TheNewsGuru

Tag: Plateau State

  • APC NWC charges Plateau Speaker to swear in members affirmed by Appeal Court

    APC NWC charges Plateau Speaker to swear in members affirmed by Appeal Court

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) has charged the Speaker of Plateau House of Assembly, Gabriel Dawang, to swear in the party’s 16 house members affirmed by the Court of Appeal as duly elected.

    Mr Felix Morka, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, made the call while speaking with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, saying the speaker’s refusal to swear in the 16 members was wrong and undemocratic.

    The 16 members include Nimchak Nansak, Dagogot Owen, Maiyaki Bala, Daniel Listick, Laven Jacob, Adamu Yanga, Kwarpo Sylvanus, Yusuf Chollom and Bendel Nanewat.

    They were issued Certificates of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Dec. 24, 2023, after the Election Petitions Tribunal and Court of Appeal sacked 16 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    “The intransigence of the Speaker and the Governor of the state in this matter is wrong, undemocratic and violently contemptuous of the authority of the Court of Appeal.

    “The highest court for the determination of election petition matters as it concerns the House of Assembly,” Morka said.

    He therefore advised the speaker to swear in the members without further delay in the interest of peace in Plateau.

    Besides, he said the party’s NWC had resolved to commence the update of its member’s register nationwide in one state from the six geopolitical zones, starting with Niger.

    He added that the NWC also adopted in its entirety, the report of its high level Reconciliation and Intervention Delegation to its United Kingdom’s Diaspora Chapter.

    “In particular, the NWC approved the constitution of an Interim Executive Committee of the chapter of 24 members to be led by its Chairman, Tunde Doherty, and Secretary, Joseph Adebola.

    “The Interim Executive Committee shall have a term of three months, which may be renewed as may be necessary,”he said.

  • Insecurity: Gov Mutfwang relaxes curfew in Mangu

    Insecurity: Gov Mutfwang relaxes curfew in Mangu

    Gov Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has relaxed the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed on Mangu Local Government Area of the state.

    This is contained in a statement by Mr Gyang Bere, the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, issued on Friday in Jos.

    The curfew would now be observed between  8a.m. and 4p.m. daily, till further notice.

    The governor explained that the review followed an improvement in the security situation in within the locality, owing to the strategic engagements with  religious and community leaders.

    “Following remarkable improvement in the security situation and after due consultation with the State Security Council, the curfew has been relaxed.

    “I hereby urge residence of Mangu to strictly observe the curfew and refrain from taking the law into their hands.

    “We encourage the security personnels to enforce the curfew to avoid breakdown of law and order,”Mutfwang said.

    The governor, who thanked residents of the locality for the cooperation so far, however urged them to collaborate and support the security agencies in their bid toward a peaceful and virile Plateau.

    “I want to strongly caution against complacency; I urge residents of Mangu to actively contribute to the security efforts by providing credible intelligence to the relevant security agencies.

    “The state government remains resolute in preventing any act capable of disrupting public tranquility; we are working round the clock to restore permanent peace in all parts of the state” he said.

  • Gov Mutfwang moves to address cause of insecurity in Plateau

    Gov Mutfwang moves to address cause of insecurity in Plateau

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has vowed to clamp down on drug peddlers in the state, saying that drug abuse was largely responsible for the rising insecurity in the state.

    The governor said this on Friday when he visited communities affected by the recent attacks in Mangu Local Government Area and other parts of the state.

    He expressed his deep pain at the sight of the carnage and wanton destruction of lives and property during the attacks.

    Mutfwang said that the killings were a reflection of drug usage, stressing that the business of peddling illicit drugs must come to an end.

    “Of course, there was the involvement of drugs; this is something we must tackle to be able to address the issues of the drug menace in our society.

    “This is why we want to use this medium to tell those in drug business to know that their time on the Plateau is up; we will not tolerate it any longer.

    “We will go after them, and if they have anywhere they want to do their business, Plateau is certainly not the place,” he said.

    Mutfwang called on the citizens to be wary  of people who are bent on causing division in the state, adding that the recent security challenge was a deliberate act to cripple the economy of the state.

    He advised those giving support to criminals to have a rethink as his administration would do all it could to ensure that external aggressors were kept out and those within were dealt with.

    While at the palace of the paramount ruler of Mwaghavul in Mangu, Mr John Hirse, Mutfwang expressed great sadness and pain over the quantum of destruction.

    He particularly empathised with the people of Kwahaslalek community, where 27 persons were burnt alive and expressed dismay at the carnage in Mangu town.

    “I can’t imagine the loss of humanity; I can’t believe human beings could be this callous. I imagine the pain of the 27 persons burnt to death by the wicked ones.

    “I sympathise with the families of those who lost their loved ones; the way the merchants of conflicts have tried to package the carnage as a quarrel between brothers is unfortunate.

    “These people are deliberately bent on destroying the economy of Mangu; today is Mangu market day and it is an international market, so one can only imagine the losses with the looting and burning of foodstuffs.

    “So, I appeal to you all not to allow people who are bent on dividing us to succeed; our youths should desist from taking the law into their hands.

    ”If anyone is giving room to criminals to operate, it is time to love your brother more than a friend that is a criminal,” he said.

    Speaking, Hirse lauded the governor for the visit, adding that the move showed that he means well for the  people of the state.

    The traditional ruler urged the governor to remain focused, in spite of the deliberate attempts to distract him.

    He also appealed to the governor to do everything within his powers to ensure that those displaced by the attacks return to their original abodes without delay.

    Hirse, who lamented that the people had been deprived of their possessions and sources of livelihood, urged the governor to provide palliatives to enable them bounce back.

    “Don’t be distracted; all these happenings are aimed at distracting and derailing your focus toward bringing good governance to the people of Plateau,” Hirse advised Mutfwang.

  • Police arrest 17 suspects over Plateau attacks

    Police arrest 17 suspects over Plateau attacks

    The Police Command in Plateau has arrested 17 suspects in connection with the recent attacks and killings in Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

    DSP Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, disclosed this while addressing newsmen on Thursday in Jos.

    Alabo said that eight out of the suspects were arrested in connection with the Christmas eve attacks, while the other nine were arrested in connection with the Jan. 24 attacks.

    ”The Command is grateful to inform you that the situation in Mangu and environs as at today, is under control.

    ”So far, 17 suspects have been arrested, eight from the Dec. 24 attack and the nine suspects arrested in connection with the Jan. 24 attacks.

    ”Exhibits recovered from them include dangerous weapons, such as machetes, kegs containing petrol, and other items,” he said.

    The PPRO assured that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.

    He explained that security forces had been deployed to the area to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

    Alabo urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies in their bid to maintain peace and order in the State.

  • MURIC condemns Plateau crisis

    MURIC condemns Plateau crisis

    The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has condemned the latest Plateau crisis which has claimed about eight people and to the combatants for calm.

    Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the Executive Director,(MURIC), stated this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.
    “The death toll in the raging crisis in Mangu, Plateau State, has reached eight.

    Six mosques and two churches have been burnt. The burnt mosques include a central mosque, the Anguwan Dawo Jumat Mosque. An Islamic school, Audi Islamiyyah, was also burnt. The two burnt churches, Deden and Assemblies of God’s Church are located in Sabon-Kasuwa in Dercom and Alogom areas of Mangu. Both belong to COCIN.

    “MURIC denounces this wanton destruction of lives and properties, particularly houses of worship which should be respected. It is barbaric and satanic. We must learn to coexist peacefully.

    ‘’Reports gathered from the state branch of MURIC and that of the Jamaat Nasril Islam (JNI) states that the crisis started on Tuesday.
    “We charge the security agents to be fair to all.

    Partisanship in the security agencies can cause irreparable damage. It can also allow the crisis to escalate beyond imagination,’’ Akintola said.

    He added:“We appeal to the people of Mangu in particular and Plateau State in general to stop all forms of hostility. They should cooperate with law enforcement agencies.

    The name of Plateau State has become synonymous with killing and destruction. This has started to scare prospective investors, tourists and visitors away from the state. This is bound to affect the state’s economy.”

     

  • Plateau Speaker bars 16 Assemblymen from plenary

    Plateau Speaker bars 16 Assemblymen from plenary

    Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, on Tuesday barred 16 Assemblymen from gaining access into plenary.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Dewan to have said he was in possession of a court injunction to recognise only eight members of the Assembly.

    Dewan stated that the 16 sacked lawmakers, and the other 16 with certificates of return, were all laying claim to the seats.

    The Speaker made the disclosure when he addressed newsmen on Tuesday in Jos, following the resumption of the lawmakers’ long recess, after the Court of Appeal sacked 16 members elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The eight members gained access to the temporary premises of the assembly, but the others were denied entry.

    “At present, there are 32 members laying claim to the seats.

    “Since the 32 members had their certificates of return, and are laying claim to their mandates, it would be unlawful to admit them into the chambers.

    “For now, only eight members will be sitting. I have a court injunction restraining the House from inaugurating the 16 APC members.

    “Yes, they have their certificates of return issued to them by INEC, but they can’t be inaugurated until the final determination or vacation of the injunction,’’ he said.

    There was mild drama earlier on Tuesday, at Old Government Jos, the temporary venue of the assembly, after a police tear gas accidentally went off.

    The tear gas went off as police personnel were trying to stop supporters of the sacked members from gaining access to where the lawmakers were billed to sit.

    The temporary assembly complex has been taken over by security personnel.

  • We are set for Plateau North rerun election – REC

    We are set for Plateau North rerun election – REC

    Dr Oliver Agundu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Plateau, says all is set for the Plateau North Senatorial District  rerun elections.

    Agundu, who briefed newsmen on Friday in Jos, said that INEC was also ready for the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency rerun.

    According to him, the state had taken delivery of all non-sensitive materials for the rerun, slated for Feb. 3.

    The REC revealed that the sensitive materials would likely arrive in the state at any moment, and INEC would invite all stakeholders for inspection at the Central Bank, before deployment to the local governments a few days before the election.

    He announced that the more than 3,000 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines to be used during the election, had been fully charged, and previous data cleared and ready for reconfiguration.

    “I wish to report that we have planned to deploy BVAS to specific polling units, registration areas/wards, and Local Government Areas (LGAs) during the election with the right quantity of backup ready for any eventuality.

    “I told you before the general elections that the election was not going to be held in some polling units across the nation for some reasons that resulted in zero registration.

    “I wish to inform you that Plateau North Senatorial District also has a share of such units in two LGAs, with one in Bassa and three in Jos North, totaling four polling units.

    “Once again, all political parties, security agencies, and other stakeholders should take note and act accordingly by not deploying agents or personnel to those places on Feb. 3, 2024.

    “It is also pertinent to inform you that we are currently shortlisting the names of ad-hoc staff for recruitment, training, and deployment, especially Supervising Presiding Officers (SPOS), Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs).

    “The commission will ensure that only qualified persons will eventually be shortlisted to participate in the elections,’’ he said.

    Agundu stated that for the purposes of inclusivity, INEC, in line with the provisions of the law, had also given special consideration to people living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, to participate in the rerun elections.

    The REC urged the security personnel to at all times help to protect the vulnerable, so that they too could perform their duties as enshrined in the law, especially the Electoral Act.

    Recall the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, in November 2023, nullified the election of Sen. Simon Mwadkon (PDP-Plateau North) and Rep. Musa Agah (Jos North/Bassa) and ordered INEC to conduct a rerun.

    The court’s basis for the nullification was that Mwadkon and Agah’s political party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), did not have a valid structure in the state to field candidates for the 2023 General Elections.

  • Plateau Speaker assures Gov. Mutfwang of legislative support

    Plateau Speaker assures Gov. Mutfwang of legislative support

    Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, has assured Governor of the State, Caleb Mutfwang of legislative backing to enable him to succeed.

    Dewan gave the assurance on Saturday, at the reception in honour of Mutfwang after his victory at the Supreme Court.

    The Speaker said that with the legal battle over, it was time for governance and the legislative arm to do everything they needed to positively contribute their quota for the good of the State.

    He described Mutfwang’s victory as a victory for the Plateau people.

    “This is a victory for the state, and indeed, I want to use this medium to assure us all that the time of politics is over.

    “It’s time for governance, and I want to assure you that on our part in the legislative arm, and as the speaker, we will leave no stone unturned to ensure you succeed.

    “We will give the executive governor all the legislative backing he desires to move the State ahead.

    “I am from the YPP, but the interest of Plateau is greater than any individual interest.

    “I stand to unify the Plateau, and I want to assure you all that today marks the beginning of a brand new Plateau,” he stated.

    Dewan, who said that the legislature would work for the common good of all Plateau citizens, also assured the people that he had confidence in the governor’s ability to govern the state because of his antecedents .

    “We have worked closely with the governor, and I know he is a listening governor.

    “I know he is a man with the fear of God. I know he is someone who will not discriminate against any ethnicity or religion,” he said.

  • Reactions as Gov Mutfwang dedicates Supreme Court’s victory to God

    Reactions as Gov Mutfwang dedicates Supreme Court’s victory to God

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, has dedicated his victory at the Supreme Court to God and people of the state, who stood by him and defended their mandate.

    This was contained in a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr Gyang Bere on Friday, in Jos.

    Mutfwang’s supporters and associates, who had thronged the premises of the Supreme Court, went into wild jubilation as soon as the verdict of the five-member panel was pronounced in favour of the governor.

    Describing the verdict as `a divine act’, Mutfwang expressed gratitude to God for sustaining him through the electoral processes.

    “This judgement is historic and highly significant in the political journey of Plateau State, it is the rebirth of a new Plateau where God has demonstrated his sovereignty as the owner and giver of power.

    “I want to thank their Lordships, who have today restored confidence in the judiciary, they have demonstrated courage, and they have raised the hope of the ordinary man in Nigeria that justice is still available in the nation.

    “I want to thank Mr President for showing himself a true democrat, and not allowing the political space to become intoxicated. He has also shown that as a beneficiary of the People’s votes, he would allow and support the judiciary to perform its role without undue interference.

    “I want to thank the people of Plateau State, who have stood by me. I want to thank Nigerians who stood by us, and I want to thank the International Community that also insisted that the votes of the people must count in Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.

    He reaffirmed his commitment to continually provide purposeful leadership, assuring that they shall not rest on their oars until Plateau became peaceful, united and prosperous.

    “This judgment will indeed motivate me to do more for my people, I will always be grateful to the people of Plateau State for believing in me and entrusting me with their sacred mandate to lead them at this critical time in the history of the state,” Mutfwang added.

    The governor called on all citizens, irrespective of political inclination ,to join him in the quest of building a peaceful, united and prosperous Plateau.

    Commenting on the Appeal Court Judgments that nullified the election of National and State Assembly members elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), over issues that were thrown out by the Supreme Court, Mutfwang said they would cross that bridge too.

    “We have just crossed the bridge and when we settle down to savour this victory, we will know what to do,” he stated.

    Supreme Court Judgment affirming Mutfwang’s election, victory for democracy – Jang

    Sen. Jonah Jang, former governor of Plateau, has described the victory of Gov. Caleb Mutfwang at the Supreme Court as victory for democracy.

    Jang, a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said this in a statement by his Media Consultant, Clinton Garuba, issued on Friday in Jos.

    The Appeal Court had nullified the election of Mutfwang as governor, citing lack of structure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as reason.

    But the apex court on Friday, set aside the judgment of of the appellate court, insisting that the governor was duly elected during the March 18, 2023 polls

    The former governor commended the Supreme Court justices for upholding the sanctity of the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

    “Indeed the governor’s victory at the Supreme Court is a victory for democracy and against the wishes of anti-democratic forces.

    “We recall with sadness how anti-democratic forces tried to manipulate the will of the people

    “We must thank the justices for upholding the rule of law, thereby affirming the long held belief that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.

    “We thank them for not allowing themselves to be manipulated, thereby plunging the state into disarray and setting us years backward; we thank God because the voice of the people is the voice of God,” Jamg said.

    Jang thanked President Bola Tinubu for playing a neutral role, and not interfering in the judicial processes in spite of the pressure from some quarters.

    He also commended the people of the state and the media for keeping faith with the governor in his trying time, and called on then to continue to support the governor to succeed.

    Plateau agog as Supreme Court affirms Mutfwang governor

    Residents of Jos, the capital of Plateau, on Friday took to the streets in their numbers, to celebrate the victory of the Gov. Caleb Mutfwang at the Supreme Court.

    A correspondent, who went round Jos and environs, reports that residents of the state in different locations, were beating drums and singing solidarity songs.

    Some of the locations included the popular Secretariat Junction, Angwa Rukuba, Gyel, Tina Junction, Old Airport junction, Tudun Wada, Zololo Jucntion, Masalacin Jama’a, Kabong, among others areas in Jos South and Jos North local government areas (LGAs), of the state.

    Mr Jospeh Nyam, one of the residents, described the judgment as victory for democracy.

    Nyam added that judgment had further confirmed that Mutfwang was duly elected by the people of the state.

    “We are out here to rejoice over the victory of our governor; Plateau people elected him, and we thank the supreme court for restoring our mandate.

    “The governor is the choice of the people of the state, that’ is why there is celebration in almost every corner of the state,” he said.

    Another resident, Rotgak Jirit, commended the the Supreme Court for the judgment, adding that it had redeemed the image of the judiciary.

    “We thank the Supreme Court for using today’s judgments to redeem the image of the judiciary in our country

    “This celebration will not end today; we will continue to come out and celebrate until our governor returns to the state.

    The Appeal Court had nullified the election of Mutfwang as governor, citing lack of structure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as a rationale.

    But the apex court on Friday, set aside the judgement of the appellate court, insisting that the governor  was duly elected during the March 18, 2023 polls.

  • Plateau killings: Christians present 10-point demand to Gov Mutfwang

    Plateau killings: Christians present 10-point demand to Gov Mutfwang

    Christians in Plateau on Monday organised a peace walk and special prayer session against the ongoing attacks and killings in the State.

    Leaders of various Christian denominations in the state led the walk that commenced from the PRTV Roundabout, Rayfield, Jos, and ended at the Government House where they presented a 10-point demand to Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of the State.

    The peace walk was in connection with the Christmas eve killings and wanton destruction of properties in some communities of Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

    Speaking on behalf of Christian community, Rev. Stephen Panya-Baba, President of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), said that the walk was in collaboration with Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    Panya-Baba,  who commended the proactive steps taken by President Bola Tinubu and governor of the state in addressing the security challenges, called for concerted efforts toward addressing the persistent attacks on rural communities in the State.

    “The entire Christian community in Plateau once again condemn in strongest terms the unprovoked killings of innocent residents on Christmas eve in over 20 communities in Bokkos, Mangua and Barkin Ladi LGAs

    “The timing of these killings during Christmas celebrations has shown that the attackers had clear intentions and objectives; to target communities, take them unawares and inflict maximum casualty on them.

    “We call for timely intervention in the provision of emergency relief in terms of food, water, toiletries, sleeping materials and other such necessities to the displaced victims.

    “We appreciate the directive given by President Bola Tinubu to relevant federal government agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to mobilise and provide succour to the victims.

    “We also commend the great effort of Gov. Caleb Mutfwang in not only outrightly condemning the attack, but also taking urgent concrete steps in providing food and other necessities to the displaced survivors in the IDP camps,”he said.

    The ECWA president urged the Federal Government to officially designate the armed terrorist behind the killings as terrorists.

    He also called on the government to provide adequate security for the over 15,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bokkos and the reconstruction of destroyed communities, adding that such a move would enable them return to their homes without delay.

    Responding, the Governor thanked Plateau residents for the support and assured the Christian community that their demands would be transmitted to the president without delay.

    He acknowledged President Tinubu’s commitment to ending the cycle of violence in all parts of the country, and commended his determination to secure the land, promising that the bloodshed would not be in vain.

    Some of the church leaders who were part of the event include, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, the CAN Chairman in the state, Most Rev. Mathew Audu, the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Nkechi Nwosu, the Methodist Bishop of Jos, among others.