The attention of the People’s Democratic party is drawn to a statement credited to one John Akans Talpak, through the social media, instigating members of the party against each other and attempting to mislead stakeholders away from a constitutional stakeholders meeting.
The general public should disregard the said publication which is baseless and of no consequence to the State Chapter.
The State Chairman, Chief DT Sango, is not flexing muscles with anybody as regards his position as PDP Chairman Plateau State.
For the avoidance of doubt the meeting holds as scheduled;11 am prompt, Tuesday 29/10/19.
HON EMMANUEL MACHAM SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE STATE CHAIRMAN ON MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS
President Muhammadu Buhari leaves the country today on an official trip to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to attend Economic Forum of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh.
On the sideline of the event, President will hold bilateral talks with His Majesty King Salman and His Majesty King Abdullah ll of Jordan.
On Wednesday, 30th October, 2019, the President will participate in the High Level Event titled “What is next for Africa: How will Investment and Trade Transform the continent into the Next Great Economic Success Story?” with Presidents of Kenya, Congo-Brazzaville and Burkina Faso.
At the end of the summit, President Buhari will on Saturday 2nd November, 2019, proceed to the United Kingdom on a private visit. He is expected to return to Nigeria on 17th November, 2019.
Femi Adesina Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) October 28, 2019
PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY,(PDP).PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER.
OCTOBER 28th 2019.
ANNOUNCEMENT ! ANNOUNCEMENT!!
The leadership of the people’s Democratic party(PDP) plateau state chapter under the leadership of Hon Theophilus Dakas – Shan hereby notify Stakeholders and members of the party across the state on the form of Misdemeanor plans of D T Sango against the party and the people of plateau.
We have been informed that Sango is sending out invitation to some members of our party for a meeting to Launder his bad image having been rejected and a vote of no confidence passed on him by the majority of members as a result of his dictatorial and villianism leadership style.
We therefore call on all members to disregard this self acclaimed and inglorious invitation from Sango.
Members should take note that the national vice chairman has been in charge of running the affairs of the party in the state and therefore should remain calm as we await the decision of the NWC on the issue at hand.
Signed….
J. T .Akans. ksm fcia State publicity secretary, (PDP) plateau state.
Truth be told, you cannot eat your cake and have it; good governance and high cost of governance are and will remain mutually exclusive as far as Nigeria is concerned.
As global economics have continued to face uncertainties and persistent fluctuations, most financial maestros in Nigeria have advocated the need for governments at all levels to cut the cost of governance to reflect the present day realities.
Many Nigerians and good governance promoters over the years have been advocating for reduction of cost of running government activities in order to make more funds available for development and other impactful programmes that are of great benefit to the citizenry.
Speaking truth to reality, the cost of governance in the country is huge but only a selfless and determined leader with the political will can go beyond lip service to shoot down the high cost of governance for the benefit of the people.
Gov Inuwa promised Gombites CHANGE and as we all know, change anywhere in the world comes with adjustments and costs especially when the resources are either meagre or not quite available in the required proportion. The cost must not all be on the people else it sours good governance after all the verdict of good governance lies with the people.
Knowing this, Gov. Inuwa has over the last few months deprived himself of some comforts and rights that befit the status of Chief Executive Officer of a state all for the comfort of his people; this is true leadership at its best.
With his pedigree as a prudent manager of resources and a strong with zero tolerance for financial recklessness; it is therefore not surprising that the governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu InuwaYahaya has taken the bold steps to instil fiscal discipline while reducing cost of governance with a view to executing more life changing programmes and policies in the face of scarce resources and dwindling revenues in the state.
A combination of accountability, transparency and prudence have been judged by many as the best recipe for trust in any democratic milieu and Governor Inuwa Yahaya, whose integrity in this regard has never been in short supply has extended the gesture to his administration by inculcating financial discipline, blocking leakages and avoiding wasteful as well as frivolous spending of state resources. The exemplary governor is consciously changing the administrative orientation and perception of his appointees towards having the mind-set that public office is a public trust not an avenue to amass wealth or live large.
Some of the fiscal adjustments of Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration to reduce cost of governance include;
Changing the tradition of renovating Government House each time there’s a change of administration to meet the taste of the new governor: The governor, in his characteristic manner of prudence and accountability, feels spending huge funds on unnecessary renovation is uncalled for when Gombe state is battling with huge debts and low Internally Generated Revenue, even though a lot of facilities in the Government House were left neglected and decayed by the immediate past administration.
Assets/ Property Recovery:
On coming to power, one of the first steps taken by Governor Yahaya was to recover government properties and assets improperly sold off like perishable goods to Government officials and political appointees by the immediate past administration at the twilight of their tenure. Many observers see the recovery of assets from previous political appointees as a deliberate move to reduce cost of governance. Imagine the millions of naira the state government would have used to purchase new vehicles and others, if Governor Inuwa Yahaya fails to take decisive actions to recover some of the disposed property which included SUVs and other exotic vehicles.
Civil Service Reform/Restructuring:
Gombe State Governor has trimmed down Ministries from 27 to 21. This is in line with the administration’s fiscal agenda of reducing overhead cost, avoiding overlap of functions and ensuring sustainability of government businesses, fostering efficiency and effectiveness.
Reduced Cabinet Size:
Another way the governor is reducing cost of governance is through having a compact and not over-bloated cabinet. Governor InuwaYahaya nominated 18 Commissioners, appointed seven Special Advisers and few other aides. So far, the appointees working directly with His Excellency are not up to 50, which is far less than the norm of the immediate past administration in that regard. Looking at the positions, one will have no iota of doubt that the governor’s appointments are based on the necessity and value addition to his administration, and not the style of making appointments for mere political patronage or reward for ‘loyalty’ against competence.
Usage of Inherited/recovered Vehicles:
The Governor, Deputy Governor and majority of political appointees are still using vehicles inherited from previous administrations. For instance, Governor Inuwa is still using a 16-year-old (four administrations) convoy left by ex-Governor Danjuma Goje both in Gombe and Abuja. For Governor Inuwa, the financial prudence crusade is a Top-to-bottom approach as he is living by example; always marching words with action.
Refurbishment of abandoned fire fighting engines and utility vehicles:
Recently, the state Governor granted approval for the refurbishment of fire fighting engines and utility vehicles abandoned by previous administration for the usage of fire service operations in the state and Office of the deputy governor respectively. It is a known fact that cost of refurbishing the 10 vehicles cannot be compared to purchasing even one new one.
No Charter flight:
Since his swearing-in as Governor, InuwaYahaya has silently introduced no charter flight policy as he always patronises public airlines like any other private citizens. This has drastically reduced travel expenses of the governor and his entourage. Apart from that, the governor only travels outside the state when absolutely necessary and in pursuit of life changing partnership and prosperity for the people of Gombe state.
Maintaining lean Entourage:
The entourage of Governor InuwaYahaya outside the state is usually small and role-based vis-a-vis the trips. Therefore, only people that will carry assigned and relevant functions do accompany His Excellency. No wonder, all the Governor’s trips, especially to Abuja are yielding positive fruits already; after all good deals are struck by professionals.
No Political Jamboree:
The Governor is known for avoiding jamboree during Government events and activities. Recall that the Governor recently marked his 100 days in office but instead of the funfair and elaborate ceremonies associated with the event, as seen in other states and as witnessed during the era of the immediate past administration, Governor Yahaya decided to organize a special prayer session to seek Allah’s continued guidance and blessings. He also hosted a media chat to give account of his stewardship so far.
Although, the style of Governor Inuwa Yahaya has been attracting mixed feelings, especially from the proponents of old order, but in reality this is the best way to go if we want to grow and prosper as a society. People must support the financial cautiousness of His Excellency for us to get the desired change. We might not get the desired change by sticking with the old order of running government. This approach will help government accrue more funds for development, deliver dividends of democracy and take our dear state to the path of greatness.
Governor Inuwa always has at the back of his mind that, discipline serves as the bridge between goals and accomplishment. Before one or Government starts setting financial goals, there needs to be a determination of where he or the state stands financially. Any good business person or manager of resources applies financial discipline to everything they do. This is the disposition and character of Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya.
The old order is nothing but corruption and insecurity of purpose. It is often said, when you challenge the order or try to fight corruption, it will certainly fight back. In all, one thing is needful; the people must stand by the decisions of Gov. Inuwa because he has shown immeasurable will to fight the order that had impoverished Gombe State to a level whereby the people were relegated to the back door when a microscopic few carted away the wealth of the state in the name of governance.
Gov. Inuwa ‘gida gida’ means well and please don’t be deceived when the corrupt people who are being run out of their political business brings the hands of Esau but the voice of Jacob because in Gov. Inuwa we trust and the old order must CHANGE.
Misilli is Senior Special Assistant ( Media and Publicity) to Gombe state Governor
I love the Holy Writ for something- there’s unarguably no aspect of life it does not address. It says, “he that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much.” In other words, people’s ability could be seen in the manner in which they handle the most mundane tasks.
His Excellency, the deputy governor of Plateau state Prof. Sonni G. Tyoden has proven himself to be such a faithful man.
He’s an epitome of humility and this virtue has not only endeared him to the governor, but he’s also gained the admiration of all and sundry.
I make bold to say that all over this country, there is not one deputy governor who has not had at least some squabbles with their principals in their first tenure, most times leading to their shuffling.
I stand to be corrected. You can carry out your research, if you like.
The governor’s speech at the Puus Kaat annual festival lends credence to this fundamental truth:
“permit me to commend mwaghavul people for their great contributions to the education sector of the state and for giving me a deputy governor whose loyalty cannot be questioned.”
The loyalty of Prof. Sonni G. Tyoden is evident in the manner in which he carries on with his duties, with absolute loyalty, so much so that the loyal call him loyal.
Furthermore, his own people have on several occasions called him unprintable names, just because they feel he allows himself to be overly “manipulated” by his boss, whom in their opinion is less knowledgeable compared to him.
Consequently, as if that was not enough, they formed a conspiratorian group whose sole mandate was to unseat the deputy governor so that he won’t be nominated the second term, but all these never worked.
The confidence that His Excellency, Gov. Simon B. Lalong has in his deputy is unquestionable because Tyoden has always justified the confidence reposed in him by the Gov.
The deputy governor has paid his dues, hence, he deserves to be rewarded with the party ticket he so faithfully serve come 2023.
We trust the sense of judgment of the governor to successfully pass the baton of leadership to the person he has groomed.
And this would serve as the greatest legacy he has bequeathed to Plateau.
Long live Plateau state.
Long live Nigeria.
Every life sojourn has a beginning at birth and terminates at death, the very finish line. Opportunities in-between the two are a function of grace, attitude and aptitude. The child, boy, young man and the man Senator GNS Pwajok of blessed memory, had the favor of all the three, grace, attitude and aptitude. He had a metropolitan upbringing and exposure. His brilliance, eloquence and oratory were near legendary. His attitude, friendly, descent, accommodating and embracing. His aptitude, excellent and outstanding. As with all mortals, he had his flaws yet hardly detectable. He had good knowledge of history and systemic analysis. He was an intellectual resource and could canvass his views persuasively and engage in any intellectual discourse with sagacity and brilliance. He exuded confidence and had a simplicity which many mistook and exploited for fragility. He is better described as a scholar yet he demonstrated administrative and leadership capacity when he participated in the governance of Plateau State as the Chief of Staff under the administration of our dear father and mentor, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Jonah Jang. His brief yet impactful stint in the legislature as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria brought out legislative vibrancy and bridge building capacity embeded in him. He had revolutionary ideals and was schooled in political deftness. No wonder, he crafted the “Greater Together Philosophy” which became a movement of sorts galvanizing political followership on the Plateau which reverberated across the nation. As a brother, compatriot and one that was associated with the late Senator GNS Pwajok, I will live to celebrate his passion and quest for service to fatherland, the nation and humanity. I am privileged today to hold and ran with the baton in the National Assembly, the very chambers he once stood as a voice for the people of Plateau North and the nation. The enviable standing, record and pedigree of all Senators from Plateau North and the trajectory ahead with my humble self now serving, is a testament to the fact that destiny projects men for times and seasons and as the scriptures say, chance happens to all men. The living still have opportunity to drive dreams that prioritize our togetherness, our humanity, and overcome prejudice, hate, negativity, divisiveness, and hostility. In Plateau North, we are pursuing a dream that places premium and primacy on the people. We are resolved and committed to, “Secure the people on the platform of peace, Reconcile the people through forgiveness and restitution and Empower the people economically and through human capital development. This is the new Plateau North. Believe the dream, and avail yourself to it’s realization. Rest on in the Lord my dear brother Distinguished Senator GNS Pwajok.
Senator I.D. Gyang Esq Plateau North Senatorial District. NASS, Abuja.
Catholic bishops approved a proposal Saturday allowing some married men to be ordained as priests in the Amazon region.
The proposal, which must be approved by Pope Francis, would be a historic change to the church’s centuries-old tradition of unmarried priests.
It passed by a vote of 128-41 and applies only to some churches in the Amazon region that are experiencing a shortage of priests.
The region includes parts of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela.
The proposal, known as “viri probati,” refers to older Catholic men, who have stable families, are respected in their communities and who are already ordained as deacons in the church.
Allowing married men to become priests is not the same thing as allowing priests to marry, so the change would not affect the rule of celibacy for Catholic priests, who are not allowed to marry.
Pope Francis must approve the proposal for it go into effect, something he said he hopes to respond to by the end of the year. The pope has previously stated he was open to studying the possibility of allowing married men to be ordained.
Although the Catholic Church currently only ordains unmarried men to the priesthood, some converts, from Anglicanism for example, can become Catholic priests even if they are already married.
The proposal to ordain married men was one of the most contentious recommendations voted on Saturday evening at the conclusion of a three-week long meeting at the Vatican to discuss environmental and religious issues affecting the Amazon region.
The Vatican invited 184 bishops and priest from the Amazon region and around the world for the special meeting known as a synod. Thirty-five women, mostly religious sisters and nuns, were invited but did not have voting rights.
Another proposal recommended continuing to study the possibility of ordaining women as deacons.
A commission set up by Francis in 2016 did not result in any conclusive recommendations.
Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi member Representing the good people of Pankshin, Kanam, Kanke in the National Assembly was on official Assignment alongside the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila in ondo state.
The plateau state lawmaker was in the delegation of the Speaker of the federal house of representative who travelled to ondo state for a reception in honour of their colleague, Hon. Ojo.
Rt. Hon. Gagdi described honourable Ojo as a patriotic Nigerian who put national interest first in all his activities. Hon. Ojo is not just a colleague to him but a brother.
He further appreciate the Hon. Speaker, Rt.hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for believing in his capacity by always engaging him on national assignment. He assures him of his loyalty and is ready to serve at anytime the need arises.
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a *LEADER* “Innovation distinguishes between a *LEADER* and a follower.” The true mark of a leader is the willingness to stick with a bold course of action — an unconventional business strategy, a unique product-development roadmap, a controversial marketing campaign — even as the rest of the world wonders why you’re not marching in step with the status quo. In other words, real leaders are happy to zig while others zag. They understand that in an era of hyper-competition and non-stop disruption, the only way to stand out from the crowd is to stand for something special.” The leadership prowess in TYODEN never follows where the path may lead him to. instead HE goes to where there is no path and leave a trail.” *TYODEN IS A LEADER*
Guess what? We have moved into prime time political season. We have elected a president, Governors, Senators and members of the House of Representatives. But the quest for political offices in 2023 has also since overtaken governance. Let’s be fair. Many politicians are good and strong leaders. They have a high ethical standard, care for their constituencies first, and seek to serve. But some are bad. They put self first. They lie. They seek power first. Career politicians and potential ones are all gearing up for political leadership because the surest and fastest way to instant and stupendous wealth in Nigeria today is not business or a white collar job. All you need to do is aspire to political office; or work for a politician and get appointed so that the “crumbs” from his table can fall on you; or defend the policies of any politicians – good or evil – so that you are also “remembered”. We need true leaders who can have these 8 qualities among several others 1. TELL THE TRUTH. Nigerians are so desensitized to politicians lying that it hardly fazes or worries us when we hear yet another lie. Some of the lies come in the form of rationalization, yet others are just outright fabrications. True leaders tell the truth. No matter what. No matter the cost. They tell their followers the truth. 2. DO NOT DEFLECT RESPONSIBILITIES. How many times have we ever heard a politician – President, Governor, Senator or even LGA Chairmen accept responsibilities for economic failure or for their dumbness and stupidity. American President Richard Nixon was a great example of a leader. When the water-gate scandal broke under his Presidency he accepted full responsibility and asked that his lieutenants be set free because it was he who failed his nation not them even though the crime was perptrated by his political team. He resigned honourably. Great leaders take responsibility for that which they lead. 3. DO NOT LEAD BY PLACING BLAMES. Right now, all we keep hearing from almost all shades of political leadership is the blame game. There is always a predecessor to blame. In this country we are still blaming past leaders, dead or alive, while we ourselves are not doing anything to build hospitals, roads, strengthen institutions or reduce poverty and hunger in the land. During electioneering campaigns, we don’t hear our would- be talking about policies or about manifestos for good governance. All we keep hearing are political rhetorics focused on placing blame on the opposing candidates. Sadly, such negative electioneering are accepted as part of the political climate of our country. But great leaders are more concerned about what they can do well, rather than what someone else does poorly. 4. COMMUNICATE ELOQUENTLY. Most of Nigerians hate spin. It’s really just a polite form of lying. True leaders are transparent. They not only tell the truth; they make certain that the truth is communicated in such a way that others understand it clearly. They don’t couch lies and hide them in lengthy incomprehensible speeches that are written for them while they were sleeping. In any case, even they don’t understand most of what was written for them by their speech writers. 5. BE AWAREOF THE LURE OF POWER. It is subtle. It is seductive. It can entice any leader. Many politicians feed off the seduction of power. So many politicians got to offices either by election, rigging or appointment and promptly became “instant bigman” and threw away their old friends. They don’t pick or return calls. They just become effusive and pompous. Great leaders are servants. Their motive is first to serve others. 6. BE WILLING TO SACRIFICE YOURSELF. It seems rare to hear of politicians who are willing to give up their elected offices to make right decisions. No. They would rather sacrifice the people they are supposed to protect. They don’t do political correctness or expediency. Leaders who make a difference will not put their careers and ambitions first before the security and good of those they serve. 7. LEAD BY CONVICTION, NOT BY POPULARITY. It is disheartening to watch politicians change their positions on issues as it suits them . Great leaders will do what they sense is right rather than trying to win daily popularity through ungodly State sponsored programs that have no direct benefit on their electorates. 8. DON’T SACRIFICE THE NEEDS OF THE FUTURE FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PRESENT. It is downright nauseating to see how politicians will postpone tough decisions today and push it forward to the future when they likely will not be around. The clearest examples are Security, corruption and the growing indebtedness of our nation. Politicians have not yet demonstrated the necessary fortitude to make the tough decisions to secure the future of our nation. Great leaders will make courageous decisions today, even if they aren’t popular decisions. We need great leaders in all areas of our society. We need great educational leaders, great organizational leaders, great medical leaders, and great family leaders. Perhaps one day we can say that the majority of our political leaders are great as well. For now, it does not seem to be the case, and our nation and world is suffering as a result.
MiddleBelt Reporters 