor yesterday, and hopefully after the House Session today, when I brief him, he will think of other steps to take”.

Dusu however, lamented that, the overall objective of protecting Women and implementation of the GEO Law in Plateau State, being pushed by WRAPA, would have been achieved, if not for the differences in opinions among the state Legislators, created by the different political party platforms that they represent in the state belong to.

On her part, a former Commissioner of Plateau State, Mrs. Olivia Dazyem and a Human Rights Activist, Mr. Gad Shamaki, opined that, the non-implementation of the Law and signing of the Bill may have been caused by lack of political will, but further suggested that, the cause of the lack in political will should be looked into.

Speaking to Journalists concerning the meeting and its expected outcome, Madam Jummai Madaki, the Plateau State Coordinator of WRAPA said, the strategic meeting is different from others, as the Legislators in the Plateau State House of Assembly are directly involved in the meeting to find a way out.

She said, “We know the processes are difficult and challenging. It took over Eight (8) years to get one of the Bills signed into Law, but with this strategy of involving the Plateau State Assembly and other Government offices that are concerned with Laws and Women Affairs, there is high hopes that, we might achieve our objectives faster.

“We shall also look at this new dimension opened by the only woman in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Esther Dusu and see how we can bring the leaders of the various political parties operating in the state, on a round table to discuss these issues and then find a positive way forward on this implementation”.

“These Bill and Law are not for the benefits of women alone, it includes men”.  She added.

Earlier in her presentation, Madam Mary Izam (Esq) disclosed that, the VAPP Bill and GEO Law is all encompassing as it addresses issues of discrimination in all forms against men and women, and also helps to enforce the provisions of Section 42 of the 1999 constitution (as amended).

 The Communiqué Coming Soon!

PLATEAU 2023 GOVERNORSHIP RACE: I AM THE BEST ASPIRANT—DR. PATRICK DAKUM

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Dr. Patrick Dakum has joined other Aspirants in Plateau State in the coming 2023 governorship race.

Dr. Dakum, who declared his intention to contest in the forthcoming Plateau 2023 governorship race under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday, told journalists in a press conference that, among the array of governorship Aspirants currently in the state, he remains the best fit for the job.

Dr. Dakum, who took same yesterday to open his campaign office claimed that, none of the Aspirants has his experience in politics, adminitration, information management, among others, which the state needs in order to amplify the achievements of the incumbent administration of Governor Simon Lalong in the state.

DR. DAKUM

He said, “I will rate myself above 99%”.

MORE TO COME…  

PLATEAU 2023 GOVERNORSHIP RACE: X-RAYING THE NGAS NATION

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The political time table for each general election in Nigeria comes before the end of every four (4) years. Its publication attracts politicians, who want to vie for any political office in the states or at the federal levels.

It also attracts the activities of political followers, who believe in the vision and aspirations of these Aspirants, who may later turn candidates in each political party since the 1999 nascent democracy in the country.

These political followers from available facts cut across, religious denominations, tribal, ethnic and professional groups/bodies.

As the 2023 general elections in Nigeria approaches especially, in Plateau State, one major feature that is visible is the display of ethnic interest by all the nationalities in the state over all elective positions, from the state to the national levels.

The Peace Loving Ngas people in the Central Senatorial District are not left out on this, as the plot to occupy the governorship seat of the state has been a long time project.

In order to achieve this project and step into the shoes of one of its own, late J. D. Gomwalk of blessed memory, the array of Aspirants from the Ngas Nation, who have picked forms from their respective political parties for the governorship contest are not only credible, but fit to reproduce and replicate the needed, J. D. Gomwalk’s leadership style. Pundits have stated in several fora

From available facts also, the Ngas people have kept to this long time dream by rejecting most offers to occupy certain offices or appointment(s) allocated to them since 1999 that would hinder its goal of occupying the Plateau State Government House Little Rayfield.

The Ngas People, like the Beroms, can be found in all parts of the state, either as individuals or as a community and doing their humble peaceful businesses, while living side by side with their host communities.

Apart from the Ngas people having Kanke Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State to themselves, they are also found in their large numbers in other LGAs with other ethnic groups.

The Ngas have a strong presence in Shendam LGA and controls about two Wards. In Pankshin North, they control about 6 Wards. Their presence is felt in Langtang North, while in Kanke itself, they are in control of about 10 Wards.

In its Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau state, there is no part of it that Ngas people cannot be found, displaying their peaceful nature.

However, as the 2023 governorship contest draws nearer, most registered political parties operating in the state that may have the intention to contest, have started looking at the direction of the Ngas Nation.

You would recall that, just recently, the Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had zoned the governorship ticket to Plateau Central Zone, and this has kicked started the lobby of the Ngas people to the entire state that, it be microzoned to PKK.

  TO BE CONTINUED…..

PLATEAU 2023 GOVERNORSHIP RACE: PUNDITS CALL ON MWAGHAVUL PEOPLE TO SUPPORT NGAS' BID

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

As the political stage is getting set in each registered political party to pick a candidate to represent it in the forthcoming 2023 governorship election in Plateau State, political watchers in the state are urging Mwaghavul people in Mangu Local government Area (LGA) to support the bid of the Ngas Nation.

Pundits in the state are of the view that, since they are neighbours and sharing very close borders, the need to support each other within the Central Zone would bring more positive impact to the zone.

You would recall that, REALITY had reported that, Stakeholders from PKK in the PDP are currently campaigning for a microzoning of the governorship ticket to PKK.

The campaigners, have said that, “There is no doubt, this is the turn of PKK to produce the governor because, Mangu/ Bokkos have done it before. As Stakeholders and Delegates in the coming election, we must do the needful.

“If Mwaghavul people believe it’s because they have the majority in the Central zone, they may have been misleading themselves, as they are not more populated than the Ngas people.

“The Federal Constituency, which they belong to has produced Dariye and it’s only fair that, they respect the others for peace and stability.

“If we can all agree that, our northern Aspirants shelve their ambitions to support the Central zone, then it follows that PKK should be supported by all”.

“There must be give and take to reflect the mood of the state. We have very strong contenders in PKK for the seat too! Therefore, there is no way we will give the governorship ticket to the Federal Constituency that has produced a governor and is presently holding on to the Deputy Governorship position in the state. It will not be fair, truly speaking!

Speaking on the sideline of this argument, Mr. Emmanuel Azi, a Social Scientist, who spoke to REALITY, while analyzing the facts on ground said, “I will strongly advise the Mwaghavul Nation to support the Ngas Nation’s bid for the forthcoming governorship election because, the Ngas people from information available to me, have decided to put Ngas Nation first and therefore would only support Ngas Aspirants across all the political parties that intend to contest the 2023 governorship race in the state”.

Mr. Samuel Oko, a Statistician, while adding his opinion to the issue, also called on the Mwaghavul Nation to look at the voting strength and pattern of the Ngas Nation before attempting to jettison their invitation to collaborate on the basis of the respected unwritten “Microzoning” arrangement in the zone since 1999, which had produced Sen. Joshua Dariye, as governor.

According to Mr. Oko, “The Mwaghavul People must be reminded that, there is a total of 207 federal wards in the state and they as a nation, control only 10 Wards out of the 14 Wards in Mangu LGA, while the Ngas has 10 Wards in Kanke LGA alone, not including Wards they control in Pankshin North and pockets of it in other LGAs around Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam (PKK) Federal Constituency of Plateau State.

“Secondly, since the people of PKK, have cried out citing marginalization, they may attract the sympathy of the Northern and Southern zones in the state, who have agreed to zone the governorship ticket to the Central Senatorial District”.

PLATEAU 2023 GOVERNORSHIP RACE: PDP ZONES TICKET TO CENTRAL ZONE, PKK LOBBIES, POINTS AT SEN. DARIYE, PROF. TYODEN

By: Frank Agbai,

The race for the forthcoming 2023 general elections has commenced with Political Parties operating in the country strategically zoning political office to strongholds based on historical agreements and arrangements.

Although most of these alleged agreements and arrangement are largely unwritten, they seem to be respected by party faithful.

The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also joined other chapters to zone its political offices especially the governorship ticket.

The chapter has decided after a long deliberation in its secretariat yesterday, Saturday, the 9^th of April, 2022, to zone the governorship ticket to the Central Senatorial Zone of the State.

Although this did not come as a surprise to political watchers in the state, with is in the minds of pundits is where the ticket would finally land in the zone, as the zone has the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam and Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituencies.

However, in a swift move, the people of PKK within the PDP, have going into lobbying mode, and giving reasons why they should produce the next Chief Executive of the state.

The Stakeholders from PKK in the PDP are currently campaigning for a Microzone of the ticket to PKK on the grounds that, “There is no doubt, this is the turn of PKK to produce the governor because, Mangu/ Bokkos have done it before. As Stakeholders and Delegates in the coming election, we must do the needful.

“If Mwaghavul people believe it’s because they have the majority in the Central zone, they may have been misleading themselves, as they are not more populated than the Ngas people.

“The Federal Constituency, which they belong to has produced Dariye and it’s only fair that, they respect the others for peace and stability.

“If we can all agree that, our northern Aspirants shelve their ambitions to support the Central zone, then it follows that PKK should be supported by all”.

“There must be give and take to reflect the mood of the state. We have very strong contenders in PKK for the seat too! Therefore, there is no way we will give the governorship ticket to the Federal Constituency that has produced a governor and is presently holding on to the Deputy Governorship position in the state. It will not be fair, truly speaking!

TO BE CONTINUED….

PLATEAU 2023: New Permutation Favours PKK, As Plateau PDP Zones Governorship Ticket To Plateau Central Senatorial District

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Fresh and underlining facts have emerged, as the Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), finally zoned its 2023 Governorship ticket to the Central Senatorial District.

Critical Stakeholders from REALITY findings across the state, have began quick moves to lobby for the ticket to be further microzoned to Pankshin/ Kanke/Kanam (PKK) Federal Constituency of Plateau State haven zoned it to Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency in 1999, which later produced former Governor, Joshua Chibi Dariye.

It is of note that, there is a strong unwritten agreement, that is well known to all Stakeholders in Plateau Central Senatorial District, which the people in PKK Federal Constituency of Plateau State had kept to their chest, while waiting for this zoning to take place.

It was therefore not a surprise that, as soon as, the State Executive Committee (SEC) endorsed the zoning yesterday (Saturday), swiftly, underlining permutations came up, which is x-raying the political reality on ground.

It is a fact on ground that, those who have already shown interest in the forthcoming 2023 Plateau State Governorship race are mostly from the Mwaghavul and Ngas ethnic groups of the zone, with few persons outside these major two.

The Mwaghavul people, who have registered the largest number of Aspirants in the forthcoming governorship race seems to have completely lost in this new permutation and may have been caught unprepared with the new developments and lobbying going on.

Records from the Central zone dogged out by REALITY, seems to show that, Plateau people are aware that, Mwaghavul people, joining hands with the people of Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA), as a Federal Constituency, have produced Sen. Dariye for Eight (8) years and currently, the incumbent Deputy Governor in the state, Prof Sonny Tyoden, who is also getting to 8 years in office.

However, while speaking with a section of critical PDP Stakeholders at the party office yesterday, after the decision to zone the 2023 governorship ticket to the Central zone of the state, many members expressed happiness with the unanimous decision, especially with PKK in mind this time around.

One of the members of the State Working Committee from the Northern zone, (name withheld), who spoke to REALITY said, “No doubt, this is the turn of PKK to produce the governor because, Mangu/ Bokkos have done it before. As Stakeholders and Delegates in the coming election, we must do the needful. This is the ongoing permutation. Presently, Mangu / Bokkos Federal Constituency has the highest number of governorship Aspirants. I don’t really know the reason behind this!

“If Mwaghavul people believe it’s because they have the majority in the Central zone, they may have been misleading themselves, as they are not more populated than the Ngas people.

“The Federal Constituency, which they belong to has produced Dariye and it’s only fair that, they respect the others for peace and stability.

“If we can all agree that, our northern Aspirants shelve their ambitions to support the Central zone, then it follows that PKK should be supported by all”.

Another strong former grass root legislator from the Southern zone, Hon. James Endem, corroborated this saying that,” We have been telling Mangu people to forget about this, but they believe they have money to sway things in their favour.

“There must be give and take to reflect the mood of the state. We have very strong contenders in PKK for the seat too! Therefore, there is no way we will give the governorship ticket to the Federal Constituency that has produced a governor and is presently holding on to the Deputy Governorship position in the state. It will not be fair, truly speaking!

“Even the current crisis in Mangu, which allegedly has polarized the Mwaghavul people as a result of a kangaroo primary that was boycotted by majority of the Aspirants from the constituency, speaks volumes.

“Curiously speaking, how can they have organized such an exercise in which some, who participated, had already picked forms to contest?

“The position is that, the party in the state has frowned at exercise and may suspend the Central Zone Vice Chairman, who allegedly organized it to favour his alleged mentor and benefactor.

“This is very primitive indeed and has brought minus to the consideration of a Mwaghavul Aspirant within the PDP in the race.

“In all, we are looking for someone from PKK Federal Constituency to balance our permutations and we have many of them”.

According to a serving LGA Chairman (name withheld), who spoke with REALITY, he stated that, “Mangu people erroneously believe it’s their birthright having come out in large numbers for the contest. We even heard that, they were pushing for a microzoning of the office to Mangu to make it look like a Mwaghavul affair. But, some of us reminded them that, it’s not a tribe by tribe thing, but a Constituency issue.

“You cannot have Sen. Dariye, from Bokkos (1999-2007) and Sonny Tyoden(2015-2023) and still want to lord it on PKK, which is yet to produce any.

“For your information, even in 2019 governorship contest in the state,if you can recall, Mwaghavul people took the position of Deputy Governor  in the person of late Dr. Dalop in PDP.

“To my mind, that may have emboldened them to think that, they will get away with this again. But, from what I can see the other tribes are politically getting set to give them a huge run for their money.

“We may not talk much about the microzoning officially, but I assure you that, we have made up our minds for PKK. We must balance the equation.

“We must respect one another, It’s give and take! What reason(s) will Mwaghavul people give to get the support of the South and North, their money? No!

“They have about 15 Aspirants from their tribe alone and right now they are heavily in crisis. They have not reflected or shown the tolerance and respect the South and North gave to the Central zone. It will be sheer greed and selfishness to look down on others within the zone”.

Another Stakeholder from Bokkos said, “We are not supporting Mangu Aspirants for the governorship because, one of our own, Sen. Dariye and their own Tyoden have occupied these offices as Governor and Deputy Governor respectively. We are not the only ones in the zone.

“We must encourage one another and show the spirit of give and take.

“Even the large number of Mwaghavul Aspirants is discouraging!”

Jos Main Market: Another Giant Leap for Gov. Lalong

By: Yakubu Dati,

The menace of drug trafficking and abuse coupled with its spiraling effect of cultism and crime, is a cankerworm ravaging the youthful population in Nigeria, with Plateau State feeling the brunt.

This concern formed the nucleus of discourse with the Plateau State Commandant of the NDLEA, Mr. Umar Yahuza, where he lamented a surge in the use of narcotic drugs as evidenced in the arrests and convictions of drug traffickers lately.

It is the root cause of this menace that Governor Simon Lalong is attacking by providing massive employment and engagement for youths by pumping over Nine (9) Billion Naira into the ongoing construction of the British/America flyover bridge.

GOV. LALONG

With this initiative, the teeming youths in the state are already being engaged in various ways, as construction superintendents, project engineers, construction estimators, construction inspectors, journeyman electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, carpenters and artisans.

The multiplier effect is the creation of a new stream of income for food vendors, recharge card sellers and transporters, amongst others. This in turn, will improve the local economy, as the workers employed in the project will have wages to pass along to other local businesses.

But, that is just the beginning of the mission by the Lalong administration to rescue the state from unemployment and poverty, which fuels youth restiveness.

The construction of the Jos Main Market is another well thought out project that will double the domino impact of these benefits.

It can be likened to the Indian construction industry, which employs about 51 million people – the second-largest employer – and contributes around 9% to the country’s GDP and in addition, creates more than 45 million direct and indirect jobs in the Asian country.

The British/America flyover and the Jos Main Market are sure to play a significant role in the aggregate economy of the state in terms of its contribution to revenue generation, capital formation and employment creation, which ultimately supports the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and socio-economic development.

GOV. LALONG

The wages and personal income earned by these workers will improve and enable citizens to pay their sales and property taxes.

With these, the internally generated revenue of the state is bound to increase astronomically in the coming days, as Governor Simon Lalong reinvents the “civil service” state into a pool of budding entrepreneurs.

One recalls that, it was in the year 2015 that, Lalong, then the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Plateau State, made a vow at the Nenpun Arena in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau state, to rebuild the Jos Terminus Main Market, if elected into office.

As a man, who walks his talks, Lalong did not forget the pledge he made to the people hence, kick-started the process for its realization.

After several preliminary works that included a survey on the site and later bringing the old structure down, the Governor awarded the contract for the rebuilding of the market last month, ending the search for a viable investor, which started in August 2016, but yielded little results until respite came from Jaiz Bank PLC, with an offer to fund the construction with acceptable model.

The concept designs and financial projections was subjected to a rigorous process by relevant Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) made up of the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Ministries of Commerce and Industry, Housing, Bureau of Public Private Partnerships, Debt Management Office, Plateau Investments and Property Company (PIPC) Ltd; under the meticulous lens of the Harvard trained Chief of Staff, Noel Donjur.

After robust engagement, the Plateau State Executive Council, approved the engagement of Jaiz Bank in tow with their recommended contractor, to deliver the project in 12 months at the cost of N9.412 billion naira, all things being equal.

This is 37 years after the market was commissioned in 1985, and 20 years after the market was destroyed by fire in the year 2002.

As expected, the award of the contract, which marks a significant step towards rebuilding the edifice and towards fulfilling the promise made by the governor, has been greeted with excitement because of the potentials it holds to the state government as a revenue earner, to citizens as a center of commerce and others as a tourist’s site.

MR. DATI

What many do not understand is that, in awarding the contract, Governor Lalong has also worked out quite a number of benefits to save the state from incurring further costs in its bid to rebuild the market.

The first is that, the contract would be carried with a zero interest, as Jaiz Bank, which won the N9.4 billion contract, to rebuild the market under a PPP agreement, will do so at a zero percent interest.

With so much needed to carry out other projects, the state government has hit the bulls eyes with this arrangement by freeing what would have been debited as interests for the contract to be used for other projects.

By this, the state government is keying into the financial tact of the Federal Government and world best practices, which focus on award of contracts under similar interest free arrangements, to save the government funds to develop other sectors.

The market on completion is projected to consist of 3-floor edifice of 4,312 shops at an estimated construction rate of N98,000/sqm, with the standard shop size of 3m x 4m = 12sqm.

As the bank is enabled to appoint the contractor based on competence and to supervise work till it is delivered to specification, the agreement comes with a form of guarantee on both quality and meeting of deadline.

The idea of rebuilding the market also comes with innovation that will revive trade and commerce on the Plateau and boost the economic potentials of the state.

In addition to the 4231 shops, adequate provision for spaces to house banks, a park, police station and Admin Block have also been made to adequately address issues of security and maintenance.

Having over 4,000 number of shops concentrated in one place is like housing multiple plazas in one place or constructing a mini Dubai!

With the burning of the market in 2002, the state has for the past 20 years endured the absence of a major commercial nerve center that galvanizes both commercial and social activities of that magnitude.

The Jos main market in its hey days, used to contribute about 40 to 50% of the state’s internally generated revenue while pulling major investors, entrepreneurs and others to the state because of its potentials.

With its breathtaking architecture, colourful design and towering height, it was more than a place for the exchange of goods, but had become a social center for meaningful interaction, which fosters unity and cohesion among the diverse groups in the state.

As the brain child of our respected founding father of Plateau, Joseph Gomwalk, every Plateau citizen views the market with a sense of nostalgia.

Incidentally, it was General Muhammadu Buhari, who as Head of State, who commissioned the market in 1985, under the then Military Government of Samuel Atukum.

What a better way to relive the 37 year old memory than rebuilding the market under the President Buhari’s administration and handing it over to the people in May 2023.