Sunday 31 October 2021

PLATEAU: PLANNED ACTIVITIES ARE SET TO MARK BSS GINDIRI ALUMNI ANNIVERSARY @70th---GEN. TEMLONG (Rtd)

By: Eunice Maina,

The Chairman Central Planning Committee of the Boys Secondary School (BSS) Gindiri, Rtd Brigadier General Jonathan Temlong has disclosed that, activities are in earnest to mark this year’s Anniversary of “BSS Gindiri Alumni @70”.

He made this disclosure at the GOSA Secretariat, during a World Press Conference in Jos, the Capital of Plateau State on the 30th of October, 2021, to herald the planned activities for the BSS @70 Anniversary.

Gen. Temlong mentioned that, “The activities will kick start on Monday, 1st November, 2021, by creating awareness campaign ,education ,information and the contributions of BSS Gindiri in raising the cotton of enlightenment.

“On 2nd November, there will be courtesy visits in fulfillment of our motto: “For Light and Truth”, with the Anthem gotten from the Holy Bible in the book of Matthew 28. Making disciples till the end of the week is what GOSA tends to achieve throughout the program.

“We intend to pay a courtesy call to the Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong,the Gbong Gwom Jos and the COCIN President, respectively.

Temlong further revealed that, “They are to pay homage to the Chairman, the Miskaham Mwanghavul and Sum Pyem Royal Fathers’ of the people whose land has nurtured and bred exceptional leaders for the nation and beyond.

While on the 4th of November and in the spirit of giving back to the society, a free medical outreach to indigenous host communities and patients, who avail themselves seeking medical attention in Gindiri Community would take place.

The BSS Gindiri Alumni, applauded Late Sen. V.K Dangin, for his contributions towards donating a brand new Secretariat at Dogon Karfe, which will be Unveil on Thursday, at Crest Hotel.

He also reiterated that, “launching of a special edition of GOSA and Award, which would be conferred by the Verbatim Magazine in Honoured of BSS Gindiri @70.

“On the 5th of November, 2021, an “Anniversary Lecture” by D.C. Joy Foundation, who has help in molding our characters as GOSA since the establishment of the institution in 1950 would be delivered.

“The commissioning of Modular Laboratories,Assembly  Hall and Dining Hall/Kitchen .

“In honoured of the Missionary in Education, the GOSA set 1976 have built, Deret Joy foundation, to appreciate one of their Teacher, who later became the principal of BSS, including three projects for commissioning ,World Class science center, Engineering and ICT, to help strengthen science education.

According to him, “it is worthy of note that, in spite of the global health challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, with its devastating impact across the world, we are alive to witness the 70th anniversary of the BSS Gindiri.”

The National President, Prof. Rotgak Gotfwen said, BSS Gindiri Alumni has stories to tell amidst circumstances by virtue since the inception of the institution over 70 years ago which was one of the 5th school in Northern Nigeria.

He further explained that, “We have a conscious, we have a responsibility and that responsibility is that, all of us have to be better persons by virtue of the privilege that we underwent at Gindiri.” He stated

On Saturday, 6th November, 2021, GOSA would hold their convention during which new officials would be elected, the launching of the Anniversary book and the 70th Anniversary Dinner, would be held at Crispan Hotel in Jos.

The event is expected to be concluded on Sunday, with a Thanksgiving Service and town hall meeting at Ulster Church in Gindiri.

RE: PLATEAU STATE PDP PLAYING THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE (THE FULL TEXT)

PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER, 20/22 YAKUBU GOWON WAY OPP NTA JOS

31ST DAY OF OCTOBER 2021

RE: PLATEAU STATE PDP PLAYING THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

The major problem of the APC in Plateau State, as it is at the National is the crass display of insensitivity, cluelessness, and abuse of power.

A sensitive and responsible organization should  be talking against the democratic rape that took place in the early hours of Thursday, 28th October, 2021, at the Plateau State House of Assembly complex.

If there is anything that seems directionless on the Plateau, it cannot be less than the APC led government. They have just displayed their lack of shame and disrespect for the rule of law.

This is another testament to the fact that, this present factional group of election rigging opportunist of the APC have nothing to offer the state than its continued rascality, embezzlement and disobedience to the rule of law.

We know that, the signatory of this release is new to the job, but not new to the fraud going on in the state led by the incapacitated and inchoate Governor, in which we have continued to witness steady decline in all sectors of governance

The APC should note that, their melodramatic alleged impeachment of the Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, by an insignificant number of “yesmen” cannot stand even in a Banana Republic.

The PDP is not playing partisanship with this anti-democratic action of the factional APC, but concerned about the well-being and the future of our people and the state, as this administration has turned out to be a big disaster and an obscene embarrassment to the people of plateau state and indeed Nigerians.

We therefore enjoin the new factional APC, not to waste its remaining two years in office chasing shadows. They should learn to adopt a democratic spirit instead of this rude attempt to defend illegality and impunity.

The Peoples Democratic party (PDP) will never pretend as if all is well when it is obvious that, the state is faced with   continued deterioration of state public infrastructure across the state with high debt profile of about #200 billion

The APC has exposed our democracy to danger and this most stop.

They should note that, the Legislative Arm, is a coordinated body that operates with rules and regulations hence, it shouldn’t be cajoled into becoming an assemblage of comedians like their party. Even critical thinkers within the APC fold are frowning at this barbaric behaviour.

When Sylvanus Namang writes, is it for the Bature faction or the Itse faction? So, we know the real personae that are exacerbating energy in raping our democracy and call them by their names.

The Peoples Democratic Party, will continue to fight impunity, political bandits, power kidnappers and 7/24 impeachment saga in the core interest of our state and for democracy to strife.

Meanwhile, we congratulate the PDP for a successful National Convention and are open to receive and welcome aggrieved members of the APC and lovers of development as they join us in the coming months.

John T. Akans KSM, FICA JP,

Stste publicity Secretary

PDP Plateau State

NASARAWA STATE GOVERNMENT, DISPLEASED OVER LUKEWARM ATTITUDE TOWARDS MONTHLY CLEANUP EXERCISE

By: Willy Punvwet (Lafia),

The Nasarawa State Government has expressed its displeasure, over the lukewarm attitude of most people towards the monthly environmental exercise in the state, after over 48 persons were arrested for violating the state Environmental Sanitation Law yesterday.

The Chief Environmental Officer in the State, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed made the state government’s position known, while briefing media practitioners shortly after the monthly sanitation exercise in Lafia, the state capital yesterday.

Alh. Abubakar stated that, the defaulters would be prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the Law, while explaining that, the state Mobile Court has earmarked fines for the various offenses.

He gave an assurance that, the state government would not relent in enforcing the environmental Laws since it is for the benefit of all.

He said, “in this era of COVID-I9, coupled with the recent   outbreak of cholera in some parts of the country and with an increase in reported cases of typhoid and malaria there is the great need for all citizens to keep their environment clean always.

Alh. Abubakar  further explained that, the only remedy to prevent the spread of these infectious diseases is to ensure effective participation in the sanitation exercise.

The Chief Environmental Offer further disclosed that, the state has  recruited more enforcement officers to enable the full enforcement of the state  environmental Law, while appealing to the people of the state  to comply with the laws to avoid getting into unnecessary problem.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Alhaji Aliyu Agwai, praised the efforts of the enforcing officers, which resulted in compelling most residents to comply with the exercise.

He called for strict compliance from members of the public to ensure a clean and healthy environment.

Saturday 30 October 2021

PLATEAU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY IS AN AUTONOMOUS BODY, I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE FORMER SPEAKER---GOV. LALONG REPLIES CLERIC

–SPEAK WELL OF NIGERIA—VP OSINBAJO

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has described Nigeria as a great country, with huge potentials, which needs to be nurtured and built by its citizens.

VP

He said, “Although the current challenges are huge, there is biblical support to the fact that things would change for the better in no distant time”.

He urged Nigerians to speak well of their country and not confess negatively.

The Vice President gave this advice, at the Annual Thanksgiving Service of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), held at the Jesus Power Crusaders International Assembly in Jos, the Plateau state capital today, Saturday, 30th October, 2021.

He also commended PFN, for organizing the Thanksgiving Service, which he said “is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate God’s goodness for the nation in times of difficulty and make God, to do more”.

GOV. LALONG

On his part the Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, used the event to clear the air on the insinuations making the rounds on Social Media platforms and elsewhere, alleging that, he has a hand in the impeachment/removal of the former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nuhu Abok Ayuba.

According to a Plateau state Government press statement signed by, Dr. Makut Simon Macham, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State, dated 30th October, 2021, Governor Lalong, while responding to a submission by a Jos-based Christian cleric, Prophet Isa El-Buba, at the Annual Thanksgiving Service, where the Cleric had earlier asked the Governor to restore stability in the House after the recent impeachment of the former Speaker and the election of Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda said, “The House of Assembly is an autonomous body that runs its affairs independently. You will recall that, I was the first Governor in Nigeria to sign into law the Autonomy Bill when it was passed. I did that because of my passion for democratic growth and the strengthening of the Institution. Having served as a Speaker, who was also impeached, I have no hand in the running of the House, not to talk of the change of its leadership. They run their affairs and do as they wish based on their rules and the law”.

The Governor also advised the citizens particularly, the leaders of thought, to always verify information and also engage before taking a position on any matter such as the impeachment story that has been widely misrepresented.

He advised those, who have concerns to reach out to the members and get the complete picture before reaching conclusions.

He called for prayers and support for those in authority.

PFN President Bishop Wale Oke in his sermon said the challenges Nigeria is facing are prevalent and appear daunting, but will surely be overcome according to God’s promises.

FOTONEWS: HOW GOVERNOR LALONG RECEIVED VICE PRESIDENT OSINBAJO IN JOS, PLATEAU STATE TODAY

By: Valentine Adese (JP) and Frank Agbai,

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was in Jos, the plateau State capital today, for a meeting of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.

THE WELCOME

The Vice President, who touched down at the Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang, was received by Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State.

Also at the airport to welcome the Vice President were, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Speaker, Plateau House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda, Chief Judge Yakubu Gyang Dakwak and other top Government functionaries.

SEE OTHER PICTURES BELOW:

GOVERNOR LALONG FELICITATES WITH UJAH OF ANAGUTA @ 43

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated the Ujah of Anaguta Jos,  His Royal Majesty Pozoh Johnson Jauro Magaji II, as he marks his 43rd Birthday.

Governor Lalong in a congratulatory message to the First Class Traditional Ruler, described the Ujah of Anaguta as a vibrant and dynamic traditional ruler who is pragmatic, visionary and committed to the development and progress of his people.

In a press statement signed by, Dr. Makut Simon Macham, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau, dated 30th October, 2021, Governor Lalong said, the Ujah has within the short period of ascending the throne of his ancestors, shown uncommon determination to foster peaceful coexistence, pursue tolerance and fight against crime and criminality within his domain and the entire State.

UJAH

Lalong stated that, “His Royal Majesty was very instrumental in the restoration of peace in the State particularly within Jos North which was affected by recent disturbances that led to loss of lives and properties. He offered good leadership that enabled Government to quickly restore law and order, ensure that perpetrators were apprehended and also facilitate distribution of relief materials to those affected. Government takes cognizance of this and urges him to build on this narrative which will help in ensuring that there is no further breakdown of peace in his domain”.

Governor Lalong, while rejoicing with Pozoh Johnson Magaji, also reminded him to take very seriously the issue of education for his subjects in order to eliminate ignorance, poverty and gullibility that expose them to exploitation by selfish individuals.

He wishes him many more years of God’s grace, divine protection, and wisdom as he assures him of the support of the Government towards the success of his reign.

Friday 29 October 2021

23 PERSONS WERE BURNT TO DEATH BETWEEN JANUARY AND SEPTEMBER, 2021. NASARAWA STATE FIRE SERVICE REVEALS

By: Willy Punvwet (Lafia),

Twenty three persons were reportedly burnt to death, while properties valued at #413, 632, 000.00 were destroyed, as a result of fire incidences in Nasarawa State, from January this year to September 2021.

The State Acting Director of fire Service, Mrs. Hannatu D. George, disclosed in Lafia yesterday, while briefing media practitioners on the activities of the Department within the past nine months.

According to Mrs. George, four persons were rescued from the inferno within the period under review, while the Department also rendered a total of seven special services.

Mrs. Hannatu George

Mrs. Hannatu George, who is the first female to head the Department reaffirmed the organization’s preparedness to fight all forms of fire outbreak in the state, while appealing to the Nasarawa State Government to sink boreholes in each of the fire service offices.

According to her, “It will go a long way in assisting staff of the Department in fighting fire outbreak effectively”.

The Director, who was full of praises for the state government for providing a standard and well furnished office complex for the organization, further appealed to the state government to include staff of the fire service Department in the lists of organizations, to benefiting from professional allowances, “as it would go a long way in boosting staff morals”.

Mrs. George also disclosed that, the organization is in dare need of man power, as well as, Fire Fighting Vehicles. She took the briefing to call on the state government to come to their assistance in that direction.

She commended staff of the organization for their hard work and dedication to duty and urged them not to rest on their oars.

SOME PDP MEMBERS PARTICIPATED IN THE REMOVAL OF ABOK AYUBA AS SPEAKER. HON. DANIEL NAANLONG, TELLS GOV. LALONG

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The last is yet to be told of how the removal of the Plateau State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abok Ayuba was staged by his colleagues and replaced with Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda.

MAJORITY LEADER

According to the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Daniel Naanlong, some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members also participated in the removal but do not want their names mentioned at this stage.

Hon. Daniel Naanlong told the state Governor, Rt. Hon.  Simon Bako Lalong, while  receiving in audience the new Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, who led a delegation to formally inform him about the change of leadership in the House.

Majority leader of the House Hon. Daniel Naanlong, told the Governor that, the House decided to change its leadership in order to save the institution and democracy from further damage on the account of “the misconduct and violation of due process and high handedness of the former Speaker Nuhu Abok Ayuba”.

He said, “After following due process and complying with the laid down procedures, 16 members signed for the removal of Abok, who was subsequently impeached by the required 2/3rd of the members including some PDP members, who do not want to be mentioned for now.

“In his place, the Member representing Pengana Constituency in Bassa LGA, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda, was duly elected as Speaker to replace the former Speaker Abok Ayuba”.

Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda

In his remarks, the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda said, “he was humbled by the confidence that 16 of his colleagues including some PDP members reposed in him to lead them at this auspicious time promising to be fair, just and patriotic”.

He assured the Governor that, “the House will collaborate with the Executive and the legislature to serve the people of Plateau by ensuring that, there is good governance, security, peace and infrastructural development, among others”.

Sanda also said that, all pending Bills, which have suffered undue delays in the House during the former Speaker would receive proper legislative action as the State needs to make progress and deliver the dividends of democracy to the electorate.

GOV. LALONG

In his remarks, Governor Lalong said, the House is totally autonomous and capable of determining its leadership at any time without any external interference.

ATU SSG

He expressed confidence that, their decision is the best for the State because, “they have clearly shown that, they are on the side of the people and will not sacrifice legislative duties for which they have taken an oath to perform, on the altar of political ambitions”.

According to a Plateau State Government press statement, signed by, Dr. Makut Simon Macham, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State, dated 29th October, 2021, Governor Lalong said, “As a House, you are the ones, who know why you had to change your leadership at this moment.

“However, this kind of event is not new to the Plateau House of Assembly where leaderships have been changed in the past. Nobody comes to the House as a Speaker, but the members donate such privilege to one of them as first among equals.

“That is why those, who have such privilege should do their best to carry their colleagues along and work for the benefit of the people and the legislature”.

The Governor advised the new Speaker to be focused and humble in discharging his duties with utmost diligence and respect for all members as well as a commitment to work for the success of the Government.

HON. BABA HASSAN

He assured the new House leadership that, “he will support them and continue to work for their success being a former Speaker and one who has championed the autonomy of the legislature by being the first to implement it in the country”.

Thursday 28 October 2021

PLATEAU: THE UNTOLD ALLEGED PETITION TO EFCC TO INVESTIGATE EMBATTLED SPEAKER, RT. HON. ABOK AYUBA, BEFORE HIS REMOVAL SAGA

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

There may be no respite in sight yet for the embattled Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Nuhu Abok Ayuba, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has allegedly, received a petition accusing him of several allegations including abuse of office and financial misappropriation.

The group also demanded that, Rt. Hon. Abok immediately steps down from his position pending the completion of investigation.

The Executive Director, Youths Rights Against Corruption (YRAC), Comrade Abednego Musa, is said to have signed the petition, titled: “Petition Against Plateau State House of Assembly Speaker, Nuhu Abok Ayuba On Gross Financial Misconduct, Criminal Breach Of Public Trust And Abuse Of Office”.

In the alleged petition addressed to the Chairman of the Anti-graft Commission, the group said, it was necessitated by popular demand and to avert continuous bleeding of public treasury.

“Further to a popular demand by some members of the public to our office, this petition is written to acquaint your agency EFCC, with the gross financial misconduct and the abuse of office being perpetrated by the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Honorable Nuhu Abok Ayuba, for a thorough investigation so as to avert a further bleeding of the public treasury under his care and restore sanity in the functioning of the state’s legislative establishment.”

The alleged petition read further that, “The Speaker’s desecration of his office for which a probe of his activities becomes necessary is in twofold: one, his financial recklessness and cornering of public funds through illegitimate means; and two, the corruption and compromise of laid down procedures and rules deliberately foisted on the workforce of the Assembly”.

The Rights group further stated according to reports that, the Speaker is perfecting his schemes by abusing the autonomy granted the House of Assembly.

According to the group, some of the cases for which it is seeking the inquiry of the anti-graft commission includes:

“1. Use of fictitious companies as fronts for cornering supply of 50 trucks of Fertilizer contracts and fleecing of #375m (Three Hundred and seventy Five Million naira) public funds . A probe of the businesses of the House since his leadership should reveal how notoriously Abok has been breaching public trust by diverting contracts and projects into companies of his interest with the active connivance of the clerk of the House.

  1. Purchase of a bullet-proof car at a market value of less than N100 Million (One Hundred Million Naira), and the inflation of its price to N300 Million (Three Hundred Million Naira). Apart from being inflated by a whopping 200%, the purchase of the vehicle was done in a questionable manner contrary to procurement acts. This constitutes a flagrant abuse of office and the exercise of privilege with impunity in a country where majority of the citizens live on less than a dollar a day.
  2. Payment of humongous allowances of #150m (One Hundred and Fifty million naira only) as Basic Travelling Allowances (BTA) for members of the Assembly with neither prior discussion with members nor official approval by the House. We have it on good authority that the members did not undertake such trips which had no destination.
  3. Compromise of operational procedures, creation of an extra-legal hierarchy and privileging cronies at the expense of the system. This is by far the greatest calamity to befall the Lagos State House of Assembly under Abok’s watch. Regulatory procedures have been in most cases set aside with the connivance of the Clerk of the House with the ill-intent of carrying out governmental business for private gains and as a private concern.
  4. Collected #500m (Five Hundred Million Naira) laundered funds through a suspended Chairman of APC to recruit innocent House members destabilise the State and make the state ungovernable through induced crisis. This explains why he is always rushing to the media to discredit the efforts of the State government in restoring peace for selfish gains. Little wonder he disappears when National leadership of CAN, JNI and the SGF including security chiefs visited the state.”

The Group said it would amount to breach of public trust if the allegations against the Plateau Speaker, is not investigated, adding that “such a man of questionable character cannot continue to act as Speaker to the Plateau State House of Assembly.

“It is our belief that the actions and activities of Honorable Nuhu Abok Ayuba at the Plateau State House of Assembly is detrimental to the interest of the people of Plateau State and his primary constituency which elected him to serve. It is also breach of public trust and a dent on the anti-corruption drive of the party and the government to which he belongs, hence the need to have him investigated and put him under public scrutiny and account before further damage is done to the collective patrimony of the people of Plateau State.

“It is therefore our demand that such boy with questionable character should step down from the position of the Speaker to the Plateau State House of Assembly pending the completion of investigation”.

FORGERY AND OBTAINING BY TRICKS: PUNDITS CALL FOR THE PROSECUTION OF 6 SUSPENDED PLATEAU LAWMAKERS

By: Valentine Adese (JP) and Paul Naomi,

Nigerians, have started calling for the prosecution of the, Six (6) Plateau State House of Assembly Lawmakers, who staged the failed removal move on the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Ayuba Abok, yesterday.

The pundits, who claimed to have been watching the developments in the state said, the act of collecting signatures of members by tricks to remove the Speaker is a crime under the Law (419) and the Lawmakers, who perpetrated the act must be punished.

You would recall that, same yesterday, the remaining 17 members of the 24-member House of Assembly had suspended 6 of the 7 Lawmakers, who plotted the failed removal of the Speaker in a commando style, aided by security operatives.

According to the press statement which announced their suspension yesterday, 28th October, 2021, Saleh Yipmong  Dengi (APC), Nanlong Daniel Mikang,(APC), Yakubu Sanda Pengana,APC), Mohammed Balo Quan Pan South(APC), Eric Dakogoal Quan Pan North(APC) and Baba Hassan(APC) Jos North-North, were suspended, for “gross misconduct, insubordination and legislative rascality”.

Moving the motion for the suspension of the 6 Lawmakers during plenary, the new Majority Leader of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Philip Dasun, also said that, “their Suspension became necessary, owing to their act of insubordination and gross misconduct for attempts to cause disunity in the house”.

The Not Too Young To Run Movement, also yesterday, condemns in its entirety the conduct of the legislators, whose actions they claimed, are capable of jeopardizing the country’s democracy and undermining youth representation in public office.

According to their press statement, “This act of legislative rascality is intolerable and highly condemnable”.

The Movement however, called on the President, Muhammadu Buhari, to direct security agencies to restore order in the House and ensure Rt. Hon Ayuba Nuhu Abok is accorded full legal and security protection, to preside over the legislative business of the House without intimidation and interference.

They also submit that, “The six legislators and their benefactors must be held to account for subverting a constituted authority and undermining the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

On their part, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the plot to remove the speaker as a coup against the people of Plateau state.

In a telephone interview with REALITY, the Publicity Secretary of the Plateau State chapter of the PDP, Hon. John Akans said, “Now the people of Plateau State have their Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abok, while Governor Lalong and the APC have theirs. We believe the peoples’ Speaker, Rt. Hon Abok, will prevail and protect the interest, freedom, lives and properties of the people of the state”.

PLATEAU: SPEAKER, RT. HON. NUHU AYUBA ABOK, WAS REMOVED OVER SERIES OF ALLEGATIONS---MAJORITY LEADER

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Majority Leader of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Naanlong Daniel, has disclosed that, the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Nuhu Ayuba Abok, was removed from office as Speaker today, over series of allegations.

Speaking during their visit, to present the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda, to the Executive Arm of the State Government, accompanied by Principal officers and some members of the House, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Naanlong Daniel said, “They were at the Government House in line with the tradition of the House to introduce the new leadership of the House, whenever there is a change, and to assure the Executive Arm of its collaboration and cooperation in running the affairs of the State”.

Adding that, “the new Speaker emerged after 16 of the 23 Members of the House signed the petition to impeach the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Nuhu Ayuba Abok, over series of allegations”.

According to a Plateau State Government’s press statement on the visit, signed by, Dr. Makut Simon Macham, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State, dated 28th October, 2021, the new Speaker was received at the Government House by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Danladi Abok Atu on behalf of the Governor.

The new Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Sanda said, the new leadership of the House will work in synergy with the Executive and Judiciary for the peace, progress and development of Plateau State.

He said the House, which now enjoys full autonomy would use its legislative powers to ensure that Government programs and projects impact the people at the grassroots level.

Responding on behalf of the Governor, Secretary to the Government of Plateau State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu said, “Governor Lalong and the entire Executive Arm was surprised with the development, but nevertheless respects the decision of the House, which is an autonomous organ that has powers to manage its internal affairs.

“He assured the House that, the doors of the Executive will always remain open for collaboration and cooperation with the legislature in delivering good governance and actualizing the Rescue Agenda.

The Speaker was accompanied on the courtesy visit by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Shehu Sale Yipmong, Majority leader and ten other members.

The new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda represents Pengana Constituency of Bassa LGA, while the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Nuhu Ayuba Abok represents Jos East Constituency.

ATTEMPT TO REMOVE PLATEAU STATE SPEAKER FAILS, AS ONLY 7 MEMBERS CAME FOR EXECUTION OF PLOT

By: Valentine Adese (JP) and Paul Naomi,

The plan to remove the Plateau State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Abok Ayuba, seems to have failed, as only Seven ( 7) members out of the 24-Member House turned up for the execution of the plan this morning, 28th October, 2021.

REALITY gathered that, the House was broken into by the plotters at about 6.00am and took to the floor to execute their removal plans at 6.46am, but were frustrated by two loyal members to the Speaker, which led to some jabs.

REALITY also gathered that, some members who attempted to enter the complex were stopped by security operatives at the time of executing the plot.

Addressing members of the press at the assembly complex, members who still remain loyal to Speaker Abok have described the exercise as, “A complete failure”.

MEMBERS LOYAL TO RT. HON. ABOK

Speaking through Hon. Daniel, a member of the House, the loyal members to Hon. Abok said, “there is one Speaker and that is Hon. Ayuba Abok and the attempt to install a new speaker was foiled and has become a black history for the Plateau people”.

According to him, “Rt. Hon. Abok is suffering today, because, he stood for the truth during the massacre of Plateau people in Bassa and Jos North Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Flanked by other members, Hon.  Daniel, representing Langtang North State Constituency said, “The plotters fled after attempting to remove the speaker. If they had the support of the House, why did they run away? More also, the time they invaded the house to execute their illegal plan, the House does not sit at those hours and any sitting that is not recognized by our rules deems the process illegal, null and void.

ROAD LEADING TO THE ASSEMBLY

“We gathered that the plotters have relocated to an unknown place because they have dared to stir the patience of the people of plateau who have concern and sympathy for the speaker owing to his position and principle of protecting their lives and properties”.

As at the time of filing this report, the roads leading to the House of Assembly are blocked by stain looking security operative.

Wednesday 27 October 2021

PLATEAU: ALLEGED PLANS TO REMOVE PLATEAU STATE SPEAKER, PDP REACTS, MAKES MORE REVELATIONS (Read Unedited Text)

PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY,(PDP) PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER, 20/22 YAKUBU GOWON WAY OPP NTA JOS

28th Day of October 2021

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG’S EVIL PLAN TO IMPEACH SPEAKER PLATEAU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY RT HON AYUBA ABOK

The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been reliably drawn to the orchestrated plans by Governor Simon Bako Lalong to impeach the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Ayuba Abok.

The plan is been facilitated on behalf of Lalong by the Chief of Staff, Noel Dongjur and the Secretary to the State government, Prof Danladi Atu via a  nefarious and malicious petition, credited to one Abednego musa a faceless self seeking infiltrator masquerading as youths activist.

The petition is being sponsored to maliciously discredit, undermine and ridicule the achievements and enviable records of Rt Hon Abok. We can only imagine the desperation in orchestrating a needless accountability agitation when the state, led by Governor Lalong is broken morally with cronyism, nepotism, parochialism and embezzlement. The identity of this faceless activist needs to be known.

It is no longer news that all has not been well between the executive led by Governor Lalong and the legislative arm led by Abok leading to a sour relationship between the duo. It is an open secret that the cause of this needless feud is due to the high handedness of Lalong against the people who also thought that the speaker is his appointee or head of one of the agencies of government.

As a former Speaker, we expect Lalong to show respect to Abok and stop seeing him as a little boy. Former Governor Joshua Dariye, who is older than Lalong did not show such heavy disdain for him when he held sway as Speaker for 6 years.

As a party we would have ignored this petition coming from a rabble rouser and unscrupulous individual who is trying to exploit the media to disseminate false claims and misconception in a bid to deceive the public against the Speaker, who within two (2) years in office has distinguished himself by standing with the people in their moment of tribulations and trials.

As a party that stands for the people we condemn this, divisive and corrupt activities of a failed factional APC leadership in the state led by the drowning governor and his bunch of pretenders and infiltrators of no significant reputation.

The PDP will not sit and watch these elements ridicule governance in the state as a result of the failed leadership of the governor, the party would stand vehemently against any illegality in defense of democracy and accountability.

The PDP has since revealed how corrupt the government of Lalong  is from 2015 to date, of which he has failed to either defend himself nor the  government against the whooping revelations made. He has so refused to resign from office as corruption has completely killed his leadership initiative and sense of purpose of governance,  instead he is now busy pushing forward mediocrity, dishonesty and the demise of rule of law.

Today the factional leadership of the APC has shamelessly come out to pose as accountability crusader with indecorous and self seeking calumny that is nothing but a crass thuggery and its usual rascality disguising to be activism when its own house has been eaten by corruption;

It is most laughable that the signatory to this petition failed to detail his petition to the general public on how corrupt Governor Lalong is from 2015 to date. But we can as well remind these petitioners that, they should also include in their petition the mismanagement of public fund by Governor Lalong through inflation of contracts awarded to his families and friends which includes the following:

  1. The award of contract to popular foods ltd for the procurement of assorted fertilizer for the 2015 farming season: which a supply of 175 trucks of NPK and 175 trucks of urea awarded at the total cost of #1,312,500.000.
  1. Supply of 150 trucks of NPK and also 150 trucks of urea by MBS Merchants Ltd, at the total cost of #1, 125000.000

3 The supply of 26Nos official vehicles by kefiano at the total cost of #1, 210,199,700,00

  1. Supply and installation of GPS by Organized global limited at the total cost of #1,381,063,700,00
  2. Rehabilitation/patching of some roads within Jos awarded to his brother through direct labour at the total cost of #525,675,696,30

These, all happened between 1st September 2015 to 27th September 2015.

Today we are all aware that the moves to impeach the speaker is to cover their corrupt activities as the Speaker has refused to cooperate with them as a result of his stand in defense of democracy and accountability, which led to his recent request to have access to some financial documents in MDA’s where funds were appropriated, which was denied the house committee access.

This  action clearly shows that Governor Lalong have tempered with the funds meant for local governments, and the PARIS Club totaling #14 billion released to state government and the unlawful deduction of local government funds where billions were sent to PLASIEC for it’s just concluded local government election sham.

We want to remind Governor Lalong that, the people of Plateau are with the Speaker and the entire state assembly for standing with the people, especially when the communities of Jebu Miango and Yelwa Zangam were attacked. The speaker did not only identified with the people  by granting them audience, but went as far as visiting the wounded victims of this dastardly act and also paid their bills while our dear Governor lalong, chairman of northern state governors was busy playing golf with some of his appointees at the Abuja IBB golf club in.

The level of corruption in Lalong’s government is unprecedented hence  we dare asked the so called executive Director of Youths Right against corruption who owns the following family offshore companies with properties abroad?

  1. MC Hooms Nigeria Ltd
  2. PHK Hooms Nigeria Ltd
  3. Azanchi Nigeria Ltd

These are  some of the  companies that have been allegedly used by families of the executive Governor to purchase fertilizer for the state while some were fraudulently used as contractors to get in SUBEB totaling over #2,100,000,000,00 while the supply made was about #600,000,000 which the state house of assembly in discharging its constitutional function of check and balance, set up an Audit team to uncover.

All these illegality, level of corruption and the desperation to cover has made Lalong behave like a bull in the China shop, thereby using his chief of staff and the SGS to impeach the Speaker thinking that will help him out.

During the 2018 Local Government election in the state, at that time PLASIEC had over 2 billion naira domiciled in UBA and zenith banks and the accounts depleted to about #500 million in 2021 which necessitated the reported illegal deductions from local government accounts to fund the recent local government election. Again the state assembly requested for documents in respect to this accounts through the special Audit committee and Governor Lalong gave an order that no document should be released to the house committee.

The question is,  what is Lalong afraid of? Indeed corruption has been plaguing the state since the inception of his administration in 2015.

We therefore wish to alert the unsuspecting general public that these petitioners  are  essentially busy body interlopers and hangers on, who are always at the service of anybody who can pay their bills   since they lack the capacity to command any iota of respect. They have resorted to scavenging for a written script over the years against the speaker of Lagos state aided by a factional APC leadership in the state to smear and distract the speaker and his members from discharging their constitutional responsibility from where they were recruited to Plateau.

We call on our members in the state assembly and indeed well meaning Plateau people to disregard this antics of desperation from a failed and corrupt APC factional leadership in the state who are intimidated and threatened by the rising support and acceptability of Rt Hon Ayuba Abok the Speaker of Plateau State House of assembly for his stand and commitment towards the people.

Thank you and God bless Plateau state and the Peoples Democratic party (PDP)

Signed…

John T Akans ksm FICA JP.

State Publicity Secretary (PDP)

Plateau State

BREAKING: PLANNED REMOVAL OF PLATEAU STATE SPEAKER TOMORROW, LEAKS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

News reaching the news desk of REALITY indicates that, moves to remove the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly this evening was foiled, as the members planning his removal were not allowed to sit.

The information also indicates that, the planners have rescheduled the execution of their plan for tomorrow, Thursday, the 28th of October, 2021.

You would recall that, the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong and the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abok, have been having political face-off since the massacres that took place in Maingo, Gadabiu and Zangam communities in Bassa and Jos-North Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

From our reliable sources also, REALITY gathered that, the Speaker has been in invited by an arm of the security operatives in Jos, and to appear at their office by 8.00am tomorrow, for a yet to be disclosed reason(s).

An invitation our source said has been declined by the Speaker, owing to his official function at the State House of Assembly at that same time.

Tomorrow from all indication is going to be a showdown at the Plateau State House of Assembly complex, as some of the signatories to a document allegedly giving their consent to the removal of the Speaker may have been forged or obtained fraudulently. REALITY just gathered this evening.

More to come….

“WE AS COUNCILORS, WILL MAKE LAWS FOR PEACE, ORDERLINESS AND PROGRESS OF JOS-NORTH LGA” – HON. YAKUBU ATSEN (LEGISLATIVE LEADER)

By: Paul Naomi,

The newly sworn-in members of the Legislative Arm of Jos-North Local Government Council (LGC) of Plateau State have promised to make Laws for peace, orderliness and progress of the Local Government.

This position and promise of the Councilors was disclosed by the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Yakubu Atsen, in an exclusive interview with REALITY, after a short meeting with other Councilors, opposite the Plateau State House of Assembly, Jos.

HON. YAKUBU ATSEN (LEADER)

According to him (Hon. Yakubu), the need for such Laws is to cause more accommodation and unity in the cosmopolitan city of Jos and in line with the nature and ideals of the Chairman of the Council, Hon Shehu Bala.

In his words he said, “My name is, Hon. Yakubu Atsen, Counselor representing Lamingo Ward at the same time, God willing, I am the Leader of the Legislative Arm of Jos North Local Government Council, for the sake of the administration of Jos North Local Government.

ATSEN AND HIS COLLEAGUE

“Our major objectives are as follows: First, is to cause peace and unity and coexistence of one another because, from the Legislative point of view, it is our duty and obligation to ignite Laws, deliberate Laws or Bylaws that will contain each and everyone to stay in peace and unity.

“It is our duty as well that, by the time we bring out these Laws or Bylaws we must ensure that, they are being implemented.

“Thank God for the Chairman we have on board, he is someone that loves peace, someone that loves peaceful coexistence, considering the local Government being a cosmopolitan in nature.

“So,  we are going to work hand in hand with him and other members of the Legislative Arm to ensure that, Jos North becomes a better Local Government to live in”.

PAY 50% OF STATUTORY FEES FOR PROPERTY REGISTRATION. PLATEAU MINISTRY OF LANDS, SURVEY AND TOWN PLANNING TAKES CAMPAIGN TO JNI, MOTOR PARKS, OTHERS WITH DEMAND NOTICE

By: Valentine Adese (JP) and Naomi Paul,

Plateau State Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning has taken the issue(s) of land registration in the state very serious, as it embarks on campaign to create awareness in the state among corporate and non-corporate organizations and also to distribute Demand Notices for payment of arrears of ground rents among others.

THE DEMAND NOTICE

The campaign is also aimed at correcting the current observed violations of various land laws in the state, spilling over decades by the Ministry.

You would recall that, the Ministry of Lands, survey and town Planning Plateau State, had observed that, property owners are either in contravention or violation of their Certificate/Right of Occupancy of the Land use Act, Land Tenure Law of Northern Nigeria and Section 3 of the Plateau State Land Use Charge Law.

The Task Force constituted by the Ministry led by its Commissioner, Mr. Yakubu Dati, as Chairman, visited corporate and non-corporate organizations on 26th, October, 2021, to serve Demand Notices on them in the state capital.

MALGAM TRANSPORT OWNER

The Task force while on the campaign, visited the popular motor park opposite the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and discovered that the land was initially granted for a residential property development, but instead, it is being used as a motor park, which is generating millions annually for the owner, while the same owner has failed to remit what is due for Government.

A Demand Notice for the owner to appear at the Ministry to regularize the document concerning the property was issued and received on behalf of the owner by a man, doing business in the name of Malgam Transport.

JNI MEMBER AND LEADERSHIP

The Task Force also took its campaign to the Plateau state Central Mosque where it met with the leadership of JNI.

COMMISSIONER, MR. DATI

The Commissioner, Mr. Yakubu Dati, and the Deputy Director Lands, Mr. Adamu Haruna, took turns to educate the members of JNI of the importance of land registration and the value chain attached to the title for the land owner.

DIRECTOR LANDS

They also warned that the Ummah should not take any imposter agent serious as the Ministry deals directly with land owners since the process is computerized.

The Hon. Commissioner, Mr. Dati, further disclosed that, “to encourage property owners to register their lands, the administration of Simon Bako Lalong has slashed the statutory fees for registration by 50%.

SECRETARY

After listening to the duo, the Secretary of JNI, Alhaji Salim Salihu, urged the Task Force to embark more on the awareness campaign in order to enable villagers understand the need to come forward for the exercise.

PRO SANI MUDI JNI

The members of JNI unanimously thank and praised Governor Lalong for the feat he has achieved so far in his administration.

Tuesday 26 October 2021

JUST IN: PLATEAU STATE MINISTRY OF LANDS, SURVEY AND TOWN PLANNING, SERVES DEMAND NOTICES ON PROPERTIES HOUSING PDP, APC, MTN, OTHERS

By: Valentine Adese (JP) and Naomi Paul,

Plateau State Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning has reinvigorated its drive for revenue generation in the state, as it has began to serve demand notices on property owners to come forward, to register or pay arrears of their ground rents.

THE NOTICE

You would recall that, the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning, Plateau State, had observed that, property owners in the state are either in contravention or violation of their Certificate/Right of Occupancy of the Land use Act, Land Tenure Law of Northern Nigeria and Section 3 of the Plateau State Land Use Charge Law.

COMMISSIONER, MR. YAKUBU DATI

The Task Force constituted by the Ministry, led by its Commissioner, Mr. Yakubu Dati, as Chairman, visited corporate and non-corporate organizations today, 26th, October, 2021, to serve Demand Notices on them in the state capital.

The Demand Notice, requires those served to report/pay arrears, register or correct Land use Act/law violations, within 30days or get their titles withdrawn or revoked and/or face prosecution.

Mr. Anwayi Danjuma Jude, RECEIVING THE NOTICE AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM

The first point of call, was the National Museum complex, where the Commissioner expressed surprise that, the property is been used for other purposes beyond the reason(s) it was initially granted.

Although the Curator was not on seat, Mr. Dati expressed his surprise and worries to, Mr. Anwayi Danjuma Jude, an Assistant Director, who also was served with the Demand Notice.

BARR BINCHEN

The Ministry also served Demand Notices on the properties housing two major political parties in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Their notices were served on Barr Binchen Jantau, the Legal Adviser of the PDP Plateau State chapter and Mr. Godwin Garba, the State Admin Director of the APC respectively.

MR. GODWIN GARBA

 

Other properties served are the Tilley Gyado House and that which houses, T. TEE El TEE Resource.

The Ministry also took its campaign concerning land and property registration to the Plateau state Central Mosque where it met with members of the JNI.

MR. DATI AT THE CENTRAL MOSQUE

However, explaining the purpose of the tour and the issuance of Demand Notices to inquisitive Media men, who were part of the team in an on the spot interview at the Central Mosque, the Commissioner, Mr. Dati said, “The land administration has been made simple by this administration, and this campaign is to help property owners get documentation for their lands and to encourage them to have titles.

“Because a land without title is dead capital hence, this makes the campaign very important, as the registration of these landed properties would help add value to the land.

“It must be noted that, the payment of ground rent is a civic responsibility”.

Monday 25 October 2021

NIGERIAN UPSTREAM REGULATORY COMMISSION: APPOINTMENT OF MS. ROSE CHUNDUNG NDONG, AS EXECUTIVE COMMISSIONER, DEMONSTRATES PRESIDENT BUHARI’S LOVE FOR PLATEAU--- GOV. LALONG

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated, Ms. Rose Chundung Ndong, over her appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari, as the Executive Commissioner, Exploration and Acreage Management, Board of the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission.

Governor Lalong in a congratulatory message described the appointment of the illustrious daughter of Plateau State by the President, “as yet another demonstration of his love for the people of Plateau State, as well as, an affirmation of confidence in their capacity to deliver on critical national assignments”.

GOV. LALONG

Lalong, while charging Rose Chundung to use the opportunity presented by this appointment to showcase her talent and experience in the exploitation of the nation’s oil and gas resources, he said the appointment is a challenge he believes she has been properly prepared for by her many years of service to the nation.

He recalled her early years of professional service as a geologist in Plateau State where she among others, served as the Provost, Nigerian Institute of Mining and Goesciences and Managing Director of the Nigeria Mining Corporation Jos, before moving on to other responsibilities at various Federal Government Agencies and abroad.

He also advised her to use the opportunity to ensure that the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari of ensuring the development of the nation’s petroleum and gas potentials across the nation is achieved in order to make the nation energy sufficient.

Rose Chundung

He reminded the appointee that the nation is in dire need of energy security and growth in the oil and gas industry which has been opened up with the recent unbundling of the sector with the passage and signing into law the Petroleum Industry Act.

In a Plateau State Government press statement made available to media houses in Jos, signed by, Dr. Makut Simon Macham, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State, dated 24th October, 2021, Governor Lalong, “wished her a successful tenure and promised that the Government and people of Plateau State and indeed the North Central Zone will support her to ensure that she adds value to the sector”.

FOTONEWS: WAZIRI KWANDE, OTHERS INAUGURATED INTO SEN. TINUBU’S SUPPORT GROUP FOR 2023

WAZIRI AND OTHERS
WAZIRI KWANDE
WAZIRI