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  • Governor Lalong Advocates Safeguards Against Constitutional Abuses, As House Of Rep Committee On Review Of 1999 Constitution Sits In Jos

    Governor Lalong Advocates Safeguards Against Constitutional Abuses, As House Of Rep Committee On Review Of 1999 Constitution Sits In Jos

    Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has advocated for stiff penalties against anyone who is found guilty of abusing the constitution so as to protect its sanctity as the highest instrumental of power and make it the main driver of Nigeria’s democratic journey. 

    Governor Lalong spoke while declaring open the Public Hearing organised by the House of Representatives Special Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution for the North Central Zone in Jos. 

    The Governor said the review of the 1999 constitution is a worthy cause that needs to  be supported by all Nigerians as it could impact positively on good governance and service delivery to its citizens. 

    He however observed that beyond amending the constitution, Nigerians must also take greater interest in how the constitution is implemented to avoid abuses that end up creating distortions and leading to agitations for more amendments. 

    Lalong said “My advice to the members of the National Assembly and indeed all Nigerians is to put in place strong safeguards in the new constitution to avoid the abuse of power. The situation where people flagrantly disobey, discard and ignore the provisions of the constitution should no longer be tolerated. We should ensure that those who temper with the provisions of the constitution are seriously punished. No matter how frequently we amend the constitution, there may not be any difference if we fail to subject ourselves to its provisions. As citizens, we are the guardians and defenders of the constitution who can either make it work or fail by our actions or inactions. Nigerians should wake up from their slumber and lethargy by ensuring that they employ all legitimate means to protect the constitution. The days of docility are far gone”. 

    The Governor said if and when the  constitution is reviewed, no one should be allowed to live above it and at the same time, no one should be put beneath it by those in power or anyone saddled with the privilege of implementing any part of it. The rule of law must prevail at all times to guarantee democratic rights, freedoms and responsibilities. 

    Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution and Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase said the Committee is conducting the exercise with an open mind and will collate all positions of Nigerians for further consideration by the National Assembly. 

    Representatives of Governors of Nasarawa and Benue States decribed the Public Hearing as a golden opportunity for all grievances to be ventilated and all thorny national issues thoroughly discussed to arrive at a people’s constitution. 

    The Governor had earlier received the members of the Committee who paid him a courtesy visit at the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos. 

  • ALERT: Boko Haram Plotting To Attack Abuja, Jos – IGP

    ALERT: Boko Haram Plotting To Attack Abuja, Jos – IGP

    Acting Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has raised the alarm that members of Boko Haram terrorists are planning to carry out an attack on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Plateau State capital, Jos.

    Baba, however, put the commissioners of police in both places on red alert, saying intelligence reports disclosed that the terrorists are being strategic.

    According to him, the proposed attacks would be coordinated by both Muhammad Sani, a Boko Haram commander, domiciled in Sambisa Forest and his deputy, Suleiman, hibernating around Lawan Musa Zango, Gashua, Yobe State.

    These IGP’s revelations were contained in a circular dated May 19, 2021, and signed by his Principal Staff Officer, Idowu Owohunwa, an acting CP, which was addressed to the two commissioners of police.

    The circular, a copy of which was obtained by Daily Trust has reference number TB: 0900/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.TI/47.

    The acting IGP directed the CPs to review their security architecture and beef up security around government facilities particularly in Abuja and Jos.

    It read, “Intelligence report at the disposal of the Inspector-General of Police has uncovered plans by Boko Haram terrorists to attack major cities in the country, particularly in Jos, Plateau and the FCT, Abuja.

    “The proposed attacks would be coordinated by the duo of Muhammad Sani, a Boko Haram commander, domiciled in Sambisa Forest and his deputy, Suleiman, hibernating around Lawan Musa Zango, Gashua, Yobe State.

    “In light of the above, it is the directive of the Inspector-General of Police that you review your security architecture across all critical government infrastructures and police facilities in your jurisdiction with a view to checkmating the dastardly plans of this marauding terrorists.

    “Accept the assurances of my warmest regards, please.”

    The acting IGP’s alert comes weeks after Governor Sani Bello of Niger State said the nation’s capital is not safe because Boko Haram fighters have hoisted their flag in a community that is two hours from Abuja.

  • “Don’t Allow The Pulpit To Be Used For Division And Hatred”, Governor Lalong Charges Religious Leaders As New Catholic Archbishop Of Jos Is Installed

    “Don’t Allow The Pulpit To Be Used For Division And Hatred”, Governor Lalong Charges Religious Leaders As New Catholic Archbishop Of Jos Is Installed

    Governor Simon Bako Lalong has again advocated for tolerance and religious harmony as a catalyst for peace, security and good governance in Nigeria. 

    The Governor was speaking at the installation and reception of Pallium by the new Catholic Archbishop of Jos Most. Revd. Dr. Mathew Ishaya Audu held at the Divine Mercy Cathedral, Lamingo -Jos.

    Lalong while congratulating the Archbishop said within one year of assuming duties, His Grace Most. Rev

    Mathew Audu has demonstrated that his calling is divine and that he is totally committed to ensuring that the will of God is implemented in Plateau State and the world at large through the Church. 

    Lalong said the Archbishop has given the Laity, religious and clergy the needed leadership to enable them carry out their duties in the service of God and humanity without any hindrance. He has made personal sacrifices to ensuring that all challenges are addressed to make the propagation of the gospel of Christ seamless. 

    The Governor said “While it is the duty of religious leaders to speak the truth to power and the public, you should also beware of, and shun rhetorics that promote hate, division, and distrust among the people. You should guard against politicians and other interests that are always desperate to exploit the pulpit for their selfish reasons. The people look up to you for guidance and motivation that guarantees a united, equitable and prosperous society where the rights and privileges of all are guaranteed. Be assured that my administration will continue to work with you as we build a better Plateau and Nigeria of our dream”.

    Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria Most. Revd. Anthonio Fillipazzi said the presentation of the Pallium to the Archbishop is a significant event that confers authority on the Archbishop to discharge his duties in line with the doctrine of the Catholic Church. He called for prayers for Archbishop Audu as he shepherds the Church within his jurisdiction even in difficult times. 

    Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba also congratulated the Archbishop and promised the support of the traditional Institution for the Church and the Government. 

    Archbishop Audu thanked God for bestowing on him this assignment which he intends to do his best to discharge. He thanked His Holiness Pope Francis for the installation and called for unity in the body of Christ in Plateau State, Nigeria and the world at large. 

    He also assured of his intention to continue to work for inter-faith harmony, tolerance and forgiveness in Plateau State and elsewhere just as his predecessor, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama had done. Archbishop Ishaya Audu also marked his 20th Anniversary as Bishop.

  • NCPC boss inspects Jos airport ahead of 2020 pilgrimage

    NCPC boss inspects Jos airport ahead of 2020 pilgrimage

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    Ahead of the 2020 general pilgrimage exercise, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Rev Yakubu Pam recently undertook an inspection tour of facilities at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos in preparation for the  exercise to Israel.

    Pam was conducted round the facilities at the airport by the Airport Manager, Mr Ayinla Olufemi as he  inspected facilities at the departure hall which still need some finishing touches such as furniture and lighting system. The NCPC helmsman and his entourage also inspected the airport clinic where the intending Pilgrims will undergo medical check up. before boarding.  He was also shown. the conveyor belt where the passengers luggages will pass through which had been installed and ready to commence work as soon as it is powered.

    At the end of the inspection tour the Executive Secretary said, ” I am quite satisfied with what my eyes have seen” . He added,” we will no longer travel to Abuja to fly, we will take our Pilgrims direct to Israel from this Airport.”
     Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof Danladi Auta explained that the Gov.  Simon Lalong had been the brain behind up grading of the airport and had done a lot of follow up in that regard. He  gave the assurance that the Government of Plateau State would do its best to ensure that the challenges confronting the airport would be addressed despite the low funds to enable intending Pilgrims to be airlifted from the airport in addition to airlifting of  international flights. Also speaking, the Airport Manager, Mr Ayinla Olufemi revealed that there were few challenges at the airport but was delighted that the state government had promised to address them such as the provision of scanning machines.

    It would be recalled that the Commission commenced the inspection of designated Airports across the country for this year’s Pilgrimage in early November, the Yakubu Gowon Airport is the ninth to be inspected so far by the Commission. Dignitaries at the inspection tour with the Executive Secretary included the NCPC Directors of Finance and Accounts, Mr Joseph Oche,  Sir Peter Okuleigbe, NCPC Director of Administration ,Mr Barnabas Ali , Director Operations NCPC Rev Amos Yohanna, the plateau State Commissioner of Housing, Barr Bitrus Zulfa, the Transport Commissioner Mohammed Abubakar and Christian leaders. 

  • Gov Lalong relaxes 24-hour curfew in Plateau

    Gov Lalong relaxes 24-hour curfew in Plateau


    Based on the assessment of the security situation in Plateau State and upon the recommendation of the Plateau State Security Council, the Executive Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong has approved the relaxation of the curfew imposed in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas with effect from Wednesday 28th October 2020.
    By this directive, the curfew is hereby relaxed to commence from 6am to 12 midnight beginning from Wednesday 28th October untill further notice. No movement will be allowed between the hours if 12 midnight to 6am. 
    Citizens are advised to go about their lawful businesses without any fear as security agencies have been directed to ensure effective patrols and surveillance to protect lives and property.
    They have equally been directed to identify and arrest any individual or group of persons that engage in any acts of criminality including looting, arson, vandalism and threat to lives and property in the State. 
    The Governor after going round areas affected by the recent wanton acts of vandalism, arson and destruction in company of the Plateau State National Assembly Caucus, expresses deep sadness over the level of destruction of both public and private properties and the magnitude of loss recorded.
    While appealing to the youths to desist from such disgraceful acts, he warns that those cought engaging in such activities will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

  • BREAKING: Hoodlums disregrads curfew, loot ex-Speaker Dogara’s house in Jos

    BREAKING: Hoodlums disregrads curfew, loot ex-Speaker Dogara’s house in Jos

    Hoodlums attacked and looted the house of a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, located near Jos University Teaching Hospital.

    Our correspondent gathered that the hoodlums defied the ongoing curfew imposed by the state government to also invade other buildings in search of COVID-19 palliatives.

    An eyewitness told revealed that Dogara’s house was attacked about 9 am, on Sunday 25-10-2020

    Policemen and other security operatives enforcing the curfew shot to disperse the rampaging youths without success.

    “They broke into the house of the former Speaker and attacked everyone, including Dogara’s brother, and (they) are currently moving anything they see. In the process, the invaders moved several items – tricycles, furniture, electronics, and other valuables – out of the house,” an eyewitness revealed.

    Details later…

  • Residents loot COVID-19 palliatives warehouse in Jos

    Residents loot COVID-19 palliatives warehouse in Jos

    Some residents of Plateau State broke into government COVID-19 warehouse at the weekend and carted away various palliative items worth millions of naira.

    The warehouse is located at Bukuru, Jos, the Plateau State capital.

    In a 19 seconds video emerged online, the people were seen on the compound where the palliatives were kept.

    They carted away foodstuffs including rice and amongst others.

  • BREAKING: Armed Thugs Attack Terminus In Jos, Destroy Businesses, Properties

    BREAKING: Armed Thugs Attack Terminus In Jos, Destroy Businesses, Properties

    Armed thugs have overrun a popular business district in Jos, Plateau State, unleashing mayhem in the area.

    #EndSARS protesters were not in the area and had never protested there since demonstrations against police brutality began in the state.

    The thugs in an attempt to discredit peaceful protesters took over Ahmadu Bello Way, chanting “Sai Buhari”.

    A restaurant, Mr Biggs, has been destroyed while cars of customers parked outside the building have been razed by the thugs.

    It is unclear if there are casualties at the time of this report.

    Details later…

  • Sallah: Archbishop distributes rice to Muslim communities in Plateau

    Sallah: Archbishop distributes rice to Muslim communities in Plateau

    The Archbishop of Jos Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev. Matthew Audu, on Thursday distributed some rice to the Muslim communities in Plateau as they celebrates Eid-el-Kabir.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Archbishop was represented by Rev. Fr Blaise Agwom, Director, Dialogue Reconciliation and Peace (DREP) Centre Jos.

    Audu said that the gesture was a token of his appreciation for the peaceful coexistence between Christian and Muslims in the state.

    “It is an appreciation of the collaboration between Christians and Muslims communities that has entrench peace and peaceful coexistence.

    “I am talking about the Catholic Archbishop of Jos and particularly the DREP Centre. I wish to felicitate with you as you celebrate and pray for a peaceful sallah in good health,” he said.

    He said that the rice would be distributed to groups including; the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), Hausa Community, Miyetti Allah, The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) and JIBWIS among others.

    Alhaji Sani Mudi, on behalf of the groups, appreciated the Archbishop and DREP for the gesture.

    Mudi said that it was not the quantity that matters but the spirit behind the giving.

    “We are not surprise by this gesture by DREP, we are critical stakeholders and have been part of DREP since its inception.

    “The gesture strengthens our hope in enduring collaboration for fruitful result. We will continue to work for peace in Plateau and indeed Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)