NASARAWA: “DON’T SET THE STATE ABLAZE”. APC WARNS PDP

By: Wilson Bako (Lafia),

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter in Nasarawa State has cautioned both the leadership and supporters of the main opposition political party the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the state against utterances and actions that are capable of setting the state ablaze.

The State Chairman of the APC, Alh. Aliyu Bello, who gave the warning at the party’s secretariat in Lafia, while briefing Newsmen yesterday, expressed deep concerns about the way and manner in which the opposition political party the PDP was behaving since the 28^th March 2023 ruling of the Appeal Court Abuja Division, which set aside the Tribunal’s ruling in favour of Governor, Abdullahi Sule.

He said the trend was fast becoming a great source of worry to, not only the supporters of the ruling party in the state but to all right-thinking persons in the state and the country at large.

“The State Government can no longer fold its arms and watch women exposing their nakedness on our streets under the guise of protesting a ruling of the Court, which corrected the wrongs done to the APC by giving the party what it legitimately won at the polls “. He declared.

According to the APC Chairman, it is the responsibility of the government to restore sanity in the state bearing in mind the strategic location of the state being a gateway to the Federal Capital Abuja. Adding that, “It is a shame for passersby to watch such a disgraceful display of nakedness being perpetrated by women who are supposed to be called mothers under the pretext of reclaiming victory by hook or crook”.

Alh. Bello advised his Colleague the PDP Chairman in the state in the interest of peaceful coexistence, to watch his tongue as what comes out of his mouth does not reflect his leadership position.

The APC Chairman further explained that in view of the fact that these women whom he alleged were being sponsored by the PDP have continued to ply major streets exposing their natural endowment in public, “the government will be compelled to restore sanity by directing Law Enforcement Agencies to do the needful”.

He called on the international community to intervene in this unusual behavior being displayed by these alleged PDP supporters.

While urging all APC supporters to remain peaceful and resolute, Alh. Bello, gave an assurance that the state Governor, Engineer Sule, would never be distracted by the show of shame being displayed by these allegedly sponsored women by the PDP.

According to him, the Governor is now more focused than ever before on providing the Dividend of Democracy to the teeming electorates that unanimously voted for him.

PLATEAU JUDICIARY BRIEFS: HON. VINCENT VENMAN'S NAME IN SUIT NO: PLD/J257/2023, DOES NOT STOP THE CONTINUOUS HEARING. COURT RULES

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Plateau State High Court hearing Suit No: PLD/J257/2023, filed by the suspended Local Government Council (LGC) Chairmen of Plateau State has ruled that the presence of the name of Hon. Vincent Venman in the processes filed in the suit, does not stop its continuous hearing.

The Plateau State High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Samchi, gave this ruling when the Court’s attention was drawn to the name of Hon. Venman still in the process by the Counsel to the Defendants (Governor, Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) and the State’s Attorney-General).

You would recall that the suspended Chairman, Hon. Vincent Venman is now a Member of the House of Representatives after winning his case at the Court of Appeal.

In its ruling, the Court held that, it has the powers to continue hearing the matter and give justice if it succeeds to as many Plaintiffs/Claimants remaining.

TO BE CONTINUED…

PLATEAU JUDICIARY BRIEFS: COURT ORDERS PARTIES TO JOIN PLATEAU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY AND THE SPEAKER AS 3RD AND 4TH DEFENDANTS IN SUIT NO: PLD/J257/2023, FILED BY SUSPENDED LGC CHAIRMEN

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Plateau State High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Samchi has 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 recall that the 1^st and 2^nd Defendants have being the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang (Esq), and the Attorney-General of the State since the hearing of the Suit commenced.

The Court has also ordered that the Originating Summons, 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 owing to an unconfirmed information reaching the Court that the Members of the House of Assembly are currently on a two months recess and the workers of the Assembly are also on strike.

The matter had been adjourned to the 22^nd of December 2023 for hearing.

TO BE CONTINUED…

PLATEAU JUDICIARY BRIEFS: COURT REFUSED AND DISMISSED, HON. DANIEL KUNMI’S APPLICATION FOR JOINDER IN SUIT NO: PLD/J257/2023, FILED BY SUSPENDED LGC CHAIRMEN

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Plateau State High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Samchi has 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.

The Court also granted an Order of Extension of Time to enable the Defendants file a second Counter Affidavit to the Originating Summons filed by the Claimants.

The Counter though served on the Counsel to the Claimants this morning is deemed to have being properly filed and served. It is dated the 16th of November and filed on 17th November, 2023.

TO BE CONTINUED…

PLATEAU: OPERATION RAINBOW’S OPERATIVES TO GRADUATE TOMORROW. COORDINATOR, OPERATION RAINBOW, DABUP MAKAMA (AIG, RTD) CLEARS THE AIR

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Coordinator of Operation Rainbow the State Security outfit in Plateau State, AIG Dabup Makama (Rtd) has disclosed that 600 people have been trained to be Operatives of the outfit from 5 Local government Areas of the state.

Dabup in an on-the-spot interview with Journalists at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium where the Operatives were into their final drills and rehearsal for their passing out parade, said after tomorrow, they Operatives would be direct employees of the outfit.

According to Dabup, “The training of these 600 people, who are going to be identified by their uniforms as Operation Rainbow’s Neighbourhood Operatives, would be ready to commence the internal first-line defense of their various Local Government Areas (LGAS) in the state”.

From the extract of the interview, AIG Dabup (Rtd) in part, while fielding answers to the questions by Journalists said, “To start with, I am a retired AIG. My name is Dabup Makama. I am the coordinator of Operation Rainbow outfit in Plateau State.

AIG DABUP (Rtd)

“What you are seeing here today at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium today is the rehearsal of the parade by the “Neighbourhood Watch” of Operation Rainbow as their passing out is tomorrow. What you are watching now is their last rehearsal at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium, to enable them to perform tomorrow for all the people of Plateau to see what they have in terms of the state’s internal security arrangement.

“Everybody knows of Operation Rainbow which was approved by the Nigerian President and created by the enabling Law of the Plateau State House of Assembly.

“The promise of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, before and after assuming office, if you recall, is to revamp Operation Rainbow and that is what we are doing today.

“The training of these 600 people, who are going to be identified by their uniforms as Operation Rainbow’s Neighbourhood Operatives, would be ready to commence the internal first-line defense of their various Local Government Areas (LGAS) in the state.

“From the record, they are actually from 5 LGAs of Plateau State and this is a “Strategic Plan” of the state. This is because we cannot have the 17 LGAs at the same time. So, it is strategic that we train youths from 5 LGAs at a time and this is the first batch.

“The criteria for selecting the participants who will now be employees of Operation Rainbow is age, (Below 60 years), you must belong to a Ward in the LGA, and depending on the size of the LGA and the spread. Mangu being the widest has 200 slots, followed by Riyom with Hundred, Bassa, Hundred (100), Bokkos, Hundred (100) and Barikin-Ladi Hundred (100), making a total of Six Hundred (600) that have been so far trained”.

PLATEAU: THE TRAINED GRADUATING OPERATIVES WILL FROM TOMORROW, WORK DIRECTLY UNDER OPERATION RAINBOW--GEN. G. CHIPI (Rtd), EXPLAINS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

General G. Shipi (Rtd) the Security Adviser to the Governor of Plateau State, H.E. Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) has congratulated the 600 people trained as Operatives under the state’s security outfit, Operation Rainbow.

In an on-the-spot interview with Journalists at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium Jos, where the Operatives were having their last rehearsal, Gen. Chipi said,  “The Operatives are going to be working directly under Operation Rainbow. In fact, as it is, they are directly employed by Operation Rainbow. Once they finish this training, they would be personnel of Operation Rainbow and under their payroll.

“So, is not like they are going to go back to being independent. Yes, they would go back to their respective place of origin, but they would be there working for Operation Rainbow”.

General Chipi added that, “The misconception concerning this training was that there was a communication gap and I will advise that for the interest of Peace in our state, owing to its fragile state, when we notice things like that, we should try and reach out to each other and ask questions. I believe there is always a possibility of getting clarification. But, when there is no clarification, especially from the Government, then we will all know that there is a problem”.

GEN. CHIPI (Rtd)

The Adviser in part said, “I am General G. Chipi (Rtd). I am the Security Adviser to the Governor of Plateau State, H.E. Caleb Mutfwang (Esq).

“What we are doing this morning at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium is looking at the rehearsals of the graduation of the first batch of Operation Rainbow’s Operatives that are being trained for the State. From what you can see, they are preparing to graduate from the training in about a day or two. Hence, we are here to observe them.

“The Operatives are going to be working directly under Operation Rainbow. In fact, as it is, they are directly employed by Operation Rainbow. Once they finish this training, they would be personnel of Operation Rainbow and under their payroll.

“So, is not like they are going to go back to be independent. Yes, they would go back to their respective place of origin but they would be there working for Operation Rainbow.

“The conception concerning this training was that there was a communication gap and I will advise that for the interest of Peace in our state, owing to its fragile state, when we notice this like that, we should try and reach out to each other and ask questions. I believe there is always a possibility of getting clarification. But, when there is no clarification, especially from the Government, then we will all know that there is a problem.

“But, when questions are asked and the appropriate answer is given, then that tells you that, everything is under control”.

NASARAWA: THE SPONSORED PROTEST AGAINST THE JUDGMENT OF THE COURT OF APPEAL WAS A SHOW OF SHAME. APC BLAST PDP

By: Wilson Bako (Lafia)

The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State has expressed deep concerns over the recent outing by a group of individuals suspected to have been hired by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State to stage an unwarranted protest against the recent verdict of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which  set aside the split judgment of the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in the State and affirmed , Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, as the lawfully elected Governor of the State.

In a statement made available to Newsmen in Lafia the state capital, and signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Mr. Peter Ahemba, the ruling APC, described such an outing by the main opposition party in the state, “as a show of shame”, while explaining that the March 18th, 2023 governorship election which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Sule as the duly elected Governor of the State is a true reflection of the popular mandate freely given to the Governor by the electorates in the state.

The statement maintained that, “It is as a result of this wishful mandate that has made the electorates remained firmly in support of the Governor and have refused to be intimidated by the drama being stage-managed by the PDP supporters in the state”.

Mr. Ahemba stated that the stage-managed protest against the Appeal Court judgment by a group of alleged sponsored individuals under the aegis of “Coalition of Indigenous People of Nasarawa State” is a calculated attempt to discredit, “a courageous, sound and firm judgment of the Appeal Court so as to blackmail the nation’s judiciary for choosing to look at the Appeal brought before it by the Governor on its merit rather than, primordial sentiments”.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor stated that the call on the International Community to intervene in the internal affairs of the state and the tagging of some ethnic groups as foreigners is laughable, adding that, “such utterances has further exposed the opposition PDP of its ethnic agenda in the politics of Nasarawa state”.

He reminded the PDP leaders that the state is highly diverse in terms of ethnic and religious beliefs, stating that, “No ethnic group or religion has the capacity to produce the Governor of the State without the support of the others”.

He described as unfortunate the action of the opposition party to rely solely on external forces to acquire power, having been rejected by the electorates at the governorship poll

He further stated that, “It is now in public domain the role being played by some highly placed individuals, including a retired Military General, who has been working with the PDP to truncate democracy in the state, adding that, “State government remains resolute and very optimistic that, with the facts of the matter, professionalism and fairness being demonstrated by the nation’s judiciary in the dispensation of justice, the will of the electorates will prevail even at the end of the legal Battle”.

He commended the good people of the state, especially, the teeming supporters and well-wishers of Governor Sule for the show of maturity and urge them to remain law-abiding no matter the provocative actions and utterances of the PDP agents in the state.

“As a responsible government, the security of lives and property as well as welfare of the citizenry will continue to top the priority of the administration” He declared.

PLATEAU: BREAKING: SUSPENDED 17 LGC CHAIRMEN OPPOSE TIC MEMBERS’ APPLICATION FOR JOINDER IN SUIT NO: PLD/J257/2023

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Application for Joinder by the Transition Committees in the 17 Local Government Councils (LGCs) of Plateau State, dated 24^th November 2023, but filed on the 27^th November 2023, urging the Plateau State High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Samchi to be joined in Suit No: PLD/J257/2023, has been vehemently opposed by the Suspended Executive Chairmen of the 17 LGCs.

At the hearing of the suit today, Counsel to the Applicants for Joinder, D. P. Dusu (Esq), after the Court had granted them leave to file their response to the Counter Affidavit filed by the Claimants/Respondents on points of Law out of time because there was no objection, urged the Court to grant all the reliefs sought in the Application, after moving the Application in terms of the Motion Paper.

PLATEAU STATE HIGH COURT PREMISES

D. P Dusu (Esq) while moving the Motion said, “Before the Hon. Court is a Motion on Notice, dated 17^th October, 2023, but filed on the 9^th of November, 2023. It is seeking for two (2) reliefs as it appears on the face of the Motion.

“It is predicated upon 6 grounds. In support of the Application, is a Three (3) paragraph Affidavit and we also filed a Written Address as our submission for the Court to grant the application and the reliefs therein.

“We rely on the paragraphs of the Affidavit and the written address.

“Upon being served with the Counter Affidavit by the Claimants/Respondents, we filed a reply on Points of Law, dated the 27^th of November 2023 and deemed filed and served by the Order of this Court.

“We also adopt the reply on Points of Law in urging the Court to grant the Application as prayed”.

However, T. Kekemeke (Esq), while responding on behalf of the Suspended LGCs Chairmen who were present in Court, told the Court that the Claimants are vehemently opposing the Application hence they (Claimants) have filed a Counter Affidavit as a reply.

Kekemeke (Esq) in part said, “We are opposing the Application and subsequently, we have filed a Counter Affidavit and a Written Address. The Counter Affidavit and the Written Address were filed on the 13^th of November, 2023.

“We adopt the Counter Affidavit and the accompanying Written Address in urging the Court to dismiss the Application for lacking in merit.

“We were served this morning with the reply to the Counter and therein, the Applicants raised a fresh issue to which they submitted that this Court cannot make an Order against a “Non-Party”.

“We submit with due respect that the argument is of no moment. This is simply because the party seeking to be joined is a non-party and the reliefs being sought by the Claimants do not affect them.

“I urge the Court to refuse the Application because it is lacking in merit. It is just meant to delay the main case before the Court”.

After hearing the argument from both sides, the Court has fixed the 29^th of November, 2023 for ruling on the Application.

You would recall that REALITY had earlier reported that the hearing of the Originating Summons (OS) is also fixed for 29^th November 2023.

You would also recall that REALITY had reported that though the 17 Local Government Councils (LGCs) Chairmen and their Councilors who were suspended from office by the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) are still challenging the legality of their suspension from office at the Plateau State High Court, their misery is becoming compounded with recent steps been adopted by the Plateau State Government.

SUSPENDED CHAIRMEN

Firstly, the fact that they were removed allegedly against an Order of the Plateau State High Court which restrained the State Government, the Governor, and the Attorney-General of the state from taking such a step has remained an emotional frustration.

Secondly, the freezing of their individual accounts secretly using Orders obtained by the State Government through Motion Exparte has further destabilized the suspended Chairmen and their Councilors.

SUSPENDED LGC’S CHAIRMEN

REALITY also gathered that in some cases, the accounts operated by the Chairmen and their wives and other family members were also affected, thereby putting the entire family into financial difficulties and unhappiness.

In most cases, REALITY gathered that the Chairmen who have fees to pay to their Counsels, seem to have also run out of the needed steam and ability to maintain the number of supporters who besiege the Court to encourage them. This has also seriously dwindled the numbers of supporters that constantly turn up for them, especially with the present high cost of fare in the state and the country at large.

Just a few days ago, the Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) cried out that the State Government is squeezing the political and legal space by extending the tenure of the Transition Committees (TIC) appointed by the State Governor in their place.

The APC had alleged in a press statement made available to Media Houses in Jos that the state Governor had made the extension through the State House of Assembly to oversee the affairs of the 17 Local Government Councils in the state.

According to the APC in a Press Statement tagged: “THE SPEAKER PLATEAU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY IN COLLUSION WITH THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE DISOBEY ANOTHER COURT ORDER”, signed by its STRATEGIC MONITORING TEAM, the extension is another “disobedience of Court Orders, Court Judgments and Subpoenas by the Plateau State-led PDP Government”.

The APC used the Press Statement to call on the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and the Executive Governor of Plateau State to “Give peace a chance on the Plateau and to seek justice for whatsoever they desire through LAWFUL means not by the display of impunity, crass abuse of law and intimidation”.

TO BE CONTINUED….

EDITORIAL: PLATEAU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY AND THE DIPLOMACY NEEDED…BEFORE TOMORROW COMES

After the election of 25^th February to 18^th March 2023 in Plateau State, the election process has continued at the Judiciary for every political office contested in the state, being the second election stage as specified by the Laws.

Before the National/State House of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal and the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal set up by the President of the Court of Appeal, to look into the Petitions that were filed by parties challenging the outcome of the various elections in the state, most of the petitions were those filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

The APC had challenged all the seats won by the PDP in the Plateau State House of Assembly and the Governorship seat conducted and declared on the 18^th of March, 2023, on the grounds that the PDP chapter in the state has “No Party Structure” to sponsor any candidate for any election in the state.

While this ground was dismissed in Panel Two of the National/State House of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal chaired by Hon. Justice Williams, Panel One led by Hon. Justice Tukur, upheld it, and then all Appellants headed to the Court of Appeal Abuja Division.

Records have it from the Court of Appeal that, 16 of the Members of the PDP in the Plateau State House of Assembly have been sacked by the Court, and in their place, the Court has ordered INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return earlier issued to the PDP candidates and issue fresh ones to the person/political party with the second highest votes in each case, which turned out to the APC candidates.

However, while this was going on at the Judiciary, the political game was also been played at the State House of Assembly.

Firstly, the Speaker and his Deputy resigned from office while awaiting their Judgment at the Court of Appeal,  in their Place the only YPP Member in the House of 24 Members was elected as the Speaker, followed by the transfer of the Chief Clerk and his Deputy, who were replaced by two others.

The drama to set for a conflict from these developments is already clearly set from all indications, as the new Speaker has adjourned the next sitting session of the House, to the next two months, knowing fully well that, as at Saturday, the 25^th of November 2023, the Judgment concerning most petitions on Appeal before the Court of Appeal would be concluded.

The fact is, these 20 Members of the Plateau State House of Assembly on the platform of the APC need to be sworn in before they can sit or participate in the House’s activities, and the person empowered to do this exercise is the Clerk during a session.

The problem that calls for diplomacy is how they would be sworn in without conflict or an impasse generating.

Before tomorrow comes and while holding onto this perceived apprehension that may arise, the elders of the state need to meet and take a position as soon as possible to nip the fear.

IPAC chapter in the state should also make efforts to call for an emergency meeting to look into the creeping disagreements that may arise with these new developments.

It is also highly recommended that the Security Operatives in the state should begin to send warnings on this, in order to prevent any possible future conflict among the former and present Members of the State Assembly before tomorrow comes.

TIME IS OF NECESSITY NOW!!

 

PLATEAU: YES, WE ARE TRAINING YOUTHS AND CREATING JOB SKILLS AND SECURITY AWARENESS TO THEM---GENERAL SHIPI

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) on Security has explained to Plateau People and Nigerians at large that the state is training the youths of the state as a form of Job creation and also impacting them with more security awareness.

General Shipi who was live in a Security Program on valrealityradio.live today at 10.am, monitored by this Newspaper, added that, “the state of insecurity and lack of Jobs have forced the Government of the day to start looking for alternative means to  secure the people and guarantee their welfare, especially the youths“.

He explained that, “The exercise has commenced with 5 Local Government Areas which are more prone to attacks and other forms of insecurity. They are Mangu, Barkingladi, Bassa and other two Local Government Areas.

“We need to apologize that the Media was not actually brought in on this hence, these speculations concerning the purpose(s) of the training. We have plans to extend this training to all other 12 Local Government Areas of the state.

“The challenges and why we did not take all at a sweep is because, there is no space to accommodate them all and we want the best of knowledge to be transferred. So, there is no need for name calling of the beneficiaries for now. I strongly apologize to the Media for this oversight. My local government did not even benefit for now.”

PLATEAU: SUSPENDED LGC CHAIRMEN: HEARING OF APPLICATION FOR JOINDER, COMES UP ON MONDAY, 27TH NOVEMBER, 2023, OTHERS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Plateau State High Court presided over by, Hon. Justice Samchi has fixed the hearing of an Application for Joinder in Suit No: PLD/J257/2023, filed by the suspended 17 Local Government Council (LGC) Chairmen and their Councilors in Plateau State to the 27^th of November, 2023.

The Court has also fixed the hearing of the Originating Summons (OS) filed by the Claimants, challenging the powers of the State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) for suspending them from office to the 29^th of November, 2023 for a definite hearing.

You would recall that, Six (6) months after the commencement of the hearing of the Originating Summons (OS) filed by the suspended 17 Local Government Council Chairmen and their Councilors the 1^st Defendant, Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) only filed his Counter Affidavit on the 9th of November, 2023, challenging the Originating Summons, after the Court granted his Motion for Extension of Time.

You would recall that, before moving the Motion for Extension of Time, D. P. Dusu (Esq), Counsel to Governor Caleb (Esq) had informed the Court that he had also filed an Application for Joinder of another Defendant in the matter.

From the record of the case, REALITY gathered that, apart from Governor Caleb as a Defendant to the suit, the Attorney-General of the state is also a Co-Defendant.

You would also recall that REALITY had earlier reported that, during the last sitting and hearing of the matter, the Court presided over by, Hon. Justice Samchi, had allowed the Motion for Extension of Time to be moved by Dusu (Esq) since it was not being challenged by the Claimants, but adjourned the hearing of the Application for Joinder to the 27th of November 2023, since it was not ripe for hearing as the Counsel to the Claimants, T. Kekemeke (Esq) had indicated intention to challenge it.

Furthermore, that the coast became clear for the hearing of the substantive Suit, after Hon. Zulfa Bitrus Rimven (Esq), the Chairman of Langtang North LGC of Plateau State withdrew his Application for Joinder.

It is of note that the suit is now before the third Judge after it was reassigned by the Chief Judge of Plateau State.

 

EDITORIAL: WHY GOVERNOR CALEB MUTFWANG’S TIC MEMBERS SHOULD BEGIN TO RESIGN LIKE THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY SPEAKER, RT. HON. MOSES SULE

The wave of the political tsunami sweeping through the Plateau State chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), seems unstoppable with the developing spree of judicial pronouncement on its lack of “Structure”.

Few days ago, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, had sacked from office two Senators and Five House of Representatives members at both the Green and Red chambers of the National Assembly representing Plateau State, under the platform of the PDP.

Although this judgments delivered by the Court caused sponsored protest by faceless groups in Plateau and the Federal capital Abuja, the protest did not hinder the Court of Appeal from extending the sacking spree to the sitting Governor, Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) and some members of the State House of Assembly.

As at the last count, over Four (4) members have received their “Red Cards” from the Court of Appeal

With the level of political turmoil and the tsunami hitting the PDP which earlier had 15 members in the Plateau State House of Assembly, that gave the PDP the advantage to produce the Speaker of the Assembly out of the 24 members of the Assembly, the current judgments have started to influence the inflow of resignation letters from the Principal Office of the House to the Clerk of the House from PDP members.

The most recent is the resignation of the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Moses Sule, the member representing Mikang State Constituency and a member of the PDP with his Deputy.

The fact remains that the National/State Houses of Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal in Jos had earlier nullified the election of Moses Sule as the member representing Mikang State Constituency.

The Tribunal that sat in Jos and chaired by Hon. Justice Tukur had ordered INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return previously issued to Moses and issue a new one to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Hon. Daniel Nanlong, who scored the second-highest number of votes in the election owing to the PDP’s lack of structure.

While these Judgments are coming in piecemeal, the suspension of the Chairmen of the 17 Local Government of Plateau State by Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) is still an issue pending at the Plateau State High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Samchi.

SUSPENDED LGC CHAIRMEN

From the developments, it would be a wise decision for the Members of the Transition Committees planted by Governor Caleb in the 17 Local Government to start reasoning that their time is up.

It would be expected that individually the TIC Members should also start tendering their resignation letters in a humble way to save their faces and respect for future political engagements.

As the two institutions that had empowered their existence have started losing their political relevance and authority to so suspend the Chairmen.

SUSPENDED LGC CHAIRMEN

A sack from office may not be a good record for the TIC Members.

BREAKING: APPREHENSION IN PLATEAU STATE OVER UNCLEAR PURPOSE OF TRAINING ALLEGED MILITIAS.

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Citizens of Plateau State have started raising concerns over the unclear and unexplained reason(s) why some people are been trained as alleged Militias in the state and why the beneficiaries are selected from two (2) tribes only.

In a press statement directed at Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Esq), of Plateau State, tagged: “IS MUTFWANG PLANNING A CIVIL WAR ON THE REST OF US?”, made available to Media House in Jos, (REALITY inclusive), these Concerned Citizens stated that, “We have watched with utmost indignation that since after the elections, the Governor seems to be promoting and enjoying the seeming rift between the Mwaghavul his tribe and the Berom who gave him the most votes on the one side and the Ngas which is Dr. Nentawe Yilawada, his opponent’s tribe and the Goemai, which is former Governor Simon Lalong’s tribe on the other hand. “Rather than find a way of seeking the unification of Plateau State, Gov Mutfwang seems to be using this alienating development to feather his political nest”.

Adding that, “This has no doubt risen our apprehension and such apprehension is further supported by Governor Mutfwang’s recent recruitment of about 200 Mwaghavul his tribesmen and 400 Beroms into the Plateau State Operation Rainbow to the exclusion of other Tribes in the State. These selected recruits who are presently undergoing Military training in the Citizenship and Training Center are camped at the Lalong Legacy Primary School in Lamingo, Jos East LGA.

“We are concerned and curious over this development following the deliberate exclusion of all other Ethnic other Nationalities on the Plateau from the recruitment and training of the paramilitary personnel into the Operation, which is supposed to be a State owned Security outfit.

“We harbor this apprehension remembering how in the past a similar scenario played out where a particular tribe was predominantly favored in a similar exercise where billions of Plateau State funds were spent on training them in Israel at the detriment of other tribes. Hardly had they returned from the exercise that they all disbanded and escape with the weapons in their possession where they since have become merchants of death in the State.

“With this obvious exclusion, we cannot but ask, is Governor Mutfwang planning to use this two tribes to wage a tribal war against the other tribes? Or is he planning to use them as Political thugs in the event that the case in the Supreme Court does not favor him? We have also received on sound authority that Gov Caleb Mutfwang has met with the retired Gen T. Y. Danjuma and are planning for a civil disobedience in Kano, Plateau and Nasarawa States in the event that the ongoing litigations do not favor the PDP”.

 

These Concerned Citizens used the Press Statement to call on security operatives in the state to investigate the alleged on-going development.

“Permit us to use this medium to make it clear to Governor Mutfwang that no Politician’s ambition is worth the live of a single citizen of Plateau and in the event of any untoward activity that will lead to a breakdown of law and order in this State, we will not hesitate to hold him responsible.

“Be that as it may, we wish to call all security Agencies to investigate the activities of all desperate politicians who have no intention to respect court decisions and would rather want to sacrifice the peace of the Country on the altar of their political ambitions”. They stated.

READ THE FULL TEXT BELOW:-

 IS MUTFWANG PLANNING A CIVIL WAR ON THE REST OF US?

We have watched with growing concern recent developments in Plateau State since the ascension to power of Governor Caleb Mutfwang in May 2023.

We have painfully watched as thousands of young men were thrown out of their jobs for no fault of theirs.

We have also watched how the much expected development and provisions of the dividends of democracy was sacrificed on the Altar of Political Expediency.

And we have also watched with pains in our heart how Plateau under his watch have become more divided and unsecured with thousands being killed without any tangible solution in sight.

Worst of all, under his watch, the State has become more divisive than ever in the political history of the State. This is seen in the unhealthy ethnic coalitions with bitter animosity and suspicion that is developing among some of the tribes on the Plateau.

We have also watched how the Governor as a Lawyer himself would sit unperturbed, while members of his Political Party the PDP have continued to malign the entire judiciary and a worthy daughter of Plateau State and President of the Court of Appeal, Mrs. Monica Dongban, who has risen to the peak of her career through dint of hard work and perseverance.

Since assumption of office, the Mutfwang Government has not been able to set a clear agenda towards the development of the State, rather out of despair resulting from the lingering post-election litigations, he has become more desperate and seem to have lost focus.

This desperation of the Governor has heightened a palpable fear and apprehension among the citizens of the State as they see him as deliberately promoting ethnic divisiveness and whipping political cum religious sentiments among the tribes with a view to creating a tribal internecine in the State just because he wants to perpetrate himself in office.

We have watched with utmost indignation that since after the elections, the Governor seems to be promoting and enjoying the seeming rift between the Mwaghavul his tribe and the Berom who gave him the most votes on the one side and the Ngas which is Dr. Nentawe Yilawada, his opponent’s tribe and the Goemai, which is former Governor Simon Lalong’s tribe on the other hand. Rather than find a way of seeking the unification of Plateau State, Gov Mutfwang seems to be using this alienating development to feather his political nest.

This has no doubt risen our apprehension and such apprehension is further supported by Governor Mutfwang’s recent recruitment of about 200 Mwaghavul his tribesmen and 400 Beroms into the Plateau State Operation Rainbow to the exclusion of other Tribes in the State. These selected recruits who are presently undergoing Military training in the Citizenship and Training Center are camped at the Lalong Legacy Primary School in Lamingo, Jos East LGA.

We are concerned and curious over this development following the deliberate exclusion of all other Ethnic other Nationalities on the Plateau from the recruitment and training of the paramilitary personnel into the Operation, which is supposed to be a State owned Security outfit.

We harbor this apprehension remembering how in the past a similar scenario played out where a particular tribe was predominantly favored in a similar exercise where billions of Plateau State funds were spent on training them in Israel at the detriment of other tribes. Hardly had they returned from the exercise that they all disbanded and escape with the weapons in their possession where they since have become merchants of death in the State.

With this obvious exclusion, we cannot but ask, is Governor Mutfwang planning to use this two tribes to wage a tribal war against the other tribes? Or is he planning to use them as Political thugs in the event that the case in the Supreme Court does not favor him? We have also received on sound authority that Gov Caleb Mutfwang has met with the retired Gen T. Y. Danjuma and are planning for a civil disobedience in Kano, Plateau and Nasarawa States in the event that the ongoing litigations do not favor the PDP.

Permit us to use this medium to make it clear to Governor Mutfwang that no Politician’s ambition is worth the live of a single citizen of Plateau and in the event of any untoward activity that will lead to a breakdown of law and order in this State, we will not hesitate to hold him responsible.

Be that as it may, we wish to call all security Agencies to investigate the activities of all desperate politicians who have no intention to respect court decisions and would rather want to sacrifice the peace of the Country on the altar of their political ambitions.

PLATEAU: BREAKING: WAS HON. DACHUNG BAGOS TALKING RECKLESSLY OF HON. EDWARD PWAJOK (SAN) THAT WE KNOW? GROUP IN DEFENSE OF LAWYERS, REACT

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Just as a group of over 500 Lawyers protested in Abuja recently, over the insults and accusations being thrown at Nigerian Judges and the Judiciary, a group of Lawyers and other Professionals, under the aegis of “The Defense of Lawyers” have raised their voices over the comments made allegedly by Hon. Dachung Bagos that, Hon. Pwajok (SAN) was responsible for the lack of structure of the Plateau State chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

The group led by Mr. Emmanuel Goshen in a press statement he personally signed and made available to REALITY stated that they would not have interfered with the internal issues rocking the PDP chapter in Plateau State, but for the continual dehumanization and trampling on the successes of Plateau people by “Bad election losers like Hon. Dachung Bagos”.

“It is not for us to pursue a case of slander for the Learned Silk, Hon. Edward Pwajok (SAN), over the unfortunate and irresponsible comments made about him by Hon. Dachung Bagos, while reacting and fielding answers to questions on Channels TV Program, “Sunrise Daily”. Our intention is to stop people like Hon. Bagos from pulling down successful Plateau People like Edward Pwajok (SAN) because of his ignorance”.

“Hence we asked, whether Hon. Bagos was talking recklessly of the Edward Pwajok (SAN) that we know?”

The group which stated that they came into existence, to stop the present drift of politicians and political parties from dragging the good image of Plateau people and the State in the mud, added that “The ignorance displayed by Hon. Bagos, easily indicates that he was only a celebrity in the Plateau chapter of the PDP rather than being an active member. This is because, if he was, he would have been told by the PDP State Legal Adviser, Hon. Binchen Jantur (Esq) that he (Jantur) had confessed to the National/State Houses of Assembly Tribunal while under Cross-Examination that the Learned Silk, Hon. Edward Pwajok (SAN), did advise the chapter to respect the Judgment delivered by the Plateau State High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Gang in 2020 and also comply”.

The group stated that “Bagos has also helped the People of Plateau State to understand and know that the PDP does not actually have a structure in the state, but instead of blaming the party and himself who had benefited from the contributions of Hon. Pwajok (SAN) to the party and the state at large, he took a diversion to play the pull-him-down politics on the program”.

Adding that, “Hon. Bagos needs to be educated to know that, as a Lawyer, Edward Pwajok (SAN) is qualified to represent anybody or institution in Court as a Counsel and not limited to the PDP”.

HON. EDWARD PWAJOK (SAN)

The group, which took several pages of its press statement to exhibit the huge achievements of Hon. Edward Pwajok (SAN), called on Hon. Dachung Bagos to tender an unreserved apology to Hon. Pwajok (SAN) for his slanderous comments.

TO BE CONTINUED….

EDITORIAL: PLATEAU GOVERNOR-ELECT’S EMERGENCE AND WHAT CALEB MUTFWANG (ESQ) MUST LEARN AND DO…BEFORE TOMORROW COMES

Since Sunday the 19^th of November, 2023, there have been jubilations and sadness expressed and showcased in different quarters of Plateau State against or in favour of the Judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division that sacked the incumbent Governor of Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) and in his Place, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, as Governor-Elect.

GOVERNOR- ELECT, DR. NENTAWE

Although Governor Mutfwang still has a step more to challenge the Court of Appeal’s Judgment at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, he must acknowledge now that as a professional Lawyer, his seat and position have been taken away from under his feet.

He must therefore start reassessing all that he has been told, formally or informally of the case at hand concerning the Petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Candidates across the Election Petition Tribunals that sat in Plateau State.

Like Mutfwang would always remind the citizens in the state, “After God, is Government”. So, as he struggles for his seat before tomorrow comes, he must try to make amendments in areas that would make the citizens of the state remember him.

L-R: MUTFWANG AND NENTAWE

Governor Mutfwang (Esq) must know:

1. That, if tomorrow comes, and he does not get his seat and position back, it simply means he was never a Governor of Plateau State, as the Governorship election of 2023 in Plateau State cannot produce two Governors under the Law.
2. That, as he begins his own process of filing an Appeal, there is already a Governor-Elect waiting for his swearing-in ceremony.
3. That, all those who might have been his Advisers (Formally and Informally) would soon start redefining their association with him.
4. That, the suspended 17 Local Government Council (LGC) Chairmen who are still challenging their suspension at the Plateau State High Court would still be having their day, while he is out of office.
5. Governor Mutfwang must know that if tomorrow comes and he is not on seat, his less than seven 7 months administration would be probed alongside the Budget and advancements approved by the State House of Assembly.
6. Mutfwang must also realize that, before even leaving office the same House that was occupied by 15 members of his political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would no longer be there, owing to the spate, and wave of their sack at the Court of Appeal in the last few days.
7. That, the suspension of the Chairmen might be reversed is a possibility Mutfwang must note, as the changing of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk may not be a possible solution too.

Before tomorrow comes:

1. It is expected that Governor Mutfwang would look into the issues above and make peace with the sacked LGC Chairmen, the alleged sacked workers employed by the immediate past administration, and de-freeze the accounts of these Chairmen, with those of their family members.
2. It is expected that the Governor would begin the process of resolving the animosity already generated in Plateau Central Senatorial District, over the seat he is currently occupying.
3. He must learn not to use media men and media houses not registered or known to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) by knowing the actual role of Journalists in a Democracy such as the one being practiced in Plateau State and the country at large.
4. He must know that the publishing of pieces of propaganda is not the job of a journalist, but the presentation of facts as they are with no aim to deceive the innocent and unsuspecting Nigerian citizen.

YOU ARE THE MAN FOR THE PLATEAU STATE GOVERNORSHIP JOB! #VISION 24, CONGRATULATES GOVERNOR-ELECT, DR. NENTAWE YILWATDA (UNEDITED)

We are delighted to know that you have won the election as the Governor-Elect of Plateau State, as declared by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.

Your victory with a large majority under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has filled us with immense joy. We therefore take this opportunity to congratulate you and the APC on your well-deserved and overlong success, owing to the judicial process.

You have undoubtedly worked very hard to achieve this position and your commitment and dedication have helped you attain this post.

#Vision 24 Leaders, Pastor Michael Gulu Rivi (JP) (Jagora’n Irigwe)

We believe that you will be able to put many things back on track in Plateau State which have long been haywire in recent months.

You are the perfect Man for the Governorship job and all your hard work has paid off.

CONGRATULATIONS again, as your zeal to do things for the masses of Plateau State has made your winning the election more realistic.

We, #Vision 24, under the Leadership of Pastor Michael Gulu Rivi (JP) (Jagora’n Irigwe) wish you all the best in your noble future endeavors.

YOUR VICTORY AS GOVERNOR-ELECT IS A VICTORY FOR DEMOCRACY AND THE RULE OF LAW. JOS-NORTH LGC CHAIRMAN, HON. SHEHU BALA, CONGRATULATES DR. NENTAWE YILWATDA

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Hon. Shehu Bala Usman, the Executive Chairman of Jos-North Local Government Council (LGC) has joined millions of Nigerians to also congratulate, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, over his victory at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division, as the duly elected Governor for Plateau State.

Hon. Shehu in his congratulatory message on behalf of the Deputy Chairman, Leader and Members of the Legislative and Executive Arms, as well as, the peace and hospitable people of Jos North Local Government, made available to REALITY, further acknowledged that the victory of Dr. Nentawa is also, “The people’s victory”.

Adding that, “”I join millions of Plateau people and Nigerians in congratulating you on your overwhelming electoral victory won on the basis of a populist mandate as well as today’s judicial victory won on the strength of our Constitution, at the Court of Appeal”.

READ THE FULL TEXT BELOW:-

HON. SHEHU BALA

JOS NORTH COUNCIL BOSS CONGRATULATES GOVERNOR-ELECT, PROF. NENTAWE YILWATDA, OVER HIS VICTORY AT APPEAL COURT.

—ITS THE PEOPLE’S VICTORY.

The Executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council (LGC), Hon. Shehu Bala Usman has congratulated the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 Governorship election in Plateau State, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, over his victory at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division, as the duly elected Governor of Plateau State.

The Chairman in his congratulatory message described the emergence of Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, as a victory for Democracy and the Rule of Law.

“I join millions of Plateau people and Nigerians in congratulating you on your overwhelming electoral victory won on the basis of a populist mandate as well as today’s judicial victory won on the strength of our Constitution, at the Court of Appeal”. He remarked.

The Chairman conveyed his felicitations to Nentawe and his Deputy, Pam Botmang on behalf of the Deputy Chairman, Leader and Members of the Legislative and Executive Arms, as well as, the peace and hospitable people of Jos North Local Government.

PLATEAU: ON MY VICTORY AT THE COURT OF APPEAL, I STAND TALL! DR. NENTAWE YILWATDA, SPEAKS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Governor-Elect for Plateau State has told the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his supporters that he is happy over the verdict delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which declared him as the Governor-Elect of Plateau State.

Dr. Nentawe who spoke through Mr. Banchir at the celebration ground to mark the Judgment and the victory of the Governor-elect in Jos said, “Today, I stand tall to say the outcome of these long months of legal battle from the Tribunal to the Appeal Court has vindicated my inherent belief that, I and indeed Plateau People, have been shortchanged of the opportunity to witness the implementation of our ACEES agenda, which by now, would have started yielding positive results. However, it is better late than never!”

MR. BANCHIR SPEAKING

Dr. Nentawe, used the moment to warmly welcome his opponent’s decision to Appeal the Judgment at the Supreme Court.

Adding that, “My indefatigable Legal Team are more than ready to defend this emphatic victory at the Apex Court of the land”.

He however, called on his supporters and members of the APC to celebrate with modesty.

In part he said, “Let me add that as we celebrate this judgment, I wish to call on my supporters and APC members in general to be magnanimous in victory and  celebrate this victory with modesty, decorum and utmost respect to sensibility of our opponents”.

READ THE FULL SPEECH BELOW:-

                                      A VICTORY LONG EXPECTED

BEING A TEXT OF PRESS CONFERENCE DELIVERED BY DR. NENTAWE YILWATDA ON THE OCCASION OF APPEAL VICTORY CELEBRATION

20^TH NOVEMBER, 2023.

Gentlemen of the press,

It is with profound joy and gratitude to God Almighty that I welcome my victory at the Court of Appeal, which declared me as the rightful winner of the March, 18^th gubernatorial election in Plateau State, having scored the highest lawful votes a thoroughly examined and confirmed by Law.

You will recall that immediately the election umpire erred by announcing my opponent in the PDP as the winner, I admonished you all to remain calm as I will explore every legal means to retrieve back your lawful mandate.

Today, I stand tall to say the outcome of these long months of legal battle from the Tribunal to the Appeal Court has vindicated my inherent belief that, I and indeed Plateau Peolple, have been shortchanged of the opportunity to witness the implementation of our ACEES agenda, which by now, would have started yielding positive results.

However, it is better late than never!

As a personal conviction, I don’t gloat in moments such as this. Instead. I wish to in all humility, accept this victory as the will of God Almighty for Plateau State.

I also warmly welcome my opponent’s decision to Appeal this victory at the Supreme Court.

 

My indefatigable Legal Team are more than ready to defend this emphatic victory at the Apex Court of the land.

It is also my view that this case, which is novel according to the Appeal Court, will set a precedent and add value to our legal jurisprudence.

Expectedly, as we journey through the final leg of this legal battle, I appeal tp all political actors across party line to consider the peace of the land and behave with utmost sense of patriotism. The vitriolic attacks are unnecessary. Let us put Plateau first and stop heating the polity.

Let me add that as we celebrate this judgment, I wish to call on my supporters and APC members in general to be magnanimous in victory and  celebrate this victory with modesty, decorum and utmost respect to sensibility of our opponents.

I admonish us all to be practitioners of the decency and decorum we are known for.

This victory is not for Nentawe, this victory is for all Plateau People and Lovers of Democracy and the Rule of Law.

Long Live the APC

Long Live Plateau State

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Signed:

Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda

Governor-Elect, Plateau State

SEE SOME PICTURES FROM THE EVENT BELOW:

JUST IN: “PLATEAU STATE PDP CHAPTER, CRYING WOLF WHERE NONE EXISTS!" SAYS NORTHERN CHRISTIAN CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

As the struggle for the political soul of Plateau State continues between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, the Northern Christian Civil Rights Movement of Nigeria has knocked the PDP for crying wolf where none exists.

The Movement in a speech delivered recently said the Plateau State chapter of the PDP is trying to whip up religious sentiments over the outcomes of the recent Judgments delivered by the Court of Appeal against its candidates.

The Northern Christian Civil Rights Movement of Nigeria in the speech, called on Nigerians to “rise against attempts by Plateau PDP to blackmail the Appeal Court Justices and our judiciary”.

READ THE FULL SPEECH BELOW:-

THE MOVEMENT

Dear beloved,

The Northern Christian Civil Rights Movement of Nigeria welcomes you all to this rally organized to put issues in proper perspective regarding the outcome of the Court Appeal rulings on the elections in Plateau State.

Plateau State has suffered years of ethnic and religious conflicts, which politicians orchestrated mainly for their convenience. Ironically, this anomaly is gradually playing out with the recent stance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

It is most unfortunate that the PDP would elect to go low to the extent of crying wolf where none exists. Aside from the unsubstantiated position, it has attempted to whip up religious sentiments with the potential of igniting conflict in the state.

It is indeed a regime of blackmail and slander on the reputation of the justices of the Court of Appeal. The Northern Christian Civil Rights Movement of Nigeria frowns at such despicable conduct by the PDP.

The attack on the reputation of the Justices of the Court of Appeal is playing politics too far. The relevant sections of the Constitution and the Electoral Acts that informed the rulings were explicit.

The Court of Appeal entertained submissions by both parties and cited relevant laws to back their position. Strangely, this fact has erroneously skipped some vested interest that they elected to throw caution in the wind in their diatribe against the Justices of the Court of Appeal.

Sadly, such a matter of sensitive nature is freely propagated by the PDP, not minding the consequences of their actions on the fragile peace on the Plateau. They have elected to turn their fantasy into reality and want to push it down our throats to swallow.

THE MOVEMENT

The Northern Christian Civil Rights Movement of Nigeria wishes to use this medium to caution the PDP in Plateau State to desist from the unholy enterprise in the interest of peace and tranquility.

It must be stated that the resort to cheap blackmail and propaganda serves no good and does not augur well for preserving democracy in Nigeria. Ironically, this has been one of the potent weapons of destabilization that political parties and actors employ to destabilize the system when election results do not go their way.

The case of Plateau presents a vivid example of how politicians selfishly heat the polity and end up causing a conflict of unimaginable proportions. This enterprise must stop, and those responsible must desist from such ignoble endeavors.

The ruling of the Court of Appeal in Plateau state has its merits. Parties unsatisfied with it are expected to undertake legal channels to seek redress, instead of arrogating to themselves the power to decide right or wrong.

THE MOVEMENT

The Northern Civil Rights Movement of Nigeria is concerned about the nefarious activities of PDP politicians in Plateau state. It admonishes them to give peace a chance by following the proper channels in airing their grievances.

The resort to blackmail and character assassination serves no good and can potentially bring the judiciary into disrepute. Such positions do not speak well of our politicians and should send a message to the people on the sincerity of heart and purposes of those we call leaders.

The Plateau State scenario indicates a desperate attempt by the PDP to turn the people against the true winners of elections, as ruled by the Election Petitions Tribunal and affirmed by the Court of Appeal.

The sentiments on display are needless and must be discontinued. We believe the people of Plateau are at peace and happy with the choice of leaders who were elected and returned. The PDP must accept this reality and allow peace to reign.

The sack of some lawmakers under the banner of the PDP by the Court of Appeal was done in line with the provisions of the law, and the PDP must not cry wolf where none exists. Those returned to office had the mandate of the people to represent them.

The Court of Appeal confirmed this, and it is the position of the Northern Christian Civil Rights Movement of Nigeria that the PDP should sheathe its sword and allow peace to reign.

The fragility of peace in the Plateau is such that all stakeholders must be circumspect in their actions and inaction. The PDP must come to terms with this and act with reasonable caution in the weeks and months ahead.

Nigerians must rise against attempts by Plateau PDP to blackmail the Appeal Court Justices and our judiciary.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Please, let’s give peace a chance in Plateau State.

COURT OF APPEAL: WILD JUBILATION AS PLATEAU PEOPLE WELCOME THE HEARING OF THE APPEALS OF MEMBERS OF THE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY TODAY

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

There is a huge jubilation in Plateau State as the Court of Appeal Abuja Division is set to hear the cases of some of the members of the Plateau State House of Appeal today.

The cases according to our source at the Court of Appeal are slated for hearing and adoption of Briefs by Counsels in the Appeals slated before the Court.

You would recall that the recent refusal of some national officers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Appeals at the Appeal Court for House of Representatives and Senate have been a bitter pill to swallow by the Plateau State chapter of PDP Exco and members. The refusal and blow according to the Court of Appeal’s Judgment reports, “Stems from the party’s failure to uphold internal democracy”.

The celebration is so visible with the tremendous turnout of Plateau people who gathered en-mass at various spots at popular places in Jos, the Plateau state capital.

These People who basically are members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate in the 2023, governorship election in the state, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, are in groups as sighted by REALITY and are chanting and singing solidarity songs, and encouraging the Judiciary to ensure that Justice is served regardless of whose ox is gored.

You would recall that the Plateau State Police Command, through the Commissioner of Police Plateau State, CP Okoro J. Alawari, psc, on the 8^th of November, 2023 had observed with dismay the way and manner in which some aimless group of persons clustered and unlawfully blocked the public highway around Old Airport junction, Mararaban Jama’a and even attempted to set ablaze the Court of Appeal structure in Jos in the name of protest against these Judgments of the Court of Appeal, in respect of the Senatorial/House of Representatives that were delivered.

However, in order to maintain Peace, Law and Order in the state, the CP had warned individuals, or group of persons protesting under any guise, whose reaction could truncate the peace currently being enjoyed in the state to “desist from such actions or else, the police command will not hesitate to take decisive action against the perpetrators in accordance with the extant laws”.

The CP had further warned parents, Traditional/Religious Leaders, to warn their wards and subjects, to “steer clear from such unlawful protests to avoid being apprehended by the law enforcement agencies”.

PLATEAU: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE SUSPENDED 17 LGC CHAIRMEN AND THEIR COUNCILORS BY GOV. MUTFWANG (ESQ)

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Although the 17 Local Government Councils (LGCs) Chairmen and their Councilors who were suspended from office by the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang (Esq) are still challenging the legality of their suspension from office at the Plateau State High Court, their misery is becoming compounded with recent steps been adopted by the Plateau State Government. REALITY can authoritatively report.

First, the fact that they were removed allegedly against an Order of the Plateau State High Court which restrained the State Government, the Governor, and the Attorney-General of the state from taking such a step has remained an emotional frustration.

SUSPENDED LGC CHAIRMEN

Secondly, the freezing of their individual accounts secretly using Orders obtained by the State Government through Motion Exparte has further destabilized the suspended Chairmen and their Councilors.

REALITY also gathered that in some cases, the accounts operated by the Chairmen and their wives and other family members were also affected, thereby putting the entire family into financial difficulties and unhappiness.

In most cases, REALITY gathered that the Chairmen who have fees to pay to their Counsels, seem to have also run out of the needed steam and ability to maintain the number of supporters who besiege the Court to encourage them. This has also seriously dwindled the numbers of supporters that constantly turn up for them, especially with the present high cost of fare in the state and the country at large.

SUSPENDED LGC CHAIRMEN

Just a few days ago, the Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) cried out that the State Government is squeezing the political and legal space by extending the tenure of the Transition Committees (TIC) appointed by the State Governor in their place.

The APC had alleged in a press statement made available to Media Houses in Jos that the state Governor had made the extension through the State House of Assembly to oversee the affairs of the 17 Local Government Councils in the state.

According to the APC in a Press Statement tagged: “THE SPEAKER PLATEAU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY IN COLLUSION WITH THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE DISOBEY ANOTHER COURT ORDER”, signed by its STRATEGIC MONITORING TEAM, the extension is another “disobedience of Court Orders, Court Judgments and Subpoenas by the Plateau State-led PDP Government”.

The APC used the Press Statement to call on the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and the Executive Governor of Plateau State to “Give peace a chance on the Plateau and to seek justice for whatsoever they desire through LAWFUL means not by the display of impunity, crass abuse of law and intimidation”.

TO BE CONTINUED….