Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong says the affirmation of his election victory by the supreme court has finally sealed and confirmed beyond further questioning the overwhelming mandate willingly bestowed on him by the good people of Plateau State. The Governor while reacting to the supreme court judgement said all along he was never in doubt as to the validity of his mandate as he did not only campaign and engaged all stakeholders, but also delivered on his campaign promises during the first tenure which endeared the people to him. He said “I again dedicate this victory to God and the people of Plateau State irrespective of their political, social, religious or ethnic affiliations. The highest court in the land has stamped the mandate I was given and this means that our administration is now clear of litigation distractions. The time now is for governance and actualisation of our next level agenda encapsulated in our 3 point vision of peace, security and good governance; Infrastructural development and sustainable economic rebirth”. The Governor again repeated his call to the opposition to join hands with him in developing the State and pursuing projects and programs that will promote lasting legacies for the people. He asked the people to intensify prayers for the peace and stability of the State which will enable rapid development to take place. Lalong also thanked the judiciary for their impartiality and contribution to consolidating democracy in the State and Nigeria as a whole.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 20th January 2020.
The South East, yesterday, erupted in protests as supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) kicked against removal of Mr. Emeka Ihedioha as Imo governor by the Supreme Court.
In Anambra, protesters gave a seven-day ultimatum to the apex court to reverse itself alleging that Ihedioha was wrongfully removed.
The protesters dressed in black, gathered at the party secretariat at Udoka Housing Estate in Awka, and marched through the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Aroma Junction, Alex Ekwueme Square up to Federal High Court, Awka, chanting pro-Ihedioha songs and expressing anger with the Supreme Court judges.
The party faithful, led by the state chairman, Ndubisi Nwobu, and former governorship candidate, Oseloka Obaze, carried placards with inscriptions such as: “Reverse S/Court judgment on Imo State Governorship Election,” “Supreme Court wants to set Nigeria on fire,” “Supreme Court judgement, a travesty of justice,” “Supreme Court, stop daylight robbery” and “Imo State was won by PDP.”
Addressing the protesters at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Nwobu, said what the apex court did amounted to daylight robbery.
“Once more, we have seen our nascent democracy under threat and it is our responsibility as true democrats to save the situation. We are not protesting the injustice meted on PDP, Imo and Ihedioha alone, but also protesting the threat posed to our democracy by the judiciary and the present administration. We urge lovers of democracy all over the world to join us in condemning the development. We urge the Supreme Court to reverse itself, because, tension is already building up as a result of the robbery called judgement.”
“What happened in Imo is a threat to our democracy, and it is our collective responsibility to speak against it before it becomes a norm. Our democracy was recently threatened in Kogi and Bayelsa. This time around, they also robbed us of Imo and snatched a mandate freely given by Imo voters to the PDP.”
In the same vein, Owerri, was shut down by hundreds of protesters angered by the sack of Ihedioha by the apex court.
Supporters of the party from 27 local government areas stormed the streets black clothes to protest what they described as a miscarriage of justice and demanded that the court reverses itself.
The protesters carried placards with inscriptions as: “Reverse the injustice now!” “On our mandate we stand” Ihedioha won landslide,” “Imo want Ihedioha.”
They marched from the party’s secretariat along Okigwe road to Government House roundabout which was barricaded by the police.
Chief Okewuluonu Chris, chief of staff to Ihedioha, who addressed the protesters said it was legitimate to express anger and sadness over the strange judgment of the apex court which truncated the mandate given to Emeka Ihedioha by the people.
He pointed out that it was not too late for the apex court to reverse itself and restore the lack of confidence by the people in the judiciary.
“We are holding this peaceful protest to let the Supreme Court know that what they had done to the people of the state is unprecedented miscarriage of justice and that they can reverse the mistake. It is not in doubt that Ihedioha had won the election fair and square. The petitioners had lost at the tribunal and Appeal Court where their petitions were thoroughly subjected to legal scrutiny and the courts had upheld that Ihedioha had truely won, but this strange judgement is a mistake, a gross injustice and should be reversed,” he said.
Also, Mr. Nze Ray Emeana, state secretary of the PDP, said judges of the apex court owe Nigerians an explanation as to how they arrived at the votes to declare Uzodinma winner.
“Imo people are not happy with the fraudulent judgment which scuttled the mandate given to Emeka Ihedioha by the people. The supreme Court judges have curiously raised the valid votes from 714,355 to 927,030, which is even above the total accredited votes of 823,743 stated by the INEC. They apex court is yet to explain how they arrived at the difference of 103,887 which simply means that something is wrong.
“We are asking them to reverse what they have done because it is nothing but robbing Peter to pay Paul and Imo people will not accept that,” he said.
Similarly, the member representing Ikeduru/ Mbaitoli federal constituency,Henry Nwawuba, said it was a gross injustice to sack Ihedioha.
In Abia, protesters also trooped out in their hundreds.
State chairman of the party, Chief Johnson Onuigbo, said they gathered to express their anger over the judgment against the former governor.
“Judges of Supreme Court can make mistakes because they are human beings. They made a mistake by denying the people of Imo their votes. They are not supposed to appoint the governor. The people elected their governor. The decision is injurious to democracy; it is an attempt to disrupt our nascent democracy,” he said. -The Sun
The Supreme Court has scheduled judgments for 3pm on Monday in the appeals challenging the election of Governors Simon Lalong and Bala Mohammed of Plateau and bauchi States.
A seven-man panel of the court led by Justice Sylvester Ngwuta stood down proceedings till 3pm after lawyers to parties in the appeals adopted their written briefs and prayed the court to grant their clients’ prayers.
Other members of the panel are: Justices Olukayode Ariwoola, Daittijo Mohammed, Amina Augie, Paul Galumje, Amiru Sanusi and Uwani Abba-Aji.
MANJI GONTORI AND THE POLITICAL DYNAMICS OF 2023 (A) It is an undisputable fact that the history of political activism on the plateau and especially in the central zone will be totally incomplete without a good mention of this powerful, power broker and business mogul Nde Engr Manji Gontori who certainly remain the only hope and a better alternative to others in 2023. While many of our politically elites are conversant with the political terrain before now, Nde Engr.Manji Gontori has completely inherited and is properly taking care of a new and politically strong structure in a manner that is redoubling his popularity more than ever. The reasons are simple and can be adduced to Nde Gontori’s high leadership qualities, political prowess and the very good human relations he has established with the grassroots that which greatly endeared him to them. Gontori is undeniably define and seen by many today as an astute political strategist whose political structure cannot easily be tinkered with by any rival group.He is today the most popular young political figure on the plateau. Little wonder, many of his followers today cannot hide their love and support for this fine, gentle and generous fellow. While others are tempted to presently ask if he is currently a political office holder, I have been constrain severally to inform many at public for a, that this benevolent and level headed Ngas man is a successful businessman and an entrepreneur per excellence who’s political popularity grew sporadically as a result of the overwhelming successes he recorded and the crowd he pulled as an aspirant. Since then, Nde Engr. Gontori became a household name in the minds of the good people of plateau central senatorial zone whose popularity keeps swelling as each day passes by. This is because of his kind heartedness, charismatic and purposeful leadership traits that which have propelled him to always give his best including his life for the collective good of all. His distinctive and uncommon qualities as well as his unending quest to serve humanity led him into the construction of the collapse Gindiri Bridge with the aim of facilitating the smooth movement of people and goods from Gindiri to other neighboring towns. Gontori’s economic dexterity and entrepreneur skills couple with his track record of excellence in business will be greatly enjoyed by the people when the time comes. For the man is indeed a great Asset to the state knowing fully well that he will rightly redeploy his excellent record of expertise to build a strong economic base for the state. It is however pertinent from the above narrative, that Nde Engr manji Gontori is indeed more eminently qualify to become the next governor of plateau state in 2023.This is because with Gontori, the people can be assured of an improve security, quality Education, better health care services, strong economic base with an improve agricultural system that will be highly beneficial to the people. With him also am confident that our tourism potentialities on the plateau will be adequately utilized to create viable employment opportunities for our teaming population. Engr Manji is a man whose kind benevolence can be attested to by various groups, associations, societies, corporate organizations as well as the Orphans and widows. A case in point however of Gontori’s generosity was the distribution of four trailers loads of rice during the 2019 Christmas celebrations to the poor and less privilege across the state, all in his quest to put smiles on the faces of the people. At the moment, Gontori remain a Single largest employer of labor in the central Zone. This he was able to achieve through the establishment of chains of businesses across the state thus creating employment opportunities for people.Gontori’s love for the people made him invested so heavily at home unlike most of our elites who prefer to invest in areas with quick returns outside their native communities. Congratulations in advance to all those who shall be the first beneficiaries of this man’s skills acquisition which is in progress as part of his pet foundation project for 2020 alone. To God be the glory for the gift of this rare gem who is touching life’s positively across the state. It is however my singular honor and historic privilege to present to you this astute political Icon Nde Engr.Manji Gontori for your kind endorsement and support and i urge you all to massively advocate for this noble mission. Thank you all for your time and accept the assurances of my best regards at all time.
Dr. Shadrach Nentawe Director General Centre for Ngas Oral History and Tradition
According to the official PDP Facebook handle, The Supreme Court has just affirmed the election of Governor @AWTambuwal as the duly elected Governor of Sokoto State. Congratulations Nigerians. #SaveOurJudiciary
Supreme Court on Monday affirmed the election of Abdullahi Ganduje as governor of Kano and dismissed the appeal filed by the PDP and its candidate, Abba Yusuf. The arguments Adegboyega Awomolo, Counsel to the PDP candidate had argued that the returning officer had cancelled results in 207 polling units, declared the election inconclusive and rescheduled another election for March 23, 2019. According to Mr Awomolo, the cancellation after announcing the entire results in the state is ultra vires, adding that the declaration of the election as inconclusive is also ultra vires. “Therefore, the result of the second rescheduled election of March 23 is null and void. “The only lawful votes at the Kano State governorship election were those announced by the returning officer on March 11. “In conclusion, I urge your lordship to allow this appeal on the grounds that the appellant scored the highest votes at the election of March 9, 20,19 and satisfied section 179 (2) a and b.,” Mr Awomolo said. However, Mr Ganduje’s counsel, M.M Duru, in his counter-argument, said the form EC8D does not contain the results of the 207 polling units. He, therefore, asserted that there was “absolutely no way the returning officer could have declared a winner out of that result. Mr Duru added that out of the 207 polling units, 62 polling units were from Gama ward. “The results from that unit were not collated by relevant officers as agents of the appellant carted away the results, locked himself up in a room with a pen, stayed there for an hour, did not return the results to INEC, but took them to the commissioner of police in the state,” he said. According to Mr Duru, allowing the appeal would mean “sanctioning election violence, giving credit to somebody who has clearly violated the law and admitted the same”. Background On November 22, the court of appeal sitting in Kaduna had dismissed the 24 grounds of appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and its candidate. In a unanimous judgement on Friday, the chairman of the appeal panel, Justice Tijjani Abubakar, upheld the judgement of the tribunal, saying Mr Ganduje was validly elected. In its October 2 judgment, the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal held that the PDP and its candidate did not prove the case of substantial violation of the Electoral Act. The tribunal chairperson, Halima Shamaki, said the reliefs sought by the petitioners are contradictory and mutually exclusive, and therefore could not be granted because they are not sought for in the alternative. The judge also said the failure of the petitioners to include results of the votes secured by all the contestants of the March 2019 election was fatal to their case. She also said the participation of the petitioners in the March 23 re-run election amounts to waiver of the claims of the winning election on March 9. Mrs Shamaki held that INEC was right to declare the March 9 election inconclusive. “The carbonised copies of documentary evidences tendered by the petitioners were mostly unstamped, some are unsigned, others were contained re write data hence amounted to documentary hearsay and therefore inadmissible. “The act of self-locking up by Dr. Yakasai accorded him an opportunity to alter the snatched results. “Claiming that electoral rules and guidelines have not been complied with in an election you claimed to have won majority of lawful votes is a paradox. It’s like trying to mix oil and water. “We shall not go into details in the petition. He who asserts must prove beyond reasonable doubt. “Respondents are not bound to proof. In civil cases, the burden to prove lies on the plaintiff. “Where the plaintiff fails to prove his case, the case must fail. As such, the petition is hereby dismissed,” she declared.
Nigeria is an entity governed by rules of law, where the judiciary is placed as the final arbiter in between citizens with differences on issues where necessary.
It is expected that the decisions of the Supreme court of Nigeria, shall be accepted and respected by all and sundry, however, the clear violability to its judgements by the People’s Democratic party (PDP), with the Imo governorship issue at hand was indeed unfortunate and absolute affront on the entire judicial system.
That the PDP through its national chairman, Uche Secondus, have called for “protest,” against a fair judgement was a further characteristics expression of the PDP, where disrespect to the judiciary, disregards to rules of law and impunity is its norms for the time it had ruled Nigeria to rubbish.
Mr. Uche Secondus and his PDP, should better understand that their impeding protest will never, “impress it on Nigerians that injustice had been done to the party.”
The PDP should understand that gone are the days when in its 16 years of misruled, judges were subjected to series of intimidation to delivering judgements at its whelm and caprices. We expect the PDP to accepts courts verdicts not only those which favoured them, just like real Democrats in any party whose seats are judged against, do accept and let go without misleading Nigerians.
At the intance case, that the PDP accused the Supreme court judgment as, “a product of manipulation,” we make bold to say that the party is in absolute bewilderment, since loosing power more than five years and is desirous of having it at cost. The question here is in whose manipulation did the court acted? Why did the PDP not acted in same manner when the court dashed Zamfara state, disallowed APC from contest any election in Rivers State, gave Senatorial and other APC seats to the PDP in Sokoto State?
The PDP and Secondus should note that only he who planned evil will always thinks evil, and in this context we believe that the PDP has planned evil, ahead of other judgements, hence their assertions that; “the Supreme Court under Justice Tanko Mohammed shall be held responsible if there is any breakdown of law and order in any state as a result of judgments procured solely for political rather than judicial reasons as is currently happening.”
Again why should they be afraid about the outcome of yet to be delivered judgements, if indeed their conscience is clear that they really won elections in those States?
It is instructive to note that the PDP’s ignorant of the law was further showcased, where it demanded that the judgement be, “reviewed and reversed.”
The PDP and Uche Secondus, accusation on Justice Tanko Mohammed CJN, calling on him to “step down,” further remind us of a PDP stalwart, a former minister, Godsday Orubebe’s, saga agsinst Prof. Attihiru Jega, when the PDP, was at the verge of lossing the election in 2015, and to say the least the PDP is harbouring bunch of thawt in the name of politicians.
Uche Secondus and his PDP should note that no amount of intimidation, accusation and planned evil, will shiver the judiciary, at least in this dispensation.
Least we forget, the PDP should remind it self that Nigeria is not a lawless country, it is better for them to toe to the path of honour, respect the rules of law, the judiciary and its inviolability, than casting aspertion on the reverred justices.
We appeal to Nigerians, must importantly those in Imo and of other States whose judgements would be dilivered, to discard the PDP’s insinuation that breakdonw on law and order will ensured.
Signed:
Alhaji Danladi Garba Pasali, National Coordinator, Buhari Campaign Organisation, 18/01/2020.
The gubernatorial race of plateau state come 2023 is the most interesting one.its interesting because there are severally capable people from the central zone of the state that will be engaging in this battle to the government house come 2023.majorly ,3 blogs from the central will be fielding candidates for this most exalted seat in the state:The Mwaghavwul blog(Mangu),the minority blog(Bokkos,part of pankshin and Kanam LGAs) and finally,the Ngas blog (Pankshin and Kanke LGAs).among these blogs are many credible men and women whom research has shown that are capable of taking over from Rt.Hon Simon Bako Lalong.be that as it may,it’s only one man or woman that will at the end of the day get there.this brings me to the crux of my write up,SEEKING FOR PRAYER AND SUPPORT FOR THE HUMBLE SERVANT HON ENGR MANJI B D GONTORI come 2023…… I am a man who seek for the good of plateau.I have laboured in the past in praying for this state and its leaders since before joining this interesting game of politics,so my submission is not base on sentiment or in any way bias.so why GONTORI?why this early?what about the other credible men and women ?these questions and many others will be answered as time goes on but I will tell you few things you need to know and why the support for this great young man with a vision for PLATEAU STATE. These few things got me interested and start the move to know and support HON GONTORI: 1.Youth empowerment:I saw a massive involvement by Hon GONTORI in helping out the youth achieve their dreams.many of our youth across board has been empowered in several ways by this man,hence my curiosity to know and seek for support for him.its not only the youth but women and the elderly. 2.massive community development support.MANJI GONTORI has been to almost every part of the state ,identifying with the people from grassroot,helping them with cans donations and so many other materials in ensuring that the lives of people in such communities is bettered.I have heard many saying severally”where does this man gets his money”he gives as if he doesn’t like his money”is it not too early for this man to start spending like this since 2019 elections just ended and 2023 is far”to some people he is doing what he is doing so as to come and step down for somebody who will pay him off.and yet to others”he will get tired soon in this race” I want u to know,that his philanthropic gesture does not just start by his interest in the Governorship seat of plateau but his desire to help the down trodden in the society long ago. I proceeded to know what he has to offer.I asked him:Hon sir,what do u think you have for the people of plateau state?just in fee words and he responded thus: 1.plateau need peace and security.the peaceful coexistence of our people and security of their lives is top most priority.hence,the need to build more on the peace of the state and take people out of the nefarious attacks by some scrupulous elements who are bent on destroying the plateau of our dream. 2.Development:Human and capital development,economic development and massive infrastructural development.he said,its time to proof to people that politics is not just in the lips.many have come to say a lot and when they get to the office,they never do a bit of what they promise the people.we are coming to change the narrative. My brothers,sisters and lovers of plateau,our friends from other extractions that dwell here on the plateau,this young man,Hon Engr MANJI GONTORI is the answer.we are unveiling the blue print of what he is coming to do to the public soon. This journey is a journey that needs the prayers and support of all people.in his words,GONTORI said”power belong to God and he gives to every man at the time he wants”hence,we seek for your blessings and prayer with support to achieve this . Once again,I present to you HON ENGR MANJI BUTDANGMAN D GONTORI FOR GOVERNORSHIP SEAT PLATEAU STATE 2023……… AS the name is ,he is a Ngas man from kanke LGA of plateau state. Watch out for a complete profile of this gentle man ,a senatorial aspirant in the 2019 elections from central zone,Hon Engr MANJI B D GONTORI. Thank you all.
The Plateau State Youth Council, PYC, has passed a vote of no confidence in their State Chairman Dr. Jemchang Fabong over myriads of issues which include, Alleged Abuse of office, high handedness, Public misconduct, Financial Misappropriation, Diversion of Fertilizers among others. In the vote of confidence passed on him they said; “Having observed a total deviation from your affirmation, you will recall our memo dated 26th August 2018 titled COMPLAINT LETTER, addressed to the Hon. Commissioner of Youths and Sport Development Plateau State and copied to the CWC Plateau Youth Council in which we raised concerns about the way and manner you run the Council, highlighting our concerns bordering on;
Abuse of office (Office of the Chairman) through high handedness and Public misconduct which has brought the Council to ridicule.
None adherence to the Councils Constitution by taking unilateral decisions without the EXCO members consent.
Financial recklessness and use of the Councils fund without any regards to ARTICLE IX (3) of the PYC Constitution.
Direct collection of money and other items on behalf of the Council without proper accountability to the EXCO.” See Full Letter Below: “A VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE” You will recall that on 22nd May 2017, you affirm under Oath to discharge your duties as the Chairman, Plateau State Youth Council to the best of your ability, faithfully and in accordance with the Constitution of the Plateau State Youth council and the law, and to always act in the interest of sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of YOUTHS OF PATEAU STATE; and that you will not allow your personal interest to influence your official conduct or decision. Having observed a total deviation from your affirmation, you will recall our memo dated 26th August 2018 titled COMPLAINT LETTER, addressed to the Hon. Commissioner of Youths and Sport Development Plateau State and copied to the CWC Plateau Youth Council in which we raised concerns about the way and manner you run the Council, highlighting our concerns bordering on;
Abuse of office (Office of the Chairman) through high handedness and Public misconduct which has brought the Council to ridicule.
None adherence to the Councils Constitution by taking unilateral decisions without the EXCO members consent.
Financial recklessness and use of the Councils fund without any regards to ARTICLE IX (3) of the PYC Constitution.
Direct collection of money and other items on behalf of the Council without proper accountability to the EXCO.
Dishonesty in disclosing information on Opportunities, Slots and Items given to the Council and
Employing personal aides to run the Council thereby making EXCO members mere spectators. You will recall that at the end of our memo, we appealed to the Hon Commissioner to caution you, believing that you will redress your steps knowing fully that your actions contravene the provisions of ARTICLE II, and XIII of the Standing Order (a) thereby committing an offence punishable under ARTICLE XIV (a) and (b) of the PYC Constitution. Having observed with dismay your refusal to redress your steps on the issues raised and after series of deliberations, we the undersigned Exco members (see page 4) on this day 15th January 2020 present this four paged document with our resolve as follows;
That you have Failed to summon an Exco meeting for the period of six(6) months against the provision of ARTICLE IX (APENDIX 5a) of the PYC Constitution.
That you have exhibit dishonesty in carrying out your duties and given false information’s regarding allocations both in cash and items on behalf of the Plateau State Youth Council e.g. Fertilizer allocation to the Youths (two Trucks) which was lost on transit from Government House to Azi Nyako Youth Centre, Christmas bonuses, pilgrimage slots, employment opportunities and other financial collection form Government and Public spirited individuals Thus, bridging the provision of ARTICLE XIV (B) of the Constitution.
That you have continue to personalize the Youth Council to the Point that Exco members have no idea about what is going on, thus, holding on to all documents, correspondents and properties of the Council against ARTICLE XIII (Standing Order A).
That you have represent the Council in activities and Programmes with family and friends and have sent your personal aids to represent the Council in places where you are not available to attend thereby withholding critical information’s that the EXCO need for proper decision making.
That you have continued to exhibit harassment of Youths who raises observations on your excesses.
That you continue to use the Plateau State Youth Council to pursue your personal interest rather showing concern and commitment to the unity and progress of Plateau Youths bringing the reputation of the Council to public ridicule. In view of the above, we are under oath to protect the Constitution and integrity of the Youth Council, we therefore invoke 3 you cease to be our Chairman, this is necessary because the Youth Council under your watch has rather than unite Plateau State, causes division among the Youths. We are hereby demand that you hand over all properties and documents of the Council in your possession to the CWC with immediate effect for further communication to the EXCO in order to enable us salvage the image of the council, maintain the values handed over to us by our predecessors and defend the Council as the Brain Child of Plateau Patriots and for smooth transition to our younger ones. We appreciate God for the Opportunity to experience your kind leadership and we wish you the best in your future endeavours as you have the assurance of our cooperation. Sincerely yours in the struggle. Cc: The CWC Plateau State Youth Council, The Executive Governor Plateau State (Patron PYC), The Ministry for Youths and Sport Development, The Larger House of Plateau Youths, The Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly, The Department of State Services, Plateau State Command, The Commissioner, of Police, Plateau State Command, The Commandant, Operation Safe Haven, The Coordinator, Operation Rainbow Plateau State, NUJ Plateau State, NMA Plateau State Chapter, PIDAN, Council of Traditional Institutions, Plateau State, All Media Houses. Meanwhile in his reaction, Dr. Fabong Jemchang threatened to file a suit to challenge any action taken against him after speaking with our medium on phone. He described the letter of vote of no confidence on him, as a stupid letter which didn’t passed through the executive, saying they petitioners should have been present in their executive meeting before embarking on this exercise but since they failed to passed it through the proper channel, I shall stop at nothing to file my litigation against them. He said, they’re just trying to blackmail me and my personality on issues they outlined in the petition.
MiddleBelt Reporters 