North Central APC warns Wike against actions inimical to party, region’s interest

Attai Audu Jos

The All Progressive Congress (APC) under the aegis of the North Central APC Forum has warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, against taking any actions or making any moves that would be inimical to the interest of the party or the North Central region.

Speaking in Jos the Plateau State capital yesterday after an emergency meeting to assess and review the election tribunal judgements and how the APC has fared so far, the forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, said all hands must be on deck to ensure that the party performs well at the court, wether tribunal, appeal and Supreme Court.

The Chairman said reports reaching them suggests that some appointive office holders like Wike are still playing double games, since he is part of the APC by appointment, while he still remains a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and that they gathered he is still backing the PDP in many of their endeavours and activities, particularly in the post election cases in the court.

He said it is high time Wike come out clean and take a stand on the party he really belongs to, otherwise should his actions runs contrary to that of the APC’s interest, they will not hesitate to initiate several actions against him, including legal action.

Otherwise, he said, as someone who is holding an appointive position of the APC, a Lawyer by profession and someone reputed for doggedly fighting political-legal battles right from Rivers State, he (Wike) should come out strong and be seen to be supporting and strategizing for victory for the candidates of the APC in the courts, at least in the North Central Region, under which the FCT falls.

Zazzaga further cautioned Wike against using his position as the FCT Minister to strategize for his own 2027 presidential ambition as some people are peddling in some quarters, saying that their forum will be watchful to make sure that his loyalty to the nation, the APC and President Bola Tinubu is complete first, without engaging in any tactics for self interest.

Also the Chairman advised Wike to be cautious in FCT demolition, land revocation and other administrative policies that will have negative outcome, as the North Central will be the first region to bear the brunt and take the full heat of any unpalatable occurence in the FCT.

He said the region is already going through a lot of challenges, including security, and they would not want anything to further aggravate the situation.

He called on all the APC leaders, supporters and members alike to support all their candidates pursuing legal post election matters in the courts so that they will come out victorious.

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.

Ethnicity And Religion Should Be Properly Utilized To Prevent Conflict.- Prof. Shedrack Best.

Okwuta Audu Jos

Plateau former Secretary to Goverment Professor Shedrack Best has declared that ethnicity and religion if not properly used can lead to conflicts when it becomes a basis for political, economic, or territorial competition.

According to him, ethnicity or religion, have often been used to differentiate between individuals and communities.

Professor Best in a thought-provoking perspective on ethnicity and religion at Samuel Kwamkur foundation program organised to mark this year’s International Peace Day in Jos,.

Professor Best delved into the historical context of identity and the role it has played in human history.

Best pointed out that identities, whether on the basis of ethnicity or religion, have often been used to differentiate individuals and communities.

Prof. Best explained that ethnicity is rooted in shared cultural traits, ancestry, historical experiences, and myths of descent.

He noted that religion serves as a powerful identity, but however saId its role in conflicts and violence has been a subject of debate. highlighted that religion can lead to conflicts when it becomes a basis for political, economic, or territorial competition.

Best highlighted that religion can lead to conflicts when it becomes a basis for political, economic, or territorial competition.

In the context of Africa, Prof. Gaya discussed ethnic conflicts and their historical background, including conflicts related to state-building and ideological conflicts during the Cold War era.

He pointed out that Nigeria, with its diverse ethnic and religious landscape, faces unique challenges related to ethnicity and religion.

He stressed that Nigeria has 374 ethnic groups, over 500 languages, and two dominant religions, making competition for resources based on ethnicity and religion prevalent.

He highlighted the influence of religious and ethnic boundaries on the dynamics of conflict and peace in different regions of Nigeria.

Prof. Gaya acknowledged that religion and ethnicity are not inherently divisive but are often exploited by selfish interests and politicians seeking to divide communities for their gain.

He emphasized the need for the state to play a moderating role in promoting unity and discouraging divisive narratives.

According to him, a significant effort should be made to promote peace and unity in Nigeria.

He commended the Kwamkur Samuel Foundation and Justice Peace Development for organizing the 2023 International Peace Day Outing.

On his part,Barrister Kwamkur Samuel Vondip, President of the Kwamkur Samuel Foundation,in his address of welcome at the event, thanked the attendees and highlighted the organization’s commitment to justice, peace, and development

He emphasized on three core activities such as : advocacy, education development, and empowerment/skill acquisition.

“The 2023 International Peace Day is Themed;” Actions for Peace; Our Ambition for the Global Goals.”

This theme is meant to spur Peace community, youth, critical stakeholders and indeed all peace lovers to take actions that will promote mutual respect, compassion and value for one another.

“We are to take actions that build reconciliation and understanding amongst our communities” He said.

“For our organization the KSF in Nigeria, we have decided to domesticate the theme with a Sub-Theme based on our peculiarity and present challenges.

The Sub-Theme; “The Misrepresentation of Religion and Ethnicity as obstacle for achieving peace in Nigeria”, is apt.While other nations struggles with Natural disasters and climate change as major challenge to Peace”

He also urged everyone present to take action in reducing the burdens faced by disadvantaged individuals, emphasizing that “If you cannot reduce their burden, do not add to it.”

The foundation has ambitious goals to remove hundreds of identified beneficiaries from the challenges they face by 2030.
Furthermore, Barrister Vondip announced the foundation’s plans to establish a Justice Peace radio station, mentorship, and training centers to expand its advocacy efforts. He encouraged citizens to use the radio and social media programs to voice their opinions and advocate for a better society and governance.


The keynote speaker, Professor Shedrack Gaya provided a thought-provoking perspective on ethnicity and religion. . He delved into the historical context of identity and the role it has played in human history. He pointed out that identities, whether based on ethnicity or religion, have often been used to differentiate individuals and communities.
Prof. Gaya explained that ethnicity is rooted in shared cultural traits, ancestry, historical experiences, and myths of descent. Similarly, religion serves as a powerful identity, but its role in conflicts and violence has been a subject of debate. He highlighted that religion can lead to conflicts when it becomes a basis for political, economic, or territorial competition.

In the context of Africa, Prof. Gaya Best touched on ethnic conflicts and their historical background, including conflicts related to state-building and ideological conflicts during the Cold War era, pointing out that Nigeria, with its diverse ethnic and religious landscape, faces unique challenges related to ethnicity and religion.

He stressed that Nigeria has 374 ethnic groups, over 500 languages, and two dominant religions, making competition for resources based on ethnicity and religion prevalent.

He highlighted the influence of religious and ethnic boundaries on the dynamics of conflict and peace in different regions of Nigeria.

Prof. Gaya also acknowledged that religion and ethnicity are not inherently divisive but are often exploited by selfish interests and politicians seeking to divide communities for their gain.

Professor Best emphasized on the need for the state to play a moderating role in promoting unity and discouraging divisive narratives.

Earlier Director of cooperate planning, Industrial Training Fund ,Mr. Abimbola James who represented the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) at the event, highlighted the connection between peace and employment saying “without peace, the acquisition of skills and education becomes challenging, leading to increased unemployment rates and hindering the nation’s growth”

He further stated that a nation’s greatness is measured by the level of poverty, emphasizing the importance of reducing poverty rates to improve the overall well-being of the country.

Similarly,Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Samuel Nanchang Jatau who represented the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang at the event, commended the Kwamkur Samuel Foundation for its efforts in promoting peace and unity in the state and urged all Nigerians to resist attempts to divide communities along religious and ethnic lines.

Also Mustapha Umar, Galadima of Wase,who represented His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto at the event, emphasized on the need for Nigerians to embrace diversity and promote love and unity.

He highlighted religion and ethnicity as elements that should unite people rather than divide them.

The event also saw the unveiling of the maiden advocacy magazine titled “Justice-Peace
.”

The magazine contains a summary of the foundation’s work since its inception in 2003 and addresses various challenges faced in society.

It serves as a platform for individuals to understand the foundation’s vision better, contribute resources, partner with the organization, or find inspiration for their own initiatives.

Brooks Consolidated Donates Books Worth N8.988.200.00 million to Plateau state University..

Attai Audu Jos

Brooks Consolidated Investments Limited has donated 252 volumes of Books worth N8,988,200.00 million to Plateau state University, Bokkos.

Brooks Consolidated Investments Limited Jos is a company that specializes in supplying of books and library essentials to Universities and research Institutes .

Managing Director of Brooks Consolidated Investments Limited Mr Sunday Jesmiel while Presenting the books to the Vice Chancellor of the state university, Professor Matur,said the books donation was a testament to his company’s enduring commitment to education and pursuit of knowledge.

According to him, his company was proud to be associated with Plateau state University which has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in education and research.

” The donation of these books to Plateau state University today,not only reflects our commitment to Corporate social responsibility and educational advancement,but also serves as a direct response to the urgent appeal made by the university ‘s Governing Council chairman and former Vice Chancellor, urging corporate entities and individuals with a sense of public duty to support the university “.

The books,the managing Director said were carefully selected to cover a wide range of subjects, to serve as valuable resources for students, researchers and faculty members alike..
He expressed the hope that they would inspire and empower them to explore new horizons, expand their knowledge and make ground breaking discoveries .
He reaffirmed his company’s commitment to supporting education and the academic community, saying together,they can strive for excellence, embrace lifelong learning and create a brighter future for all.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor of the University Professor Benard Matur, thanked Brooks Consolidated Investments Limited for their generous donation ” saying the University was grateful for their support and partnership.
He assured them that the University would make good use of the books and ensure their proper maintenance and called on other corporate bodies and individuals to emulate Brooks Consolidated Investments Limited and support Plateau state University in it’s quest for academic excellence.

Plateau: Mutfwang Felicitates With First Lady , Senator Oluremi Tinubu On Her 63rd Birthday.

Attai Audu Jos

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has
felicitated with the Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as she turns 63 years .

Muftwang In a statement issued through his Director of Press and public affairs Gyang Bere and made available to Oracle Reporters in Jos on Thursday morning, described the First Lady as a distinguished and patriotic Nigerian who has dedicated her life to selfless service.

According to Mutfwang, Senator Oluremi Tinubu is an inspiring testament to her unwavering commitment to both God and humanity.

Governor Mutfwang acknowledged Senator Tinubu’s steadfast support for her husband, His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, saying she has stood as a strong pillar throughout their shared journey.

He also lauded her relentless advocacy for the advancement and well-being of the girl child, as well as her unwavering commitment to promoting education for children, women, and the less privileged.

Governor Mutfwang noted with delight that as a Senator, she ardently championed the rights of the less privileged and tirelessly defended the rights of women and children, leaving an indelible mark on legislative matters.

Governor Mutfwang appreciated Senator Tinubu’s remarkable gesture of selecting Plateau State as the launchpad for distributing of relief and resettlement packages to 500 victims of security challenges through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

“This act of benevolence, continues to resonate deeply within the hearts of the people of Plateau State and their gratitude for her compassion knows no bounds”

Mutfwang extends the felicitations of his wife, Barr. Helen Mutfwang, the government, and the good people of his State to the Nigeria first Lady and prayed that God Almighty grants her strength, wisdom, good health and prosperous life as she marks her 63rd birthday.

.

Labour Party Youth Vanguard Warns Christian Youths In Politics Against Inciting Statements.

Attai Audu Jos

Labour Party Youth Vanguard has warned Christian Youths in Politics over its tirades which is capable of causing Political and religious crisis in Plateau state.

chairman of the group Comrade Dung Daweng Pam and Moses Mashingil the Co Convener of the group at a press conference in Jos , expressed worry on the allegations of Christian Youths In Politics Initiative against the presiding Justices of the national and state Assembly election Petition Tribunal sitting in Jos, Plateau state over recent rulings that nullified the elections of various offices which includes , the House of Representatives seat of Barkin ladi /Riyom federal constituency.

Comrade Pam noted that the actions of Christian Youths In Politics group has shown clearly to them that the Christian Youth group are a working tool in the hands of the wailing People’s Democratic Party in the state.

He wondered why true democrats would resort to self help to resolve an electoral dispute when there are clear constitutional channels to resolve such issues.

According to him, if the People’s Democratic party people on the Plateau believes in the rule of law as they have often trumpeted,they should have realized that it is better to appeal any judgement they don’t like than resort to the use of faceless groups with sinister motives to threaten to bring the entire state crashing down on every one.

” we hereby call on the members of the Christian Youths In Politics Initiative and their paymasters ,the PDP not to plunge Plateau state into crisis through Inciting and careless statements that have no place in any democracy ” Comrade DD Pam warns.

Tribunal: Plateau Youth Vanguards Threatens to Drag Justice MB Tukur Panel Before National Judicial Council (NJC) Over Unacceptance Judgements At Jos Tribunal.

Attai Audu Jos

Plateau youth Vanguard, an Umbrella body of Youth groups in Plateau state has threatened to petition Justice MB Tukur panel of three Justices before National Judicial Council ( NJC) for nullifying the elections of Senator Napoleon Bali, Reps Members Dachung Musa Bagos, Peter Gyengdeng and Reps Member Beni Lar at the ongoing sitting of National/State election Petition Tribunal in Jos, the Plateau state capital on grounds that PDP on whose platform they won their elections has no structure..

Leader of the Youth Vanguard Ambassador Duwam Bosco and Secretary Simon Dung Zi who made this threat while addressing newsmen in Jos, said the ruling Party in Plateau state which is the Peoples Democratic Party has solid structures on ground on the Plateau and wondered how Justice Tukur could quash the elections of 3 members of House of Reps and a Senator from Plateau state on grounds that these elected Representatives of the people of Plateau won their elections on the Platform of Peoples Democratic Party that had no structure.

Amb.Bosco hinted that the so called grounds for which Justice Tukur Panel 1 gave it’s judgement against the PDP Senator and 3 House of Reps Members were addressed by PDP leadership with the re- conduct of the party state congresses in September 2021 during which the state Chairman of the party Hon Chris Hassan and his Exco were elected under the supervision of INEC Officials and security personnels and was well documented for all concerned to crosscheck if the need arises.

” The video of the re conducted PDP state congresses was presented by PDP lawyers before Justice Tukur Panel,yet Tukur gave judgement against the elections of the PDP Representatives at National Assembly. This judgement which is anti Plateau People’s wishes will not stand the test of time” Amb Bosco stressed.

He added that at Jos South/ Jos East Federal constituency, Hon Bagos was re- elected with over one hundred thousand votes as a result of his outstanding performance at House of Representatives, stressing that they have the hope the Court of Appeal will right the wrong done by Justice Tukur’s Panel one which is contrary to the panel two judgement under Justice Williams.”

Amb Bosco added that the people of Plateau during 2023 took a position to pitch their tenth with the Peoples Democratic Party which resulted in the party winning the governorship seat, 2 Senatorship seats and 16 out of 24 seats of the state House of Assembly, warning that what APC could not secure at the polls, let no Tribunal handlers be manipulated to give them through the back door. Amb Bosco warned.

Plateau: Labor Party Hails Victory of It’s Two House Of Reps.Candidates At Jos Election Petition Tribunal.

Attai Audu Jos


Plateau state acting chairman of labour party comrade Mike Audu has commended national and state election petition tribunal sitting in Jos for declaring two of it’s members Engineer Form Dalyop Chollom and Alfred Eliya Ajang as winners of Jos East /Jos south federal constituency election and that of Riyom/ BarkinLadi federal constituency respectfully .

Comrade Audu while addressing newsmen in Jos on Tuesday over the current political development on the Plateau,commended the doggedness of Chollom and Ajang for having faith in the Nigerian Judicial system and thanked the tribunal judges for their honesty and integrity who saw them dispensing justice.

He hoped that very soon their plateau North senatorial candidate Barr Gyang Zi will reclaim his own mandate from the court of appeal

Audu however, said his party has noted with shock and dismay the behaviors of PDP and it’s stalwarts insulting, intimidating and threatening the judiciary for been fair and just in administering justice without fair or favour in the state.

” It is worthy of note that impunity and ego have dealt a deadly blow to the PDP on the Plateau and that instead of looking inwards trying to free themselves from self inflicted legal wounds, the party choose to go berserk threatening not only legal luminaries but respected and revered senior Judges as well.”

According to him, the genesis of PDP problem started as far back as 2021 when they were excluded from participating in the local government elections in the state due to non compliance with court orders.

According to him, from 2021 till date instead of PDP addressing it’s self inflicted wounds, they rather resorted to disobeying court orders.

He urged labour party supporters on the Plateau and plateau people at large to remain calm and peaceful while they await the judgement of the court of appeal.

Plateau: Governor Mutfwang Uncovers Activities Of Merchants Of Conflict On The Plateau.


*Calls On Citizens to Join His Administration to Build Strong And United Plateau.

By Okwuta Audu Jos


Plateau state governor Barr. Caleb Mannase Mutfwang has raised an
alarm over what he called activities of some people who are busy conspiring to scuttle the relative peace the people of his state are enjoying, vowing that his government will not allow them to succeed in their nefarious activities .

Governor Mutfwang in a state broadcast made to the people of his state in Jos, called on them not to allow themselves to be provoked in to making unguarded statements that could over hit the polity .

According to him, ” we must allow the lawful grievance resolution mechanism to be brought to a logical conclusion in an atmosphere devoid of threat or tension as some of their saboteurs would love .

He urged the youths on the Plateau not to allow people with unexplained wealth to instigate them into violence, saying” these are people who occupy positions of honor but are actually dishonourable as their dubious wealth has not brought them the honour the craved for, hence they have resolved to seek the distibilization of our dear state.”

Mutfwang warned that doing the bidding of such miscreants mistaken for honorables will ruin the people’s God given potentials and destiny.

He urged plateau citizens to flee from such leaders who preach and scheme evil, warning that they must not allow the modest gains made in the last three months to be scuttled by a few rascals in their midst who found themselves in positions of honor they do not deserve

On the current political development in his state, Governor Mutfwang appeal for calm and restraint, calling on the people of his state not to pay attention to merchants of distabilization on the Plateau who are bent on reversing the gains made so far by his administration.

” As chief security officer of plateau state, let me sound a note of warning, that l will not tolerate any attempt at unsettling the peace of our dear state and hereby call on any individual or groups involved in such conspiracies to desist forthwith”

He directed security agencies to investigate various leads to track down the sponsors of crime and to promptly deal with any criminal tendencies.

Mutfwang also charged the people of his state to maintain their focus on the part of unity, peace and development.

He appreciated the unwavering support he has enjoyed since assumption of office as he has never been under any illusion that he could run the state on his own capacity alone

According to him, rebuilding the state requires collective action, advising they must be intentional and united in purpose towards building a prosperous plateau where everyone will dare to dream and succeed

“Let me restate that the principles of equity, fairness and justice would continually be our watchwords” promising that his government shall continually be fair to all in respective of party, ethnic or religious affiliation in the state.

He promised to leave indelible marks, build on the successes of the past administration and set a new performance measurement standard for successive leaders on the Plateau.

Plateau : Mutfwang Government Urged To Revamp Technical, Vocational Centres in Plateau.

Hon. Nannim Joseph Langyi

By Okwuta Audu Jos

Member representing Langtang North, North state constituency at Plateau State House of Assembly Hon. Nannim Joseph Langyi has called on his state government to as matter of urgency revamp technical and vocational education in Plateau state .

According to him, skills development for decent work and livelihood is key to sustainable peace and stability of any nation.

He stressed that equipping youths with relevant knowledge and right attitude to work will make them self sufficient and not to depend on white collar jobs which is not even available.

Langyi stated this while presenting a motion on the floor of the Plateau House of Assembly.

He argued that the rate of unemployment among the youths in the state is quite alarming as a result of government neglecting technical and vocational education.

“It is a known fact that Plateau state Government through the ministry of science and technology has established a parastatal under the ministry of education called Relevant Technology board with six training centres located in Laranto, Kwal, Pankshin, Wase, Langtang North and Quaanpan, and Laranto in Jos North LGA, as science equipment production centres but have suffered neglect and in dire need of government intervention.

He calle on the state government to urgently revamp all the neglected technical and vocational centres and make them functional for the teeming youths of the state who desire to acquire skills that will make them self employed and contribute their quota to the socio-economic development of the state.

Responding, the Speaker of the Plateau state House of Assembly Moses Sule mandated the House committee on technical and vocational education to carry out oversight function with the view to visit the neglected centres and report back to the House so that they can present it to the executive for immediate action.

TEXT OF A PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER HELD AT THE PARTY’S STATE SECRETARIAT, KALWA HOUSE ON FRIDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER, 2023.

VICTORY OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) AT THE NATIONAL AND STATE ASSEMBLY ELECTION PETITIONS TRIBUNAL: A PRODUCT OF FAIR, JUST AND SOUND JUDICIAL VERDICTS.

The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Plateau State Chapter has been drawn to some reckless press statements by the Plateau State Chapter of the PDP and obviously State-sponsored protests aimed at distracting and diverting attention by whipping up ill-motivated sentiments against Judges of the Election Petitions Tribunal in the State.

That these are coming in the wake of the fair, firm and just pronouncements of the First Tribunal, which declared some APC and LP National Assembly candidates victorious, smacks of sheer mischief and blackmail.

We are thus compelled, as bona fide citizens of Plateau State, to react to these spurious allegations and feeble bravados and vituperations by a pack of self-serving individuals and groups whose desperation for power has reached high pitch.

We cannot shy away from reacting to the unfolding political developments in view of the fact that some leaders of our Party are being blackmailed as a deliberate means of giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it.

We hasten to remark here that the unconscionable press statements and protests are regular pastime of these known enemies of peace and democracy in the State. On the whole, their premeditated and pre-emptive actions are a crass exhibition of unnecessary apprehension and prejudice!

The PDP which is obviously behind these ugly developments is disreputed for its hypocritical posture of playing the religious and ethnic card in causing disaffection and nauseating division within the ranks of unsuspecting citizens of the State.

Nothing can be more divisive than its recent allegation that these respected and peace-loving leaders of our great Party are interfering with the activities of the high-heeled Tribunals even when opposite is the case. This amounts to crying wolf where there is none!

However, it is important to state that before the Justice B.M. Tukur-led Tribunals meticulous, fair and just pronouncements, there were previous judgments by the Second Tribunal presided over by Justice Rotimi Williams who ruled against the APC and Labour Party in spite of overwhelming evidence and established position of the law.

Interestingly, in our usual propensity for respect of Court Orders and judicial decisions, though dissatisfied with the judgments, we accepted them in good faith without raising any dust, but preferring instead, to appeal such judgments at the Appeal Tribunal as constitutionally stipulated.

No doubt, it is a shame that the PDP-led Government in the State, as a pre-emptive move and organised mischief is involved in mobilizing hoodlums to harass and intimidate Tribunal judges ahead of the remaining judgments.

In particular, the sponsored protest of yesterday Thursday 14th September, 2023 in Jos by a faceless and self-styled pro-democracy group which calls itself Coalition of Ethnic Youths under the leadership of one Habila Gamji, is simply another crude means of gagging and blackmailing the judiciary and cajoling the judges to abdicate their constitutional responsibilities.

They have even gone further to begin mobilization of their supporters to assemble at the premises of the Jos High Court on the day the Governorship election petition would be disposed of. These are rather a design by a pack of anti-democratic forces hired to truncate our democracy.

We however, thank the authentic Coalition of Plateau Indigenous Ethnic Youth Groups which has, through a press statement of September 14th 2023, signed by its P.R.O Dama Simon Yonmi and Comrade Dekete Paul (for Chairman), dissociated itself from the said protest. This is a further vindication of our position that the protest is ill-conceived.

It is also, indeed, senseless in this democratic clime that the PDP, with its well-known bad democratic credentials, is already choosing which judgment to obey and which one to disrespect. This is much apart from the folly displayed here with the sole aim of scaring the learned Justices from discharging their mandates!

The invariably sinister posture of the PDP and the Plateau State Government is not any different from the earlier sponsored “All Eyes on the Judiciary” protests which featured ahead of the 6th September, 2023 pronouncement of the Presidential Election Petition Court. It is a fact that protests and demonstrations do not give justice; on points of law, only facts and evidence give justice.

It is our candid opinion that heaven will certainly not fall if the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal decides in favour of the APC against the irritant PDP. The demonising and insinuations against the APC should therefore stop forthwith. After all, the PDP’s dismal performance in governance for the past three months is not anything to cheer.

It is most lamentable that a Government which came to power under the mantra of a so-called and deceptive green movement would arbitrarily demolish democratic structures like the elected Local Government Councils under the guise of a trumped-up and sweeping corruption allegations which it has not been able to prove.

Furthermore, the same administration has contemptuously refused to respect Court injunction which ordered it to maintain status quo and allow the elected Local Government officials to function pending the determination of the case between the State Government and the Chairmen.

The illegal appointment of so- called Transition Implementation Committee Chairmen to replace the elected Chairmen has led to very avoidable crises including the dragging of the Inspector General of Police to court for opening the offices for the elected Chairmen to function, a development which has ostensibly pitched the State Government against the Federal Government which it has been rushing to cap-in-hand.

Nothing can be more threatening to democracy than when political parties and Government which are supposed to be guardians of democratic norms embark on sponsoring ill-motivated protests against judicial decisions and judgments.

While calling on the Tribunal Judges to remain resilient, focused and committed to their responsibility of dispensing law and justice, we assure them that nothing untoward will emanate from all law-abiding members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State and well meaning Plateau citizens.

We wish to further affirm that as firm believers in constitutionalism, democracy and the rule of law, we shall do everything possible to ensure that justice takes its full course. Against this backdrop, we strongly advise the PDP to seek redress at the Court of Appeal if it feels dissatisfied with any judicial outcome.

Finally, we call on the Federal Government and security agencies to quickly intervene in the current attempt to plunge the State into another needless and avoidable cycle of violence and mayhem by especially arresting the ringleaders and perpetrators of these induced protests.

Our hard-earned democracy should not be allowed to be sacrificed on the altar of bad politicking by some desperate and selfish politicians such as the ones we are witnessing in our present clime.

We also call on well-meaning citizens of this great State to discountenance the antics of desperate politicians who resort to whipping up ethnic and religious sentiments to cause confusion and generate bad blood amongst its peace-loving citizens.

Signed:

Hon. Sylvanus Namang,
APC State Publicity Secretary

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