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Tag: Plateau

  • Past Plateau Legislative Council Leaders Disown Group Rejecting Gov. Mutfwang’s Alleged Planned Defection to APC

    Past Plateau Legislative Council Leaders Disown Group Rejecting Gov. Mutfwang’s Alleged Planned Defection to APC

    By Israel Adamu, Jos

    A coalition under the banner of the Conference of Immediate Past Legislative Council Leaders in Plateau State has dissociated itself from a statement credited to a separate group allegedly rejecting the rumoured defection of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to the All Progressives Congress (APC).The clarification was contained in a statement jointly signed by Rt. Hon. Damar Yaksun (former Qua’anpan Legislative Arm Leader), Rt. Hon. Fom Wash Toma (former Barkin Ladi Legislative Arm Leader), and Hon. Engr. Samuel Azi (former Jos East Legislative Arm Leader).The group said its attention was drawn to a press conference held by an entity known as the Immediate Past Councillors Forum of Plateau State, led by Hon. John Dashe, which claimed to oppose the governor’s alleged planned move to the APC.

    According to the leaders, the press conference did not represent their position, as it was “conducted without due consultation” and therefore does not reflect the collective views of their organisation.They noted that the decision-making framework of their association emphasizes consultation, majority consensus, and adherence to due process—standards they say were not met in the said press briefing.“As a body of respected grassroots politicians, we operate collaboratively, not in isolation,” the statement read. “Our core aim is to connect our people to opportunities that improve their lives while promoting the ideology of our esteemed party, the APC.”

    The group reiterated that the APC, as a leading progressive party in West Africa, is committed to expanding its membership base for national growth and development. They stressed that unity remains crucial in addressing the insecurity confronting Nigeria.“We believe it is time for Nigerians to come together. Through unity, we can tackle the insecurity threatening our shared existence. We firmly believe the APC is the umbrella capable of uniting us all,” they stated.The leaders also used the opportunity to appeal to Governor Mutfwang to consider the plight of former councillors who were removed from office on June 2, 2023, noting that about 15 members have died since then due to hardship.“We appeal to the governor to graciously settle our outstanding entitlements, as many of our members have faced severe financial difficulties,” the group said.

    They reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC’s manifesto, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and pledged their support for his 2027 presidential bid.The group further expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the country, especially the abductions of children and the losses suffered by military personnel.“Our hearts go out to Nigerians grappling with heightened insecurity. We urge security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and restore peace,” the statement added.

  • Over 500 Youth groups in Plateau central back President Tinubu’s reelection

    Over 500 Youth groups in Plateau central back President Tinubu’s reelection

    By Israel Adamu, Jos

    A coalition of more than 500 youth support groups under the banner of Plateau Central Youths at the weekend declared their unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

    Speaking at the APC Zonal Youth interactive session in Pankshin local government coincil of Plateau state , the group also lauded President Tinubu for the good works he is doing in the nation.

    The group leaders Comrade Song Moro, and the Youth Leader of the APC on the Plateau Mr Nanloh Joseph Dashe who both spoke at the occasion described the event as “a resounding message of commitment” to the president’s vision and an indication of the readiness of the Youths in Pankshin and other local government of the state to ensure APC’s victory in 2027.

    They added that The gathering today is to also educate young Nigerians about President Tinubu’s initiatives and the importance of supporting him again in 2027.

    “We want young people to understand Mr President’s efforts in repositioning the economy positively,” they stated.

    They also hailed the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress Professor Nentawe Yilwatda for his unwavering commitment to the party and for improving the lives of the underprivileged in the society.

    “We align completely with Prof Nentawe , We are proud of his exemplary leadership since he assumed office and we would work with him and other APC leaders in Plateau as well as other stakeholders to ensure Victory for APC in the forthcoming Presidential election.

    The coalition also praised President Tinubu’s commitment to Nigeria’s progress, particularly his focus on economic revitalisation, infrastructural development, and national unity.

    In their words “President Tinubu has shown remarkable vision in steering Nigeria towards prosperity,” .

    “His policies are not only bold but inclusive, ensuring that every part of the country feels the impact of his governance.

    “From agricultural transformation to job creation for our youth, Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is laying a solid foundation for a stronger Nigeria, they added.

  • Farmers in Southern Plateau decay low rainfall 

    Farmers in Southern Plateau decay low rainfall 

     

    By  Israel Adamu, Jos 

    Farmers in southern Plateau are decrying the low rainfall in various communities across the area with crops reportedly wilting and discoloring. 

    The Southern zone of Plateau, located in the lowlands, comprises six local government areas of  Langtang North, Langtang South, Mikang, Shendam , Wase and Qua-an Pan where various farming activities such as maize , rice, groundnuts, millet and beans cultivation take place. 

    Our correspondent reports that Southern Plateau experienced late rainfall in the last farming season, followed by sufficient rain. However, this year, drought set in mid-season after the crops had already started.

    Speaking with DAYBREAK NIGERIA, Nandul Solomon a resident of Langtang South decried the lack of rain in the zone. 

    He said crops grown by farmers have started drying up as a result of the drought. 

    Some other farmers in the areas  who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday, said they have been experiencing short rainfall for nearly 25 days, resulting in the drying up of crops. 

    The farmers said if the situation continues, they would lose millions of naira, considering that the crops have not yet reached maturity level, explaining that this year’s short rainfall has left many farmers worried about the potential impact on crop yields and food security.

     Yusuf Maidoki, a resident of Yelwa community in Shendam LGA, lamented the development, saying, “I have planted groundnuts in large quantities and expected a bumper harvest, but with this development, I’m worried about the outcome. We hope it rains anytime soon.” 

     Joseph Domle, a resident of Langtang in Langtang North LGA, also lamented the development, stressing that if the shortage of rain continues, the situation would be devastating. He said, “We’re facing short rainfall in our area since the farming season started. We hope it rains soon because the situation is worrisome.” 

     Another farmer from Qua’an Pan LGA, Daniel Ishaku, who cultivates yams, expressed concern over the absence of rainfall in his community and surrounding villages, praying that God would bring rain to support farming activities.

    Our correspondent reports that National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Climate Prediction Centre (CPC), had  predicted that the northern part of Nigeria will experience short rainfall in late July and early August this year.

  • 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.