Author Archives: Oracle/Kwararafa Newspapers

By Okwuta Audu, Jos

A Group Equity International Initiative led by its Country Director Ambassador Chris Iyama has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to review the regime of sanctions imposed on Republic of Niger following a military coup that removed the Niger democratically elected President Muhammad Bazum.

This call was contain in a communique’ issued at the end of it’s one-day expert dialogue on International Diplomacy in Jos, the Plateau state capital .

The one day stakeholders dialogue meeting had its theme: ‘”Addressing Root Causes of Military Interventions in ECOWAS States.

The event had in attendance experts from the Civil Society, the Academia, Legal Practice and the Media who objectively discussed some of the sailant causes of military interventions across the West African Sub Region.

It would be recalled that in the wake of the recent Coup in Niger Republic, ECOWAS announced a number of sanctions aimed at the Junta leadership led by Abdourahamane Tchiani, who is the president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).

However, ECOWAS rejected the military take-over in Niger, and called on the coup plotters to reinstate the democratically elected Muhammad Bazum back to power .

The group at its one day deliberations in Jos, identified Internal factors to be responsible for Military Interventions In most of the developing countries of the world, Africa inclusive .

According to the speakers at the event, Economic inequalities and Corruption as well as non-accountability by political office holders including Suppression of human rights and dictatorships in democratic governance played key role in the Military take take over power in developing countries and Africa especially.

In a communique at the end of the stake holders dialogue on Niger Republic crisis which was read by the group Country Director Ambassador Chris Iyama and made available to Kwararafa Reporters, hinted that
disenchantment with the democratic process as a result of gaps in the democratic governance
structure and
erosion of social justice and civil order and as well
underutilization of the youth population contributed greatly to regime change in most countries in Africa.

They also blamed Resource curse,
Citizens discontentment and rising sense of being short-changed by the political leaders in West
Africa to Military intervention.

Other factors affecting the peace and stability in some of the West African countries they pointed out were, negative effects of fake news,
violent activities of non-state and state actors,
Irresponsible local media,
Influence of local Jihadist groups and
external factors.

According to them,France neo-colonial policies and entanglement with Francophone West Africa, double standards by the ECOWAS Commission and the
desire by West African countries to detach from foreign control including
the undesirable activities of international conflict merchants should be put under control.

The group also took critical look on crafting of the ECOWAS story from outside of West Africa and the
deteriorating socioeconomic and security situation in Sahel Africa and as well as the fall of Gadaffi opens a floodgate for SALWs .

According to the communique,Globalization and proliferation of social media ,fake news and Penchant for cynicism and sarcasm including
Influence of international Jihadist groups and
Shift in the global power system from a unipolar to multipolar system and
the use of Africa as a battle ground for Western power struggle are responsible for instability in most of the West African countries.

They expressed fears that some of the implications of the Military intervention in Niger includes Potential proliferation of insecurity across the sub region,
disruption of existing smooth relationships with neighboring West African countries and
negative socioeconomic implications for Nigeria.

To avoid humanitarian crisis, the group
calls for effective leadership and transformative political leadership in other member states.

Other recommendations by the group besides, was the call on ECOWAS to review regime sanctions to include
Review of France colonial policies and
a review of the 1979 ECOWAS protocol and other trade agreements to leverage socioeconomic
cooperation between African States

They demanded that Governments of ECOWAS member states should promote accountability,

proactive fight to combat insecurity and
Put on ground a
more effective control of West African porous borders
.

ECOWAS was also tasked to lead in the advancement of socioeconomic development of West Africa and as well charged
ECOWAS Commission to instill confidence in the democratic system in West African States by
recalibration of its stance on democracy and good governance.

The group demands for a robust collaboration between CSOs and the ECOWAS Commission to promote citizen
participation, accountability in governance and strengthen democratic institutions.

They also urged Africans to take ownership of both the African narrative and development path and insisted that
elections should be free, fair, transparent and reflect the choices of citizens

According to them democracy still remains the best form of governance but must reflect the aspirations of the
citizens

” Diplomacy still remains the best path to addressing the situation in Niger, not Military action as
touted by ECOWAS”

They also charged ECOWAS countries to ensure effective job creation for the citizens while they are expected to promote an independent, corruption-free judiciary in member states.

Okwuta Audu Jos

Plateau APC critical Stakeholders , Political associates, supporters and friends of Plateau state former Governor Barr Simon Lalong have reassured the Ministerial norminee that they have.
confidence in his capacity to deliver as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria considering his past track record of performance and diligence .

APC Gubernatorial candidate in Plateau state,Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshewe who led the stakeholders to the Abuja residence of Lalong at the weekend,said the choice of Ex Governor Lalong as Minister Norminee is a perfect decision made by President Tinubu which validates his performance and records of achievement over the years.

He commended Lalong for successfully scaling through Senate screening on Friday, adding that Lalong has established himself as the national political leader of their State through inclusive actions and wide networking with other politicians and leaders of thought across the country.

Dr Nentawe promised that when he reclaims his mandate, he will ensure that he works closely with the former Governor to bring more Federal presence to Plateau.

Similarly, Former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Yakubu Sanda also congratulated the Ministerial nominee who he said has the capacity to not only deliver, but give the necessary leadership for the people of Plateau State at the National level.

Chairman House Committee on Navy and Member representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency Yusuf Gagdi on his part expressed optimism that Lalong will excell in his new assignment and urged him to continue to pursue the overall interests of the people of Plateau State.

He appealed to the Ministerial nominee to reflect and use the new assignment to further build the APC family in Plateau State as the leader that is being looked upon.

Other speakers including the former Plateau Commisioner for Commerce Idris Gambo, former Commisioner for Water Resources Engr. Jaafaru Wuyep also thanked God for the another opportunity given to Governor Lalong to continue to serve the people.

In his response, Lalong appreciated them for their support, goodwill and prayers.

Lalong said the glory belongs to God who has given him an opportunity to again to be recognized for service.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for nominating him. Lalong also said the Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the three Senators from Plateau State and many others deserve to be appreciated for the various roles they played.

Lalong assured that he will do his best to serve Nigeria with honesty, diligence and integrity as well as continue to represent the overall interest of Plateau State at all times.

He said the APC family in Plateau State has every reason to rejoice because of the hardwork and significant role it played for the victory of Tinubu/Shettima Ticket during the 2023 Presidential election

While assuring them that he will do his best in ensuring that those who worked will be adequately rewarded, Lalong prayed that Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda will reclaim his mandate in Plateau State and also ensure that the business of inclusive governance continues.

By Okwuta Audu Jos

The North Central All Progressive Congress (APC) Forum has expressed its satisfaction for it termed the purposeful take off of the duties by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.

Speaking at its 2023 third quarter meeting in Jos the Plateau State capital Wednesday, Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, said as someone from their zone (North Central), they will galvanize all kind of support for Akume to succeed, saying that he is already showing quality leadership so far.

The Chairman called on Senator Akume to be focused, purposeful and contrate on his mandate, and that that he should also not be distracted by anything from any quarter.

According to him, as considerable part of their meeting agenda is to spot on those from the zone already appointment by his Excellency President Bola Tinubu from the North Central as well as those who would still be appointed and then encourage them accordingly as well as support them in any way they can also.

He said the position of the SGF is a strategic one because of the enormity of the functions and responsibilities attached to that office, and that for the fact that the president believes in the capabilities of Akume for that position shows that Akume’s achievements, doggedness, political experience and sagacity has not gone unnoticed.

Zazzaga urged Akume to improve on his best and superlative performance as a former Governor, senator and other positions he has held well, and urged him to bring his wealth of knowledge to bear in order to move the nation forward beyond expectations.

According to him, they will be on guard to check all those mischief makers from Akume’s state of Benue, the North Central or the nation at large who will want to do inimical things against his office and interfere with his responsibilities.

He further called on him to use his wealth of knowledge to support President Tinubu in administering the nation and uplifting the lives of the people, as well as looking for means to unite all the fabrics of the nation that has hitherto been divided along ethno-religious lines as well as class strata between the rich and the poor.

He called on Nigerians to be patient with President Tinubu on his economic policies which is for the good of the nation and support him accordingly in his plans to move the nation forward.

He urged the labour unions to try and work out more understanding with the President on the issue of the fuel subsidy removal and their other demands and restrain themselves from the protest which they began on Wednesday, saying the president is a labour friendly man who has a listening ear and feel the pain of the people.

Attai Audu Jos

CLEEN Foundation, a Northern based non governmental organization (NGO) has expressed deep concern on the recent security challenges in the North central region and the entire country at large.

Executive Director CLEEN Foundation Gad Peter in a statement issued on Tuesday August 1st and made available to Kwararafa Reporters tittled Situation In North Central Nigeria: A Clarion Call To Act” regretted that in recent months, the Northern region has experienced a troubling rise in security incidents, including but not limited to acts of terrorism, banditry, communal clashes, and kidnapping occasioned by the activities of treasure hunters.

According to the CLEEN Foundation Boss, ” These events have caused significant loss of lives , property, and have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among the local population.”

” As an organization committed to public safety, security, stability, and the protection of human rights, we strongly condemn these heinous acts of violence.”

Comrade Peters said ” The loss of innocent lives, the destruction of communities, and the displacement of families are unacceptable and must be addressed urgently”

” We call upon all Government, relevant security agencies and all stakeholders to prioritize the security situation in the North Central region and collaborate on comprehensive strategies to restore peace and stability”.

According to him,. ” This requires a multifaceted approach, including intelligence-led operations, community engagement, and addressing the root causes of the conflicts.”

The CLEEN Foundation Boss also lamented that the Northern region is in dire straits as the traumatized people are being pushed to the edge of a precipitous fall by just a handful of fugitives.

” Choices have consequences, and the choices made over the last several decades by successive generations of the ruling class over the natural resources deposit have imposed this consequence of an existential threat on all of us, and there should be a reckoning for this in the interest of accountability and social justice.”

Peters said from where the people of the North are now, an adequate and thorough tackling of this crisis with a view to resolving it in a manner that builds peace, reinforces inter-communal confidence and trust, and augurs well for nation building and holistic human centred national development will require working from, and being guided by sets of precepts and principles.

CLEEN Foundation, he said wants the government to ensure that all perpetrators of violence are brought to justice, stressing that accountability for these crimes is crucial in deterring future acts of violence and promoting a sense of justice and reconciliation among affected communities.

“It the same time, we implore community leaders, civil society organizations, and citizens in the region to work together in fostering peaceful coexistence and promoting dialogue as a means to address grievances and resolve conflicts”.

He added that CLEEN Foundation remains committed to supporting efforts that promote peace, security, and human rights in Nigeria as they stand in solidarity with the people of the North Central region and the Nation at large during this challenging time and pledge their support to finding lasting solutions to the security crisis.

Audu Attai Jos

Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central in Plateau State, has canvassed for upgrading of the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences (NIMG), Jos, to the status of a Federal University of Mining and Geosciences.

Senator Plang who gave this hint in interview with newsmen in Jos On Monday said his bill on this has passed first reading on the floor of the Senate.

According to him, this bill is aimed at repositioning the Nigerian mining sector as a veritable sector for diversifying the country’s economy.

He said the bill when passed into law would deepened research on mineral exploration, exploitation,instill knowledge of many facets of mining resource management, including geosciences and engineering.

Senator Plang stressed that said the time for conversion of NIMG to the status of a university is long overdue, arguing that most of its contemporary institutions established by the colonial masters like the one in Ghana and India have since been upgraded to the status of a university.

According to him, if established, it will be like any other specialized university, like the University of Agriculture, Petroleum University, the University of Education, the Marine University, and the University of Medical Sciences.

“It is like other specialized universities: we have such as the University of Agriculture to boost food production, the University of Transportation, the University of Education, and also the Army University, Airforce University because of the importance of Defense. But we don’t have a University that has to do with mineralogical research despite the abundance of Mineral resources in the country.

“Minerals and Technology go together; it will be bad for us not to study what God has given to us. If you are not taking advantage of what you are endowed with, you must be making a mistake.

‘Therefore, we must deepen our knowledge and research into what God has given us; we would, at the end of the day, cheat ourselves if we didn’t do this. That is why all sorts of foreign miners come to mine on our land .

According to Plang, the history of mining companies started before independence in Jos, Plateau State, adding that the schools of mining in Jos, India and Ghana were established by the colonial masters to train the locals.

He added that the school of mining in Ghana that is a twin brother to the school of mining in Jos is now the Ghana University of Mining and Technology, while that in Jos was just upgraded to an institute in 2018.

“Nigeria needs a university of mining and geosciences, and already we have an institute running diploma courses in this aspect with about three campuses with functional laboratories. All that is required at the moment is to upgrade this institute to a degree-awarding institution.

“The idea of the bill for the conversion of NIMG to the University of Mining and Geo-Sciences Jos was conceived on this basis, coupled with the fact that Nigeria is blessed with abundant mineral resources.

Most of the developed countries have universities of mining; there are universities of mining in London, Russia, Australia, and almost all of these developed countries. So Nigeria cannot be an exception,” he said.

By Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande

I read the piece authored by Simon Lalong’s former commissioner for information, Mr. Yakubu Dati where he tried to launder the image of his principal, and I cannot help but shake my head in pity as it only points at one thing, that Lalong is desperately seeking for a job after losing his bid for vice presidency, senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation position.

Lalong would go down in history as the only Director General of a presidential campaign organisation who lost his ward, local government, federal constituency, senatorial district and state to opposition parties while serving as governor.

Dati’s piece which chose to project the former governor for ministerial or any other position was so self effacing that it is anchored on a trajectory of half truths, pure lies and concocted tales just to burnish the image of the former governor.

One would have thought that after serving as governor for eight years, anybody speaking for Lalong should have been able to do so with authority by uploading his achievements and positive policy interventions made during his tenure as governor and DG rather than resorting to cringe worthy ululations.

Dati started by saying that the position of a DG is no mean feat which is correct as it comes with enormous responsibilities.

But while I agree that serving as a DG is a no mean feat, one cannot say the same of what the former governor did with the position.

Rather than add value to the campaign, Lalong’s appointment as DG of Tinubu’s campaign organization unfortunately only elevated mediocrity to virtue as it exposed the lack of capacity of the DG which reflected in the results of the election where Lalong could not deliver his ward federal Constituency, Senatorial district and state in the presidential elections.

Tinubu’s choice of a DG was only because of the same faith of the APC presidential ticket which required some religious and geopolitical balancing, otherwise there were more programmatic political leaders across the country that would have done better.

Dati also did not tell the whole truth when he said that a tradition has been set where past presidents rewarded their campaign DGs with ministerial position and cited the cases of Obasanjo who rewarded Fidelis Tapgun with a ministerial position and Muhammadu Buhari who also rewarded Rotimi Amaechi with same and Good luck Jonathan, an ambassadorial position for Sarki Tafida.

This is half truth because Obasanjo and other former presidents did not reward their campaign DGs for the mere sake that they were campaign DGs. They were rewarded for the excellent works they did by delivering their wards, local government areas, states and even geopolitical zones to their parties.

Tapgun for instance delivered the entire Plateau State and many north Central states to the PDP presidential ticket in 2003, Tafida did the same for Jonathan in 2011 and Amaechi staked out his neck for Buhari against a sitting president.

In the case of Lalong however, he failed woefully to deliver his ward, his federal Constituency;, his senatorial zone (in an election he also contested); the governorship, and the presidential election, even with the powers of incumbency at both the state and federal levels, so he is the least qualified for reward.

The embarrassment he caused the APC presidential ticket by the losses alone made the party the stub of jokes where it was said that the campaign DG lost his state. Such an embarrassment should attract a stiff penalty to demonstrate why failure, complacency and mediocrity should not be rewarded.

Rewarding him with a ministerial position would be setting a dangerous precedence for rewarding failure and ineptitude which would be antithetical to the ideals of excellence that President Tinubu stands for which made him quite popular as governor of Lagos State.

Moreover, Dati forgot to mention that even Lalong is not a good example of what he is preaching as he did not reward his campaign DG, Pam Dung Gyang, with any position after he won the 2019 elections.

It is laughable and a case of another alternative truth that Lalong would claim he staked his neck out for Dariye when he was speaker of the state house of assembly.

The truth is that he owes his ascendancy to the speaker position to the magnanimity of Dariye and could not have mustered a single member to his side even if he had chosen to work against the former governor.

Lalong, contrary to the narrative of Dati, was subjected to recall by members of his constituency in Shendam who after comparing his sloppy outing with that of his predecessor, the indefatigable George Daika, decided to remove him from the House but out of pity and because of the wrong interpretation the move was given that it was the powers that be in Abuja that wanted to remove him, Dariye had to wade in and saved him from disgrace.
Without Dariye, Lalong could not have survived one day on that seat and anybody can go and verify that.

Is it not a shame that while some former governors are playing statemanly roles and grooming others to leadership positions that all Lalong thinks about is himself?

Former governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir Elrufai for instance has said he will not accept a ministerial position but should be allowed to nominate younger persons so that they can be groomed for leadership positions.

But Lalong wants to be Senator, Senate President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Minister and Special Adviser all at once. And anybody that indicates interest in those positions becomes his enemy, that is why he is annoyed that certain political leaders on the Plateau went to visit the SGF, Senator George Akume.

Even if it is true like Dati said that it was Lalong that brought ‘unknown entities’ to national prominence, should he not, if he were a good leader, be proud to see that they’re doing well that they’re aspiring for other leadership positions?

His annoyance with them for being close to the grassroots goes to prove he is a selfish leader and confirms what people are saying that he only used one of them as a place holder; and even after she surrendered the Senate ticket to him, he couldn’t make anything out of it but went ahead to lose woefully at the general elections.

In the opinion of many, Senator Nora Dadut who held the Senate position briefly would have even done better than Lalong in the elections as she had used her brief stay in the Senate to win the hearts of the people which has made her very popular and well liked by all.

It was because of the impact she made while in the Senate that she’s being considered for a ministerial position and that is why Lalong has begun to see her as an enemy.

Part of the reasons Lalong lost the Senate seat was because the people wanted Dadut to come back because they said what she did for the South Senatorial zone in the less than two years in the senate was more than what Laong did for them in the eight years he was governor.

President Tinubu will do well to ignore the rants of Lalong and Dati who have no base or structure in their constituencies but are only barking from safe distances as they personify the perfect examples of what is known as Abuja politicians.

They leave their constituents in penury and when it is time to get something from Abuja they run like hawks making all sorts of claims.

In contrast, these leaders like Dariye, Pauline Tallen, Amos Gizo, Lumumba Adeh, Alphonsus Komsol, Nora Dadut and my humble self that Lalong is castigating are those that worked for the success of Tinubu during the APC primaries while Lalong was busy enforcing Rotimi Amaechi on Plateau delegates.

Dariye is well aware that after the federal government decided to grant him pardon, that it was Lalong that was all out trying to frustrate the move because he was afraid that if Dariye was released from prison ahead of the APC governorship primary, that the right things would have been done to choose a candidate for the party and not the shambolic one that produced a candidate solely chosen by the former governor on grounds that the candidate is childhood friend to his wife.

The former governor only wants to be appointed minister so that he can use the resources to sponsor Amaechi’s presidential campaign in 2027. Tinubu should beware of that!

If it is experience and competence that Tinubu is looking for, then Lalong should be that last person Tinubu should consider for anything coming to Plateau as the former governor lacks capacity and competence.

If it is mass appeal and ability to win votes, Lalong cannot compare himself to Dariye or Tallen or even Dadut who had displaced him as the voice of the Plateau South APC.

The fact is that Tinubu has given Lalong the opportunity to prove himself but the former governor has flunked it several times and failed to impress.

He organized the worst presidential campaign rally where huge amounts were voted but failed to rally round enough crowd until Hon. Aliyu Betara saved the day by bringing more people from Borno than the ones Lalong could mobilise in a state he had governed for eight years.

He also made the most embarrassing comments about ‘it’s our time to chop’ making the Tinubu presidency look like an opportunity to feast when the President has made it clear that he was coming to work for Nigeria and not to eat as Allah has already blessed him with what to eat.

Since all Lalong knows how to do is to eat, President Tinubu in the spirit of the moment can organize an eat-a-thon marathon for him to prove himself as the world record holder for eating.

That would be more appropriate than giving him any serious position of leadership.

Nakande is a former minister of information and communication.

Okuta Audu Jos

Former Minister of state for Information and Communication Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande has expressed regret that Plateau former governor Simon Lalong appointment as Director General Of President Tinubu Presidential campaign Organization did not add value to the campaign but elevated mediocrity to virtue as Lalong lacked capacity to deliver his state for Tinubu during the 2023 Presidential election.

Nakande made this assertion on Monday in Jos in a statement in his reaction to Claims by Lalong ex Commissioner Yakubu Dati in the media that Lalong appointment as DG Tinubu Presidential campaign was by no mean fit.

According to Nakande in his reaction to Dati’s claims, no while he agrees that serving as a DG is a no mean feat, one cannot say the same of what the former governor did with the position.

‘ Rather than add value to the campaign, Lalong’s appointment as DG of Tinubu’s campaign organization unfortunately only elevated mediocrity to virtue as it exposed the lack of capacity of the DG which reflected in the results of the election where Lalong could not deliver his ward federal Constituency, Senatorial district and state in the presidential elections.

According to him, the piece authored by Simon Lalong’s former commissioner for information, Mr. Yakubu Dati where he tried to launder the image of his principal, “ I cannot help but shake my head in pity as it only points at one thing, that Lalong is desperately seeking for a job after losing his bid for vice presidency, senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation position.”

“ Lalong would go down in history as the only Director General of a presidential campaign organisation who lost his ward, local government, federal constituency, senatorial district and state to opposition parties while serving as governor.”

Nakande noted that Dati’s piece which chose to project the former governor for ministerial or any other position was so self effacing that it is anchored on a trajectory of half truths, pure lies and concocted tales just to burnish the image of the former governor.'”

According to the former Minister, One would have thought that after serving as governor for eight years, anybody speaking for Lalong should have been able to do so with authority by uploading his achievements and positive policy interventions made during his tenure as governor and DG rather than resorting to cringe worthy ululations.

‘”Dati started by saying that the position of a DG is no mean feat which is correct as it comes with enormous responsibilities.”

” But while I agree that serving as a DG is a no mean feat, one cannot say the same of what the former governor did with the position.”

Nakande lamented that rather than add value to the campaign, Lalong’s appointment as DG of Tinubu’s campaign organization unfortunately only elevated mediocrity to virtue as it exposed the lack of capacity of the DG which reflected in the results of the election where Lalong could not deliver his ward federal Constituency, Senatorial district and state in the presidential elections.

“‘ Tinubu’s choice of a DG was only because of the same faith of the APC presidential ticket which required some religious and geopolitical balancing, otherwise there were more programmatic political leaders across the country that would have done better.'”

” Dati also did not tell the whole truth when he said that a tradition has been set where past presidents rewarded their campaign DGs with ministerial position and cited the cases of Obasanjo who rewarded Fidelis Tapgun with a ministerial position and Muhammadu Buhari who also rewarded Rotimi Amaechi with same and Good luck Jonathan, an ambassadorial position for Sarki Tafida.”

” This is half truth because Obasanjo and other former presidents did not reward their campaign DGs for the mere sake that they were campaign DGs. They were rewarded for the excellent works they did by delivering their wards, local government areas, states and even geopolitical zones to their parties.”

Nakande hinted that Tapgun for instance delivered the entire Plateau State and many north Central states to the PDP presidential ticket in 2003, Tafida did the same for Jonathan in 2011 and Amaechi staked out his neck for Buhari against a sitting president.

” In the case of Lalong however, he failed woefully to deliver his ward, his federal Constituency;, his senatorial zone (in an election he also contested); the governorship, and the presidential election, even with the powers of incumbency at both the state and federal levels, so he is the least qualified for reward.”

“‘ The embarrassment he caused the APC presidential ticket by the losses alone made the party the stub of jokes where it was said that the campaign DG lost his state. Such an embarrassment should attract a stiff penalty to demonstrate why failure, complacency and mediocrity should not be rewarded.”

” Rewarding him with a ministerial position would be setting a dangerous precedence for rewarding failure and ineptitude which would be antithetical to the ideals of excellence that President Tinubu stands for which made him quite popular as governor of Lagos State.'”

‘” Moreover, Dati forgot to mention that even Lalong is not a good example of what he is preaching as he did not reward his campaign DG, Pam Dung Gyang, with any position after he won the 2019 elections.”

Nakande added that It is laughable and a case of another alternative truth that Lalong would claim he staked his neck out for Dariye when he was speaker of the state house of assembly.

” The truth is that he owes his ascendancy to the speaker position to the magnanimity of Dariye and could not have mustered a single member to his side even if he had chosen to work against the former governor.”

“Lalong, contrary to the narrative of Dati, was subjected to recall by members of his constituency in Shendam who after comparing his sloppy outing with that of his predecessor, the indefatigable George Daika, decided to remove him from the House but out of pity and because of the wrong interpretation the move was given that it was the powers that be in Abuja that wanted to remove him, Dariye had to wade in and saved him from disgrace.
Without Dariye, Lalong could not have survived one day on that seat and anybody can go and verify that.”

“Is it not a shame that while some former governors are playing statemanly roles and grooming others to leadership positions that all Lalong thinks about is himself?””

According to Nakande, Former governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir Elrufai for instance has said he will not accept a ministerial position but should be allowed to nominate younger persons so that they can be groomed for leadership positions,but wondered why Lalong wants to be Senator, Senate President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Minister and Special Adviser all at once .

” And anybody that indicates interest in those positions becomes his enemy, that is why he is annoyed that certain political leaders on the Plateau went to visit the SGF, Senator George Akume.”

“”Even if it is true like Dati said that it was Lalong that brought ‘unknown entities’ to national prominence, should he not, if he were a good leader, be proud to see that they’re doing well that they’re aspiring for other leadership positions?”

‘” His annoyance with them for being close to the grassroots goes to prove he is a selfish leader and confirms what people are saying that he only used one of them as a place holder; and even after she surrendered the Senate ticket to him, he couldn’t make anything out of it but went ahead to lose woefully at the general elections.”

“”In the opinion of many, Senator Nora Dadut who held the Senate position briefly would have even done better than Lalong in the elections as she had used her brief stay in the Senate to win the hearts of the people which has made her very popular and well liked by all.”

” It was because of the impact she made while in the Senate that she’s being considered for a ministerial position and that is why Lalong has begun to see her as an enemy.”

” Part of the reasons Lalong lost the Senate seat was because the people wanted Dadut to come back because they said what she did for the South Senatorial zone in the less than two years in the senate was more than what Laong did for them in the eight years he was governor.”

He urged President Tinubu to ignore the rants of Lalong and Dati who have no base or structure in their constituencies but are only barking from safe distances as they personify the perfect examples of what is known as Abuja politicians.

‘” They leave their constituents in penury and when it is time to get something from Abuja they run like hawks making all sorts of claims.'” Nakande added

” In contrast, these leaders like Dariye, Pauline Tallen, Amos Gizo, Lumumba Adeh, Alphonsus Komsol, Nora Dadut and my humble self that Lalong is castigating are those that worked for the success of Tinubu during the APC primaries while Lalong was busy enforcing Rotimi Amaechi on Plateau delegates.'”

He alleged that Dariye is well aware that after the federal government decided to grant him pardon, that it was Lalong that was all out trying to frustrate the move because he was afraid that if Dariye was released from prison ahead of the APC governorship primary, that the right things would have been done to choose a candidate for the party and not the shambolic one that produced a candidate solely chosen by the former governor on grounds that the candidate is childhood friend to his wife.

“The former governor only wants to be appointed minister so that he can use the resources to sponsor Amaechi’s presidential campaign in 2027, Tinubu should beware of that!”.

“If it is experience and competence that Tinubu is looking for, then Lalong should be that last person Tinubu should consider for anything coming to Plateau as the former governor lacks capacity and competence.”

” If it is mass appeal and ability to win votes, Lalong cannot compare himself to Dariye or Tallen or even Dadut who had displaced him as the voice of the Plateau South APC.”

”The fact is that Tinubu has given Lalong the opportunity to prove himself but the former governor has flunked it several times and failed to impress.’

“‘ He organized the worst presidential campaign rally where huge amounts were voted but failed to rally round enough crowd until Hon. Aliyu Betara saved the day by bringing more people from Borno than the ones Lalong could mobilise in a state he had governed for eight years.”

“‘He also made the most embarrassing comments about ‘it’s our time to chop’ making the Tinubu presidency look like an opportunity to feast when the President has made it clear that he was coming to work for Nigeria and not to eat as Allah has already blessed him with what to eat.'”

“Since all Lalong knows how to do is to eat, President Tinubu in the spirit of the moment can organize an eat-a-thon marathon for him to prove himself as the world record holder for eating”.

The former Minister of state for Information noted that it would be more appropriate than giving him any serious position of leadership.

Attai Audu Jos

A Body of Church Leaders from the North under the umbrella of Northern Pentecostal Bishops has commended President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the bold steps taken to appoint new service Chiefs that cut across the geo political zones of the country.

One of the leading Pentecostal Bishops from the North, Bishop Jonas Katung the founder and President of of The Living Stone Church Assembly with Headquarters in Jos in an interview with newsmen in Jos on Tuesday, said President Tinubu in less than one month in office has performed creditably well and lived up to the expectations of Northern Pentecostal Bishops and Pastors

According to firebrand Northern Bishop, President Tinubu has already taken the bull by the horn with people centred policies and actions that have touched the heart of millions of Nigerians.

Bishop Katung equally commended the appointment of the secretary to the federal government in the person of Senator George Akume a seasoned administrator from Benue state North central Nigeria and like wise Nuhu Ribadu as National security Adviser (NSA) from Adamawa state North East Nigeria and other appointments made sofar that receives commendation from across the divides in the country.

” When we met President Tinubu in Abuja as a body of Northern Bishops and Pastors in Abuja shortly before the 2023 Presidential election,he gave us his word on purposeful leadership if he wins the presidential election, and now he is providing that much needed quality leadership to Nigerians.

Katung hinted that going by the performance of President Tinubu in less than one month in office, Nigerians should be expecting more heart touching political and economic policies that would turn around the fortunes of Nigerians from President Tinubu in the next four years of his first tenure .

He added that Tinubu might not need to go out to vigorously campaign for his second term in office in 2027, saying the achievements of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu would speak for him .

Bishop Katung assured Nigerians that if given the needed support,Bola Ahmed Tinubu will provide the right leadership for the people of Nigeria considering his wealth of experience in politics and economic matters that will take Nigeria out of the woods.

”We have confidence and hope in Tinubu that he will provide quality leadership to Nigerians because he gives listening ears to the plight of the people of Nigeria “

According to him, Tinubu is a man with large heart that is ready to give Nigerians a sense of belonging “

Bishop Katung Charged President Tinubu to select people of sound characters into his cabinet that he is preparing to put together in his administration.

* Charge Tinubu to Choose People Of Integrity Into His Cabinet.

Okwuta Audu Jos

Prominent Northern Elder and Former Minister of State for Information and Communication Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande has given Kudos to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for the appointment of New Security Chiefs and top Principal aides of his administration on merit and geographical spread across the country .

Nakande gave this commendation in an interview with Kwararafa Reporters in Jos at the weekend.

According to the Elderstatesman, President Tinubu choice of appointments so far is likened to a leader full of wisdom that put right peg in the right hole.Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande

He added that for any administration that is worth it’s salt to run a government that meets the expectations of it’s people, the choice of men and women of proven integrity into positions of responsibility is key and germane to the success of the administration.

The former Information Minister of state added that the new Security Chiefs,NSA and Inspector general of Police owe the government and the people of Nigeria the responsibility of providing water tight security to lives and property of the people under Tinubu administration.

According to the Chieftain of All Progressive Congress on the Plateau, President Tinubu should use also his wealth of experience in governance to bring up a cabinet of men and women of proven integrity into his goverment, advising Mr President to take his time to select people from the 36 states of the federation and FCT that he knows can work with him for the good of the country.

Nakande added that the actions President Tinubu has displayed so far in less than one month in office is a clear demonstration that Tinubu is ready to provide purposeful leadership for the people of this country and partner with developed democracies of the world for over all interest and development of Nigeria.

He called on Nigerians to join hands with President Tinubu administration in it’s bid to turn around the economic fortunes of Nigeria for the good of all.

Comfort Akudiang Pius

Plateau state Governor Barr Caleb Mutfwang has Appointed Engr Jeremiah Satmark as his new Chief of Staff .

Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor Mr Gyang Bere in a Press statement issued to newsmen in Jos on Tuesday and a copy made available to Kwararafa Reporters, said this new appointment is in furtherance to the resolve of Governor Mutfwang to run a responsive and peoples-centered government on the Plateau.

According to the Press statement, Engr Jeremiah Satmark until his appointment was Plateau Central Vice Chairman of Peoples Democratic party and was a graduate of Building from University of Jos .

Engr Satmak before now held several political offices including Chief of Staff to a former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly as well as Secretary to Mangu Local Government Council.

Engr Satmak is also a reputable building Engineer with vast experience in construction work.

Similarly, the immediate past Speaker of Plateau House of Assembly Abok Ayuba has been appointed by Governor Mutfwang as Special Adviser on Legislative Duties.

Hon Ayuba is a graduate of Law from the University of Jos and a Businessman.

Ayuba’s legislative skills and competence which was demonstrated while serving as Speaker in the 9th Assembly contributed greatly to his new appointment .

Other Appointments made by Governor Mutfwang were among others, that of Engineer Alex Gyang Dalyop Kundang as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, a graduate of Geology and Mining from University of Jos.

In another development, Plateau state House of Assembly on Tuesday elected a new Speaker for the Assembly in the person of Hon Moses Sule representing Mikang Constituency at the State Assembly.

He was unanimously elected unopposed along side his Deputy Speaker Hon Gwakson D Fom, member representing Jos South Constituency at the State House of Assembly.

After the election of the Speaker and his Deputy, the state lawmakers adjourned their sitting to next week when they are expected to hold their first sitting at the State Assembly under the new dispensation.