Author Archives: Oracle/Kwararafa Newspapers

• Calls for Peaceful Co existence among Citizens Of Plateau.

Otubi Audu Jos

Plateau state Governor Caleb Mutfwang in a determination to end the circle of violence and restore lasting peace on the Plateau on Friday took an assessment tour of the communities affected by recent attacks and killings in Mangu Local Government Area of the state.

Mutfwang was accompanied on the tour by heads of security agencies and top government functionaries that went round the affected communities, beginning with Kwahaslalek, a village where several lives were lost, and Mangu metropolis, where houses and sources of livelihood of the victims were destroyed.

The Plateau Governor paid a condolence visit to the Mangu Monarch Mishkaham Mwaghavul, HRH Da John Putmang Hirse in his Palace in Mangu town and commiserated with the people of Mangu local government area over the unfortunate incident.

He called for continuous dialogue between community leaders to resolve issues capable of causing division and violence among the residents, and assured them of the unwavering support of government in that regards.

Mutfwang described the carnage in Mangu as needless and urged the people to rise against crisis merchants bent on recruiting innocent youths to unleash terror on citizens for their personal gains.

“I want to assure the people of Mangu local government that the government of Plateau state will do all it can to ensure that external aggressors are kept away. We are going to also ensure that criminal elements in our midst are dealt with; we will no longer tolerate such activities.

“This is the time to preach forgiveness and preach unity. It is only when we do that, that we can be vigilant to ward off external forces that divide us and make sure they turn our attention from productive ventures to only crisis management. We must not allow that to continue.

“I want to appeal to everyone; if anyone ever thought of giving cover to any criminal, it is time to end that and expose them. It is time to love your brothers more than your friends who are criminals. I plead with us, particularly to the Mwaghavul nation, we have always held ourselves as brothers, even if we are of different faith, we must not lose that sense of brotherhood.” He advised.

Governor Mutfwang stressed that his Government has set in motion machineries to checkmate activities of drugs Marchants, who are patronized by youths, to enable them carry out criminal activities in the state.

“Let me sound a note of warning to those who are making huge money from the sale of drugs and narcotics, we will come after you very soon because you cannot continue to destroy our young people and go scot free. By the grace of God, we will put up a strategic plan to contain the menace of drugs addiction in the state.” He stated.

In his response, the Mishkaham Mwaghavul, HRH Da. John Hirse, commended the Governor Mutfwang for coming to sympathize with the people and urged him to remain focused in spite of the deliberate attempt to distract him.

“In the past four days, we could not sleep; you have seen the massive destruction in Mangu, there was no cause for it. A disagreement between two people now engulfs the whole local government.

“It is better to sit down and dialogue than taking laws into your hands. We have been living in peace, doing businesses together, we don’t know what brought about this.There is nothing more important like peace.”

He appealed to the Plateau governor to help the people to return home to continue with their businesses as that will foster a speedy recovery.

According Mangu Monarch “The people have nothing now, help them return home and the economy will recover quickly. Don’t be distracted, this is meant to distract you from your focus to bring good governance to the people.”

Governor Mutfwang later held a meeting with some stakeholders in Bokkos Local Government Area led by the Transition Committee Chairman, Monday Kasam.

Mutfwang took time to visit the internally displaced persons who survived the recent attacks in the area, giving them hope that he is doing everything humanly possible for them to return to their homes.

Otubi Audu Jos

The National President of the Nigerian mining and geo sciences society Akinlade Olutunji has declared that no state Governor has the legal right to ban mining activities in their states as mining act is found in the executive list and under the control of the federal government.

The National president of the society Akinade Olatunji made the call in jos while addressing a press conference ahead of the 53rd council meeting of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society scheduled to hold in Jos in march 2024 .

According to him, with the controversy over the rights to mining activities, state governors has no right to ban mining but can legislate on mining activities but rather can legislate on matters regarding mining activities in thier respect states

He argued that,this issue of legality of mining activities is under the control of the federal government which is found in the executive list as even the minister for Solid minerals Dele Aleke has repeated this issue on several occasions while urging state governors as a matter of urgency take quality measures in guiding the activities of illegal miners in thier domain.

“Because of the challenges faced by the issue of mining across the country which had led to increased insecurity across the country, he called on stakeholders in the country to join hands together wit the federal government handling this challenge” He pointed out.

He further said he believes that the mining sector have what it takes to boost the nation’s Grass Domestic Product of the country.

He said their objective of being in Jos and holding their forth coming national conference is create the desired awareness on the activities of the mining sector in the state and as well draw the attentions of members of the practitioners in the mining sector that plateau being the home of solid minerals and what it holds will discuss issues in the sector.

He called on all and sundry to take advantage of the potentials that abound in the state to be part of this epic and unique program coming up in Jos the plateau state capital.

On the current security challenges confronting country, he appealed to government at all levels to give the necessary attention to mining activities in states across the country.

Christian Cleric Rejects Ill-Intention Creation Of Nomad Vigilante Group, Calls For Creation Of Hostage Rescue Security Unit

Okwuta Audu Jos

The president and Founder of Evangelical Bible Out Reach Ministry International ( EBOMI) and Convener Initiative for a Better and Brighter Nigeria IBBN Prophet El- Buba has rejected the lame, obnoxious, hypocritical and ill-intentioned purported creation of a nomad Vigilante group in Nassarawa state by Bello Bodejo’s Miyatti Allah Kautal Hore (MAKH).

The renowned Christian Cleric stated this while speaking to newsmen at EBOMI Prayer Headquarters in Jos on the state of the nation .

Eisaid more insulting to Nigerians’ psyche and the memory of thousands gruesomely murdered and displaced by suspected Fulani militias is the group purported joke to invite known terrorist, Turji and other Fulani militias’ leaders to work with the Vigilante group.

According to him, the sheer hypocrisy is crystal clear in the inter-convertibility of how Miyatti Allah’s tribesmen in the mold of Fulani militias who have been terrorizing , killing and maiming Nigerians in most part of the country will now be the same people to quickly resort to creating a Nomad vigilante group.

” For the avoidance of doubt , this is Greek gift to our security Architecture! And we are calling on relevant security authorities to rein in and clamp down on Miyatti Allah. This is sacrosanct to abort an underhanded and systematic plan to overrun especially the North Central Nigeria with and by Fulani militias’ group seeking to disguise as nomadic vigilante and consolidate Nassarawa state as a harbouring ground and operational foothold given the state boarders with Plateau, Benue,Kaduna and the FCT where there are prevailing security challenges.”

He added that a review of incidents reports from the past few days reveals that this deteriorating trend revealing five of the six geopolitical zones in the country to be currently under siege of kidnappers and bandits operating at will has becomes worrisome.

The Christian cleric further said there is the need to also create a somewhat Hostage Rescue Security Unit(s) comprising of all security formations who will be well armed to the teeth and trained in special weapons and tactics to directly confront bandits and seize victims from the den of kidnappers.

According to him, our justice system in the country must be swift and firm ensuring that all criminals, bandits, kidnappers, terrorists, their collaborators, accomplices and or their sponsors docked, are prosecuted and meant to face the full wrath of the law no matter whose ox is gored.

Mining: Nigerian Governors Lacks Legal Rights To Ban Mining In Part Of Nigeria- NMGS President Engr Olutunji.

Okwuta Audu Jos

The National President of the Nigerian mining and geo sciences society Akinlade Olutunji has declared that no state Governor in Nigeria has the legal right to ban mining activities in their states as mining act is found in the executive list and under the control of the federal government.

The National president of the society Akinade Olatunji made the call in jos while addressing a press conference ahead of the 53rd council meeting of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society scheduled to hold in Jos in march 2024 .

According to him, with the controversy over the rights to mining activities, state governors has no right to ban mining but can legislate on mining activities but rather can legislate on matters regarding mining activities in thier respect states

He argued that,this issue of legality of mining activities is under the control of the federal government which is found in the executive list as even the minister for Solid minerals Dele Aleke has repeated this issue on several occasions while urging state governors as a matter of urgency take quality measures in guiding the activities of illegal miners in thier domain.

“Because of the challenges faced by the issue of mining across the country which had led to increased insecurity across the country, he called on stakeholders in the country to join hands together wit the federal government handling this challenge” He pointed out.

He further said he believes that the mining sector have what it takes to boost the nation’s Grass Domestic Product of the country.

He said their objective of being in Jos and holding their forth coming national conference is create the desired awareness on the activities of the mining sector in the state and as well draw the attentions of members of the practitioners in the mining sector that plateau being the home of solid minerals and what it holds will discuss issues in the sector.

He called on all and sundry to take advantage of the potentials that abound in the state to be part of this epic and unique program coming up in Jos the plateau state capital.

On the current security challenges confronting country, he appealed to government at all levels to give the necessary attention to mining activities in states across the country.

Otubi Audu Jos.

Plateau State Government is partnering

with Continental Oil Palm and Agric Services Consortium to Establish a 4000-hectare oil palm plantation in the state.

The Plateau State Commissioner of Agriculture,Bugama Samson Ishaku represented by Hon. Ishaku Samalia stated this at a one day sensitization on the partnership with Agric stakeholders in Plateau state held at the Bridge Hotel in Jos the Plateau state capital..

Represented at the event by the state PADP Program manager Ishaku Jilemsam , the Program Manager of the Plateau Agricultural Development Programme,

Who highlighted the long-term benefits of oil palm production, stated that these trees can thrive for more than 50 years, providing sustainable advantages for decades.

“In oil palm production, when you plant these trees, they can survive for more than 50 years. So it’s an investment of 2-3 years of effort that yields benefits for over 40 years,” he explained.

Hon. Samalia emphasized on the environmental advantages, noting that cultivating these crops contributes to carbon sequestration and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at addressing climate change.

. “We are contributing to carbon credits in the environment because these plants sequester carbon. Therefore, we are also meeting SDG targets with this initiative. The government’s approach involves thorough sensitization to generate interest from farmers before providing seedlings,”

He also stressed on the importance of securing markets for the produced goods to ensure economic viability and eliminate concerns regarding market availability

. “Our priority is to secure the market, then establish an integration for every commodity we promote. We will ensure there is already a market, including for palm oil,” he added.

He also disclosed that Governor Caleb Mutfwang has unveiled a comprehensive plan that goes beyond oil palm and encompasses coconut, banana, coffee, polonia , bamboo, avocados, and more.

The Agric. commissioner revealed that 3850 hectares would be utilized for cultivation, while 150 hectares would be reserved for a refinery, emphasizing on the goal of producing finished goods locally.

Project Facilitator, Hon. Barr. Phillip Isa Nyitni ,on his part provided insights into the significant potential for job creation, particularly for the youth, estimating that over 10,000 jobs would be generated.

Regarding the export potential of oil, Barr. Phillip Isa Nyitni emphasized on the need for stringent quality control to meet international standards.

“If you are going to produce for exports, there is a certain quality of your oil that you have to attain. So we are going to ensure we produce the quality that would be acceptable for exporting right from Plateau,” he affirmed.

Reginald Okereke an Oil hPalm Plantation expert , harmered on the commercial viability of the oil palm plantation for smallholder farmers, while Engr Samuel N. Nwogu delved into the intricacies of the processing plant.

In a goodwill message at the event, Justice Damulak and Hon. Letep Dabang both applauded the government’s commitment to sustainable development through agriculture.

Justice Damulak stated, “This venture marks a pivotal moment in our agricultural landscape, bringing prosperity and sustainability,” while Hon. Lelep Dabang commended the government’s dedication to sustainable development through agriculture on the Plateau.

Plateau Assembly : 32 Claimants Are Battling For 16 Seats At Plateau Assembly- Speaker Dewan.

Okwuta Audu Jos

The speaker Plateau State House of Assembly,Hon. Gabriel Dewan on Tuesday disclosed that there are 32 claimants to the 16 existing vacant seats in the Plateau state Assembly as a result of court processes that have been served on him.

The Plateau 10th Assembly speaker disclosed this to newsmen amidst heavy security personnels on Tuesday at the Assembly’s temporary chamber at the Old Government House Rayfield after resumption from two months recess.

It would be recalled that the State Assembly had been on recess since November 2023 and resumed today 23rd of January, for the resumption of plenary.

While the Lawmakers were on recess,16 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislators were sacked by the Appeal Court Tribunal that sat in Abuja on the ground of lack of party structure and affirmed candidates of All Progressive Congress (APC).

The 16 sacked PDP Lawmakers during a press conference on Monday 22nd January, 2024, in Jos had vowed to resumed plenary today Tuesday.

According to speaker Dewan, “As you know the Plateau State House of Assembly went on recess and agreed to resumed on January 23rd, 2024, and to God be the glory, as you can see we came back from the recess for legislative business. And by the grace of God we will give all the needed legislative support to the Nigerian President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang here on the Plateau State.”

On issue of 16 sacked PDP Lawmakers, the speaker said, for now there have only 8 Assembly members in Plateau state.

“There is court process that have been served on us in regard to this 16 vacancies and as I am talking to you there are 32 members claiming for 16 vacancies in the Assembly. And, as said earlier, we as Lawmakers we allowed the Judiciary to do the needful by interpreting the law and at the right time we will know the rightful occupants of the 16 seats in the Assembly but for now me and my colleagues as duly members of the Assembly remain 8 members pending the determination of the court”, Dewan stated.

Spokesman of the 16 sacked PDP Plateau Assembly legislators on his part admitted that they were satisfied with position of leadership of the Assembly since it is based on legal issues.

“We are satisfied and convinced by the position of the speaker. As your aware we are law abiding citizens of this state and Nigeria, and were law makers not law breakers. 

“And as you can see, we coordinate ourselves, we were harmonious in our approach and cordial, and by that we agreed absolutely with the position of the leadership of Plateau State House of Assembly and we will abide by it because it is a legal issue.”

While the sacked PDP Lawmakers fully mobilise themselves to the temporary Assembly complex on Tuesday, the APC would be new lawmkers stayed away to avoid a rancorous situation at the Tuesday sitting of the House for plenary session.

22nd January, 2024.

PLATEAU SACKED PDP MEMBERS’ THREAT TO FORCEFULLY ATTEND SITTING TOMORROW: A CLEAR INSURRECTION & INVITATION TO ANARCHY.

It has come to the notice of the Plateau State Chapter of the APC, a plan by the 16 members of the PDP sacked by the Court of Appeal last year to invade the House which resumes sitting tomorrow after nearly two months recess as sitting members of the Plateau State House of Assembly.

According to information reaching us, the members sat at an undisclosed location and addressed the press on their invidious and diabolical plan.

According to information at our disposal, the sacked members would be accompanied by members of their various constituencies to cause confusion of an unimaginable proportion.

The press conference which was laced with threats, warned the APC Members of the House not to go near the House of Assembly because the “Supreme Court had invalidated the judgment of the Court of Appeal which sacked them”.

According to their spokesman, Maren Ishaku, the sacked member for Bokkos State Constituency who was flanked by 15 other sacked members “advised the Governor not to interfere because they are going to resist all pressure”!

What began last week as a veiled threat by a former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon Istifanus Caleb Mwansat during his infamous interview with AIT is fast becoming a reality.

The APC and all peace- loving citizens of Plateau State had expected that he ought not be walking the streets as a free citizen following his inflammatory outbursts.

The APC wishes to state in no uncertain terms that the plans and threats by the sacked members contemplating any resumption of sitting as members is not only an assault on our democracy but an insurrection against the state, being an unabashed contempt of Court.

The APC accepted for the sake of democracy and peaceful coexistence, the judgment of the Supreme Court in good fate and appealed to our members not to embark on anything to the contrary which they obeyed.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Supreme Court judgement which awarded victory to the Governor is personal to him and has no multiplier or spill-over effect on anyone already sacked. This is moreover that there was no case pertaining the National and State Assembly Elections before the Supreme Court. The orbiter dictum as made by Justice Okoro concerning the fate of the sacked lawmakers cannot be said to be having any force of law

The Appeal Court judgment which sacked the 16 PDP State House of Assembly members and all its National Assembly members has a stamp of finality which cannot be upturned by any Court in the land in line with Section 246 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Just as we have accepted, as true democrats, the decision of the Supreme Court, the PDP has no option than to accept the fate that has befallen them and wait for the next election circle.

We call on all arms of security agencies in the state to up the ante to handle any illegal acts as the Plateau State House of Assembly resumes sitting tomorrow 23rd January, 2023.

The rule of law should be allowed to take its course and anything to the contrary should be visited with the most appropriate sanctions.

Plateau State which is standing on a very delicate security tripod following so many upheavals which have consumed thousands unsuspecting lives cannot afford this very avoidable threat and legislative onslaught.

It is not an act of cowardice on our part to stoop low, but we see the interest of our dear state as paramount.

Signed:

Hon Sylvanus Namang,
APC State Publicity Secretary

BREAKING – Sacked 16 Plateau Lawmkers Vows to Resume Legislators Duties Tomorrow Tuesday In Jos.

• Says Supreme Court has Invalidated their Removal by Court Of Appeal Judgement.

Okwuta Audu Jos.

Plateau Sacked 16 PDP Legislators have indicated to resume Plenary on Tuesday in Jos, saying Supreme Court as superior Apex Court has Invalidated Court of Appeal Judgement against them.

The sacked Plateau legislators said they are taking leverage from the Supreme Court judgment, which overturned the judgment of the lower court and reinstated Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the duly elected governor of the state.

Speaking with newsmen in Jos on Monday, the PDP members warned their All Progressives Congress (APC) not to go near the House of Assembly on Tuesday because the Supreme Court by its pronouncement had invalidated the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which sacked them.

The spokesman of the 16 members, Ishaku Maren, said the Supreme Court had revalidated their election, which was wrongly taken away from them by the lower court.

Maren, who was flanked by the other 15 members, said that as law abiding citizens, they are ready to resume work to represent the people that duly elected them.

He said, “As you can see the 16 PDP members of the Plateau State House of Assembly all here to address the press regarding our resumption to duty tomorrow because our recess will be ending today ( Monday ), and by tomorrow,( Tuesday)we are resuming to walk in earnest and we are confident to address the press by informing the general public that my members that is PDP family members in the State Assembly are in high spirits and are willing and ready to go back and continue with our constitutional duty willingly given to us by the electorates. So we are all ready for the resumption of work tomorrow.

They added that “You might be aware that while were on recess, there were two Judgments that were passed regarding the status of state House of Assembly and Plateau State as a whole. “

The first one was that given by the Court of Appeal, where they said that one cannot put something on nothing; that PDP in Plateau state has no structure and it was on that premise to that they sacked all the 16 PDP members and lo and behold as we were on recess a superior court gave its own verdict regarding the same issue and in the judgment of the Supreme Court they said that the judgment that was brought before the Court of Appeal in its entirety was fraudulent and because of that the Court of Appeal lacked even the jurisdiction to entertain the entire matter.

“By that it shows that we are also referring to the same judgment that one cannot build something on nothing”

They advised the governor not to interfere with their resumption because they’re going to resist all pressure.

“The Court of Appeal members are deceiving themselves that they are coming to the house tomorrow to resume work but I’m confident to tell you that we are a product of democracy.

“We are validly elected by the majority of votes that were cast in our various respective constituencies and our constituents are willing and ready to accompany us as citizens tomorrow to the House of Assembly because they voted for us and they are not ready to compromise that and that is why they are seeing us to the state assembly tomorrow.
The spokesman of the Lawmakers stressed

Daily Independent gathered that the APC would be lawmkers have not take oath of office since Court of Appeal gave them the Seats as they were waiting for the resumption of the House from Recess.

• Says Supreme Court has Invalidated their Removal by Court Of Appeal Judgement.

Onoja Audu Jos.

Plateau Sacked 16 PDP Legislators have indicated to resume Plenary on Tuesday in Jos, saying Supreme Court as superior Apex Court has Invalidated Court of Appeal Judgement against them.

The sacked Plateau legislators said they are taking leverage from the Supreme Court judgment, which overturned the judgment of the lower court and reinstated Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the duly elected governor of the state.

Speaking with newsmen in Jos on Monday, the PDP members warned their All Progressives Congress (APC) not to go near the House of Assembly on Tuesday because the Supreme Court by its pronouncement had invalidated the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which sacked them.

The spokesman of the 16 members, Ishaku Maren, said the Supreme Court had revalidated their election, which was wrongly taken away from them by the lower court.

Maren, who was flanked by the other 15 members, said that as law abiding citizens, they are ready to resume work to represent the people that duly elected them.

He said, “As you can see the 16 PDP members of the Plateau State House of Assembly all here to address the press regarding our resumption to duty tomorrow because our recess will be ending today ( Monday ), and by tomorrow,( Tuesday)we are resuming to walk in earnest and we are confident to address the press by informing the general public that my members that is PDP family members in the State Assembly are in high spirits and are willing and ready to go back and continue with our constitutional duty willingly given to us by the electorates. So we are all ready for the resumption of work tomorrow.

They added that “You might be aware that while were on recess, there were two Judgments that were passed regarding the status of state House of Assembly and Plateau State as a whole. “

The first one was that given by the Court of Appeal, where they said that one cannot put something on nothing; that PDP in Plateau state has no structure and it was on that premise to that they sacked all the 16 PDP members and lo and behold as we were on recess a superior court gave its own verdict regarding the same issue and in the judgment of the Supreme Court they said that the judgment that was brought before the Court of Appeal in its entirety was fraudulent and because of that the Court of Appeal lacked even the jurisdiction to entertain the entire matter.

“By that it shows that we are also referring to the same judgment that one cannot build something on nothing”

They advised the governor not to interfere with their resumption because they’re going to resist all pressure.

“The Court of Appeal members are deceiving themselves that they are coming to the house tomorrow to resume work but I’m confident to tell you that we are a product of democracy.

“We are validly elected by the majority of votes that were cast in our various respective constituencies and our constituents are willing and ready to accompany us as citizens tomorrow to the House of Assembly because they voted for us and they are not ready to compromise that and that is why they are seeing us to the state assembly tomorrow.
The spokesman of the Lawmakers stressed

Daily Independent gathered that the APC would be lawmkers have not take oath of office since Court of Appeal gave them the Seats as they were waiting for the resumption of the House from Recess.

• Says Supreme Court has Invalidated their Removal by Court Of Appeal Judgement.

Okwuta Audu Jos.

Plateau Sacked 16 PDP Legislators have indicated to resume Plenary on Tuesday in Jos, saying Supreme Court as superior Apex Court has Invalidated Court of Appeal Judgement against them.

The sacked Plateau legislators said they are taking leverage from the Supreme Court judgment, which overturned the judgment of the lower court and reinstated Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the duly elected governor of the state.

Speaking with newsmen in Jos on Monday, the PDP members warned their All Progressives Congress (APC) not to go near the House of Assembly on Tuesday because the Supreme Court by its pronouncement had invalidated the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which sacked them.

The spokesman of the 16 members, Ishaku Maren, said the Supreme Court had revalidated their election, which was wrongly taken away from them by the lower court.

Maren, who was flanked by the other 15 members, said that as law abiding citizens, they are ready to resume work to represent the people that duly elected them.

He said, “As you can see the 16 PDP members of the Plateau State House of Assembly all here to address the press regarding our resumption to duty tomorrow because our recess will be ending today ( Monday ), and by tomorrow,( Tuesday)we are resuming to walk in earnest and we are confident to address the press by informing the general public that my members that is PDP family members in the State Assembly are in high spirits and are willing and ready to go back and continue with our constitutional duty willingly given to us by the electorates. So we are all ready for the resumption of work tomorrow.

They added that “You might be aware that while were on recess, there were two Judgments that were passed regarding the status of state House of Assembly and Plateau State as a whole. “

The first one was that given by the Court of Appeal, where they said that one cannot put something on nothing; that PDP in Plateau state has no structure and it was on that premise to that they sacked all the 16 PDP members and lo and behold as we were on recess a superior court gave its own verdict regarding the same issue and in the judgment of the Supreme Court they said that the judgment that was brought before the Court of Appeal in its entirety was fraudulent and because of that the Court of Appeal lacked even the jurisdiction to entertain the entire matter.

“By that it shows that we are also referring to the same judgment that one cannot build something on nothing”

They advised the governor not to interfere with their resumption because they’re going to resist all pressure.

“The Court of Appeal members are deceiving themselves that they are coming to the house tomorrow to resume work but I’m confident to tell you that we are a product of democracy.

“We are validly elected by the majority of votes that were cast in our various respective constituencies and our constituents are willing and ready to accompany us as citizens tomorrow to the House of Assembly because they voted for us and they are not ready to compromise that and that is why they are seeing us to the state assembly tomorrow.
The spokesman of the Lawmakers stressed

Kwararafa Reporters gathered that the APC would be lawmkers have not take oath of office since Court of Appeal gave them the Seats as they were waiting for the resumption of the House from Recess.

Okwuta Audu Jos.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Plateau Dr Oliver Agundu has announced that all is set for the Plateau North Senatorial District rerun elections slated for 3rd of February 2024.

Agundu disclosed this in Jos at the weekend while briefing newsmen at INEC State Headquarters in Jos .

According to him, INEC was also ready to conduct the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency rerun.

According to him, the state has taken delivery of all non-sensitive materials for the rerun, slated for Feb. 3.

The Plateau REC revealed that the sensitive materials would likely arrive in the state at any moment, promising that INEC would invite all stakeholders for inspection at the Central Bank, before deployment to the local governments few days before the election.

He announced that more than 3,000 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines would be used during the the re-run election and had been fully charged saying previous data have cleared and ready for reconfiguration.

“I wish to report that we have planned to deploy BVAS to specific polling units, registration areas/wards, and Local Government Areas (LGAs) during the election with the right quantity of backup ready for any eventuality.

“I told you before the general elections that the election was not going to be held in some polling units across the nation for some reasons that resulted in zero registration.

“I wish to inform you that Plateau North Senatorial District also has a share of such units in two LGAs, with one in Bassa and three in Jos North, totaling four polling units.

“Once again, all political parties, security agencies, and other stakeholders should take note and act accordingly by deploying agents or personnel to those places on Feb. 3, 2024.

“It is also pertinent to inform you that we are currently shortlisting the names of ad-hoc staff for recruitment, training, and deployment, especially Supervising Presiding Officers (SPOS), Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs).

“The commission will ensure that only qualified persons will eventually be shortlisted to participate in the elections,’’ he said.

Agundu added that for the purposes of inclusivity, INEC, in line with the provisions of the law, had also given special consideration to people living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, to participate in the rerun elections.

The Plateau REC urged the security personnel to at all times help to protect the vulnerable, so that they too could perform their duties as enshrined in the law, especially the Electoral Act.

It would be recalled that the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, in November 2023, nullified the election of Senator Simon Mwadkon (PDP-Plateau North) and Rep. Musa Agah (Jos North/Bassa) and ordered INEC to conduct a rerun.

The court’s basis for the nullification was that Mwadkon and Agah’s political party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), did not have a valid structure in the state to field candidates for the 2023 General Elections.