PLATEAU: YOUR SERVICES ARE GOOD, BUT IMPROVE ON YOUR MEDIA ADVOCACY. JOURNALISTS TELL PLASCHEMA

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

As the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) continues in its quest to improve the healthcare of lots of the citizens in the State and beyond, Journalists covering the Health Sector, have advised the Agency to improve on its advocacy approaches.

This advice was given, during a Focus Group Discussion Guide, organized by the Agency at the Press Center of the Plateau State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) today, the 30^th of December, 2022.

JOURNALISTS PRESENT

The Journalists led by Journalist Pam Musa, who took time to assess and rate the services provided by PLASCHEMA, gave strong commendations to the Agency, while also advising the Agency  to expand its promotional activities to more media houses in the state in order to gain the needed effectiveness.

JOURNALISTS PRESENT

According to the line of discussion, the Journalists held that, this would encourage more people to buy into the scheme, “considering the existing competition within the Insurance and Health Industry”.

JOURNALIST

The Journalists present at the round table discussion, which includes Prince Valentine Adese (JP) of REALITY Newspaper, further called on PLASCHEMA to provide more information concerning the scheme to enable subscribers or Registered People know more of their rights.

R-L: PLASCHEMA TEAM LED BY MR. MAFENG

Addressing most of the fears and worries expressed by the Journalists, PLASCHEMA Research and Planning team, led by Mr. Mafeng Musa, told the gathering that, most subscribers or Registered people have not taken time to read their hand notes hence, they have not come to understand the scheme and its procedures properly.

He said, the services provided by PLASCHEMA are within the state for now because of the current procedures, but that the scheme has an initiative tagged, “Health Insurance Under One Roof”, that allows subscribers to get Healthcare service across the state.

According to Mr. Mafeng, “In Plateau State, there is an Emergency Healthcare Program, which allows registered people under the scheme to visit any PLASCHEMA facility in the state”.

Concerning the Rights of Subscribers or Registered People, the Team Lead, Mr. Mafeng, called on them to always ask for information concerning any procedure for clarity.

He disclosed that, there is a Basic Minimum Package of healthcare services that are provided for under PLASCHEMA and people who visit these facilities need to know that. Therefore, as a right, these registered people must know by asking for clarifications on which services are fully or partially covered.

Adding that, “These Registered people must ask, as of Right, to be provided the list of Pharmacies, if need be, and must ask for refund where money is wrongly paid by complaining first, to PLASCHEMA’s office”.

TO BE CONTINUED…

PLATEAU: BREAKING: AGAIN, IPA MEMBERS THANK MR. SHABUL MAZADU FOR EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP, PROVIDING SUCCOR @ CHRISTMAS

By: Eunice Maina,

The Chairman of the Independent Publishers’ Association (IPA), Mr. Shabul Mazadu has today, Wednesday, the 28^th of December, 2022, added smiles again on the faces of his members, as he sourced and distributed food items to members at Christmas. Succor

According to the information reaching REALITY, the distribution of the items under his supervision was carried out at SHABUL’s Newspaper’s Office (THE BEACON), which also doubles, as IPA’s Temporary Secretariat, after an emergency meeting at 3pm today.

Items distributed include: Guinea Corn, Maize, Garri among other food items.

MR. SHABUL, CHAIRMAN IPA

His exemplary leadership was highly demonstrated when he saw to it that, other members of IPA were given priority in the distribution exercise.

Members, though were earlier shocked over the gesture, they however, unanimously thanked and prayed for him, asking God to grant him more wisdom and ability to lead, as they carry home their food items in bags.

You would recall that, same feat was achieved by Chairman Shabul, when in December 2021, he also provided succor to IPA members when he distributed food items to them.

Items distributed in 2021 to members of IPA include, Dano Milk, Rice, Cadbury Hot Chocolate Drink, Knorr Seasoning Cubes among others.

FOR THE RECORD, SEE SOME ITEMS DISTRIBUTED BY MR. SHABUL TO IPA MEMBERS

GUINEA CORN

MAIZE

MEMBERS DOING THE SHARING

@CHRISTMAS: GOV. LALONG OF PLATEAU STATE VISITS THE SICK, BRINGS SMILES TO OVER 50 PATIENTS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, who also doubles as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial Candidate for the Southern Senatorial Zone of Plateau State has embarked on Hospital visits in his Senatorial Zone to share the festivities of the Christmas with those that are sick.

REALITY gathered that, the visits were aimed at sharing the good news of the birth of Jesus Christ with those on admission in various Government Hospitals in Mikang, Langtang North and Shendam Local Government Areas, while those of Quan Pan, Langtang South and WASE LGAs will be during the festivities of the New Year.

Hon. Festus Fuanter

The Governor, who was represented during the visits by the Deputy National Secretary of the APC, Hon. Festus Fuanter said, the visits were aimed at extending the Governor’s “Get-Well-Soon Prayers and Messages” to the sick, as well as, to also help provide succor and defray part of the cost of treatment of those on admission.

In Langtang North, the Deputy National Secretary was received by the Local Government Chairman, Barr Zulfa Bitrus Rimven along with the Medical Director of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) Treatment Center, Dr. Pam in Zamkwo.

Dr. Pam took the team round the Wards to see the patients on admission and thereafter assisted the team in giving them some Christmas token to defray the cost of their treatment.

The Medical Director, who said he was overwhelmed by the visit, took time to register his appreciation for the rare show of love by the Governor, while commending him for his benevolence.

He also called on the Governor to endeavor to resolve the issue of power in the Southern Zone during his remarks.

The National Secretary in Company of the Majority Leader of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Naanlong Gapyil, the Chairman of Mikang LGA, Hon. Austin Bako, the Deputy Chairman of Shendam LGA , Hon. William Titlong, REALITY gathered, further paid a condolence visit on the family of late Jonah Cirman in Gazum on behalf of the Party, after which the team then proceeded to Mikang LGA where they were received by the Medical Director of Mikang Hospital, who took them round the Wards.

While in Mikang, the Governor through the Deputy National Secretary visited twenty five patients and defrayed the cost of their treatment.

In Shendam, the Governor’s team was received by the Chairman of the LGA, Hon. Alex M. Naantuam, who was represented by the Deputy Chairman, Hon. William Titlong and the Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr Yakubu Gongs, who took the Deputy National Secretary round the various Wards in the Hospital.

At the Shendam General Hospital, it was gathered that, the team met thirty two patients and delivered the Governor’s Christmas message alongside money to settle part of their medical expenses.

While fielding answers to questions from Media Practitioners, the Deputy National Secretary in party disclosed that, “The Governor in his magnanimity found it expedient to extend the joy of the Christmas to the sick in the Hospitals across Party lines so as to give the sick a sense of love and belonging”.

PLATEAU: HON. DALYOP FOM’S BIRTHDAY TURNS BLESSING TO THE NEEDY AS HE DISTRIBUTES CHICKENS IN HIS FARM, OTHERS TO HIS CONSTITUENTS

By: valentine Adese (JP),

24^th December, 2022, would go down again as the day God usually rains blessings on the needy through Hon. Dalyop Fom, Member representing the good people of Jos South Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly and the owner of Goshen Gwottson Integrated Farms Ltd.

Record has it that, in the past Eleven (11) years his constituents, REALITY gathered, usually gather in his farm to celebrate his birthdays and also partake in enjoying the fruit of his labour and the products of his farm, which includes the Chickens.

Barr Caleb and other Dignitories

However, the celebration that took place today, was very colourful as it was graced by past and present Members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, the 2023 candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr Caleb Mutfuang and Hundreds of Women, Youths and the elderly men from the Five Districts and 12 Wards in Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

HON. DALYOP FOM

In an interview with the Media, including REALITY, Hon. Dalyop Fom, who was loaded with happiness, called on others within this festive season, who may also have the capacity and means, to be concerned about the needy around them.

He said, “Not everything human activity or engagement must be politicized. The idea of sharing with the needy is very human! I have been celebrating my birthdays like this since the past Eleven (11) years. This is because, my humble begin exposed me to the fact that, many have few or nothing to celebrate with during the Christmas with their Children/Wards.

“I am happy that God is using me at this time to provide for them. I am very happy!!

THE DANCE STEPS

The high lights of Hon. Fom’s birthday celebration program at Goshen Gwottson Integrated Farms were the prayers, donation and dancing steps of the Women, Youths and the Elderly men, who joined Barr Mutfuang and Hon. Fom.

THE POSTER

It is of note that, Hon. Dalyop Fom is also contesting in the forthcoming 2023 general elections in order to return to the State Assembly under the platform of the PDP.

SEE SOME OTHER PICTURES BELOW:-   

     

BREAKING: PLATEAU STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL (A-G) MOVES TO SAVE HON. DAYABU GARGA AND 4 OTHERS IN A COMMITTAL PROCEEDING

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Attorney-General of Plateau State has filed a Nulle Prosecue to stop an ongoing quasi criminal proceeding in an alleged “Court Contempt” before the Plateau State High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice A. Ashom, in favour of, Hon. Dayabu Garga (the incumbent Chairman of Kanam Local Government Council), Mr. John Gabriel Mallo, Mr. Bulus Mandor, Mr. Monday Adachin and Mr. James Yilnaan.

INSIDE THE COURT ROOM

During the course of adopting their written addresses before the Court today, the Respondents through their Counsels, urged the Court to give effect to the Nulle Prosecue filed by the Attorney General of the State.

The Counsels cited Section 211, which in part reads as follows: “The Attorney General of a state shall have power: (a) to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court in Nigeria other than a court-martial in respect of any offence created by or under any law of the House of assembly; (b)take over and continue any such criminal proceedings that may have been instituted by any other authority or person; and (c) discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered any such criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by him or any other authority or person”.

INSIDE THE COURT ROOM

However, in his submission, S. S. Obende (Esq), Counsel to the Claimant Applicant/Judgment Creditor, leading other two Lawyers, while adopting his written address before the Court, told the Court that, the criminal proceeding arose from a civil matter and therefore quasi in nature and that the Attorney-General has no powers anywhere to stop such proceedings, while also citing Section 211(1c) to backup.

He said, “In furtherance of the Application of the Claimant/Judgment Creditor, on the 1^st of December, 2022, we filed a written address on a sole issue, which is whether the Attorney-General can enter a Nulle Prosecue on a Civil Matter?”

S. S. Obende, who told the Court that the Claimant filed a composite reply on point of Law, urged the Court to enter judgment in favour of the Judgment Creditor, saying that, “The A-G cannot exercise the powers conferred on him in section 211 to terminate the prosecution of Court Contempt in a Civil Matter”.

It is of note that, the Constitution in Section 211, added that, “The powers conferred upon the Attorney General of a state under subsection 1 of this section may be exercised by him in person or through officers of his department.

“In exercising his powers under this section, the Attorney General of a state shall have regard to the public interest, the interest of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process”.

PLATEAU STATE HIGH COURT

You would recall that, the contempt arose out of not giving effect(s) to the judgment and orders of the former Chief judge, Hon. Justice Dakwak (Rtd), in suit No: PLD/J/284/2001, which was between: Masok Mallo Tagbeng, Malo Matawal and Enock Kamo, who sued for themselves and on behalf the Dyak ruling house of Butura (and now judgment creditors) vs Bokkos LGC of Plateau State, Bokkos Local Government Traditional Council, Bureau for Local Government & Chieftancy Affairs, Plateau State, Joro Yak, Mr. Joseph Mahannan Dikop, Mr. Magit Mandik and Mr. Samuel M. Doy.

TO BE CONTINUED

BOOM: PLATEAU LP GOVERNOSHIP CANDIDATE: AMB. MARGIF APPEALS FHC JUDGMENT. SAYS, THE LEARNED TRIAL JUDGE ERRED IN LAW

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The political battle between Amb. Yohanna Yilpwan Margif and Dr. Patrick Dakum on who is the authentic candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Plateau State has just entered the second phase, as Amb. Margif has just filed his Appeal at the Court of Appeal Jos Judicial Division, challenging the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court (FHC) Jos Division in favour of Dr. Dakum. REALITY just gathered.

AMB. MARGIF

From the Notice of Appeal sighted by REALITY, Amb. Margif (Appellant) being dissatisfied with the judgment of the FHC, delivered by Hon. Justice D. V. Agashi, on the 9^th of December, 2022, in suit No: FHC/J/CS/76/2022 has appealed to the Court of Appeal on Six Grounds.

On the face of the Notice of Appeal dated 21^st December, 2022, Amb. Margif, through his Counsel, Munir  Barau Abdullahi (Esq), leading, Femi Adedeji (Esq), Yemi George (Esq) and M.M Auwal (Esq), stated on Grounds One that, the learned trial judge erred in Law and occasioned a miscarriage of justice, when he held that, the Plaintiff in suit No. FHC/J/CS/76/2022, voluntarily withdrew his candidacy from the Labour Party (LP) governorship primary in Plateau State.

Secondly, that the learned trial judge erred in Law and made pronouncements prejudicial to the interest of the Plaintiff, when he stated that, the valid requirements for a valid withdrawal has been met.

Thirdly, that the Learned Trial Court misdirected itself thereby occasioning a miscarriage of justice, when it held that, the press release concerning the Plaintiff’s expulsion (Exhibits LP1A & LP1b) from the Labour Party (1^st Defendant) are enough evidence, among other Grounds.

As reliefs, the Appellant, Amb. Margif is seeking an Order of the Court of Appeal, allowing the Appeal, an Order, setting aside the Decision of the learned trial judge in suit No: FHC/J/CS/76/2022, which was stroke out for want of jurisdiction and an Order, granting all the reliefs contained in the Originating Summons sought for by the Plaintiff in Suit No: FHC/J/CS/76/2022, on the grounds that, the plaintiff had proved his case before the trial court and therefore entitled to the reliefs sought, pursuant to Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act.

You would recall that, the Defendants in the Suit at the Lower Court were, Labour Party (LP), Dr. Patrick Dakum and INEC.

TO BE CONTINUED….

ANYBODY THAT IS AGAINST LG AUTONOMY SHOULD BE SEEN AS ANTI-PEOPLE---CSOs URGE PLATEAU PEOPLE (PRESS TEXT UNEDITED)

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) OPERATING IN Plateau State have urged citizens to see anybody, who does not support or is in opposition to Local Government Autonomy should be seen as anti people and enemies of the state that must perish with such ideas and dispositions.

The CSOs gave this charge in a press statement signed by Steve Alukodaniel, the Team Lead, which was made available to Media Houses yesterday in Jos, during a rally on Local Government Autonomy in the state.

The rally which took off at the Secretariat round about in Jos, ended at the State House of Assembly.

READ THE PRESS TEXT BELOW:-

STEVE ALUKODANIEL IN RED, WITH HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY MEMBERS

Press Release

The Path To A Prosperous Nigeria Is Local Government Autonomy

Plateau State Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) calls for immediate consideration of the Local Government Autonomy Bill 2022, by the Plateau State House of Assembly.

This call for the speedy passage is made against the past progressive rich history of past Plateau State House Assembly, from the first to the eight assembly that have not only promptly consider same, but ensured it passage against all odds by some not to do well meaning anti democratic forces either as individuals or as groups with ulterior motive.

This law when passed, will strengthen good governance at the local government level, promote accountability, transparency and open governance. It will also give majority of our rural populist a fair sense of ownership and responsibility.

It will promote healthy competitive development among the 774LGAs in Nigeria, and provide for the basic needs, for healthy living, arrest unguided urban drift and increasing urban slums.

It will guarantee veritable platforms for security of life and property of all including top politicians and civil servants that will eventually retire to a local government, after their services to the nation etc

Given all these advantages, this call made under a renewed vigor of a collective aspiration, to give better live to the third tiers of governance.

This sanctity is in the collective resolved of the Presidency,  the National Assembly, the erudite judgment of the Supreme Court, the Plateau State of Assembly, from the first to eighth and the people of Plateau State, have always at different times think and acted Plateau, given our peculiarities and challenges of under development votes for local government autonomy. Therefore, the Ninth cannot afford the luxury of wasting this rear opportunity to make or mere history, to write their names in gold by protecting the sanctity of their mandate.

They must resist all the temptation to will the future of majority of Plateau state rural populists to advantage of few selfish and self centered individuals or groups that, have feed fat on plunderous acts of unaccountable local government system in Plateau State and Nigeria.

Local Government Autonomy will definitely open a new phase in building its capacity and competence to act positively, as the best way to develop in this country is through a bottom-top approach to governance.

Any other way will be counterproductive.

If we all want a prosperous Nigeria, we need local intent and content like: “We must have decentralization and devolution of power in Morocco. Morocco is succeeding because, it has a proper bottom-top approach to governance.

Anybody, group, party and candidates that is opposed to Local Government Autonomy should be seen as anti people and enemies of the state that must perish with such ideas and dispositions.

Steve Alukodaniel

Team Lead

08034523024

alukosteve902@yahoo.com

DANYARO SARPIYA vs NENTAWE YILWATDA: PLATEAU STATE APC GOVERNORSHIP ASPIRANTS ARE IN SUPPORT OF SARPIYA'S APPEAL—HON. JOHNSON PODAR (SPOKESMAN)

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The suit challenging the victory of Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe at the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, seems far from over, despite the recent Judgment of the Federal High Court (FHC) Jos Division that held that, the Court lacks Jurisdiction because, the Claimant (Danyaro Dakon Sarpiya) has no Legal Locus to file the suit.

REALITY gathered that, dissatisfied with the Judgment of the FHC, the Claimant/Appellant, Danyaro Dakon Sarpiya and his supporters, have approached the Court of Appeal, Jos Division, complaining of the whole decision of the Lower Court.

THE NOTICE OF APPEAL

According to the Notice of Appeal, dated 16/12/2022, sighted by this paper, filed by S. A. Abbah Esq, with I. O. Akinmad Esq, and B. N. Goshi Esq, for Danyaro Sarpiya (Appellant), with the APC, Dr. Nentawe and INEC as, 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Respondents respectively, Ground 10 of the appeal holds that, “the learned trial court erred when it held that the notice of objection filed by the Respondents secede and the court lacked jurisdiction to determine the suit and same is hereby struck out, without determining the suit on its merit thereby occasioning a miscarriage of justice”.

THE NOTICE OF APPEAL

As Reliefs, Sarpiya (The Appellant) is seeking the Court of Appeal to grant an Order, allowing the appeal and setting aside the decision of the Lower Court and secondly, to determine the case of the Appellant at the Lower Court and grant the reliefs sought pursuant to Section 15 of the Court of Appeal’s Act.

HON. JOHNSON PODAR

Reacting on this development, Hon. Johnson Podar, the Spokesman of the group of APC Governorship Aspirants in Plateau State, who from indications are still aggrieved with the outcome of the primary election, told REALITY via phone conversation that, the entire group is in support of the Appeal filed by Sarpiya.

He said they are totally in support of it because, what Sarpiya is seeking is justice for all of them, as he commends the selfless interest of Sarpiya.

For the group, Hon. Johnson said the Lower Court erred by telling the world a lie that, Sarpiya did not resign his job and that he withdrew from the contest before the APC primary election in the state.

According to Hon. Johnson, these excuses are truly unfounded as Sarpiya resigned from his Job as far as March 2022 and secondly that, he scored Zero (0) in the contest also showed that he was a candidate.

HON. PODAR

He frowned at some of the developments at the Federal High Court, which he claims were planned to frustrate the Claimant. He said the court had wanted the matter to lapse despite knowing it is a Pre-election matter, which has time limits and that, after the Judgment, the Judge also did not sign her judgment until the very last day allowed by Law on appealing such matters.

Adding that, “Despite all this frustrations, we are glad that, Sarpiya has finally filed the appeal. As a group of APC Governorship Aspirants in the state we are happy and proud of him. We know he is doing all these for all of us and for the interest of Plateau State. We continue to call on our supporters to remain calm as we continue to watch the developments as they unfold”.

NASARAWA PDP CAMPAIGN: ATIKU PROMISES BETTER BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT, FUTURE FOR YOUTHS AND WOMEN, IF VOTED

By: Wilson Bako (Lafia),

Worried by the increasing wave of unemployment in the country, the People Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku has promised to set aside a whopping sum of $10 billion for small and medium scale enterprise for young men and women, if voted into power in next year’s general elections.

Addressing a large crowd of party members and supporters, who trooped to the Lafia parade ground situated in the heart of the city, the venue of the party’s campaign rally, the PDP’s Presidential Candidate also promised to link the state with good road networks, in order to boost business transactions in the state.

According to the Nigerian former Vice President, his desire to provide Job opportunity to the teaming youths is aimed at checking youths’ restiveness in the country.

Alhaji Atiku, who was full of praises to the people of the state for the large turnout at campaign rally, further appealed to them, to repeat the same feet on the day of the election next year, in order  to guarantee his victory and that of all other contestants under the banner of the PDP.

The   Vice Presidential Candidate of the party, who is also the Executive Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeayi Okowa, on his part, called on Nigerians to have faith in Alhaji Atiku, as his wealth of experience would bring the country out of the current mess the country and its people have found ourselves.

Dr. Okowa said, “the greatest opportunity given to Nigerians now is the presidential ticket given to Alhaji Atiku by the PDP”.

As an advice, Okowa advised Nigerians to grab this singular opportunity with two hands by turning out en mass and cast their votes for Atiku and all other PDP candidates, come next year.

The PDP National Chairman, Dr. Iyorcha Ayu in his remarks expressed confidence that, Alhaji Atiku will no doubt win the presidential election.

He said, “wherever he goes, the turnout has always been massive”.

He said the entire North Central States have always been home to PDP as a party. Adding that, “I have no doubt in in my mind that, all the other political parties will not make any impact in the Zone”.

The Chairman of PDP’s Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Udom Emmanuel stated that, “there is no justification for Nasarawa State to produce raw materials and is being process in another state”.

He explaining that, if the people give their mandate to the PDP in next year’s elections, proper machines would be provided for them to process their God given raw materials.

The PCC Chairman disclosed that, a vote for PDP means, “job creation, wealth, employment opportunities, poverty alleviation amongst numerous other goodies to come their way”.

Earlier, in his welcome speech, the state PDP Chairman, Mr. Francis Orogu, assured the Presidential Campaign Team delegation that, the people of Nasarawa State have totally embrace PDP as their only political party and promised to deliver the state for the party.

DISCOUNTENANCE SAHARA REPORT ON ITF. IT IS A TISSUE OF LIES AND HAS NO BASIS—WORKERS' UNIONS IN ITF REACT

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The worker’s unions in the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) from the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) have called on the general public to discountenance the report of Sahara Reporters tagged: Protest in Nigerian Government Agency, ITF Over Alleged Lopsided Appointments and Promotions.

The Unions in a press brief at the Plateau State NUJ Press Center today, described the content of the report, as tissues of lies and untruth.

Speaking on behalf of the Unions, Othman Balarabe, the Sec. Gen of SSACSGOC, flank by other members said, “the report should be discountenanced, as it is tissue of lies and untruth that has no basis in fact.

Adding that, “As a responsible media organization, Sahara reporters should have done well by cross checking the information they got from what is clearly a faceless and non-existent organisation”.

READ THE UNEDITED REJOINDER BELOW:-   

Othman Balarabe, the Sec. Gen of SSACSGOC, flank by other members

                                                                                    

Re: Protest in Nigerian Government Agency, ITF Over Alleged Lopsided Appointments and Promotions.

The attention of the two workers’ Unions in the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) – the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) – has been drawn to the above publication that was published on the website of Sahara Reporters on 8^th December, 2022. The story which is attributed to a faceless group – the Coalition of Northern Human Rights Groups (NHRG) – was based on a protest letter by the group, to the office of the Minister of Trade and Investment (Sic), alleging lopsided appointments and monetization of the promotion process, fraudulent awards of contracts, mandate deviation, nepotism and outright diversion of public funds, against the DG and Management of the ITF.

While it is not in our place to hold brief for the Director-General and Management, who are quite capable of defending their integrity that is clearly being assailed and tarnished. We, as representatives of the entirety of the ITF workforce are constrained to react to this malicious publication whose purpose is to sow discords and cause disaffection within the Fund. This is based on our firm understanding of the operations of the Fund, our deep appreciation of what the DG has done since his appointment in 2016 and the implication of the story on the image and reputation of our dear institution. In view of the above, we as the executive officers of the two unions wish to react as follows:

Othman Balarabe, the Sec. Gen of SSACSGOC, flank by other members

1. On the allegation of ‘nepotism, lopsided appointments and promotion of workers and monetization of the processes’ the NHRG and Sahara Reporters are merely trying to ‘give a dog a bad name in order to hang it’ because since the assumption of office of the DG, the ITF has operated transparently and in keeping with his pledge to heal wounds and work as unto God in the discharge of his duties. Therefore, every activity, be it employment, promotions and appointments and others have followed due process which accounts for the industrial harmony that has prevailed in the Fund since his appointment. With regards to the recruitments that Management conducted some years back, it was obvious to everyone associated with the ITF, even before his assumption to office that the Fund was short-staffed owing to retirements and other sundry reasons. The DG, therefore, commenced the process of recruiting staff to plug the gaping manpower gaps in a transparent process that involved the Federal Character Commission (FCC), the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the ITF Governing Council. It is, therefore, preposterous that several years since the recruitment exercise, the DG would be accused of ‘lopsided appointment and bias recruitment’ as if he had sole responsibility for such an exercise, or rode roughshod over the other parties to populate the Fund with ‘indigenes of Plateau State and environs’ as the story suggested. Indeed, instead of the suggestion of ‘running the agency as his private estate with the bulk of recruitment into the agency reserved for indigenes of Plateau State and environs,’ the ITF was commended by the Federal Character Commission for adherence to laid down processes in the recruitment exercise.
2. There is nothing that suggests the desperation of the medium to impugn the name of the DG than the assertion of “promotion in the agency has been monetised and, in most instances, based on religious and ethnic considerations”. As staff of the Fund, we wish to state that the promotion exercises are conducted with the supervision and active participation of the supervising Ministry and the Governing Council based on clearly defined parameters in line with the Civil service rule and condition of service. The transparency of the Fund’s promotion exercise has been further enhanced by the introduction of the Computer Based Test (CBT) under the leadership of Sir Joseph N. Ari. Having witnessed the process of our promotion exercise, the FMITI adjudged our exercise as one of the best and therefore, directed the Fund to prepare a template that will be adopted by other agencies under the Ministry. Consequently, the issue of lopsided appointments alleged by the publication is not only mischievous but equally satanic and devilish. Interestingly, the last recruitment made by the Fund was in 2019, and the necessary approvals were obtained, and the quota system was duly followed as in accordance with the directive of the Federal Character Commission. From 2019 to date, no other recruitment. We, as the Unions, will be first to complain should there be any attempt to subvert the process in favour of others. Anybody familiar with the ITF will testify that the ITF Unions are reputed for their activism.

• Regarding allegations of ‘fraudulent award of contracts in the Fund, without recourse to the civil service rules (Sic)’, we state without fear of contradiction that all processes concerning the award of contracts in the ITF are followed to the letter. For a medium that hypes its investigative journalism credentials, we are amazed that it did not cite any instance of such alleged infractions. Indeed, because of the transparent adherence to procedures and due process in its affairs, the ITF was ranked amongst the first from over 500 agencies of the Federal Government that were surveyed in 2020 in terms of service delivery, transparency and integrity.

1. It is equally spurious and quite laughable that a man that is described by most stakeholders’ as ‘the architect of Modern ITF’ and ‘Mr Infrastructure,’ who has virtually transformed the ITF both in terms of its ability to actualise its mandate and physical infrastructure is being accused of ‘outright diversion of funds and mandate deviation’. It is public knowledge that since the assumption to office of the Director-General, he has initiated several skills Acquisition programmes that have equipped thousands of Nigerians with relevant technical skills, who were empowered with start-up kits to start their businesses. It is equally on record that since his appointment in 2016, the DG has completed and commissioned over ten projects namely: The Mechatronics Workshop and Administrative Block at the Industrial Skills Training Centre (ISTC) Kano; Katsina Area Office Complex with an Administrative and Vocational Wing; Lagos Island Area Office Complex; Modern Library Complex and Central Stores in the Headquarters complex; Classroom Blocks at the ITF Staff School, Headquarters Auditorium and Gymnasium and Access road and; Intro-tech Laboratory at the ITF Staff School.

The commissioning ceremonies were performed by our supervising Ministers – Otunba Richard Adeniyi Adebayo and Ambassador Mariam YalwajiKatagum, who lauded the DG’s achievements and parsimonious application of lean resources. Eight other projects have been completed and awaiting commissioning namely: Gusau Area Office Complex and Vocational Wing; Minna Area Office Complex and Vocational Wing; Aba Area Office Complex and Vocational Wing and Access Road; Awka Area Office Complex, Vocational Wing, and Access Road; Yola Area Office; Maiduguri Area Office; Abakaliki Area Office; Owerri Area Office in Imo State; the Multi-purpose Building in Maitama, Abuja; the proposed Institute of Hospitality Management at Oba Akran in Lagos and; a special Agriculture Greenhouse at Ofadaland in Ogun State. On-going projects include ITF staff quarters in Port-harcourt, Yola Area Office Complex and Vocational Wings, Uyo Area Office and Vocational Wings, ITF Multipurpose Training Centre, Abuja and Model Skills Training Centre (MSTC), Enugu.

It must equally be placed on record that the House of Representatives’ Committee on Industry, during an oversight function visit to the Fund commended the Director-General and Management of the Fund for industrial harmony as well as for achieving so much in the face of paucity of funds.

In conclusion, the report should be discountenanced, as it is tissue of lies and untruth that have no basis in fact. As a responsible media organisation, Sahara reporters should have done well by cross checking the information they got from what is clearly a faceless and non-existent organization.

On behalf of the Unions

KayodeAlakija                                                                      Othman Balarabe

President SSACSGOC                                                           Sec. Gen, SSACSGOC

 

 

 

AFTER 2023 ELECTIONS: GOV. ABDULLAHI PROMISES TO WOO INVESTORS TO KEANA LGA TO EXPLORE PETROLEUM PRODUCTS, OTHERS

By: Wilson Bako (Lafia),

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has vowed to woo Investors to Nasarawa State, to come and explore the petroleum products recently discovered in Keana Local Government Area (LGA), as well as, established a salt industry in the area.

This according to him is due to the large availability of the product in the area.

Speaking at a campaign rally in the area, Engineer Sule explained that, he would bring to bear his wealth of experience, as someone who has worked for several years in various companies to achieve this set objectives.

He said that, the revenue that would be accrued from these investments would not only benefit the people of Keana alone, but the state and county as a whole.

“Apart from providing job opportunities to a huge number of Keana youths, the two industries, if established will bring about rapid development in the area”. He assured.

The Governor however, took time to caution the people of the area that, these laudable objectives may never come to fruition, if there is no peaceful co existence in the area because, no investor would ever waste his huge resources in an area that would be destroyed within a twinkle of an eye as result of crisis.

He reaffirmed his earlier promise that, no flag of the party would be given to any candidate whose primary election results is being challenged in a court of law until such cases were dispensed with.

He also disclosed to the people of the area that, he has never given the party flag to any candidate of the House of Assembly in the area that is currently being challenged in court.

He said this would only be, when the court finally gives its verdict. He therefore advised the supporters of the two aspirants to eschew all forms of bitterness and wait for the outcome of the case.

Engineer Sule, was full of joy at the large turnout of the people of the area to receive him. He said, “This spirit and determination has strengthen as well as, encouraged me to believe that, none of their votes would go to the opposition party”.

Earlier, the State Chairman of the APC., Mr John Mamman, had assured the large crowd that, only a governor with a vast knowledge and high level of experience in industrial work like Engineer Sule, who has worked in managerial level in both African Petroleum (AP) and Dangote Companies can ensure that the petroleum products discovered in the area is fully explored and a salt industry is also established.

The party Chairman said, the people of the state must give kudos to Governor Sule, for restoring peace in the state. Adding that, this gesture by the Governor has brought about bumper harvest in the state as farmers have gone back to farms without any fear of being attacked.

Mr. Mamman stated that, for peace to continue to reign supreme in the state, there is no alternative to Governor Sule. He therefore called on the people of the state to turn out en mass and vote for the Governor to enable the state continue to enjoy the peace he has brought about.

In his brief remarks at the occasion, Senator Tanko Almakura, who is also seeking a second term in office, told the gathering that, Engineer Sule has brought about rapid development in the state and therefore he deserves a second term.

He asked them to obtain their permanent Voters Card and get ready for next year’s general elections and ensure that they vote only APC, from the top to the bottom.

PLATEAU 2023 CAMPAIGNS: OUR JOB IS TO DEMYSTIFY THE DECEIT OF THOSE EXITING GOVERNMENT HOUSE IN MAY 2023---MR. JINAN WINSTON (PDP YOUTH WING)

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

As the campaigns and the countdown to 2023 general elections takes center stage in Plateau State and Nigeria at large and as citizens continue to scrutinize and also trying to understand, who would be the best to take the day come May 2023, the Director of Strategy, Research and Theater of the Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign Youth Wing, Mr. Jinan Winston Moses has claimed that their job is just to demystify the lies and deceit of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr. Winston, made this clear revelation in a political program 103 Politics on KT 103.9 FM, presented by Mr. T. Morgan, which was monitored by this paper.

Speaking on the journey so far and how the political atmosphere is like as it concerns the PDP’s Presidential candidate, Mr. Jinan said, the party is ready and prepared to deliver Atiku Abubakar with the structure of the campaign team on ground.

Adding that, “The Youth Wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and of the Atiku/Okowa campaign and every other candidate of the party in Plateau State, was inaugurated on Saturday. As prepared as we are, we are hitting the ground running.

“This is to ensure that, we deliver all the candidates of the party. Our job is not just for the office of the governor, but to ensure victory for our party”.

Mr. Jinan said the campaign team has a mandate to deliver 5 over 5.

According to him, the 5 are: The Presidential, Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly.

The Director of Strategy, Research and Theater of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign Youth Wing, Mr. Jinan Winston Moses in part said, “The Youth Wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and of the Atiku/Okowa Campaign and every other candidate of the party in Plateau State, were inaugurated on Saturday. As prepared as we are, we are hitting the ground running.

“We started our functions officially on Sunday and part of the function is what we will be doing today. The D-G is up and running, showing his capacity, bringing all youth blocks together, pursuing with vigor the assignments to enable us deliver. I am also doing my part like other Directors.

“This is to ensure that, we deliver all the candidates of the party. Our job is not just for the office of the governor, but to ensure victory for our party.

“Therefore, the Youth Wing Campaign Organization of the Plateau State chapter of the PDP is 5 over 5. What this means is that, “we must delivering 5 candidates” and there would be nothing like selective campaign, focusing on only one candidate. It also holds that the campaigns would be focusing on all our candidates.

“The 5 means Presidential, Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly. We have to deliver them all.

“Speaking from an informed position, I have confidence in the team(s) that has been put together. Every member has been carefully selected and considered to have the needed capacity and the willingness to deliver the party.

“Therefore, we have a formidable team and I can be bold to tell you that, this is one of the best campaign team that is been setup by the party under the amiable leadership of our gubernatorial candidate, Barr Caleb Mutfwang and the supervision of Hon. Chris Hassan and his EXCO.

‘We do not need to knock at the door to enter our room. Plateau State is PDP and we all know that! The APC has never won election on the Plateau on the basis of competence or credibility. They have rather being Merchants of Political Manipulations. They are sellers of hate, concoctors of lies and all they do is to divide our people.

“You remember the hate and rage they sold in 2015. They balkanized Plateau, along tribal and ethnic lines. But, what we want to do as a party and after winning the elections by the Grace of God is to reunite our people.

‘These false narratives they are currently selling to our brothers and sisters in the other faith that, the PDP does not have concern or like them is fake, and we are shall demystifying them.

“Our job is simple! We only need to bring to light, the deceit of those, who are going to exit government house Rayfield on 29^th May, 2023 to our people.

“You see, the truth can never be hidden. This is our job!”