The unfortunate abduction of the Pankwal Bogghom, HRH Shehu Suleiman, by daredevil kidnappers at his residence in Namaran in the early hours of Monday 20th April, 2020 was despicable and condemnable in all ramifications.
The octogenarian second class monarch of the Bogghom Chiefdom in Kanam Local Government Area is an epitome of peace and tranquility who personifies the unity that characterizes the peaceful coexistence among the various clans that sum up the Bogghom Chiefdom. HRH Shehu Suleiman is a dependable member of the Kanam Emirate Council whose landmark contributions to the development of the entire local government cannot be ignored.
It is against the backdrop of the good deeds and significant importance of the royal father that his abductors will meet their waterloo sooner than later, because the prayers of his faithful subjects and well wishers alike will not go unanswered.
As we prayer for the immediate and unconditional release of the royal father and some family members of the District Head of Bashar, who were also abducted over the weekend, I urge the security apparatus not to rest on their oars until the abductors are apprehended and brought to book for their dastardly act.
This has also exposed the porous security condition under which our royal fathers operate, and the need for the authorities concerned to beef up security around our royalties, who have become preys for kidnappers in recent times.
All hands must be on deck to ensure that security of every Nigerian is guaranteed from men of the underworld, when every citizen becomes security conscious and report suspicious movements around our environment. Once again, I pray for the immediate release of the royal father and all other captors languishing in abductors den everywhere in the country.
Signed: Rt Hon. Yusuf Gagdi (Dan Malikin Kanam and Dan Majen Jahr) Member Representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency and the Chairman House Committee on Navy.
SEN. DIMKA EXPRESSED DISPLEASURE ON THE ABDUCTION OF THE PANKWAL BOGGHOM AND SOME FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT OF BASHAR.
The Senator presenting Plateau Central NDE Hezekiah A. Dimka expressed his displeasure on the sad incident of the abduction of Pankwal Bogghom in Kanam LGA of Plateau state in the early hours of today Monday 20/4/2020 at his palace.
The Senator noted that Alh. Shehu Suleiman, the Pankwal Bogghom is a man of peace and someone who always advocate for peaceful coexistence in Plateau. His abduction is condemnable, given his status, age and the symbol he represent as a 2nd Class Traditional Ruler.
The Senator is in touch with the family of the Pankwal, and the relevant authorities to ensure the timely release of the Paramount ruler.
He called on the good people of Plateau Central to offer special prayers for the timely release of the monarch.
In another vein, the Senator sympathized with the Bashar Chiefdom and Bashar District on the sad incident of the abduction of some family members of the District Head of Bashar some days ago.
The Senator expressed his concern to the royal families and prayed for God to grant the victims speedy release from the abduction.
The Senator noted with serious concern and determination to support the Plateau State’s Government effort towards the establishment of Community Policing model for the security of the state.
ND Shehu Kanam SLA to Senator Hezekiah Dimka of Plateau Central District.
KANAM ROYAL ABDUCTION. COUNCIL CHAIRMAN ORDERED SECURITY AGENCIES TO ENSURE THE RELEASE OF THE ROYAL FATHER.
The Executive Chairman of Kanam Local Government Council Hon Wokdung Adamu Abbas, On behalf of the Kanam Legislative Council, the Executive, the Bogghom Chiefdom, Kanam traditional Council and the entire peace loving people of the council announces the sad and unfortunate news of the abduction of PANKWAL BOGGHOM, his royal Highness Alh Shehu Sulaiman at the early hours of Monday 20th April, 2020 by unknown gunmen.
The Council boss had since directed the security agencies in the Council to go after the kidnappers with the view to ensure his safe release.
By this announcement, the Chairman is appealing to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, his Excellency Barr Simon Bako lalong to beef up securities survellance in the Council.
Hon Wokdung while commiserating with the immediate family, the Bogghom Nation and the kanam traditional council, assured the people of the council of government primary concern of securing lives and properties.
The Chairman also prayed God almighty for the safe release of the royal father and expose his abductors.
Bashir Auta. SSA to the Executive Chairman (Media and publicity) Kanam Local Government Council. 20th April, 2020.
Eighty-six new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), taking Nigeria’s total infections to 627.
The NCDC confirmed this late on Sunday via a statement on Twitter.
According to the agency, of the 86 new cases, seventy were in Lagos, seven in FCT, three in Katsina, three in Akwa Ibom, one in Jigawa, one in Bauchi and one in Borno.
GANDUJE FIRES COMMISSIONER OVER INDISCREET COMMENTS
Kano state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has relieved the appointment of the commissioner of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Mu’azu Magaji with immediate effect.
A statement signed by the commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba said the commissioner was removed following his unguarded utterances against the person of the late Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari.
He said as a public servant, the commissioner ought to have respect the profanity of the office by refraining from any act capable of rendering the office to disrepute.
The action of a public servant, personal or otherwise reflects back on the government and therefore, the Ganduje administration would not tolerate people in official capacities engaging in personal vendetta or otherwise.
According to the statement, late Abba Kyari had led a life worthy of emulation by serving his country to the best of his ability.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FEDERAL CHARACTER AND UNIVERSITY OF JOS: NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES ON TRIAL A Press Conference by Concerned Citizens of the University of Jos Our attention has been drawn to the recent video trending in the social media on the interactive session, between the House Committee on Federal Character and the Management of the University of Jos. In the said video, the Committee alleged imbalances in the distribution of Staff of the University to the advantage of the North Central Zone and of Plateau State in particular. Having diligently watched the video clip, we observed the following: The Committee from its opening remarks had already presumed the University guilty of violating the Federal Character principles. Specifically, they referred to the University as the ‘Federal University of Plateau State’- an act that exposes a premeditated intention. While the said encounter was meant to be an interaction, we however, noted that it was rather an interrogation of the University Management, who were badgered with questions but not given the chance to adequately respond, thus denying them fair hearing. Specifically, we noted that while the University Management was willing to provide documentary evidence in support of their case, they were denied the opportunity. We noted, and sadly too, that the Committee of supposedly Honourable law makers descended to the level of issuing threats of prosecution on the University Management; a mandate they clearly lack. An academic institution such as the University is the ivory tower of learning, hosting a crop of intellectuals/scholars of international repute who train the critical human capital that forms the bedrock of national development as well as engage in researches that culminate in inventions and innovations for scientific advancement, societal development and human security. An interaction with representatives of this institution deserves a high level of decorum, which we found wanting in the video clip. While this was meant to be a Committee hearing on an investigation that is still on-going, we are at a loss how the video clip found its way out of the custody of the National Assembly into the social media and became viral. In the light of the foregoing, it is important to educate the Committee and the general public as follows: Structure of University Management: The Governing Council is the appropriate Organ responsible for appointments, employment and promotion of staff. Such appointments with regards to Principal Officers of the University, are usually well advertised and candidates given equal opportunities by the Council. The Council executes these functions on behalf of the Visitor, who is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For the avoidance of doubt, the composition of the current management team of the University of Jos is as follows: Name Position State of Origin Prof Sebastian Seddi Maimako Vice Chancellor Plateau (Succeded Prof Hayward Mafuyai) Vice-Chancellor Plateau Prof Ishaya Tanko DVC (Academic) Kebbi (Succeeded Prof Nelson Ochekpe DVC (Academic) Benue) Prof Greg Ejikeme (Administration) Abia (Succeeded Prof Teresa Nmadu DVC (Administration Niger) Mr. Philip F. Umbugala Bursar Nassarawa (Succeeded Mallam Alhassan Ibrahim) Bursar Kogi) Dr. Thomas A. Adigun Librarian Ogun (Succeeded Dr Stephen Akintunde Librarian Oyo) Mr. Monday Danjem Registrar Plateau (Succeeded Mr. Danjuma Jill-Dandam) Registrar Plateau It is worthy to note that, since inception of the University- forty five years ago, only six Plateau State indigenes have been appointed Vice Chancellors, and out of 24 Deputy Vice Chancellors, none had ever been from Plateau State. Similarly, in the forty five year history of the University, no Plateau indigene has ever been appointed Librarian; and only two were appointed Bursars. Note also that the constitution of the Governing Council of any University by the President is objective, respects diversity and selects men and women of impeccable character, covering all shades of interests. In this regard, none of the Chairmen of Council is ever appointed from the catchment area of the University. It is therefore, absurd for the Committee to reduce the appointment of the University Management under the Council to a ‘Plateau affair’. While we are not against the House Committee carrying out its oversight functions, singling out the University of Jos in the manner they did, suggests a premeditated intention, this we reject in its entirety. For such an exercise to be valid and objective, it should cut across all Federal Universities in Nigeria. Indeed we are aware that the Federal University, Dutsinma in Katsina State (coincidentally, where the Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character comes from), has the Vice chancellor, Registrar and Librarian all from Katsina State. Similarly, in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State (Incidentally, where Honourable Samaila Suleiman comes from), the Vice Chancellor who has just gone on terminal leave, the DVC Admin, the Bursar and the Librarian are all from Kano State. In the Federal University of Technology, Akure Ondo State ( where the deputy Chairman of the Committee comes from), all principal officers are from the South-West zone of the Country. These three classic examples typify what is obtainable in most Federal Universities across the country, unlike the balanced appointments practiced in the University of Jos. We therefore wonder why the Committee overlooked these obvious infractions in their backyards and singled out the University of Jos for National ridicule. We urge the Committee in the interest of justice, to retrace their steps and investigate all Federal Universities and make their findings public. We want to conclude by commending the Management of the University of Jos, in their efforts to propel the University to greater heights. We call on the Management not to be distracted by this. We are in absolute solidarity. Thank you. Long live the University of Jos, Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria Prof NN Wannang (Convener)
DALUNG MOURNS THE DEATH OF ABBA KYARI 18th April, 2020
The Former Minister of Youths and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung has mourned the death of Alhaji Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari. Barrister Dalung on receiving the news at the early hour of Saturday, expressed sadness over the lost of Chief Abba.
“Inna lillahi wa’ina lillahi raju’un” “With heavy heart, I received the news of passing on of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, OON, who died yesterday 17th April 2020 in Lagos.”
Chief Abba Kyari died of Covid 19, a global pandemic disease that have claimed thousands lives worldwide.
“Abba kyari lost the battle of his life to Covid-19 after he was confirmed positive sometimes in March after an official assignment to Germany.” Dalung mourned.
Hon Dalung, while expresses his sadness, prayed God forgive shortcomings of Chief Abba and condole the family and Mr. President.
“My heart is with the family and thoughts is with Mr President over this great and irreparable loss. As a man of faith in God, I pay Allah to forgive his short comings and reward his good deeds with aljanatu amen.”
NORTHERN GOVERNORS MOURNS LATE ABBA KYARI, COMMISERATES WITH PRESIDENT BUHARI
Plateau State Governor and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum Simon Bako Lalong has expressed deep shock over the death of Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari. Governor Lalong in a condolence message, sympathised with his immediate family, President Muhammadu Buhari and the entire nation for what he described as a monumental loss. Lalong said “Mallam Abba Kyari was a deeply resourceful person who provided tremendous support to President Buhari and his Administration, and served Nigeria with patriotism, dignity, honesty and passion”. Governor Lalong recalled the friendship and support which the late Chief of Staff always extended to members of the Forum and Plateau State, describing him as a man who had zeal for peace and progress of Nigeria. He also prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum. 18th April 2020.
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