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Tag: Plateau

  • We’ll deliver Plateau in 2023 – APC Chairman

    We’ll deliver Plateau in 2023 – APC Chairman

    The Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Plateau, Mr. Rufus Bature, has said that the party in the state will work towards winning the state for the APC during the presidential election in 2023.

    Bature said this while speaking with journalists in Jos on Thursday.

    He stated that the appointment of Gov. Simon Lalong as Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Director has elevated Plateau state, a feat the Plateau people should be proud of.

    “We have the confidence that we will win the 2023 elections, from the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship and the Presidency, we will deliver.

    “We are fully prepares and ready to go for it, we are waiting for the bell to be rung to start the campaign.

    “I think the APC has elevated Plateau to a very big height with the appointment of Lalong to head the campaign team of the Tinubu/Shettima campaign organisation.

    “When the ticket wins and the sharing of positions comes, we will have someone to represent us there.

    Bature said that he believed Tinubu had the passion to lead Nigeria to enviable heights and take it out of the dark.

    He admonished Nigerians to leave religion out of politics and embrace development, adding that the APC presidential candidate had a track record of excellent performance.

    The party chair discountenance a rumor making rounds in the state alleging that the party was sponsoring the crisis in the Labour Party in the state to mar the chances of its main opposition, the PDP in the coming elections.

    He stated that the APC would not labour for Labour Party and its affairs, calling on the people of the state to disregard the news.

    Bature said that there was a large number of high ranking political stalwarts in the state who had defected from their parties to the APC, stating that they would reveal themselves when the campaigns begin.

    He called on citizens of the Plateau to join the APC to work towards achieving greatness for the state.

  • JUST IN: Tribunal declares PRP winner of Plateau Rep by-election

    JUST IN: Tribunal declares PRP winner of Plateau Rep by-election

     

    The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal has declared Muhammad Adam Alkali, candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), winner of the by-election for Jos North Bassa f?Federal Constituency.

    In their verdict on Friday, Justice Hope O. Ozoh. Khadi Usman Umar, and Justice Zainab M. Bashir, held that the petitioners proved their case beyond reasonable doubt.

    The court also nullified the certificate of return earlier issued to Hon Musa Agah, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate who was declared winner of the election in February.

    The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been declared the winner of the Saturday by-election for Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Declaring the result, INEC’s Returning Officer, Yinka Oyerinde, said Musa Agah of the PDP polled a total of 40,343 votes to defeat his closet challenger, Muhammed Adam Alkali, of PRP who garnered a total of 37,757 votes while Abbey Aku of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 26,111.

    11 political parties contested the February 26th by-Election to fill the position left by Haruna Maitalla of the APC who died in a motor accident in April 2021.

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  • BREAKING: Court sacks PDP Reps member

    BREAKING: Court sacks PDP Reps member

    The National and States Assembly Election Petition Trial Tribunal sitting in High Court 4, Jos on Friday, nullified the election of Hon. Musa Avia Aggah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The Court held that Hon. Agah was not validly nominated by the PDP for the Bye-Election conducted on February 26, 2022.

    The Court also declared Agah did not score the highest valid votes in the election.

    Details to follow…

  • We’re owing workers 2 not 6 months salary – Plateau HoS

    We’re owing workers 2 not 6 months salary – Plateau HoS

    The Plateau Government says it is owing its workers two months and not six months salary arrears as being insinuated in some quarters.

    Mr Sunday Hyat, the Head of Civil Service (HoS) in the state cleared the air in a statement on Saturday in Jos.

    Hyat was reacting to an online publication making the rounds that the state goverment was owing its civil servants six months salary arrears.

    ”My attention has been drawn to an online publication indicating that Plateau government is among the states owing its civil servants up to six months salary.

    ”For the avoidance of doubt, I want to make it categorically clear to the public that the government only owes its workers two months salary,” he said.

    Hyat, however, said that Gov. Simon Lalong of the state who has made welfare of its workers a top priority, was making frantic efforts to clear the outstanding salaries.

    He attributed the inability of goverment to be up-to-date in the payment of salaries to shortfalls from the federal monthly allocation accruing to the state.

    ”We are aware of the commitment that our governor has on the welfare of civil servants that in the last seven years of his administration salaries have been paid as and when due.

    ”The setback being experienced is as a result of revenue shortfall from the federation account of which Plateau is not immune to.

    ”I want to assure all workers that efforts are being made to clear the backlog of these two months salary on or before the month of November this year,” Hyat said.

    The HoS appealed to the workers to be patient, adding that goverment was making serious efforts to address the issue.

    He called on media organisations to ensure they get authentic information on issues before going to press to avoid embarrassment.

  • Military remains neutral, fair to all – Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim

    Military remains neutral, fair to all – Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim

    Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, the Commander, of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) maintaining peace in Plateau and environs says the military will remain neutral and fair to all in securing the nation.

    Newsmen reports that the OPSH is a multi-task force in charge of security of lives and properties in Plateau, Bauchi and parts of southern Kaduna.

    It was established 2010 and comprises of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and Department of State Security (DSS), the Police component consists of the Mobile Police and the Special Investigation Bureau (SIB).

    Ali, who is also the General Officer Commanding (GOC) III Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, made this known when he received a delegation from the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue visited him Wednesday in Jos.

    He said that the OPSH adopted non-kinetic strategies toward eradicate violence-tendencies that could led to chaos in the society.

    He maintained that the operation has zero tolerance for human rights violation, adding that its target is to create a more secured environment for the actualization of steady growth and development.

    Ali, who lauded the organization for its role in mitigating conflict in communities, said that the meeting would strengthen the relationship between it and the military particularly in the areas of information sharing and prompt response to security threats.

    Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Project Associate of the organisation, Mrs Olufemi Domkap, lauded OPSH for responding to security threats base on credible information provided by it.

    She said that the group had made huge contribution toward influencing the lives of troublemakers in society to embrace peace and friendliness among diverse ethnic and religious groups.

    Domkap, however, highlighted the need to strengthen the capacity of women for the enhancement of ”back-door” conversation during conflict resolution.

    She called for the training of traditional rulers in the areas of mediation and conflict resolution, adding if communities adopt local method of dispute resolution permanent peace can be achieved.

  • Plateau attacks: Irigwe, Fulani communities sign peace pact

    Plateau attacks: Irigwe, Fulani communities sign peace pact

    Irigwe and Fulani ethnic groups in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau, have signed peace pact, as part of efforts to end attacks in the area.

    The document was signed by Chairman of Irigwe/Fulani Peace Committee, Rev. John Pawa, the Co-Chairman, Alhaji Yau’u Idris, and Chairman of Bassa Local Government, Mr Stephen Igmala, at Jebbu Bassa.

    Speaking at the event, Director-General of Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Dr Joseph Lengman, said that the document was produced by a 16-man committee, comprising the two ethnic groups.

    According to him, the groups are from Irigwe chiefdom in Miango district of Bassa council area.

    He said that the committee held series of consultations, conducted investigations on the causes of the conflicts, did impact assessment and proffered modalities for sustainable peace.

    Lengman said that the document stated that humanity should be the fulcrum for sustainable peaceful co-existence through which disputes would be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect for values, while individual beliefs would be raised above parochial interest.

    He thanked Gov. Simon Lalong for the peace initiative, aimed at ensuring peaceful co-existence between the two communities.

    The director-general also commended the ethnic groups for signing the documents, coupled with their resolve to co-exist peacefully in spite of their differences.

    In his remarks, the Mbra Ngwe Irigwe (paramount leader) of Irigwe nation, Rev. Ronku Aka, said that peace was critical to the progress of any society.

    According to him, the two ethnic groups have mutual benefits to derive from living together.

    He thanked the state government, non-government organisations and other key stakeholders for their peace efforts in the area, while calling for prayers to ensure adherence to the agreement.

    In his remarks, the governor said that the signed document could be used for future interventions, either by state or non-state actors in the council area, urging the ethnic groups to enlighten their members on its content.

    “It is your document and you must ensure that you enlighten and sensitise your respective communities on the importance of respecting all the articles contained therein,” he said.

    Lalong said that his administration would support the implementation of the agreement, especially the recommendations that required appropriate policy response, to address the root causes of the inter-communal conflict.

    “Similarly, I have also directed PPBA to work in conjunction with security agencies as well as local and international partners to support the safe return and resettlement of all the victims of violent conflict in Miango and environs.

    “This also involves the provision of pyscho-social support and additional trainings to youth groups and women,” he said.

    The governor thanked members of the committee, traditional and religious leaders in the area, NGOs, security agencies and other stakeholders for their efforts at mitigating the violent clashes which had lingered in the area for more than two decades.

    “We are proud to note that there is a general decline in the spate of ethno-religious crisis and violent attacks, far lower than the scale witnessed before we came into office,” he said.

    The governor said that the agreement was the product of the voluntarily commitment between the two warring communities to finding solutions to the recurring violence, stressing that the state government only facilitated the process.

    Representatives of the two ethnic groups promised to sensitise their people on the need for peaceful co-existence and called for measures against any defaulter.

    Other signatories included: the two chairmen of Plateau State Inter-Religious Council (PSIR), Rev Pandang Yamsat and Dr Muhammadu Haruna, as well as the director-general of PPBA.

    Many NGOs, ethnic groups and religious organizations, such as CAN and JNI, attended the event.

    NAN

  • 2023 : PFN declares June 26 PVC Sunday, says members must attend service with voter cards

    The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has appealed to churches to mobilize eligible Christians to get obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    This was contained in a statement signed and released by Rev. Steven Dangana, the Plateau state chairman of the Christian body in Jos, Nigeria.

    Dangana also said the Fellowship had declared June 26, as ”PVC Sunday”.

    He said members would be expected to attend church service with their PVCs that day.

    The chairman explained that the decision to declare the PVC Sunday was taken at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on June 16 in Lagos.

    Dangana called on heads of churches to mobilise their eligible members, to register for their PVCs.

    He said the leadership of the Fellowship had constituted a special committee to consult widely and advise it on the direction to go in the forthcoming general polls.

  • Guber ticket: 18 Plateau APC aspirants reject Yilwatda

    Aspirants in the just-concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in Plateau have protested against the emergence of Dr Nentawe Yilwatda as the candidate of the party.

    The aspirants expressed their disappointment and disapproval of the primaries in a statement signed by the Secretary of ‘Forum of Plateau APC Aspirants’, Dr Danyaro Sarpiya.

    The statement made available to newsmen in Jos alleged that the whole  process  was  not  in  consonance  with  the  APC guidelines for the momination of candidates for the 2023 general elections.

    They dismissed the claims that a gubernatorial primaries took place on May 26, 2022, saying that the exercise was null and void and should be set aside.

    They called for the review of congresses from the ward level so as to make way for the proper election of delegates to participate in another primaries that would produce a credible candidate.

    “We have written an appeal to the appeal committee for a redress of this fraud to save the APC on the Plateau.

    “Our grounds of appeal centre on the fact that there was no delegate election and the list of delegates was constantly being amended with the last change effected on the day of the primaries.

    “The said delegates were sequestered by political appointees as well as Local Government Chairmen.

    “During the primaries, unauthorised persons were in the venue to intimidate and follow up delegate votes,” they alleged.

    The aspirants recalled that they had raised fundamental issues at a press briefing on May 9, and alerted the world about plans to impose Yilwatda on the party.

    Efforts to get the reaction of Plateau APC proved abortive as the Publicity Secretary, Mr Sylvanus Namang, told newsmen that he was “busy with APC Senate primaries”.

  • Provide level playing field for aspirants -Plateau deputy gov. to APC

    Provide level playing field for aspirants -Plateau deputy gov. to APC

    The Deputy Governor of Plateau, Prof. Sonni Tyoden, has urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remain resolute and allow a level-playing ground for all the contestants in forthcoming primary elections.

    Tyoden, a governorship aspirant in the APC, made the call while addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Jos.

    ”The leadership of our party must provide a level playing field for all aspirants. This, will provide an opportunity for all party members to be on the same page and move together.

    ”Democracy is all about fairness, justice and equity, and so our party must been seen promoting such ideals of democracy for the interest of all,” he said.
    Tyoden also advised delegates to vote credible aspirants that would lead the party to victory at the general polls.

    ”I advice delegates to do the needful by voting objectively and decisively.
    ”They should not be carried away by material things but vote aspirants who will take the party to victory at the general elections,” he advised.

    Tyoden, a one-time Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, said he has all it takes to become the governor of the Plateau.

    Thenewsguru.com reports that the APC reviewed its timetable for primary elections into various elective positions.
    Malam Suleiman Argungu, the National Organising Secretary of the party, released the new timetable on May 10 with few adjustments to the original one.

     

    In the previous timetable, the primaries for governorship was fixed for May 18, the state House of Assembly for May 20, while the primaries for House of Representatives and Senate were scheduled for May 22 and 24 respectively.

    With the new timetable, the primary for governorship is now May 20, while House of Assembly is May 22.

    The primaries for Senate and House of Representatives are now May 24 and 25 respectively.

    Newsmen reports that screening for presidential, governorship, Senate and House of Representatives aspirants will take place on May 14, while the screening of the House of Assembly will take place on May 13.

    These changes may be connected to the ongoing amendment to section 84(8) of the Electoral Act.

    The current Electoral Act excludes statutory delegates from indirect primaries. If the parties should proceed without the amendment passed, statutory delegates will be exempted from participating in the primaries.

    Although the Senate has passed the amendment, the House of Representatives is yet to concur.

    The lower chamber will consider the bill on Wednesday before it will now be transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

    These adjustments are coming amidst call for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the deadline for the conclusion of all primaries.

    The country’s 18 registered political parties, through the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), on Tuesday, asked the commission to review its timetable and schedule of activities to afford member parties enough time to put their houses in order.

  • Women Affairs Minister, Tallen withdraws from senatorial race

    Women Affairs Minister, Tallen withdraws from senatorial race

    Women Affairs Minister Pauline Tallen has dropped her senatorial ambition in the 2023 election.

    Tallen made this known in a statement in Abuja.

    She said her decision was to enable her focus on the foundation laid towards the advancement and realisation of gender equality in leadership positions in the country.

    ” With profound gratitude and great humility, I have decided to voluntarily step down from the Senatorial race sequel to the yearnings of Women and other well meaning Nigerians.

    ” Who see the need for a strong voice for Women at the Senate having consulted widely with my family, well-wishers and supporters conscious of the role I play for Women in Nigeria today.

    “So to all Nigerian Women and young girls who have raised concerns as to what next, rest assured that I, Dame Pauline K. Tallen, OFR, KSG have not submitted any resignation letter.

    “And therefore, it is my decision not to go ahead with this request but carry on as the Minister of Women Affairs,”she said.

    According to her, President Buhari’s commitment to the advancement of Women, necessitated the need for her to continue as the minister, which will aide in addressing challenges affecting women and children.

    ” Our nation has a long standing commitment in overcoming the challenges that inhibit women from bringing about positive changes and the requisite impacts when given a place at the table of decision making.

    ” My appointment as the Minister of Women Affairs is indicative of this progress and I cannot lose sight of this opportunity,” she said.

    The minister, therefore expressed her appreciation to the wife of the president, Dr Aisha Buhari, her constituency and all well-wishers for their continuous support.

    On May 8, Tallen announced that she will be vying for the Plateau South Senatorial seat in the 2023 general elections.

    Plateau South Senatorial District covers six local government areas namely, Langtang North, Langtang South, Mikang, Qua’anpan, Shendam, and Wase.

    Buhari had on Thursday, issued a directive to all appointees seeking nomination ahead of the APC primaries to resign on or before May 16.

    The directive followed the decision of the Court of Appeal to dismiss a suit that challenged section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, which prohibits appointees from participating in a convention as a delegate or nominee