PLATEAU: GOVERNORSHIP TRIBUNAL UPDATE: 4 PETITIONERS’ WITNESSES RAISE ISSUES OF WARD COLLATION CENTERS IN BARKIN-LADI, JOS-NORTH/SOUTH

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Four (4) Petitioners’ witnesses in Petition No: EPT/PL/GOV/03/2023, filed by, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) have opened up on alleged issues in the Wards they severed as Ward Collation Agents for the APC in the Plateau State governorship election that took place on 18^th March, 2023.  .

The witnesses, Mai-chibi Abila, from Barkin-ladi, Jiks Luka Pam, who lives at Nafok, Barnabas Gyang, who lives at Kapis and Umar Aliyu, from Jos-South, under Cross Examination, by Ayo Adewale (Esq), P. A. Akubo (SAN), and Emeka Etiaba (SAN), Counsels to the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Respondents respectively, told the Tribunal that, they have issues with the results from particular polling units in their respective Wards.

The first witness called by the Petitioners’ Counsel, Prof. Olatoke (SAN) leading Edward Pwajok (SAN) among other Lawyers, Mr. Mai-chibi Abila, under Cross-examinations told the Tribunal that, he lives at Kura Falls in Barkin-ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State and that, he went round polling units after the voting exercise on voting day. That he voted at Zakret Polling unit 006 and not polling unit 004.

He said the APC had agents in all the polling units under his Ward. He also disclosed that, the APC agent in polling unit 004 was Garson Ezekiel and that they were two agents of the party that day in the unit.

He said he is a card carrying member of the APC and a onetime Supervisory Councilor in Barkin-ladi Local Government Council (LGC) and that, his role is not limited to the Collation Center and as a Law abiding person, he is aware of the restriction of movement on the election day.

Adding that, “My party APC, appointed me in Kura Falls Registration Area and INEC trained me. I don’t have an appointment letter here, but a tag was issued to me for that purpose by INEC. As I speak, I have not seen the voters’ registers and the number of PVCs collected at the polling units. I was paid for the job I did. When election does not hold in a polling unit, such results should be canceled. As the Ward Collation Agent, I was given the polling units and Ward results and I can signed and can sign my signature again”.

Jiks Luka Pam, who lives at Nafok in Barkin-ladi, a farmer and who signed his statement on Oath on the 9^th of April, 2023, said he signed the statement at the Registry of the Tribunal and he wants the Tribunal to use it as his evidence in the Petition.

He told the Tribunal that, he supervised some polling agents in his Ward particularly that of Bisichi Town Polling Unit code 011.

He said he voted at polling unit 008 at Mai-idontoro.

Adding that, “My party had an agent there, he is Ali Mohammed, he witnessed the voting exercise and there was over voting. I don’t have any document to show the number of over voting because, there was no collation there hence I don’t have the number of voters. There was BVAS in that unit and it was used.

“I have no other name than, Jiks Luka Pam and the initial is JLP, but I change sometimes for security purposes. Up to this day that I am speaking, I have not effected any change of name.

“Under Zabot Registration Area (RA), we have 27 polling units and I was not a polling unit agent. The party’s agent for Bisichi Town Polling Unit is alive.

“Collation of results took place at the Collation Center and my role does not start at the collation Center. My role as a returning agent also includes receiving agents at the Ward Collation Center and I have read some part of the Electoral Act.

“Before I voted, I was duly accredited by the Polling Officer (PO) with the BVAS machine. The exercise in my unit was satisfactory. I was appointed by INEC to monitor elections in the 27 polling units. I don’t have a letter, but my tag is here.

“I signed Exhibit P32 being the result. I confirm that there was over voting and I have told the Tribunal that, the result was canceled because of over voting and that is the truth. So, what I stated in my paragraph 3 is the truth. The number of votes cast is more than the number of people accredited. I don’t have any record here also to show that, the result was canceled.

Barnabas Gyang, whose initials are AA14, told the Tribunal under Cross Examinations that, he voted in polling unit 021 in Kapis and not 028 in Takum and that, Mr. Pam Shut, was the polling agent for APC at 028.

Barnabas said he was trained by INEC to be a Ward Collation Agent and by the reason of the training he is aware that, if election does not hold in a Unit, he is aware that INEC would document it that it does not hold, but he does not have any document from INEC to show that, but that the agent for the polling unit is still alive.

Adding that, “there are 30 polling units in Kapis Registration Area (RA). I am a card carrying member of APC. It was my party that engaged me with INEC as Ward Returning Agent and Supervisor. I don’t have the letter of appointment, but I have the tag here. The tag was given to me by APC, but I was trained by INEC. All the 30 polling units had agents trained by INEC and no other agents were appointed by APC.

“I have a problem of reading, but I supervised some of the agents in my Ward.

“All through my statement, I never referred to EC8B and also did not state the number of registered voters in Takum polling unit.

“Before I voted at my poling unit, I was duly accredited and I was happy with my polling unit except for Takum.

“My party issued us tags after INEC’s training. It is not true that, I don’t have the details of the polling unit. I supervised the agents and when there is a problem, they call me and I go there physically, especially to unit 028.

“At 028, I saw that election did not hold. It is in my statement that I signed with the Clark of the Tribunal. I signed the result because 028 bear no score for any party.

To close the day, Umar Aliyu, a trader, who lives in Jos-South LGA was called. He stated that, he made his statement on Oath on 13/May/2023.

He told the Tribunal that, he protested when the election exercise was taken over by another officer of INEC at the Collation Center at Naraguta “B”.

He said the electoral officer he referred to was appointed by INEC and that he has a duty to perform in line with the function and direction of INEC and that if he fails, INEC can change him on the same Election Day.

He also disclosed and confirmed that, polling unit results for 057 and 153 units were collated.

Adding that, “If anybody comes to say that there were no results that person is not correct.

“I was at the collation center when collation started and we were waiting for some results to come because Naraguta “B” has 216 polling units. As we were still waiting, an electoral officer came to intervene and stopped the collation. We were waiting for 14 polling units, which are the strong holds of the APC.

“This happened because, the Polling Unit Officers (POs) did not come with the BVAS and the results of the 14 polling units, but they were on their way.

“I am aware of the petition and I read it, but I did not read the 2^nd Respondent’s reply.

‘The APC has agents in all the 216 polling units. I was at Naraguta “B” Registration Area’s collation center. I am not aware that, the PO disappeared with the 14 BVAS and electoral materials and up to the end of collation nobody came with the 14 BVAS and result sheets. I did not find out. I wrote to my party concerning the issue and it is left for my party to go further with the investigation.

The result of my Ward was signed on Sunday, the 19^th of March, 2023, after 2 days. The EO came to intervene on Sunday at about 2-3pm. The collation of Ward results is based on capacity and Naraguta is having 216 polling units.

“I don’t know if INEC’s Naraguta “B” Ward Collation Officer is dead. But the Electoral Officer (EO) of Jos North Local Government, did not all me complete my job very well.  So, I did not sign because the EO sent me out because I was waiting for the 14 BVAS”.

PLATEAU MINISTERIAL SLOT: APC GROUP DRUMS SUPPORT FOR HON. ALPHONSUS LONGGAP KOMSOL, GIVES REASONS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

As the Federal Government’s administration under the watch of President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is prepares to roll out Ministerial list, a group under the aegis of Concerned Patriotic Vanguard within the Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has started drumming support for Hon. Alphonsus Longgap to be given the slot.

In a press statement signed on behave of the group by one John Ribam as Chairman, Abdul Dakop as Secretary and Shalvel Yilwan as PRO, the Concerned Patriotic Vanguard stated that, the right person for the Ministerial job in their view is no other person than, Hon. Alphonsus Longgap Komsol, the immediate past member representing Mikang, Shendam and Qua’an Pan Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.

In part, the group stated that, “In light of this, the constitutional ministerial slot allotted for Plateau requires a charismatic, forward-looking, patriotic, a person beloved by all political parties and a workaholic person to attract attention to the party and boost its acceptability once again.

“The right person for this job in our view is none other than Hon. Alphonsus Longgap Komsol, the immediate past member representing Mikang, Shendam and Qua’an Pan Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.

‘Komsol who was a first timer in the National Assembly, has proven his commitment and doggedness in the discharge of any given assignment selflessly.

“Within the span of his four years sojourn in the National Assembly, he put the interest of his constituents above his personal consideration; thereby endearing himself to the well wish of the greatest population of the people he represented across-board irrespective of party, religion and ethnic inclinations”.

READ THE PRESS TEXT IN FULL BELOW:-

HON. KOMSOL

WHY HON. ALPHONSUS LONGGAP KOMSOL, IS THE RIGHT MAN FOR PLATEAU MINISTERIAL SLOT

We deemed it fit after careful research, and as bona fide, loyal and committed members of Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to state our candid view on who we thought it best to be given the constitutional ministerial slot from Plateau.

Our party has greatly lost at the 2023 polls where it dropped from having two Senatorial seats to one, and earlier from 4 House of Reps members to three and maintained the status quo by loosing Mikang, Shendam and Qua’an Pan, Federal Constituency, but gaining Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency.

Our noble party could not deliver the Presidency and Governorship elections to victory.

Sadly, we dropped from the ruling party to the leading opposition party in the state.

Though a ray of hope is beaming at the horizon over probable victory at the gubernatorial tribunal alongside other seats, we cannot relent by folding our hands in boosting other areas of political appointments to regain strength and retake our political leadership of the state. Furthermore, we cannot rely on unseen court verdicts which are not sacrosanct by simple optimism which surprises of defeat could spring up.

In light of this, the constitutional ministerial slot allotted for Plateau requires a charismatic, forward-looking, patriotic, beloved by all political parties and workaholic person to attract attention to the party and boost its acceptability once again.

The right person for this job in our view is none other than Hon. Alphonsus Longgap Komsol, the immediate past member representing Mikang, Shendam and Qua’an Pan Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.

Komsol who was a first timer in the National Assembly, has proven his commitment and doggedness in the discharge of any given assignment selflessly.

Within the span of his four years sojourn in the National Assembly, he put the interest of his constituents above his personal consideration; thereby endearing himself to the well wish of the greatest population of the people he represented across-board irrespective of party, religion and ethnic inclinations.

Prior to his victory at the 2019 polls, Komsol with his wealth of experience being in the corridor of Plateau State Government from the beginning of the Fourth Republic, weathered the attempt to deny him victory at the APC primary and overwhelmingly won because of his antecedents.

If the APC wants to remain strong till 2027, its Minister from Plateau must be someone beloved across political lines, Senatorial divide, ethno-religious consideration and above all a selfless workaholic whose pedigree has proven so.

We are aware that a Minister is a Federal Government servant who is expected to discharge his duty faithfully without prejudice, victimization, sectionalism and corruption. Of such calibre and sound material, is Alphonsus Longgap Komsol. He will only not bring pride to the Federal Government, but to Plateau and the entire country.

Of all the APC members in Plateau who hold no elective position, there is none with the well wish that is capable of attracting more followers to the APC than Hon. Komsol. If any thinks it’s untrue, they can embark on independent research at the grassroots and set an opinion poll objectively.

Suffice us to mention Komsol’s major achievements as the first APC Federal legislator of his constituency He:

– passed bills for the creation of Federal Polytechnic Shendam, Federal Medical Centre Piapung and Federal University of Agriculture Namu.

The Federal Polytechnic Shendam saw the light of the day, where then President, Muhammadu Buhari signed it into law and was sited at Nya’k in Shendam LGA.

It is worthy of note that Komsol believes in governance as continuum, that was why he continued the bill of creating the Federal Polytechnic in Shendam from where his predecessor, Johnbull Shekarau, stopped.

– constructed 32 classroom blocks spread across his constituency.

– constructed 3 well equiped ICT centres in his constituency.

– mounted 500 solar panel street lights across his constituency.

– constructed a storey building model school at N250m which is ongoing.

– Attracted construction of Gidan Adamu – Kupkwap road at N500m.

– constructed Derailt road at N100m.

– distributed tens of thousands of bags of fertilizer to farmers every year, since his assumption of office.

– attracted Federal Government soft loans for 500 people which some got two million, one million, five hundred thousand and so on.

– Secured Petroleum Development Trust Fund scholarship for some students doing their Masters, Ph.D and degree programmes in overseas and in the country.

– yearly pays the Joint Admission Matriculation Board, JAMB, fee for so many of his constituents seeking admission in various  universities.

– sank numerous motorized and hand pump boreholes across his constituency.

– sponsored recruitment of some of his constituents into the Police Force, Civil Defence and others.

– empowered his constituents yearly with numerous grinding machines, motorcycles and sewing machines.

– Secured National Directorate of Employment loan for 300 people at N20k each.

– distributed a car each to the three APC LG chairmen of his constituency.

– gave out 32 motorcycles to the APC ward chairmen of the 32 wards of his constituency.

– gave out five cars and 20 motorcycles to churches and mosques in his constituency.

– gave traditional rulers cars and motorcycles.

On political front, Komsol was a member of the Planning and Strategic Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council, and was also in charge of the Presidential Primary election delegates where he convinced a host of the delegates from Plateau state to vote for Tinubu even when most party stalwarts that are parading themselves now that they are Tinubu’s where busy working for then Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo and Rt. Hon.  Rotimi Amechi attaching religious sentiments to the presidential primary. But Komsol refused to accept their posture and remained with Tinubu and that was what cost him his return ticket to the House of Reps.

Komsol was APC Presidential Secretary, Contact for Mobilization North Central Zone and State coordinator, Independent Campaign Council, Plateau State.

Komsol has proven his love and passion for Nigeria and Nigerians.

As the saying goes, “Charity begins at home,” and “he that is faithful in the little shall be faithful in much,” Komsol has proven his mettle in them, showing he is fully set for a higher assignment.

If APC must have a firm grip in Plateau, Komsol should be considered for Ministerial position as huge contribution. He will deliver and boost the performance of his ministry.

Thank you

Signed:

John Ribam Chairman

Abdul Dakop Secretary

Shalvel Yilwan PRO

For: Concerned Patriotic Vanguard

KNOW MORE ABOUT JOURNALIST PAM MUSA AS HE VIES FOR THE PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER OF THE CORRESPONDENTS’ CHAIRMANSHIP SEAT

By: Frank Agbai,

The Plateau State chapter of the Correspondents’ Chapel’s election is by the corner and the top contender is Journalist Pam Musa for the Chairmanship.

Know more of this young leader, as REALITY reproduces his profile below:

Pam Musa is currently the Plateau State Correspondent of New Telegraph Newspaper, which is a Daily Publication.

Also the Financial Secretary of the Correspondent’s Chapel and Chairman Assignment Committee of the NUJ in Plateau State.

He was formally registered in 2004 as a Member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ, Plateau State.

He is a dedicated professional in the field of Journalism, he has a Diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Jos and later bagged a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communication Second Class Upper Division from the famous Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria.

He has attained several Journalism professional training, Workshops and Courses through hard work.

Pam Musa has creative Leadership skills, Computer literacy skills and organizational skills in Public and Media Relations.

He has always exhibited Leadership qualities in all assignments given to him, especially at the Correspondent and NUJ Levels.

No wonder, most of his colleagues have prompted him to contest for the Chairmanship Position of the Correspondents Chapel of the NUJ Plateau State, come 25th July 2023.

PLATEAU GOVERNORSHIP TRIBUNAL 28th/JUNE/2023: DABWAN vs GOV. CALEB: NO WITNESSES, PETITIONERS, RESPONDENTS, CLOSE CASES

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Petitioners in Petition No: EPT/PL/GOV/02/2023, Dabwan Alfred Clark and his political party, the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) have closed their case, after tendering documentary evidence and calling no witness. The 1^st and 3^rd Respondents (INEC and the PDP respectively) called no witnesses and tendered no document.

The 3^rd Respondent’s Counsel, Emeka Etiaba (SAN), (the Peoples Democratic Party) however, told the Tribunal that, he rest his case on that of the Petitioners.

On the part of the 2^nd Respondent, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, his Counsel, P. A. Akubo (SAN), tendered 9 documents contained in his list of documents’ schedule and urged the Tribunal to take the documents as read, but also called no witness.

THE TRIBUNAL

While adjourning the hearing of the Petition, the Tribunal directed all parties to file their Final Written Address on or before the 23^rd of July, 2023.

You would recall that, REALITY had reported that,  Petition No: EPT/PL/GOV/02/2023, filed by Dabwan Alfred Clark is challenging the victory of Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) and his party, the PDP in the just concluded governorship election in the state for alleged “Unlawful Exclusion” and the Tribunal had adjourned the hearing to today, the 28^th of June, 2023 to enable the Counsel to the Petitioners, S.D. Maren (Esq) to tender documents and call his witness(s).

SEE SOME PICTURES FROM TODAY’S SITTING BELOW:-

PLATEAU: JOS-NORTH LGC CHAIRMAN, HON. SHEHU B. USMAN, CONGRATULATES AND URGES MUSLIM UMMAH, TO PREACH PEACE, UNITY ON EID-EL-KABIR

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council of Plateau State, Hon. Shehu Bala Usman has on behalf of Citizens of Jos-North Local Government Area (LGA), the Deputy Chairman, Leader and Members of the Legislative and Executive Arms, felicitate and congratulates the Muslim Ummah on the Eid-El-Kabir celebration and urges them to preach peace, unity and harmonious coexistence in the Local Government and the state at large.

In his Sallah message personally signed by him, Hon. Usman, appealed to the Muslim Faithful to imbibe the habits of sacrifice and love for one another, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Mohammad.

“This religious festivity affords Muslims the rare opportunity to appreciate their creator’s endless favour and blessings in their lives.

“I enjoin you all to continue to be good citizens and make meaningful contributions to our peaceful coexistence”. Usman said.

READ THE FULL SALLAH MESSAGE BELOW:-

HON. USMAN

JOS NORTH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN CONGRATULATES MUSLIMS UMMAH ON EID-EL- KABIR CELEBRATION.

The Executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, Shehu Bala Usman has congratulated the Muslims Ummah on the occasion of 2023 Eid-El-Kabr celebration.

The Chairman in a Press Statement in Jos appealed to the Muslim Faithful to imbibe the habits of sacrifice and love for one another as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Mohammad.

“This religious festivity affords Muslims the rare opportunity to appreciate their creator’s endless favour and blessings in their lives”. The Chairman said.

The Chairman, who used the occasion to convey his Eid – El-Kabir  felicitations to the citizens of Jos-North on behalf of the Deputy Chairman, Leader and Members of the Legislative and Executive Arms, urged adherents of the Islamic faith to preach peace, unity and harmonious coexistence on the auspicious occasion.

“I enjoin you all to continue to be good citizens and make meaningful contributions to our peaceful coexistence”. Usman said.

The Chairman assured citizens that, his administration is committed to ensuring a hitch-free Eid – El-kabir celebration in Jos North and beyond.

He wish all Muslims Faithfuls in the area a happy Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

Hon. Shehu Bala Usman

Executive Chairman,

Jos North Local Government

28th – 06-2023

PLATEAU: GOVERNORSHIP TRIBUNAL UPDATES: INEC's REC ORDERED TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS ON OR BEFORE 4TH JULY, 2023, OTHERS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Plateau State has been ordered to produce the documents he was subpoenaed to produce in Petition No: EPT/PL/GOV/03/2023, filed by, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) on or before the 4^th of July, 2023.

The Tribunal has also adjourned the hearing of the Petition to Thursday, the 29^th of July, 2023.

However, before the adjournment the Petitioners’ Counsel, Prof. Olatoke (SAN), leading Edward Pwajok (SAN) among other SANs and Lawyers, had tendered documents produced yesterday, by the National Chairman of INEC.

Owing to the discrepancies observed in the produced documents by the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Respondents in comparism with the “2^nd Schedule” adopted by the Petitioners’ Counsel, the Tribunal has ordered that, the discrepancies should be properly documented by the Respondents and served on the Petitioners and Tribunal before the next adjourned date.

However, the Counsel to the 3^rd Respondent, Emeka Etiaba (SAN), had hinted the Tribunal that, the discrepancies is about 5%, as 95% of the documents are not in contention.

You would recall that REALITY had reported that, the Petitioners in Petition No: EPT/PL/GOV/03/2023, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) have opened the prosecution of their case with the tendering of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of documents from the Bar, as agreed by parties during the Pre-hearing Session.

And that, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Plateau State Command and the Chairman of INEC have been ordered by the Tribunal to produce documents to the Tribunal as specified in the Subpoena they were served, on or before 7 days.

In a sister Petition No: EPT/PL/GOV/02/2023, filed by Dabwan Alfred Clark, which is also contesting the victory of Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) and his party the PDP in the just concluded governorship election in the state for alleged “Unlawful Exclusion”, the Tribunal has adjourned the hearing to tomorrow the 28^th of June, 2023 to enable the Counsel to the Petitioners, S.D Maren (Esq) to tender documents he hopes to be produced by INEC.

In its ruling after several arguments and urge from the Respondents that, the Tribunal should dismiss the Petition, owing to alleged incompetence in prosecuting the Petition, the Tribunal held in part that:

“The case was adjourned for hearing today. The Petitioners’ Counsel informed the Tribunal that he needed some documents to prosecute the Petition. The adjournment sort was opposed.

“Since the petitioners said INEC is willing to give them the documents, let’s give them the benefit of doubt. This one day will be taken and all parties in the matter must be prepared their cases tomorrow”.

PLATEAU: GOVERNORSHIP TRIBUNAL UPDATE: INEC'S CHAIRMAN, CP ORDERED TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS ON OR BEFORE 3RD JULY, AS PETITIONERS CONTINUE TO TENDER

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Petitioners in Petition No: EPT/PL/GOV/03/2023, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) have opened the prosecution of their case with the tendering of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of documents from the Bar, as agreed by parties during the Pre-hearing Session.

The Commission of Police (CP) Plateau State Command and the Chairman of INEC have been ordered by the Tribunal to produce documents to the Tribunal as specified in the Subpoena they were served, on or before 7 days.

According to the Petitioners, the Subpoena, had directed INEC Chairman to produce:

1. To produce information extracted from the BVAS machine devices used for the election.
2. CTCs of record of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) collected  by voters in Plateau State as at 23 March, 2023
3. To produce CTCs of Forms EC8As downloaded from INECs porter for Local Government Areas, as set out in the Subpoena.

However, while producing some of the documents before the Tribunal, one Salisu Aliyu a staff of INEC’s ICT unit from INEC’s Headquarters, who represented INEC Chairman, told the Tribunal that, they could not produce the BVAS machines and the complete record of the PVCs collected because, “they are bulky and they are need for other election matters”.

While the second representative of INEC’s Chairman, Festus Aisien, an Assistant Director in the Voters Registering Department from INEC Headquarters, who was to produce Selected Voter Register used for the Governorship election in Plateau State, told the Tribunal that, the materials were very bulky and on the advice of INEC’s Director Legal, only the first and last pages of the documents were certified, while the others are contained in a flash drive.

In his reaction to the Development, Counsel to the Petitioners, Prof. Olatoke (SAN), leading Pwajok (SAN) among other Senior Lawyers, told the Tribunal that, “What INEC produced is not what we asked for because we did not asked for E-copies. We demanded for CTCs and the witness said they certified the 1^st and last pages. This is not the request in the subpoena.

“What we asked for is what all the parties in the petition can have and read. I pray the Tribunal to order that, apart from these two copies, the hard copies should be produced, as we have paid for the CTCs in compliance with the Law”.

“The advice of the Director Legal of INEC, cannot override the subpoena.

In its ruling on the matter, the Tribunal has ordered INEC’s Chairman and the CP Plateau State Command to comply and produce all the materials specified in the Tribunal, on or before Monday next week.

1. Despite these short comings, the Petitioners’ Counsel was able to tender 65 CTCs of forms, EC8As. EC8A for Kwatas Primary school, polling unit 005 in Bokkos LGa.
2. All the polling units of Bassa LGA and,
3. EC8A for Kanam LGA.
4. Two voters register for polling unit 001 of Baltep Ward, plling unit 017 of Sharubutu Ward in Riyom LGA, Data extracted from BVAS of 140 pages, 4 Receipts of payments and 2 cetrificates of compliance as produced by INEC, among others.

Documents tendered by Plateau State Commissioner of Police, as obtained from polling units through, ASP Okon Umores, the OC Legal Plateau State Command include, 37 copies of results from Jos-South LGA, 11 from Mangu LGA, 7 from Quaanpan LGA and 3 from Bassa LGA.

Others are: 2 copies from Mikang LGA, 4 Copies from Langtang North LGA, 1 copy from Shendam LGA, 9 copies from Jos-North LGA, 18 copies from Barkin-ladi LGA.

According to the Counsel to the Petitioners, the CP brought some results the Petitioners did not ask for.

However, the Police commissioner has requested for more time to enable him gather and produce other materials specified in the subpoena.

Before the Tribunal adjourned to 3pm, Tuesday, 27^th June, 2023, the Petitioners’ Counsel Prof. Olatoke (SAN), adopted 2 Schedules of Documents, as a guide to tendering the Petitioners’ documents.

The High Lights of today’s sitting was the visit of the 2^nd Respondent, Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the disorderliness that followed in the Court complex.  

PLATEAU: TRIBUNAL UPDATE FOR 22/06/2023: ON PETITION NO: EPT/PL/SEN/01/2023: AMB. CHRIS GIWA vs SEN. SIMON MWADKWON

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The hearing of the Petition continued with the Examination-in-Chief and Cross-Examination of Sen. Simon Mwadkwon’s witness, Panshak Elisha Dagyen (Esq), who told the Tribunal that, some of those, who signed the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2022 State Congress Report, were not among the names listed to monitor the exercise.

Panshak (Esq), under Cross-examination of the Counsel to the 4^th and 5^th Respondents, M. S. Salihu (Esq), told the Tribunal that, one Mary Joseph, Samuel Abba, the Plateau State INEC REC, and one Useni Haliru Pai were not having their names on the list of those that are mentioned to monitor the State Congress and yet, they signed.

He however, added that, “INEC is the author of the Report and I rely on the said document that, PDP organized the repeated Congress. The report translated exactly what happened at the Congress to the best of my knowledge. However, the document is not authored by me so, I don’t know if it is a complete Report”.

When he was asked, if the 17 Local Government EXCOs participated in the State Congress after showing him the Exhibit 2R2, which is in page 2 of the Report, Panshak told the Tribunal that, “12 local Governments were excluded from the state congress owing to legal issues. But in their place, adhoc delegates voted”.

Adding that, “This was upon Legal Advice”.

Under cross-examination by the Counsel to the Petitioners, Panshak, had told the Court that he is a legal Practitioner and the State Assistant Legal Adviser of the PDP.

Panshak also told the Tribunal that in his statement on Oath before the Tribunal, he had made reference to Judgments, from the Federal High Court (FHC) Jos Division and the Court of Appeal, Jos Division respectively. Adding that, “Apart from these two Supervening cases, there are no other supervening decisions and I have read them”.

When, it was put to him, by the Counsel to the Petitioners, J. A, Adoku that, in the decision of the FHC, the Court declined for lack of Jurisdiction; Panshak Esq told the Tribunal that it is not true, but that, “the case  was not solely dismissed for lack of Jurisdiction, it was also determined on its merit”.

Adding that, “That very case was appealed against and the Court of Appeal affirmed that decision of the FHC for lack of Jurisdiction partially”.

When shown exhibit 2R16, which is the PDP Constitution and the Guideline  for the conduct of the party congresses at the Ward, Local Government and State dated 2020, the witness, Panshak Esq, identified them and told the Tribunal that, Prince Olushola Acomode supervised the State Congress, while INEC monitored.

Adding that, “there are list of those to monitor the exercise and they are 9 persons.

When asked, if all the 9 persons signed, he said, “Yes, all the persons at the end of the Congress signed at the last page”.

Earlier, while opening and closing Defense for the 2^nd Respondent in the Petition, its Counsel, P. A. Akubo (SAN), tendered 16 CTCs to closed from the Bar and were admitted by the Tribunal.

However, it was not without an objection from the Petitioners.

You would recall that, REALITY had reported that, Amb. Chris Giwa has closed his case in Petition No: EPT/PL/SEN/01/2023, just few hours after opening it at the National/State Houses of Assembly Election Tribunal sitting in Jos.

The petition No: EPT/PL/SEN/01/2023 is challenging the conduct and victory of INEC and Sen. Simon Mwadkwon respectively in the 25^th February National Assembly election for Plateau North Senatorial District.

To open and close his case, Amb. Giwa’s Counsel, I. H. Magaji (SAN), tendered through the Bar, volumes of INEC’s Certified True Copies (CTCs) of document, which were brought in bags and called only two (2) witnesses.

The witnesses were, one Sanni Paul Zaruma, who is a Legal Practitioner and a member of the APC Legal Team and a Statistician, Mr. Gabriel Pam Dagyet, who doubles as a staff of University of Jos and a Consultant.

REALITY gathered that, Amb. Giwa’s opening and closing of his case in few hours, may have hit the Respondents with confusion, as they sort to revert back to their clients to discuss the best way forward.

They had also told the Tribunal that, they might not categorically state the number of witnesses they would be calling until, after the meeting/consultations with their various clients.

You would recall that, REALITY had reported that, the Statistician, Mr. Dagyet in his evidence before the Tribunal, had told the Tribunal that, out of the 2255 polling units’ documents he inspected, 1043 forms EC8A1 series were already mutilated.

Adding that, “Amb. Chris Giwa has the highest lawful votes scored in the election, with 3400 as Margin of Lead and so, should be declared the winner”.

The matter has been adjourned to the 6^th of July.

TO BE CONTINUED WITH THE DIRECT QUOTATIONS FROM THE FHC, JOS DIVISION  JUDGMENT

PLATEAU: APPOINTMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE IS NOT FOR WITCH-HUNT---GOV. CALEB MUTFWANG

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has reassured the citizens in the state that, the Review Committee that he has  setup to look in to the recent appointment exercise into the State Civil  Service is not to witch-hunt anybody, but simply a curative step to the information reaching government from citizens.

Governor Caleb was quoted to have given this reassurance on Friday, during the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, four Special  Advisers and Members  of Plateau State  House of Assembly Service Commission, held at the New Government  House Little Rayfield, Jos.

According to the Plateau State Government Press Release signed by, Mr. Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor, dated 23^rd June, 2023, the Governor added that, “it will be irresponsible not to investigate such complaints”.

 

“Let me say this quickly; those, who have been appointed to serve in the Committee to review the issue of appointment that, we do not intend to witch-hunt anyone. As a matter of fact, the information that we based our action on are coming from citizens and we thought it will be irresponsible not to investigate such complaints”. The release stated.

READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW:-

WE WON’T VICTIMIZE ANYBODY, GOVERNOR MUTFWANG ASSURES PLATEAU CIVIL SERVANTS

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has assured Plateau citizens that nobody would be victimized following the constitution of the Committee  to review the recent appointment exercise into the State Civil  Service.

GOV. CALEB

Governor Mutfwang stated this on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony  of the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, four Special  Advisers and Members  of Plateau State  House of Assembly Service Commission, held at the New Government  House Little Rayfield, Jos.

“Let me say this quickly; those who have been appointed to serve in the Committee to review the issue of appointment that, we do not intend to witch-hunt anyone. As a matter of fact, the information that we based our action on are coming from citizens and we thought it will be irresponsible not to investigate such complaints.

“We will continue to do all we can to ensure that the process is seamless, fair and just. We won’t treat anyone in isolation and I can assure you that no one will be victimized.”

Governor Mutfwang assured those, who have been victimized in the civil service, for one action or the other, of good intention of government to address the issues squarely without intimidation.

He urged the people to continue to, pray for government as it unfolds policies that are beneficial  to citizens.

He admonished those, who have been appointed to see their appointments as a responsibility and trust bestowed on them by Plateau citizens.

Barr Mutfwang appealed to citizens not to run anybody down in the name of looking for appointment and assured that, all appointments, would be made based on merit and every part of the state would be carried along.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, the Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Hon. Letep Dabang, appreciated the Governor for choosing them to serve in their respective capacity.

He assured Governor Mutfwang that, the officers would bring to bear their wealth of experience to add value to the administration with a view to ensure the requisite development Plateau people are yearning for.

Signed:

Gyang Bere

Director of Press and Public Affairs to

Executive Governor of Plateau State

23rd June, 2023.

BREAKING: SUSPENSION OF LGC CHAIRMEN: PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT WITHDRAWS MOTION TO SET ASIDE INTERIM ORDER

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Plateau State Government has withdrawn the Motion it filed challenging and to set aside the Interim Order of the Plateau State High Court, granted the suspended 17 Local Government Chairmen in the state, who were alleged suspended from office by Governor Caleb Mutfwang on the advice of the 9^th Plateau State House of Assembly.

The State Government’s Counsel, K. M. Malan (Esq), who moved the Motion for the Application to be struck out by the Plateau State High Court 3, also moved the Motion for the Extension of Time to file the Defendants’ Counter Affidavit.

HON. SHEHU BALA JOS NORTH CHAIRMAN, OTHERS IN COURT

He also further informed the Court that, the Motion on Notice dated 19^th June, 2023, filed by the Claimants and fixed for hearing today, the 23/6/2023, was not ripe for hearing as they need to file their reaction(s) to it, as they are still within time.

He said, “We have 3 Applications pending before the Court. In the order of filing, we have:

1. The Preliminary Objection (PO) dated 16^th June, 2023.
2. We have a Motion to set aside the Interim Order dated, 19^th June, 2023 and,
3. A Motion for the Extension of Time, to file our Counter Motion for the Motion dated 22 June, 2023 filled by the Claimants.
4. Having received on record, we want to withdraw the Motion to set aside the Interim Order and,
5. We apply for it to be struck out.

COUNCILORS IN COURT

However, earlier, Counsel to the Claimants, Pascal (Esq), had informed the Court that, the matter is ripe for hearing, while calling on the Court to take judicial notice of the fact that, the Court’s Interim Order has been disobeyed by the Defendants: the State Governor and the State Attorney General (AG).

The Court, after striking out the Motion to set aside the Interim Order has adjourned the matter to the 22^nd of September, 2023 and after the vacation period to hear all the Applications and Motions in the matter.

ALGON CHAIRMAN PLATEAU STATE

While reacting to the development, and fielding answers to questions from Journalists, the Counsel to the Chairmen and the Chairman of ALGON in the State, called for calm, as they remain Chairmen, with the withdrawal of the Government’s Motion.

MORE TO COME…

PLATEAU: SOME TRIBUNAL UPDATES FOR 21/06/2023: “ALL PDP NOMINATIONS ARE INVALID”---ENGR. FOM DALYOP CHOLLOM TELLS TRIBUNAL

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The National/State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Jos, Plateau State, today the 21/6/2023 has been told that, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nominations and sponsorship in the just concluded general elections were invalid.

Engr. Fom Dalyop Chollom, while under Cross Examination in Petition No: EPT/PL/HR/2023, which he filed challenging INEC over the conduct of the House of Representatives election for Barkin-ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency of Plateau State, also told the Tribunal that, he was shocked to see the PDP on the ballot paper.

Also today, the Petition filed by the former governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, who is challenging INEC over the conduct of the Senatorial election for Plateau South Senatorial District and the declared victory of Sen. Napoleon Binkan Bali also came up.

At the hearing of the Petition No: EPT/PL/SEN/02/2023, filed by the former governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, the Petitioners’ Counsel, Prof. Olatoke (SAN), leading Edward Pwajok (SAN), and other 3 Lawyers, tendered Hundreds of CTCs from the Bar, from polling units to declared senatorial results to registers, among other documents.

Earlier, before the Examination-in-Chief, Counsel to Fom Chollom, Edward Pwajok (SAN), had tendered over 8 Certified True Copies (CTCs) of documents, which included Judgments from the Plateau State High Courts to the Supreme Court of Nigeria in which the PDP is a party among other documents, which INEC told the Court it would vehemently object to.

Engineer Dalyop in the Cross-Examination by the Respondent Counsels in the Petition, told the Tribunal that, “Before I left the PDP, I am not aware that the party has nominated Peter as its candidate and I have never seen any case where Peter’s nomination and sponsorship by PDP were invalidated.

“What I stated in my Petition is that, all nominations of the PDP are invalid. My Counsel has that answer.

“I did not go through all the cases, but my Counsel has the right answers. I have not also gone through the PDP constitution because I don’t have it.

“My complaint is about PDP structure and I don’t know if Peter Gyangden is a member of the PDP. I cannot remember the names of those I contest the PDP primary election with.

“I was a candidate in the general election and Peter defeated me with 3776 votes and that is why I am in court today”.

READ WHAT ENGR. DALYOP CHOLLOM TOLD THE TRIBUNAL DURING EXAMINATION-IN CHIEF AND THE CROSS EXAMINATION BY THE RESPONDET COUNSELS IN PART BELOW:-

“I am an Engineer. I live in Barkin-ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State. I am a business man. I can identify my statement under Oath and I can identify it through my signature and this is it. I am therefore relying on the documents tendered including my statement on Oath before the Tribunal. I so adopt my statement and the petition.

“There are over 300 polling units in Barkin-ladi and Riyom LGAs and my party had agents in all the polling units in the two LGs.

“By my paragraphs 22, 23, 24 and 25, of my statement these information were statements I received from the Agents.

“I voted on the Election day. Before I voted, I was duly accredited by INEC officers and they used the BVAS and the Register.

“However, at the end of the election I was not there the agents witnessed the collation and counting of votes. As a person, I did not witness the incidences of cancellations and alterations of votes and INEC did not engage me to monitor elections.

“In my paragraph 25, there is no specific polling unit or collation center where incidences of manipulation or alteration took place that I specifically mentioned, but I got the information from the agents.

“On the 17^th of March, 2023, I was already having the CTCs of the registers because it was given to my Counsel. The BVAS report are also with my Counsel. The allegations in my paragraphs 24 and 25 of my statement of over voting are based on the analysis of these two instruments from INEC.

All my agents are alive and apart from the result declared by INEC, I have results with my Counsel. I am also not a staff of INEC.

“I did participated in PDP primary of 22^nd May, 2022, but I don’t know if INEC monitored it.

‘’I cannot remember when INEC collected the nomination of Hon. Peter Gyangden. My agents signed all the results declared by INEC.

“I am a card carrying member of the PDP, but I cannot remember when I left the party. But I left after the purported primaries and I lost to, Hon. Peter. This is the result of the primary election, but the copy you gave me is not clear. I did not challenge the result in any court or write any protest letter against the party’s primary election.

“As a politician, I know that, not all nominations and sponsorship take place long before elections.

“In my statement, I mentioned that I was nominated and sponsored by Labour Party (LP) around June, 2022. I joined the Labour Party in 2022 and this is contained in my statement. I resigned from the PDP in 2022.

“Before I left the PDP, I am not aware that the party has nominated Peter as its candidate and I have never seen any case where Peter’s nomination and sponsorship by PDP were invalidated.

“What I stated was that, all nominations of the PDP are invalid. My Counsel has that answer.

“I did not go through all the cases, but my Counsel has the right answers. I have not also gone through the PDP constitution because I don’t have it.

“My complaint is about PDP structure and I don’t know if Peter Gyangden is a member of the PDP. I cannot remember the names of those I contest the PDP primary election with.

“I was a candidate in the general election and Peter defeated me with 3776 votes and that is why I am in court today.

“The general election had party logos and not the names of candidates and I was only concerned about my party’s logo. My name is in the amended list of INEC’s publication”.

PLATEAU: GOV. CALEB MUTFWANG, SAD OVER THE ATTACKS AND KILLINGS IN THE STATE ESPECIALLY IN KAK, RANYAM, NGING, LOHALA AND BUKA COMMUNITIES, OTHERS…

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Executive Governor of Plateau state, Caleb Mutfwang has continued to express sadness over the attacks and killings in Plateau State, with Kak, Ranyam, Nging, Lohala and Buka communities worst hit.

According to a Plateau state Government press release, dated 18^th June, 2023, signed by Mr. Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the

Executive Governor of Plateau State, the Governor is sympathizing with the victims and their families and has “condemned in strong terms, the bloody attacks that perished lives of many innocent lives.”

 

Adding that, the Governor has, “urged the security agencies to diligently execute their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property in the state in order to put a stop to the wanton spilling of blood and burning of property”.

GOV. CALEB

READ THE FULL RELEASE BELOW:-

GO AFTER KILLER BANDITS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES, GOVERNOR MUTFWANG CHARGES SECURITY PERSONNEL IN PLATEAU STATE

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has expressed, sadness over the coordinated attacks by bandits that claimed the lives of several people and property destroyed in some parts of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the State.

The affected communities are Kak, Ranyam, Nging, Lohala and Buka.

Governor Mutfwang  in a statement sympathizing with the victims and their families, condemned in strong terms, the bloody attacks that perished lives of many innocent lives and urged the security  agencies to diligently execute their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property in the state in order to put a stop to the wanton spilling of blood and burning of property

He told the security agencies in the statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to consider the redeployment of more personnel to the communities that are under attack to prevent further destruction of lives and properties. He appealed to them to remain neutral and refrain from meddling into the local politics that is outside their purview.

Governor Mutfwang,  reiterated the commitment  of his administration to work with the existing security  apparatus at the federal level, using multifaceted approaches to secure innocent communities  who have been under invasion by the bandits.

He saluted the gallantry of some of the officers and men of various  security agencies who have made sufficient sacrifices in curbing the spate of attacks and encouraged  them to put in more efforts to halt the ugly trend..

While commiserating  with the families  of the deceased, Governor Mutfwang reassured Plateau citizens of his commitment to addressing their plights, particularly the issues of insecurity so as to bequeath the requisite  development and  progress the state is yearning for

He called on citizens irrespective of tribe, religion or political  affiliations to join hands with government in finding lasting solutions to the unwarranted attacks on innocent villagers without any form of provocation.

E-SIGN

Gyang Bere

Director of Press and Public Affairs to

Executive Governor of Plateau State

18th June, 2023.

PLATEAU: TRIBUNAL UPDATES ON: RT. HON. SIMON B. LALONG, HON. BENI LAR, OTHERS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The National/State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Jos, Plateau State has today, the 20^th of June, 2023, commenced the trial of Petition No: EPT/PL/SEN/02/2023, filed by the former governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, who is challenging INEC over the conduct of the Senatorial election for Plateau South Senatorial District and the declared victory of Sen. Napoleon Binkan Bali.

The Tribunal also heard the petition No: EPT/PL/HR/11/2023 and EPT/PL/HR/01/2023, filed by one, Yarnap Samuel, of the Young Progressive Party and Bulus Vincent Venman of the APC, both challenging the victory of, Hon. Beni Lar and INEC, over the conduct of the House of Representatives election for Langtang North and South on the 25^th of February, 2023.

Before the close of the sitting today, the Tribunal also commenced hearing on Petition No: EPT/PL/HR/01/2023, filed by Fom Dalyop Chollom, who is challenging the victory of Hon. Peter Gyandeng in respect of the House of Representatives election conducted for House of Representatives for Barkin-ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency of Plateau State.

At the hearing of Petition No: EPT/PL/SEN/02/2023, filed by the former governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, the Petitioners’ Counsel, Prof. Olatoke (SAN) leading Edward Pwajok (SAN) and Y.S. Ruba (SAN) among other Lawyers, called on the Plateau State Commissioner of Police (CP) and INEC to tender the documents they were subpeoned to produce.

But, the CP represented by O. H Umores, the O.C Legal, Plateau State Police Command, could not tender the right documents requested for through the subpoena, while INEC refused to bring any documents on the ground that, the petitioners have not paid the legally required fees to obtain CTCs of public documents.

While the CP’s representative pleaded to the Tribunal to give him time to enable him get proper briefing on the petition and produce the requested Certified True Copies (CTC) of documents from the Police.

The Tribunal in its bench ruling said that, Simon Lalong and the APC should pay the required legally required fees for the CTCs, while directing INEC to make the documents available for the Petitioners.

The matter has been adjourned to 21^st June, 2023, being tomorrow.

Petition No: EPT/PL/HR/11/2023, filed by one Yarnap Samuel of the Young Progressive Party challenging the victory of, Hon. Beni Lar and INEC, over the conduct of the House of Representatives election for Langtang North and South Federal Constituency of Plateau state on the 25^th of February, 2023, has been dismissed by the Tribunal. The Tribunal in a bench ruling said the Petition was filed outside the prescribed time by the Act.

Adding that, “All parties should bear their cost”.

More also, Petition No: EPT/PL/04/2023 and Petition No:  EPT/PL/01/2023, filed by Bulus Vincent Venman and Fom Dalyop, respective, have commenced, with their Counsel, Edward Pwajok (SAN) tendering CTC documents from the Bar and calling a star witness in each of the petitions.

DETAILS OF THEIR EXAMINATION-IN-CHIEF AND THE CROSS-EXAMINATION OF EACH, COMING SOON…

ADVERTORIAL BY JOS NORTH LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL: PROJECTS APPROVED AND EXECUTED BY HON. SHEHU USMAN BALA, CHAIRMAN JOS NORTH LGC

See below, projects approved by Jos North Legislative Council, which were dutifully assessed by the House Committee.

THE PROJECTS EXECUTED BY HON. BALA

These projects are not just executed for development alone, but for the use of humanity.

MEMBERS AND LEADER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ARM

We as a Council being the Legislative Arm of Jos-North Local Government, have already passed a Vote of Confidence on the Chairman, Hon. Shehu Usman Bala.

SPEAKS MAN OF THE COMMITTEE, COUNCILOR, JENTA ADAMU WARD

We are therefore, also calling on well-meaning Plateau People and Nigerians at large, to do same and appreciate him for the use of the Council’s scarce resource to achieve this feat.

Signed:

Committee   

ALLEGATIONS OF THE FACELESS GROUP, TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND INITIATIVE IS THE BIDDING OF ITS PAYMASTER---JOS NORTH CHAIRMAN

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The accusations of a faceless group, Transparency, Accountability and Initiative has been described by Hon. Shehu Usman Bala, the Executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council as the imagination of the group, as they try to do the bidding of the Paymaster.

Hon. Usman, who made this position known in a press statement, dated 18^th June, 2023, made available to REALITY, also questioned how the group was able to attribute the same accusation to the 17 Elected Local Government Chairman in the 17 Local Government Councils without shame.

According to the Chairman, “Allegations by the Transparency, Accountability and Initiative group that, these are some of the accusations leveled against the Jos North Council Chairman and his counterparts across the state, clearly indicates that, this faceless group is doing the bidding of its paymasters.

“This is because, the peculiarities of the Local Governments are different and as such, all of them cannot be wrongly accused of committing the same offence as Jos North. They should be advised not to publish allegations without thorough investigation(s).

“The statement further advises the so-called, Transparency, Accountability Initiative not to delve into issues that  they are not sufficiently familiar with, as the Shehu Bala Usman led administration is running an open and transparent government which has received awards and commendations for been exemplary in its conduct”.

In debunking the allegations of Transparency, Accountability and Initiative Group, Hon. Shehu Usman Bala stated that, “The insinuations making the rounds that he disbursed funds to some selected councilors loyal to him and contractors in the execution of projects in the locality are false, baseless and malicious”.

In part, he stated that, “all documents relating to the award of contracts are properly processed and usually goes through due diligence and are executed according to specifications by the legislature during their oversight functions.

“The contract awarded to Kega Motors Limited, for the supply of six cars, followed due process as they were supplied and paid as enshrined in the contract entered into by the two parties”.

The Chairman disclosed further that, all these allegations raised against him are aimed at rubbishing his modest achievement so as to, “paint him black before the unsuspecting members of the public”.

READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE CHAIRMAN BELOW:-

HON. BAKA

JOS NORTH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN DEBUNKS ALLEGATION ON EMBEZZLING OVER 250 MILLION NAIRA.

The executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, Shehu Bala Usman has described as unfunded and baseless allegations making the rounds that he embezzled funds over N250 million from the council’s coffers between January and February this year by a faceless group, called Transparency, Accountability and Initiative.

In a strong worded statement personally signed by the Chairman, he noted that, the allegation is the figment of the imagination of the authors, who are working in cohorts with his detractors, who are determined to tarnish his image.

He explained that, insinuations making the rounds that he disbursed funds to some selected councilors loyal to him and contractors in the execution of projects in the locality are false, baseless and malicious.

According to the Chairman, “all documents relating to the award of contracts are properly processed and usually goes through due diligence and are executed according to specifications by the legislature during their oversight functions.

The contract awarded to Kega Motors Limited, for the supply of six cars followed due process as they were supplied and paid as enshrined in the contract entered into by the two parties.

The Chairman disclosed further that, all these allegations raised against him is aimed at rubbishing his modest achievement so as to, “paint him black before the unsuspecting members of the public”.

On the allegation of the 2023 budget, which is riddled with repetitions suggesting fraud, the Chairman noted that, that is false due to the fact that, the document passed through the legislative arm of the council and always undergoes scrutiny by the Plateau State House of Assembly before passing it for execution to the Executive arm of the Council.

The transfer of ten million naira from the UBA overhead account to the duo of Ishaya Atu and Cecilia Azi without proper definition is unfounded as every transaction between the council and the bank is appropriately captured, followed due process and well documented.

Usman wondered why  a busy-body faceless group, would make  spurious allegations when the authority mandated by law has never at any point in time, invited him for any explanation.

Allegations by the Transparency, Accountability and Initiative group that these are some of the accusations leveled against the Jos North Council Chairman and his counterparts across the state, clearly indicates that the faceless group is doing the bidding of its paymasters.

This is because, the peculiarities of the Local Governments are different and as such, all of them cannot be wrongly accused of committing the same offence as Jos North. They should be advised not to publish allegations without thorough investigation(s).

The statement advice the so-called, Transparency, Accountability Initiative not to delve into issues that  they are not sufficiently familiar with, as the Shehu Bala Usman led administration is running an open and transparent government which has received awards and commendations for been exemplary in its conduct.

Signed:

Shehu Bala Usman.

Executive Chairman.

Jos Norh LGC.

18th – 06-2023.

CONFUSION HIT RESPONDENTS IN PETITION NO: EPT/PL/SEN/01/2023, AS AMB. CHRIS GIWA OPENED AND CLOSED HIS CASE IN FEW HOURS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Amb. Chris Giwa has closed his case in Petition No: EPT/PL/SEN/01/2023, few hours after opening it at the National/State Houses of Assembly Election Tribunal sitting in Jos, Yesterday.

The petition No: EPT/PL/SEN/01/2023 is challenging the conduct and victory of INEC and Sen. Simon Mwadkwon respectively in the 25^th February National Assembly election for Plateau North Senatorial District.

To open and close his case, Amb. Giwa’s Counsel, I. H. Magaji (SAN), tendered through the Bar, volumes of INEC’s Certified True Copies (CTCs) of document, which were brought in bags and called only two (2) witnesses.

The witnesses were, one Sanni Paul Zaruma, who is a Legal Practitioner and a member of the APC Legal Team and a Statistician, Mr. Gabriel Pam Dagyet, who doubles as a staff of University of Jos and a Consultant.

REALITY gathered that, Amb. Giwa’s opening and closing of his case in few hours may have hit the Respondents with confusion, as they sort to revert back to their clients to discuss the best way forward.

They had also told the Tribunal that, they might not categorically state the number of witnesses they would be calling until, after the meeting/consultations with their various clients.

AMB. GIWA

You would recall that, REALITY had reported that, the Statistician, Mr. Dagyet in his evidence before the Tribunal, had told the Tribunal that, he did not attach his analytical report and findings, to his statement on Oath before Tribunal and he also did not disclosed, which polling unit(s) are being question for non-compliance to the Electoral Act.

However, he had disclosed that, out of the 2255 polling units’ documents he inspected, 1043 forms EC8A1 series were already mutilated.

Adding that, “Amb. Chris Giwa has the highest lawful votes scored in the election, with 3400 as Margin of Lead and so, should be declared the winner”.

Speaking to REALITY on the sudden closure, some Legal Practitioners opined that, the steps taken by Amb. Giwa’s Counsel, are clear legal traps, to force the Respondents to make mistakes and make more case for them.

The petition has been adjourned to Thursday, 22^nd June, 2023, for the 1^st Respondent (INEC) to open defense.

BREAKING: PLATEAU NORTHERN SENATORIAL ZONE: WITH 1043 MUTILATED FORMS EC8A1 SERIES, STATISTICIAN URGES TRIBUNAL TO DECLARE AMB. CHRIS GIWA, AS WINNER

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The National/State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Jos, Plateau State has been urged to declare, Amb. Chris Giwa, as the authentic winner of the Plateau Northern Senatorial election and not, Sen. Simon Mwadkwon.

A Statistician, Mr. Gabriel Pam Dagyet, who is one of the Petitioners’ witness, told the Tribunal under Cross Examination that Amb. Chris had 3400 as Margin of Lead after inspecting election materials.

Dagyet added that, out of the 2255 polling unit results, BVAS and INEC materials inspected and analyzed, 1043 forms EC8A1 series were mutilated.

He also disclosed to the Tribunal that he was not paid to urge the Tribunal but his honest position after analyzing the available data.

Dagyet explained that, his analysis did not cover the entire senatorial zone, but a cluster, which are areas of interest.

Mr. Pam Dagyet told the Tribunal in part, during Exanination-in Chief and Cross-examinations by the 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th Respondents’ Counsels.

“I am Gabriel Pam Dagyet. I have made my statement, dated 2^nd May, 2023 on Oath and it is before the Tribunal. I adopt it as my evidence in this Petition.

“I signed my statement, as a Statistician Analyst (SA). I live in Plateau State. I am a Statistician with the University of Jos and also a Consultant.

“I have gone through the Voter Registers and the BVAS. I have compared the data in some 2255 polling units in Jos North Local Government Area (LGA). Out of the 2255 polling units, 1043 were found to have different levels of non-compliance. I cannot list them off hand now, but they are contained in a report before the Tribunal.

“I conducted inspection on the materials and I know something with respect to the election because I voted so, I can not only speak on the inspection of materials. Apart from my polling unit, I did not visit any other one during the election.

“I am not an official of INEC and I do not have any reason to participate in accreditation or compilation of results in any polling unit.

“I did not read the petition in this case because, I am not a Lawyer and I did not read the replies also.

“In my statement on Oath, I did not state my place of work or my employer. I did not also state the certificates I obtained as a Statistician.

“In my paragraph one, I stated that, we worked as a team and in paragraph 2, I made compariim with the BVAS report at the point of inspection. I did not request for the Certified True Copies (CTC) of the BVAS report, but I did requested, for the CTC of the EC8A1 series and I am of the knowledge that they have been tendered.

“I carried out the inspection of electoral materials with the Petitioners’ Counsel, but I cannot remember the date. I never referred to any date in my statement that the inspection took place.

“In Paragraph 3 of my statement, I also identified mutilated forms, but I did not list them in my statement.

“In paragraph 4, I stated that, I confirmed illegal votes, but I did not state them in my statement. However, they are contained in my report tendered in the Tribunal.

“In my paragraph 5, I stated that, I found that the Petitioners have Margin of Lead of 2400 in my report and not in my statement.

“It is true that Statisticians deal with figures. In my paragraph 6, I stated that, the 1^st Petitioner, being the person with the highest lawful votes should be declared winner. However, the figures that constitute the lawful votes is not contained in my statement.

“All through my statement, I never disclosed that, I prepared a report on account of the inspection of the election materials in my statement.

“I did not attach the report of the statistical analysis to my statement that I adopted today. I did not also mention the number of polling units with observed non-compliance in my witness statement.

“I was paid as a Consultant to do the inspection job. I was not paid to urge the Tribunal to grant the reliefs in this petition. It was simply based on my statistical analysis.

“As a statistician, who analyses figures, when a job is given, we don’t select areas. Rather, you analyze area of interest. I therefore did not analyze all the results in the senatorial zone but clusters. I abide by my paragraph 6”.

However, before Mr. Dagyet was called to the witness box, the Petitioners’ Counsel, I. H. Magaji (SAN), had called one Sanni Paul Zaruma, the Jos North Secretary of the APC, who is a Legal Practitioner and a member of the APC legal team.

Zaruma told the Tribunal that he wants his party and its senatorial candidate to win judiciously.

READ HIS TESTIMONY UNDER EXAMINATION-IN-CHIEF AND DURING CROSS-EXAMINATION BY THE 3 RESPONDENT COUNSELS IN PART BELOW:

“I am 42 years old. I live in Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State. I reside at plot T15 Zaruma Close Farin Gada. I have filed my statement on oath, dated 2^nd May, 2023, before the Tribunal. I can identify it by my signature. I want the Tribunal to take it as my evidence in this petition.

“I am a private legal practitioner and more into Human Rights defense.

“In paragraphs 3 and 4 of my statement, I stated that, we applied for the various result sheets and I did that as APC secretary, Jos-North LGA. This is because we have the express mandate of the party to do so. I said we because we worked as a team. I am a member of APC Legal Committee and this is just a part of our terms of reference.

“At the first instance, we got a written mandate but as things went on, we had an oral mandate. Sorry, I am not with the written mandate here.

“I did not read the complete petition but just a part and I have not read the reply of the 2^nd Respondent. I cannot remember if I had forgotten anything of importance regarding the petition in my statement on Oath.

“In paragraph one of my statement, I stated that, I was one of the people commissioned to prosecute and inspect election materials in relation to this petition and I have been trained on how to conduct inspection of election materials. I cannot remember the date we carried out this exercise.

“I did not personally sign any application or letter for the inspection of materials of the CTCs to INEC as stated in my statement.

“In paragraph 3 of the statement I adopted, I stated that we applied and obtained CTCs of Judgments. I have therefore seen a case of PDP. However, a copy is not handy, but I read the case.

“As a party man and a Lawyer, I am just hearing that, the Federal and Appeal Courts have confirmed that PDP conducted State Congress on 25^th Sept. 2021.

“We did apply for polling unit booklets.

‘I am not a member of PDP and I shall never be one. The first Petitioner, Amb. Chris Giwa is also not a member.

“I have read the PDP’s Constitution but not to the extent of being familiar and I am not aware that it is the NWC of the PDP that organizes primaries for all national elections.

“The 1^st Petitioner did not participate in PDP’s primary election.

“One of the grounds of this petition is the non-compliance to the electoral Act.

“We are also asking the Tribunal to declare our candidate as the winner of the Senatorial election on the basis that the Courts have delivered judgments that PDP does not have structure in Plateau state.

“In our claim, we did not mention the result as our base and my desire is that my party wins judiciously.

‘All the paragraphs flow together and they have link with the petition.

“The mutilated form EC8A1 series affected the election”.

 

PLATEAU: SCANDAL: FORMER HOUSE OF REPS MEMBER, HON. MOHAMMED ADAMU ALKALI, FORGED HIS PRIMARY SCHOOL CERTIFICATE. WITNESSES TELL TRIBUNAL

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Three (3) witnesses in the ongoing trial of the petition filed by Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Baba Hassan, challenging the victory of, Hon. Agah Avia, in the just concluded election for Jos-North/Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau State, have told the National and State Houses of Assembly Tribunal sitting in Jos that, the former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mohammed Adamu Alkali, forged the primary school certificate he submitted to INEC.

The three witnesses, Mr. Azi Ajiji, Gambo Adamu and Lawan Ibin Sulieman, who were on subpoena had also stated same in their statements under Oath before the Tribunal.

While Azi Ajiji is the Executive Secretary of Jos North Local Government Education Authority, Gambo Adamu was the Headmaster of Angwan Rogo Primary School, the primary school whose certificate is in question in 1990 and Lawan Ibin Sulieman is the school’s current Headmaster.

In their collective testimonies before the Tribunal, the three witnesses submitted that, the certificate of the school submitted to INEC by, Hon. Mohammed Adamu Alkali now Exhibit P8 before the Tribunal, was forged owing to several discrepancies.

In his testimony under Examination-in-Chief and Cross-Examination by 6 of the Respondent’s Counsels, Mr. Azi Ajiji the ES, told the Tribunal in part that:

“I am the Executive Secretary (ES) of Jos North Local Government Education Authority. I came here by a subpoena invitation. I have a copy here. I had deposed to a statement on Oath dated 15^th June, 2023 before the Tribunal and I can recognize it by my signature.

“I am a Christian and I know the consequences and implication of telling lies.

“I saw on the face of the Certificate that, those who graduated from Angwan Rogo Primary School in 1990 are 75, but in our record, the pupils are 249.

“The 2^nd Respondent, Hon. Agah Avia has nothing to do with this disclosure, but INEC.

“It is true that, the school is a public school.  You are correct to say that, it is under the authority of the Education Authority of Jos North.

“I said I was shown a certificate to certify its genuineness. The certificate from Angwan Rogo Primary school was what I was asked to check its genuineness. I personally did the verification.

“In the certificate, it is stated that, 75 pupils graduated in 1990. But, I had to compare it with our record in the office and they were at variance.

“Contrary to the name on the certificate, there is no name of Mohammed Adamu in the record. Also contrary is that 249 pupils graduated and not 75.

“The purported certificate does not also indicate that it was issued by Jos North LG Education Authority.

“Based on the contents of the Certificate and my findings, it is a forged Document as it is not from us. This certificate is attached to Exhibit P8 before the Tribunal.

“The name on the certificate is Mohammed Alkali, who contested the recent House of Representatives seat of Jos-North/Bassa.

“All I have said on Oath is the truth that I know personally.

“I can confirm that I am a staff of Jos North Local Government only.

“I am an expert in verifying documents, but not every document or paper.

“In the list of grandaunts, No: 93 is Mohammed Adamu, with position 36. There are two Mohammed Adamu on the list.

“As the Educational Secretary of Jos North Local Government Authority, I am part of Plateau state civil servant.

‘On the certificate purportedly issued by the Authority the position of Mohammed Adamu is 12. But on the record, Mhammed Adamu took position 36, while the other Adamu took position 68. Secondly from the list of 1990, Mohammed Alkali is not there”.

On his part, Gambo Adamu, the former Headmaster, distanced himself from the certificate claiming that, the signature on it is not his as he personally signed all the certificates issued to pupils of the school, who graduated in 1990.

In part, Gambo Adamu told the Tribunal under Examination-in-chief and Cross-examination that:

“I am a staff of Plateau State Primary School Education Board, Jos-North. I was the Headmaster of Angwan Rogo primary School as at 2006.

“I made a statement on Oath, dated 15^th June, 2023 and I want the Tribunal to use it as my evidence in this petition.

“The signature on the certificate submitted to INEC is not mine. The certificate submitted to INEC is not obtained from Angwan Rogo Primary school because it was not signed by me as I did signed the others in 1990.

‘Apart from being the Headmaster, I am a Coordinator of the Supervisors of the Supervisors of Primary schools now”.

Putting more flesh to the testimonies of Azi and Gambo, Lawan Ibin Sulieman told the Tribunal that:

“I am the Headmaster of Angwan Rogo Primary School now! I am here on subpoena. I am asked to bring the record of pupils, who graduated from the school for 1990.

“The Police had invited me severally and I have shown the Police documents with respect to this forgery issue.

“After investigations, it was discovered that, in 1990, no name like Mohammed Adamu Alkali graduated and that contrary to the certificate, 249 pupils graduated and not 75.

“I know Gambo Adamu, he is my senior and we are working together.

“You are correct to say that, Gambo was the Headmaster in 1990”.

Earlier before commencing the trial, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, through Inspector Muleng Alex (Mrs) had produced a report concerning the investigation of the issue, as requested in the subpoena served on him, dated 13^th June, 2023.

This document was tendered by I. H. Magaji (SAN), Counsel to the petitioners from the Bar alongside other documents relating to the election.

TO BE CONTINUED…