Wednesday 30 November 2022

PLATEAU: WRAPA’S TOWN HALL ENGAGEMENT IN BASSA: THE POLICE, TRADITIONAL RULERS, CSOs, LEADERS OF FAITH, TAKE POSITIONS ON VAWG, MODEL LAWS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Town Hall Engagement Campaign organized by Women’s Rights Advancement And Protection Alternative (WRAPA) in Bassa Local Government Council (LGC) of Plateau State, for the prevention, accountability for, Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and the effective implementation of the Model Laws in Plateau State has been commended by participants.

PARTICIPANTS

According to the participants: The Police, Traditional Rulers, Civil Society Organizations (CSO), Rights Organizations, Leaders of Culture and Faith and the Media, the Town Hall Engagement is more an eye opener, as it enables participants to have more insight into the issues of domestic violence, the status of existing Laws and the need to create strategies in the prevention of VAWG in the implementation of the Model Laws in Plateau State, Nigeria.

According to the Police Boss in the Local Government, the need to create a desk at the Police station to deal with issues relating to VAWG and the Model Laws has become imperative and very necessary. Adding that, henceforth, violators of the Model Laws would be prosecuted according to the provisions of the Law.

TRADITIONAL RULERS AND ALUKO

On their part, the Traditional Rulers, led by HRH, Sariki Danladi Kasuwa, the Aima Grum-Nish-Hi in Bassa LGA, have taken a decision to formulate strategies to address issues captured in the Model Laws, especially, the need to include women and girls in the sharing of inheritance.

For the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Media Practitioners present, the need to have a new strategy to make victims speak out on violation would be more in focus, just as the need to protect and get justice for them.

On the part of the Leaders of Faith present, the need to take the campaign deeper into the grass roots of the Local Government is very important, as most untold stories of violation are domiciled there.

For the JNI in Jos North, represented by Bashir Salis and the representative of CAN in Bassa, the need to carry the message and education of the provisions of the Model Laws to the grass roots is important because, the people at that level may not have gotten any idea of what the Law is and the punishments of violations therein.

MRS MADAKI ON HER FEET

Earlier, the State Coordinator of WRAPA, Mrs. Jummai Madaki in her welcome speech had told the participants that, the objectives of the Town Hall Engagement, include, facilitating a community-led town hall engagement, demanding the prevention of and accountability for VAWG and the effective implementation of the Model Laws in Plateau State, to establish the number of women and girls, who have access to support services, such as, legal aids, medical assistance, financial assistance, shelter and other assistance, to validate the number of Women Rights Organizations, whose capabilities have been built on their rights and existing support services and to demand the implementation of innovative strategies or action and plans committed to by the leaders of Faith and Culture for the effective implementation of the model Laws in Plateau state.

CMR. STEVE ALUKO-DANIEL

The high points of the Town Hall Engagement, was the presentation of the status of the Model Laws in Plateau State, the offences covered, the penalties and the expected community punitive measures to be take to deter potential or existing perpetrators by Comrade Steve Aluko-Daniel and a drama to illustrate the issues.

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.

WRAPA is supported by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) to implement a two-year project titled “Legal and Social Empowerment Program on Women’s Rights in Kaduna and Plateau States”. This project seeks to achieve the effective implementation of the Model Laws in Plateau State, which seeks to eliminate gender-based violence against women and girls and promote equal opportunities for beneficiaries of the project intervention (Women and Girls).

PLATEAU APC CRISIS AND LITIGATION: BE CALM AND PATIENT. APC GOVERNORSHIP ASPIRANTS, URGE SUPPORTERS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

As the crisis and litigation in the Plateau State All Progressives Congress (APC) lingers, the group made up of APC Governorship Aspirants in the state, who are challenging the emergence of Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, as the governorship candidate in the forthcoming 2023 election in the state and the legitimacy of the primary election processes of the party across the state, has advised their supporters to remain calm and patient and wait for the Court’s verdicts in all their legal actions.

MR. JOHNSON

The group’s Spokesperson, Mr. Johnson Podar in an exclusive interview with REALITY’s Editor-in-Chief, Prince Valentine Adese (JP) said, their call to the supporters is for them to realize that, irrespective of the cases they have in Court challenging one issue or process, they remain members of the party and must therefore continue to do things that would promote the party.

PLATEAU STATE HIGH COURT

Mr. Johnson said, the cases in Court are simply meant to address the issues the state leadership of the party failed to address.

MR. JOHNSON

He said, “We call on our supporters to be more patient, as we shall call on them collectively soon for a briefing and direction. Hence, we want them to remain calm”.

However, he used the opportunity to call on the judiciary to expedite on the delivery of justice, as the entire party depends on it to move forward.

He said, “Also, my advice to the judiciary is for it to conclude the cases speedily and deliver justice since, time is of essence”.

You would recall that, REALITY had reported that, the Judiciary in Plateau State has been commended by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Aspirants in the state for striking out the Application for Joinder brought by Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda in the suit filed by “Prospective Delegates” of the party in the last Plateau APC primary elections.

The Spokesperson of the Aspirants, Mr. Johnson Podar, who doubles as a Board Member of the Federal University of Agriculture Zuru, had also disclosed that, all the Aspirants would have sought to be joined too, if the application of Nentawe was granted.

Monday 28 November 2022

PLATEAU APC CRISIS: COURT RULING ON DR. NENTAWE’S APPLICATION: WE WOULD HAVE SOUGHT FOR JOINDER TOO, IF THE COURT HAD GRANTED IT—APC GOVERNORSHIP ASPIRANTS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Judiciary in Plateau State has been commended by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Aspirants in the state for striking out the Application for Joinder brought by Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda in the suit filed by “Prospective Delegates” of the party in the last Plateau APC primary elections.

The Spokesperson of the Aspirants, Mr. Johnson Podar, who doubles as a Board Member of the Federal University of Agriculture Zuru, had disclosed that, all the Aspirants would have sought to be joined too, if the application of Dr. Nentawe was granted.

MR. JOHNSON, SPOKESMAN OF THE APC ASPIRANTS

You would recall that, the Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos, the state capital, had thrown out the application of the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, who was seeking to be joined in the Suit filed by the party’s “Prospective Delegates” who are challenging their disenfranchisement in the delegates’ elections for gross incompetence and lacking in merit.

PLATEAU STATE HIGH COURT

You would also recall that, while ruling on the Application filed by Nentawe, the presiding judge, Hon. Justice A. l. Ashoms, had stated that, the Applicant (Dr. Nentawe) cannot be a party to the suit because he is not being challenged by the Claimants. More so that he is not the political party, but a mere Candidate, who is just a product of the defendant (APC).

Justice Ashoms, further ruled that, the Motion he is seeking to be joined is not yet deemed by the court, and has no life in it as it is impossible to build something on nothing hence, “the application lack substantial merit”.

Reacting to the ruling, the Aspirants through their Spokesman, Mr. Johnson, commended the judiciary for keeping the hope of the common man in the country alive.

MR. JOHNSON PODAR

He said as a body, they will always encourage aggrieved members of the society to seek remedies from the courts.

In an exclusive interview with REALITY Mr. Johnson Podar, further disclosed that, the Plateau State Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has continued to make frantic efforts to see that, some of the APC Aspirants in the state are not recognized at the Wards, State and Federal levels.

Podar said in part that, “Whether they recognize me or some of my members as Aspirants or not, our posters and stickers would prove our efforts in propagating our intentions in the 17 Local Government Areas and in all the nooks and grannies of the state.

“So, whoever is failing to see our efforts and contributions to the party is on his own free drive.

“By the special Grace of God, Mr. President has graciously appointed me as a Board Member of the Federal University of Agriculture Zuru.

“By virtue of all things, I am being recognized at the federal level by the appointment of Mr. President and it simply shows that, Mr. President recognizes his own!

“Almost all of us, who are in this struggle to make things right in the state APC, especially, concerning the governorship primary election, have gotten appointments, either in the PCC or in the Independent Campaign Council of the Presidential candidate, H.E Sen. Tinubu.

“So, those who are refusing to recognize us are myopic in their reasoning”.

READ THE FULL REACTION OF MR. JOHNSON PODAR BELOW:-

MR. PODAR

“I am Johnson Podar, I am one of the Aspirants. I contested for the APC gubernatorial candidate primary in Plateau State. They say we are just busy bodies because we did not buy the party form. This is unfortunate! We have signified our intentions formerly and they know that.

“Whether they recognize me or some of my members as Aspirants or not, our posters and stickers would prove our efforts in propagating our intentions in the 17 Local Government Areas and in all the nooks and grannies of the state.

“So, whoever is failing to see our efforts and contributions to the party is on his own free drive.

“By the special Grace of God, Mr. President has graciously appointed me as a Board Member of the Federal University of Agriculture Zuru.

“By virtue of all things, I am being recognized at the federal level by the appointment of Mr. President and it simply shows that, Mr. President recognizes his own!

“Almost all of us, who are in this struggle to make things right for the APC, especially, concerning the governorship primary, have gotten appointments either in the PCC or in the Independent Campaign Council of the Presidential candidate, H.E Sen. Tinubu.

“So, those who are refusing to recognize us are myopic in their reasoning.

“The party till date through the National Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, Hon. Faleke and others has constantly sought for our opinion and also send us necessary materials and information to help propel the party’s aims and objects to Nigerians, especially, to potential electorates. This is because, our recognition is solid and they know us as Plateau APC Governorship Aspirants.

“You would recall that, at a event in the state, all the Aspirants in unison had also adopted Sen. Tinubu for his credibility, for being a Pan-Nigerian and for his leadership qualities.

“For us, we believe we are not recognized in the state because the Governor wants everybody to be answerable to him and him alone.

“I am even socked to see that, the Governor is putting in more efforts to make sure we are not recognized. Just imaging when Mr. Pesident visited the state, all the Aspirants of the party in the state were not briefed, invited or official notified of the visit.

“The Governor does not even deem it fit to include us in any Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to receive the presidential candidate.

“It is very sad that, even as a Board Member of a Federal institution, I was not included!

“I learnt that, the Governor directed that we should not be recognized even at our various Wards.

“By the Grace of God, I am the Spokesperson of the APC Governorship Aspirants in Plateau State and all of us have gotten one appointment or the other from Mr. President, or the party’s presidential candidate.

“We are in support of the cases in Court with regards to the last APC primaries in the state because, it is the best civil approach in settling conflicts and we encourage this attitude. Nobody is above the Law and the Judiciary shall remain the last hope of the common Nigerian man!

“See, you must know that, all the Aspirants have their various forms for delegates. So, if the Court had agreed to join Dr. Nentawe, the assumed candidate, we all would have also sought for joinder and we would have come to prove that, there was no delegate election in the state at all!

“Let it be known that, the forms we have for delegates are original and we all bought it from the party.

“Please, how can somebody offer himself to serve and another person, who claims to be lord will come and overrule the person? Think about it!”

TO BE CONTINUED…

Wednesday 23 November 2022

ON ATIKU: YOU CAN NEVER FIND SEN. JANG WANTING. MR. CLINTON GARBA, REPLIES “PLATEAU FOR ATIKU MOVEMENT”

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its Presidential candidate, seems unabated, as moves by some of the promoters of Atiku’s ambition, under the aegis of “PLATEAU FOR ATIKU MOVEMENT” in the Plateau State chapter has hit a dead end once again.

You would recall that, REALITY had reported that, there are strong plans to black mail Sen. Jonah Jang, to abandon the protest-train of the 5G Governors in the party and bow to the call of the movement to support Atiku’s 2023 bid.

 

In a rejoinder to the press conference held yesterday at the Plateau NUJ Press Center by the “Plateau for Atiku Movement”, Mr. Clinton Garuba, the Media Consultant to Sen. (Dr) Jonah Davig Jang (CON), advised the group not to waste their time trying to black mail or attempt to hoodwink Jang to join their non-partisan posture, as the Constitution of the party still remains  supreme.

He also questioned why the group is yet to revert on decisions early taken on the matter from their admirer’s stable.

In part, he stated in his rejoinder dated 23rd of November, 2022, while advising the group concerning Sen. Jang that, “You would never find him wanting when it comes to defending what is in the best interest of Plateau or her people.

“It is unfortunate that for personal gains, or perhaps in seeking for relevance the group has decided to ignore this very noble quality of the former Governor of the state, Dr. Jonah David Jang.

“The Integrity Group, which Jang is a member of has repeatedly said that, their doors are open for reconciliation and this is because members of the group are PDP members through and through.

“It is their desire that, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, not only contests the election, but wins! However, that can only be achieved in a just, fair and equitable manner. Not with the current prevailing atmosphere of lopsidedness”.

READ THE FULL REJOINDER BELOW:-

RE: PRESS BRIEFING BY PLATEAU FOR ATIKU MOVEMENT

SEN. JANG

It has come to our attention that the group, Plateau for Atiku Movement, which is reportedly working for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid in Plateau State on Tuesday, addressed members of the press on some issues bedeviling the party.

At the said press conference, the group rehashed the same old rhetoric of reconciliatory meetings being held. However, what they refused to say was that, each time these emissaries met with members of the Integrity Group, the conclusion has always been that, they will report the position made known to them to the presidential candidate and revert.

But how many of those emissaries have actually returned after reporting to their principal? None!

On the resignation of the BoT chair to make way for a southern Chairman, one would imagine that, it is like going to the doctor with a complaint of stomach ache and a surgery is performed on the head as a solution to stomach ache. You don’t treat symptoms, while leaving the cancer. There has never been a time when a demand was made for the resignation of the BoT chair.

It is shocking that, for a people, who are leaders of the PDP to be using the Labour Party as a yardstick. In case they have forgotten, the PDP is a party that has come of age, has a structure and a constitution that has been tested over the years. That a party, which should be in the fore- front of shedding light for others will be subjected to such ridicule of being compared to the Labour Party is appalling. Even, if LP has engaged in what is not right, justice and equity will be justice and equity anywhere and at anytime.

It must be made clear that, the demand for the resignation of the party chairman is borne out of the need for the equitable distribution of elective offices in the party. One wonders what the difficulty is with understanding that position.

However, it will amount to crying louder than the bereaved since, the Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom, who should be in the fore front in defending the chairman is chief amongst those calling for his resignation.

With regard to Plateau State, none of the leaders of the group, who made the release can say that Senator Jonah Jang, as a leader has never stood by his people.

You would never find him wanting when it comes to defending what is in the best interest of Plateau or her people.

It is unfortunate that for personal gains, or perhaps in seeking for relevance the group has decided to ignore this very noble quality of the former Governor of the state, Dr. Jonah David Jang.

The Integrity Group, which Jang is a member of has repeatedly said that, their doors are open for reconciliation and this is because members of the group are PDP members through and through.

It is their desire that, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar not only contests the election, but wins. However, that can only be achieved in a just, fair and equitable manner. Not with the current prevailing atmosphere of lopsidedness.

Clinton Garuba

Media Consultant to Sen. (Dr) Jonah Davig Jang, CON

Sunday 20 November 2022

50 YEARS CELEBRATION: HON. TIMOTHY GOLU, CALLS FOR FORGIVENEES, PROTECTING AND REBUILDING OF PLATEAU STATE

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The 50 years celebration and Thanksgiving Service of, Hon. (Dr.) Timothy Golu, a former members of the Lower chambers of the National Assembly, then representing the good people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam (PKK) Federal Constituency of Plateau State, was graced by the “who is who” in the political circle in the state and across political parties.

During the occasion that held at the Church Of Christ In Nations (COCIN) at Rayfield Jos, Dr. Golu, took the opportunity to call for forgiveness from whoever he may have offending in his journey so far, especially, within the partisan political corridors.

Flanked by his wife, children, other immediate family members and Political Associates, Dr. Golu said he has forgiven whoever may have also offended him in the past, before he became 50.

While giving an account of his humbly beginning and how his family struggled to get him educated, Dr. Golu said, each stage of his life in the past, drew him closer to God.

“The events that happened through my life have made me to believe more that, there is God and nobody can change that now at this age”. He added.

Lamenting over the killings in the state, Dr. Golu calls on all Plateau people to join hands now to protect the state and rebuild him.

The surprise from his speech, was the money donated to the Church by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dogara.

The leaders of the Church and the presiding preacher, during the occasion, called on all members of the Church and the people of Plateau State to emulate the courage and character of Dr. Golu.

They told the congregation that, when they visited Plateau Central Zone recently and going through some villages, which were under the representative capacity of Dr. Golu, they were amazed by the facilities he had provided for the people and the human concern he has demonstrated by bring the dividends of democracy to that level.

“Even here today at the Church, the water we drink and which the community around the Church use on daily basis is courtesy Dr. Golu”. The presiding minister added.

Nde Isaac

Speaking in their various capacities, Nde, Isaac Wadak, Hon. Maikudi (former Chairman of Kanke LGC), Rt. Hon. Shekarau (former Deputy Speaker and member of the House of Reps, and Hon. (Dr.) Ubandoma Joshua Laven (Chairman of Langtang North LGC), all showered praises on Dr. Golu, while identify his courage and intelligence as human factors that have put him in the line of success.

For, Mr. Sanda, who has worked and been by the side of Dr. Gulo in the past 6 years, life around the former member is fun, educative and promising.

Speaking with the Editor-in-Chief of REALITY, Prince Valentine Adese, he said, “Dr. Golu is a leader like no other. He is so courageous, human and full of life! The most special and admirable thing about him is how he manages all these qualities in him for success!”

     PHOTO NEWS COMING SOON!

Friday 18 November 2022

PLATEAU: DEATH THREAT TO, MR. OSAMA AKPUNONU, MR. OGIDIGBOIGBO, OTHER JOURNALISTS: HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS REACT, CALL ON SECURITY AGENCIES TO ACT NOW

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Human Rights Organizations (HROs) have risen to an alarm raised recently that, Death Threat Messages are been sent to Media Executives, Practicing Journalists and On-Air-Personalities (OAPs) in Plateau State.

They have called on the Security outfits operating in the state and the State Government, to come clean and to the protection of these Journalists and Media Executives, who are merely doing their jobs and upholding their obligations as enshrined in Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended).

The Human Rights Organizations have also urged in their press statement on the issue made available to REALITY, the DSS and the Police  to boldly investigate the matter as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) would ordinarily do in order to bring the perpetrations to book in order to deter such threats in the future.

MR. OSAMA

You would recall that, the alarm recently raised concerns the Death Threat Messages sent to Mr. Osama Akpunonu and Mr. Ogidigboigbo  of Jayfm radio, who are both anchors of the popular Pigin-English Socio-political Programme, “Constituency Check” on Jayfm Radio and Journalist Okandi Odey, (a renowned radio Analyst and Political Commentator).

MR. OGIDIGBOIGBO

In an interview with REALITY on the matter, Steve Aluko Daniel, a Director with the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), has urged the security outfits operating in the state to take these threats as a major priority since it has a huge effect on the constitutional performance of the AOPs, the Media Executives and the Journalists.

He also questioned why the State Government has not risen to the occasion since when the issues was made public.

According to him, “Human Rights Organization would not sit and fold their hands, while there are potential bad plans against the lives of needed people in the society for mere political reason(s), while they make efforts to challenge and checkmate the services the State Government and other Elected Personalities render to the people in order to report their findings to the masses as the Constitution directs”.

Friday 11 November 2022

PLATEAU LP: ENGR. JACK D. BOT vs LP AND PWAJOK (SAN), JUDGE TRANSFERS CASE FILE

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Owing to limitation of time and the directive by the President of the Nigerian Federal High Court (FHC) that all pre-election matters must be determined within weeks, a Federal High Court in Jos Division has today, transferred the matter between Engr. Jack Dung Bot, (the running mate to, Amb. Yohana Margif), the Labour Party (LP), Edward Pwajok (SAN), the running mate to, Dr. Patrick Dakum and INEC to his superior, the Presiding Judge (PJ) in Court 1.

All the Counsels in the matter, however, gave kudos to the decision of the presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Peter M. Mallone, during an on-the-spot interview at the Court premises.

M.B. Abdullahi (Esq), Counsel to the Plaintiff (Engr. Jack Bot), in his reaction said, “Because of the time frame and the directive given by the President of the Federal High Court (FHC) that, all pre-election matters must be dispended with within the next weeks and that, any matter that has not been heard should be transferred to the taskforce so that they are determined within the period as directed this transfer is welcome.

“It is a fact that, the taskforce was inaugurated in Abuja recently.

“So, whether the matter is transferred to Abuja, we are fully ready.

You would recall that, following the release of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s list of Governorship candidates and their running mates for the 30 states of the federation on October 04, 2022 in which Dr. Patrick Dakum and Edward Pwajok SAN made the Labour Party list for Plateau State, Engr Jack Dung Bot, the running mate to Amb. Yohana Margif had dragged the party, Edward Pwajok SAN and INEC to the Federal High Court Jos.

However, when the case file was called on Monday, Counsel for Engr. Bot, Munir Barau Abdullahi (Esq), had told the court that in view of the fact that the Respondents (LP, Pwajok, INEC) had three days to file their responses, he asked for a short adjournment of maximum 10 days in which, parties might have joined issues for adoption.

Consequently, the matter was adjourned to today, 11th November, 2022, for continuation of hearing.

Friday 4 November 2022

22 LALONG LEGACY PROJECTS: WHICH FACTS ARE MISLEADING? BLENESON SERVICES NIG LTD; QUESTIONS PLATEAU STATE GOVT. STATES MORE FACTS (PRESS STATEMENT UNEDITED)

OUR PROJECT REMAINS VALID AND CANNOT BE RE-AWARDED: BLENESON SERVICES NIG LTD (CONTRACTOR FOR LALONG LEGACY PROJECT)

  1. The State Government said the facts alleged by me are misleading, which of those facts are misleading? Is it that its executive council did not sit in order to attempt to re-award the said contract? Or that there is no pending litigation on the subject matter (the off shoot of which even the subcontractors have instituted a suit because they have been instigated to think that the companyhas been paid, when the government that has refused to pay the company)? or is it that the governor has never confirmed by himself by stating that ‘70%-80% of the job has been completed’? or is it that with the actions of the govt there won’t be more litigation? Or can the State Government show any genuine prove that it has paid money on the project to an account, either personal or thecompany’s for this project?

2.The State Government is being minimal with the truth by withholding valuable information and giving misleading fabrications to the people of the State.The appointment of an independent valuer is not part of the agreement entered into by parties.Even the several valuations carried out by the Project Monitoring Committee (PMC) jointly instituted by the parties were not honoured by the state government. How could I have known that the State Government wanted to or had appointed an independent valuer when I was not informed about their intention to do so?Did the State Government embark on this valuation through its purported independent valuers so it can pay the company its outstanding? Well, if that was the intent of the State Government forunilaterally appointing the valuers, they did not send invitation to the company for any reconciliation of accounts and neither have they paid me or the company anything, regardless of it said completed valuation.

  1. It is obvious that the State Government wants to disregard the rule of law on a subject matter that is before the court, we call on the Federal Government, the Judiciary and every well-meaning Nigerian to see how the Plateau State Government is muddling up and destroying the livelihood of the contractor and subcontractors, who are now heavily indebted as a result of the government’s refusal to offset it’s accrued debts on this project for the past one year.This only empathically shows that the State Government terminated the contract using state might.
  2. As to the allegation that we moved out of the state and all that was purported by the government, we have facts to contravene this distortion, because our offices in the State are still in existence and our staff are always around, particularly the office in the State Capital Jos, so how could we have been said to move out. Of course, as a result of the looting from us during and after the covid-19, and to prevent our machinery from wear and tear that would have occasioned as a result of the hostility of the government towards our staff by refusing them access to the sites, we had to remove valuable equipment to safe locations, with the anticipation that we will resume work as soon as issues are resolved or the court grants our reliefs.
  3. The people of Plateau State should know that due to the State Government’s refusal to pay us, we had sought all means of amicable resolution, but to our dismay the State Government dragged us to the Tax Appeal Tribunal before this termination letter that was sent to us. I was in Jos for several days reaching out to have a roundtable discussion with the Governor and relevant stakeholders to the project so issues can be ironed out amicably, and yet the Government said I kept mute and didn’t approach them!

Seeing the body language, and because of the urgency of the situation as this had become an emergency, we immediately followed suit by doing all that is required by law and filed a case to that effect before the State High Court to restrain them amongst other things before the expiration of the 30days notice. This are facts verifiable in the public domain. So, how can our going to the court to seek redress be an afterthought?There was no such thing as consent by conduct on our part as we didn’t sleep on our rights, so this is not a situation of laches and acquiescence.

  1. I will not dabble into that as a matter of respect to the court, we have strong faith in the judiciary, and we believe that justice shall be done. However, the issue of damages that the State Government is hammering on, in the case of this Lalong Legacy Project damages has not yet arisen. The issue of damages can only come up if and when the contract has been rightly terminated. This is what we are contending, that the termination is invalid, as we have not bridged any terms of the contract, neither have we refused to continue with the project nor has any of our act or omission brought the lifespan of the contract to an end, simple.

Seeking redress is a post contract issue which does not apply in the instant case. May be if the courts adjudge the contract as terminated, then we can talk of a redress for damages.

I urge the subcontractors to resist all attempts to be instigated further by the State machinery against the contractor. They should be the reassured of the contractor’s commitment in defending the Project as they ensure that nothing happens to the respective work the contractor allocated to them.

Thank you.

Engr Lawson Ngoa

Managing Director, Bleneson Services Nigeria Ltd

3rd November, 2022

Tuesday 1 November 2022

BREAKING: PLATEAU STATE APC CHAPTER WANTS TO SUSPEND, DR. DANYARO SARPIYA. APC CONCERNED VANGUARD, RAISES ALARM

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Governorship Primary election crisis rocking the Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken another turn, as a group, under the aegis of PLATEAU APC CONCERNED VANGUARD has raised an alarm of an ongoing plot to suspend Dr. Danyaro Sarpiya from the party.

Making this public through a press statement, dated 1st November, 2022, signed by one, Samson Pam as Chairman and Nicholas J. Fabian as Secretary, the group alleged that, the plot to suspend Dr. Sarpiya is coming because, he expressed his Civic Right by joining other 16 Aspirants in the botched contest, to challenge the outcome of the APC Governorship primary in the state in a Court of competent jurisdiction.

“Our attention has been drawn to the purported plan by the Plateau Governor and the state party structure to suspend His Excellency, Dr. Danyaro Sarpiya, one of the APC Governorship Aspirant in Plateau State chapter from the party, for expressing his Constitutional right, with the support of all Aspirants.

“The Governor, who is supposed to be a Fair umpire, being a Lawyer by Education and training, a onetime Legislative member in the Plateau State House of Assembly and now, the Chief Executive of the State, should have known that, the right thing to do is to seek for redress in a competent Court of jurisdiction, which we felt the Aspirants have embarked on as their Civil Rights.” The group stated in part.

READ THE FULL UNEDITED TEXT OF THE GROUP BELOW:-

A PRESS STATEMENT BY THE PLATEAU APC CONCERNED VANGUARD

1st November, 2022

ATTENTION: To Governor Simon Bako Lalong And The Plateau State APC Chapter.

Gentlemen of the press,

Our attention has been drawn to the purported plan by the Plateau Governor and the state party structure to suspend His Excellency, Dr. Danyaro Sarpiya, one of the APC Governorship Aspirant in Plateau State chapter from the party, for expressing his Constitutional right, with the support of all Aspirants.

The Governor, who is supposed to be a Fair umpire, being a Lawyer by Education and training, a onetime Legislative member in the Plateau State House of Assmbly and now, the Chief Executive of the State, should have known that, the right thing to do is to seek for redress in a competent Court of jurisdiction, which we felt the Aspirants have embarked on as their Civil Rights.

It would be recalled that, the Seventeen (17) APC Governorship Aspirants, had earlier warned on the need for a level playing ground for all Aspirants in the party’s primaries.

However, we saw the undemocratic processes played out within the party, which have amount to total biasness and injustice in Plateau State chapter.

In fact, what started as a rumour that, there is an anointed candidate in the APC that must win the party’s Governorship Primary election at all cost has turned to be an unacceptable reality.

It was on good authority that, all concerted efforts by the Seventeen (17) APC Aspirants, APC Elders and the Plateau APC Concerned Vanguard that warned the Governor and the party were given deaf ears, since Lalong has turned to an Emperor.

The silence from the APC State chapter is because the EXCO were also imposed by the same Emperor on members.

We are also aware that, Dr. Danyaro Sarpiya is standing for the Seventeen (17) APC Aspirants in the Governorship primaries. Therefore, suspending him will amount to killing the party.

It is therefore important for the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council  to know that, what is pertinent now is not sending people out of the party but stating a process of reconciliation.

These APC Governorship Aspirants have followed the APC specified guidelines, which was neglected by the Plateau State chapter, which resulted in the 17 seeking for their Constitutional rights from the Court. The question therefore begging for answer is, why are they now hunting for Dr. Danyaro Sarpiya?

Inconclusively, if there is any one that need to be suspended from the party, it should be the Governor for de- marketing the APC party in plateau state, by reducing the party   to business of family , friends and tribal associates with  the following as Gomai of the same extraction.

Governor- Gomai, Chief of Staff- Gomai, Accountant General- Gomai,  Director General ITF –  Gomai Plateau Ambassadorial slot- Gomai,  INEC REC Commissioner- Gomai,  Plasic- Gomai , APC state secretary – Gomai, APC National Deputy Secretary – Gomai, APC Presidential DG Campaign- Gomai, Minister of women Affairs- Gomai, Plateau APC Campaign DG- Gomai, 30 members of the APC Presidential campaign team with his immediate younger brother in the person of Fred Bako – Gomai, just to mentioned but a few.

Finally, we strongly advise the Independent Campaign Council (ICC) to take cognizance of the spread within the state, so as to give the APC as a Party the right acceptance in the state.

Signed:

Chairman —Samson Pam

Secretary–Nicholas J. Fabian