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Concerned Stakeholders Of Bashar District Of Wase LGA Worries Over Selection Process of New Rekna of Bashar Chiedom.

Ogunenwa Audu Jos.

The stakeholders in Bashar district of Wase LGA of Plateau state have complained on the Selection of the New Rekna of Bashar in Wase Local Government Area.

The stakeholders at a Press conference in Jos on Monday at NUJ Press Center read by Shehu Mujahid Abubakar said they had earlier Petitioned the state government Committee on the Creation/Upgrade of Chiefdoms, Districts, and Village Areas in Plateau State on the development in Bashar district of Wase LGA of Plateau state.

According to him, “We, the Concerned Stakeholders is today calling this press conference following the injustice and irregularities melted out to the people of bashar chiefdom during the selection process for the new Rekna of Bashar in Wase Local Government Area”

“. This process resulted in the selection and installation of the incumbent traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Alh Abdullahi Idris as the new Rekna.”

He recalled that no proper Procedure was followed In September 2022 in the selection of the Rekna of Bashar when the position became vacant.

” Following tradition, a new Rekna should have been chosen from the ruling family through a proper selection process involving the kingmakers.”

He argued that the former Governor Simon Bako Lalong, established a committee to oversee the selection process

How ever he said Irregularities was Introduced by Former Local Government Chairman.

” The committee visited Bashar town on November 26, 2022, to brief the kingmakers on the selection process.
On December 2, 2022, the state government scheduled the official selection date. However, the then-chairman of Wase Local Government Council, Dr. Ado Abubakar Buba, bypassed protocol by inviting the kingmakers to his office and holding meetings with some of them under pressure.”

He said this action contradicts the Plateau State Chieftaincy Laws.

According to him, there was Manipulation of Selection Date:
due to the chairman’s interference, the selection process was postponed from December 2 to December 13, 2022.

” Abduction of Kingmakers
further disrupted
the process, four out of five kingmakers were abducted on December 16, 2022, by the former chairman and his associates, presumably to influence the selection outcome.”

“Selection was done under duress despite the abduction, a selection process was held on December 23, 2022. This selection violated our right to a fair hearing because the kingmakers were not present. Additionally, the former chairman unlawfully participated in the process, exerting undue political influence.”

He added that they wrote a formal complaint outlining these irregularities and was submitted to the former governor, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong but however, due to his alleged political affiliation with the former chairman and the preferred candidate, the complaint was ignored

“We have reason to believe that the incumbent Rekna, Alh. Abdullahi Idris, is still employed by the federal government while holding the position of Rekna. This violates the rules, as an individual cannot hold two government positions at the same time,”

They called on the new plateau state governor barrister Caleb Mutfwang,Commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs and the review committee to as a matter of urgency investigate these Complaints arising from the irregularities that occured during the selection process for equity, justice and fairness to the people of bashar chiefdom ,wase local government area and plateau state in general.

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Audu Otubi, Jos.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Nigerian Army’s welfare and professional development at
the closing ceremony of the 2024 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) in Jos, Plateau State,

The President was , represented by Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, unveiled various initiatives aimed at improving the nation’s armed forces.

President Tinubu emphasized on the importance of a well-equipped and professional army, stating,

“My administration is dedicated to building a well-equipped and truly professional army that will make the nation proud.”

He approved Group Life Assurance for fallen soldiers and the procurement of attack helicopters and other equipment to enhance combat capabilities. Acknowledging the Nigerian Army’s efforts in preserving national security,

President Tinubu urged collaboration with other security agencies and communities to maintain peace.

Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Lagbaja announced the launch of the Affordable Housing for All (AHOOAS) scheme to provide subsidized housing for troops. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja also highlighted the Army’s successes in combating bandit activities, reducing Boko Haram terrorism, and managing farmer-herder conflicts.

He emphasized the Army’s commitment to professionalism and ethical standards in line with the President’s directives.

The event featured a file pass and demonstration, COAS honors and awards, souvenir presentations, and a tour of research and historical exhibition stands.

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

Nigeria Army As part of the activities to mark the 2024 Army Day Celebration, NADCEL, has embarked on extensive free medical services on Wednesday in the Anguwan Rogo neighborhood of Jos North Local Government of Plateau State.

The 2024 Army Day Celebration has the theme ‘Transforming the Nigeria Army: Imperative for combating contemporary security challenges in the joint environment,’

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, while flagging off the exercise at the University of Jos Primary School Football Field in Angwan Rogo in Jos on Wednesday stated that the medical outreach was meant to strengthen the existing relationship between the Nigerian Army and the civilian populace.

Lagbaja, was represented at the event by the Chief of Army Administration Major General Jimmy Akpoh who described the Free medical services exercise as part of activities lined up to commemorate the 161 anniversary (1863 – 2024) of the Nigerian Army.

He said that the Nigerian Army pays due attention to the security and health well-being of members of its host community, which encompasses all Areas of Responsibility (AOR).

“This medical outreach is one of the activities planned to celebrate the numerous victories of the Nigerian Army.

The Army he said has been recognized as one of the greatest organizations in the world by experts.

“This medical outreach is happening not only here but also across the country where the Nigerian Army has divisions.

“What makes this medical outreach special is the presence of the Army leadership here on the Plateau.”

The Chief of Army Staff he also hinted has sent representatives because he is occupied with other significant activities, such as commissioning projects in various local government areas across Plateau State which are meant to benefit the good people of Plateau State.

“This outreach, in commemoration of the 161st anniversary of the Nigerian Army, highlights the Army’s commitment to the health and well-being of the people.

“This medical outreach is an opportunity to interact with the community and show that the Army cares. As we celebrate the 161st anniversary of the Nigerian Army, we want you to be part of our celebration.
Wheel chairs, medical tests and free drugs were given to Beneficiaries of the schedule at the event.

Ogunenwa Audu Jos.

The North Central All Progressive Congress (APC) Forum has called on all the Northerners, especially the leaders, who vehemently opposed the appointment of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to apolize to him without delay for doing so, since Wike has already proven beyond every reasonable doubt that he is a performer and an achiever.

Speaking in Jos the Plateau State capital Monday after their third quarter of the year meeting to assess and review their activities so far this year, how they have fared so far and their other engagements, the forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, said everyone who is in Abuja right or passing through Abuja or is listening to news can see the unexpected reformation and good work Wike is doing in Abuja.

The Chairman said othe reports reaching them suggests that even those who vehemently opposed Wike’s appointment have now come to terms that Wike is actually performing currently and repositioning the city in terms of road construction, infrastructural development and security check to address the menace.

“So, if we all agree now that Wike is currently performing and doing well as the FCT Minister, the most honourable thing to do is to openly acknowledge it, and all those who vehemently opposed his appointment as the FCT Minister because he is not from the North should come out openly and apologize to him.

“The FCT Minister must not be from the North, as it is not stated in Nigerian constitution, and even if anyone should complain, it is we from the North Central under which Abuja falls. And as leaders of the ruling party (APC) from the North Central, we are glad and confident to say that Wike is doing creditably well, even much more than our Northern brothers who have held the position before now,

“We are therefore thanking President Bola Tinubu for making this incredible choice to appoint Wike as the FCT minister. The President has seen in him what many of us did not see, and now Wike is proving to be able and capable. Besides, Wike is doing a great work to make inroads for the party in the South South and we appreciate him for that.

“Recall that in September 2023, we called on Wike not to doing anything or take any action that will be inimical to the interest of our party, the APC since he is coming from the PDP, and the North Central region. We are therefore happy that Wike has listened to our caution and has not done anything of such, but is rather doing things for the progress of the party and the region.

“As a result, we are therefore calling on all to thro their weight behind Wike and support the good work he is doing, so that it would spur him to greater effort,” he said.

Zazzaga stressed that their major interest is for the progress of the North Central and to fight for its advancements, rights and privileges, adding that it is for that reason they are fighting for their National Chairmanship position of the party which was agreed to be held by someone from the region to be revert back to the region from the North West where Abdullahi Ganduje who is currently occupying the position is from.

The Chairman called on all the party members from the region to pray for a successful outcome of their case with Ganduje on the issue which is coming up in court this Friday, 5 July, 2024.

Zazzaga also urged Nigerians in general to support President Bola Tinubu, Secretary to Government of the Federation, George Akume, all the ministers and those holding appointive positions so that they can excel in their responsibilities and deliver the dividends of democracy to the nation.

He urged the ministers not performing up to expectation to improve, adding that they will not hesitate to begin to call them out or urge the president to replace them.

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

Plateau youths, and media aides to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Saturday, organized an event to celebrate the 2024 Social Media Day.

The event, commenced with a walk from the Secretariate Junction Flyover Bridge to the Utonkon Flyover Bridge to sensitize citizens of the state on the importance of leveraging social media to highlight and support the developmental strides of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.

The Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, called on media aides and the Plateau public to use social media as a tool for fostering peace and unity within the state.

Bere used the event to enumerated the achievements of Governor Mutfwang over the past one year, which among other things includes,Rehabilitation of road networks in Jos Bukuru Metropolis and across other Local Government Areas of the state.

Others Bere said includes,; Acquisition of 15 metro buses to alleviate the effects of subsidy removal on citizens; Revitalization of the railway in the state and laying a solid foundation for the growth and development of the state’s economy and promoting transparency, accountability and inclusiveness in governance.

Bere also said the state government has signed an agreement for the rehabilitation of Hill Station Hotel to an appreciable standard and the construction of BOMO International Hospital in Bassa LGA, which are all aimed at reducing medical tourism abroad.

Bere appealed to citizens to embrace Governor Mutfwang’s urban renewal initiatives by adhering to Executive Order 003.

He clarified that this order is not targeted at any individual, ethnic group, or religion but is intended to make the Jos-Bukuru metropolis attractive to investors and habitable for all.

He further explained that the broader purpose of Executive Order 003, is to prevent Jos from deteriorating into a slum and a haven for criminal activities.

He underscored the need for collective support from all citizens for the seamless execution of the order.

Bere also urged the public to use social media positively in promoting government’s achievements for the greater good rather than disseminating negative content.

On his part, Datong Dominic Gwaman, Director General of Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA), appealed to citizens to harness social media for economic improvement and the well-being of people of the state.

He cautioned against the spread of fake news and encouraged the use of technology to foster peaceful coexistence.

Similarly ,Samuel Dapiya, Director General of Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA), urged the populace to leverage social media to promote good hygiene and health behaviors among citizens.

He highlighted the agency’s use of social media to inculcate Governor Mutfwang’s sanitary policies, aimed at reducing communicable diseases and maintaining a safe environment.

Also,Commissioner of Youth and Sports in the state, Hon. Bashir Lawandi, emphasized that youths are the greatest assets of a successful society.

He appealed to Plateau youths to utilize social media to create wealth and promote government’s policies for the benefit of the people.

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

Plateau state has launched it’s maiden State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMES) Policy at Banquent hall of Government House Rayfield Jos.

Speaking at the launch which had in attendance several small and Medium scales business owners in the state,Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau state said the lauch has set a precident for economic policy document and empowerment in the state.

According to him, the policy was designed to address unique challenges faced by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state and to unlock their full potentials to enable them contribute essentially to the socioeconomic development of the state.
Represented at the event by Secretary to the government of the state Arc. Samuel Jatau, Mutfwang said the event was a testament to his administration s resolve to provide enabling environment for business to thrive on the Plateau..
He said MSMEs policy document was a complete and comprehensive frame work that includes several key iniatives.

He added that Plateau state is the first state to domesticate the policy there by setting a precident for economic empowerment for it’s small and Medium Enterprises in the state

On his part, the Director General PLASMIDA Mr Wuyep said MSMES Policy document is a comprehensive road map document designed to boost small and Medium scales business on the Plateau and thanked Governor Mutfwang for his support towards the lauch of the document in the state to create room for ease of doing business on the Plateau.
Head of component, environment Reforms of GIZ Program Akin Omonware gave an overview of the policy objective, processes and implementation at the event.
He suggested for long term plan for the Project in Plateau rather than short term plan of the scheme for lasting results..
It would be recalled that Plateau state MSMES Policy adopts the new classification of enterprises as contained in the National Policy as it took cognizance of it’s uniqueness of the state MSMEs sub Sector.

The Plateau state Government policy on its Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises MSMEs 2024- 2027 is a 67 page document supported by sustainable and Inclusive economic development for decent employment in Nigeria – SEDIN and implemented by German cooperation and GIZ

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

Plateau State government has been charged to create
investment incentives, create industrial clusters and standardized markets/artisan hubs to create jobs and should ensure an organized environment, and drive development for business Community.

This charge was given in Jos o by Akin Omoware, the Head of Component, Business Enabling Environment, BEE/Investments and Sustainable Infrastructure of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit – Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development for Decent Employment in Nigeria, GIZ-SEDIN at Jos business Community meeting held at Jos business school Jos.

Omoware at an event titled: Engagement with Business Management Organizations, Media, and Civil Society Organizations in the area of the business environment and support to private advocacy meeting where an overview of the current business environment of the State was discussed.

He said unemployment is a major social and economic problem facing not just Plateau State but Nigeria with multi-dimensional implications hence the need to engage in reforms that would create jobs.

His words, “We have a very productive economy, we are trying to see how we can close the gaps and stimulate production. We can work collectively to help the MSMEs because they are those who start businesses and create jobs.

“The government is very elastic to create jobs. I am not sure the jobs at the federal agencies here, the University, schools, the State government, and local government are up to 100,000.

“The MSMEs are creating jobs in the formal and informal sectors but if we don’t create the environment there’s no way they will be able to do what they need to do. Recently companies have been shutting down because of some economic issues.

“Government has a role to play and to ensure that the environment is conducive and that the investors can come in and the MSMEs can put their ideas into use and form something from them to create jobs for others.”

According to him, , “Everybody knows the economic potential of Plateau and Nigeria generally. We have the resources, it is important to add value to these resources wherever we have the comparative advantage and create jobs for the youths,we should have industrial clusters where people could support one another to create wealth.”

On their part,the Director General of the Plateau State Micro-Finance Development Agency, PLASMIDA, Bonkam Wuyep, and the Centre Manager of Plateau State One-Stop Investment Centre,

Roseline Bentu explained the Plateau state government’s efforts at jobs and wealth creation.

Wuyep, represented by the Manager of Plateau Job Centre, Sapphira Chindaba, noted that MSMEs are the drivers of the economy but access to finance and markets have impeded the growth of the MSMEs so the Agency should helps in facilitating credit facilities to stabilize businesses and also guide artisans to access the Federal government survival funds.

Bentu added that the State government is focused on seeing the economy thrive which is why private businesses are supported through the opening of investment opportunities so they could complement the government’s efforts at creating jobs.

Other stakeholders at the event including owners of small businesses who discussed the role of advocacy in promoting a conducive business environment and supporting private sector development as well as how to improve collaborations for private sector advocates.
The one day program in Jos was organized by GIZ Jos area Office for the benefit of those in small scale and medium businesses in the state under it’s focal point officer Mrs Manklink.

Ogunewa Audu Jos

YIAGA Africa has called for credible and transparent local government elections in Plateau State forth Coming Local Government elections in the 17 LGAs of the state.

The Executive Director of YIAGA Africa Samson Itodo emphasized on the importance of punctuality, integrity, and independence in the electoral process.

Samson Itodo made this call on Monday in Jos in Plateau state during his visit to PLASIEC Headquarters.

He urged the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) to ensure that the forth coming election results truly reflect the will of the people and remain free from political interference.
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Speaking during a consultative meeting with the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, emphasized the need for the electoral body to meet voter expectations and uphold democratic principles.

He stated that “Voters expect election officials to be present at polling units early on election day to enable them to cast their votes adding that the results of the election must reflect the actual votes cast and that PLASIEC should Ensure that the outcome of the local Polls on the Plateau represents the will and aspirations of the people of Plateau.

Itodo stressed that the commission must maintain its independence and resist any attempts by political actors to interfere with the electoral process and outlined three critical tests for the commission which includes,: integrity, competency, and resilience.

“The commission must ensure that local government elections meet high standards of integrity,all officials managing the elections need to have the requisite capacity and competence, and the commission must withstand the challenges of conducting local elections, including security, economic, and political challenges.” He stressed.

Highlighting Yiaga Africa’s commitment to the electoral process in Nigeria and Africa,Itodo said, “As a civil society organization, Yiaga Africa will continue to support electoral commissions in Nigeria and across Africa. Our collaboration includes legal reviews to ensure electoral laws are consistent with the 2022 Electoral Act and initiatives to increase public interest and voter turnout in local government elections.”

On the calls for the abolition of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) by some Political actors and quarters within political circle s , Itodo argued against it, citing three main reasons:

“It is flawed to argue for the abolition of SIECs due to the trend of conducting coronations instead of elections.

According to him,Safeguarding the operational and financial independence of SIECs through legal means is crucial.

“Secondly, INEC has stated that it is overburdened with responsibilities.

He Added that the task of conducting local council elections would exacerbate this. Finally, how can people be advocating for local government autonomy and at the same time calling for centralization of it , is contradictory.

He suggested that Strengthening SIECs is essential for true local democracy.” He emphasized

In his own contribution remarks, Professor Nnamdi Aduba, a board member of Yiaga Africa, reiterated the importance of empowered state electoral commissions for genuine local democracy.

He stated, that “Federalism should be tailored to the specific history of a country.

“We are moving towards federalism, which entails decentralization.”

Aduba stressed the need for local involvement in elections and urged the commission to set a high standard.

Earlier in his welcome of address, the state PLASIEC Chairman, Mr. Plangji Cishak, reassured of his commission’s dedication to transparency and credibility, highlighting efforts to improve processes and meet global standards.

“One of the first signs of integrity is openness to scrutiny. We have not closed our doors to interventions or the media. The lives and destinies of close to six million people are our responsibility. We aim to set a standard for other independent commissions to follow.”Cishak stated.

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has gone into discussion with representatives from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group in a bid to attract investments at revitalizing the Plateau state’s industrial sector.

The Plateau GOvernor held the discussion with Dan Croft, Regional Industry Manager for Infrastructure in Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa at the weekend in Jos .

Governor Mutfwang during their meeting emphasized the need for partnerships to revive several legacy projects that have been abandoned in the state in order to put them back to productive use for the benefit of people of the State.

He specifically called for investments in the power sector, agricultural value chain, storage, irrigation systems and the revitalization of Jos Wildlife Park to boost tourism and generate revenue and as well the reconstruction of Jos Abattoir for meat processing and export.

Highlighting Plateau State’s favorable investment climate, Governor Mutfwang explained that the clement weather of the state, the hospitable nature of the people, and the institutional framework of his administration has put in place some of the factors that would support massive investments in the state.

He assured potential investors of a secure and conducive environment for their ventures.

The Regional Industry Manager Dan Croft on his part,expressed the International Financial Corporation’s interest in investing in Plateau State, noting that they would implement a proven investment model to ensure the state receives optimal and appropriate investments.

Both parties agreed to form a technical team to develop a framework and work out the modalities for the smooth commencement of investments in the state.

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

General TY Danjuma Rtd House built by Taraba state government at its Asokoro lodge in Abuja has been dedicated on Saturday with former Head of state General Yakubu Gowon in attendance with several Governors from middle belt and North East region of Nigeria.

The T.Y. Danjuma House was built at Taraba Governor’s lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, by the Government of Taraba State headed by Governor
Agbu Kefas.

The ceremony attracted notable Nigerian leaders, including the former Military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff and Defense Minister, Lt-General. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, GCON (Rtd) in whose honour the lodge was named.

Others were , former National Security Adviser, Gen. Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, Governor of Plateau state Barr Caleb Mutfwang, Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, among other dignitaries.