TheNewsGuru

Tag: Plateau

  • JUST IN: Abductors of Plateau PDP chairman, son demand N100m ransom

    The abductors of Plateau State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Damishi Sango, have demanded a ransom of N100 million for his release.

    The former Minister of Sports was kidnapped on Wednesday by unknown gunmen. Also abducted with him are his son, driver, a prominent chieftain of the PDP in Plateau State and another victim that is yet to be identified.

    The Publicity Secretary of PDP in Plateau State, John Akans told our correspondent that the kidnappers have contacted the family and have demanded N100 million ransom.

    He said, “The kidnappers have contacted the family of Damishi Sango and are demanding for N100 million. The family spoke with him and he assured them that he is safe. None of the five persons including, his son, have been released.

    “They are still in the captivity of their abductors. From what they demanded, we are waiting to see whether they will come down from tomorrow. I’m on my way to Abuja.”

     

    Details later…

  • Plateau killings: NAF deploys fighter jets to check incessant violence

    Sequel to the incessant killings and violence in Plateau State, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Thursday said it has deployed its air assets and personnel to the state to curtail the ugly trend that has claimed several lives in the state.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya said the development was in accordance with the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar in line with the directive issued by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Service Chiefs.

    Adesanya maintained in a statement that the deployment of the air assets would also prevent reprisal attacks and escalation of the crisis.

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed some of its air assets and personnel to Jos, the Plateau State capital, to support Operation SAFE HAVEN to maintain peace and curtail senseless killings as well as possible spread of violence in some parts of the State.

    “The deployment was ordered by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, in compliance with the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, to ensure that an end is put to the current spate of violence and killings in the state.

    ” The deployment is also to ensure the prevention of reprisal attacks, which could escalate the conflict. The deployed NAF assets include the L-39ZA aircraft and the EC-135 helicopter, which are to provide necessary air cover to the surface forces participating in the Operation in the State.

    “It would be recalled that the NAF has always acted in aid of civil authority, whenever called upon to do so, in line with its statutory role.

    “The NAF, apart from its presence in the North East to fight Boko Haram insurgents, has also deployed its air assets and personnel in recent times to Kafachan in Southern Kaduna and Takum in Taraba State to stop incessant communal clashes.

    ” The NAF remains focused on its primary responsibility of ensuring the security of the citizenry while continuing to count on their support and understanding”.

  • N1.162bn fraud: Ex-Plateau governor, Joshua Dariye closes case

    Former governor of Plateau State, Joshua Dariye on Tuesday, in an FCT High Court sitting in Gudu, closed his defence in the alleged N1.162 billion fraud trial.

    Dariye is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a 21-count charge of money laundering and diversion of ecological funds to the tune of N1.162 billion belonging to the state.

    The former governor, now a Senator closed his case after calling 16 defence witnesses.

    Dariye’s counsel, Mr Kanu Agabi (SAN), told the court that they have closed their case and applied for a written address.

    “My Lord, I am pleased to inform your Lordship we are closing the case for the defence and we will like to address you,’’ Agabi said.

    Mr O. Atolagbe, holding the brief of Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), the EFCC prosecution, did not object to the application.

    Atolagbe said that the prosecution will also be grateful to address the court.

    Justice Adebukola Banjoko adjourned hearing until Dec. 7, for the written addresses.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Dariye, on Sept. 18, employed Agabi, a former Attorney General of the Federation, as his new counsel after his lawyer, Mr Garba Pwul withdrew from the case.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Dariye recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, on the floor of the Senate.

  • Gunmen kill 20 in Plateau village

    Gunmen kill 20 in Plateau village

    No fewer than 20 persons were killed in a night attack by suspected gunmen at Ancha Village of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.

    A resident of the area said that the attack took place in the late hours of Thursday.

    The source, who preferred anonymity, also said that the attack left scores severely injured.

    The Spokesperson of the Plateau Police Command, ASP Terna Tyopev, confirmed the attack but could not give details.

    “Yes, we are aware of the attack, but we don’t have the details now.

    “We are on our way to the scene of the attack to get first-hand information on the situation, ‘” he said.

     

    NAN

  • Plateau Deputy Speaker, Yusuf Gagdi impeached, says I’m happy my profile is untainted

    Plateau Deputy Speaker, Yusuf Gagdi impeached, says I’m happy my profile is untainted

    The Plateau State House of Assembly has impeached its deputy speaker, Yusuf Gagdi.

    Gagdi, who is of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, was removed from office on Tuesday after the majority leader, Henry Yunkwap, read the impeachment notice signed by 18 of the 24 members of the House.

    According to the majority leader, the impeachment notice followed a vote of no confidence on Mr. Gagdi.

    The clerk of the assembly, Ayuba Gongu, confirmed verification of the signatures of the legislators who signed the impeachment.

    The impeachment was via a voice vote by members.

    Consequently, Mr Salleh Shehu, member representing Dengi Constituency in the Assembly was voted in as the new Deputy Speaker of the House.

    Shehu was nominated by Mr Henry Dakogol, member representing Qua’pan North Constituency.

    Commenting on his impeachment in an interview with journalists shortly after Tuesday sitting, Mr. Gagdi said he was happy that his removal was not linked to any fraud, saying he believed it was done in good faith.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Gagdi seconded the nomination of his successor.

    Mr. Gagdi represents Kantana constituency in the House.

  • INEC declares APC candidate winner of Plateau by-election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared Mr Jackson Nimmwang, APC candidate, the winner of Saturday’s Langtang South State Constituency by-election in Plateau.

    The INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Tor Iorapuu, declared in Mabodi, that Nimmwang polled 3,688 votes to beat Mr Rinsmicit Emmanuel of Mega Progressives Peoples Party (MPPP)l, who scored 83 votes.

    Iorapuu said that the turn out at the election was very low, noting that the constituency had 48,615 registered voters.

    He, however, described the election as “very free and fair’’.

    The by-election was sequel to a Federal High Court judgement, which invalidated the victory of Vincent Bulus, the PDP candidate in the April 14, 2015 elections after it was proved that he was an ex-convict.

    Only APC and MPPP vied for the seat since the PDP and its candidate were disqualified.

    A total of 400 trained ad-hoc staff, drawn from NYSC and tertiary institutions, conducted the election, which was supervised by the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Jacob Jatau.

    Commenting on the outcome, Mr Nicholas Vongsing, Management Chairman, Lantang South Local Government, expressed happiness that the election went on peacefully.

  • Plateau presents N6b supplementary budget for Assembly’s approval

    Plateau presents N6b supplementary budget for Assembly’s approval

    The Plateau Executive Council has approved a supplementary budget of N6.74 billion to be presented to the state House of Assembly for approval.

    Malam Muhammad Nazif, Commissioner for Information and Communication, said this on Tuesday while briefing newsmen after the executive council meeting in Jos.

    Nazif said the supplementary budget was to finance some ongoing projects and programmes in some ministries, departments and agencies.

    “Today’s meeting discussed one addendum, a supplementary budget meant for the ministries of agriculture, works and commerce, as well as pensions and the water board.

    “They have exhausted their budget for the year and they need funds to complete ongoing projects, as well as other programmes,” Nazif said.

    The commissioner stated that the budget would be presented to the State Assembly to undergo legislative ratification and approval.

    He, however, added that the state’s 2017 budget would be presented to the assembly before the end of the month.

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr Pam Dongs, during the briefing said that the state government would include the construction of pedestrian bridges on expressways in next year’s budget.

    Dongs said the bridges became necessary because of the dualisation of roads in the Jos metropolis, making it difficult for pedestrian to cross.

    The commissioner also said that speed breakers (bumps) would be built on the Secretariat Junction flyover, to reduce speed that had caused many accidents.