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Ogunenwa Otubi Audu Jos

The Coalition for Peter Obi
(CPO), a stakeholder in the Obidient
movement,a steadfast supporters of
the Labour Party has expressed it’s unwavering dedication to the vision of rebuilding Nigeria with Peter Obi and Datti Ahmed.

The groups of Coalitions in an appeal it made to it’s National Chairman Comrade Abure came on the heels of the online meeting of the Obidient movement on March 21, 2024 after which they strongly called on the Party National Working
Committee to ensure the unimpeded inclusion of all willing and committed members in the upcoming congresses..

To achieve this goal, they recommended that the congresses of the party should
commence from the grassroots level, starting with the wards, progressing to the Local Government Areas (LGAs), and culminating at the state level.

” We believe that this strategic
approach will empower party members to
actively participate in the selection of their
representatives for the National Convention,ensuring a collective and inclusive approach to decision-making processes.”

“We also recommend that Screening and
Electoral Committees be set up with clear
mandates, and their details made public.

The Coalitions for Peter Obi groups said in a statement that the approach would enhance transparency and accountability, which are essential for the
credibility of the electoral process.

They Emphasized on democratic values and transparency and also “we advocate for a platform where every member can voice their opinions and contribute to shaping the party’s future.

“Inclusivity and grassroots engagement are
vital for the party’s strength and progress
towards shared goals.”

They added that the Coalitions would appreciate If the National Chairman could give consideration to these recommendations, which “we believe will benefit the Labour Party.”

“We look forward to positive reforms that will strengthen the party’s internal democracy and
advance its goals.” the Coalitions called.

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

13 Labour Plateau House of Assembly Candidates in the 2023 General elections whose party logo was missing in the said election have expressed shock and surprise over a publication purportedly written by the chairperson of the Labour Party in their state Grace Zamfara stating that she was not aware of any Court Order or Court case denying the interest of the Party she claims to be leading.

One of the candidate in the election Hon Henry Longkwap former Majority leader of the House in a statement in Jos at the weekend made available to Sunday Independent said the public was aware that there was exclusion of 13 Candidates of the Labour Party for the office of the Plateau State House on the ballots by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which led them to approach a Federal High Court in Abuja.

He said the court of competent jurisdiction granted an Order that no election should be conducted in the 13 Plateau State House of Assembly constituencies without the names of the Labour Party Candidates and that anything short of that renders the election, null and void..

” We have started the enforcement of this Judgment against the INEC, saying elections would soon be conducted in those 13 constituencies.

“It is in line with this that we wrote through our Lawyers to both the Governor and the Speaker of Plateau State to also obey the Court Judgment by not swearing in those affected by this Judgment who are among the 16 affected by the recent Judgment delivered by the Appeal Court . “

“We therefore wish to clearly state that the State Chairperson of the Labour Party( LP) whose actions brought this afflictions on the 13 affected Labour Party House of Assembly Candidates should stay out of this issue as her actions would soon be visited by the National leadership of the Labour Party. “

According to him, It is now clear to them that her mission to destroy the Labour Party in Plateau State is still unfinished .

He urged members of the public to ignore what the State Party chairperson of Labor party said as it is now clear that she has commercialized the party on the Plateau..

” We disassociate ourselves with her . Its clear that she is working for our enemies to destroy the house she pretends to belong. We are aware of the source and authors of the despicable statement she issued against her party and the plans to frustrate us from reclaiming our due rights.”

According to the former Majority leader,the judgment that nullified the 13 seats is much available with the FCT High Court which she can go and get a copy for herself having shown that she is no longer defending the interest of the Party on the Plateau.

Ogunenwa Otubi Jos

The All Progressive Congress (APC) Forum has held a close door meeting in Abuja with leaders and chieftains of the party in Plateau State to strategize and intensify their plans on Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the state to decamp from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Recalled that recently the forum called on the governor to dump the PDP for the APC so that his good works and value can appreciate more and rapidly actualized.

The forum’s Chairman, Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, who made the call at their first quarter meeting in Jos, the Plateau State capital, had explained that the governor’s deffection to the APC is necessary for the development of Plateau State becaus he (the governor) will be on the same page with President Bola Tinubu, the other North Central governors who are of the APC and other federal legislators from the state, and they can all together have a common ground and cause.

Furtherance to the call therefore, the forum has met with the APC chieftains from the state in Abuja to intensify their strategy in wooing the governor to the APC.

Speaking with Jos newsmen on the outcome of the meeting on Friday, Zazzaga said they had a successful deliberation and that all of them expressed satisfaction with governor Mutfwang’s sincere developmental pursuits, inclusiveness, peaceful nature and achievements so far.

He said that is why they want him in the APC where his other contemporaries are and work together to rapidly tackle the developmental deficit and security challenges faced by the state.

He said some of the APC chieftains at the meeting was the Plateau APC governorship aspirant and in the last election , who is also the Chairman/Convener of the Forum of APC governorship aspirants, Chief Amos Gizo and the former, the Chairman of Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS), Dashe Arlat, himself (Zazzaga) and others whom he said he wouldn’t like to mention yet.

Zazzaga stressed that they are still consulting with the elders and other stakeholders of the party to have a formidable action plan, after which they will write a letter to the Governor inviting him to the APC.

He added that after writing the letter to the governor, they will also write to the APC in his ward in Mangu notifying them, the Plateau State APC and the national APC.

Zazzaga said their other deliberations at the Abuja meeting is to early to be disclosed but through their subsequent actions and activities, they will reveal their plans.

He however said top most of their agenda was how to reposition the APC in the state after the Supreme Court judgement, and to generally work towards the upliftment and growth of the state.

END

Attai Audu Jos.

The plateau state university Bokkos academic staff union has called on Plateau state government to allow the dissolution of the governing council and the removal of the former vice Chancellor of the state university professor Mallau Bernard Matur to follow due process.

The university ASUU chairman Dr Monday Hassan Zitta and Secretary comrade Deme S. Bitrus in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Jos said while the union is pleased with the effort of the state government in resolving the crisis in the university leading to the suspension of the strike action and the resumption of academic activities in the university, the union disapproves the manner in which the state government has acted in violation of the extant laws governing the university .

The duo recalled that by the time this decision was taken, the union was embroiled in an industrial disharmony with the management council and government over the failure to honour the agreement that was signed in 2022.

Rather than address the main substance of the agreement so that the strike action could be suspended promptly, the former management and council expended their time and efforts including resources in breaking the union through the adoption of divide and rule tactics, propaganda, victimization and intimidation including threats against the members of the union.

They added that Some key goverment officials had to intervene in the negotiation as the then vice Chancellor Matur, the governing council had suppressed and treated academic staff with non chalant attitude while vital information regarding the demands of the union were hidden from the visitor to the university which was responding for the strike.

While the union condemned the action of the individuals holding these offices, the union still holds in high esteem the laws protecting these offices from undue interference .

According to them, the state government has graciously and courageously taken the responsibility of fulfilling some of the issues in the agreement that was signed by the past administration .

“We wish to categorically state that without due respect to the laws governing the university, no matter how noble the intentions are such action will automately relegate the university to mere political and not an academic Institution”.

They agreed that even though the action of the state government was aimed at resolving the crisis in the university, the option of following the due process was jettisoned.

Ogunenwa Otubi Jos.

It was gathering of God’s Champions as thousands of Christian faithfuls gathered at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium in Jos, Plateau State Capital on Saturday, March 16th, 2024, for the Light Up Plateau Crusade organized by the Redeemed Church of God (RCCG), REGION 8.

At the event,Evangelist Danjuma Fwanji delivered a powerful sermon, urging Christians to rededicate their lives to God and reclaim their role as bearers of light.

Drawing inspiration from Genesis 1:1 and Matthew 5:14, Evangelist Fwanji emphasized on the significance of light, citing its association with holiness, goodness, knowledge, and insight.

He reminded the gathering of God’s people that God in the beginning, saw it fit to create light, making it an essential element in the universe.

Fwanji highlighted the impact of sin on humanity, which dimmed the light that was created by God.

However, he emphasized that the advent of Christ brought a second light, symbolizing redemption and restoration. He urged Christians to be grateful for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross, which reinstated the light in their lives.

The evangelist lamented the lack of light in Nigeria, attributing it to the myriad of challenges faced by Nigerians, including insecurity and corruption. He called on Christians to embody the light of God in their actions, both within the church and in their daily lives, as a beacon of hope and righteousness.

Pastor C. T Oni, the Regional Overseer of RCCG Region 8,on his part, echoed Evangelist Fwanji’s sentiments, urging attendees to take the word of God seriously and make the gathering a transformative experience.

He emphasized on the importance of each individual’s role in God’s plan and encouraged them to embrace the message of redemption.

While reinforcing the call to reconnect with God, Pastor John Sam Tayo, the Regional Youth Pastor, urged Christians to turn away from sin and accept the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross. He urged them to embrace the opportunity for spiritual renewal and transformation.

The one day light up Plateau crusade also featured a prayer session which was led by Rev Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, the PFN Plateau State Chairman, for the restoration of Plateau State, as well as uplifting musical performances and worship sessions that filled the atmosphere with reverence and devotion of Gods people who turned up for the event.

Stakeholders In Minning Sector Calls For Exploration In Minning Sector In Nigeri

Ogunenwa u Audu jos.

The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society of Nigeria (NMGS) has asked that potentials in the mining sector be adequately harnessed to engage young people in businesses, boost the nation’s economy and create wealth as allowing the sector to be operated in the crude form would be a minus to the revenue generation drive of the government.

The President of NMGS, Professor Akinade Olatunji made this call in Jos ahead of the Society’s 59th Annual International Conference and Exhibition, AICE scheduled to take place in Jos, Plateau State from the 17th to the 22nd of March, 2024 with the theme: “Emerging Global Perspectives, Trends and Sustainable Development of Minerals and Energy Resources.”

Professor Olatunji in an interview with newsmen in Jos at the weekend, reiterated that indiscriminate mining activities is robbing the country of the much needed resources and called for the repositioning of the sector with relevant personnel and technology so the country could reap the gains embedded in coordinated mining activities.

He also called for the immediate address of the activities of the illegal miners through the strengthening and implementation of relevant laws.

According to him, “… There’s a difference between illegal mining and artisanal mining. Illegal mining is any mining done contrary to the prescribed laws of the land. It could be small scale, it could be medium scale. It could be large scale. Artisanal miners use crude implements.

“Addressing the issue of illegal mining is a national and international problem globally, anywhere you have mining activities there are always scavengers lurking around. In Nigeria, we have the law and it is very clear. The law must be implemented… We have said that one of the weak points that prevents the enforcing the law is the lack of adequate manpower. If the government will first strengthen the manpower, train the manpower and give them the mobility to be able to move, things would improve.

“We should stop paying lip service to this but put our money where our mouth is by investing heavily in retooling and equipping the Mining Inspectorate offices. We have so many people without jobs, if the government brings them on board, it will improve the mining sector and will stop these illegal activities because government is losing a lot money on a daily basis across the country. The government needs to employ technology to monitor the sector.”

He revealed that the event has other sub-themes as Unlocking the wealth creation potentials of the artisanal and small-scale mining subsector through innovative implementation of a robust governance structure; opportunities and challenges of renewable energy potentials in Nigeria; management of Nigerian water resources and flood vulnerability; geosciences perspectives to incessant road and building collapse in Nigeria; medical geology, geo-tourism and geo-heritage as new geoscience frontiers of wealth creation, among others and would feature paper presentations, excursion, quiz competition and others.

Ogunenwa Otubi Jos

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Plateau State Chapter, has commended Rev. Dr. Steven Dangana recent appointment as Special Advisor on Religious Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State Barr Caleb Mutfwang..

This accolades came during a courtesy visit of PFN State Advisory council members and EXCO to Rev. Dr. Steven Dangana
at the weekend in Jos at the Citadel of Peace Assembly located at Liberty Boulevard by Nigerian Film Corporation, Jos.

Leader of the delegation, the State PFN Chairman, Rev. Dunka Gomwalk, expressed the chapter’s admiration for Rev. Dr. Dangana’s exemplary leadership track record, that he has demonstrated over the years within the PFN..

“It comes as no surprise to us that someone of your caliber has been chosen as the Special Advisor on Religious Affairs to Governor Mutfwang. Your outstanding leadership qualities have been evident throughout your tenure with our esteemed Fellowship. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to you and wish you God’s abundant blessings, favor, and a successful tenure in office,” remarked Rev. Gomwalk.

Responding, Rev. Dr. Steven Dangana expressed gratitude for the unwavering support and affection from the PFN.
He lauded Governor Mutfwang for his visionary approach, particularly in transcending tribal and ethnic considerations in his appointments.

“I am deeply grateful to the Governor for deeming me fit for this appointment, which transcends ethnic and tribal boundaries,” stated Rev. Dr. Dangana.

He urged the PFN to amplify its impact through fervent prayers for the political leaders of the state, recognizing the challenges of governance and the need for divine guidance.

The visit was rounded up with the presentation of a card and several goodwill messages to Rev. Dangana which they described as beacon of peace and Wisdom.
of peace and wisdom.

The attendees commended Governor Mutfwang for seeking the counsel of men of faith, expressing confidence in Rev. Dangana’s ability to contribute significantly to the administration’s success.

Among those who extolled the Special Adviser were Rev. Dr. Kenneth Ononeze, the pioneering chairman of the PFN on the Plateau, along with Advisory Council Members, Rev. Dr. Rufus Okedare, Rev. Dr. Byang, Rev. Dr. Adegboye, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Kanos, Bishop O. C Fred, Apostle Bello, Rev. Dr. Taiwo Dina, Rev. Nivan Mshelia, Pastor Alaku, Apostle Joseph Rims, and Rev. Dr. Jim Stevens Piomoki. Also present were Pastor Elizabeth Dunka Gomwalk, Head of the PFN Women’s Wing, and Pastor Isa of the PFN Youth Wing.

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

Following the current economic hardship in the country, governors from the North Central zone have been called upon to rally round strategic support for President Bola Tinubu at this difficult time in order to safely pilot the affairs of the nation through this period into a better life.

The call was made yesterday by the North Central All Progressive Forum (APC) in Jos the Plateau State capital at the declaration of one week of prayer for the nation begining from next Monday 18 March, 2024.

Speaking with newsmen, the APC Forum Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, said the nation is going through difficult time now and it requires God’s intervention, upon which prayers is necessary.

The Chairman said since the current hardship in the nation deepened owing to the fuel subsidy removal, the masses have been going through untold sufferings, and thereby causing lots of disquiet across the nation.

According to him, after a careful study of the situation they have decided to interceed for the nation and also to canvass for strategic support for President Bola Tinubu seeing that he is sincerely committed to better the lives of Nigerians regardless of his current economic policies causing this hardship that will surely be shortlived.

Zazzaga who was also a member of the Presidential Campaign Council in the last election said the last administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has left behind a lot of havoc to the system, and Tinubu is trying to rectify the problem and in so doing there would be some painful situations which would be a passing phase.

He said it may not be easy for the masses to bear this or understand the situation, and so the governors would have to come in strategically to assist the president and to stimulate understanding among the people towards the President’s policies.

And in this respect, he said, the North Central governors, which is the primary jurisdiction of the forum and also due to the region’s peculiarities, should have a common ground and engineer effective support for the president.

“This is a critical moment in life of our nation and we call on the governors to develop strategies to advance the cause of president Bola Tinubu.

“At state level, the governor’s can make efforts to meet up with the yearnings and aspirations of the people, so that the pressure on the federal government can be reduced.

“For instance the Plateau State government has intervened seriously in the area of transportation through the revival of the railway system and provision of 14 Metro Buses To Address Transportation Challenges In Jos, among other things. Governors can intervene in several critical sectors in their state to alleviate the people’s suffering.

“We call on the governors of the North Central region to take this very seriously because of the peculiar situation the region is facing in terms of development deficit, security challenges, among others, despite its rich human and mineral resources endowment.

“Moreover, the governors can galvanize the people’s support for the President’s policies and look for skillful ways to pacify them and urge them to support the government as he paddles the nation through the storm into prosperity,” he said.

He further explained that their forum over the years has been pushing for the upliftment of the region, the nation in general and the APC, and that in doing so they have stood for justice and stood up to anyone not doing the right thing irrespective of class, ethno-religious or party affiliation.

Ojoma Audu Jos.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has been called upon to decamp from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC) so that his good works and value can be more appreciated.

The call was made on Wednesday by the North Central APC Forum in Jos the Plateau State capital during their first quarter of the year meeting to review the state of the party in the region as well as the economic and security situation of the region.

Speaking at the meeting, the APC Forum Chairman, Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, commended the governor for working with all and sundry in the state in his quest to advance the state, saying that his developmental strides so far, his approach to stimulating peace and tranquility and his meek nature is encouraging.

Zazzaga who was also a member of the Presidential Campaign Council in the last election however stressed that for a robust a robust achievement of the governor’s agenda and the development of Plateau State, the governor should decamp to the APC.

He said the governor’s decamping would not amount to relegating his former party to the background, but will rather strengthening him to develop Plateau, saying that Nyesom Wike is a good example of someone who seeks development for his people and the nation using any vital and handy platform or party.

“Governor Caleb Mutfwang has so far shown that he is a progressive governor through his works, words and deeds since assuming office. But for him to advance more, he should consider joining the APC.

“This is because joining the APC will put him on the same page with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu who has the interest of Plateau in his heart and has been doing his best to advance it.

“Besides, Governor Mutfwang will be on the same page with his other counterparts in the North Central who are of the APC, and together they will have a common ground and work for the interest and development of the region in general and their specific states in particular.

“Also, most of the legislators from the state are in APC, and they can work hand-in-hand to move the state forward, because the relationship between the executive and the legislature cannot be overemphasized in the pursuance of progress and development.

“So, if governor Mutfwang joins the APC his value will be better appreciated and his good intentions and works would yield result more rapidly,” he said.

He further explained that after the Supreme Court judgement which upheld the election of Governor Mutfwang, his spirit of sportsmanship and magnanimity in victory is not in doubt, but he can do more by drawing his other contenders closer so that they can all put their hands on deck to move Plateau State forward.

The APC Forum Chairman said Plateau State has several development challenges and security situations that requires the coming together of all the stakeholders irrespective of political parties or ethno-religious differences.

So, he said, Mutfwang should put framework in place that will seamlessly relate with his contenders at the polls, especially Nentawe Yilwatda of the APC and Dr Patrick Dakum of the Labour Party, because they are both embodiment of knowledge too and their wealth of knowledge is needed for the progress of the state.

He urged the governor to continue seeking the wise counsel of people like former governor and senator Joshua Dariye, Jonah Jang, Jeremiah Useni, Simon Lalong, among others, because their guidance and advice is also vital for the growth of the state.

Zazzaga also called on all his party (the APC) leaders, members and supporters to join hands with the governor as he initiates, plan and executes policies that will uplift the state and bring the dividends of democracy to the people.

Hi

By Gyang Bere DOPA.

Today marks the 59th birthday anniversary of Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State. It is a time to acknowledge the incredible journey of a man who has risen from humble beginnings to become one of Nigeria’s most respected leaders.

Barr. Mutfwang’s story embodies resilience, perseverance, and excellence. From his education at Boys Secondary School, Gindiri, to his legal studies at the University of Jos, he has shown a consistent passion for learning and knowledge.

leadership qualities were evident early on, serving as the President of the Nigerian Christian Corpers’ Fellowship in Kaduna State during his NYSC service. Further honing his skills at the Haggai Institute for Leadership Development in Hawaii, USA, he gained insights to become a transformative leader.

Barr. Mutfwang’s legal career reflects his integrity, professionalism, and competence. Establishing his own firm, Caleb Mutfwang & Co, in 1996, and serving as the Deputy General Manager, Legal & Secretarial Services at Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited, Kaduna, from 2002 to 2004, earned him respect for his dedication to justice.

His political journey showcases vision, courage, and charisma. Despite challenges, he entered politics with a commitment to serving the people, fostering unity and inclusivity. His tenure as Executive Chairman of Mangu LGA in 2014 brought about notable transformation.

In 2023, Barr. Mutfwang’s dedication culminated in his election as the Governor of Plateau State. He has since initiated strategic development projects and policies, fostering economic and social progress, and promoting unity among the state’s diverse populace. His commitment to building a united and a prosperous Plateau across the divides of faith and ethnicity is evident through his various initiatives.

In his barely ten months in office, Governor Mutfwang has achieved commendable milestones, from clearing unpaid salary arrears to revitalizing infrastructure and agriculture.

On assumption of office, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang despite the security challenges that confronted the state at the time, immediately cleared the unpaid salary of civil servants and pensions amounting to about N11 billion.

He also made various interventions leading to the accreditation of courses in the state owned tertiary institutions, and reinstated 3,879 workers that were employed at the twilight of the previous administration to thereby injecting new life into the civil service for efficient service delivery.

Other remarkable achievements recorded by Governor Mutfwang include the rehabilitation and construction of roads within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis and beyond, revitalization of the moribund railway transport and the introduction of 15 New Tin City Metro Buses to cushion the effects of oil subsidy removal.

Governor Mutfwang, whose dream is to make Plateau State an Agricultural Hub, where crops with comparative advantage will be exported to other parts of the world, purchased and distributed over 200 trucks of fertilizer and other farming inputs to farmers at subsidized rates. Barr. Mutfwang is not only a leader, but also a mentor, a role model, and a father figure to many.

As we celebrate his birthday, we recognize Barr. Caleb Mutfwang’s outstanding contributions to the legal profession, public service, and governance in Plateau State. Under his leadership, Plateau State is poised to become a model of good governance and development.

Happy birthday, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, the People’s Governor, a statesman, and a hero!

Gyang Bere
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State