Plateau state Commissioner for Local Goverment and Chieftaincy Affairs Ephraim Usman has presented a Letter of appointment to the newly selected Garkawa Monarch, Mou Youm of Garkawa retired AIG, Prince Emmanuel Bashir Makama Dabup.
The new Garkawa Monarch is to serve his Garkawa people on second class status.
Speaking at the ceremony which was held at the conference hall of state ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Jos, Hon Usman sat the selection of the new Garkawa Monarch was done under free and fair process without Goverment interference as Governor Mutfwang has repeatedly said the right to choose the traditional rulers in his state lies with the people of the affected Communities.
” We don’t teleguide this process of selecting traditional rulers, let the people and king makers make the right choice”
Usman told AIG Dabup that With the issuing of appointment to him, Dabup should start functioning as the new monarch of his people on second class status.
He added that the new Garkawa Monarch and Mikang Loca government Council leady should put up a Planning committee to organise Installation ceremony of the Garkawa Paramount ruler which might take place within a short notice from the government.
He congratulated the newly selected Garkawa Monarch for the opportunity given to him to serve his people of Garkawa community of Mikang local government area of Plateau state.
Responding, the new Mou Youm of Garkawa said he would not take the opportunity to serve as their traditional ruler for granted. He called for support of his subjects and fellow contestants for the stool of Mou Youm Garkawa to rally round him for the overall development of their people, Mikang LGA and Plateau state in general.
Former Senate Minority Leader Senator Simon Mwadkwon at the weekend commissioned multi million naira motorised boreholes and 3 Blocks of class rooms for his constituents at Angwan Rimi, Kabong and Tudunwada neighborhoods of Jos North local government area of Plateau state.
Mwadkwon and his party leaders accompanied by PDP party supporters first point of call during the commissioning of constituents projects was at Agwan Rimi Primary school where a 3 Blocks of Class rooms was commissioned to the delight of residents of the neighborhood.
Senator Mwadkwon used the opportunity of the commissioning of the school project to woo his party faithfuls to come out enmasse to vote for him in the forthcoming Senatorial election in Plateau North scheduled to take place on 3rd of February next month.
He told his party leaders and supporters in Jos North LGA of his determination to do more for his constituents if returned back to the Senate.
At Kabong Jos North neighborhood, Senator Mwadkwon commissioned another 3 block of class rooms to enhance quality education for the students and as well commisioned a motorised borehole for the people of the community who were in dire need for portable drinking water.
While at Tudunwada neighborhood of Jos North LGA, Senator Mwadkwon commissioned a 3 block of class rooms and donated 500 school uniforms and 1000 exercise books for school children.
Mwadkwon also Commissioned a motorised borehole drinking water for the residents of Tudunwada and donated a wheelchair to one disabled party supporter resident in Tudunwada neighborhood.
Mwadkwon a one time Local Government Council Chairman and 2 times member House of Representatives representing Riyom/ Barkinladi Federal constituency before he was given higher responsibility to represent the good people of Plateau North at the Senate, said he was in the LGA along side his campaign team and his party leaders to sensitize the people of his constituency on the forth coming February 3rd Senatorial election in Plateau North where all registered political parties including his party, the ruling People’s Democratic party on the Plateau will feature candidates.
According to him,PDP would be on the ballot and sure of winning again at the polls.
Mwadkwon added that the forth coming election as ordered by court of Appeal in Abuja late last year would bring out more votes for him and his party because of the love and hope his constituents have in him to provide them good and quality representation at National Assembly.
The Zonal Chairman of party Davou Mang who was on the entourage of Mwadkwon to the commissioning ceremony, in an interview with newsmen said the party leadership in the zone has thrown it’s weight behind Senator Mwadkwon’s bid to return back to the Senate.
According Mang , Mwadkwon would lobby for more federal presence in Plateau North LGAs if voted back to the Senate, stressing that in Plateau, the only party the Plateau citizens knows is the Peoples Democratic Party.
NMA Donates Relief Materials to Victims of Plateau Attacks.
Okwuta Audu Jos
Chairmen of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) branches across the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory have presented relief materials valued at over one million Naira to victims of the recent violent attacks at Bokkos LGA in Plateau State.
The donation was presented by Dr Ushakuma Anenga, Chairman of NMA Benue State and NMA Chairmen’s Forum.
According to NMA Chairmen, their assistance to the victims, is aimed at alleviating the suffering of those affected by the unfortunate killings in Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas.
The relief materials donated were among other things,, essential materials and food items such as maize, beans, rice, yams, and hygiene products.
The items were handed over to IDPs officials at the IDP camp located at COCIN central, Bokkos LGA.
Speaking at the occasion , Dr Anenga said the gesture was out of compassion for the families of those affected by the attacks.
He said, “We heard of the unfortunate attacks and we were filled with compassion for those affected.
in his words “We decided to donate in support of our colleague, the Chairman of NMA Plateau State, Dr Bapigaan Audu to get some relief materials to alleviate the suffering of the people”.
Dr Bapigaan Audu, Chairman of NMA Plateau State, commiserated with the displaced people.
He added that the association was in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the displaced people receive adequate healthcare.
Similarly, Chairmen of NMA Lagos and NMA Bauchi States, Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu and Dr Bashir Farouk respectively, expressed their sympathy to the families affected and pledged to support the camp with additional medical supplies.
Responding, the IDP Camp’s Officer in Charge, Dr Ayuba Matawal thanked the NMA, praying for divine blessings upon everyone who contributed generously to meet their needs.
Chairmen of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) branches across the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory have presented relief materials valued at over one million Naira to victims of the recent violent attacks at Bokkos LGA in Plateau State.
The donation was presented by Dr Ushakuma Anenga, Chairman of NMA Benue State and NMA Chairmen’s Forum.
According to NMA Chairmen, their assistance to the victims, is aimed at alleviating the suffering of those affected by the unfortunate killings in Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas.
The relief materials donated were among other things,, essential materials and food items such as maize, beans, rice, yams, and hygiene products.
The items were handed over to IDPs officials at the IDP camp located at COCIN central, Bokkos LGA.
Speaking at the occasion , Dr Anenga said the gesture was out of compassion for the families of those affected by the attacks.
He said, “We heard of the unfortunate attacks and we were filled with compassion for those affected.
in his words “We decided to donate in support of our colleague, the Chairman of NMA Plateau State, Dr Bapigaan Audu to get some relief materials to alleviate the suffering of the people”.
Dr Bapigaan Audu, Chairman of NMA Plateau State, commiserated with the displaced people.
He added that the association was in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the displaced people receive adequate healthcare.
Similarly, Chairmen of NMA Lagos and NMA Bauchi States, Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu and Dr Bashir Farouk respectively, expressed their sympathy to the families affected and pledged to support the camp with additional medical supplies.
Responding, the IDP Camp’s Officer in Charge, Dr Ayuba Matawal thanked the NMA, praying for divine blessings upon everyone who contributed generously to meet their needs.
Para-Mallam Foundation has donated 3 Hilux filled mattresses,bags of Rice, Beans, Detergents ,Pastes and drugs to victims of Plateau Attacks in Bokos LGA of Plateau state..
Okwuta Audu Jos
The founder of Para-Mallam- Funmi foundation Rev Gideon Para-Mallam while presenting his NGO relief materials to the Transition committee Chairman of the Local Government and COCIN Church leaders of Bokkos LGA, expressed solidarity with the grieving population.
He expressed deep concern over the level of devastation in the affected communities of the local government and appealed for restraint and justice.
According Para Mallam, “Bokkos people are not killing themselves. We have talked with them and heard from them and I believe that our visit will not only throw more light on what Bokkos people have gone through but to encourage Nigerians to rise in unison to condemn the terrorism that took place on Christmas Eve at Bokkos and right after that”.
He counselled that the only way to bring peace lasting peace to Bokkos communities is to return the displaced locals to their communities.
After the presentation of relief materials, Para- Mallam and his team visited the devastated Communities to see for themselves what the invaders did to the locals and their properties that lying in ruins.
Para- Mallam at the end of his visit told newsmen that “Our foundation came to make a call for peace and appeal to the people of Bokkos for restraints. We have also come to see things for ourselves so that we can promote the cry for justice for the people of Bokkos. “
“Our peace foundation believes in peace-building that is predicated on justice. That useless narrative that goes around that makes it look as if it is Bokkos people who have been fighting and killing themselves is a complete fallacy and a lie.
He called for justice and peace-building in the region
While responding to anger of aggrieved protesting women in the refugee camp during his team visit to Bokkos restive locality, ParaMallam acknowledged the anger of the women and youths and calls for just treatment of those arrested and commended the security personnels efforts in bringing the attacks and killings under control.
On his part,Kefas Mallai, Chairman of Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, explained that the women believed the paramount ruler had abandoned them, leading to the violent protest while Bokkos LGA Chairman Monday Kassam on his part blamed the military for the escalating tension, saying efforts were made to resolve the situation but were met with resistance.
A new commander, posted to the restive LGA,Lt. Col. Isaac Indiorhwer, allayed the fears of fresh attacks and assured Para-Mallam and his team on efforts being made to restore peace to the troubled land .
Affected communities such as Matellem, Dung, Yelwa, and Ngyong remain deserted while Mbar community, where a pastor Wife and four family members were killed, charred remains of the victims were still littered on the ground within the burnt houses.
A renowned Christian Cleric Prophet Isa and Global President Initiative For Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN) Prophet Isa El-Buba has given government and security agencies a 21-days ultimatum to take decisive action towards the restoration of villages that have been occupied by Invaders back to it’s original owners to enable spirited philanthropists assist the locals to rebuild their homes.
El-Buba who led a team of mourners on a street demonstration in Jos on Saturday to Joseph Gomwalk Secretariat round about for prayers for restoration of peace in Plateau state demanded for immediate return of locals who were forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands by terrorists back to their Land.
Prophet El-Buba the founder and global President of an NGO, Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN), along with various women groups, youth groups, religious organizations, NGOs, pressure groups, and concerned Nigerians in a “Plateau Prayer and Mourning Rally during which they prayed for the the victims of the Christmas Eve Massacre that occurred in parts of Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State.
During the rally, Prophet Isa El-Buba expressed his frustration over the tragic events, stating that, “We will not continue to mourn, and it is not about Muslims or Christians fight, but a deliberate attempt by Fulani Militia to wipe out a people from their ancestral land. It is a simple act of terrorism and genocide.”
He asserted that their demand for government action is not a mere political statement but a call for tangible political action.
Giving a stern ultimatum, El-Buba declared, “We give you 21 days to goverment to take action… We stand with the Government of Plateau state to say together we will fight this fight, and we demand that the president of Nigeria and the Military take action within 21 days.”
He emphasized that Plateau citizens will not wait indefinitely and warned that if no action is taken, they will take matters into their own hands to liberate the land .
El-Buba urged citizens of Plateau state not to relent in their demand for justice and called for continues prayers until a definitive solution is achieved.
He stressed on the interconnectedness of the villages with the city, highlighting the impact of events in rural areas on urban dwellers.
El-Buba hinted at leading the rebuilding of the ravaged villages if the government fails to take necessary actions within the specified timeframe.
Additionally, he pleaded with the government to regulate alcohol consumption in villages and communities within Plateau State.
At the rally, representatives from Civil Society Organizations, including Comrade OJ Afwanks, and Pastor Margeret Inusa spoke on behalf of women and group that attended the prayers.
Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on Friday presented staff of office to new Ngolong Ngas Monarch, a first Class traditional ruler Nde Jika Golit at Pankshin ancient historic town of his state.
The new Ngolong Ngas was crowned on Friday nine years after the demise of the late Ngolong Ngas, Nde Joshua Dimlong.
Mutfwang, while performing the presentation of staff of office and certificate to the New Ngolong Ngas at the Pankshin Township Stadium, praised the Ngas Nation for a rancor-free selection process of the new Ngolong Ngas.
Mutfwang warned mischief makers against needless court actions that are capable of delaying or frustrating the selection and installation of traditional rulers in the state.
He implored the people of his state to always accept the will of God in all circumstances.
“I congratulate the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors. His selection by the kingmakers, through a peaceful and rancor-free atmosphere, is worthy of emulation by other ethnic groups in the state.” the Governor stated.
“Let me say at this point that it has become very expedient for us to hold this remarkable occasion at this crucial period of our collective existence. As you are aware, a week of mourning was declared in honor of our beloved people who were gruesomely murdered during the cruel Christmas Eve attacks and the days that followed, in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas.” he added.
According to Mutfwang, the coronation of the Ngolong Ngas was dear to his administration, inview of the pivotal role of the traditional institutions in deepening peace in their localities and by extention the entire state.
“We are determined to give the traditional institutions their pride of place. Our solemn commitment as a government is to continually strive towards filling all vacant traditional stools in the state in line with my promise and respect for the traditional institutions.”
“I am pleased to inform this respected gathering that the royalty of the Ngas Chiefdom and the Pankshin/Kanke Traditional Council has made us proud by showing a high level of decorum and good conduct during the period of transition and up to this moment that God Almighty has blessed the land with another leader to fill in the vacuum created by the demise of the late Ngolong Ngas.”
He added, “As a government, we are determined to resolve all lingering litigations that have brought setbacks to some communities. This will enable us fill the vacant stools that are left in some parts of the state. Our desire is to move along with all communities in providing tangible development that will improve the living conditions of our people, especially in the rural areas.”
The chairman of Plateau joint traditional council, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba on his part congratulated the new Ngolong Ngas, and announced that the Joint Traditional Council will meet next week to officially welcome him into the Council.
He urged politicians to stop meddling into issues that concerns traditional institutions, saying that “once the ruling house is confirmed as Gazetted as well as the kingmakers, the process of the selection of the traditional ruler should be allowed without interference”
On his part, the Transition Implementation Committee Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Area, Hon. Samuel Go’ar praised the boldness of Govenor Mutfwang for allowing the process of the selection without interference.
He said, “As Nga Nation, we are very proud that today our foundation as a people is being fortified against the erosion of our value system which has suffered neglect owing to the absence of a paramount leader. We are now confident that our bidding as a people shall henceforth be with recourse to our collective interest.”
The New Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit in appreciation of honor done to him,thanked Governor Caleb Mutfwang for giving the Ngas Nation a leader, and pledged to carry everybody along during his reign to promote peaceful coexistence in the area. Traditional dancers and cultural groups spiced the event.
Former Senate Minority Leader Senator Simon Mwadkwon has commissioned multi million naira constituency Projects in Riyom LGA of Plateau North Senatorial district of Plateau state.
Mwadkwon who commissioned blocks of class rooms and Health center in his home local government area to the delight of his people who rolled out drums to celebrate their illustrious son, told his people that he was going to influence more constituents projects to them if he wins the February 3rd Senatorial polls in his Senatorial district.
Mwadkwon who was a one time Local Government Council Chairman in Riyom LGA and 2 times member House of Representatives representing Riyom/ Barkinladi Federal constituency before moving to the Senate stressed that he had several constituency projects in other local government areas of his constituency. Mwadkwon added that he would Comission some projects in Barkinladi LGA on Thursday and likewise in Jos North and Jos East LGAs on Friday this week for the benefit of his constituents in the affected Communities.
He added that him along side his campaign team with his party leaders were going round the Plateau North Senatorial district LGAs to sensitize the people of his constituency on the forth coming February 3rd fresh Senatorial election in Plateau North where all registered political parties including his party, the ruling People’s Democratic party on the Plateau will feature candidates. According to him,PDP would be on the ballot and sure of winning again at the polls.
Mwadkwon added that the forth coming election as ordered by court of Appeal in Abuja late last year would bring out more votes for him and his party because of the love and hope his constituents have on him to provide good and quality representation of their interest at National Assembly. His party leaders from the state, local government and wards who spoke at the event commended Senator Mwadkwon for always having the interest of his constituents at heart by influencing constituency projects to them from Abuja right from his days at House of Representatives.
The party led by its Zonal chairman and community leaders called on the voters in the six LGAs of Plateau North to come out enmasse on February at the polls to return Senator Mwadkwon back to the Senate saying they had seen what Dr Mwadkwon did in less than 6 months in the Senate before the court of ruling for fresh elections in Plateau North.
We are thankful to God as we gracefully walk into 2024 with hope and faith despite the waves of pain that lie deep in our hearts.
The Association of local government chairmen plateau state chapter heartly wish all the good and loving people of plateau state a happy new year.
Your sacred tears on our grieving faces this new year are the eloquent marks of our love for our departed angels. We are comforted with the assurance that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”.
We believe as this 2024 comes with its challenges may the good tidings of the new year bring fruitfulness to us all
For each stormy cloud, there is a beautiful rainbow. May this new year relieve us of this pain and fill our hearts with comfort, peace, and joy that comes from above.
May the year 2024 come with new possibilities and opportunities for Plateau State as trust God for a state that is Secure, United, and Prosperous.
The North Central All Progressive Congress (APC) Forum has canvassed support for the creation of the North Central Development Commission in order to accelerate the region’s advancement and to meet their development needs.
Speaking in Jos the Plateau State capital during his new year felicitation and 2024 blue print of the forum’s goals, the forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, said establishing the commission will not only make the challenges and other unfortunate security situation of the North Central region to be tackled, but will also enable the region to explore its full potentials, utilize same and occupy its pride of place in the nation.
He said even Abuja the nation’s capital is situated in the North Central, and so the region is a full force to reckon with, adding that the region has contributed to the growth of the country in many aspects, and that it still has many more to offer to the development of the nation if properly positioned.
That is why, he said, the APC forum is throwing its weight behind the Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District and former Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong’s push for the creation of the North Central Development Commission.
He said according to Lalong who spoke recently on the floor of the Senate on the motion of urgent public importance moved by Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central) on the Christmas eve attacks that left close to 200 people dead in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas of the state, he said unless the Government moves fast to stop the carnage and rebuild the lives and economy of the region, poverty and more insecurity will prevail.
He said the position of Senator Lalong on the argument for creating the North East Development Commission and also at the verge of creating the South East Development Commission, that of the North Central Development Commission to address the damage of insecurity in the region is equally valid.
Zazzaga called on all the stakeholders in the region to join hands and push for the actualization of the commission irrespective of political and other differences as the commission is for the benefit of all and sundry.
The Chairman also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for having the region close to his heart and has so far been relating with it in a cordial and sincere manner, adding that the president should do everything possible to see that the commission for the region is established, as any tangible gains recorded by the commission will also be a credit to his administration.
He urged the President to remain focused and continue doing his good works, as his leadership style is unique and will gradually take Nigerians to the ‘promise land’ with a full yield of the dividends of democracy.
Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District and former Governor of Plateau aState Simon Bako Lalong has called for the creation of the North Central Development Commission to fast track the rebuilding of homes and economic activities of people of the region which has been under relentless attacks by criminals and bandits.
Lalong stated this on the floor of the Senate on the motion of urgent public importance moved by Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central) on the Christmas eve attacks that left close to 200 people dead in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
Senator Lalong said unless the Government moves fast to stop the carnage and rebuild the lives and economy of the region, poverty and more insecurity will prevail.
According to him, those who were displaced in previous attacks have not been returned to their places because of the enormity of devastation wrecked on their lands.
“I kept on hammering, just like we created the North East Development Commission and we are about creating the South East Development Commission, we must look at the creation of the North Central Development Commission to address the damage done to the region by various forms of insecurity. That is the only way out because a displaced person for 10 years will definitely be angry. There are people who have been displaced since 2001 and yet to return to their lands. We must do something to ensure they are resettled”.
He decried the response of the security agencies to the distress calls during the recent barbaric killings in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu, describing as disappointing the excuse that terrain and distance was a hindrance.
The former Governor said Operation Rainbow which has operated in the State for a long time has troops stationed across the Local Governments Areas particularly those areas which are considered flashpoints.
He questioned the non use of operational assets such as drones, helicopters and even military formations such as the Airforce Search and Rescue centre in Kerang which did not do much even during the last attacks in villages of Mangu, not far from the base.
Apart from dealing with the criminals, the former Labour and Employment Minister said the non-kinetic approach should be also be considered along with military operations whereby peace building is encouraged and disputes are addressed before they get out of hand.
He recommended that the traditional institution should be given constitutional roles in the constitution because they play a major role in addressing issues within the local environment particularly where force or military action is not needed at the particular period.
Senator Lalong promised to re-present the bill on role of traditional rulers which he championed as Chairman Northern Governors Forum, but it failed to be passed by the last Senate.
While concuring with the summon of security Chiefs to address the Senate on the attacks, Senator Lalong thanked the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his colleagues for their empathy and response to the condemnable attacks.
Kwararafa Reporters 