PLATEAU CHRISTMAS KILLINGS: “THAT, THESE KILLERS ARE OUT ON A CLEANSING AGENDA AND TO TAKE OVER OUR LANDS IS NO LONGER HIDDEN”---SEN. JONAH JANG

By: Amb. Valentine Adese (JP),

A former Governor of Plateau State and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Jonah D. Jang has submitted that the Christmas Eve attackers on Plateau State villagers was a planned attack to kill and take over the lands of the people.

He also submitted that the attack was a cleansing agenda against the people of Plateau State.

Sen. Jang in a press statement, signed by Comrade Clinton Garuba, his Media consultant tagged: “PLATEAU KILLINGS: ONE, TOO MANY AND THE NEED FOR STATE POLICE”, stated that, “These killers are out on a cleansing agenda and plan to take over the lands of the people they try to wipe out is no longer hidden”.

Adding that “There is more that can be done, the endless killings are unacceptable, and our people must be allowed to stay in their homes, and continue to cultivate their farmlands without any intimidation or fear of unprovoked attacks which leave them homeless or decapitated.

“We join millions of Plateau people and our well-wishers in sending our heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost loved ones in the recent attacks.

“We are sore and grieved but consoled that the blood, of the innocent will not go unavenged, if not here, in the hereafter. We call on the people to cooperate with the State Government which has shown commitment to ensuring the safety of Plateau citizens.

“The killings have assumed a dimension where inhumanity seems to have overtaken humanity but whatever the intentions and purposes of the terrorists, Plateau will survive, thrive, and stand tall as the home of peace and tourism. May Plateau State succeed!”

READ THE FULL TEXT BELOW:-

SEN. JANG

PLATEAU KILLINGS: ONE, TOO MANY AND THE NEED FOR STATE POLICE

It is with a grieving heart that Senator Jonah David Jang wishes to commiserate with the families that lost loved ones during the Christmas Eve attack on communities in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local government areas of Plateau State.

This dastardly act has once again tampered with the peace of our dear state as it was orchestrated by people who are hell-bent on ensuring that the ordinary Plateau man does not enjoy the serenity God through nature has bestowed on him.

Choosing to murder harmless villagers in their homes as they prepared to celebrate the yuletide is the most horrendous wickedness that anyone could imagine. None of the hundreds of our people who lost their lives in the Christmas Eve attack by marauding terrorists envisaged that their lives would be cut short in such a gruesome manner.

The killings on the plateau would seem to have gone on unabated as the non-arrest and prosecution of perpetrators have bolstered the serial killers to carry out more and more killings.

Unfortunately, villagers in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Riyom and Mangu LGAs have continued to bear the brunt of terrorists who seem to have sworn to dispossess them of their heritage at all costs. That these killers are out on a cleansing agenda and plan to take over the lands of the people they try to wipe out is no longer hidden.

As painful as these killings are, equally hard and painstaking efforts must be made to put an end to them to restore Plateau to its known peaceful atmosphere which made it home to many people, even in decades past.

While we agree with the President that the culprits and Plateau State Governments in responding to the recent attacks, we reckon that more can be done to stop the seeming non-stop attacks and needless loss of the lives of innocent villagers who are murdered while in their sleep or as they struggle on their farms to eke a living for themselves.

There is more that can be done, the endless killings are unacceptable, and our people must be allowed to stay in their homes, and continue to cultivate their farmlands without any intimidation or fear of unprovoked attacks which leave them homeless or decapitated.

We join millions of Plateau people and our well-wishers in sending our heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost loved ones in the recent attacks.

We are sore and grieved but consoled that the blood of the innocent will not go unavenged, if not here, in the hereafter. We call on the people to cooperate with the State Government which has shown commitment to ensuring the safety of Plateau citizens.

The killings have assumed a dimension where inhumanity seems to have overtaken humanity but whatever the intentions and purposes of the terrorists, Plateau will survive, thrive and stand tall as the home of peace and tourism.

May Plateau State succeed!

Comrade Clinton Garuba

Media consultant to Senator (Dr.) David J. Jang.

PLATEAU CHRISTMAS EVE: TWO SETS OF MEMBERS OF THE PLHA AND ONE SPEAKER CONDEMNED ATTACKS AS BARBARIC

By: Amb. Valentine Adese (JP),

The attacks on Plateau Citizens on Christmas Eve that have taken over 200 lives has been strongly condemned by Members of the Plateau State House of Assembly.

The condemnation which came from both the sworn in Members and the 15 All Progressives Congress (APC) Elected Members that are yet to be sworn in called on the security operatives to beef up and arrest the perpetrators, while describing the carnage as callous, barbaric and reprehensible.

In a world press conference held on Friday 29th December 2023, at his official residence in Rayfield, Jos, and flanked by other Members, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, denounced the activities of terrorists who chose the festive period of Christmas to desecrate the land.

Rt. Hon. Dewan called on the security agencies to put a stop to the killings in Plateau State, while the House would do everything humanly possible to provide Laws that would protect the lives and properties of citizens in the state.

Rt. Hon. Dewan, the Speaker of the 10th Plateau State House of Assembly, told Journalists that the House had to break its recess at this crucial time to address, “the press on the ugly situation that took the lives of 295 constituents in Bokkos, Barkin-Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas”.

Adding that, “The House resolutions amongst many others have called on the Federal and Plateau State Governments through the National Emergency Management Agency and the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency as a matter of urgency to immediately provide relief materials and succor to affected communities.

“The Plateau State House of Assembly has also called on MDAs to ensure speedy recovery of all injured children, women and men in the hospitals.

“The House also called for calm in the state as Government is doing everything to bring the situation under control and move the state forward”.

Meanwhile, the Plateau State House of Assembly Members commended and applauded the prompt action of Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for directing the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Shettima Kashim to lead a very powerful Federal Government delegation, including the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Senatorrs and others to visit the affected communities and report back for further interventions and assistance.

The Speaker said, “The Plateau State House of Assembly has resolved that, a thorough investigation would be carried out and all those involved in the attacks would be fished out and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others since some names of attackers have been mentioned by the injured.

However on the same day, the 15 Members elected under the plate form of the APC in a press statement signed by the former Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda Yackson, for: APC Caucus, Plateau State House of Members elect, dated 29th- 12- 2023, appealed to his Excellency, Governor Mutfwang (Esq) to sermon the courage to implement previous reports of Inquiry which indicted some individuals in the crisis on the Plateau.

This according to them, “Will discourage others who collaborate with these undesirable elements to perpetrate this heinous crime and other criminalities”.

The yet to be sworn in Lawmakers, commiserated with the Government and people of Plateau State over the great loss and urged the three tiers of government to provide relief materials to the survivors to give them succor, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for dispatching the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the National Security Advisor, Nuhu Ribadu and service chiefs, implore him not to rest on his oars until the killers are brought to justice.

READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW:-

PRESS RELEASE.

PLATEAU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY MEMBERS ELECT APC CAUCUS, CONDEMN ATTACKS IN BOKKOS, BARKIN LADI COMMUNITY, APPEAL FOR PROACTIVE MEASURES.

15 Members elect of the Plateau State House of Assembly have condemned in strong terms the massacre in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, where close to two hundred lives were lost and property worth millions of naira destroyed, describing the carnage as callous, barbaric and reprehensible.

In a statement in Jos, the caucus, noted that the incessant attacks on those communities is a source of serious concern and urged the three tiers of government to come out with a workable template that will bring an end to the needless bloodbath.

The statement which appealed for more proactive measures on the part of the security agencies, called for genuine efforts in the areas of intelligence gathering in order to stem the tide as the existing methods have become outdated and not yielding the desired results.

The Lawmakers, tasked the security agencies to go after the killers of the innocent and defenseless people and bring them to justice, so as to serve as a deterrent to others.

They appealed to his excellency Governor Mutfwang to sermon the courage to implement previous reports of Inquiry which indicted some individuals in the crisis on the Plateau , this will discourage others who collaborate with these undesirable elements to perpetrate this heinous crime and other criminalities.

The lawmakers commiserated with the government and people of Plateau State over the great loss and urged the three tiers of governments to provide relief materials to the survivors in order to give them succor.

While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for dispatching the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the National Security Advisor, Nuhu Ribadu and service chiefs, implore him not to rest on his oars until the killers are brought to justice.

The members elect also showered accolades on the National Assembly caucas of the APC, including the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Simon Lalong , Senator Diket Plang , Idris Wase, Yusuf Gagdi, John Dafaan and David Lalu and other National Assembly members for their show of love and concern over barbaric act.

The statement equally appealed to public spirit individuals and organizations to come to the aid of the Internally Displaced Persons with relief materials in other to cushion the effects of their sufferings.

On their part, the members elect pledged to continue to enact laws that will ensure the peace and development of the state and will assist the executive arm of promote coexistence.

Signed:

Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda Yackson

For:

APC Caucus, Plateau State House of Members elect.

29th- 12- 2023

 

 

PLATEAU: GOVERNOR CALEB MUTFWANG’S POLITICAL WARS OF SUPREMACY TO CONTINUE IN JAN. 2024

By: Amb. Valentine Adese (JP),

As the people of Plateau State are getting prepared, to usher in the New Year 2024, and also putting efforts into finding a solution to the unabated attacks on its people by yet-to-be-unmasked attackers, the politicians in the state on their part are preparing to continue their War of Supremacy from all fronts.

You would recall that most of the litigation instituted in 2023, by Political Actors and Non-actors in the state, have been adjourned and carried over to 2024 by most of the Courts hearing these cases.

From records, there is a Political Supremacy War between Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) and Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, over who won the 2023 Governorship election in the state.

While Governor Caleb won the matter at the Tribunal, the Governor-Elect, Nentawe, won at the Court of Appeal.

You would also recall that the Petition of Nentawe and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) was dismissed by the Panel which heard the Petition at the Tribunal on the ground that they (The panel) lack jurisdiction to hear the “Ground One” of the Petition as it is more of a Pre-election issue. But the Court of Appeal on its part, assumed jurisdiction, heard the Appeal of Dr. Nentawe, allowed the Appeal, Set aside the decision of the Tribunal, and sacked Caleb (Esq) by holding that he (Governor Caleb) contested the election as an Independent Candidate.

The matter is fixed for 9^th January 2024, and the people of Plateau State would be more focused on this development in January.

Secondly, Governor Caleb (Esq) has issues to grand with the 17 Local Government Council (LGC) Chairmen he suspended from office in 2023. You would recall that in their place, he had appointed Caretaker Committees to oversee the affairs of the LGCs.

To challenge his powers to remove them, the LGC Chairmen had instituted Suit No: PLD/J257/2023, before the Plateau State High Court.

The hearing of the suit filed by way of Originating Summons by the Chairmen, which commenced in 2023 is now spilling into 2024, as the Court hearing the matter and presided over by Hon. Justice Samchi, has adjourned the matter to the 10^th of January 2024, for a definite hearing.

As of the time of writing, the Defendants (the Speaker and the Plateau State House of Assembly), Suo Motu joined by the Court, are yet to file appearances into the matter nor have they filed a defense to the suit as the 3^rd and 4^th Defendants.

You would recall that REALITY has reported that while Governor Mutfwang (Esq) is the 1^st Defendant in the suit, the State Attorney General is the 2^nd Defendant.

Also in January 2024, the Governor of Plateau State, aside from the Political Supremacy War with the Governor-Elect, Dr. Nentawe, he would be wrestling political power with the Members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, as there is a reconfiguration of the 24 Members of the House in 2023 and their swearing-in may be in 2024.

Earlier, it was members of Mutfwang’s political party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that had the majority of the Members in the House. But with developments that arose out of the Tribunals and all the PDP Lawmakers in the House have been sacked, the Governor has more to contend with the APC Lawmakers in 2024.

Firstly, the issue of sacking of the APC’s 17 LGC Chairmen and replacing them with PDP TICs, would be contended by the APC Lawmakers in January 2024.

More also, Suit No: PLD/J257/2023, filed by the LGC Chairmen, may become complicated as the House of Assembly having a majority of APC Lawmakers, may not want to stand against the LGC Chairmen and that may leave Governor Caleb (Esq) alone, even when he wins at the Supreme Court.

MORE TO COME…

EDITORIAL: IT IS A SHAME THAT THE PLATEAU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY IS STILL ON RECESS POLITICALLY, WHEN PEACE AND ORDER ARE UNDER THREAT

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The main essence of governance according to the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) is for the security of life of the people and their welfare.

Once they are breached, the government must rise to the occasion to manage and control using all its institutions and agencies available.

It is no longer news that the good people of Plateau State have constantly been under attack for many reasons that have not been substantiated. They have been killed with their villages and homes burnt for unprovoked reasons, which are still pilled in the chests of the invaders or attackers.

In the past, it was said to be an external invasion of the state but as time passed and internal vigilance introduced, more of the attackers were traced from internal dwellers.

On or before the Christmas Eve, Nigerians were adequately informed that attacks were ongoing in some communities around Barakinladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State.

According to the information, the attacks started in the late hours of 23^rd December 2023 and continued unabated till 24^th December 2023.

Facts on ground indicate that several communities have been attacked and burnt while others are now under siege.

Communities affected based on the information received include Quataz, Meyanga, Tanti, Hurum of Bokkos LGA, and also NTV of Barkin\ladi LGAs.

From strategic analysis, it is clear that the yet-to-be-unmasked attackers may have planned to attack several areas at the same time to overwhelm the security agencies operating in the state.

This is because a similar strategy was employed by attackers when they attacked Mangu LGA and its environs in recent times.

Facts on ground indicate that the attackers have become emboldened more now due to the non-action against the situation.

It is therefore sad to note that in the Government of Plateau State, only the Executive Arm is making all efforts to implement the Constitutional call of securing the people.

While the helpless people in the Local Government Areas are running around for their safety, the Plateau State House of Assembly is not only under lock and key, but the Principal Officers are in their safe places HOLIDAYING.

It is sad to note also that the Speaker of the Assembly is also in a self-recess when the people he is supposed to protect by making and enforcing laws for good governance, order, and public peace, are been killed for unprovoked reasons which his institution, needs to investigate.

The Speaker’s continuous hiding under a political recess to save his seat from the 16 Lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who just received their Certificate of Return from INEC, must be condemned by all.

He must call off his recess to enable the other Members of the Assembly perform their Constitutional responsibilities and assist the Executive Arm, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) in controlling the situation at hand.

SUPREME COURT: CALEB MUTFWANG (ESQ) vs DR. NENTAWE YILWATDA (GOV-ELECT): THE APPELLANTS DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE ISSUE---COURT OF APPEAL

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Court of Appeal has reiterated in its Judgment currently on appeal at the Supreme Court that the Appellants, Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) and his Political Party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), have not understood the case been made against them by, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (The Governor-Elect for Plateau State), in their Petition at the Tribunal and in their well-considered decision at the Court of Appeal.

CALEB/NENTAWE

The Court of Appeal has restated that the issue is been misunderstood like in the case of Hon. Musa Agah in 2022.

The clarification according to the Court of Appeal in the case of Hon. Musa Agah, while delivering judgment on the Appeal filed by Dr. Nentawe is as follows: “It is important to point out at this stage that the Appellants have a misconception of the issue. The issue is not whether the 2^nd Appellant was screened and cleared to contest the election to have satisfied all requirements of the law. The issue in controversy with regard to the non-qualification of the 2^nd Appellant to contest the bye election of 26^th February 2022 relates to an order of Court of competent jurisdiction, the High Court of Plateau State, directing the 1^st Appellant to conduct election for the PDP Executive Committee members of Plateau State….” And this Court held therein on page 24 that, “An issue of qualification of a candidate to contest an election under the electoral act 2010 (as amended) is both a pre-election and election matter”.

In its Reply Brief of Argument to the Appeal and Brief of Argument filed by Governor Caleb at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Dr. Nentawe and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have argued and contended that, “The Appellant (GOVERNOR CALEB) was not sponsored by the 4^th Respondent, and that by virtue of the said non-sponsorship the Appellant was not qualified to contest the election”.

It is on record that REALITY had reported that the Defendants/Respondents in the Appeal filed by Governor Caleb are as below:-

1. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe
2. All Progressives Congress (APC)
3. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and
4. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

READ IN PART THE ARGUMENT OF DR. NENTAWE AND APC ON ISSUE 1 BELOW:-

The 1^st and 2^nd Respondents in the petition filed against the election and return of the Appellant had contended that the Appellant was not sponsored by the 4^th Respondent, and that by virtue of the said non-sponsorship the Appellant was not qualified to contest the election.

It is not in dispute that Section 134(1)(a) of the Electoral Act, donates a ground of appeal to a Petition to challenge the election of the person returned elected on the ground that he was not qualified to contest the said election.

Therefore, once election conducted by the 3^rd Respondent has declared a winner, the complaint cease to be a pre-election matter, if it is raised by another candidate in the election, or a political party that participated in the election.

Please see section 133(1)(a) and (b) of the Electoral Act 2022.

The lower court in coming to the decision commendably held in pages 30-33 of the judgment, thus: “It need be noted that this is imperative that Section 134(3) is a new introduction to the Electoral Act of 2022. It will be recalled that section 138 of the Electoral Act 2010 which is similar to section 134 (1) of the Electoral Act t 2022 did not provide for similar provisions now contained in Section 134(3) of the Electoral Act of 2022.

“The mischief intended to be cured by the new provision, in my considered view, is that if any candidate escapes qualification matter in primary election, his qualification can be challenged under section 177 of the Constitution and Section 134 (1)(a) and (3) of the electoral act 2022. Thus, in finding out whether someone was qualified to stand for election, it must be shown that there is no impediment whatsoever standing on his way to contest into a particular office including the office of a Governor of a State.

“Such a person or aspirant in the true sense of it must be a member of a political party and must be sponsored by that political party as its candidate….

“On record, there is evidence way back in 2020 showing that some High Courts and the National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Plateau State, ordered the 3^rd Respondent, PDP, to conduct Congresses to enable it participate in any elective office. It is germane to refer to some paragraphs of the Appellants’ Petition on pages 7 to 1 of the Record, Volume 1, which are hereunder reproduced for ease of reference…”

“And conclude on pages 43-48 that “…If all the above scenario are situated in section 177 of the 1999 Constitution read alongside Section 134 (3) of the Electoral Act 2022, the salient question to my mind is, if found by this Court in Appeals Nos. CA/J/EPT/PL/NA/HR/215/2022 of October 28^th 2022, Exhibit G6 on October 28^th 2022, Exhibit G5, that there is no evidence that the 3^rd Respondent /PDP actually complied with the order made, can it be said that the 2^nd Respondent was validly sponsored to contest the Governorship Election of Plateau State on March 18^th 2023?

“Flowing from the foregoing, I believe very strongly having regard to Section 285 (2) of the 1999 Constitution that a Governorship Election Tribunal has jurisdiction to entertain any issue relating to or pertaining to the validity of the election of a candidate including whether he was validly sponsored ….Paragraph 21 states as follows: “21. 2^nd Respondent was not sponsored by the 3^rd Respondent or any political party registered by the 1^st Respondent”.

“At this juncture, I shall refer to the succinct clarification made by the Court in its judgment on pages 21-22 thereof, delivered by Tani Yusuf Hassan JCA, in the said Appeal No. CA/J/EPT/PL/NA/HR/215/2022, of October 28^th 2022, Exhibit G6, on the issue of the non-qualification of the 2^nd Respondent therein by the non-compliance with the subsisting order of the, Plateau State High Court in Suit No. PLD/1304/2020, Exhibit G1, by the 3^rd Respondent, PDP, vis a vis the question of pre-election in the bye-election of February 26^th 2022 for Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, Plateau State..”

TO BE CONTINUED…

 

PLATEAU: CALEB MUTFWANG (ESQ) VS GOVERNOR-ELECT, DR. NENTAWE YILWATDA: EXHIBIT G1 WAS MADE AGAINST THE PDP AND NOT ITS, PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER—COURT OF APPEAL

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) has filed his Appeal with his Political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, challenging the Judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division that sacked him from office on the ground that, he contested the Governorship election in Plateau State on the 18^th of March 2023, as an Independent Candidate as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has no structure at the time in Plateau to sponsor him.

CALEB/NENTAWE

Defendants on the face of the processes filed are:

1. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe
2. All Progressives Congress (APC)
3. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and
4. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

It must be noted that the Appeal of Governor Caleb with the PDP is an Appeal against the well-considered judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on the 19^th of November 2023, setting aside the decision of the Plateau State Governorship Election Tribunal that sat in Jos, of 22^nd September, 2023, wherein the Tribunal dismissed the 1^st and 2^nd Respondents’ petition.

However, now also being dissatisfied with the said decision of the Court of Appeal, the Appellants lodged their Appeal against same vide a Notice of Appeal filed on the 1^st of December, 2023.

At this point, REALITY finds it instructive to restate one of the profound findings of the Court of Appeal as encompassed in the contribution of his lordship, Abang JCA, in allowing the Appeal of Nentawe and the APC. He stated thus:

“The tribunal was in error when it claimed it lacked jurisdiction to entertain the Appellant’s ground One of the petition. Disqualification based on lack of capacity of PDP to sponsor the 2^nd Respondent to contest the election is an issue that can be raised at the tribunal post-election under the provisions of section 134(1)(a)&(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 where in this case that the 3^rd Respondent flouted an injunctive prohibition order of court of law (exhibit G1).

“It has no legal status under the provisions of section 177 (c) of 1999 Constitution as amended to sponsor the 2^nd Respondent to contest the election as a Governor of Plateau State whilst still disobedience of the Court’s order.

“When a court of law makes an order, that affects the status of a party or group of persons, it no longer lies within the discretion of the party or person to elect how to obey that order or whether to obey it.

“Compliance with court’s order must be total and not partial like exhibit 2RA3 in evidence. Judgment of courts must be obeyed to the letter or in full. The effect of non-compliance with a subsisting order of court will be devastating and earth shaking. There is no how there won’t be a twist in the body chemistry of a person that flouts subsisting court’s order.

“In fact the effect of non-compliance with a subsisting order of court would be like an earthquake. A court of law must not only bark but must bark and bite and if situation warrant break the bones. That is to teach a party or a person in disobedience that it was a joke taken too far to overlook the order in exhibit G1 and pretend that it does not exist.

“My lords, democracy is anchored on the rule of law not on the rule of might or blackmail. Where a part or a person makes attempt to disparage an order of court, the court that made the order or another court of competent jurisdiction that is seized of the proceedings where the alleged disobedience is raised should do everything possible to protect the court’s order.

“An order of court should not be treated with disdain because the only property of the court of law is its order and judgments. It has a duty to protect its own property. This is to maintain the integrity and sanctity of the court of law.

“Exhibit G1 was made against the 3^rd Respondent as a party and not against the Plateau State Chapter of the 3^rd Respondent. The effect of the order is that the 3^rd Respondent as a party cannot participate in any election in Plateau State except the order is complied with”.

And in concurring with the lead judgment, WAZIRI, JCA, in full appreciation of the essence of the petition and the need to allow the appeal on the state of the pleadings and the evidence adduced at the tribunal in proof, pungently held and concluded that:

“Court orders or judgments are not permitted to be treated with arrogance. The order or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction subsists unless and until it is set aside by a higher court.

“The sanctity and authority of the court must be protected in line with the rule of law. If orders/judgments of courts are not obeyed it will certainly create anarchy in the society as courts of law are the last hope of the common man”.

TO BE CONTINUED…

PLATEAU JUDICIARY BRIEFS: HEARING OF SUSPENDED17 LGC CHAIRMEN SUIT NO: PLD/J257/2023 STALLED, AS SPEAKER AND HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY HAVE NOT ENTERED APPEARANCE

By: Valentine Adese (JP) and Ronke Raji,

The hearing of suit No: PLD/J257/2023, filed by the 17 suspended Local Government Council (LGC) Chairmen and their Councilors was stalled today, 22/12/2023 on the ground that the 3^rd and 4^th Defendants, (the Speaker and the Plateau State House of Assembly) respectively, have not been severed the amended processes of the 1^st and 2^nd Defendants (the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) and the State Attorney General), and secondly, that the 3^rd and 4^th, have not entered appearances in the matter yet.

The Plateau State High Court hearing the matter presided over by Hon. Justice Samchi, has therefore adjourned the matter to the 10^th of January, 2024, for a definite hearing, while ordering the 1^st and 2^nd Defendants to file and serve their amended processes today, 22/12/2023.

Earlier, the Counsel representing the 1^st and 2^nd Defendants, D. P. Mann (Esq), had told the Court that the Defendants have complied with the Court order partly, but also out of time.

He said, “The matter is for hearing. On our part, we have not fully complied with the order of the Court. We have amended our processes as ordered by the Court, though out of time. We have a Motion to regularize same.

“Unfortunately, we have not been able pay the penalty for the Motion for being out of time. We have gone to the registry, but the officer is not there.

“We have, however, effected service on the Claimants already. Unfortunately, we have not been able to serve the 3^rd and 4^th Defendants with our amended processes.

“Earlier this morning, we requested for the bailiff of the Court and we were told he has not resumed for him to effect the service of the processes. The service of Court processes is very crucial to adjudication.

“In this circumstance, we shall be asking for a short adjournment to enable us pay the default fees and effect service on the 3^rd and 4^th Defendants.

In a swift response, however, Tob kekemeke (Esq), Counsel to the Claimants, told the Court that the intention of the 1^st and 2^nd Defendants was deliberately not to serve the amended processes, which the Court agreed with.

Tob Kekemeke (Esq), in part, said, “It appears there is a time cast determination to stifle the hearing of this matter.

“My learned friend said he came to the Court and did not see the bailiff to serve the processes. The question is, when were the processes filed?

“The processes were only filed today, 22/12/2023, and those processes could not have been intended to be served on the 3^rd and 4^th Defendants. The 3^rd and 4^th Defendants were served with the amended processes of the Claimants.

“There is a command under the hand of his lordship that the 3^rd and 4^th Defendants should enter appearance and file their responses within 7 days. This is a command and they have not obeyed the command in any way. They have not entered appearances or filed processes. So, it is clear that they are not in the matter and their absence will not stall today’s hearing.

“Secondly, the 1^st and 2^nd Defendants said they have not been able to pay the penalty fees for default, if the Court wants to bend backwards, the Defendants can pay the penalty on a later date.

“It is on record in this case that since the commencement of this matter, the 1^st and 2^nd Defendants have never filed any process within time. Grace is not for one to continue in sin. If a Court indulges a party, the party should not take the indulgence for granted.

“I submit that there is no real obstacle to hearing of this matter today. I urge the Court to direct the Defendants to proceed with the Motion and the hearing of the matter”.

TO BE CONTINUED….

PLATEAU JUDICIARY BRIEFS: LGC CHAIRMEN SUIT NO: PLD/J257/2023: DEFENDANTS YET TO FILE AMENDED DEFENSE AS ORDERED BY COURT

By: Valentine Adese (JP) and Ronke Raji,

Two (2) days to the hearing of the Originating Summons filed by the suspended 17 Local Government Council Chairmen of Plateau State, the Defendants are yet to comply with the order of the Plateau State High Court to file their defenses.

You would recall that the Plateau State High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Samchi, had Suo Motu, directed the parties in the suit to amend their processes to include the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and the House of Assembly as, 3^rd and 4^th Defendants since there is a claim against them among the reliefs being sought for by the Claimants.

A check by REALITY this morning 20/12/2023, reveals that the Defendants are yet to file any process regarding the Court order.

It should be of noted that the Governor of Plateau State and the State Attorney General are Defendants to Suit No: PLD/J257/2023 filed by the suspended Chairmen and as 1^st and 2^nd Defendants respectively.

The matter is fixed for a definite hearing on 22/12/2023, which is two (2) days from today.

TO BE CONTINUED…

SUPREME COURT ALLEGED VICTORY PROMISE: THERE IS NEED FOR GOV. CALEB MUTFWANG (ESQ) TO PUBLICLY DENY THE RUMOUR—THE ASSOCIATES

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

A group under the aegis of “The Associate” has called on the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang (Esq), to publicly clear the allegation making the rounds in Plateau State that he has told his supporters and party members that his position as the Governor of Plateau State is secured and unshaken, despite his pending Appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, wherein, he is challenging the verdict of the Court of Appeal that sacked him from office.

The rumour making the rounds, especially in Jos, the capital of Plateau State holds allegedly that the Governor has specifically told his supporters, party men, and party faithful that he has secured the promise of President Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at the Supreme Court among those of other top Judiciary officers.

You would recall that the Court of Appeal in a unanimous decision, by a three-member panel of Justices had held that the Governor was not validly nominated and sponsored by his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to participate in the gubernatorial contest the held in Plateau State on 18^th March, 2023.

It held that all the votes that were credited to him and the PDP amounted to wasted votes.

Consequently, the Court of Appeal panel, led by Hon. Justice Elfrieda Williams-Dawodu, ordered INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return that it earlier issued to Governor Mutfwang of the PDP as the winner.

The Court further ordered INEC that the candidate that got the second majority of Lawful votes at the election, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda of the All Progressives Congress (APC), be sworn in as Governor.

You would recall that the Judgment of the Court of Appeal followed an Appeal lodged against the Judgment delivered by the Governorship Tribunal that sat in Jos, Plateau State, and Governor Mutfwang (Esq) by the now Governor-Elect, Prof. Nentawe.

REALITY can authoritatively report that this Judgment did not go down well with members of the PDP, and their supporters, which later saw protests and counter-protests in Plateau and at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In its press statement, dated 17^th December 2023, also made available to REALITY, the Group (The Associates), called on Governor Mutfwang, to come out boldly and deny the rumour to give credence to any possible outcome of his Appeal at the Supreme Court.

You would recall that today the 19^th of December 2023, has been fixed by the Supreme Court to get the Report of Service and from inside sources, the Supreme Court this morning has fixed 9th January, 2024 for the hearing of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s Appeal.

TO BE CONTINUED…

PLATEAU GOVERNORSHIP APPEAL AT THE SUPREME COURT: PRESIDENT TINUBU MAY BE CALLED UPON AGAIN TO CLEAR THE AIR ON ALLEGED PROMISE TO APPELLANTS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

For the second time, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu may be called upon again to clear the air on the rumour making the rounds in Plateau State capital Jos that, he may have guaranteed/promised victory to the Appellants in the Plateau State Governorship case already filed at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The rumour also holds that the Supreme Court leadership may have also given the nod in the same line, owing to the alleged promise of the President.

REALITY can authoritatively state that the rumour broke out this morning in Jos city, after an alleged meeting by top Plateau State Government functionaries and some recently sacked Plateau State House of Assembly Members by the Court of Appeal yesterday, the 17^th of December, 2023.

You would recall that the rumour of an alleged congratulatory message addressed to the Governor of Plateau State was recently denied by one, Aliyu Audu, a Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs.

The release signed by Aliyu tagged: No Congratulatory Message to Plateau Governor, in part reads, “Our attention has been drawn to a fake message to the Governor of Plateau State for an alleged performance in seven months by President Tinubu.

“President Tinubu has at no time congratulated any Governor for performance.

“If the President plans to initiate a seven-month performance assessment, it will come vide an official statement.

“The public is hereby advised to disregard this claim as fake and only exist in the imagination of its mischievous originators”.

It is a fact that the Supreme Court has already scheduled tomorrow, 19^th December, 2023, for the “Report of Service” on Appeal No: SC/CV/1190/2023 being the Plateau State Governorship case, between Mutfwang Caleb Manasseh (Esq) (Appellant) and Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe & others (Respondents).

The Report of Service is coming, owing to the Appellants’ Ex-parte Application filed on 11/12/2023 that was granted on 13/12/2023.

MORE TO COME…

PLATEAU WEEKEND POLITICS: POLITICAL AND LEGAL BATTLES TO BEGIN AT THE SUPREME COURT SOON

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Soon, the citizens of Plateau State would stop the Social Media battles and troubles and center their attention on the oncoming happenings at the Supreme Court of Nigeria (SCN), as the embattled Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) and his party, the Plateau State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) would be having a full legal-day political-war with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Plateau State Governor-elect, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, over the Plateau State Number-One seat.

The struggle for the seat has pre-dates the main election in 2023, as campaigns were heated up with issues ranging from Religion, and Ethnicity to alleged outright sale of the state.

However, with the Respondents filing their Reply Briefs in response to the Brief and Argument filed by the Appellants () on or before the 21^st of December and the Reply to it on Points of Law, by the Appellants at the Supreme Court, the issues and campaigns would be reduced to LAW.

It is therefore expected that parties in the matter would be addressing the Supreme Court of Nigeria, on electoral issues as provided by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) and centering on:

1. Section 177 and Section 134 of the New Electoral Act.
2. Whether it was right for the PDP to have ignored the Interlocutory Injunction served on it to stop the conduct of the 25^th September 2021 State Congress.
3. Whether it is justifiable for only 5 Local Government Areas (LGAs), to participate in the Congress, putting side by side the Orders of Hon. Justice Gang in his Judgment of 2020 and followed by that of Hon. Justice Kunda, in which both ordered, for Congresses to be conducted at the Wards, Local Governments, and State.
4. The parties would also be expected to justify the Judgments of the Federal High Court, Jos Division, Court of Appeal, Jos Division, and the Supreme Court on the structure issue and the nonexistence of the PDP in Plateau State.

It is of note that, recently the Supreme Court had set a precedence that, “No one or political party can challenge another party’s Internal Affairs including Nomination and Sponsorship except, where there is an already subsisting Court Judgment against such political party”.

TO BE CONTINUED…

NEXT: GOVERNOR MUTFWANG’S ALLEGED CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE BY TINUBU THAT JUST COLLAPSED.   

PLATEAU: SCANDAL: AS A MAGISTRATE COURT SITS ON APPEAL OVER ORDERS OF A STATE HIGH COURT

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Information just reaching the News Desk of REALITY, indicates that a Plateau State Magistrate Court has just sat and reviewed the Orders of the State High Court and has also set the Orders aside.

Our source gathered that the State High Court had given its Orders based on an Experte Application, but with a further Experte Application before the State Magistrate Court, the Orders granted by the High Court have been set aside.

DETAILS COMING…

SUPREME COURT (2): MUTFWANG (ESQ) vs GOV-ELECT: APPELLANTS HAVE FILED THEIR BRIEF OF ARGUMENT. FURTHER ISSUES AND NEEDED EXPLANATIONS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The embattled Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang (Esq), and his political party, the Plateau State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), have filed their Brief of Argument yesterday 14^th December, 2023, at the Supreme Court of Nigeria (SCN), and have served same on the Governor-Elect of Plateau State Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and his party, the Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). REALITY can authoritatively report.

The stage is therefore getting set for the hearing of the Appeal of Governor Caleb and the PDP against the Judgment of the Court of Appeal, which had declared Prof. Nentawe, as the Governor-elect for Plateau State and also withdrawing the Certificate of Return of Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) on the ground that the PDP had no structure to enable it sponsored Caleb.

You would recall that the Court of Appeal Abuja Division, had held that Governor Mutfwang (Esq) contested in the Plateau State governorship election on the 18^th of March, 2023, as an Independent Candidate.

From the record, rules and processes of the Court of Appeal, since the Appellants have filed their Brief of Argument, the Respondents have five (5) days to respond to their Brief, while the Appellants have two (2) days to respond to the reply of the Respondents on Points of Law. In all, it is expected that all Briefs would have been entered by 20^th December 2023.

From the Notice of Appeal and the Brief filed by the Appellants, it is expected that the Appellants would provide reason(s) why the Lower Tribunal had ruled that the two Start Witnesses of Prof. Nentawe, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Go’ar and Mr. Emmanuel Macham, who were subpoenaed are not witnesses of the Court, but of the Petitioners as the Tribunal held.

It is also expected that the Appellants would have to show reason(s), why the Lower Tribunal still used their testimonies to reach its decision to dismiss the Petition, after rejecting them for not being front-loaded alongside the Petition and other witness statements by the Petitioners.

Furthermore, the Appellants in their Brief of Argument are expected to persuade the Supreme Court to see the challenge on Governor Mutfwang’s Nomination and Sponsorship as a Pre-election matter and the presentation of Judgments of Competent Courts on the issue of the PDP’s disobedience to several Court Orders to conduct Congresses across Wards, Local Governments and State levels are of no moment.

In addition, the Appellants would be expected to educate the Supreme Court on why the alleged Repeated State Congress took place on the 25^th of September, 2021 in the pendency of the party’s Appeal at the Court of Appeal, Jos Division, which only gave its verdict in 2022.

The issue and decision in the now popular case of Timkuk vs PDP, where the Court declined jurisdiction is also a matter that would demand explanation from the Appellants to the Supreme Court.

TO BE CONTINUED…

SUPREME COURT: MUTFWANG (ESQ) vs GOV-ELECT: THE ISSUES AND THE NEEDED EXPLANATIONS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Court Appeal Abuja Division’s Judgment, delivered on the 19^th of November, 2023, on the Plateau State Governorship election that took place on 25^th February 2023, and the decision of the Lower Governorship Tribunal that sat in Jos, Plateau State are currently on trial, as the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) file their Notice of Appeal at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Since this would be the end of litigation on the election matter, the issue has attracted the attention of Nigerians in Plateau State and others across the world to its possible outcome.

It is, therefore, a legal battle in which people anticipate superior arguments and persuasions from the legal teams representing parties.

For now, the Court of Appeal has declared Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as the Governor-Elect arising from his appeal against the Judgment delivered by the Governorship Tribunal that sat in Plateau, which had dismissed his Petition and reaffirmed the victory of Mutfwang as duly elected as Governor of Plateau State. The Court has also in the Judgment, set aside the Judgment of the Lower Tribunal.

According to the Court of Appeal, the candidates of the Plateau State chapter of the PDP that contested the 2023 general elections, including Governor Mutfwang, stood in the elections as Independent Candidates. The Court further held that “the status is not recognized by Nigerian Laws and Constitution”.

It therefore follows that, at the Supreme Court, Governor Caleb and the PDP must show that the Plateau State chapter of the PDP has a Structure and that the chapter conducted the ordered Congresses by the Courts since 2020.

It is also the responsibility of the Appellants to show and prove that no injunction was issued to stop its State Congress of 25^th September 2021, by a Competent Plateau State High Court on the 23^rd of September, 2021.

This is because the fact before the Court of Appeal is that “On 23^rd September 2021, the Exco members of Kanke Local Government and some of the Exco members of Ampang East and Dawaki Wards, brought an Order of Interlocutory Injunction from the High Court of Plateau State, Holden at Pankshin, seeking to restrain Senator Tunde Ogbeha and the Caretaker Committee, as well as, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from conducting the State Congress.

The Appellants also need to make efforts to convince the Supreme Court why the party (PDP) ignored the Order.

This is because, therein in the record been transferred to the Supreme Court there is a deposition that holds that, “after a careful study of the Motion on Notice fixed for hearing on the 9^th day of November 2021 at Plateau State High Court in Pankshin, the Legal Advice the Appellants obtained was that they can proceed with the Congress without running foul with the Law”.

It is of note that the Appellants have already filed at the Supreme Court and served the Notice of Appeal.

It there expected that all briefs would have enter on or before the 21^st of December, 2023.

PLATEAU BRIEFS: APC AND "ONE-MAN SPEAKER ASSEMBLY": POLITICAL DRAMA TO BEGIN SOON

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

With the ongoing issuance of Enrolled Orders to Members of the Plateau State House of Assembly by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, to enable and empower INEC to issue them with their Certificates of Return as members elected, the stage is become set for the political drama in the House with a “ONE-MAN SPEAKER” House of Assembly.

You would recall that 16 members of the House under the platform of the PDP, joined others to elect a new Speaker and then went into a two-month recess before they were sacked from the Assembly by the Court of Appeal.

Now that the newly declared members would be resuming their official duties in the House after they had submitted their various Enrolled Orders to INEC, would the Speaker welcome them in peace or would it generate another POLITICAL stalemate?

DETAILS COMING…

JUDICIARY BRIEFS: PLATEAU GOVERNORSHIP APPEAL: NOTICE OF APPEAL SERVED, RECORDS TRANSFERRED TO SUPREME COURT, AWAITING EXCHANGE OF BRIEFS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Notice of Appeal of the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang (Esq), with his party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has been filed at the Supreme Court of Nigeria and served on Respondents. REALITY can authoritatively state.

REALITY can also state that the record of the matter has also been transferred to the Supreme Court.

However, no date has been fixed for its hearing because the Appeal is not yet ripe, as the Briefs of the parties in the matter have not been filed and issues joined.

It is expected that the Appellants’ Brief would first be filed, then the Respondents would reply to the Brief and the Appellants would follow up with a reply on points of Law.

It must be noted that the Court of Appeal delivered its Judgment on the Appeal of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and the APC, who challenged the Judgment of the Lower Tribunal on the 19^th of November, 2023, therefore, the outcome of the Appeal of Governor Caleb to the Supreme Court is expected within 60 days after.

PLATEAU: SPEAKER/HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, YET TO FILE THEIR DEFENSE IN SUIT NO: PLD/J257/2023, FILED BY SUSPENDED LGC CHAIRMEN—INVESTIGATION

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Speaker and the Plateau State House of Assembly who were joined as the 3^rd and 4^th Defendants in Suit No” PLD/J257/2023, by the Plateau State High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Samchi, are yet to file their respective defense to the suit.

You would recall that the Court, Suo Motu, decided to join the 3^rd and 4^th Defendants for the outcome of the suit to bind all necessary parties.

You would also recall that REALITY had reported that the amended processes which included the 3^rd and 4^th Defendants as ordered by the Court were served on the Defendants on 4^th December, 2023, as gathered from our source.

Findings from the Court files indicate that the 3^rd and 4^th Defendants have not filed any reply to the process.

It is of note that the Court had given parties in the matter 5 days to amend their processes to include the two (2) defendants and serve the same, while the 3^rd and 4^th Defendants were given seven (7) days to respond.

In another development, REALITY had reported that Plateau State High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Samchi had refused and dismissed the Application for Joinder filed by Hon. Daniel Kunmi, the Transition Committee Chairman appointed by Caleb Mutfwang (Esq), the Governor of Plateau State for Mikang Local Government Council (LGC) in Suit No: PLD/J257/2023, filed by the suspended 17 Local Government Council (LGC) Chairmen of the state.

According to the Court, after listening to the Application moved by the Counsel to the Defendants and the Counter moved and argued by T. Kekemeke (Esq) the Counsel to the Claimants in the Suit, the presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Samchi, held that, Hon. Daniel Kunmi is not a necessary party to be joined, as he only has “mere interest” on the outcome of the Suit and that there is no relief by the Claimants being sort against him from the 5 reliefs before the Court.

TO BE CONTINUED…

 

EDITORIAL: THE NEED FOR PEACE IN POLITICAL PARTIES IN PLATEAU STATE

The people of Plateau State, since the rebirth of Democracy in 1999 in Nigeria have been trying to remain peaceful and co-exist with their neighbours in love.

It is a Historical fact that Plateau people are known to share things with their neighbours within any available space. From the markets, sports arenas, schools, restaurants, and drinking bars.

The show of oneness can also be traced to how the people unite in accident situations, where the identity of tribe, religion, ethnicity, sectionalism, or political affiliation is not regarded.

But, with the game of politics taking a huge part in the social interactions in the state, political interest has now become the dagger that is dividing the people across the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) as most citizens of the state now depend on Democratic Structures to provide food on the table and not for the essence of governing the people for a better welfare or provide an environment for peace and harmony.

From the facts on the ground on the Plateau, the registered and operating political parties in the state, have become the ideal and ideology of its members, supporters, and followers hence, the Plateau nature and dream have dropped.

Since 1999, most politicians in the Plateau political stage have gained and progressed more than the citizens and the state, despite their campaign promises.

They have constantly put in machinery on ground to enable them create the needed confusion and disunity among the citizens.

They have established a situation where the state would be dependent on them and not the other way around. They have made their homemade policies that of the administration and public policies at all times.

The citizens have been hugely impoverished, which makes them also dependent on the State and its runners. They get the little they can get and praise the administration, despite the various faults that are easily traceable and identifiable.

The general election of 2023, has exposed more of these anomalies, especially, when political parties had to resort to the use of religion, blackmail, and intimidation strategies.

The people are now introduced to the attitude of rejecting Court verdicts and establishing various protest models against, Judges of competent Courts.

Sadly, the new trend of tagging Party Candidates, State and Federal Agents, and their Workers as, “Enemies of the State” is most frightening, as it has caused hate across Local Government Areas, Tribe and Ethnic groups.

We advocate that all these anomalies must stop, as it is reaping off the state’s image and the known nature of the people.

Politics cannot replace the way of life of the people of Plateau State. The people have cultures and inheritance that must be jealously guided, guarded, maintained, and upheld at all times.

The people of Plateau State have been known for their peaceful nature and those playing politics within its environment must be called to respect that.  

As the Judiciary continues in the course of delivering more verdicts as it concerns the general elections of 2023 in the state, political parties must be made to be more responsible and cause peace within their folds since, the body language of Political Party Leaders reflects in the state of mutinying of the party Members, Followers and Supporters.

PLATEAU: AFTER AWARENESS BY WRAPA-FORD FOUNDATION, MAZAH COMMUNITY HAS RESOLVED TO FIGHT AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (GBV)

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Women, Girls, Faith and Cultural Leaders in Mazah Community in Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, have resolved to join their voice as a Community to the global campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

They have also resolved to be the Change Agents in the Community.

They made this resolve at Mazah during the Annual International 16 Days of Activism which was held in the premises of Mr. & Mrs. John B. Musa Ashur in Mazah Community, supported by Ford Foundation.

You would recall that this event is an annual international campaign that kicks off on November 25^th, which also doubles as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until December 10^th, Human Rights Day.

It is of note also that, the Activists started it at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership. Individuals and organizations around the world calling for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls use it as an organizing strategy.

Focal Person, Jummai Madaki

Earlier, before close to 60 participants at the program made the resolutions, in her opening remarks, the State Focal Person, Jummai Madaki, told the gathering that the Rights of women and girls are human rights, that there is a need to invest in women and girls for there to be a balanced society for holistic development

Jummai encouraged Faith and Culture Leaders to stand against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by making their institutions safe spaces while calling for the inclusion of Women in the Traditional Council, especially in the Mazah Community.

The State Focal Person, Jummai Madaki, also advocated for a Coalition against GBV for a formidable referral path, as she encouraged survivors to speak out to facilitate the punishment of offenders

She said, “The VAPP Law is functional in all Police Divisions. VAPP Copies would be made available to the community.

“WRAPA is ready to partner with Mazah Women Association and other groups in the community for GBV free community”.

According to the Focal Person, the objectives of the program in Mazah is:-

1. To create awareness and sensitization, join the voices of the community in the global campaign on GBV elimination, especially intimate partner violence (IPV), which is most prevalent in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) communities.
2. To reinforce the existing VAWG safeguard mechanisms (WoR & Male Champions).

• To deepen the commitment to elimination of IPV in communities

1. To increase organic Community led safe spaces for EVAWG in communities and,
2. To strengthen GBV referral within community grassroots structures.

Responding to the remarks of the Focal Person and adding her voice to the campaign, Madam RUTH ABWO (WOR) advised parents in the community to minimize child trafficking, she called on the leaders of Culture and Faith to discourage parents from releasing their wards to unknown persons under whatever guise and that, if such cases of trafficking arise it should be reported to WRAPA for quick intervention and subsequent action.

madam Ruth

She also took time to remind them of the Child Rights Law in Plateau State.

The Youths representative in the program, Mr. John Shamang in his contribution appreciated WRAPA. He said the sensitization has strengthened him and other youths to continue the sensitization on GBV. He promised to immediately contact other Executives of Youth Organizations on how to do a step-down and come up with a structure that would help plan, implement, and sustain the campaign.

Mr. John

On his part, the representative of the DISTRICT HEAD, Chief Daniel Umaru, promised to collaborate with WRAPA by giving immediate feedback at the next Traditional Council meeting coming up on  Monday, 11/12/23, where all the District Heads would be briefed and they would then come up with a collective action plan.

He said, “The implementation of the action plan will be carefully monitored by WRAPA community volunteer, Mrs. Yanat John.

For the representative of the WIVES OF DISTRICT HEADS, Talatu Bala Haruna, who also happens to be a Captain of the Christian girls/young ladies/women group popularly known as Girls Brigade where diverse cases are being reported at various levels of GBV, testified that, WRAPA is the first organization to invited the Wives of the District Heads for inclusion in the fight against GBV.

She immediately took an Oath to be a WRAPA “Community Volunteer” from that moment and also to commence an immediate stepping down to other women units of Anaguta Nation.

She committed herself to standing up for women and girls by advocating for the creation of safe spaces in the palaces and also for the inclusion of women in the Traditional Council.

Adding that “The wives of traditional rulers will form a coalition to effectively check on GBV in our communities”.

Speaking for the Leaders of Faith, REV. LEMUEL GIZO, stressed the need to take the advocacy to churches and other faith institutions while requesting that WRAPA should give them, copies of the VAPP Law.

He said, “Church leadership will work out a step down in various subgroups in the church and we request WRAPA to be part of the step-down.

“The church would be available all the time to attend to GBV issues and make referrals to WRAPA as the need arises.

“The church can effectively stand in for victims knowing that the police and other agencies can give the desired support”.

At the end of the program, a declaration to form a community observatory Committee against GBV and to organize activities against GBV was made owing to the enormous effect of the awareness.

SEE SOME PICTURES FROM THE EVENT BELLOW:-

PLATEAU: BREAKING: SUSPENDED 17 LGC CHAIRMEN HAVE SERVED AMENDED PROCESSES IN SUIT NO: PLD/J257/2023 ON SPEAKER, ASSEMBLY, AS ORDERED BY COURT

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The 17 Local Government Council (LGC) Chairmen in Plateau State and their Councilors suspended by Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Esq), have served their amended processes in suit No: PLD/J257/2023 on the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and the House of Assembly, as directed by the Plateau State High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Samchi.

The Speaker of the Assembly and the House itself are now joined as the 3^rd and 4^th Defendants in the suit as directed by the Plateau State High Court.

REALITY gathered from our reliable source that the amended process where served in the office of the Speaker and on the officer that receives mails and other processes of such on Monday, the 4^th of December, 2023.

From the Order of the Court, the 3^rd and 4^th Defendants have less than a week to respond to the processes and file same, as the matter would be come up for hearing on the 22^nd of December, 2023.

You would recall that, REALITY had reported that the Plateau State High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Samchi, had ordered the joining of the Plateau State House of Assembly and its Speaker, in Suit No: PLD/J257/2023, filed by the suspended 17 Local Government Chairmen of Plateau State and their Councilors, as 3^rd and 4^th Defendants.

You would also recall that the 1^st and 2^nd Defendants have been the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang (Esq), and the Attorney-General of the State since the hearing of the suit commenced.

In its Order, the Court had directed that the Originating Summons, and the Preliminary Objections (POs), among other processes already filed in the matter, be amended, and serve on all parties before the 5^th of December 2023.

The Court further ordered that the process should be served on the Clerk of the Plateau State House of Assembly, and if he is not there, on his staff in the office or any worker in the Assembly that has the competence of being served.

Alternatively, when it fails, it should be pasted on the gate or Notice Board of the Assembly complex. This was owing to a piece of unconfirmed information reaching the Court that the Members of the House of Assembly are currently on a two-month recess and the workers of the Assembly are also on strike.

REALITY has also reported that the Plateau State High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Samchi, had refused and dismissed the Application for Joinder filed by Hon. Daniel Kunmi, the Transition Committee Chairman appointed by Caleb Mutfwang (Esq), the Governor of Plateau State for, Mikang Local Government Council (LGC) in Suit No: PLD/J257/2023, filed by the suspended 17 Local Government Council (LGC) Chairmen of the state.

According to the Court, after listening to the Application moved by the Counsel to the Defendants and the Counter moved and argued by T. Kekemeke (Esq) the Counsel to the Claimants in the Suit, the presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Samchi, held that, Hon. Daniel Kunmi is not a necessary party to be joined, as he only has “Mere Interest” on the outcome of the Suit and that there is no relief by the Claimants being sort against him from the 5 reliefs before the Court.