The Plateau State Governorship Tribunal sitting in Jos, the Plateau state capital has dismissed the petition filed by Solomon Nandy Chendan and his political party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for lack of “diligent prosecution”.
The petition was also dismissed according to the bench ruling of the Tribunal because, the petitioners failing to pay the statutory “Security Cost” as provided for by the 1st Schedule of the Electoral Act.
Earlier, the Respondents in the petition, INEC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Caleb Mutfwang had urged the Tribunal to dismiss the petition as the petitioners had failed to file form 007 to kick start the Pre-hearing session.
More also they urged the Tribunal to take judicial notice that the petitioners were not in court.
“For not being in Court is a strong indication that they have abandoned their petition” The three Respondents emphasized.
However, in dismissing the petition, the Tribunal further awarded One Million Naira Cost to be paid to each Respondent by the petitioners.
Few hours after his inauguration, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has approved his first appointments to kick start his administration.
According to a Plateau State press release signed by the Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties) to the Governor, Moses Nwan (mni), the Governor has approved the appointed of has approved the appointment of Arch. Samuel Nanchang Jatau as Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS) and Barr Philemon Dafi, as Attorney-General/Commissioner of Justice designate.
Governor Caleb has also approved the appointment of Mr. Moses Nwan (mni) as Executive Private Secretary.
“These appointments are with immediate effect”. The government release added.
READ THE FULL TEXT BELOW:-
PRESS RELEASE
GOV. CALEB
GOVERNOR CALEB MANASSEH MUTFWANG MAKES FIRST APPOINTMENTS
1. Towards the building of a new united Plateau, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has approved the appointment of Arch. Samuel Nanchang Jatau as Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS).
He is a retired Director in the Plateau State Civil Service. He was a Governorship aspirant in 2019. He is presently an active and practicing politician in the PDP family.
2.Barr. Philemon Dafi as Attorney General/Commissioner of Justice designate.
He is a seasoned legal practitioner with more than thirty (30) years of active legal practice. He is a member of the Council for Legal Education in Nigeria.
3.Mr. Moses Nwan mni as Executive Private Secretary to the Governor. He is a retired Permanent Secretary with the Plateau State Government and a former Local Government Administrator.
He is a devoted community leader and presently the Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties) to the Governor of Plateau State.
The appointments are with immediate effect.
Signed:
Moses Nwan, mni
Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties) to the Governor
Jos North Local Government of Plateau State was totally shutdown by residents and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faithful, as Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) takes over the mantle of Governorship from the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by out-going Governor Simon Lalong (Esq).
BUSINESS PEOPLE
The handing over ceremony which took place at the Rwang Pam Township stadium Jos, was witnessed by Thousands of residents, who voluntarily closed their shops and other businesses in honour of the incoming administration.
Also at the ceremony were incumbent Local Government Chairmen under the platform of the APC from the 17 Local Government Councils of the state and their supporters, who came to show loyalty to the incoming Caleb Mutfwang led People Democratic Party (PDP) administration.
THE PARADE
Although the ceremony started late, the out-going Governor, Simon Lalong, was represented officially by his Deputy, Prof. Sunni Tyoden, who handed over the baton to Governor Caleb.
Two persons (Male) are currently being prosecuted for violating the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in Plateau State.
This was disclosed by the representative of the Plateau State Ministry of Justice (MOJ) at the Legal and Social Empowerment Program on Women’s Right at City Lodge Hotel in Jos, the Plateau State capital today, a program organized by, Women’s Rights Advancement And Protection Alternative (WRAPA).
According to the Ministry, one of the suspects is being tried for Assault, while the other is being tried for the rape of an 19 years old.
The program according to WRAPA’s Concept Note and Agenda is aimed at a public march (Campaign), calling for the implementation of the VAPP Law in Plateau State and a Town hall engagement with state and non-state actors on the re-passage of the Plateau State GEO Bill.
HON. DANIEL,MEMBER PLHAMADAM KANENG
In their individual comments during an interview with Journalists, a Member of the Plateau State House of Assembly (PLHA), Hon. Daniel Nanbol Listick, the head of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Plateau State, Kaneng Tabitha Ahoro, the Deputy Director Legal, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Madam Kiyenpiya Nafuyai, among others, commended WRAPA for the technical support, programs and encouragements that have enable the state to achieve the current feat with respect to the protection of women.
MADAM MAFUYAI
Earlier, while welcoming the participants made up of professionals drawn from Lawyers the Police, Human Rights Activists, CSOs, the Media among others, the representative of the SG of WRAPA made participants to know that, in Plateau State, if the GEO Bill is re-passed into Law, discrimination of all sort, “Will be prohibited, equality through equity will be promoted and social and cultural practices that abuse the human rights of women and girls will be modified”.
MADAM MADAKI
On her part, while speaking to Journalists concerning the programs of WRAPA in the state, Madam Jummai Madaki (The State Coordinator of WRAPA), hailed the support of the organization to the state. She said the willingness of several organizations now finding and accepting Plateau as a better place to settle currently is because of the model Laws.
SALEH PLANGNAN DEBORAH AND PRINCE CHARLES
Adding that, “the passage and domestication of the VAPP Law in Plateau State has boosted the confidence of investors and other businesses to place Plateau and as a priority place to be. This is also because, the model Laws guaranty Human Rights”.
In all, she praised, Hon. Daniel Nanbol Listick, for his efforts at influencing the passage of the model Laws in the Plateau State House of Assembly.
HON. DANIEL
As at the time of writing this report, the program has gone into its technical session.
The Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has began sitting in Jos, the capital of Plateau State today, with its inaugural session.
At the inaugural sitting, the Chairman of the Tribunal, Hon. Justice Rita Irele Ifeneh, called on all parties and Counsels in the petitions to cooperate with the Tribunal in order to enable the Court deliver justice in the petitions within stipulated time.
She also urged the petitioners and their Counsels to file the necessary applications to enable the Pre-hearing begin.
According to the Chairman, the Tribunal would grimace at “Unnecessary Technicalities”.
Responding on behalf of the Inner and Outer Bar, Kayode Olatoke (SAN) pledged that, members of the bar would fully cooperate with the Tribunal to enable the court deliver justice within the legal time.
However, the Tribunal has ruled that, it would not adjourn the hearing of petitions N0 02/03 to next week because, the Tribunal is time bound to complete its assignment in Plateau State.
The hearing on the petitions have been adjourned to Thursday, 25th May, 2023.
Speaking to Journalists at the Tribunal Complex, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda and his Counsel, expressed confidence in the Tribunal.
According to Dr. Nentawe, “This is the last bus stop in an election process and I have confidence in it”.
As the Lalong-led administration winds down after 8 years, the former governor of Plateau State, Sen. Jonah David Jang has again stated that, the administration has nothing to show to the people of the state apart from failures.
Sen. Jang, who gave this political knocked in a statement tagged: “MAY PLATEAU NEVER HAVE A GOVERNMENT THAT LOOKS LIKE LALONG- LED ADMINISTRATION”, signed on his behalf by his Media Consultant, Mr. Clinton Garuba, Sen. Jang stated that, the Lalong-led administration seeing that, it is one administration with a leadership style that no one would wish to see in a modern Plateau again, would have exited quietly without having to insult the sensibilities of Plateau people.
“Alas! Goof and gaffes are the hallmarks of the administration that spent 8 years supervising the undoing of previous administrations’ programmes, projects and policies, which had set the state on the path to sustainable progress and development”.
Adding that, “It would have been okay to watch how this current administration ingloriously exits Government House, Little Rayfield, but for the recent distortion of facts and barefaced lies of the Governor, who tried to score cheap political points to salvage his already diminished political profile, which has made him lost favour with the Plateau people”.
You would recall that, former Governor Jonah David Jang has repeatedly said he stands out in a class of his own when the current administration is placed side-by-side with his 8-year reign, which left the landscape of Plateau dotted with projects across the state.
According to the statement in part signed by Mr. Clinton, “In addition to all that, Senator Jang remained vocal in defence of his people throughout his tenure, despite the now obvious, campaigns of calumny against his person and Government. Plateau people will agree that, no matter what the shortcomings of the Jang administration were, it is by far a better deal to the State than the last 8 years, which have not only derailed the development of the state, but thrived on blaming the previous administration while doing nothing to match up to what it had done”.
READ TE FULL TEXT BELOW:
SEN. JANG
MAY PLATEAU NEVER HAVE A GOVERNMENT THAT LOOKS LIKE LALONG- LED ADMINISTRATION
As the Lalong-led administration winds down after 8 years and seeing that it is one administration with a leadership style that no one will wish to see in a modern Plateau, one would have expected that it will sober enough to exit quietly without having to insult the sensibilities of the Plateau people. Alas! Goof and gaffes are the hallmarks of the administration that spent 8 years supervising the undoing of previous administrations’ programmes, projects and policies which had set the state on the path to sustainable progress and development.
It would have been okay to watch how this current administration ingloriously exits Government House, Little Rayfield but for the recent distortion of facts and barefaced lies of the governor who tried to score cheap political points to salvage his already diminished political profile which has made him lost favour with the Plateau people.
Former Governor Jonah David Jang has repeatedly said he stands out in a class of his own when the current administration is placed side-by-side with his 8-year reign which left the landscape of Plateau dotted with projects across the state. In addition to all that, Senator Jang remained vocal in defence of his people throughout his tenure, despite the now obvious, campaigns of calumny against his person and Government. Plateau people will agree that, no matter what the shortcomings of the Jang administration were, it is by far a better deal to the State than the last 8 years which have not only derailed the development of the state but thrived on blaming the previous administration while doing nothing to match up to what it had done.
In any case, the 2023 general elections were a referendum on the Lalong administration and by extension on the APC in Plateau State which did nothing other than dismantle structures put in place for a prosperous Plateau. The state of governance has nosedived that one would not envy the incoming administration for the enormity of work that it has to do in rebuilding the people’s trust in Government, its programmes and policies.
At a time when sections of the state have come under attacks from people hell-bent on waging genocide on the people, the Government is rather hurriedly commissioning projects, some of which it even inherited as ongoing projects of the Jang administration to cover for 8 years of nothingness. Perhaps the government realised too late in the day that it had pursued personal political gains to the detriment of the general well-being of the State and is in a hurry to claim that it at least did something when in fact did almost nothing .
Speaking blatant lies about the state of roads in the city centre at the beginning of the Lalong administration is the icing on the cake of the falsehood peddled by the government since the assumption of office. Every Plateau citizen knows that since the return of democracy in 1999, no government has paid attention to roads and infrastructure like the Jang administration. If Lalong and those who have failed to advise him on the need to be truthful as a leader think that they built Jos, the Plateau State capital from its foundation, let them continue to live in delusion. The outcome of the elections is a testimony to their performance in the last 8 years. Had they done better, Plateau people would have said so through the ballot box. Having failed, the best thing would be to quietly leave and continue with the lobby for appointment at the federal level where he had spent years of servitude abandoning the state to suffer a lack of leadership and governance.
For now, the Lalong administration should concentrate on clearing their tables as it is only a few days to the handover and the prayer on the lips of many a plateau person is, “May Lalong and this type of administration never happen to us again.”
Senator Jang commiserates with all the grieving communities and joins in wishing that the swearing-in of the coming administration will bring succour to the people and return the state to the path to progress and development.
Clinton Garuba
Media Consultant to Senator (Dr) Jonah David Jang CON
The Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya has disclosed that, Mal. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli CFR, Emir of Zazzau is to become the new Chancellor of the University of Jos
The VC disclosed this in a press conference with journalist at the Senate Chambers at Naraguta Campus, Permanent site, Jos on Wednesday, 10th May, 2023.
According to Professor Tanko Ishaya, the briefing is the commencement of the 33rd and 34th combined Convocation ceremony of the institution.
Adding that, “We are kick starting this year’s Convocation activities with a media parley because of the importance attached and the critical role the media plays in creating awareness among the populace.
“The highpoint of the event is the investiture of His Highness, Mal. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli CFR, Emir of Zazzau as the new Chancellor of the University of Jos, on Saturday, 13th May, 2023.
“Also, there will be award of Postgraduate Diploma, Masters and PhD Degrees at the faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium, Naraguta Campus, University of Jos.
“Other activities are the award of Certificates, Diploma and undergraduate Degrees on 11th May, 2023 at Social Sciences Auditorium. The convocation Lecture by Professor Anthony Okon Nyong, Director, Climate Change and Green Growth, Africa Development Bank, Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire and 2007 Nobel Peace Price Laureate titled “Combating Climate Change for National Security and Development” at the faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium by 3:00pm.
“Although, this is the first convocation ceremony to be performed by the Vice Chancellor, the institution shall award certificate to 20,532 students being graduated in this year’s Convocation. They comprise 159 PhDs, 3669 Masters, 281 Postgraduate Diploma, 11,281 Bachelor and 5,142 from affiliated institutions.
Assessing the achievements so far made under his administration, Professor Tanko Ishaya said, “At this juncture, I wish to acknowledge that, despite the challenges, my tenure so far as Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos has been quite eventful. The University Management has done its best under the circumstances to position University of Jos, as a world class institution of higher learning.
“In this wise I feel confident to proclaim to you today that the men and women that will be presented for the award of various certificate at the 33rd and 34th Convocation of the University represent the best of our society.
“We are proud of them because they have worked diligently and excelled. We have no doubt that they will be successful in their chosen careers.
“Among those graduating with degrees under classification: 112 first class honours, 3,093 Second class honours (Upper Division), 6325 Second class honours (Lower Division), 1361Third Class Degrees, 281 Pass Division and 109 Pass Qualified for Pharmacy and veterinary Medicine programmes”.
Members of the defunct ACN, CPC AND ANPP in Plateau State in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Plateau State chapter that worked tirelessly for the emergence of Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the candidate of the APC in the party’s presidential primary election and also to the victory of Tinubu/Shettima in the February, 2023 Presidential election polls, are calling on the President-elect, to consider Chief (Dr.) Amos Gizo and appoint him as the Minister to represent Plateau State in his administration.
The group in a press release signed by Comrade Mathew Tok, the Plateau chapter of the defunct political parties, submitted that, “As credible Members of the defunct ACN CPC ANPP, and members of PCC, we pray for the best for our PRESIDENT-ELECT, as he assumes the mantle of leadership of this Great Nation come, May 29th, 2023, when he takes the Oath of Office.
“We, being proud members of the founding fathers of APC, which has a wide geopolitical acceptability that had worked tirelessly for the emergence, of the president elect, we are calling on our President-elect to consider Chief (Dr) Amos Gizo of Plateau State for appointment as, a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Plateau State.
According to the release, the group hinted that, their request is coming owing to Chief Gizo’s deep experience in governance and his acceptance by members of the defunct political parties across the 19 states of the federation.
CHIEF DR. AMOS GIZO
“Our request is hinged on the fact that, Chief Gizo is well-experienced in governance and suitably accepted by the defunct ACN CPC ANPP in the State as our leader, a selfless and charismatic personality, who since his political surgeon he has constantly identified with the President-elect, from ACD, AD, ACN and to APC.
“He has served the party in various capacities and he is also perceived as a political equality, an antidote for fairness, equity, and justice in the new administration.
“We also want to advise His Excellency that, in forming his cabinet, priority should be given to men of reputable character, who have been tested and trusted like Chief Gizo, to enable him fulfill and achieve the Renewed Hope Campaign Promises.
“The composition of his cabinet should be all-inclusive and fairly distributed across the Geopolitical Zones, with high sensitivity on religious consideration(s)”. The release stated in part.
READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE TEST BELOW:-
PRESS RELEASE:
AN APPEAL TO PRESIDENT-ELECT, HIS EXCELLENCY ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU TO CONSIDER CHIEF (Dr) AMOS GIZO FROM NORTH-CENTRAL FOR THE POSITION OF /MINISTER OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA A FRONT LINE LEADER OF DEFUNCT ACN,CPC,ANPP WHICH CULMINATED TO THE PRESENT APC
Distinguished members of the Press,
We are members of the defunct ACN, CPC, ANPP, which formed the merger of APC, Plateau State Chapter.
First, we wish to congratulate our dear President-elect, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his well-deserved victory at the just concluded Presidential Election held on Saturday, 25th February, 2023.
Furthermore, we also congratulate him on his 71st Birthday, which was celebrated nationwide by Nigerians.
As credible Members of the defunct ACN CPC ANPP, and members of PCC, we pray for the best for our PRESIDENT-ELECT, as he assumes the mantle of leadership of this Great Nation come, May 29th, 2023, when he takes the Oath of Office.
We, being proud members of the founding fathers of APC which has a wide geopolitical acceptability that had worked tirelessly for the emergence, of the president elect, we are calling on our President-elect to consider Chief (Dr) Amos Gizo of Plateau State for appointment as, a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Plateau State.
Our request is hinged on the fact that, Chief Gizo is well-experienced in governance and suitably accepted by the defunct ACN CPC ANPP in the State as our leader, a selfless and charismatic personality, who since his political surgeon he has constantly identified with the President elect, from ACD, AD, ACN and to APC.
DR. AMOS
He has served the party in various capacity, he is also perceived as a political inequalities, an antidote for fairness, equity, and justice in the new administration.
We also want to advise His Excellency that, in forming his cabinet, priority should be given to men of reputable character, who have been tested and trusted like Chief Gizo, to enable him fulfill and achieve the Renewed Hope Campaign Promises.
The composition of his cabinet should be all-inclusive and fairly distributed across the Geopolitical Zones, with high sensitivity on religious consideration(s).
It is not a hidden fact that, the President-elect, His Excellency, Sen. Bola Tinubu, and his Vice, Dr. Kashim Shettima, are both of the same faith. This combination has attracted so much comments and criticism within the political space in reference to his we will advise the president elect to follow Sue with president Obasanjo in appointing his cabinet, being from South West and his vice president from North East, the SGF was from South-south, Senate president from South East speaker from North West and the chairman from North Central, if this is follow not minding selfish players , this will bring an immediate reconciliation and the perceive mistrust will definitely disappear.
We will also urged the president elect to looked into the merger principles, since Plateau State was totally sidelines by the Governor. This is because, we feel it was a deliberate attempt to undermine the defunct CPC, ACN and ANPP.
Your Excellency Sir, for a brief history, you will recalled that Plateau was the least State that you were expecting delegates because the governor has come out clearly to inform you that, Plateau State is for His Excellency, Rotimi Ameachi, but with the intervention of Chief (Dr.) Amos Gizo, and the aggrieved Gubernatorial candidates from Plateau and the defunct CPC ACN and ANPP, with the coordination of Chief (Dr.) Amos Gizo, you out rightly won Plateau despite the pronouncements of the governor.
Sir, it is on record that, you lost the governor’s polling unit, his Ward and local government, but Chief Amos Gizo, delivered his polling unit his Ward and local government. The record is there sir.
If you will recall, the Gubernatorial candidates promised you that, you will win Plateau and by our records despite the campaign of colony you got 37% and you scored the highest vote in the state than the governorship election. This goes to that, the D-G campaign and his selected campaign structure within the state have proven that, they were rejected already in the state.
Is in this regard that we are calling with a very big voice that, Chief Amos Gizo should be given the position of the Minister representing Plateau to enable the party unite again.
The appointment of Dr. GIZO, we hopefully believe is key in balancing the political power and more advantageous to Plateau State.
Your Excellency Sir, just to mention a few of the role Chief Amos Gizo played during the elections. Firstly, he was the coordinator of both the Christian and Moslem faith for reconciliation. Secondly, he was involved in reconciling Bauchi State difference. Thirdly, he was the appealed Chairman of Yobe State despite the fact that, the defunct CPC, ACN and ANPP were not given anything for the election. Fourthly, with the intervention of Gizo and Faleke, we were mobilized to our various local government units and Wards through the efforts of Chief Amos Gizo.
Your Excellency Sir, you are a season politicians we know you know what we are saying because, you already knew the character of those you are dealing with. We only want an inclusive leadership on the Plateau and you can only do that, by bringing someone that knows exactly the merger principles.
Be informed that, some of the challenges faced during the presidential campaign was the neglect of the merger principles, but you can correct that since you have always been the leader of the party,
In conclusion, we want to re-echo our call once more to His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President-elect, to use his strategic wisdom and pick Chief (Dr.) Amos Gizo, who has been his Political Ally for over 30 years, as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
This is because he worked tirelessly, during the Presidential primary for his emergence as the Presidential candidate of the party, when the Governor of the state failed to uphold his loyalty.
CHIEF AMOS GIZO
Secondly, it was Dr. Gizo’s ability to coordinate members of the party in the Zone particularly, from Plateau State that gave His Excellency, the winning votes during the primary election, thereby, disobeying all directives to members to divert their votes.
Thirdly, as an elder among leaders of the Christians faith, Chief Gizo, refused to pull out from his colleagues but rather, built more tents for his Excellency.
A good statistical take on the outcome of the presidential election’s result and that of the governorship of the APC from Plateau State, would be a good indicator of the efforts of this group and Chief Gizo, to deliver the APC and the President-elect, Sen. Tinubu.
We therefore would want to conclude by informing His Excellency that, Chief Gizo, having campaigned across the 19 Northern States and delivered his Local Government Kanam to APC in the just concluded general elections, he deserved to work with his cabinet as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
A new Aren Eggon, a first class stool, of the Eggon Nation in Nasarawa state has emerged.
He is Justice Ahmed Ubangari (Rtd). He succeeded, the late Aren Eggon, Bala Angbazo.
Already, the State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has approved the appointment .
Engineer Sule gave the approval shortly after being presented with the report of the Committee saddled with the responsibility of conducting the selection of the new Aren Eggon, at Government House, Friday.
Engineer Sule explained that, the selection of the new Aren Eggon was carried out in line with the strict policy of transparency under his administration.
The Governor further explained that, out of the 22 kingmakers that were to select the new Aren Eggon, only three qualified to undertake the selection .
According to him, they are the village heads of Wakama, Wulko and that of Aribadu.
He said in line with his transparent posture and his strict compliance with the rule of law, he deliberately refused to talk to any of the three qualified kingmakers and he directed all the eleven aspirants for the stool to go and lobby the three of them ( kingmakers) for support.
The Governor in his explanation disclosed that, at the end of the selection, the three kingmakers in company of some prominent traditional rulers were brought to his office where he personally confirmed from them whether the Retired Justice, was truly the person they selected and they answered in the affirmative.
Engineer Sulesaid, he went further to probe, if the kingmakers were forced by certain persons or group to select Justice Ubangari (Rtd) and they reassured him that, “nobody compelled them into taking their decision”.
It was after this that the Governor later presented Justice Ahmad Ubangari (Rtd) before the Traditional Council of Chiefs led by the Emir of Lafia, HRH Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (rtd) for ratification.
As the people of Nigeria look forward to the swearing-in of the incoming administrations across most states in the federation on 29th May, 2023, a group under the aegis of “Plateau Interest 2023”, led by one Amos Zumtu as Chairman, has called on the incoming administration in Plateau State, which would be led by Governor-elect, Caleb Mutfwang and Members-elect of the State House of Assembly to lower their search lights on the House of Assembly in to get explanations for the people of the state, concerning alleged rots that have been under cover within the past 7 years.
The group, who came to REALITY Newspaper with their Press Statement, also demanded that, the incoming administration should as a matter of responsibility know how much the House has received in the past 7 years from the State Account and make it public.
As part of the content of their Press Statement, the group has submitted that, the Committee/Panel to be setup should look into the Financial Dealings of the House and should unveil why the books of the House was closed in a hurry immediately the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Nuhu Ayuba Abok was reinstated by the Plateau State High Court.
According to their submission also, the group stated that, the contract to renovate the House of Assembly Complex is allegedly aimed at enriching the pockets of the Leadership of the House and that this is perfectly in the know of the Clerk of the House, but most members have ignorant to it.
They further stated that, their investigation revealed that, the contract was agreed for the sum of N370 Million, the contractor (Name withheld) was given an initial payment of N250 Million, leaving a balance of N120 Million to be paid after completion.
“However, things went wrong, when Rt. Hon. Abok was reinstated by the Court and he boldly resumed office. His boldness caused a huge revelation of the deal and he headed to the Court to close the account from being accessed.
“Facts from our investigation revealed also that, the actual plan was to only pay the sum of N50 Million to the contractor after the job’s completion and refund N70, Million to the House. This from our findings is not known to most of the 9th Assembly members”.
MORE TO COME…ON ALLEGED APPOINTMENT OF TWO SECRETARIES FOR THE HOUSE COMMISSION AND THE ILLEGAL EMPLOYMENT OF, OVER 340 STAFF AND THEIR SHOCKING SALARIES
The Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has called on workers in the state to review the era of his predecessor, Sen. Jonah Jang and the non-payment of salaries of workers in Benue, Kogi among other states in the federation and see if there would not be reason(s) to thank him and his administration in Plateau State in the past 7 years.
The Governor, who put this charge to celebrating workers on May Day during his speech at the Wrang Pam Township Stadium yesterday, also prayed that the incoming administration of Mutfwang Caleb (Esq) under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), does not return the workers and the state back to the Industrial Dark Days.
He said that, the priority of his administration has been the welfare of workers and, “If Salary Payment is not an achievement, what will non-payment be?”
GOV. LALONG
According to Lalong, “half of the Governors in the federation as it stands today cannot stand in front of their state’s Labour Unions, but here am I.
“Some say, Salary payment is not an achievement so, non-payment means what? I am not perfect, but whatever I have done for workers among other things is owing to the privilege of God.
“What I will do to settle and resolve issues of workers in the state, I will also do before quitting office on May 29.
NUJ MEMBERS, PLATEAU STATE COUNCIL
“The Pension of Governors was signed into Law in 2008 by the then Governor Jang. I could not implement it because of workers huge salary arrears. As you must know, I refused to implement it because of this reason and this is why the former Governors are fighting me”.
NUJ
“I will however assure you that, before I leave, the salary structure of Teachers will be domesticated in Plateau State”.
COMRADE EUGENE
It is of note that, this year’s workers Day is being jointly celebrated by the NLC and TUC. The celebration is being marked at a time Nigeria workers are going through harsh economic realities orchestrated by the Federal Government of Nigeria’s policy to redesign the naira and the process of transiting from one civilian administration to another in a democratic Government.
The theme for this year’s workers’ Day celebration is tagged: “Worker’s Rights and Socio-economic Justice”
According to the Plateau State NLC Chairman, Comrade Eugene Manji, “The theme has been carefully chosen bearing in mind the difficult situation Nigeria workers are experiencing”.
The Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, has promised to resolve all issues relating to Workers in the state before leaving office on 29th May 2023.
NUJ REPRESENTATIVES LED BY A NATIONAL OFFICE
While delivering his speech at the Wrang Pam Township Stadium in Jos today, the venue of Workers’ Day March Pass, the Governor also urged and encouraged the Labour Unions in Plateau State to approach the State House of Assembly to resolve grey areas in the bill before the House in order to facilitate the passage of bills that would help assist his administration in paying their salaries and pension arrears.
NUJ TEAM
The Governor further promised that, on his part, he would settle all the demands of Labour in the state within the next two weeks, especially the domestication of Teachers’ salary in the state.
GOV. LALONG
While responding to issues raised by the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) led by Comrade Steve Aluko Daniel and the Lead Speaker in the occasion, concerning the need to reduce the level of inequality and leaving his name on the prints of history, Governor Lalong said, “Because of the level of inequality and the need to humanly assist workers in the state since I assumed the office of Governor, I resolved not to effect the Law to pay former Governors high pensions as the Law provides”.
“It is for this very reason that the former Governors and political leaders in the state are against me!” He added.
STEVE ALUKO
Earlier, Steve Aluko, the TUC and the NLC Chairmen in the state, took time to draw the attention of the Governor to urgent issues affecting workers in the state that need to be resolved before the Governor leaves office on the 29th of May, 2023.
PLATEAU STATE NLC CHAIRMAN
The speech delivered by the NLC Chairman, Comrade Eugene Manji, who also spoke for the TUC Chairman, Comrade Kenneth Shammah (on permission), in part reads: “Permit me to draw His Excellency’s attention on some urgent and critical challenges being faced by Plateau Workers despite knowing that you are in your terminal stage of your administration:
The release and implementation of all pending promotions, annual increments and the prompt release of all workers benefits including the third party deduction such as a cooperative society money deductions.
The release and payment of worker’s gratuity both at the State and Local Government Council.
The implementation of the Harmonized Retirement age for teachers in Plateau State.
Immediate approval and release of the various approved salary tables in the State after the last National Minimumwage Negotiation.
Full implementation of the National Minimum Wage for Local Government Workers in Plateau State.
Appeal for the purchase of welfare buses to ease transportation problems associated with the increase in the price of petroleum products and threats for subsidy removal.
Immediate payment of salaries of Primary School Teachers and other workers being owedin the State.
We call for the employment of workers at the Local Government levels to boost that sector.
The upward review of pension for allRetired Civil Servants both at the State and Local Government Levels in accordance with the extant laws. This call has become necessary due to the fact that such review has not taken for a long period in Plateau State.
The payment of over 50 months salary arrears and allowances for workers of the Hill Station Hotel Jos and urgent appeal for the reopening of the Hotel to members of the Public.
An appeal to all workers of Plateau State to access 844 housing units being built by Drallop Nigeria Limited at Zanwar in MiangoChiefdom of Bassa Local Government Council. We appeal for the completion of the payment of land compensation to owners to removal the security threat being posed on the land by the Land owners.
Government should expedite action to constitute Governing Boards of PLASCHEMA, State Primary Health Care Development Agency and other State Government Owned Agencies”.
You would recall that the theme of this year’s Worker’s Day is: WORKERS’ RIGHTS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC JUSTICE
SEE SOME PICTURES FROM THE OCCASION BELOW:-
READ THE FULL SPEECH OF THE PLATEAU STATE NLC CHAIRMAN BELOW:-
TEXT BY THE NLC/TUC ON THE OCCASION OF THE WORKERS DAY CELEBRATION ON THE 1ST MAY, 2023 AT THE RWANG PAM STADIUM, JOS.
PROTOCOL:
It is with extreme joy that I welcome you all to the May Day (workers Day)celebration for the year 2023. This year’s workers Day is again being jointly celebrated by the NLC and TUC. The celebration is being marked at a time Nigeria workers are going through harsh economic realities orchestrated by the Federal Government of Nigeria’s policy to redesign the naira and the process of transiting from one civilian administration to another in a democratic Government.
The theme for this year’s workers Day celebration tagged, “Worker’s Rights and Socio-economic Justice” has been carefully chosen bearing in mind the difficult situation Nigeria workers are experiencing. Permit me to congratulate Plateau workers for their patience, resilience, hard work and dedication to our duties. I wish all Plateau workers a happy celebration.
Permit me to draw His Excellency’s attention on some urgent and critical challenges being faced by Plateau Workers despite knowing that you are in your terminal stage of your administration:
The release and implementation of all pending promotions, annual increments and the prompt release of all workers benefits including the third party deduction such as a cooperative society money deductions.
The release and payment of worker’s gratuity both at the State and Local Government Council.
The implementation of the Harmonized Retirement age for teachers in Plateau State.
Immediate approval and release of the various approved salary tables in the State after the last National Minimumwage Negotiation.
Full implementation of the National Minimum Wage for Local Government Workers in Plateau State.
Appeal for the purchase of welfare buses to ease transportation problems associated with the increase in the price of petroleum products and threats for subsidy removal.
Immediate payment of salaries of Primary School Teachers and other workers being owedin the State.
We call for the employment of workers at the Local Government levels to boost that sector.
The upward review of pension for allRetired Civil Servants both at the State and Local Government Levels in accordance with the extant laws. This call has become necessary due to the fact that such review has not taken for a long period in Plateau State.
The payment of over 50 months salary arrears and allowances for workers of the Hill Station Hotel Jos and urgent appeal for the reopening of the Hotel to members of the Public.
An appeal to all workers of Plateau State to access 844 housing units being built by Drallop Nigeria Limited at Zanwar in MiangoChiefdom of Bassa Local Government Council. We appeal for the completion of the payment of land compensation to owners to removal the security threat being posed on the land by the Land owners.
Government should expedite action to constitute Governing Boards of PLASCHEMA, State Primary Health Care Development Agency and other State Government Owned Agencies.
NATIONAL ISSUES.
– 2023 General Elections
– The debate for or against the removal of fuel subsidy
– Renewed attacks in Plateau State as well as general insecurity as a result of activities of bandits and kidnappers.
– The autonomy of Local Government Councils.
– Casualization of workers in the country.
– Rumored sale of access of NIPOST, privatization of Federal Medical Centres, Transmission Companies of Nigeria and many other Government Agencies.
