No doubt in Kogi State, PDP (Engr Musa Wada) or APC (Gov. Yahaya Bello) will definitely win the forthcoming governorship election. Same thing applies to the fresh election for Kogi West Senatorial Zone to be conducted by INEC within 90 days and obviously, either Sen. Dino Melaye (PDP) or Sen. Smart Adeyemi (APC) will emerge victorious. In Nigeria, whether or not the election is free and fair, somebody must emerge and be declared winner by INEC. It’s normal in our political space that if any party wins, the opposition will be dragged in the mud. Fighting dirty before and after elections has become part of our politics, but that’s a sad reality and an affront on the spirit of sportsmanship. In Kogi again, my opinion is that, impeaching the deputy governor elder Achuba and placing him under house arrest is a wrong political calculation. The man isn’t ready to give up in terms of opening Gov. Yahaya Bello’s can of worms and exposing all the skeletons hidden in the cupboard. Dropping him as running mate to Bello for second term should have been enough. Eating the humble pie to resolve the crisis by Gov. Bello in the interest of his party APC would have made more sense. The man’s influence too can’t be underrated. The outpour of criticisms that greeted the request for the approval of N10 Billion by Mr. President for Bello and the impeachment of elder Achuba again isn’t a palatable development to behold. The multi-million naira campaign cars, mostly Jeeps and Toyota Corrolas with tinted glasses bought by Yahaya Bello are already sending a bad signal that the 10Billion was channeled for that purpose and for alleged heavy monetization of the election even when the money hasn’t been approved yet by the Senate. Lastly, Gov. Seyi makinde the PDP’s campaign council chair and Gov. Nasir El-Rufai APC’s campaign chair for Kogi election will test their political strength and strategies. This will be interesting really. I can’t wait to see the outcome of the election. Congratulations to the winner in advance. A better Kogi is what I pray for. Let the gains of democracy come surely and fast for the good people of Kogi.
My eternal gratitude to Chief Hon Yusuf Machen for finding me worthy to serve in his cabinet.
It is indeed a privilege and honor to contribute towards repositioning Bokkos Local Government Area as a team player under the guidance of a visionary leader.
I remember with nostalgia a year ago when I defected to the APC influenced by two great mentors; Chief Michael Maqual and Hon.Jacob Mallo. I was insulted and called all sort of names but I remained resilient and focused because I sincerely believed I took the right decision.
I am now a living testimony to the saying “loyalty pays” I will continue to put in my best for the progress of the APC in Bokkos and at all levels.
I count myself lucky to serve as someone who will project the image of this loving and caring government and it’s activities to the world.
The Honorable Chairman has achieved a lot some of which are not known to the people due to lack of adequate publicity, but with the help of God we shall fill the gap.
The efforts of my boss Hon. Jacob Mallo and Chief Maqual for this success story of mine cannot be quantified. They have shown and proven their commitment and support for a better Plateau and Bokkos youths, I will forever be indebted to them.
I accept this great task and promise that through the grace of God Almighty, it is a new dawn.
God bless Plateau state
God bless Bokkos LGA
God bless chief. Hon. Yusuf Machen (Jarumi)
Magit Mangut Mafiyai
SSA New Media to Hon.Yusuf Machen.
On behalf of the Federal Executive Council and all Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, on his 85th birthday, October 19, 2019, describing him as a living legend and symbol of national unity. As Nigeria’s youngest leader since Independence, President Buhari affirms that Gen. Gowon’s visionary leadership style, wisdom and disciplined outlook kept the country as one, extolling the former Head of State for faith and steadfastness in God in times of adversity, and courageously pursuing the interest of majority Nigerians for a unified and stronger country. The President believes the elder statesman laid a solid foundation for the country to thrive, with the creation of federating units, and implementation of futuristic policies like the National Youths Service Corps, that has consistency served the purpose of fostering unity, harmony and expanding the horizons of young Nigerians for life-time opportunities. President Buhari commends Gen. Gowon’s simplicity and humility, leaving the highest position in the country to return to school for further studies, and returning to provide wise counsels to leaders, encouraging good governance and setting up an organization , Nigeria Prays, that consistently upholds the nation in prayers. The President notes that the former Head of State has stayed relevant in Nigeria and beyond, and enjoys wide respect from far and near. President Buhari congratulates all family members, friends and close associates of the exemplary leader on the auspicious occasion of his 85th birthday, praying that the Almighty God will always remember his sacrifices for the nation, and grant him longer life, good health and strength to keep working for the good of country and humanity. Femi Adesina Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) October 18, 2019
The Plateau State Police Command on Thursday paraded 17 suspects for crimes ranging from unlawful possession of firearms, kidnapping, armed robbery and culpable homicide among others.
The Police also said different kinds of exhibits were recovered from the suspects which include; arms and ammunition as well as assorted charms.
The Command stated this through the Commissioner of Police in the State, Isaac Akinmoyede while addressing journalists at its headquarters in Jos the state capital.
Akinmoyede said, “In pursuance of the objectives of Operation ‘Puff Adder’, the command was able to arrest 17 suspects involved in different heinous crimes.
“On 26th September 2019, at about l6:00 hours, SARS operatives of the command arrested a five-man gang who specialized in snatching cars and robbing a Point of Sale (POS) operators in Jos and its environs.
“Search conducted at their residences led to the recovery of two foreign-made pistols, and one locally-made revolver pistol, eleven 9mm live ammunition, one Peugeot 406 car with registration No. DKA 944 86.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed that in September 2019. they robbed a POS operator at Kufang Miango road, Jos and in the process, they shot their Victim.
The Police boss said the suspects have also confessed to robbing and killing one POS Operator at Dadin-Kowa and that they also shot one woman in her POS shop in Zarmaganda.
He added that the command had called victims and they volunteered statements and confirmed the robbery incidents in their shops, and investigation is still in progress.
Also speaking about unlawful possession of firearms, the Police Commissioner said, “On 06th October, 2019, at about 19:10 hours while the operatives of ‘A’ Division were on stop and search at the Apollo Crescent in Jos, they stopped a tricycle with Reg. No. JJN 77] WT, PT No. 18374 for a random search, immediately the tricycle stopped, its occupants took to their heels.
“The police operatives then chased them and were able to arrest one of the occupants – one Jonathan Hosea of Kampala, Off Rukuba Road, Jos. When he and the tricycle were searched, the following exhibits were recovered; a locally made single barrel pistol, a cartridge and seven different types of handsets.
He said efforts have been intensified to arrest other occupants of the tricycle who are at large to face the full wrath of the law.
In the case of a notorious kidnapper and armed robber, the CP said, “On 17th August, 2019, at about 00:21 hours, one Ibrahim Ali Kuru of Lare village, Bogoro LGA of Bauchi State together with seven others broke into the house of one Laben Fidelis Danladi of Ungwan-Rina village in Shendam LGA of Plateau State.
“They kidnapped Danladi to an unknown destination and demanded a ransom of N2, 000,000 only. A ransom of one million, two hundred thousand naira was paid before the kidnappers released the victim on 20th August, 2019.
“Intelligence received led to the arrest of lbrahun Ali Kuru whom the victim identified as the leader of the gang that kidnapped him. Investigation has been completed and the suspect shall be charged to court soon.
The Police Commissioner also said, the Command has recovered firearms and ammunition in Wase LGA and other persons were arrested for crimes ranging from armed robbery, culpable homicide in Bassa, Jos South and Jos North LGAs.
Meantime, the Commissioner of Police said the command has charged 54 vehicles for offences ranging from unauthorize use of tinted glasses, unnumbered vehicles among others.
He said the command is doing everything possible to ensure the success of Operation Puff Adder in order to keep the state safe for law-abiding citizens to carry out their lawful duties without any iota of fear.
Shehu Bala Usman, the Caretaker Committee Chairman Jos North Local Government has embarked on a fence mending tour of the area to promote peaceful co-existence amongst the diverse ethnic groups and religion association. Hon Usman assured people of providing committed leadership that can bring about unity and progress to them. His appeal is coming a few days after the youth wing of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state had staged a protest at the House Assembly Complex asking Governor Simon Lalong to reverse his decision on the appointment of Caretaker Committee Chairmen in four Local Government Councils of Riyom, Jos North ,Jos South and Barkin Ladi Spokesperson of the youths, Comrade Hussaini Garba Mohammed in his address lamented that the appointment of caretaker committee was undemocratic and a set back to the aspirations of the people in the local governments for good governance. The protesters who ignored the early morning downpour to gathered in front of the State Assembly appealed to traditional rulers to intervene to safeguard the mandate of people of Plateau state and “sustain the fragile peace we are currently experiencing in the state.” Usman said his administration would embark on people oriented programmes that can give everyone opportunity to contribute to the development of the council. He charged Muslims and Christian in the to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and tolerance with each other. “I want to assure you of my commitment to administer without religious or ethnic preference. I am open to receiving your advise towards achieving a more peaceful and united Jos North.
A former top and distinguished Civil Servant, worthy son of Plateau and the Wazirin Pankshin, Nde Joshua Waklek on Friday October 18, 2019 in Jos celebrated his 70th birthday in grand style with the launch of a book on his biography. The celebration of Nde Waklek, who is the Pro – Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s Premier University, was graced by prominent citizens, among them the Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Simon Bako Lalong, esq, his wife, Her Excellency, Mrs Regina Lalong and many other dignitaries. Governor Lalong described the celebrant as a father, friend and humble personality whose sense of compassion and love is worthy of emulation.
The Executive Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Council, Hon. Chief Yusuf Mahanan Machen (JP) has approved the appointment of Mr. Makut Alfred Mashat as his SSA on Media & Publicity.
The appointment was contained in a letter dated 25th September, 2019.
Mr. Makut Alfred popularly know as ‘Seemo’ appreciated the Council Chairman for finding him worthy and promised to do his best to add value to Bokkos Local Government. He equally thanked those who recommended him for the appointment.
Below is his acceptance note:
BOKKOS FIRST
When i declared my intention to serve the good people of Mandar ward as a councillor I had one thing in mind, to bring to bear my wealth of knowledge and experience for the good of my people.
The same zeal and intention for a better BOKKOS and a progressive Plateau is burning in my heart even after I lost out in the race by stepping down.
I joined forces with the winners and my colleaguea to ensure the success of the APC at the polls from the grassroots, polling unit, ward ,state and federal level.
Today the people of BOKKOS LGA through the workaholic chairman have summoned for me for service to my LGA .
I have accepted this Herculean task with all humility as this is a onerous task and service to the land of my forefathers especially at this perelious times.
I pray that God grants me the wisdom and understanding to serve my people at the grassroots without fear or favour.
It is pertinent to note that hardwork and loyalty pays even as we are not new to multiplicity of task.
A big thank you to all that recommended me one way or the other as this came to me as a big surprise.
Thanks to Chief Yusuf Machen, Jarumi Fodyer,The Executive Chairman of BOKKOS and the entire council.
Chief Micheal Maqual , A father and a mentor of the youths
Over 200 youths will be handed appointment letters in the week ahead
The youths of BOKKOS and the good people of BOKKOS, this is the time to put Bokkos First for peace,unity and development
I am humbled with this surprise call to service.
MAKUT ALFRED MASHAT
SSA To The Executive Chairman Of Bokkos on Media & Publicity 17/10/2019
In line with the desire of the Governor Simon Bako Lalong Administration to curb the menace of malaria and other mosquitoes transmitted diseases and take the state to the Next Level the Plateau State Government on Tuesday October 15, 2019 took possession of 3.2 million long lasting treated bed nets from USAID valued at 3.7 billon naira. Governor Simon Bako Lalong, who inspected the items to ensure their availability directed the State counterpart funds of 126 million naira Should be released immediately to ensure quick distribution of the nets. The Governor further directed that the distribution of the nets should start from the rural areas and warned that on no account should they be sold, stressing that any caught selling the items would be severely dealt with.
Introduction: It has become expedient for us the autochthonous peoples of Jos, Plateau State to address the world today Tuesday 15th October, 2019 over the recent appointment of APC candidates as Management Committee Chairmen of Jos North, Jos South, Riyom and Barkin Ladi local government councils by the Plateau State governor, Rt. Hon Simon Bako Lalong.
Definition of An Indegene of Jos: A definition of an indigene of Jos was originally coined by the Hon. Justice J. Aribiton Fiberisima Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Jos riots of April 12, 1994 as follows; “…an indigene of Jos is one whose ancestors were natives of Jos, beyond living memory. This does not include any person who may not remember from where his father or grandfather left his native home for Jos as a fixed home, domiciled there as of choice for life; or who is ignorant of about from where his family moved to Jos permanently in quest for better living or in the process of his business.”
This well articulated definition was adopted by all succeeding Judicial Commissions of Inquiry into the Jos crises of 2001 and 2008 led by Justices Niki Tobi and Bola Ajibola respectively.
In the light of the above consideration or careful thought and on the strength of the evidences at their disposal, all the forenamed Judicial Commissions of Inquiry declared that we the Afizere, Anaguta and Berom tribes are “indigenes” of Jos and this against the Hausa/Fulani people’s assumptions whom the Commissions made bold to advise that they can qualify only as “Citizens” of Jos”. The Plateau State government has since accepted the foregoing position through a government White paper.
Statement of the facts: What started as rumours on Tuesday 8th became a reality the following day when the Plateau State House of Assembly approved a memo dated 8th October 2019 from Gov Simon Lalong requesting an extension of the tenure and appointment of new council Management Committees for Jos North, Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs. All the persons listed as nominees for appointment as Management Committee Chairmen and Secretaries are APC Chairmanship and Deputy Chairmanship candidates for the council polls of 10th October 2018, which was conducted by the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) but which excluded the four LGAs ostensibly “for security reasons”.
Considering the history of council polls particularly in Jos North, it is very clear that whenever the council elections are scheduled, they promise to be a keen contest. The Council Chairmanship race in Jos North is a straight battle between the PDP Chairmanship ticket held by Hon Aminu Zang (an indigene of Jos) against the APC Chairmanship ticket held by Hon Shehu Bala (a citizen of Jos). Rather unfortunately, during the pendency of a new date for the council polls, Gov Lalong declared and imposed Hon Shehu Bala a non-indigene of Jos North LGA as Management Committee Chairman on Wednesday 9th October 2019.
Our Position: The indigenes of Jos invite the public to recall that barely one week on assuming office on 29th May 2015, Gov Lalong dissolved the 17 Local Government Councils in the state precisely in total negation of his promise a month earlier not to dissolve the democratically constituted councils which by then were barely halfway into their three-year tenure of office.
It must be stated that the indigenes of Jos do not have any problem whatsoever with any qualified Nigerian citizen occupying any elective office in Jos North LGA as long it is done on the basis of free and fair elections in a democratic process as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (CFRN 1999 as amended) and confirmed by a plethora of Supreme Court Judgments.
However, it must also be stated in clear, unmistakable and unambiguous terms that we totally reject and condemn in the strongest terms possible the suppression of our franchise in Jos North LGA among others. The imposition of a non indigene who also double as the APC candidate during the pendency of elections completely rubbishes global best democratic practices, is illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional. It is a great disservice to our people in particular and indeed Plateau State in general as it has the capacity to breach peace in the Tin City. It makes a mockery of Gov Lalong’s pillar of his purported 3-point Agenda namely; peace, security and good governance. The CFRN 1999 (as amended), provides that security and welfare of the people shall be the primary essence of government. This is unprecedented in the historical annals of Plateau State.
Since its creation on 3rd February 1976, no elected or even military governor has so completely betrayed the indigenous people’s trust like Gov Lalong neither has any previous State House of Assembly on the Plateau sold out the destiny of its people by imposing a non-indigene on Jos North. We are completely aghast that our own elected representatives have so despicably disregarded our ideals and failed to protect our interests. Not even under the military regime was our dignity rubbished and our destiny so threatened.
The indigenes of Jos understand that Gov Lalong was pressurized by forces alien to Plateau to take this action if his fluid victory at the Elections Petitions Tribunal must be sustained at the appellate and possibly Supreme Court levels. We understand Gov Lalong’s desperation to demonstrate his loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari whom he once shamelessly and publicly confessed he would die for (not his people), but we completely reject the idea that it should be at the expense of our freedom of choice and destiny.
Our Observations: We have noticed that Gov S.B. Lalong has consistently stayed away from the State thus alienating himself from his people losing touch with realities on ground in the State. He has invariably become a visiting governor to the State.
Consequently, we observe with utter dismay how on Tuesday 8th October, he visited Jos from Abuja and issued a memo for the extension of the tenure/appointment of new Management Committees for Jos North, Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs which was hurriedly approved after “the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ayuba Abok and all the APC members insisted the House must endorse the executive memo” as was widely reported by the media only for him to return to his base in Abuja shortly after swearing-in the new councils Management Committees.
Keen observers in Jos and environs would have noticed a sustained mass movement of troops into Jos the capital city of Plateau State since Thursday 10th October 2019.
Considering that such impositions have always been greeted with protests in the past, it should be clear to all discerning minds that the massive deployment of security forces into the city of Jos cannot be a coincidence. It is crystal clear that the Plateau State government with the aid of its collaborators in Abuja decided to mobilize the military in order to suppress any possible dissent against Gov Lalong’s unconstitutionality.
It wouldn’t be suprising should the spokespersons of the Armed Forces come out with any public statement justifying the mobilization of troops to Jos.
We call on the public and the international community to observe the conduct of the military in Jos within these days. It is very unfortunate that government could not mobilize security forces to protect our people who were massacred by killer herdsmen but is mobilizing battalions to defend a unpopular agenda hatched elsewhere and being implemented by stooges well-stationed in Little Rayfied, Jos. We wish to make it abundantly clear that we cannot be intimidated.
We observe that the imposition of the APC candidates as new Management Committees for Jos North, Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs is coming a few months after Gov Lalong tested the waters under the guise of traditional council reforms.
We have it on good authority that plans are in the pipeline for Hon Shehu Bala to submit to Gov Lalong a memo for the creation of a District in Jos North for the Hausa-Fulani, which will prepare grounds for the realization of their age-long quest for an Emir of Jos.
We totally reject the attempt to dash the Hausa-Fulani oligarchy an undeserved “victory” their fore-bearers failed to secure through Usman Danfodio Jihads. We wish to use the opportunity to draw the attention of government especially the international community to the humanitarian disaster this dangerous move portends.
We urge the natives of Plateau to monitor carefully the conduct of the Hon Members of the Plateau State House of Assembly and to hold them accountable in case of any attempt to annex our heritage to the feudalists.
We are equally prepared to die for our people and for our collective heritage just the same way Gov Lalong is prepared to die for President Buhari.
Our demands: We demand without any further delay the reversal of government decision vide a memo dated 8th October 2019 for the imposition of the APC Candidates on Jos North, Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Riyom as council Management Committees. It is completely illegal and cannot be sustained under whatever guise. Since Gov Lalong has now confirmed that the security situation has improved, government should direct the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission PLASIEC to immediately conduct elections into the four local council areas in the interest of the law and constitutionality, peace, security and good governance.
Conclusion We thank you for good listening
For the autochthonous peoples of Jos;
Hon Theresa Kaze…………………………………………………………………………. Barr Jonathan Azi Nyako………………………………………………………………… Da Gyang Dudu Dalyop………………………………………………………………….. Da Chollom Gyang…………………………………………………………………………. Hon Daniel Boka Garba………………………………………………………………….. Hon. Sunday G. Bunu……………………………………………………
Good morning gentlemen of the press, and thank you for honouring our invitation to this press briefing. We have invited you here today to brief you on the progress of the joint border security exercise along our borders and its impact on our nation’s security and economy.
BACKGROUND 1.Some of you will recall that as part of measures to secure Nigeria’s land and maritime borders, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) as well as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security and intelligence agencies commenced a joint border security exercise, codenamed ‘EX-SWIFT RESPONSE’ in 4 geopolitical zones of the country, namely; South South, South West, North Central and North West on the 20th August 2019.
The exercise is being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and is aimed at better securing our borders in order to strengthen our economy and address other trans-border security concerns.
2.Overtime, Nigeria has been confronted with numerous trans-border economic and security challenges. These challenges range from banditry, kidnapping, smuggling, illegal migrants and proliferation of light weapons amongst others.
Meanwhile, the preference for foreign goods, especially food items like rice has continuously impoverished our farmers and adversely affected domestic government policies supporting the agricultural sector to enhance food security. It is however disturbing that some neighbouring countries circumvent the ECOWAS protocol on transit. For clarity, the ECOWAS protocol on transit demands that when a transit container berths at a seaport, the receiving country is mandated to escort same without tampering with the seal to the border of the destination country. Unfortunately, experience has shown that our neighbours do not comply with this protocol. Rather, they break the seals of containers at their ports and trans-load goods destined for Nigeria.
ECONOMY
3.The partial closure has so far curbed the smuggling of foreign rice into the country, in addition to other prohibited items. Our series of interactions and engagements with Rice Miller Association of Nigeria since the commencement of this exercise, has shown that the border closure has enhanced more production and milling of Nigerian rice.
Patronage of Nigerian rice has increased and farmers are expanding their farms as well as engaging more hands. Furthermore, the border closure has impacted positively on revenue generation of the Federal Government which in turn will be used to build more infrastructures and develop critical sectors of the nation’s economy. The border exercise has also curbed diversion of petroleum products from Nigeria to neighbouring countries.
SECURITY
4.In the area of security, the ongoing exercise has recorded a number of seizures and arrests that would have had grave security consequences.
So far, 317 suspected smugglers and 146 illegal migrants have been arrested. Also, some items seized include; 21,071-50kg bags of parboiled foreign rice; 190 vehicles; 891 drums filled with PMS; 2665 Jerri cans of vegetable oil; 66,000 litre tanker of vegetable oil; 133 motorcycles; 70 Jerri cans of PMS and 131 bags of NPK fertilizer used for making explosives. The estimated monetary value of the apprehended items is about N1,429,562,315.00.
5.It is important to note that 95 percent of illicit drugs and weapons that are being used for acts of terrorism and kidnapping in Nigeria today come in through our porous borders. However, since this partial closure, the acts have been drastically reduced. Our conclusion is that, the arms and ammunition these terrorists and criminal elements were using no longer gains access into the country. in addition, the drugs which affect the health and the wellbeing of Nigerians have equally been reduced.
POLITICAL ISSUES
6.The government, through diplomatic channels will continue to engage our neighbours to agree to comply with the ECOWAS Protocol on Transit. Goods that are on the prohibition list to Nigeria, such as rice, used clothing, poultry products and vegetable oil should not be exported to the country. As a result of this closure, Niger Republic has already circulated an order banning exportation of rice in any form to Nigeria. In addition, the National Assembly has supported the executive directive on the border closure and the efforts of security agencies in executing the task.
INTER-AGENCY COLLABORATION
7.The exercise has provided a unique platform for the various participating agencies to jointly operate together thereby strengthening inter-agency collaboration and reducing animosity. It is also necessary to place on record that this is the first exercise in recent times, that military, paramilitary as well as intelligence and security agencies have come together to conduct such an exercise which is akin to a National Security exercise.
CONCLUSION
8.We will continue to seek the support of all and sundry including the media to ensure that the desired objectives of this exercise, that is; to promote a secured, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria are fully achieved.
While we call on Nigerian local rice consumers to be patriotic by patronizing Nigerian rice, as this will further help the country in reaching self-sufficiency in local rice production and boost our economy, we equally appeal to the business community to see the exercise as opportunity to further create a conducive environment for local businesses to thrive in the interest of national security and development.
Finally, let me thank you all for attending this press briefing. We continue to count on your support throughout this exercise, which is critical to our national interests and by implication national security.
Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service
14 October 2019
MiddleBelt Reporters 