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Okwuta Audu Jos.

Youth in Plateau State in their numbers on Wednesday stormed the Plateau State Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at Miango Road, Jos demanding evidence of the inclusion of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Saturday 3rd February 2024 National Assembly rerun elections for Plateau North Senatorial District and Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency.

It would be recalled that in November 2023, the Court of Appeal had nullified the election of Senate Simon Mwadkon (P.hD) and Hon Musa Agah Avaih of Plateau North Senatorial District and Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency representatively, and ordered for a rerun.

In compliance with the Court of Appeal decision, INEC announced February 3rd 2024 as the date for the rerun.

However, youths comprising PDP members and other nonpartisan young people stormed the INEC Office over a rumoured exclusion of the PDP.

The agitated Youth leader while Speaking to INEC Officials who received him and his entourage on behalf of the crowd at the INEC Office, the Director Youth Campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party, Comrade Joshua Hitler Pwajok said they were compelled to storm INEC Jos Office to tell INEC not to attempt to exclude the PDP from the Saturday 3rd February Rerun.

“We are just here to inquire from the Resident Electoral Commissioner if there is something as such, it needs to be addressed…else on Saturday we can not guarantee what the situation will be like, so in order to avert an eminent danger it is better we profer solution to the matter…”,

According to him, the Court of Appeal had said that “All parties herein shall participate”.

He further noted that the Supreme Court had already validated the issue of structure of the PDP, same structure issue that was used to order for the rerun.

He urged INEC to consider the fragile peace on the Plateau and not plunge the state into another crisis, given that Plateau North Senatorial District was the strong hold of the PDP.

Similarly, Comrade James Nyango added that the judgement of the Appeal Court did not exclude any political party, stressing that INEC is not a court, hence they should comply with what the Appeal Court has said as well as the Supreme Court.

Also corroborating this position on behalf of nonpartisan youths who joined the protest, Chairman of the Plateau State Youth Council, Jos South LGA and the Chairman of the Forum of PYC LGA Chairmen of Plateau North, Dalyop D. Dung said the Youth chairmen irrespective of political parties, all political parties should be allowed to participate in the re run in the interest of peace.

He noted that there is insecurity in parts of the State, and given the current tension in the State, excluding any political party will be dangerous.

“Anyone that the people want him in Northern Zone, let the people go and vote for him”.

In the same vein, a Youth Activist, Comrade Prince Miaphen said the commission should know that if the PDP is not on the ballot, that there is eminent danger, stressing that it should be on record that Plateau youths came to complain about the rumour ahead of time.

Responding on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Deputy Director Administration and Head of General Administration of INEC in Plateau State Bisi Ajala (JP), said INEC remains neutral and assured the protesting youths that their complains will be escalated to the Headquarters of INEC in Abuja for further advise.

Similarly, the Deputy Director Legal, and Head of Legal – Elekwa Onyema Uche said INEC in Jos was in receipt of a letter of caution from the police regarding the same issue and they had informed the police that going by the law, particularly third schedule of the Constitution paragraphs 14 & 15, it is the INEC Headquarters in Abuja that is the Commission and the states take directives from the Commission’s Headquarters in line with paragraph 15 (X).

He added that they will inform the INEC Headquarters on the process and Interpretations from the Legal Department from the INEC Headquarters and within the next 48 hours the matter will be laid to rest.

Otubi Audu Jos.

Youth in Plateau State in their numbers on Wednesday stormed the Plateau State Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at Miango Road, Jos demanding evidence of the inclusion of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Saturday 3rd February 2024 National Assembly rerun elections for Plateau North Senatorial District and Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency.

It would be recalled that in November 2023, the Court of Appeal had nullified the election of Senate Simon Mwadkon (P.hD) and Hon Musa Agah Avaih of Plateau North Senatorial District and Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency representatively, and ordered for a rerun.

In compliance with the Court of Appeal decision, INEC announced February 3rd 2024 as the date for the rerun.

However, youths comprising PDP members and other nonpartisan young people stormed the INEC Office over a rumoured exclusion of the PDP.

The agitated Youth leader while Speaking to INEC Officials who received him and his entourage on behalf of the crowd at the INEC Office, the Director Youth Campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party, Comrade Joshua Hitler Pwajok said they were compelled to storm INEC Jos Office to tell INEC not to attempt to exclude the PDP from the Saturday 3rd February Rerun.

“We are just here to inquire from the Resident Electoral Commissioner if there is something as such, it needs to be addressed…else on Saturday we can not guarantee what the situation will be like, so in order to avert an eminent danger it is better we profer solution to the matter…”,

According to him, the Court of Appeal had said that “All parties herein shall participate”.

He further noted that the Supreme Court had already validated the issue of structure of the PDP, same structure issue that was used to order for the rerun.

He urged INEC to consider the fragile peace on the Plateau and not plunge the state into another crisis, given that Plateau North Senatorial District was the strong hold of the PDP.

Similarly, Comrade James Nyango added that the judgement of the Appeal Court did not exclude any political party, stressing that INEC is not a court, hence they should comply with what the Appeal Court has said as well as the Supreme Court.

Also corroborating this position on behalf of nonpartisan youths who joined the protest, Chairman of the Plateau State Youth Council, Jos South LGA and the Chairman of the Forum of PYC LGA Chairmen of Plateau North, Dalyop D. Dung said the Youth chairmen irrespective of political parties, all political parties should be allowed to participate in the re run in the interest of peace.

He noted that there is insecurity in parts of the State, and given the current tension in the State, excluding any political party will be dangerous.

“Anyone that the people want him in Northern Zone, let the people go and vote for him”.

In the same vein, a Youth Activist, Comrade Prince Miaphen said the commission should know that if the PDP is not on the ballot, that there is eminent danger, stressing that it should be on record that Plateau youths came to complain about the rumour ahead of time.

Responding on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Deputy Director Administration and Head of General Administration of INEC in Plateau State Bisi Ajala (JP), said INEC remains neutral and assured the protesting youths that their complains will be escalated to the Headquarters of INEC in Abuja for further advise.

Similarly, the Deputy Director Legal, and Head of Legal – Elekwa Onyema Uche said INEC in Jos was in receipt of a letter of caution from the police regarding the same issue and they had informed the police that going by the law, particularly third schedule of the Constitution paragraphs 14 & 15, it is the INEC Headquarters in Abuja that is the Commission and the states take directives from the Commission’s Headquarters in line with paragraph 15 (X).

He added that they will inform the INEC Headquarters on the process and Interpretations from the Legal Department from the INEC Headquarters and within the next 48 hours the matter will be laid to rest.

Okwuta Audu Jos

The Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District and leader of the APC in the Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong has appealled to Plateau APC Stakeholders to accept the judgement of the Supreme Court on the Plateau Gubernatorial Elections in good faith.

Lalong who stated this on Wednesday at his party Secretariat in Jos at a stakeholders meeting of his party, said he was awaiting for the copy of the judgement to be able to analyse it for future reference and strengthening of Nigeria’s democracy.

Lalong added that the APC remains a strong and united family with dominance in the State despite the recent setback.

He said the Supreme Court which has final say in Gubernatorial Elections has spoken and as strong democrats who believe in the rule of law, the APC in Plateau State and Nigeria at large have accepted the verdict and retrained their supporters from castigating the Judiciary or making inflammatory comments for the sake of peace and stability.

Lalong however said it was unfortunate that some people have engaged in over-drive analysis of the Supreme Court judgement without seeing a certified true copy of the judgement to be properly guided.

He disclosed that the APC has applied for the certified copy of the judgement to be able to properly digest and see how it can work to enhance its fortunes in future Elections.

“The judgement is yet to be released to the party.”

Senator Lalong however clarified the misconception going round that APC took a pre-election matter to court which was entertained by the High Court, Election tribunals and Appeal court.

According to him, “APC was never a party to the case between Hon. Kaze Vs PDP or the one between PDP Vs PLASIEC which went up to the Supreme Court and was dismissed against PDP. I want you to know that APC merely used the judgement given against the PDP to file its petition as a post election matter as provided by law. If you recall, the same issue was raised in Tinubu and Atiku where the tribunal decided that when there is a judgement against a party before an election, any other party can use it as a post-election matter to contest the verdict of an election. As far as we are concerned, the judgement which said PDP did not have structure in Plateau State was given in 2021 when the High Court had the jurisdiction to entertain party matters. That is what stopped them from contesting in Local Government elections and also nullified Hon. Musa Agah’s victory. I want people including my learned colleagues and the media to wait for the Supreme Court certified judgement before they conclude on the matter”. Lalong advised.

The former Labour and Employment Minister thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support to the party and urged the party members to go all out and secure victory in this Saturday rerun elections for Plateau North Senatorial seat and Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency.

While welcoming the APC stakeholders to the meeting, State Chairman of the party Hon. Rufus Bature said the party remains strong and will have to come to terms with the current situation with a view to coming out strong.

He assured the party faithfuls that the 15 House of Assembly members will be sworn in as there is no court order barring their inauguration as it is being peddled.

He also charged them to work hard for the victory of the party in the forthcoming rerun elections for Plateau North Senate and Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency.

A minute silence was observed for victims of attacks in some parts of Plateau State .

He called on the State Government to do the needful in securing the lives of the citizens of Plateau state.

The meeting had in attendance,the APC Gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshewe and his running mate Hon. Pam Bot-Mang, former Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden, APC Deputy National Secretary Hon. Festus Fuanter, Member Representing QuanPan/Mikang/Shendam Federal Constituency Chief John Dafaan, former Speaker Hon. Yakubu Sanda among others.

* Inspects Several Projects At Mikang LGA.

Audu Otubi Jos.

Plateau State Commissioner for Local Goverment and Chieftaincy Affairs Hon Ephraim Usman assured traditional rulers in Plateau state that the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang will partners with them towards working together for Peaceful Co existence among the people of his state under the present dispensation on the Plateau.

Usman gave this hint at the palace of Mikang Monarch the Longtel HRH Donald Puntel when he led his ministry Permanent Secretary Davou Sunday Dagwom and other top ministry officials on courtesy visit on Mikang Monarch in his Palace.

The Commissioner told the Royal Father that Governor Caleb Mutfwang Goverment is working towards
maintaining peaceful coexistence among the diverse people of the state and most importantly initiate critical projects that have direct bearing on the lives of citizens.

Responding, the Longtel of Mikang, Donald Puntel congratulated Governor Caleb Mutfwang over his victory at the Supreme Court and promised to support Mutfwang administration to succeed.

While at Mikang LGA, the Commissioner and his team Inspected the fencing of primary school at Lifidi, Mikang
guest house with 46 rooms and a big conference hall,

Other projects inspected by the Commissioner was a solar
power, renovated police outpost at Baltep and as well as intervention projects
initiated by the TIC Chairman Mr. Daniel Kumi at Government Girls Model
Secondary School Baltep.

Usman commended the performance of Mikang TIC Chairman Daniel Kungmi for the the projects he has initiated for the benefit of the people of his local government area, stressing that the TIC Chairmen in the 17 LGAs in Plateau state should work tirelessly to cue into the vision of ” the time is now” government of Governor Caleb Mutfwang Adminstration on the Plateau.

Plateau state Commissioner for Local Goverment and Chieftaincy Affairs Comrade Ephraim Usman and his Ministry top management staffs have carried out inspection of projects executed by Transition Implementation Committee Chairmen in Plateau state.

While in Shendam LGA, the TIC Chairman Comrade Kemi Nshe told the visiting Commissioner and his delegation that all the projects he has executed with his management team were meant
to fulfil the campaign Promises made to the electorate by the Governor
Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.

Projects inspected by the team from the Ministry were among others, the on-
going staff quarters, director’s quarters, new building of model Laboratory at
Shendam Primary Health Care Centre, roofing of Shendam mini stadium, all in
Shedam town.

Others Projects were,the 50 Kilometers Road Construction from Saminaka –Doka to Kan Hawa, Buze to Goesa , Kan Hawa to Angwan Zam connecting Kalum and
Kumba to yalwa Shar, which are all on going.

While at Langtang South, the Commissioner and his Team Inspected the renovated Federal Road Safety Office in Mabudi, installed solar panels and ongoing
construction of roundabout, block of shops and bedding at the General Hospital
Mabudi .

At Langtang North LGA, the TIC Chairman Mr. Godwin Kumzhi took the LG/ Chieftaincy Affairs Commissioner and entourage on tour of the renovated chairman’s lounge that was vandalized and the equipping of
European Union Zonal Office.

While at Wase LGA, Comrade Usman and his team Inspected some projects initiated by the Anani Hamisu administration
in the locality which includes, purchase of two boholes drilling machine with a
stand by generator.

The transitional Implementation Committee Chairman Hamisu told Commissioner Usman and his delegation that his management was planning
to drill about 70 boholes across the Local
Government Area and the Installation of solar street lights with the support of
the world bank.

The team also Inspected, the Wase Rock Network broadcasting corporation, the bridge that when completed will cover Bauchi, Taraba and Gombe State (Both Radio and Television).

During the tour of Southern Plateau LGAs, Comrade Usman and delegation paid courtesy calls on the Long Goemai of Shendam Miskhom Martin
Shaldas the Second, the Emir of Wase (who was represented by
the Rekna of Bashar, Alhaji Abdulahi Idris Isa) and the acting Ponzhi Taroh
(represented by the Ponzhi Byan , Clapperton Durven) .

They all asured the administration of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of their total loyalty and full support so that Mutfwang administration succeeds on the Plateau.

Okwuta Audu Jos.

In a strategic move by Plateau state government to bolster the security landscape in Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has commissioned 34 Hilux vehicles aimed at reinforcing community vigilance in the 17 LGAs of the state.
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The Security Hilux vehicles were procured through the collaborative efforts of the 17 Local Government Transition Implementation Committee Chairmen in the state as part of their efforts to ensure a seamless deployment of security personnel across the Local Government Areas on the Plateau.

At the commissioning ceremony held on Monday at the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos, Governor Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to fortify the security of lives and property of the people of his state with a particular focus on rural communities within the state.

Mutfwang emphasized on the importance of security as the foundation for any meaningful development,

“This marks the initiation of our commitment to reshape the security architecture on the Plateau. The State Government will soon introduce additional measures to support security agencies in effectively executing their duties statewide.”

He assured the citizens of his State that his administration is working to fulfill it’s constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property of the people of his state.

‘ Our determination knows no bounds, and we will continue striving to ensure effective discharge of this duty.”

Mutfwang extended his gratitude to the Local Government Chairmen for pooling resources together to enhance the well-being of the citizens of the state.

He encouraged them to intensify their efforts in the best interest of the people of the state.

Presenting the security vehicles to the Governor, Hon. Ephraim Usman, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said the gesture is aimed at assisting security personnels to respond promptly to security challenges within their respective Local Government Areas on the Plateau.

Plateau: Governor Mutfwang Flags Off Peoples Democratic Party Campaigns For Plateau North Senatorial/ Jos North/ Federal Constituency’s Re-run elections In Jos.

Okwuta Onoja.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state has flagged off Plateau North Peoples Democratic Party campaign for the 3rd February Plateau North Senatorial and Jos North/Bassa federal constituency re run elections in Plateau state.

Speaking at the event which was held at Langfield Resort event center, Mutfwang urged the people of Plateau North Senatorial district to return the two candidates to their former positions.

He also called on all the government officials appointed by his administration to select a ward in their various areas and commit themselves to the campaigns to ensure that the PDP candidates achieve victory in the end.

According the Plateau governor, the people of his state deserve to have leaders that are worthy to represent them at all levels of government especially at National Assembly.

“We therefore have a duty and responsibility to ensure that Simon Mwadkwon and Musa Agah return to the Senate and House of Representatives respectively.”

It would be recalled that the Court of Appeal had ordered the two re-run elections to be conducted after nullifying the elections of Simon Mwadkwon and Musa Agah respectively, who were earlier declared winners by the Independent National Electoral Commission during the 2023 general elections.

The Appeal Court had nullified Mwadkwon and Agah’s victories on the basis that the PDP which nominated them as candidates had no structure.
Supreme Court had already dismissed the claim of the Appeal court on the PDP .

The Independent National Electoral Commission had already gone ahead to fix February 3, 2024, for rerun elections for the Plateau North Senatorial district and Jos North/Bassa Federal constituency of the state based on the court of Appeal judgement.

He also called on all the government officials appointed by his administration to select a ward in their various areas and commit themselves to the campaigns to ensure that the PDP candidates achieve victory in the end

“Anyone that is working to ensure that PDP does not go on the ballot, let me inform you that by the grace of God, you’re wasting your time. To ensure that peace returns on the plateau, therefore, I urge all our members that within the next week, we have from tonight to Thursday to campaign.

“Therefore, we’ll enter every house we can enter. We’ll knock on every door we need to knock on, and I think that plateau is in the mood. Let’s do it again.”

Earlier, Senator Mwadkwon and Hon Again in their separate remarks at the event, promised to be worthy ambassadors of the good people of Plateau North Senatorial district and people of Jos North/ Bassam federal constituency at National Assembly and lobby for federal presence at Plateau North Senatorial district.
Plateau former Governor Senator Jonah David Jang, the state party chairman Chris Hassan, party stakeholders who spoke at the event, called on party faithfuls and voters to turn out enmasse on 3rd February next week to cast their votes for Mwadkwon and Agah at the polls so that they will return back to the National Assembly.

• Curfew Now Is Between Hours Of 4pm To 8Am.

Okwuta Audu Jos

Governor Caleb Mutfwang Of Plateau State has relaxed the 24-hour curfew he imposed on Mangu Local Government Area of his state to now be observed from 4pm to 8:00am daily until further notice.

The review of the curfew came on the heels of improved security situation in Mangu Local Government area.

Mutfwang had strategic engagements with community leaders across faiths and ethnic groups within the council area.

, Governor Mutfwang said ” following remarkable improvement in the security situation and after due consultation with the State Security Council, the curfew has been relaxed.,”

Mutfwang encouraged residence of Mangu Local Government Area to strictly observe the curfew and refrain from taking the law into their hands and urged security personnel to enforce the curfew to avoid breakdown of law and order.

He expressed gratitude for the cooperation received so far from the people of his local government area and urged the community to maintain collaboration with security agencies to ensure the complete restoration of peace and order in the Local Government Area.

He cautioned against complacency, emphasizing that the State Government remains resolute in preventing any act capable of disrupting public tranquility.

Mutfwang encouraged citizens to actively contribute to the security efforts by providing credible intelligence to the relevant security agencies.

He assured the people of his state that his government is working round the clock to restore permanent lasting peace in the State.