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Tag: Plateau

  • NLC Announces Two-Day Warning Strike in Protest Against Fuel Subsidy Removal Consequences

    NLC Announces Two-Day Warning Strike in Protest Against Fuel Subsidy Removal Consequences

    By Daniel Edu

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has officially declared a two-day warning strike set to commence on Tuesday, September 5, to express their dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s handling of the challenges arising from the removal of fuel subsidies.

    During a press conference held at the Labour House in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero announced the strike on Friday. This decision came following discussions and resolutions reached by the NLC National Executive Committee (NEC) during their previous meeting.

    The labor union has accused the Federal Government of neglecting ongoing negotiations and failing to implement resolutions from prior engagements with the government.

    On August 2, organized labor staged a protest against what they perceived as anti-people policies under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), along with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliated unions, organized demonstrations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and various states, including Lagos, Abia, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, Zamfara, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kwara, Ogun, Imo, Ondo, and Edo.

    These protests followed a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, demanding the “immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies, including the recent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), the rise in public school fees, and the release of eight months’ withheld salaries for university lecturers and workers.”

    The union also called for an upward adjustment of the minimum wage, from N30,000 to N200,000, citing the impact of the removal of the fuel subsidy on the well-being of Nigerians, as stated in the President’s May 29, 2023, inauguration speech, where he mentioned the end of subsidies.

    Despite multiple discussions between the Presidency and the unions regarding measures to alleviate the hardship faced by Nigerians following the removal of petrol subsidies, no concrete solutions have emerged.

  • Governor Lalong Excited As Plateau Makes Significant Leap In Ease Of Doing Business Ranking; Moves To 10th Position

    Governor Lalong Excited As Plateau Makes Significant Leap In Ease Of Doing Business Ranking; Moves To 10th Position

    Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong is thrilled about the significant progress that the State has made under his watch in the Ease of Doing Business Ranking.

    This follows the release of the 2nd Sub-National Ease of Doing Business Ranking by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) where Plateau moved from the 14th position (5.68 score 2021) to 10th (5.87 score 2023).

    Lalong while celebrating the incremental performance of Plateau State in the Ease of Doing Business Ranking, recalled that the State was on 26th position in 2016 which made him to come up with various economic reforms within the vision of the Rescue Administration.

    Such reforms including the establishment of the One Stop Investment Centre (OSIC), land reforms, infrastructure development, empowerment and entrepreneurial programmes, and the restoration of peace among others moved the State to 14th position in 2021 and now to 10th in 2023.

    According to the Governor, many new businesses have sprang up in the State within the SME, Manufacturing and Service industry which have boosted the economic fortunes of the citizens.

    Lalong dedicates the award to the citizens of Plateau State who have supported his administration and embraced his policies especially as they relate to peace and security which is the basic requirement for business and economic activities.

    Similarly, the Governor is happy that Plateau State has also made significant progress in improving its IGR which was acknowledged by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), placing the State 4th Most Improved IGR among Governors leaving office in May 29th this year.

    It would be recalled that Governor Lalong’s three-pillar policy vision of Peace, Security and Good Governance; Sustainable Economic Re-birth and Infrastructure Development is at the heart of his management of the State’s economy.

    While specially commending the members of the State Executive Council and Economic Advisory Council, the Governor believes that these records are a testimony to the vibrant economy he is leaving behind for his successor to build upon.

  • Plateau Will Vote APC Because Of Justice, Development And Peace – Gov Lalong 

    Plateau Will Vote APC Because Of Justice, Development And Peace – Gov Lalong 

    Governor of Plateau State and Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council Simon Bako Lalong says the people of Plateau State and Nigerians at large will vote APC again because of its achievements in the area of peace, development and justice.

    The Governor said this at the Bit Pol Cultural Festival in his village, N’yak, Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State to usher in the new year.

    He said the APC under his Rescue Administration has done a lot to restore peace to Plateau State and address previous acts of injustice, exclusion and division.

    He cited the restoration of traditional stools and creation of new ones as a very important step taken by his government to emancipate the people and give them a sense of belonging in the affairs of the State. 

    He said such actions and the creation of the Peace Building Agency and opening up of room for dialogue, understanding and unity have made it possible for people to seek common grounds and stand against division and unpatriotic conduct. 

    While thanking his people for always supporting him and voting for the APC, Lalong said he was sure that such support will manifest in the polls when they vote to elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President as well as Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as Governor of Plateau State to succeed him.

    He said as the DG of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council, he can guarantee that Tinubu and Nentawe will do justice to all Nigerians irrespective of their backgrounds.

    Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Idris Wase said the people of Nyak should be very proud to have produced an illustrious son like Governor Lalong who is humble, patriotic and honest.

    He said Lalong is a leader who knows the road to victory and success and deserves to be supported by not only his kinsmen but the people of Plateau State as he has the connections and capacity to protect their interests in national politics. 

    APC Gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda while assuring the people of Nyak that he will continue with the legacies of Governor Lalong and ensure that peace and stability persists in Plateau State, said the people of Plateau State will witness greater things as he builds in the legacies of the Lalong Rescue Administration. 

    Nentawe said he will continue to support the Bit Pol Cultural Festival as well as make sure that the people of Plateau State become more united and prosperous. 

    Plateau State Algon Chairman Hon. Alex Naantuam said the Pol Unity and Cultural Festival has continued to bring in people from around the country every year which is a testament to the unity and progress that exists within the Nyak community as well as collaboration with their sons and daughters. 

    Chairman of the Pol Unity and Cultural Association (PUCA) Audu Inuwa appreciated Governor Lalong for giving the community a sense of pride through his exploits in politics and performance as Governor of Plateau State, Chairman Northern Governors Forum and Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council. 

    He said the Pol Unity and Cultural Association has been strengthened with the support and goodwill of Governor Simon Lalong. 

  • Plateau: 8 residents killed, house razed as gunmen invade community

    Plateau: 8 residents killed, house razed as gunmen invade community

    Armed men Tuesday night invaded Wumat village of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, killed eight people and injured some others.

    The gunmen also razed about 20 houses in the community.

    Adamu Isa, a resident of Bokkos, said the gunmen stormed the village around 10pm and gunned down eight, adding that some of the victims had been taken to the hospital for treatment.

    When contacted, the spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Alabo Alfred, said he would confirm from the area and get back to our correspondent but had not done so as of the time of filing this story.

    The latest attack came seven days after gunmen killed 11 persons and injured some others in the Maikatako community of the same Bokkos LG.

    It was reported that Governor Simon Lalong had three days ago met Bokkos stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the crisis in the local government.

    The governor while addressing the stakeholders which included traditional rulers, representatives of Ron and Fulani, as well as security agencies, said the ceaseless attacks were a major setback to the restoration of peace in the state. 

    “Nobody has the right to kill anyone or take the laws into his hands to address any grievance or injustice whether relating to destruction of crops or killing of cows which are reported to be the main source of tension in the area,” Lalong said at the meeting.

  • Police returns N6 million to Robbery Victim

    Police returns N6 million to Robbery Victim

    Police in Plateau have returned N5.9 million recovered at a robbery scene to the owner, Mr John Okeke.

    Okeke was robbed on Jingre-Saminaka Road in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau on May 22 and the recovered money was returned to him on July 4.

    DSP Alabo Alfred, police spokesman in Plateau stated in Jos on Wednesday that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Bartholomew Onyeka, handed the money to Okeke in Jos.

    He explained that on the day in question, the Jingre Division of the police received a distress call that a robbery was taking place at Fuskan Mata community on the Jingre-Saminaka Road.

    Police operatives mobilised to the scene and engaged the robbers in a gun duel after which they restored normalcy to the area.

    One of the robbery victims sustained gunshot wounds and later died at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos.

    Upon sighting the police, the robbers fled just as their victims, including Okeke, who was on transit from Saminaka in Kaduna State to Jos, scampered into nearby bushes.

    Okeke’s money was later recovered at the robbery scene.

    DSP Alfred stated that the police commissioner urged Plateau residents to continue to give timely information to the police and to other security agencies to strengthen the fight against crime.

  • We will dump APC if the Gov. Imposes his preferred candidate – Plateau gov. Aspirants

    18 Governorship aspirants in Plateau state under the Platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) have threatened to dump the party should the Governor impose his preferred candidate on the party to fly the APC ticket for the 2023 Governorship of the state.

    The aspirants under the Plateau APC Governorship aspirant Forum, on Monday who addressed a Press Conference in Jos accused the Governor of trying to impose a candidate on the party for the 2023 Governorship Elections.

    Chairman of the Aspirants Forum, Amos Gizo, insisted that they will come up with a consensus Governorship candidate from amongst themselves for APC on Plateau before the Primaries.

    During their maiden meeting, he added that the aspirants resolved not to accept any Governorship candidate whose emergence is a product of imposition and that any aspirant that becomes the consensus candidate would be supported by all.

  • Plateau To Host 5,000 Pharmacists As Governor Lalong Pledges Support For PSN National Conference “Tin City 2022”.

    Plateau To Host 5,000 Pharmacists As Governor Lalong Pledges Support For PSN National Conference “Tin City 2022”.

    Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has pledged support to the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) ahead of its National Conference tagged “Tin City 2022” scheduled to hold in Jos, November this year.

    Governor Simon Lalong who received the National President of the PSN Prof. Cyril Usifo at the New Government House Little Rayfield Jos, said Plateau State was eager to host the Pharmacists who have been very helpful to the health and socio-economic development of the State.

    Lalong who accepted to be part of the Conference said the State Government will give all necessary support to ensure a successful National Conference in line with the State’s history of hospitality and accommodation.

    He said the choice of Jos as the host city for PSN National Conference is another testimony and dividend of the peace efforts that the Rescue Administration has put in place over the past 7 years.

    The Governor while commending the pharmacists for doing their best towards safeguarding the health of the citizens, appealed to them to intensify their surveillance, monitoring and enforcement against drug abuse, illicit drugs, self-medication and other harmful practices.

    PSN President Prof. Cyril Usifo said the Council agreed to give Plateau the hosting rights of the Conference because of the improved security situation in the State and the efforts of the Governor to improve the health of the citizens.

    Uniform also thanked the Governor for his policies towards better practice of pharmacy and his support to members of the profession in both public and private practice.

    Plateau State Chaiperson of the PSN Kaneng Pam said the State will benefit a lot from hosting the event 27 years since it last hosted it.

    According to her, the efforts of the Governor in creating enabling environment for businesses to thrive is responsible for the consideration of Plateau for the highest gathering of Pharmacists in Nigeria.

    The Governor was also decorated with the official regalia for the Conference and also presented with the hosting banner.

  • Lawmaker Escapes Gunmen Attack In Plateau

    Lawmaker Escapes Gunmen Attack In Plateau

    Newly elected member representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Musa Agah Avia escaped an ambush by gunmen on Tuesday night.

    In a statement signed by the National Secretary of Irigwe Development Association, Danjuma Dickson Auta, the lawmaker alongside his wife and children as well as his personal assistant and driver were ambushed along twin hill in Miango chiefdom of Bassa local government area of Plateau State.

    Although they all escaped unhurt the car was battered with gunshot bullets as the driver against all odds bravely manoeuvred the vehicle amidst the sporadic shooting by the attackers.

    The statement added that two others who were on a motorcycle and ahead of the lawmaker’s vehicle ran into the ambush and were killed by the attackers.

    Security agencies are yet to react to the incident which occurred near the spot where some people were killed recently during a festival ceremony in the chiefdom.

  • APC Has Failed To Protect Plateau, PDP Ready To Takeover – Wike

    APC Has Failed To Protect Plateau, PDP Ready To Takeover – Wike

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) – led administration in Plateau State has failed to tackle the security crisis in the state and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is ready to take over.

    Governor Wike said this on Wednesday while responding to questions from journalists within the premises of Plateau State High Court in Jos, where the fraud trial of former governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, was heard.

    He told journalists when the court session went on break that it is obvious that the APC and the Federal Government have failed to bring to an end the needless killings in Plateau and other parts of the country.

    “It is not about the Muslims, it is not about Christians. It is not about the North. It is not about the South. The killings, the insecurity, the hardship, the poverty is everywhere.

    “Look at what is happening in Plateau State. Look at how innocent people are being killed daily and it also applies in other states. Christians are dying here, Muslims are dying there.

    “Plateau State is ripe for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to take over because APC has performed woefully as far as Nigeria and this state is concerned. I stand to be challenged by anybody,” he said.

    Governor Wike said he has not told anyone about running for an election, but it is important that the PDP remain united.

    “Every individual has to focus on how the party will be united to salvage the country and to salvage Plateau State too from APC,” he said.

    He explained that his visit to Plateau State was to see to reconcile Jeremiah Useni and Jonah Jang.

    He said since his visit coincided with the trial of ex-governor Jang, he felt it was appropriate to attend in solidarity.

    “I think for me, this is one of those things you face after you’ve served your fatherland. As a mark of solidarity, I’m here to give him courage, to reassure him that we are behind him. We will do all we can within the ambit of the law to give him the support.”

  • Alleged Fraud: Wike storms Plateau court in solidarity with Ex-Gov Jang

    Alleged Fraud: Wike storms Plateau court in solidarity with Ex-Gov Jang

    Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, stormed the Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos where a former Governor of the state, Jonah Jang is being arraigned.

    Jang is standing trial alongside Yusuf Pam, an ex-cashier in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the State, on alleged N6.3bn fraud charges brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    The two accused persons were first arraigned before Justice Daniel Longji in March 2018 on 17 counts bordering on criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds but they had since pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The case is currently before Justice Christy Dabup who started hearing on the matter afresh following the retirement of Justice Longji in December 2019, after hearing the matter 34 times.

    Wike, clad in a dark blue suit with a white shirt underneath, arrived the court premises at 9:50 am in company with other Peoples Democratic Party chieftains and moved straight to courtroom where the trial was already in progress.

    Counsel for Jang, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), told the judge that the Rivers State Governor was in the court to witness the trial of his client.

    Details later…