Attai Audu Jos

• Urges ECOWAS to review Regime Sanctions imposed on Niger to accommodate dialogue .

Country Director Equity International Initiative Ambassador Chris Iyama has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to review the regime of sanctions imposed on Republic of Niger following a military coup that removed the Niger democratically elected President Muhammad Bazum.

Iyama made this call at the end of one-day expert dialogue on International Diplomacy in Jos, the Plateau state capital .

The one day stakeholders dialogue meeting had its theme: ‘”Addressing Root Causes of Military Interventions in ECOWAS States.

The event had in attendance experts from the Civil Society, the Academia, Legal Practice and the Media who objectively discussed some of the sailant causes of military interventions across the West African Sub Region.

It would be recalled that in the wake of the recent Coup in Niger Republic, ECOWAS announced a number of sanctions aimed at the Junta leadership led by Abdourahamane Tchiani, who is the president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).

However, ECOWAS rejected the military take-over in Niger, and called on the coup plotters to reinstate the democratically elected Muhammad Bazum back to power .

The group at its one day deliberations in Jos, identified Internal factors to be responsible for Military Interventions In most of the developing countries of the world, Africa inclusive .

According to the speakers at the event, Economic inequalities and Corruption as well as non-accountability by political office holders including Suppression of human rights and dictatorships in democratic governance played key role in the Military take take over power in developing countries and Africa especially.

In a communique at the end of the stake holders dialogue on Niger Republic crisis which was read by the group Country Director Ambassador Chris Iyama and made available to Daily Independent hinted that
disenchantment with the democratic process as a result of gaps in the democratic governance
structure and
erosion of social justice and civil order and as well
underutilization of the youth population contributed greatly to regime change in most countries in Africa.

They also blamed Resource curse,
Citizens discontentment and rising sense of being short-changed by the political leaders in West
Africa to Military intervention.

Other factors affecting the peace and stability in some of the West African countries they pointed out were, negative effects of fake news,
violent activities of non-state and state actors,
Irresponsible local media,
Influence of local Jihadist groups and
external factors.

According to them,France neo-colonial policies and entanglement with Francophone West Africa, double standards by the ECOWAS Commission and the
desire by West African countries to detach from foreign control including
the undesirable activities of international conflict merchants should be put under control.

The group also took critical look on crafting of the ECOWAS story from outside of West Africa and the
deteriorating socioeconomic and security situation in Sahel Africa and as well as the fall of Gadaffi opens a floodgate for SALWs .

According to the communique,Globalization and proliferation of social media ,fake news and Penchant for cynicism and sarcasm including
Influence of international Jihadist groups and
Shift in the global power system from a unipolar to multipolar system and
the use of Africa as a battle ground for Western power struggle are responsible for instability in most of the West African countries.

They expressed fears that some of the implications of the Military intervention in Niger includes Potential proliferation of insecurity across the sub region,
disruption of existing smooth relationships with neighboring West African countries and
negative socioeconomic implications for Nigeria.

To avoid humanitarian crisis, the group
calls for effective leadership and transformative political leadership in other member states.

Other recommendations by the group besides, was the call on ECOWAS to review regime sanctions to include
Review of France colonial policies and
a review of the 1979 ECOWAS protocol and other trade agreements to leverage socioeconomic
cooperation between African States

They demanded that Governments of ECOWAS member states should promote accountability,

proactive fight to combat insecurity and
Put on ground a
more effective control of West African porous borders
.

ECOWAS was also tasked to lead in the advancement of socioeconomic development of West Africa and as well charged
ECOWAS Commission to instill confidence in the democratic system in West African States by
recalibration of its stance on democracy and good governance.

The group demands for a robust collaboration between CSOs and the ECOWAS Commission to promote citizen
participation, accountability in governance and strengthen democratic institutions.

They also urged Africans to take ownership of both the African narrative and development path and insisted that
elections should be free, fair, transparent and reflect the choices of citizens

According to them democracy still remains the best form of governance but must reflect the aspirations of the
citizens

” Diplomacy still remains the best path to addressing the situation in Niger, not Military action as
touted by ECOWAS”

They also charged ECOWAS countries to ensure effective job creation for the citizens while they are expected to promote an independent, corruption-free judiciary in member states.

.* Charges them to Deliver On The Job On High Expectations Of The People Of Plateau.

Attai Audu Jos

Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has charged political appointees in his administration on the Plateau to aggregate their collective thoughts and work as a team for the purpose of effective service delivery to the people of Plateau state.

Mutfwang made this call on Monday at National Institute while declaring open a Retreat for his political Appointees.

According to him, his administration is determined to inspire and make Plateau people proud of their heritage, saying there would be no room for failure.

Mutfwang said the Retreat is meant to onboarding of his New State Executive Council , political Appointees, Permanent Secretaries, Chief Executives of Parastatals, and the Governor’s Direct Reporting Unit Staff.

He stressed that his State has been in distress for long and that the time to rise and rebuild the state for the prosperity of the people is now.

He described the Retreat as the first in the series of workshops that would be conducted for top government functionaries in the state and urged participants to key in to the vision of the “Time Is Now” to build a united and a prosperous Plateau.

He congratulated his political appointees and urged them to see their appointments as service to God and humanity and not as an opportunity for frivolities or enrichment.

“I need not to remind you that we are coming at a critical time in the history of Plateau State, when the expectations of the people on government are very high.

“Nothing justifies this matter than the spontaneous outbreak of joy that greeted our emergence after the elections were announced, followed by the inauguration held on May 29 which was unpresidented in the history of Plateau state.”

Governor Mutfwang appreciated Plateau people for the show of love and the great confidence reposed in the administration and urged the appointees to put on their thinking caps to meet the expectations of the people.

He said he is praying and hoping that the confidence of the people of Plateau State that has been reposed on them would not be in vain.

” For us not to disappoint the people of Plateau State, we need to come together and understand ourselves and work as one unit.”

“We therefore must come together, work together, plan together and execute the programs and policies of government together. We have not been called to a competition, we have been called to a collaboration and if this collaboration would be a reality, we must bond together, we must marry our hearts together, we must pursue the same objective.”

He charged them to put in their best and make the appointment a stepping stone into their political career to the glory of God and service to humanity.

Attai Audu Jos

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission NCPC, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam has declared
that NCPC has been working with young people in Nigeria to address issues of national concern.

The NCPC boss made this assertion while receiving the Coalition of Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders of Nigeria (CENYLON), who were at the Commission on a courtesy visit.

The NCPC Boss said he
was elated for the visit of the youth group in his office, stated that he was always excited to work and meet with youths that have vision with purpose.

He lauded (CENYLON) for using its platform for building peace and unity and also encouraging oneness in Nigeria against tribal and ethnic differences.

In the words of Rev. Pam, “Your cause is noble and precious, it is rare to have youths who fight for a collective Nigeria, and we need individuals like you who rather than fight for ethnic groups, fight for unity and peace of our dear Nation Nigeria.”

The NCPC boss charged them to put in more efforts towards ensuring ethnic and tribal problems that are eating deep into the fabric of the Nation no more be allowed to exist amongst the people.

He equally charged the youths to desist from allowing greed make them use good platforms like CENYLON for politics rather be used for the growth of Nigeria.

He further encouraged them to always fight for a good cause which is moving Nigeria forward.

According to him, “What you are pursuing is the real engine of Nigeria, it is great to have a coalition of different ethnic groups come together to fight for a good cause which is moving Nigeria forward.”

Earlier, the leader of the delegation of the Coalition of the Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders of Nigeria (CENYLON), Mr. Okewu Abel said, over the last couple of years, there have been issues of religious and ethnic bickering occasioned by political interest of a few, land and territorial claims and a few other interests which has in one way or the other curtailed national growth and development of our dear country Nigeria which is a total deviation from the visions and ideals of our founding fathers who fought tirelessly for freedom and political independence.

Mr. Okewu added, “today, we are still entangled in the web of economic and mental slavery’ a menace which must be broken by this generation of leaders, especially youth of our class, this is why we have taken it upon ourselves to drive a cause of attaining economic and mental independence through forging for a United front for the purpose of peaceful cohabitation which is a prerequisite for National Development.”

He disclosed that his group has taken upon itself the task of identifying and encouraging individuals whose actions and policies have contributed to the nation’s quest for development.

He lauded Rev. Yakubu Pam for being one of the well-meaning Nigerians who are working relentlessly for peace. In his words, “Your strides at ensuring transparency, accountability and probity in the Commission cannot be overemphasized, CENYLON as a group would be very proud to work with you in ensuring peaceful coexistence amongst Nigerians of diverse ethnicity and religious beliefs.”

Highlights of the visit was the presentation of Award to the Executive Secretary as a Bridge Builder/Icon of Peace of the year and certificate of corporate instrument of commendation presented to the Management, Staff and stakeholders of NCPC.

• Calls On Security Agencies to Bring Perpetrators to Justice.

Attai Audu Jos

A two times Federal Lawmaker representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency at House of the Representatives, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos has condemned in it’s totality, the killings of 21 persons on Thursday Morning at Heipang Barkin Ladi Local Government of Plateau State.

Bagos who is the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology in a Press Statement made available to Oracle Reporters in Jos on Friday, described the killings by the suspected Fulani bandits as barbaric and condemnable.

According to Bagos, he wonders how innocent and Peaceful Plateau citizens are being killed while sleeping in the night without the Perpetrators being apprehended is unacceptable by People of good conscience.

He urges all security agencies in the State that are saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and properties to take action and bring to book the perpetrators of the evil act.

“Sadly, innocent Citizens are being attacked and killed on the daily bases in Plateau State particularly in, Barkin Ladi and Mangu, Riyom LGAs . Hundreds have lost their lives since May 2023, and villagers can’t go to the farm, several displaced person camps land have been taken over, farmlands destroyed, what a wicked world.” Bagos lamented

Bagos added that just last week, 5 persons were killed in Mangu and now early Morning on Thursday while innocent Constituents were sleeping around 1:00 am then came the attackers killing 21 persons without provocation, this was sad, barbaric and condemnable .

“I want to repeat again and again that all Plateau Citizens must stand united against attackers, and ensure the safety of our father land. ” He stressed.

By Attai Audu Jos

The Plateau state Commissioner of Housing and Urban Development Hon. Joshua Ubandoma Laven has informed the People of his state that Governor Caleb Mutfwang has instructed him to make Jos one of the best clean state capitals in Nigeria that should be the envy of all in the country.

Hon Laven made gave this hint at his ministry during the handing-over ceremony at the JD Gomwalk Secretariat, Jos .

According to him, Governor Mutfwang is concerned about the delapidated state of infrastructures in the state capital .

According to Laven, for them at the Ministry of Housing and Urban development, they are going to hit the ground running by making sure they secured a befitting accomodation for His Excellency, Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

“He is the number one citizen of the state and therefore we should not hold him to ransome. We should ensure that his accomodation is our priority so that we can get the best from him”.

The Plateau Commissioner for Urban Development challenged the people of his state to obey the laid down procedures of erecting structures, stressing that nobody should erect building anyhow just because he or she owned a land.

According to him, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB must give approval before erection of any structure .

He said the responsibility of the Ministry is to beautifies the state capital adding that they will not want Jos the Plateau State capital to be clumsy with shanties.

Laven further pointed out that the Ministry has been redundant for a very long time, stressing that the development is not healthy for the state stressing that this is why
most government structures are in a delipidated stage in the state.

According to him, Governor Caleb Mutfwang is poised to see that he leave the state better than he met it and to improve on the city infrastructures which is the responsibility of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

“We are going to bring back the old glory of Jos and beautifies it as a modern city that people will admire. They will come and enjoy the ambience of good climatic weather.”

“So I want us to be committed to give in our best. We are behind schedule now. We want to start immediately so that the state will regain it’s lost glory in at least His Excellency 100 days in office.” Laven said.

Attai Audu Jos

The newly appointed Commissioner of Information in Plateau State, Musa Ashoms has promised good working relationship between him and Journalists in the state for prompt Dissemination of government policies and programme to the general public..

Ashoms made this pledge on Wednesday at the state Ministry Of Information at Gomwalk Secretariat Jos, after he formerly resume duty as the new Information Commissioner in the state.

The Information Commissioner told management and staff of his ministry that he would not condone laxity from anyone in the ministry, stressing that all hands must be on deck to work for the over all success of Governor Caleb Mutfwang administration on the Plateau.

He solicited for cordial working relationship with the entire staff and media pratitioners in the state.

He also assured that the vision and policies of the Governor Caleb Mutfwang administration would be implemented for positive development of the entire state.

Earlier in his address, Director new media, Mr Wulime Goyit assured the Information Commissioner of maximum cooperation.

Wulime empathize that both management and staff of the ministry of information are prepared and ready to work with Ashoms to achieve set goals.

four directors of the ministry of information pledged their loyalty and assured of harmonious working relationship.

Attai Audu Jos

Plateau APC critical Stakeholders , Political associates, supporters and friends of Plateau state former Governor Barr Simon Lalong have reassured the Ministerial norminee that they have.
confidence in his capacity to deliver as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria considering his past track record of performance and diligence .

APC Gubernatorial candidate in Plateau state,Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshewe who led the stakeholders to the Abuja residence of Lalong at the weekend,said the choice of Ex Governor Lalong as Minister Norminee is a perfect decision made by President Tinubu which validates his performance and records of achievement over the years.

He commended Lalong for successfully scaling through Senate screening on Friday, adding that Lalong has established himself as the national political leader of their State through inclusive actions and wide networking with other politicians and leaders of thought across the country.

Dr Nentawe promised that when he reclaims his mandate, he will ensure that he works closely with the former Governor to bring more Federal presence to Plateau.

Similarly, Former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Yakubu Sanda also congratulated the Ministerial nominee who he said has the capacity to not only deliver, but give the necessary leadership for the people of Plateau State at the National level.

Chairman House Committee on Navy and Member representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency Yusuf Gagdi on his part expressed optimism that Lalong will excell in his new assignment and urged him to continue to pursue the overall interests of the people of Plateau State.

He appealed to the Ministerial nominee to reflect and use the new assignment to further build the APC family in Plateau State as the leader that is being looked upon.

Other speakers including the former Plateau Commisioner for Commerce Idris Gambo, former Commisioner for Water Resources Engr. Jaafaru Wuyep also thanked God for the another opportunity given to Governor Lalong to continue to serve the people.

In his response, Lalong appreciated them for their support, goodwill and prayers.

Lalong said the glory belongs to God who has given him an opportunity to again to be recognized for service.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for nominating him. Lalong also said the Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the three Senators from Plateau State and many others deserve to be appreciated for the various roles they played.

Lalong assured that he will do his best to serve Nigeria with honesty, diligence and integrity as well as continue to represent the overall interest of Plateau State at all times.

He said the APC family in Plateau State has every reason to rejoice because of the hardwork and significant role it played for the victory of Tinubu/Shettima Ticket during the 2023 Presidential election

While assuring them that he will do his best in ensuring that those who worked will be adequately rewarded, Lalong prayed that Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda will reclaim his mandate in Plateau State and also ensure that the business of inclusive governance continues.

Attai Audu Jos

The North Central All Progressive Congress (APC) Forum has expressed its satisfaction for it termed the purposeful take off of the duties by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.

Speaking at its 2023 third quarter meeting in Jos the Plateau State capital Wednesday, Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, said as someone from their zone (North Central), they will galvanize all kind of support for Akume to succeed, saying that he is already showing quality leadership so far.

The Chairman called on Senator Akume to be focused, purposeful and contrate on his mandate, and that that he should also not be distracted by anything from any quarter.

According to him, as considerable part of their meeting agenda is to spot on those from the zone already appointment by his Excellency President Bola Tinubu from the North Central as well as those who would still be appointed and then encourage them accordingly as well as support them in any way they can also.

He said the position of the SGF is a strategic one because of the enormity of the functions and responsibilities attached to that office, and that for the fact that the president believes in the capabilities of Akume for that position shows that Akume’s achievements, doggedness, political experience and sagacity has not gone unnoticed.

Zazzaga urged Akume to improve on his best and superlative performance as a former Governor, senator and other positions he has held well, and urged him to bring his wealth of knowledge to bear in order to move the nation forward beyond expectations.

According to him, they will be on guard to check all those mischief makers from Akume’s state of Benue, the North Central or the nation at large who will want to do inimical things against his office and interfere with his responsibilities.

He further called on him to use his wealth of knowledge to support President Tinubu in administering the nation and uplifting the lives of the people, as well as looking for means to unite all the fabrics of the nation that has hitherto been divided along ethno-religious lines as well as class strata between the rich and the poor.

He called on Nigerians to be patient with President Tinubu on his economic policies which is for the good of the nation and support him accordingly in his plans to move the nation forward.

He urged the labour unions to try and work out more understanding with the President on the issue of the fuel subsidy removal and their other demands and restrain themselves from the protest which they began on Wednesday, saying the president is a labour friendly man who has a listening ear and feel the pain of the people.

• Calls On FG To Act Fast to Restore Law and Order.

Okwuta Audu Jos

CLEEN Foundation, an Abuja based non governmental organization (NGO) has expressed deep concern on the recent security challenges in the North central region and the entire country at large.

Executive Director CLEEN Foundation Gad Peters in a statement issued on Tuesday August 1st and made available to Oracle Reporters tittled “Situation In North Central Nigeria: A Clarion Call To Act” regretted that in recent months, the Northern region has experienced a troubling rise in security incidents, including but not limited to acts of terrorism, banditry, communal clashes, and kidnapping occasioned by the activities of treasure hunters.

According to the CLEEN Foundation Boss, ” These events have caused significant loss of lives , property, and have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among the local population.”

” As an organization committed to public safety, security, stability, and the protection of human rights, we strongly condemn these heinous acts of violence.”

Comrade Peters said ” The loss of innocent lives, the destruction of communities, and the displacement of families are unacceptable and must be addressed urgently”

” We call upon all Government, relevant security agencies and all stakeholders to prioritize the security situation in the North Central region and collaborate on comprehensive strategies to restore peace and stability”.

According to him,. ” This requires a multifaceted approach, including intelligence-led operations, community engagement, and addressing the root causes of the conflicts.”

The CLEEN Foundation Boss also lamented that the Northern region is in dire straits as the traumatized people are being pushed to the edge of a precipitous fall by just a handful of fugitives.

” Choices have consequences, and the choices made over the last several decades by successive generations of the ruling class over the natural resources deposit have imposed this consequence of an existential threat on all of us, and there should be a reckoning for this in the interest of accountability and social justice.”

Peters said from where the people of the North are now, an adequate and thorough tackling of this crisis with a view to resolving it in a manner that builds peace, reinforces inter-communal confidence and trust, and augurs well for nation building and holistic human centred national development will require working from, and being guided by sets of precepts and principles.

CLEEN Foundation, he said wants the government to ensure that all perpetrators of violence are brought to justice, stressing that accountability for these crimes is crucial in deterring future acts of violence and promoting a sense of justice and reconciliation among affected communities.

“At the same time, we implore community leaders, civil society organizations, and citizens in the region to work together in fostering peaceful coexistence and promoting dialogue as a means to address grievances and resolve conflicts.

He added that CLEEN Foundation remains committed to supporting efforts that promote peace, security, and human rights in Nigeria as they stand in solidarity with the people of the North Central region and the Nation at large during this challenging time and pledge their support to finding lasting solutions to the security crisis.

Attai Audu Jos

The Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Mr. Gyang Bere has solicited the support of members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists in Plateau state by giving full coverage to Governor Mutfwang drive towards rebuilding Plateau .

Bere made this call while interacting with members of the Chapel at Jos NUJ Secretariat when he visited them .

Mr. Bere who was the Chairman of the Chapel before his appointment as the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, described his visit as home coming,

He thanked journalists in the state for projecting Plateau State in good light and called for greater collaboration with Mutfwang adminstration by telling the Plateau story to the global community.

Mr. Bere briefed them on the steps so far taken by Governor Caleb Mutfwang in restoring peace and unity in the state, as well as building confidence and consensus among the people.

Responding, the Acting Chairman of the Chapel, Douglas Francis applauded Mr. Bere for the visit and assured the government and people of Plateau State of the support of members of the Chapel in building a peaceful and united Plateau.

The Director of Press was accompanied on the visit by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Martha Nyam .