The Transition Implementation Committee Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State Hon. Markus Artu has assured People of the entire Council Area of better days ahead under the Barr. Caleb Mutfwang administration in the state.
The Council Boss, gave the assurance on Thursday 14, September during the continuation of the distribution of food items to victims of persistent attacks in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau.
The continuation of the distribution of food items to the to IDPs which took place at the Mangu Warehouse was witnessed by religious and traditional leaders, as well as stakeholders of the Council Area.
While flagging off the second phase of the distribution, the representative of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mr Eugene Nyelong, said the programme is a continuation of the distribution flagged off by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as NEMA has already carried out the first Phase of the the distribution of food items to the Internally Displaced Persons in Mangu LGA.
The gesture according to the NEMA representative, is aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Victims and said NEME will also support the Plateau State state government in the resettlement of IDPs back to their ancestral communities.
The Mangu Internally displaced Persons through their Chairman Mr Zachariah Hosea, appreciated the Mangu TIC Chairman and NEMA, for reaching out to them and pleaded with the government to make arrangements for them to return to their homes.
While also appreciating NEMA for their continued support, the Mangu TIC Chairman Hon. Markus Artu, on behalf of the council area said a Committee is already on ground to ensure that the items are distributed equitably to the victims .
The items distributed include bags of rice, beans, maize Gari and mattress among others.
Pilgrimage: Easter Christian Pilgrimage Commences On September 18th This Month- NCPC Boss
Joshua Audu Jos
The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission ,Rev Yakubu Pam has disclosed that his Commission would commence the completion of the 2023 Easter Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan on the 18th of September, this month.q
Rev Pam made this known during a press briefing with newsmen at NCPC Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on the preparation towards having a hitch free Pilgrimage exercise.
The NCPC helmsman explained that the Easter pilgrimage exercise of the Commission was put on hold due to operational reasons.
He further disclosed that the intending pilgrims from Bayelsa, Lagos, Imo FCT, and self sponsored pilgrims had been mobilized for the exercise.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the commencement of the completion of the Easter pilgrimage exercise.
He further lauded the No 1 citizen of the country for his support to the Commission.
The NCPC boss seized the opportunity provided by the interactive session with the media to congratulate President Bola Tinubu for his victory at the Presidential Election court tribunal which validated his victory from the 25th February presidential election.
According to him,”the victory of the President is the victory for all Nigerians and lovers of democracy “.
He commended the judiciary for their tenacity and boldness to deliver such landmark judgment.
The NCPC boss also commended the opposition presidential candidates for seeking redress in the court and urged them to demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship and accept defeat in good faith so that the country could move forward.
Rev Pam also hinted that the Commission intends to partner with the Federal Ministry of Tourism to develop and promote Christian holy sites in the country.
He averred that the country has some important Christian holy sites which should be developed for in-bound tourism.
He further explained that during the courtesy visit of the new minister of Tourism, Ms Lola-Ade John to NCPC recently, she sorted for the collaboration of the Commission with her ministry in actualizing that feat.
As it has turned out, he was very eager, in a great hurry, to set to work. That was what had informed the adoption of this catchphrase for the government from the onset: THE TIME IS NOW.
There is a ring of urgency about that now. Therefore, there would neither be delay nor procrastination for there was too much that had been left unattended to that needed to be done. That was why he made this solemn pact with the Plateau people on that fateful day of May 29, 2023: “We know you are expecting much from us. Today, it is not just my inauguration; it is our inauguration as it marks the beginning of our collective quest for a new Plateau”.
No doubt, the governor has set out in earnest towards living up to those noble words, now cast in stone. That is, despite the debilitating challenges he met on the ground in the first one hundred days of the emergence of THE TIME IS NOW administration.
Insecurity
Insecurity was the number one problem confronting the State when Governor Mutfwang assumed office. Thus, only two days after his swearing-in, he visited Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Riyom and Mangu local government areas. That visit gave hope and confidence to the already despondent women and children who were abandoned for years in the IDP camps and he reassured them of the commitment of his administration to address their plights.
Plateau citizens and indeed the entire country still recall the massacre of more than 100 people that took place in some parts of Mangu Local Government Area on May 15, 2023. Others have since followed in Heipang and Kwi, among others.
The governor did not mince words about this ugly state of affairs when he assumed office. During his inauguration, he put these attacks in proper perspective and outlined the direction his government would take in bringing them to a definite end: “It is an undeniable fact that much blood has been shed on the Plateau for close to two decades now which has retarded the pace of our development. The time has come and The Time is Now, when we MUST say enough is enough,” he had declared.
“We must break this vicious cycle of hate and attacks and refuse to allow people to brand us negatively. That is not who we are. They even labelled such genocide as farmers/herders clash to the chagrin of the whole world. I wish to assure you that the government under my watch will be committed to peaceful coexistence and will work assiduously to secure the boundaries of Plateau State. Criminal elements/invaders hell-bent on destruction will be decisively dealt with.”
That was the first time in the last eight years that the government was taking such a tough and decisive stance against such carnage that had almost become a daily routine in some parts of the State. Moreover, it took no small courage for the governor to officially debunk, for the first time, the familiar narrative that had gained ground during the previous administration that what was happening in the State was a conflict between farmers and herders.
It was in the light of these that he interfaced with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who graciously gave him a listening ear and promised to do everything possible to help out.
The governor also had a one-on-one interactions with the National Security Chiefs when he visited the Defence and Army headquarters in Abuja on July 12, 2023. As a result, he extracted their firm commitment towards stepping up the campaigns, both kinetic and non-kinetic, against the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.
One of the outcomes of such initiatives was the relocation of the GOC, 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Jos, who also doubles as the Commander, Operation Safe Haven, OPSH, to Mangu in the wake of the May 15 attacks. The presence of the other arms of the security apparatus was also beefed up in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bassa local government areas.
During the August 21, 2023, meeting with Plateau Elders, Governor Mutfwang expressed his gratitude and shed more light on the results of these high-level interactions: I want to thank Mr. President and the Security Chiefs because they immediately swung into action and I want to particularly salute the new GOC and Commander of the Operation Safe Haven who came and demonstrated professionalism and didn’t stay in his air-conditioned office for close to a week, he was commanding the troops from the front.
As a further mark of the administration’s commitment to practically confront the hydra-headed monster of insecurity head-on, the governor has convened four Security Council meetings in the last three months. The fourth was held on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. These meetings are very crucial and strategic because they assess current situations on the ground and proffer immediate and long-lasting solutions, among others.
The State Government is further boosting the security architecture of the State by revitalizing the moribund State-owned security outfit, Operation Rainbow. The nation’s relevant security agencies would be fully involved in retraining its personnel. The governor has likewise appointed an experienced and renowned expert on Security and Homeland Safety, Brigadier-General Gakji Shipi (retired) as Special Adviser on Security to guide him appropriately in that very sensitive area.
The administration has unveiled the State Security and Information Center where citizens report security concerns through a toll-free line. It has provided an opportunity for the government to get prompt information on burning security issues in rural communities for swift intervention.
It has also set in motion policies towards ameliorating the conditions of the thousands of people forced out of their ancestral lands by the attacks and are currently living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and homes of friends and relatives within and outside the State.
On July 12, 2023, Governor Mutfwang visited the headquarters of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Abuja where he made a strong case for the welfare of the IDPs. Based on the promises made by the Director-General, Mustapha Habib Ahmed, some relief materials have started trickling into the State. It is hoped that, soon, the tempo will pick up so that the victims of these attacks can get succour pending their relocation to their ancestral homes.
Also, the Agricultural Services Training Company (ASTC) has been fully mobilized to farming communities in Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas to assist the farmers in continuing with the farming season which was abruptly interrupted by these attacks. Deploying 29 tractors, about 900 hectares of land have already been ploughed. This intervention is fully complemented by the security provided by the agro-rangers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Plans are underway to increase the quantum of land and extend the exercise into the dry season to enable farmers to continue to ply their trade even after the rains cease. Subsequently, the Plateau Agricultural Development Project, PADP, and other related government agencies have joined in these efforts.
The governor also undertook an official visit to the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in Abuja. He drew the Agency’s attention to the urgent need to fund schools that have been adversely affected by the conflicts in the State. Most of the schools have been destroyed and others turned into shelters for IDPs.
Unwieldy debt burden/civil servants’ strike and welfare
When the governor assumed office and critically looked at the true state of things, he realized that the situation was far worse than he and his team had imagined. The rot was so deep and widespread in the civil service that government documents were being typed and photocopied at business centres, not minding their levels of confidentiality.
Upon that, civil servants were owed salaries of five months, amounting to over N11 billion, which was one of the reasons that had forced them to proceed on strike. Worst of all, there was an unwieldy debt profile of over N300 billion and many other outstanding financial obligations hanging on the neck of the State government.
The Plateau State Polytechnic was on the brink of collapse as almost all of its courses were long overdue for accreditation. The State government had to source the required N200 million to bail it out. The Mutfwang administration had to raise close to N300 million to save the Plateau State University from having the accreditation of some of its core programmes withdrawn.
At inception on May 29, civil servants who had been on strike insisted that their February and March arrears must be paid before they could call off the strike. When the government met this demand, they resumed work. As we speak, the backlog of June salaries has been paid and it is expected that in a week, the July backlog will be completed and that of August will commence. The State government is certain of continuous and seamless payments because it already has July and August salaries in the bank. Clearing the backlog of salaries, and pension arrears is also on course.
Environment
Plateau State was once reputed to be one of the cleanest and most orderly States in the country, along the line, things changed as refuse heaps became a common sight in the Jos city centre, its environs and all over the State.
By the time Mutfwang assumed leadership on May 29, 2023, the entire State was choked with rubbish and chaos became the order of the day in our communities, our roads and streets. As a result, the government immediately declared a state of emergency on the environment.
Some appreciable level of sanity, cleanliness and orderliness was restored as the government galvanized the moribund environmental sanitation machinery of government into action. Refuse disposal trucks did battle with the mountains of refuse that had piled up in the Jos/Bukuru metropolis and other parts of the state. The administration also reintroduced the monthly sanitation exercise which the governor personally supervised. This has had very commendable outcomes.
Citizens still remember the road accidents caused by pothole-infested roads that led to the loss of lives in the Jos metropolis and outlying towns. To curb this dangerous trend, the State government has commenced work on the maintenance of roads in the Jos/Bukuru metropolitan area.
Potholes are being patched and overlaid with asphalt to facilitate free movement of traffic. At the moment, the deep potholes that dotted the Polo Roundabout road to the Police Headquarters have been fixed. Likewise, those at the Gold and Base Roundabout, Rayfield, Dadin Kowa, DB Zang junction Bukuru expressway, Gada Biyu to Farin Gada in Jos among many others. Full maintenance work will be adequately carried out after the rains cease.
Traditional institutions/Plateau elders
At the inception of this administration, the State’s royal fathers, under the aegis of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, paid Governor Mutfwang a courtesy call. Led by their Chairman, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, these custodians of the people’s cherished cultures and traditions urged the governor to remain focused on leading citizens; prayed that the measures he had put in place to curb the security challenges worked; and pledged their support to always offer wise counsel to enable the State to regain its lost glory as The Home of Peace and Tourism.
On that auspicious occasion, the governor had told the royal fathers: “We have high regard for you as individual royal fathers and collectively as a Council. Therefore, we will always consider you as fathers of the land and always turn to you for wise counsel whenever necessary.”
To further buttress this fact, he reiterated that their attendance at the August 21, 2023 meeting was yet another testimony that the State government can always approach them for their sagely and fatherly advice on burning matters of the State whenever the need arises. He assured the elders that he would strive at all times to keep all channels of communication open between both sides so that whenever they feel they have the necessary input to make, they can reach out.
Appointments/retreat and onboarding
The quality and nature of a government’s appointees determine its success or otherwise because they are the drivers of State policy. Governor Mutfwang had set his mind on using young and vibrant technocrats to drive his THE TIME IS NOW agenda. It is these well-motivated and vibrant Young talents that have been propelling the machinery of the State in the last 100 days.
To further enhance their capacity, a six-day retreat and onboarding was organized for them beginning on August 18, 2023, at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, Plateau State. In the end, participants resolved to improve funding to meet the demands of the State by exploring alternative sources of funding, reducing the cost of governance and improving revenue generation for effective project funding.
They also agreed to practice inclusivity and mainstream gender in all government policies and programmes and rise above the years of socio-economic, political and security struggles, build on the legacies of Plateau founding fathers and attain a clear identity to ensure holistic comprehension of THE TIME IS NOW mantra, among others.
Surely, they came away from that retreat with renewed vigour and determination to ensure the attainment of set objectives to take the State out of its present quagmire.
Conclusion
Granted, Governor Mutfwang has personally admitted that the situation his administration inherited was far worse than he expected. But he has so far demonstrated that he did not allow such a bleak reality to dampen his initial resolve to restore to Plateau State its lost glory.
That much he has amply proven in the first 100 days of his administration. On that score, it would not be amiss to declare that, for Plateau people, the next four years promise to bring showers of sustainable peace and giant leaps in economic and social progress. THE TIME IS NOW to build a united and prosperous Plateau.
Gyang Bere is the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
Dr Paul Enenche, pastor David majiyabo and the entourage welcoming the general overseer at arrival at Yakubu Gowon airport Jos plateau state.
By Attai Audu Jos
The general overseer of Dunamis international gospel center Dr Paul Enenche has Dedicated 3 new Dunamis Church Branches in Plateau state to the glory of God.
The 3 dedicated church sanctuaries are located at Rayfield Jos, Dunamis Church Headquarters at Alheri Jos and Bassa LGA of the state and one other in Jos .
,Dr Enenche Private Jet landed at Jos Heipang Airport on Sunday evening and he was received by the Zonal Regional pastor of the Church Pastor David majiyabo who led other PFN Pastors and Plateau top Goverment officials .
Plateau top Goverment officials were at the Airport to honor Dr Enenche, his Wife Dr Becky Enenche and his entourage.
Dr Paul Enenche and wife Dr Becky Enenche and pastor David majiyabo at the Yakubu Gowon airport in Jos after arrival for the dedication of the the church in Jos
Speaking in an interview with news men on arrival, Dr Enenche said he was in Jos to Dedicate 3 church Sanctuaries unto God and to release the glory of God upon the land of Plateau state.
According to him, his coming to Jos would among other things enable him to launch attack on the forces of darkness and send them from their realm back to the kingdom of darkness and release God’s agenda upon the land of Plateau..
Dr Paul Enenche playing drums and dancing to the glory of God at the reception at the Yakubu Gowon airport Jos plateau state.
On current economic hardship in the country, the General overseer of Dunamis International Gospel Center Abuja,said his church has done what could do over the years to assist the less privileged in the society .
Dr Enenche noted that Nigerian economy had been in bad shape for a very long time and urged the people not to give up but rely on God to right the wrongs in the Nation and System
He advised those in leadership to know that a day is coming that they stand in judgement before the judge of the universe that can not be compromised to give account of their stewardship.
According to him, Dunamis has been in the place of prayer for the nation and trusting the Lord for a very big intervention in the way only him can do, stressing that as a church, they will keep on praying and in what ever little way they could be of assistance or help to cushion the effects of the hardship on the people,they would continue to offer.
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Pastor Dr Paul Enenche having a discussion with pastor David majiyabo during his arrival of the dedication of the 3 centuary in Jos plateau state.Dr Paul Enenche in an interview with journalists on arrival at the Yakubu Gowon airport in Jos plateau state.
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The programme for the dedication of the church at rayfiel, Bassa, and alheri The general overseer Dr Paul Enenche who dedicate the church said he dedicate it to the glory of God.
A team of Agric.experts with the support of Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development have met with stakeholders of the Nigerian Fishery and Aquaculture sector in Abuja and sought for more contributions from the stakeholders before finalizing the policy draft, validating and launching it to operate from 2024 to 2028.
This first ever Fishery and Aquaculture Policy for Nigeria (2024-2028) is being developed by the former Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) supported by the International Food Policy Research Institute as part of National Policy Strategies (NPS) of the One CGIAR Initiative in collaboration with WorldFish and Agricultural Policy Research Network (APRNet).
During the workshop, concerns were raised about where the new Policy on Fishery and Aquaculture being drafted should be domiciled and where the Fishery and Aquaculture Division will be situated in view of the creation of two new Federal ministries relevant to the divisions and the policy.a
Speaking to newsmen after the event, the Policy Drafting Team Lead, Professor Anthony Ojonimi Onoja, a Professor of Resource and Environmental Economics at the University of Port Harcourt and a Professor Extraordinarius at the University of South Africa, who also is the President of Agricultural Policy Research Network (APRNet) bore his mind on the matter.
According to Professor Onoja , there is no better time to properly situate the Fishery and Aquaculture Division and the new policy on aquaculture and fishery than now.
Professor Onoja advocated for the divisions of Fishery and Aquaculture to be moved into the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy where these divisions can optimize their potentials in propelling economic growth and development of the blue economy.
According to him, Aquaculture and fisheries are both operated in marine and other blue resources (freshwater) such as lakes, rivers, pools and ponds) and in oceans too.
“Given that the new Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security needs to focus more on food crops and livestock as well as their derivatives’ supplies to ensure food and nutrition security in the country, the fishery and aquaculture sub-sector risks being crowded out under this ministry” saying already this sub-sector is financially marginalized.
He hinted that the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of His Excellency, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken the bold initiative of building a new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and charged President Tinubu to use this Ministry as a launch pad for optimal drive to achieve the aspirations of his declaration of a State of Emergency in the Nigerian Food sector.
Professor Onoja noted that It would also be more expedient for the new Policy on Fishery and Aquaculture for 2024-2028 that is already at an advanced stage of its drafting be domiciled under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Speaking on the same issue Dr Ebinimi Ansa, the National President of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) and a member of the Fishery and Aquaculture Drafting Team held that “the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is a giant step in the right direction that will lead to creating jobs, providing blue foods from the Fisheries and Aquaculture resources and sustaining livelihoods of their fishers and fish farmers.
” At this time therefore, it is pertinent that the Honourable Minister ensures that a full fledged Department of Marine Fisheries Resources and Aquaculture be created in the Ministry with full compliments of Professionals to work in the Department and ensure that the new National Policy on Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024 – 2028 is given attention and implemented. ‘”
According to him, the policy document covering all areas of Fisheries and Aquaculture provides all that is needed to move the Sector forward with an increased number of value chains that will see a wide variety of indigenous home grown fish species, processed and packaged on our market shelves and on our plates.
“Diversification of the aquaculture production of fin and shellfish species, sea weeds and other marine foods would also be considered as activities to be promoted by the Ministry. “
“In addition, the Ministry through her Research Institutions should explore the possibility of fish cage farming as an energy and water saving system for fish production in the Blue Economy. He stressed
North Central Youth Coalition an NGO from North Central Nigeria has canvassed for additional Ministerial Slot for Plateau state to give room for one of the Youths from the state emerge as a Minister under the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The group norminated Hyacinth Horvel Turnoe , from Plateau State for the position.
The North Central coalition Youth group at a press conference in Jos on Thursday said they are unanimous in their demand that additional Ministerial Slot should be given to Plateau State since the current minister of Labour from the state Simon Lalong was chosen as a result of his role as Director General of the Tinubu Presidential Campaign Organization .
National Coordinator of the group, Engr. Julius Inedu, who hails from Benue state, said the President Tinubu having satisfied political considerations by appointing Lalong as a minister, he can nominate another minister from the state based purely on technical competence and capacity to serve as Minister of Youths in the country.
According to him, President Tinubu needs a strong youth mobiliser to galvanise the youths in the country, stressing that after careful consideration on who best fits the description, the youths in North Central Nigeria, have come to the conclusion that it is not other person than Mr Turnoe.
Reeling out previous efforts of Mr Turnoe, the youths recalled that he has been a great asset in mobilising the youths to develop their skills and talents through various interventions which he had both personally sponsored and helped organise in the state.
As the deputy director of security and Intelligence Youth & Women Presidential Campaign Council 2019, the youths described Turnoe as a great contributor to the youth support the APC is enjoying through his advocacy for productivity and profitable engagements among the youths.
“His tenure as Director of Operations for Good Governance Ambassadors of Nigeria and his involvement in diverse political and leadership capacities affirm his dedication to a holistic approach to national development.
“His dedication to youth development, as evidenced by his association with the Youth Sport Federation of Nigeria and his leadership of the Horvel Prime Football Academy, underscores his fervent commitment to nurturing the latent potential of our nation’s youth,” the group’s coordinator stated.
He maintained that as a graduate of Georgetown University, Harvard University, and the Israel International Security Academy, Mr. Turnoe comes as well equipped to help Mr. President achieve his vision for the youths in Nigeria.
Engr. Inedu urged the President not to miss the opportunity of adding value to his cabinet with the nomination of Mr. Turnoe as minister saying that it is the right thing to do as far as youths in the country are concerned.
As search for a suitable minister of youths intensifies, youths in North Central Nigeria have called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to consider Mr. Hyacinth Horvel Turnoe, from Plateau State for the position.
The youths at a media parley in Jos, under the aegis of the North Central Youths Coalition said they are unanimous that the position should go to Plateau State given that the current minister representing the state, Simon Lalong was chosen because of his role as Director General of the Tinubu Presidential Campaign Organizations.
National Coordinator of the group, Engr. Julius Inedu, who hails from Benue state, said the President, having satisfied political consideration by appointing Lalong as minister, can now nominate another minister based purely on technical competence and capacity.
He said the President needs a strong youth mobiliser to galvanise the youths in the country into action and that after careful consideration on who best fits the description, the youths in North Central Nigeria, have come to the conclusion that it is not other than Turnoe.
Reeling out previous efforts of Mr Turnoe, the youths recall that he has been a great asset in mobilising the youths to develop their skills and talents through various interventions which he had both personally sponsored and helped organise in the state.
As the deputy director of security and Intelligence Youth & Women Presidential Campaign Council 2019, the youths describe Turnoe as a great contributor to the youth support the APC is enjoying through his advocacy for productivity and profitable engagements among the youths.
“His tenure as Director of Operations for Good Governance Ambassadors of Nigeria and his involvement in diverse political and leadership capacities affirm his dedication to a holistic approach to national development.
“His dedication to youth development, as evidenced by his association with the Youth Sport Federation of Nigeria and his leadership of the Horvel Prime Football Academy, underscores his fervent commitment to nurturing the latent potential of our nation’s youth,” the group’s coordinator stated.
The youths maintain that as a graduate of Georgetown University, Harvard University, and the Israel International Security Academy, Mr. Turnoe comes as well equipped to help Mr. President achieve his vision for the youths in Nigeria.
Engr. Inedu urged the President not to miss the opportunity of adding value to his cabinet with the nomination of Mr. Turnoe as minister saying that is the right thing to do as far as youths in the country are concerned.
A Jos based group, Action Against Corruption (AAC) has called on the Plateau state government to set up visitation panel to investigate the administrative and financial malfeasance of the Rector of the Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin-Ladi,Bldr. John Dawam to avert further slide of the Polytechnic and save the institution from imminent collapse.
AAC made the call in an open letter addressed to the governor of Plateau State Barr. Caleb Mutfwang Which a copy made available to Oracle Reporters
The petition is titled “Plateau state Polytechnic on the verge of eminent collapse: A call on Government to investigate the litany of infractions in the institution”
The letter was signed by Joshua Michael the spokesman of AAC .
He called for the suspension of the Rector to allow an investigation panel unfettered access to records of the Polytechnic.
But in a swift reaction, the Rector of the Polytechnic Bldr John Dawam told Oracle Reporters that’Let the visitation panel come to the Polythecnic, Iam as strong as a Lion, my records are there for the panel to peruse.”
According to Rector, the spurious allegations levelled against him is borne out of malice and hatred with the aim of instigating his removal from office stressing that the petitioners are vainglorious power mongers looking for cheap popularity and relevance in the present administration.
However, the group further alleged that Bldr. Dawam came to the Polytechnic with no cognate experience and had not served as head of department, Dean of school, Director, or any other relevant office where he should have gathered administrative experience.
They also accused the Rector of incompetence and turning his residence into a mecca of employment as he has moved computers and printer to his house turning it to the Secretariat of the employment.
A Non Governmental Organization, Cleen Foundation, has organised a training for security personnel, and goverment officials and members of Civil Society Organisation’s (CSOs), onl human rights protection and civilian safety in conflicts situation in Jos the Plateau state capital.
The two days training exercise had the theme ”International Humanitarian Law, Civilian Protection and Oversight Mechanism”.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday in Jos, Mr Gad Peter, the Executive Director of the foundation, stated that the training is aimed at sensitising the participants on ways to protect the rights of civilians in conflict situation.
Comrade Peter said the exercise is supported by International Alert and Open Society Initiative for West Africa? (OSIWA).
”This engagement is to sensitise security personnels and other stakeholders towards promoting cordial relationship between the security agencies and the civil populace.
”Often times, we hear complaints from civilians on human rights violation during conflicts situation.
”The security personnel who are supposed to defend the people during conflicts are accused of violating the rights of civilians.
”So, we are here to sensitise these stakeholders, particularly the security personnel on the need to protect the rights of the civil populace during arm conflicts,”he said
Peter explained that the exercise would particularly educate the participants to safeguard the rights of women and children while performing their function of providing security for the people.
The executive director of CLEEN Foundation, however, advised the civil populace to support and cooperate with the security personnels in their bids to tackle insecurity in the country.
Plateau: Why youths have taken center stage – BY Gyang Bere
His Excellency Barr Caleb Mutfwang, Gov., Plateau State
In the course of the electioneering campaigns, the then gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang traversed the length and breadth of the state. All through, he did not hide his feelings about what he wanted to do for the teeming youths in the state, if he won the election.
Realizing the youthful potentials that abound in the state, he repeatedly told the cheering crowd in all communities he and his team visited, that they will be well represented and utilized if the party won. Three months after his victory and inauguration as governor, the governor has lived up to expectation.
The vociferous advocates of youth inclusiveness in the state have been rewarded in more ways than they had expected by the government of Mutfwang. The singular act must have reassured them of the importance attached to their roles and indeed how such could impact positively on the state’s development.
On August 4, 2023, Governor Caleb Mutfwang swore in a set of commissioners into the State Executive Council. They are meant to superintend over the affairs of ministries in the state civil service, as well as give direction to his mission and vision in the saddle as Governor of Plateau State.
As often, there are sufficient reasons for the people of the state as well as the government to expect more from the new appointees. Just coming from a tempestuous election; and the dire need for development in the state, there is more to expect from them. The mammoth crowd that converged on the venue appreciated the enormity of what took place; it wasn’t for the fun of it that people from all walks of life came to witness the event. Given that it was one of the major outings of the government, it was not unexpected; the quality and caliber of quests at the event announced the seriousness attached to it.
They came to celebrate excellence in the persons chosen by the governor; who, in turn will assist change the story of the state through the service they will offer.
The euphoria of the speech during the swearing-in ceremony by the governor had hardly died than his political appointees were urged to prioritize teamwork and join forces to preserve and safeguard the rich heritage of Plateau. ‘For me, this is a call for dedicated service rather than personal aspirations. I implore you all to embrace a fresh mindset that underscores our shared objective at this juncture: the betterment of Plateau State.’
The meeting with all political appointees in the State, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Lodge, Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos, Governor Mutfwang is a clarion call to join hands to advance the well-being of Plateau State. By all means, this is a privilege and opportunity to serve the people rather than a pursuit of personal ambitions.
Taking a long look at the new commissioners, one thing that runs through the gamut of the lot is their youthful age; seen to be imbued with capacity to walk the length of the journey; but more importantly, they came with the mentality of working towards achieving the goals the head of the vision has for the state. As political head of their respective ministries, many in the past had thought that a posting to certain ministries is akin to being sent to Siberia.
That warped mentality still subsists amongst our people. The costly assumption that ministries are graded may have led appointees in the past to believe that not much could take place in all of them.
We have since passed the era when commissioners are seen as lords. They are but purveyors of ideas that should drive togetherness to achieve sustainable development in the state.
Such ideas could be used to open the path to survive current harsh economic terrain; so long as they come with workable solutions to Plateau problems.
All ministries are responsible to the people; if they are not they would not have been in existence. It is not the ministry that makes the commissioner, methinks it is the commissioner that makes the ministry; so long as we are aware that ideas rule the world.
The appointees are coming on board with fresh ideas, as the governor is aware of what they can add to the vision he has for the state.
Given their youthfulness; and having been painstakingly chosen from a pack, they are not oblivious of what is expected from them.
The combination of what the governor has assembled, if anything is representative of the choice the state has made for the future. The fact that the governor is a man of ideas is noticed in his choice.
They have no reason to fail; after all, Governor Mutfwang has warned anyone found wanting in discharging his duties may be shown the exit door.
It was not a threat, rather, they needed to know, that an opportunity has availed itself for them to showcase their capacity in developing the state. In the past, some commissioners get into office without an idea of what to do to drive the vision of the governor.
If they can’t add any value in transforming Plateau State, a lot would be said about the government and its mission.
The present crop of commissioners would need the media like they have never done before. They need to sell government activities, failures and its achievements. Gone are the days when government is performing, while the doors of its commissioners are shut to the public.
A partnership between the media and government for the people of Plateau State should be seen as a roadmap for progress. While other states have made progress and have moved forward, the new set should see themselves as architects of a new Plateau where ideas will be used to push the frontiers of service and development.
The room for innovation in handling the demands of their assignment would keep the aspirations of Plateau people justifiably high.
That being the case, it is therefore expected that this set of commissioners must see themselves as drivers of a vision, much more than for the glamour and privileges associated with their office. They are aware they have a huge task ahead of them; it should not be business as usual.
No doubt, the Caleb Mutfwang ‘administration inherited a state which psyche has been assaulted by an avalanche of crisis and which needed healing to get back on track.’
To get things working again, the government created space for inclusion, so that the feeling of alienation hitherto observed to have held the state captive is removed through giving a sense of belonging to all sections.
Already, it is common knowledge that the governor is doing all that is humanly possible to unite communities through dialogue and integration. Realizing that enough damage has been done by bandits in some local government areas over time, therefore, resolving knotty issues of living together has been pursued with no less vigor and determination.
Determined like none, the governor has rightly insisted that he does not want Plateau State ‘as a crisis prone state’. He has reached out to as many stakeholders as possible to put a stop to the killings in the state; particularly the central government and security chiefs as well as community leaders to get a buy-in for the initiative for an end to the blood-letting.
One of the greatest challenges of government presently is lack of funds to execute projects and offer services to the people. There are numerous competing demands for finance; hence the need to ensure that internally generated revenue takes center stage.
There are lots of untapped revenue sources which have been neglected over the years Their appointment is a call to service and an opportunity to help advance the frontiers of development in the state. They must work for all and not hold allegiance to whatever interest which may have influenced their appointments.
As they settle down to business, they have the leverage and opportunity to consult widely so as to ensure that they carry more people along as they administer the affairs of the ministries and agencies.
But as they settle down to business, the people must be mindful of how not to exert unnecessary pressure or demands on them. They must not divert their focus and attention from doing what they were entrusted with.
The need to establish a strong and united team that collaborates diligently, inspiring each other toward the realization of a united and prosperous Plateau at this point of the state’s history comes in handy.
To recognize the equal importance of each office, emphasizing that every role is designed to address the needs of society, cannot have come at a better time than now.
Each of them is coming with sufficient energy for the job. Furthermore, if they leverage on their extensive experience to propel Plateau State into a new era of significant development, their appointments would have been substantiated.
According to the governor, ‘leadership is not merely a little, but a responsibility that demands action, resilience, and decisiveness’. It is in this regard that he appealed ‘to each one of you to take this responsibility seriously, as there are numerous challenges in our society that require our attention and correction.
Let us unite for the greater good and well-being of the people of Plateau State,” he had told them matter of fact. How better can this be said!
Bere is the Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang
Oracle Reporters 