NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM CONGRATULATES VICE PRESIDENT OSINBAJO AT 63
The Northern Governors Forum has sent warm felicitations to the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as he marks his 63rd birthday (8th March 2020). The Forum in a message through its Chairman and Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is a unique gift to Nigeria as he has been tenacious and patriotic in his service to the country and the upliftment of it’s people. Lalong said “as Chairman of the National Economic Council, Prof. Osinbajo has shown his deep knowledge and understanding of the challenges facing the Nigerian economy as well as deployed his versatility, team spirit and mobilization skills in advancing practical solutions to its improvement”. He added that” the vice President has shown total loyalty not only to President Muhammadu Buhari, but to the nation by giving reliable counsel and carrying out his assignments with excellence”. The Chairman also highlighted the Vice President’s deep passion for the liberation of the poor through strategic empowerment programmes that have created jobs for many Nigerians and increased the quantity, quality and capacity of Micro-Medium and Small Scale Enterprises. Lalong also said that the Northern Governors Forum in particular has enjoyed cordial working relationship with the Vice President as he has supported efforts at reducing poverty, tackling the challenges of Almajiri System, improving agricultural development, tackling insecurity as well as ending the farmer herder clashes. While praying for God to continue to grant the Vice President many more years of peace, good health and prosperity, Governor Lalong asked him to continue to offer his wisdom and knowledge to the growth of Nigeria’s democracy and the enhancement of Nigeria’s ruling party, the APC.
Makut Simon Macham, Ph.D Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum 8th March 2020.
This is to notify the general public that the Electoral Committee of Plateau state Polytechnic Alumni Association will today 7th March, 2020 11.50pm close the sales of nomination form as specified in the Electoral guidelines
Members of the general public are hereby advice to conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner as there’s stift penalty for campaign of columny and character defamation.
PLATEAU STATE PDP CONGRESSES A LITMUS TASTE AHEAD OF 2023, THE CHALLENGE .
7TH MARCH 2020 .
It is yet another time the people will gather through her constitutional measures to choose leaders who will produce a future for a pragmatic and classical representation.
PDP has so far remain the only political party that has over the last one and half decade to almost two decades maintain and respect her constitutional provisions. This has gone far to speak of her laudable ply as a political party that has sustained been able to successfully link her numerous followers around the world with the needed confidence that democracy is the best option for governance in Nigeria.
Since PDP took a leaf from the political hemisphere of leadership of Nigeria, the political decision of the people have been revamped and their is likely going to be a political revolution that will ushered a more qualify structure for the political bridge building for Nigeria democracy.
The PDP congress is sure of producing good results and to also transform the system from a door political revolution to a wider show of capacity from the ward up to the local government and from the local government to the state party structure.
It has become glaring that the voice of the people will prevail to ensure a leadership will come through status quo to ushers In new party leadership that will frown at the use of excess power than the view of the people at all times.
The People democratic Party congress will be an apparatus to measures the party faith ahead of 2023. If the party failed at the congress there will like be a serious crisis and a political downturn which will open doors for series of crisis to emanate that can deter the party from recording future success at the poles.
The success of every political party is determine by a good calculative congress which is transparent and highly participatory at all levels.
The expectation of the congress will eventually produces a good outcome to enable a good 2023 visibility study.
Let the election be free and fair to correct past mistakes that has eventually lead to lost of previous elections of the party at some levels.
Let the party take note of previous weaknesses yo correct her future failure from the current congress as a tool for producing eligible party men with true love for the growth and sustainability of democracy in Nigeria at large.
TEXT OF A PRESS BRIEFING BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) PLATEAU STATE HON. GWOTT YAKUBU CHOCHO
ON FRIDAY MARCH 6TH 2020, AT THE STATE PARTY SECRETARIAT, NO 20/22 YAKUBU GOWON WAY JOS.
Ladies and gentlemen of the press.
It is with great pleasure and deep sense of gratitude to God, that I welcome you all to my first press briefing as the State Chairman of our great party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
It also gladdens my heart to let you know about our continuing efforts to sustain the peace and unity in our party and State at large.
We are proud as a team of EXCO led by my humble self to state very clearly that today our great party is one united family working for a greater victory ahead as we plan for more success, we have every reason to appreciate our leaders, Distinguish Senator I.D. Gyang, Da Sen. Jonah David Jang, Sen. J.T. Useni, Sen. Ibrahim Mantu, all members of the State and National Assembly and all the BOT members and indeed Stakeholders, they are all determined and conscious of the need to raise this party from its squalid level of mutual distrust. Prolonged crisis to what we now have today a one big united family.
Our members of both State and National Assembly and indeed the National leadership particularly the National Chairman, prince Uche Secondus the National Deputy Chairman Senator Nazif Gamawa, our National Vice Chairman North Central Hon. Dakas Shan and the entire members of the National Working Committee (NWC) have all earned our undying gratitude, the party will never forget all your contributions and sacrifices to see that we are one as a big family.
With these great achievements so far, and many more to come you will all agree with us that PDP today remains the only political party with leaders of like- minds, who are all prompted by a sense of patriotism and nation building, working together under the umbrella of the party for reconciliation, economic and reconstruction, respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Today is the day to start a new beginning for better days ahead for the party and indeed lovers of democracy which we believe at the end, will result to greater victory.
Ladies and gentlemen of the press, our attention today has been drawn to a controversial Bill for a law to make Provision for the Administration of Land in Plateau State and for other matters connected to 2019, sponsored by one Hon. Dasun Philip Peter, member representing Pankshin North in the Plateau Sate House of Assembly.
This bill has passed its second reading on Tuesday 3rd March, 2020 and is expected to pass its 3rd reading on 25th March, 2020. PART II (1) of the bill states that ‘Pursuant to the provision of the Land use Act, the Governor shall in respect of Land in the State whether or not the Land is located in an urban Area have power to: (a) grant statutory rights of occupancy to any person for all purposes.
The bill firstly contradicts the Land use Act of 1978 which is enshrined in the provisions stated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The Land Use Act, enacted in 1978, was meant to standardize land administration systems across the country.
It vested all urban land within a State in the state governor and all non-urban land in the Local Governments in which they are found. (There are currently 36 States in Nigeria and 774 Local Government Areas). The State governor and Local Government authorities are empowered by the Act to grant ‘statutory rights of occupancy” to areas within their jurisdiction.
This bill if passed without expunging that part that contradict the Land Use Act and allows the Governor total control over the entire Land of the Sate, Plateau people will be deprive of their land which is part of their heritage and their ancestral inheritance.
Therefore, we see this as an attempt of the executive governor to cede some portions of individuals and community land belonging to Plateau people for his RUGA agenda.
It is unfortunate that up to this moment our dear governor has continued to exhibit a deep sense of ill will towards the people of Plateau in favour of his pay masters.
It is on this note that I am here to express my strongest assurance to all Plateau people and party members across the State that the party will ensure that free and fair level ground is given to all members to participate in the coming ward, LGA and State Congresses to pave way for good governance in Plateau State come 2023.
We also want to caution that all elections will be conducted within the principle enshrined in our guidelines and the party’s Constitution as information reaching us indicates that there are plans by some APC members to cause disaffection during the congresses, some have even gone to purchase nomination forms to contest certain positions in the party to serve as moles of APC.
We therefore wish to use this medium to encourage and inform genuine party members that those whose names are in the register are the only ones entitled and eligible to vote and be voted for during this exercise.
Governors of the six states in North-east Nigeria on Thursday held an unusual regional meeting in Gombe State where they discussed the prevailing security and socio-economic challenges facing their zone. The governors asked their attorneys general to meet with security agencies and work out an approach to enhance regional security within the ambits of the law. The governors of Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states held the meeting in Gombe town where they brainstormed and proffered possible solutions that could address the problems. The one-day meeting, which started in the afternoon, dragged into the night after which a communique was issued. Before the meeting, relevant government agencies including the Northeast Development Commission (NEDCO) briefed the governor on the real situation of things in the region and how they could go about providing lasting solutions. The host governor, Inuwa Yahaya, read out a 14 point communique at the end of the meeting, which he said will henceforth hold every quarter. “We, the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Bauchi, Gombe Taraba, and Yobe states met in Gombe today 5th March 2020, in order to brainstorm on the challenges facing the Northeast subregion with a view to offering solutions towards solving them. “After exhaustive deliberations, we resolved as follows: “The forum noted with satisfaction the formation of Northeast Development Commission and thanked Mr. President, the Assembly, and all Nigerians for their humanitarian support for the region. “The forum is committed to providing all the necessary support to the commission with a view to achieving its objectives. “The forum directed all the Attorney Generals of the Northeast state to meet with the security agents and possibility of enhancing security in the sub region within the ambits of the law. “The forum demands that all projects that have to be implemented by the NEDCO will be delivered in a demand-driven approach that takes into consideration our needs and priorities. “The Forum agreed that local content development is key to our success and we are committed to supporting local content initiatives with all development programs. “We agree to support the initiatives that will ensure the agreed Mambilla Hydro Power Projects in order to ensure improved productivity and Nigeria at large. “We agree with the possibility of regional power generation and to examine the ownership of the Electricity Distribution Companies among other things. “The forum praised the federal government of Nigeria on the ongoing oil exploration and thanked the National Assembly and Nigerians at large on the real interest of finding oil in the Northeast sub region.” The forum agreed to establish a technical working committee to implement all the actions agreed upon and agreed to meet quarterly.
GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES ACTING PRESIDENT OF THE COURT OF APPEAL JUSTICE M.B. DONGBAN-MENSEM
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Hon. Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem over her appointment as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal.
Governor Lalong in a congratulatory message described her appointment as well deserved because of her impeccable record of performance in the Judiciary over many years. Lalong said he has no doubt that justice Dongban will discharge her new responsibility with the highest decorum, professionalism, diligence and patriotism so as to add value to the second highest court in the land.
He said “We in Plateau State are extremely proud of this feat by one of our daughters who has given her best in the service of Nigeria and in the dispensing justice to all manner of people without fear or favour. We have no doubt that she will excel in this huge responsibility and demonstrate the true Plateau spirit of honesty, fairness and fear of God. We shall uphold her in prayers”.
The Governor thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and Chief Justice of Nigeria for their recommendation and approval in line with constitutional provisions and judicial tradition. It will be recalled that President Buhari approved the appointment of Justice Dongban for an initial period of three months, with effect from March 6, 2020, when the incumbent President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, CFR, would statutorily retire from service.
Justice Dongban-Mensem, who is the next most senior Judge of the Court of Appeal, will be acting pending when a substantive appointment to the position of the President of the Court of Appeal may be made by President Buhari subject to the confirmation of the Senate.
The President’s approval of the appointment of Justice Dongban-Mensem, followed the recommendation of the Chief Justice of Nigeria in line with the provisions of Section 238(4) & (5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
Makut Simon Macham, Ph.D Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State 5th March 2020
-PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Hon. Justice Monica B. Dongban Mensem as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal for an initial period of three (3) months.
The appointment is with effect from March 6, 2020, when the incumbent President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, would statutorily retire from service.
A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu in Abuja on Thursday stated that Justice Mensem, who is the next most senior Judge of the Court of Appeal, will be acting pending when a substantive appointment to the position of the President of the Court of Appeal may be made by President Buhari subject to the confirmation of the Senate.
Plateau PDP Resolves to Maintain Status Quo on Executives, to Implement 35% Slots for Women
Plateau PDP Resolves to Maintain Status Quo on Executives, to Implement 35% Slots for Women PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY,(PDP) PLATEAU STATE. 20/22 YAKUBU GOWON WAY,OPP NTA, JOS.
COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE JOINT CAUCUS AND STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (SEC) MEETING OF 4TH DAY OF MARCH 2020.
The new leadership of the people’s Democratic party (PDP) in the state, under Hon Yakubu Gwott Chocho, determined to reposition and rebrand the party to a greater height, covered a meeting of both CAUCUS AND STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (SEC) this day 4th day of march 2020.
In continuation of it’s determination and burning desire to give Nigerians and in particular plateau people good governance especially at this trying period of difficulties our nation is going through.
At today’s meeting, chaired by the state chairman Hon Yakubu Gwott Chocho,also in attendance were members of both CAUCUS and SEC including our only local government executive chairman, Hon Dr Joshua Laven (Ubandoma)also in attendance are members of state and national assembly , Sen Ibrahim mantu, Hon Beni Lar, Hon Dachung Bagos, Senator J T Useni our governorship candidate and his running mate Dr James Dalok among others.with apologise from our father Da J .D .Jang, who lost his personal assistance.
ISSUES DISCUSSED…
2020 Party’s Congress: (zoning of party’s offices) . The meeting noted in line with its continuation principle of zoning formula both at state and national level.
Having noted that, the meeting unanimously endorsed that status quo be maintained as it is in the state.
35% women inclusion in EXCO’s position at all levels.
The meeting received briefing from the state chairman on 35% women inclusion as discussed and agreed by the national executive committee (NEC).
Having received the briefing, the meeting commended the position of the national executive committee (NEC) for given women 35% inclusion.
Signed…
John. T . Akans, ksm FICA. State publicity secretary , plateau state.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM FELICITATE WITH FORMER PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO @ 83
Members of the Northern Governors Forum have extended their warm felicitations to Nigeria’s former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on his 83rd birthday, (March 5, 2020). In a congratulatory message to the former President, Chairman of the forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong praised Chief Obasanjo for his visionary and patriotic service to Nigeria, the African Continent, and the world at large. Lalong described Chief Obasanjo as a leader who has given his best to the nation and humanity in the various positions of responsibility he has occupied over the years. The Northern Governors Forum particularly praised his commitment to the growth of democracy, good governance and human rights which he has pursued in and out of office and under different platforms across the globe. They urged the former President not to relent in offering his weath of wisdom and experience to the present leadership at all levels, particularly as Nigeria continues its march towards consolidating democracy, fight against corruption and insecurity. The forum wished him more years of good health, God’s divine wisdom and protection as he keeps serving Nigeria, the African continent, and the world.
Makut Simon Macham, Ph.D Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum March 4, 2020.
An FCT High Court in Jabi, Abuja has suspended Adams Oshiomhole as the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Justice Danlami Senchi, on Wednesday, ordered Oshiomhole to step down pending the determination of the substantive suit seeking his perpetual removal as the APC chairman. There have been calls from sections of the APC for Oshiomhole to resign and he was suspended by the Edo State chapter of the party last November.
Oshiomhole’s suspension by party
Oshiomhole was suspended last November by the Edo State chapter of the APC over his alleged role in the crisis rocking the party in the state. The decision, according to a statement signed by the State Chairman, Aslem Ojezua, and Assistant State Secretary, Ikuenobe Anthony, followed the vote of no confidence passed on Comrade Oshiomhole by the chairmen of the APC in the 18 local government areas of the state. The statement read in part: “Consequent on the development, the State Executive Committee has adopted the vote of no confidence passed on him and the subsisting suspension order from the organs of the party in the state.” It said the decision was necessary to prevent a repeat of what happened in Zamfara State, where the party was unable to field any candidate in elections Oshiomhole no longer APC chair In January, The APC National Vice Chairman for North East, Comrade Mustapha Salihu, said Oshiomhole was not fit to be called the National Chairman, following his suspension by the party’s chapter in Edo state. Comrade Salihu, while briefing journalists after a contentious meeting of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), said, “I am here just to give you a brief of what transpired just now; the illegality that just transpired now. This has been prevalent in this party since Adams Oshiomhole took over. “We also want to follow up with the suspension of the National Chairman, to know the status, whether or not, as we speak, he is fit to be a National Chairman or whether that court order is still subsisting which before the end of today, I will let you know. I will find out if there is any court order that vacates it. “If there is no court that vacates it, I will produce the subsisting court order for you for publication and will write to INEC, the DSS, he should not be recognized as the National Chairman.” Oshiomhole’s justification Oshiomhole is insisting his accomplishments since assuming the mantle of leadership in 2018 did not deserve the call for his resignation. Oshiomhole who spoke at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on January 2 shortly after presenting a card to celebrate the 2020 New Year to President Muhammadu Buhari. The former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) wondered why some people would demand his resignation in spite of the electoral successes recorded before and after the 2019 general elections. He said the National Working Committee (NWC) under his leadership reclaimed Ekiti State and retained Osun State before the 2019 general elections. Oshiomhole said President Buhari also garnered more votes to defeat his challenger in the 2019 presidential election than in 2015, stressing that “we would like to claim credit for that because if it went the other way, we would be crucified.”
MiddleBelt Reporters 