Bauchi-At least 1,000 women and youths in the Warji and Ningi local government areas of Bauchi State have benefited from N150 million empowerment programme by the state government to improve the living standard of the people of the state.
Flagging off the programme in the two local government areas of the state, the Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, said that the Economic Empowerment is all about making the people of Bauchi State self-reliant by providing them the wherewithal and conducive environment to be economically productive, adding that the programme was designed to boost economic activities in order to address problem of unemployment and alleviative poverty among the people, especially the youths and women.
According to the governor, his administration palaces high premium on empowerment through job creation as a testimony of it’s commitment towards poverty alleviation, pointing out that his government has put in place the Bauchi State Microfinance Institution Building Programme (MIFIN) to complement the Kaura Economic Empowerment Programme.
“The aim of this programme is to develop and strengthen Microfinance Institutions and establish linkages among the institutions and other financial institutions in order to create a viable and sustainable microfinance system. The ultimate goal is to enhance access of the poor to financial services so as to boost the productivity of micro and small scale enterprises, thereby reducing poverty”
“Since the commencement of the formal launching of the Kaura Economic empowerment Programme in the Local Government Areas, an average of N75 million in both cash and kind has been distributed to some selected beneficiaries in each of the Local Governments where the programme has so far been launched”
” Selected beneficiaries of the programme in Ningi and Warji Local Government Areas would therefore today be given the following items which include Provision of starter packs and N50,000 cash for 500 persons per Local Government, Provision of three motor cycles in each of the wards of the 20 Local Governments, Provision of N100,000.00 cash to women leaders and youth leaders in each of the 20 Local Governments and the Provision of five buses to each of the 20 Local Governments.The beneficiaries are Ward PDP Chairmen,Ward Coordinators and Ward Youth leaders” he said
Governor Mohammed appealed to the beneficiaries of the Kaura Economic Empowerment Programme to make good use of the opportunity by properly managing the cash and items given to them to boost their economic status and assist others who may not have access to the largesse, adding that his government will continue to explore more ways and means of poverty alleviation.
The All Progressive Congress Senatorial Candidate for Plateau Central Mr Diket Plang has applauded Governor Simon Lalong for his dogged commitment in ensuring that he completes all on-going projects before the expiration of his tenure.
In a statement in Jos which was made available to Daily Independent on Friday,the Senatorial candidate noted that it is heartwarming to learn that funds have been secured to complete all the legacy projects initiated by his administration.
Mr Plang former member Plateau state House of Assembly pointed out apart from ensuring that he completed projects inherited from successive administrations governor Lalong has exhibited untiring commitment in leaving the state better than he made it.
The Senatorial candidate specifically applauded the governor for the construction of the British -America junction fly over which was seen by cynics as a white elephant project.
He enjoined the governor not be distracted by the opposition who thought that the legacy projects and the fly -over road as Just Political gimmick.
Mr Plang assured the governor that the in-coming administration of APC in the state will leverage the progress made by governor Lalong in winning the governorship election in the state come 2023.
We’ll deliver Tinubu presidential ambition in 2023-Lalong.
From Attai Audu Jos.
Plateau State Governor and Director General of Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Organization, Simon Lalong said he will work assiduously towards the success of APC presidential election in 2023.
Lalong disclosed this on Thursday while addressing a cheering crowd of supporters at the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Heipang in Jos Plateau State.
He admonished Nigerians to leave religion out of politics and embrace development, adding that the current challenges in the country was not as a result of religion.
Lalong noted that his appointment as the Director General of the campaign council shows that Plateau people are recognized in National politics and that the state will deliver APC.
“Campaigning for Tinubu/Shettima Presidential election will not be a new thing for us in Plateau State, it is not a difficult task at all. It was the same difficulty we face in 2015 when some people said we will not win election because we are in a Muslim party but we won that election.
“All I want is for us to cement our relationship, Nigeria is one nation. The challenges that we have are not from the Muslims or the Christians, we have common challenges and our duty is to unite the people for development.”
Lalong who is the APC candidate for Plateau South Senatorial election said he will work assiduously towards the success of the presidential election, his Senatorial election and the Governorship election in Plateau state.
“I am confident that APC will win not only my Senatorial election but the presidential, Governorship and all other election in Plateau. It is my duty to work to deliver all APC candidate in the 2023 election.
“I have capable hands ground whom we will work together to deliver APC in the next elect”. He stated.
Q: What is Industrial training Fund as the foremost Human Resource Development Agency in Nigeria do to achieve it’s 3rd Strategic Policy Direction ?
Ans: The Industrial Training Fund Strategic Policy Direction that I have Unveiled to the media,is the third of such plans by the incumbent administration in the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
You will recall that on assumption of office in 2016, we unveiled the ITF Reviewed Vision: Strategies for Mandate Actualization. The plan, which was initially stated to terminate in 2022, was, however, reviewed in 2020 to address gaps that were identified in the course of its implementation, and for us to appropriately respond to the negative impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on our numerous clients. While it lasted, the plan enabled the ITF to aggressively address service challenges by computerizing our operations, tackling infrastructural challenges to expand access to Nigerians desirous of acquiring skills, and generally address a gamut of other strictures that were impinging on our ability to effectively discharge our mandate for National economic growth and development and the general good of the Nigerian people
.Despite the numerous achievements recorded by the Fund on account of these initiatives, we have realized that more needs to be done if we must fully tackle the numerous socio-economic problems that are bedevilling us as Nation .
You know that unemployment in Nigeria today is at over 33% as over 23 million Nigerians that are desirous to work cannot find jobs, mostly because of the absence of requisite skills. Poverty is equally on the rise with some estimates placing the number of Nigerians that are living in poverty to be over 90 million.
In the face of all these, our population has continued to soar with the World Bank estimating that Nigeria might hit 216 million by the end of this year. Equally worrisome is the spectre of the Out of School Children, which according to the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) is projected to be over 18.5 million.Although the Federal Government and, indeed, governments at all levels have implemented measures to tackle these challenges, it has become increasingly obvious that efforts have to be redoubled by all and sundry for us to effectively rid the country of these challenges.It is based on the above and in line with our mandate of Developing a vast pool of skilled manpower sufficient to meet the needs of the public and private sectors of the national economy coupled with resolutions at the recently concluded ITF National Skills Summit in Abuja that we found it imperative to review and refocus our strategies to address the above challenges and to meet the skills requirement of the nation in line with global best practices
Q: How do you arrive at strategies to tackle these challenges of unemployment in the country.
Ans: In arriving at our strategies, we considered the need to scale up our activities to address the soaring unemployment and other socio-economic challenges by leveraging on our three Es (Experience, Expertise and Expansive network), deployment of technology for wider coverage and more flexible service delivery.The new policy framework, which has as its theme: Re-Engineering Skills for Sustainable Development has external and internal components. The internal components of the plan, which entail value reorientation, Industrial Development, Commercialization of ITF Facilities, Alternative Funding Window, Deployment and Promotion, Annual Budget Preparation and, Revenue Generation are intended to drive the external components of the new policy direction, which covers Standardization and Certification, Technical and Vocational Skills Training Programmes, Skills Intervention Programmes, Electronic and Virtual Learning and, Optimal Utilization of Skills Training Centres (STCs) and Vocational Wings.
Q: What is Standardization and Certification of this scheme all about?
Ans: Standardization and Certification are core aspects of the Mandate of the Industrial Training Fund. Specifically, Section 2 subsections c and d of the ITF Act 2011, vest the ITF with the responsibility to set training standards in all sectors of the economy and monitor adherence; and evaluate and certify vocational skills acquired by apprentices, craftsmen and technicians in collaboration with relevant organisations.In this area, the Fund will focus on ensuring full adherence to standards and regulating vocational skills training outfits through the accreditation of skills training centres and certification of all skills training in line with the Act.To actualise this, the Fund will develop National Occupational Standards (NOS); Evaluate and certify apprentices, technicians and craftsmen; Train and certify learning and development professionals and; Create and maintain a data bank on skills training.When fully in place, our efforts will lead to the development of a robust National Occupational Standard (NOS); create a pool of certified apprentices, technicians and craftsmen as well as assessors and verifiers as well as create a pool of certified learning and development professionals and a regulated skills training .
Q: Could you expantiate more on ITF Technical And Vocational Skills Programs.
Ans: Another key area of the Fund’s mandate is the Technical and Vocational Skills programmes. Despite our commendable achievements in this regard, the Fund is set to refocus Technical and Vocational Skills Training for employability and economic growth by facilitating the institutionalization of the National Apprenticeship and Traineeship System (NATS).
To actualize this, the Fund will collaborate with relevant public and private stakeholders for NATS; appraise and harmonize Apprenticeship programmes in line with set guidelines; conduct monitoring and evaluation and; design and develop technical and vocational skills programmes in line with the needs of the economy.When fully in place, our plan will ensure a pool of highly skilled indigenous apprentices, technicians and craftsmen as well as an institutionalized National Apprenticeship and Traineeship System (NATS).
Q: How many Areas has ITF Skills intervention Manifested.
Ans: Taking Cognisant of the fact that technical skills are integral to the growth and development of societies across the globe, the incumbent management since its assumption of office in 2016, has been committed to equipping Nigerians with technical and vocational skills for employability and entrepreneurship.In this regard, to further address the problems of rising unemployment and under-employment, the Fund is re-engineering its skills intervention programmes through National Apprenticeship and Traineeship System (NATS).To achieve this, the Fund will register as a super certification centre; extend the duration of skills intervention programmes in line with NATS (six months for traineeship and one year for apprenticeship); procure and provide start-up packs for trainees in the succeeding year; design and develop skills intervention programmes; identify and engage accredited Skills Training Centres and certified craftsmen; implement, monitor and follow up intervention programmes and; evaluate and certify trainees.
The intended outcome of this strategy is to have at least a total of 27,000 skilled and employable youths (18,000 trained youths under the NATS and 9,000 youth under the NISDP and other intervention programmes) and increased SMEs and Entrepreneurs to meet the Nation’s economic needs.
Q: what has been achieved in Electronic And Virtual Learning.
Ans: The Fund is committed to leveraging technology for flexible service delivery and widening the scope of its operations through electronic and virtual learning platforms.In this regard, the Fund will develop and deploy appropriate learning content; coordinate all electronic and virtual learning programmes; monitor and evaluate the implementation of all electronic and virtual learning programmes and; provide and deploy appropriate collaborative tools.With these, we hope to achieve effective and efficient service delivery, a satisfied customer base, improved patronage of our services, enhanced revenue generation, and an increased number of participants in our programmes by at least 40% annually.
Q: What is happening at Optimal Utilization Of Skills Training Centres (STCs) And Vocational Wings (VWs)
Ans: In this area, the Fund will provide the enabling environment to foster creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and employability through its skills training centres by:Upgrading three of its skills training centres to Centres for Advanced Skills Training for Employment (CASTE)Embedding production Hubs, Skills/e-Hubs as well as creative and innovative hubs in its Skills training Centres and Vocational wings and,Utilizing existing skills training Centres to develop the capacity of technical instructors.
In this regard, the Fund will equip Training Centres with state-of-the-art facilities, partner with relevant stakeholders for training placement as well as identify the competitive advantage of the centres for production purposes. We will also introduce instructors’ training in three (3) designated Skills Training Centres, advertise and deploy the Centre’s facilities and equipment for commercial use, engage trainees in the design and development of products and establish creative and innovative clinics. In addition, it will develop entrepreneurs and rename all Industrial Skills Training Centres as ITF Skills Training Centres (ITF STCs).With this strategy, we will now have three (3) Centres for Advanced Skills Training for Employment (CASTE) in Lagos, Kano and Jos as well as well-equipped training centres and vocational wings; train 450 Instructors annually; maximize investment and improve our revenue base.
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We believe that the new Policy framework if fully implemented will place us in better stead to fully implement our mandate and drive the achievement of Federal Government’s goals with particular reference to unemployment, poverty and their associated consequences.
Our belief is premised on the fact that countries all over the world that had dealt with and have successfully solved the problems that we are currently confronting today, did it through a greater commitment to skills acquisition. For instance, to handle its youth bulge in the 70s and 80s, China under the leadership of Mao Zedong, Hua Guofeng and Zhao Ziyang who ruled the country during that period, invested heavily in the capacity development of its people.
The outcome of this investment is evident today as China has moved from near third world to the 2nd largest economy and one of the most industrialised countries on earth. In Germany, about two decades ago, there was mass unemployment with roughly five million unemployed people and low employment rates to the extent that it was labelled “the sick man in Europe”.
Today, nearly two-thirds of young Germans are enrolled in apprenticeships once they leave full-time education using the German Dual Vocational and educational training (DVT), nine out of ten young trainees get a permanent job at the end, with others being offered shorter-term contracts. Germany is now dubbed a job wonderland and European champion with regard to its high employment rates.
We believe that we can replicate similar successes in Nigeria giving greater commitment to skills acquisition that is considered by many today as the currency of the 21st Century.However, it must be noted that for us to replicate such successes, the problem of the perception that skills acquisition is the preserve of a section of our society has to be overcome because this prejudice has discouraged people from perceiving skills acquisition as a real and better alternative to white-collar jobs.
In this regard and given the role the media plays in education, enlightenment and opinion moulding of the citizenry, I will appeal to you to use the vast instruments available to you to take home this message to every Nigerian.
The time has come for us to realise that Government alone cannot provide all the jobs that Nigerians desire. Therefore, acquiring a skill is vital to tackling our socio-economic challenges.
Q: What have you done to skill up the Nigerian Youths?
Ans: I also want to announce that in our continuing efforts to skill up the Nigerian Youths, we recently sponsored the prize for the best MSME in leather works at the recently concluded Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) National award ceremony hosted by His Excellency, the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON. The young man that clinched this award is Daniel Dung Gwom, who runs Jmofs Enterprises, here in Jos. On our part to further encourage him, aside from the car that was given to him by the Vice President Osinbajo for winning the award, the ITF has presented to him a powerful 3D printer to enhance his work. Mr. In closing, I wish to especially appreciate the media for consistent show of support and solidarity as your coverage of our plethora of activities has greatly enhanced our efforts to provide and promote skills acquisition to create jobs and wealth. It is my earnest hope that like you, other stakeholders will fully join hands with us in re-engineering skills for sustainable development and a greater Nigeria.
The Middle Belt Journalists Forum, (MBJF) has debunked a fabricated online media report which falsely claimed that, “Middle Belt Journalists Forum once accused the Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund, ITF, Sir Joseph Ari, of sponsoring Christian militias in Jos axis to forment religious crisis in the Middle Belt region.”
The fake story, which has as its headline:”ITF DG Joseph Ari on fire for allegedly sponsoring Christian militias to forment religious crisis,” was published by the African Examiner, and lifted by Opera News, both online platforms.
Reacting to the report, the MBJF, in a statement on Wednesday, signed by its President, Jonathan Ipaa and Secretary General, Oikeke Igado-Kure, respectively,and made available to Kwararafa Reporters, debunked the report, describing it as smacking of deliberate mischief and malicious intention to misinform and mislead gullible members of the public to achieve the purpose of precipitating bad blood and crisis.
The MBJF President and Secretary also said that the allegation was merely a figment of the malicious and mischievous imagination of the faceless reporter and described it as distressing, unfortunate, completely repugnant to natural justice.
TheyIt threatened to file a law suit against the author of the report and its publishers if they failed to produce documentary evidence of their claims or tender an unreserved apology.
“As a matter of fact, there has never been a time that MBJF raised such an allegation against the ITF DG and no media organization has ever reported such an allegation, which implies that it is clearly a figment of the malicious and mischievous imagination of the fabricator of the said story and should be treated as such
“For the avoidance of doubt, at no time has the MBJF, either in its public engagement or in private, ever accused the ITF DG, a highly respected journalist, who has over the years also paid his dues in the noble profession of any misdemeanor as published in the report.
“The faceless, cowardly writer, who is obviously doing a hatchet job for his paymasters, did it poorly and ended up exposing his glaring professional deficiencies, that is if he/she is truly a journalist.
“Dragging the MBJF into such fabricated falsehood is to say the least a very damaging and nauseating mischief that is taken too far and definitely comes with legal consequences because the freedom of expression is not a license to irresponsibly fabricate malicious falsehood against others.
“We, therefore, challenge the author and publishers of the story to produce documentary evidence of their claims within the next 48 hours or tender an unreserved apology to us in their platforms and one other media or be ready for a date with us in court on charges of defamation,” the MBJF stated.
The Gubernatorial Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has expressed sadness over the amputation of 4 months old baby by suspected armed herdsmen.
During the attacks, seven persons from one family at Danda village in Chugwi community of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State were killed Sunday night.
Mutfwang who led a delegation to Vom Christian Hospital, through his Deputy Governorship candidate, Hon. Josephine Piyo expressed sadness over the pathetic condition of the surviving 4-Month-old David Pam, whose hand was amputated as a result of gunshots.
He wondered why a family of seven was wiped-out within a twinkling of an eye, leaving behind the surviving four months old boy in agony.
Mutfwang described the killing as callous and condemnable and urged the villagers to be vigilant and take adequate measures to safeguard themselves against the terrorizing herdsmen who are bent on maiming and destruction of human lives.
“We received the news of this ugly incident with a heavy heart because it is very painful that somebody who is not enjoying the basic life facilities will be killed by an individual right inside his bedroom without any form of provocation.
“Life is sacrosanct, nobody has the right to take the life of anybody, except God the creator but this days within the society we have found ourselves, people go about killing others which is not proper and it is very sad.”
He sympathized with the people of the affected Community and urged them to take solace in God as He is the only comforter who will give them comfort and rescue them from the evil attacks of bandits.
Mutfwang expressed strong commitment towards providing adequate security to protect Plateau citizens and called on security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and face the wrath of the law.
He presented cash donations for the survivors who are receiving treatment at Vom Christian Hospital and food nutrients for the amputated baby.
A 67-year-old Bulus Pam who escaped death narrowly said the assistants invaded the family at about 7pm on Sunday night when they have eaten dinner, preparing to go to bed.
He said 7 members of the family was wiped-out, leaving behind a four month old baby whose hands was amputated due to gunshots.
The Medical Superintendent of Vom Christian Hospital, Dr. Fredrick M. Dachung said the hospital has played host to several victims of attack from the neighbouring communitiee.
He said two persons were brought in over the Sunday night attack, including a four month old baby, David Pam whose hand has been amputated due to gunshots.
Dr. Dachung explained further that the amputated baby lost alot of blood and will required alot of food nutrient and assistant from the public to survive.
Plateau State Gubernatorial Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Caleb Mutfwang at the weekend said he is working together with his party to bring the people of Plateau together cutting across all ethnic groups a head of 2023.
Mutfwang stated this at his Mangu country home during his home comng reception after he won his partys Governorship primaries to become it’s Governorship candidate in his state.
According to him, Plateau has been a home of PDP and the people have taken a decision to return the PDP back to power to provide credible leadership that will enthrone massive development in the state.
“I honestly feel very elated, there is nothing that is good as being accepted by your people and I see that my candidature has brought joy and excitement to the people of Mangu Local Government Area and Plateau people at large .
He added that he was glad to be welcomed to his country Mangu in central Plateau with mammoth crowd of people from across the state.
Mutfwang who left an indelible footprint as former Executive Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area said he had the opportunity of working closely with people at the grassroot and assured that every ethnic group on the Plateau would be given a sense of belonging if he is entrusted with their mandate to lead them as Governor in 2023.
“we had a seamless and mutual respectful relationship with the elders and by the grace of God if given another opportunity, we will continue to demonstrate respect for the traditional institution, we will continue to demonstrate respect to our elders and most especially, we will commit ourselves more than ever before to the service of the people.”
Mutfwang further said “We are engaging critical stakeholders across the state to ensure that we get prepared ahead of the electioneering campaign, we are reconciling party members and making sure that we sensitize people so that when the campaigns start in earnest, we will go in as a united people.”
He encouraged the people of his State to participate actively in the INEC voter’s registration and vote massively for PDP to reclaim and rebuild Plateau and Nigeria.
He described the torrential rain downpour during his home coming as a sign of God’s blessings that will usher him into victory during the 2023 polls.
The Deputy Governorship Candidate, Hon. Josephine Piyo on her part, applauded applauded Plateau women for coming out in their numbers to receive the PDP governorship candidate who has great consideration for women in the rebuilding of Plateau State.
She said Mutfwang would be gender friendly in providing leadership in Plateau if given the mandate, having cede the deputy governorship position to women and assured that women will play key role in the government.
The PDP Zonal Vice Chairman, North Central, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan on his part described the turn-out as victory in waiting and urged the people to vote for PDP from top to bottom.
He called on PDP members to work assiduously for the success of the party ahead of the 2023 election.
Similarly, the state party chairman, Hon. Chris Hassan, said the emergence of Caleb Mutfwang as flag bearer of the party has strengthened its acceptability towards wining all elections in 2023.
He said the party has embarked on reconciliation with all those who contested the party’s primaries and lost with a view to go into the election as a united front.
Chairman of Mangu Traditional Council, the Mishkaham Mwaghavul , Da John Putmang on his part, described the reception accorded to Mutfwang and the PDP stakeholders as a sign of good thing to come in 2023.
He expressed gratitude to Plateau people, particularly the PDP for trusting their son, Caleb Mutfwang with the PDP ticket to lead the party for the 2023 Governorship election.
Da. Putmang admonished the party to run issue based campaign, devoid of campaign of columny, bitterness, rancour and uncultured behaviour to attract more followers, who will vote the party to power.
He said Plateau people will endorsed the kind of change the state desire in 2023 and urged Mutfwang to be forthright, honest and sincere in dealing with all sections of the state.
President Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), Sir Joseph Gwankat expressed joy that the PDP picked Caleb Mutfwang as their candidate and urged him to run an all inclusive governance by carrying everyone along if voted into power in 2023.
The All Progressives Congress in Plateau State leadership has declared that it’s Party gubernatorial candidate, remains Dr Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe .
The party’s Publicity Secretary Sylvamus Namang in a statement issued in Jos to newsmen on Wednesday and a copy made a valuable to Daily Independent, Said without mincing words Dr Nentawe remains the party’s credible candidate for the 2023 general elections.
Namang argued that” the claims and counter claims about his candidature are distraction which the party seriously frowns at. Some of the claims and comments against his candidature are products of absurdity while others are mischievous and diversionary. ” He stressed.
According to Namang, before now, the issue had been the laughable claim that the gubernatorial candidate had not been issued a certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,but INEC issues certificate of return only to candidates who have won an election conducted by it.”
He hinted that Perhaps based on the morbid fear of the APC gubernatorial candidate by the opposition parties based on his intimidating credentials, which have given them sleepless night, they have conceded defeat ahead the 2023 gubernatorial election on the Plateau .
” The most ridiculous issue which is trending in the media is the one by some pseudo forces and fifth columnists led by the trio of Jacob Gyang, Elder Victor Useni and Musa Ardo who called themselves Progressive Foundation Movement (PFM). Our checks reveal that these characters are strange and unknown to any available records of our party. We therefore challenge them to unmask their true identity by publishing their membership details i.e. ward of registration and registration numbers.”
He accused the fictitious group of being used by some forces who are desperately seeking for acceptance by one of the opposition parties in the state who wants to cause confusion and inflict some damage to the party before they leave.
According to him, the APC is fully aware of the nocturnal meetings being held whose outcome is this vain attacks and attention seeking.
” Exactly two months after the primary election which Dr Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe emerged as the undisputable winner of the primary election after beating three other aspirants out of the eight aspirants who bought the party’s forms but which four withdrew before the contest, these so- called stakeholders are asking the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee of the party to substitute the gubernatorial candidate.
,” If we may ask, substitute him for what reason(s) and with who?”
“They claimed that the gubernatorial candidate did not meet the guidelines for membership of the party and was not duly elected at the gubernatorial primary election duly conducted by electoral committee from the National Secretariat of the Party. The self-styled Progressive Foundation Movement claimed Dr Yilwatda is not a duly registered member of the party as he joined the APC on 6th January, 2022 after resigning as INEC Commissioner in charge of Benue state in December 2021 and had not been granted waiver before the contest.'”
Namang said these claims are as spurious and totally based on ignorance of the party’s new guidelines and the amended constitution.
He wondered why they are asking the National Working Committee of the party which is the implementing organ of NEC to replace the APC gubernatorial candidate which is invariably telling it to reverse itself for no cogent reason.
“Dr Nentawe Yilwatda duly met all the set conditions and provisions of the guidelines and constitution of the APC before contesting the primary election on June 5th, 2022. as Article 9.1 of the amended constitution which deals with eligibility/registration states; Membership of the party says the party shall be open to any citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who has attained the age of 18 years and who accepts the aims and objectives of the party, and is willing to abide by the provisions of the constitution, provided such a person is not a member of any other political party, a condition which the candidate is more than qualified. “
,”Sub section ii. of the same Article states; Application for membership shall be made to and cleared by the Ward Executive Committee of the party in the ward of the Local Government Area where the person was born,resides, works or originates. On-line registration shall also be acceptable provided it is acceptable by the National Working Committee. ‘”
He argued that his party governorship candidate more than passed this process like any other aspirant before he could qualify to contest the primaries of the party as the party has many checks from the state to the national levels so as not to stand the risk of disqualification of its candidates.
,”On the issue of resigning as INEC Commissioner in December 2021, clear six months before the primary election, Namang said, he needed only 30 days required for an employee of the public service preceding the date of electionas as provided in section E. of the APC guidelines for the nomination of candidates for the 2023 General Elections.”
” The candidate is of sound mind, has never been convicted for any offence nor adjudged to be bankrupt or a member of a secret cult which are issues that would disqualify an aspirant from contesting an election. “
According to Namang, Dr Nentawe was duly sponsored and screened by the party’s appropriate organs before contesting.
“On the allegation that the delegate list was concocted in Jos and not in the 207 wards of the state,this allegation cannot stand any integrity test Namang stressed.
“All congresses of the party to elect five delegates for the State House of Assembly, Gubernatorial and National Assembly primary elections took place in all the 207 federal wards of Plateau state supervised by officials from the national secretariat of the party and witnessed by INEC and security agencies as provided in the party’s guidelines. “
Namang said If not the height of mischief and the desperate attempts to demarket his party gubernatorial candidate who is the candidate to beat in the 2023 general elections, why the selection of only delegates for the gubernatorial primary to vent their adrenalin?
According to him, What Plateau State needs I’m 2023 is the best and that best that is found in the combination of the youthful and most capable duo of Dr Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe and his running mate, Honourable Pam Bot Mang.
He said no amount of blackmail, subterfuge or denigration would stop this winning team.
“No doubt, the party has its challenges like in other states which are normal fallout of any contest, moreso in fierce contest at gubernatorial levels where aspirants put in their energy and resources. “
“Those who lost at the primary election are definitely aggrieved but this must not lead to throwing away the baby with the bath water. The party in the state is not sleeping over these fallouts. It has begun the process of reconciliation across board as the primary elections remain a family contest. Moreover there is only one position for each seat contested for. The party does not believe in a winner and loser syndrome in a win win situation.”
He argued that there are different ways the aggrieved aspirants would be accommodated as losing election do not mean the an end to the loser. Namang stressed
North Central APC leadership forum and critical members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) have called for the resignation of the National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Adamu, following the party’s defeat in last weekend’s election in Osun State by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking with news men in Jos the Plateau State capital on behalf of the group, its chairman, Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, said Adamu is already failing the party and that if he continues to remain as the party’s leader they would suffer great loss in the 2023 general election.
According to him, since the emergence of Adamu as the APC National Chairman, the party has been going through rapid setbacks ranging from defection of members to other parties and losing of election like that of a state like Osun where the governor an incumbent was beaten at the polls .
Zazzaga said Adamu prior to the election vowed to deliver Osun for the party and they were hopeful, but now he has failed to deliver and that is now going to set them back and boost the confidence of the PDP in the forthcoming 2023 elections.
According to him, Adamu’s arrogant posture and his non-tolerance of suggestion and advice has made many members of the party to be disenchanted with the party and have lost faith in the party as well.
He called on the party leaders to urge Adamu to resign or call him to proper order and task him to deliver on his mandate so that the party will not suffer defeat in 2023 because the election will be fierce from the national to state and local government levels, including that of the legislative arm.
He further said that from the way the PDP is restrategizing and the recent threat from the Labour Party, particularly at the national level, if the APC is not careful and urgently restategize, they will be surprised in 2023.
He added that they have a credible information that between now and 2023, many APC leaders and members alike would be leaving the party to other parties, stressing that such defections would greatly affect their chances in the 2023 elections.
He called for urgent constitution of reconciliatory committee to pacify aggrieved members from the fallout of the primary election across the state and federal level, so that they will remain in the party and work for its victory.
The Chairman also called on the party to also set up a committee to brainstorm on the anger the APC Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket is generating in many quarters and find a way to resolve the issue amicably because it is a very dicey, sensitive and delicate issue.
Zazzaga urged the party members and supporters to remain calm despite the Osun election outcome, saying that the party will endeavour to recover and put the Osun issue quickly behind so that it does not affect their readiness for 2023.
Says Adeleke’s Victory is for Osun People and Democracy.
Joshua Audu Jos
The Plateau for Atiku Movement, a group of PDP Elders, party chieftains and stakeholders from Plateau State who are committed to the victory of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 Presidential polls, have congratulated the Osun State Governor-elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke, over his victory at polls held on Saturday in Osun state.
Protem Secretary of the group, Professor Shedrach Best in a Press statement issued in Jos on Monday and made available to Daily Independent in Jos, described the victory as well deserved and a victory for the Osun people and for democracy.
Protem Secretary of the group, described “Senator Adeleke as a proud and worthy product of the PDP, a dogged fighter, a consistent democrat who has enjoyed the confidence of his people over the years”
According to Professor Best,.eEven though victory had eluded Senator Adeleke under questionable circumstances in the past, the 16th July 2022 polls produced a convincing result that left nobody in doubt about the acceptance of Senator Adeleke by his people.
Professor Best added, “We wish the Senator well as he prepares to govern Osun State, believing that he will give his citizens good governance and fulfil his campaign promises to the people of Osun State.”
The group also commended the Presidential flag bearer of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for providing the necessary leadership warming up to the victory of the Party in Osun State.
” It shows the readiness of the Party and the Candidate to coast to victory in the forthcoming General elections, and to provide good governance to the nation”.
The Plateau Group congratulated the party leadership under the National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, for putting the party back in winning ways, stressing that they are hopeful that Nigeria will taste democracy and good governance again under new PDP President from May 29 2023″, they group stressed.
Kwararafa Reporters 