Plateau state Internal Revenue service has generated the sum of Six billion naira (6billion naira) within the first quarter of 2023.
Chairman of the State Internal Revenue service Arlat Dashed Dasogot disclosed this to newsmen at Jos Revenue House on Tuesday in Jos while addressing newsmen on the achievement of the State Revenue service.
Dasogot noted that the Staffs of the revenue service have been trained and still undergoing retraining and being motivated to achieve their 2023 state target of 26billion naira as internally generated revenue if all things been equal.
He charged companies and organisations to keep proper records of their operations to enable tax collector’s on assessment duties give accurate taxes to the companies, agencies, ministries and departments.
He added that even though it is difficult to pay tax in this part of the country and the world, people should be encouraged to pay their taxes to enable government provide security and social services to the people.
He lamented that alot of house owners in Jos and other parts of his state are yet to accept to pay property tax to the government to enable it carry out more infrastructural development for the people.
He added that the issues of multiple taxation is being addressed by the state Revenue service,adding that tax payers should pay their taxes to the appropriate authority as at when due to boost the internal revenue generation of the State.
He promised to look into consumption tax, property tax, development levy and several other areas from where more revenue can be generated to enable government execute more projects and provide social services to the people of the State.
Dasogot added that before the end of 2013, if his staffs continue their drive for revenue generation with the speed they have taken, the state Revenue service might surpass the N26 billion target for the year
Kogi Democratic Forum has hailed the emergence of Barrister Adejo Okeme, a Legal Practioner as the Governorship Candidate in Kogi state
The group at its meeting in Jos on Wednesday on the conduct of party primaries in the confluence state, commended the peaceful and Democratic manner Okeme emerged as the flagbearer of Labor Party on Sunday and called on Kogi voters from the 3 Senatorial districts to team with Okeme with their votes during the forth coming November Governorship Election in the state.
Chairman of Forum Chief Otubi Ogwunewa In a statement issued to news in Jos which was made available to Kwararafa Reporters noted that both APC and PDP have ruled Kogi state for not less than two terms each or more but ended up performing below standard and should give way for the voters in Kogi state to test Labor Party to produce the next governor for the state.
It would be recalled that Barr Okeme emerged Kogi Governorship Candidate of Labour Party (LP) after coming top in the party primaries held in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital.
Okeme polled 127 votes to beat his closet rival AVM Isaac Alfa, who scored 69 votes at the primary held on Saturday in Lokoja, Kogi through Indirect mode primary.
The primary was held peacefully under the supervision of a 7-member Committee led by Dr Ayo Olorunfemi, the party’s Deputy National Chairman.
Olurunfemi, who announced the result of the Saturday’s governorship primary on Sunday morning ,said a total 196 delegates from the 21 Local Government Area of the state were accredited and voted for candidate of their choice.
The committee chairman said, “Okeme, having scored the majority of the lawful votes cast at the indirect primary election conducted on April 15, in Kogi, is hereby declared the winner of the Labour party primary election 2023.
“Barrister Adejo Okeme is hereby returned as the duly elected governorship candidate of LP for the November 2023 governorship election.
“On behalf of the primary election Committee, I wish to the winner, the state party leaders and members for the peaceful primary election, ” he said.
In his acceptable speech, Okeme, who is from Kogi East Senatorial district, thanked the electorate for finding worthy to champion the cause of the party in the forthcoming Kogi Nov 11 Governorship election.
Okeme, who is also a businessman, thanked the Primary election Committee, party leaders and members for the peaceful conduct of the primary for hi emergency as flag bearer
Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June, newly elected legislators especially of the House of representatives are insisting on having a credible and democratic leadership based on credibility, competence and acceptability.
The members Kwararafa Reporters gathered are insisting that the issue of zoning will not be a determining factor in the emergence of the new legislature because they want to have a stable House built on mutual respect, separation of powers and that which values the independence of the apex legislature.
Speaking separately in Abuja at the weekend, a group of Members-Elect names withheld said in their various joint meetings since their election last month, no issue of zoning has been given any credence above that of competence and general acceptability of those seeking to lead them.
It would be recalled that Premium Times had reported the alleged plot by some Apc governors to cow their elected legislators into submitting to zoning few days ago.
But reacting , some Members-Elect both new and returning disagreed saying they will do the needful for the sake of the image of the legislature and the legislators.
” I can tell you for free that we are top exposed and experience to be dragged backward by zoning or whatever you called it. We are here as colleagues, duely elected legislators to work for country and not for any party. Yes we belong to different parties but the nature of our work demands internal collaboration, cooperation and mutual understanding and respect to succeed. It’s when we agree among ourselves that the input is felt outside. So therefore we must do what can bring about this in-house cooperation before we relate with the other two arms of government. We must put our house in order before anything succeeds so therefore zoning cannot be a consideration for s7ch an Assembly. If its an Assembly of some parry, we can sit in our various party Secretariats to take such decisions based on zoning but we belong to different political parties. Whoever is bringing that to the table must be ready for shock amd surprises. We have learned alot from previous experiences and would not want to repeat such ” , a returning lawmaker said.
Another new member elect said , we have passed that stage my brother. All of those who are contesting the Speakership have gone far mobilising support using their resources to seek for the votes of their colleagues and it will be very unfair and immoral for either the APC and PDP to seek to undermine this by showing selective favouritism in the name of zoning. Why didn’t they announced the zoning before the general elections. From history we all know that the most stable and most productive legislatures all over the world are those build on mutual understanding where members vote from among themselves their leaders and not imposed from the executive. Such practices are no longer fashionable because of the ill wind the blow on democracy “.
The Members-Elect who pleaded not to be named for some strategic reasons opined that the legislature on Nigeria has come of age and therefore it will be primitive and a set back to continue to introduce zoning which has caused more harm than good to legislative progress.
A cross section of the legislators interviewed from all the political parties are of the opinion that the executive should respect the independence of the legislature and not try to ridicule the foundation of the 10th National Assembly by such miscalculations.
” Besides you that the composition of the 10th National Assembly especially that of the House of representatives is very unique. We have about 162 elected APC members and 163 of the other parties put together. We are waiting for the remaing 30 or so members to join us and who knows which party will be higher in number. We must be allowed by our respective parties being ruling or opposition to take our decisions regarding our leadership. We can only respect our own leadership. Any person brought to us through zoning means that person is most likely deficient and can only him use zoning to ascend to that position. We want those that can do the job. We want those that can be more conscious of their mandate and not those to be teleguided”
Kwararafa Reporters gathered that the one day program had in attendance over seventy women from the communities of Dadin Kowa, Jos South LGA of Plateau State and Congo Russia of Jos North LGA of Plateau State.
During the meeting, the forum participants discussed and profer solutions to ‘trending issues affecting the involvement and participation of women and girls in peace and Security.
Trending issues affecting the involvement and participation of women and girls in peace and security were identified during the one day program including, Culture/religious beliefs, Discrimination. Tribalism.
Other issues identified are that Women are seen as weaker vessels while men seen as the head, Stereotyping, Limited knowledge, Lack of awareness, Lack of involvement of women, Fear and lack of confidence.
Organisations represented at the meeting were, Women Peace and Security Network (WPS), Plateau Peace Practitioners’ Network (PPPN), NAWOJ, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), MWA.
Other participants at the meeting were among others, Community Development Association, Traditional Institutions, Vigilante Heads, Jos North and Jos South; Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Securities and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Jos North and Jos South LGA Representatives; and Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA).
Among the resolutions reached at the meeting were among others, how women and girls can take the lead in strategic advocacy for peace building including, being educated, having one voice, women inclusion in women leadership traditional council, inclusion of women in community policing and community activities, and women assisting each other as women when it matters the most.
Other key recommendations reached at the meeting was that of Creating awareness among women on the need to be involved in the peace process, Encouraging women to speak up,. Advocacies to religious and traditional leaders .
Women were advised not to be
totally dependent on men by building their own capacities and as well be economically empowered .
Additionally,Women were told to create safe spaces amongst themselves. Share their pains and be ready to receive help. And so much more.
In the bid to curb crimes and criminalities within Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, the LGC Administration in the area has constructed and handed over a new Divisional Police Office to the Nigerian Police on Wednesday April 12, 2023.
Speaking during the handing over and commissioning of the office in Namu town, the Executive Chairman of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council, Hon. Ernest Abner Da’a described the event as a fulfilment of his administration’s assurance to the people of partnering with the various security agencies and outfits within and outside the LGA, towards maximization of their services to secure them.
“You recalled that on assumption of office and in the face of the many security challenges we assured you of impactful partnership with the various security agencies and outfits within and outside of the LGA, towards the maximization of the services of the Army, Police and other recognized outfits, like The Vigilante, Community Police, Neighborhood Watch, among others, to curtail them. Today, I am happy to inform you that this partnership have reduced drastically the level of crimes, criminalities and criminal activities in the Local Government.” Hon Da’a said.
The Chairman added that the securing and establishment of an additional Divisional Police Office in the LGA, with the full status of the office, located in Namu is a further demonstration of practical steps towards curbing security challenges by his Administration
“I am happy to inform you that my Administration has completed the building of the fully fortified office structure, which we are Commissioning and handing it over to the Nigerian Police Force for operational services from today April 12, 2023,’ Hon Da’a said to the applause of the appreciative people.
The Chairman expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Police for their understanding and cooperation towards the establishment of the 2nd Divisional Police Office in the Local Government, and reassured them of the full cooperation of the people of Qua’an-Pan, expressing the hope that the station will boost the Administration’s efforts towards minimizing security breaches within the Local Government Area and its environs to the barest minimum.
” We thank also the Army and other security apparatus for their continued support to the Administration. Together, we assure you Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area will continue to enjoy more peaceful coexistence under peaceful atmosphere,” the Chairman said, while commending members of the Executive, Legislative and Traditional Councils and the people of the Local Government Area for their maximum support towards ensuring that the LGA is taken to the highest level.
While commending the people of Namu for their synergy and cooperation towards the success of the project, Hon. Da’a urged them to see the new facility as their own, and to always protect it and cooperate with the officers.
Speaking at the Commissioning, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, represented by the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Bartholomew Onyeka called on the good people of Namu, to see themselves as partners in progress by creating conducive environment for cordial working relationship and partnership with the Police.
The goodwill message from the Long Pan and President Qua’an-Pan Traditional Council, Nda Emmanuel Dabang, was read by his Representative, the Long Kwo of Kwo Chiefdom, HRH Miskoom Fidelis Longtoe Attahiru II, where he pledged the cooperation of the Traditional Council towards sustainable peace within the LGA. Other traditional rulers at the occasion included the Long Gamai, represented by the Long Dorok; The Ponzhi Zini and Acting President Langtang North and South Joint Traditional Council; the District Heads of Doemak, Kwa and Kwang.
In his vote of thanks, HRH, the Long Jan, Miskoom Safiyanu Allah-Nana Ill, appreciated the council for coming to the aid of his people, adding that the Police station is unique among other stations in the country, and assured that the police officers posted to the station would be accorded conducive working environment by the community.
Highlights of the event was the Commissioning and unveiling of the office and other facilities meant to aide the operations of the personnel.
ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS, PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER, KALWA HOUSE, YAKUBU GOWON WAY, JOS.
TEXT OF A PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY HON. SYLVANUS NAMANG, PLATEAU STATE APC STATE PUBLICITY SECRETARY ON 13TH APRIL, 2023.
RT.HON. NUHU ABOK AYUBA, FORMER PLHA SPEAKER SHOULD ALLOW PEACE TO REIGN IN PLATEAU STATE.
The All Progressives Congress, APC Plateau State Chapter is highly disturbed and disappointed by the untoward developments playing out at the Plateau State House of Assembly where its peace and serenity is being wantonly tampered with once again following a strange Judgment of a High Court sitting in Jos.
The said Judgment purportedly reinstated Hon. Nuhu Abok Ayuba, a former Member of the Plateau State House of Assembly as Speaker of the State House of Assembly, despite being no longer a Member of that Assembly.
The APC would like, for the benefit of watchers of political events in Plateau State, to refresh their memories on developments which led to the exit of Hon. Nuhu Abok Ayuba as the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly.
Hon. Nuhu Abok Ayuba was Speaker of the State House of Assembly from June 2019. He was removed by his colleagues following series of allegations bothering on financial misappropriation to non- convening of sittings, thus stalling vital Legislative activities including the passage of the State Budget.
In his place, Hon. Yakubu Sanda, Member Representing Pengana constituency of Bassa LGA was unanimously elected Hon. Speaker at Plenary Session on Thursday 28th October, 2021.
Though the former Speaker wanted to stay put, when it dawned on him that his impeachment was real as a new Speaker had since taken over, he went down on his knees to plead for leniency and for the Members to allow him resign instead in order to save his political career as a young politician who was still learning the ropes, an appeal which they acceded to.
Three days after, vide a hand-written Letter, on 1st November, 2021, Hon. Nuhu Abok Ayuba resigned as Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly.
Long before then, he was glaringly known to be hobnobbing with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State. He was to later summon courage, on 13th March 2022, to take the plunge when in a Letter addressed to his Jos East Ward Chairman of APC with much fanfare, he officially withdrew his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in his words “with immediate effect” and that he had defected to the opposition PDP in the State.
The Jos East APC Chairman in a Letter dated 18th March, 2022, informed the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of Nuhu Abok Ayuba’s withdrawal of his membership of the APC and of his joining the PDP.
The State APC Chairman thereupon, wrote a Letter on 21st March 2022, notifying the Plateau State House of Assembly of Hon. Nuhu Abok Ayuba’s defection to the PDP.
The Letter was titled, ” THE DEFECTION OF HON. NUHU ABOK AYUBA , MEMBER REPRESENTING JOS EAST CONSTITUENCY AND REQUEST FOR THE DECLARATION OF HIS SEAT VACANT”
The APC Chairman drew the attention of the Hon. Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly to the provision of Section 109(1)g of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which provides for the consequence of defection of a Member where there is no Faction in the Party that sponsored him (the APC in this case), being the declaration of his Seat vacant and vacation of the Seat.
On 22nd March, 2022, the House received a communication from the APC State Chairman seeking the declaration of Hon. Abok’s Seat vacant. By the Votes and Proceedings No 46 of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Nuhu Abok Ayuba ceased to be a member of the Plateau State House of Assembly .
The declaration of his Seat vacant was communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in a Letter dated 22nd March, 2022 signed by the Clerk of the House, Longbap Ponven Wuyep titled, “NOTIFICATION OF VACANCIES IN JOS EAST AND RUKUBA/ IRIGWE CONSTITUENCIES OF THE PLATEAU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY”
The Rukuba/ Irigwe Constituency Seat, on the other hand, became vacant as a result of its Member in the House of Assembly, Hon. Peter Agah resigning to contest the Jos North/ Bassa Federal Constituency Seat which became vacant following the demise of the then Member, the late Haruna Maitala.
Due to its crowded schedules, INEC was unable to conduct bye- elections to fill the vacant Seats of Jos East and Rukuba /Irigwe Constituencies before the 2023 General Elections that have now produced a new set of Members-elect for the State Assembly.
It would interest the world to know that the Suit in which the Court recently gave what Lawyers say was essentially a Default Judgment, (the Court having curiously shut out the Defendants’ Motions challenging the Jurisdiction of the High Court to entertain the Matter as well as the Locus Standi of the Busy-body Plaintiffs, Hon. Gwottson D. Fom and Hon. Tyem Pirfa Jingfa to institute the Suit) was not instituted by the former Speaker, Nuhu Abok Ayuba himself!
He was also sued as a Defendant to the Suit! He neither sought any Prayer before the Court nor did he enter a Defence to the Suit.
Ordinarily and to all intents and purposes, the Suit became Academic the moment Nuhu Abok Ayuba ceased to be a Member of the State House of Assembly, in as much as the object of filing the Suit by the Plaintiffs was to restore him back to Office as Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly!
Curiously and most shockingly on 3rd day of April, 2023, the State was hit with the Judgment of Justice N. L. Musa in the said Suit No: PLD/ J585/2021 instituted by Hon. Gwottson D. Fom and Hon. Tyem Pirfa Jingfa against Nuhu Abok Ayuba and 15 others.
Judgment was purportedly passed in favour of the former Speaker purportedly restoring him back to the Office of Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly- an Assembly he had since 22nd March, 2022, ceased to be a Member of , his Seat having been declared Vacant in line with the provisions of Section 109(1) g and 109(2) of the 1999 Constitution ( as amended)!
The Court amongst others, ordered the payment to Abok all salaries, emoluments and bonuses as Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly from 28th October 2021 “until when his tenure ends”.
Several Legal Luminaries have maintained that it is clearly settled in law that the Court cannot act as “Father Christmas” that can grant reliefs to a person who has not sought them! Moreso, we are assured that the Orders made by the Court can only be validly made by the National Industrial Court which has jurisdiction on issues relating to salaries, entitlements, emoluments and benefits of Public Officers and Political Office holders such as Hon. Nuhu Abok Ayuba.
From the foregoing, the question that must be asked is, can Nuhu Abok Ayuba who has since ceased to be a member of the Plateau State House of Assembly be ordered by any Court to return to Office as Speaker?At the risk of repetition, but for the sake of emphasis and clarity, it is an irrefutable fact that during the pendency of the Suit in question, a Suit to which Nuhu Abok was a Defendant, he resigned his membership of the APC and his Seat in the House was declared vacant which vacancy was communicated to INEC.
Following the Defendants’ dissatisfaction with the High Court Judgment of 3rd April, 2023, Counsel representing the Plateau State Government as well as the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Sanda, the Clerk of the House and 10 other Members of the House of Assembly immediately filed a Notice of Appeal and a Motion for Stay of Execution of the judgment and Injunction which processes were served on the Sheriff of the High Court who has the responsibility to enforce the Judgment.
Service was also effected on Abok both electronically and physically.
Without waiting for execution of the Judgment by due process of Law, the former Speaker and former member of the House of Assembly, Nuhu Abok Ayuba hurriedly volunteered to serve as courier to deliver a copy of the enrolled Order of the Court to the Clerk of the House immediately after the delivery of the judgment and forcefully entering the Office of the Speaker!
He has since insisted that he has executed the Judgment claiming further, that the judgment of the Court was Declaratory and not Executory, hence there was no need for him to go through the judgment enforcement procedure known to law beyond forcing himself into the Speaker’s Office and claiming to have resumed as “Speaker”.
Talk of the absurdity of one being ” Speaker” in a House of Assembly one is not a Member of !
For the avoidance of doubt, and for the benefit of other ill- informed persons, the Court (having struck out all the Processes filed by the Defendants), in its Judgment, granted all the reliefs claimed by the Plaintiffs, except relief (I) on exemplary damages where it awarded N20,000,000.00 against the Defendants.
The EXECUTORY Orders granted by the Court were: AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the 2nd defendant from parading himself as the Honourable Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly.
AN ORDER OF MANDATORY INJUNCTION directing the 2nd to 16th defendants to recognize the 1″ Defendant, Rt. Hon. Abok Nuhu Ayuba as the Honourable Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and accord him all the rights and privileges of his Office.
AN ORDER OF MANDATORY INJUNCTION directing the 5th defendant to unseal the premises of the Plateau State House of Assembly and restore access to members of the Public.
EXEMPLARY DAMAGES in the sum of N 20,000.000.00 (Twenty million naira) against the 2nd to 16th Defendants jointly and severally.
The Questions begging for Answers; Can Nuhu Abok who has since ceased to be a Member of the Plateau State House of Assembly be ordered by the Court to return to Office as Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly?
Can the High Court of Plateau State decide on issues of Salaries and Allowances claimed to be due to a member of the State House of Assembly? What about Section 254C of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which provides that matters that border on emoluments, salaries, entitlements, are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the National industrial Court of Nigeria (NIC)?
As earlier indicated, following the dissatisfaction of the Defendants with the Judgment of the Court, Counsel to the Commissioner of Police (5th Defendant) and Counsel to the Plateau State Government as well as the sitting Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Sanda; the Clerk of the House and ten(10) other Members of the House sued as Defendants, immediately filed Notices of Appeal and Motions for Stay of Execution and for Injunction which processes were duly served on Abok and the Deputy Sheriff of the High Court who has the responsibility to enforce the Judgment.
By the way, up till this moment, Nuhu Abok Ayuba is yet to take any steps towards the enforcement of the, no doubt, Executory Judgment.
His insistence that the Judgment of the Court is Declaratory and not Executory, hence there was no need for him to go through the Judgment enforcement Procedure known to Law, shows the shallowness of his knowledge of the Law, a field which he has supposedly acquired a Degree in recently!
The matter does not even end there. By Order IV, Rule 1(2) of the Judgment Enforcement Rules, no process of execution of a Judgment such as the one in question shall be issued by the Court until the expiration of 3 days from the date of Judgment.
The Judgment was delivered on 3rd April, 2023. The three days would have elapsed by midnight of Thursday, the 6th. of April. Therefore, the earliest date for the enforcement of the Judgment, even by the Sherriff of Court would have been Friday the 7th April, 2023 or thereafter!
Before then, the Notice of Appeal and Motion for Stay of Execution and Injunction to restrain Abok from execution was filed and served on him on Tuesday, the 4th April, 2023!
On the said 4th April 2023, Abok, despite having long ceased to be a Member of the House of Assembly with the support of Members of the PDP, invaded the House of Assembly under the guise of a Court-restored “Speaker” despite being a non- Member of the House, since the court did not and could not have restored him as Member, having never challenged the earlier declaration of his Seat as Vacant upon decamping from the APC to the PDP!
For Hon. Nuhu Abok, the non-Member but Court-declared “Speaker” who has been duly served with the Notice of Appeal and Motion for Stay of Execution of the Judgment/Injunction to resort to self-help by storming the House in Commando Style and pretending to be back to Office as Speaker outside the known procedure for enforcement of Judgments under Nigerian Law, is simply an invitation to chaos and anarchy which has no place in any society governed by the Rule of Law.
The APC as a Law abiding Party, hereby calls on the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, who by the way had also filed a Notice of Appeal and a Motion for Stay of Execution of the Judgment duly served on all Parties in the Suit, to put a stop to the excesses of Hon. Nuhu Abok Ayuba and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which is enabling and encouraging him in his exhibition of lawlessness.
The Plateau State Command is duty bound to provide security and protection to the legitimate Members of the State House of Assembly to enable them continue to discharge their statutory duty of Law-making, devoid of any interference by hoodlums and imposters such as Nuhu Abok.
The APC is keenly watching to see how this Theatre of the absurd playing out and orchestrated by Nuhu Abok Ayuba and the PDP pans out.
Coalition of Christian Minority Groups in Northern Nigeria has petitioned Wife of the President Elect Mrs Oluremi Tinubu to ensure Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu,the President Elect appoints Hon James Abiodun Falake as his Chief of Staff.
The group in an open Letter to Senator Oluremi Tinubu written by its Coordinators Ibrahim Magaji and Istifanus Lukas to the incoming First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi and made available to Kwararafa Reporters in Jos, said they make bold to say that within the Asiwaju fold, no choice could be better than Hon James Abiodun Faleke, who is a Christian from the North who served as Secretary of Presidential Campaign Council .
According to them, Faleke is equipped with institutional memory to navigate the slippery political stratosphere to achieve vital integration for inclusive governance .
“Hon Faleke’s sins to his traducers is that he followed Asiwaju’s instructions to the letter and made sure that all are treated fairly during the campaigns.”
The Northern Christian Minority Group leaders told Senator Oluremi Tinubu that this is the time to rise up and be counted for standing for what is right and just and in the interest of the incoming administration to be led by her husband, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as president and Commander in chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
They reminded Senator Oluremi that It’s time for her to stand up like Esther on appointment of Chief of Staff.
” We are representatives of Christian minority groups in Northern Nigeria who aim at pursuing justice and fairness for our members through peaceful means.”
“Permit us therefore to approach you through this medium as we have before us a matter at hand which needs your urgent intervention as the next First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Mother of the Nation.” .
They recalled that Senator Oluremi once had cause to address Northern minority christians during the presidential campaigns in Jos, Plateau State and on that occasion, she dispelled fears about the apprehensions of a Muslim/Muslim ticket and assured them that they would not shortchange ethnic minorities and the Christian north as is being speculated.
“That assurance which you gave us, instantly replaced our fears with the confidence that with you as the closest person to the President- elect, we have no reason to fear marginalisation and we immediately warmed up to you holding on to the promise that you’re a Lady of substance who stands by her words.”
” We however wish to bring to your attention that lately, there have been some disturbing signals that do not tally with the assurance you gave us. We have it on good authority that the nomination to one of the key offices in the presidency, that is the position of chief of staff, would, despite the President-elect and the Vice President-elect being of the same faith, be given to another Muslim.”
According to them, without exaggerating, this has created unrest in their fold and to confirm their fears, media reports have zeroed in on two persons, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and minister of works, Babatunde Fashola as possible nominees to occupy the strategic position.
” Despite your assurance that our President-elect and your husband will accommodate all including ethnic minorities and northern Christians in his administration,the nomination if confirmed will re-engender the feeling of exclusion of certain demographics in the incoming administration and will create further suspicion that there’s a hidden plan to ostracize certain groups from governance as the Chief of Staff position is central to the success of an administration.” They stressed.
They urged Oluremi to draw the attention of her husband to the implication of why this portends to the unity and cohesion of citizens, a part from marginalizing a section of the country, it will send a wrong signal that hard work and commitment will not be rewarded in the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration.
They lamented that the persons so listed have not done half the work that others have done to ensure the protection of the mandate of the incoming government.
“Indeed, they where nowhere to be found when the integrity of the election that produced your husband as the next president of Nigeria was being challenged by some elements within and outside Nigeria.”
” Your Excellency Ma, while these people were away lobbying and disturbing the President-elect for their personal interests, people like Hon. James Abiodun Faleke and his supporters were up in arms to counter every move meant to disparage the process and results of the last presidential elections.”
They argued that Hon. Faleke supporters took the matter up by marching to the INEC headquarters, occupied the Unity Fountain in Abuja for days and embarked on a 60-day daily vigil to dislodge the anti democratic elements from achieving their aims of discrediting the elections and to mobilize countdown to the swearing-in!”
According to him, the apparently sponsored media reports to promote other persons apart from those who are ready to give their all to ensure Oluremi husband succeeds as president is casting her beloved husband and their revered President-elect in bad light and is a total negation of what she assured them on that faithful day in Jos, when she addressed them in person.
“We believe it is high time to rein in the promoters of this evil narrative so as not to create unrest and disaffection in the polity.
“Our Dear First Lady, this is not the time to keep silent as this particular consideration will have a lot of implication on the perceived fairness of the next administration which even from pre-election , was cast as religiously insensitive”
“We call on you, our incoming First Lady to protect the incoming administration from percieved one-sidedness as Esther did for her people in the holy Books when she rose and presented to the King the plight of her people.”
“In the same light we say to our dear First Lady-in-Waiting, that who knows whether God has so promoted you for a time like this “
They called Senator Oluremi to rise up and save the next administration from mockery as their beloved President-elect’s good intentions are being misrepresented by the actions of a selfish few.
A Plateau based Public Commentator and Public analyst Udiama Paul Gindiri has charged Plateau Governor Elect Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang not to betray the trust bestowed on him by Plateau people, stressing that there will be consequences if he does not perform above aboard .
Gindiri in a statement in Jos at the weekend which he made available to Oracle Reporters, said the emergence of Mutfwang as Governor Elect under PDP Platform with the APC in control at the federal level (Presidency) will provide ample opportunity for the incoming PDP administration on the Plateau to perform well in order to remain in power.
He noted that the Political scenario is similar to what happened during the days of Late Chief SD Lar of the NPP, during during the second republic when the Federal Government of Shehu Shagari was controlled by National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and Plateau state then was in the hands of late Chief Solomon Daushep Lar of NPP .
According to Udiama, that political setting as at that time motivated Chief SD Lar to work hard in order to win the support of his people, adding that the same work rate and even more is expected of Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang this time around.
He drew the attention of Mutfwang to the exploits of Late JD Gomwalk and Chief SD Lar starting from JIB, Barc Farms, Plateau Hotel, Rock Hotel, Wild Life Park, Electricity Generation etc which should be looked into in order to bring life into them to create opportunities for Plateau people for jobs
Mr Udiama also drew attention of Mutfwang to some uncompleted projects such as the National Library – Abattoir Connecting Bridge, Umah Bread – Little Rayfield Road etc as critical projects which need to be completed immediately by the Mutfwang adminstration in order to set the ball rolling.
According to him, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang is going to have a lot on his hands on the plateau when he assume office as Governor of Plateau State.
He charged Plateau Governor Elect Mutfwang not to betray the trust bestowed on him by Plateau people, stressing that there will be consequences if he does not perform above board to meet the expectations of Plateau People.
All things being equal, there are strong indications that majority of the Members-Elect of the 10th House of Representatives across the political parties are set to vote for Rt Hon Aliyu Muktar Betara as the Speaker when the National Assembly is convened in June.
Already, group alliances are being formed across the parties to smoothen the endorsement within the various parties in favour of the legislator.
Betara, Borno State born fifth time member of the green chambers is contesting the position alongside the current deputy Speaker, Plateau born Idris Wase and few other legislators.
Kwararafa Reporters gathered that Members of the political parties ranging from the ruling All Progressives Congress, Apc, and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Labour Party, LP, New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Advance Democratic Party, ADC, Social Democratic Party, SDP, are working assiduously to ensure that Betara leads the 10th House of Representatives.
While the opposition currently made up the combined simple majority of about 163, the ruling All Progressives Congress, Apc has 162 with some seats awaiting run off.
Some ranking members and new legislators who confided in Kwararafa Reporters said as it stands today, Betara is good to go going by the personal resolution of the Members-Elect.
” I want to tell you categorically that if the election into the office of Speaker is conducted today on the floor, no one will beat Betara. He enjoyed the support of majority of his returning colleagues and the new members. We are also excited about his candidature because of what we got to know about him. As new members familiar with the workings of the National Assembly having worked there severally, we can confirm to you that Betara has a very high acceptability rating among the members. What members want is someone accessible, respectful, intelligent, knowledgeable, humble and kind. Members are looking up to an individual who is a bridge builder across political, religious and ethnic divides and who has the stuff to bring us together. We don’t want someone who will be more on one side than the other. Betara has been a true friend of his colleagues. He is generous and compassionate to a fault. As a fifth termer, he understands the intricacies of the apex legislature and what drives the institution and its players.
He has an excellent working relationship with his party and those to head the executive. Betara has an excellent relationship with all the former Speakers, principal officers and members that served with him from the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th assemblies and all these are assets to his favour”.
A ranking member who pleaded not to be named added that” we are going to vote for Betara. The fact that he is from the north east with the Vice President elect is not an issue at all because there is a precedent. If I were the APC I will not zone the office to anywhere because Members-Elect are going to do what is called the ‘ House Project’ to elect someone they prefer as leader to lead them. No room will be given for imposition. We are all matured here and especially those coming from the state assemblies, they also know the consequences of imposition and the gains of respect for separation of powers. When we elect our leaders the house becomes stable and sound but where imposition takes place there has always been instability or docility. I am speaking the minds of those we think and talk together “.
Kwararafa Reporters Investigation also reveals that the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is not averse to zoning, but believe that the two chambers should be allowed to make their leadership choices considering the sensibilities of the nation at this time. To him, any attempt to zone or impose someone will create negative impressions that may take time to heal and that will not augur well for the legislature.
” As members of the opposition parties we are waiting to see what the Apc will do. As far as we are concerned the Apc as a party should read the handwriting on the wall and not allow some of its selfish and greedy leaders to abuse this goodwill. You know that if the opposition parties get the joint majority and deploy that to one person, the work load has tremendously reduced for whoever will emerge.
In this case, I can confirm to you that majority of our people, both new and old are queuing behind the easy going Chairman of Appropriation Committee, Hon Betara”, another member added.
It is observed that while some aspirants to the office of Speaker are relying on zoning as the only advantage to add value to their campaigns, Betara’s qualities are speaking for him anywhere he goes. Whether the ruling party adopts zoning or not, we are going to do the needful to bring out the Peoples Speaker for the parliament and the nation” another legislator vowed.
Elder Statesman, General Yakubu Gowon (l), Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau State Governor-Elect
Otubi Audu Jos.
Former Military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) has rejoiced with Plateau State Governor-elect, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang over his overwhelming victory during the 18 March, 2023 Governorship election in the state.
Gowon stated this when Mutfwang, Plateau State Governor-Elect, Plateau North Senator-Elect, Simon Mwadkwon and the State PDP Chairman, Chris Hassan paid him a visit at his residence in Abuja.
The elderstateman expressed happiness over the declaration of Caleb Mutfwang by t Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the Governor-Elect and subsequent presentation of certificate of return which resonated jubilation among citizens.
Gowon explained that he believes it is God who gives power to whoever he wishes at anytime without consulting any man.
He noted that the declaration by INEC is a demonstration of the decision of Plateau people at the polls, and expressed his support for the Governor-Elect and the incoming administration.
Earlier, Plateau Governor-Elect, Caleb Mutfwang who was in Gowon’s residence to give honour and respect to the elderstateman, applauded him for the warm reception and being accessible at all times.
He noted with joy the critical role played by the retired General and elderstateman in fostering peace and unity in Nigeria, saying his love for peace over the years has been the beacon that stabilizes the nation.
Mutfwang pledged always consult and adequately engage the Former Military Leader and other respected leaders in Plateau for their wise Counsel in a bid to deepen peace, unity and development in the state. Among other respected Plateau sons of Plateau who accompanied the Governor-Elect on the important visit, includes,Architect Samuel Jatau and Mr. Yari Kumchi
Kwararafa Reporters 