Attai Audu Jos

Plateau State Governor-Elect, Caleb Mutfwang has visited restive communities in Jos South LGA who were recently attacked by suspected Fulani herdsmen, leaving six Person’s dead

The Plateau State Governor-elect, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang who was accompanied by his Deputy Governor Elect NGO Piyo and Plateau Senator-elect Dr Simon Mwadkwon and political aides, decried the renewed attacks in rural communities of Barkin-Ladi, Jos South, Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas of the state during which several lives were lost and properties worth millions of Naira destroyed.

A statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Gov-Elect, Gyang Bere which was made available to Oracle Reporters stated that Mutfwang, was heartbroken over the loss of innocent lives and called on security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly acts by bring the attackers to justice.

Mutfwang was represented on the visit by his Deputy Governor Elect Josephine Piyo led the a delegation on a sympathy visit to Turu, Jos South Local Government, Heipang, Barkin Ladi Local Government area.
Accompanied by the Member representing Barkin-Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency and Senator-elect for Plateau North, Dr. Simon Mwadkwon, the Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abok Nuhu Ayuba, Member representing Jos South Constituency, Hon. Gwattson Fom Dalyop and Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Mr. Moses Nwan, mni among other party stalwarts.

The Deputy Governor-elect, Piyo and her team who was at the Palace of Gwom Turu, Da Ezekiel James Dalyop said the Governor-elect was deeply pained by the news of the attack on the community.

“We are here on behalf of His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang to commiserate with the good people of Turu over the ugly incident that led to the loss of lives at a mining site. The death is not only a loss to the people of Turu but the entire Jos South Local Government Area and Nigeria at large. Our hearts are with you and may God Almighty comfort you all.” she stressed.

Piyo was also at the residence of Mrs. Laitu David to commiserate with her over the demise of her husband, late Engr. Dalyop David Sabo in Turu and prayed for God’s comfort over the entire family.

Responding, the Gwom Turu, Da Ezekiel James Dalyop said his people of Turu were comforted by the visit, which he said would go along away in healing the wounds created by the unfortunate incident.

The monarch expressed delight that the administration of Barr. Caleb Mutfwang would take proactive steps when sworn-in into office to address the resurgence of bloody attacks and provide a peaceful atmosphere for farmers as well as other law abiding citizens in the state to carry out their business activities without hindrance.

Similarly, the the Deputy Governor-elect, was at Tatu and Chil villages of Haipang District of Barkin-Ladi LGA , where bandits laid ambush on the communities leading to the loss of lives.

She sympathised with the people, particularly the surviving widows, orphans and relatives and asked God to comfort them and avert a repeat of such sad and ugly occurrence.

The Acting Gwom of Tatu Da. Danjuma Chollom and Gwom Chil, Da. Gyang Dalyop in their separate remarks, expressed gratitude for the visit and said the entire communities were encouraged and comforted by the kind gesture.

At the Palace of Gwom Rwei of Haipang, the Deputy Governor-elect commiserated with the traditional ruler and the entire people of Barkin-Ladi over the unfortunate loss of lives and prayed for God’s intervention to end the attacks.

Receiving the delegation, the Gwom Rwei of Haipang, Da. Paul Tadi Tok assured the incoming administration of the support of his people in addressing issues of insecurity in order to pave the way for progress and development.

He encouraged communities in the state to take early warning signs very serious and report to security agencies, any strange movements around their localities for swift intervention.

The Deputy Governor-elect was similarly at the scene of tanker explosion at Bauchi Road in Jos North Local Government Area where innocent persons perished in the tragic inferno.

She commiserated with residents of the area and assured them of the support of the incoming administration in reorganising the city centre to curb such incidents and ensure free flow of traffic for healthy business transactions.

On his part, member representing Barkin-Ladi/ Riyom Federal Constituency and Senator-elect for Plateau North, Hon. Simon Mwadkwon assured the residents of “people oriented” legislations that will impact positively on citizens.

Hon. Mwadkwon noted that he would lobby to get legislative backing for the dualization of the Bauchi road to improve the living condition of the people.

Residents of the area including PDP Chairman, Jos North Local Government Area and a community leader, Alh. Sadis Mohammad among several stakeholders who were on ground to receive the delegation expressed gratitude for the visit and described it as timely in healing the broken-hearted as a result of the incident.

Attai Audu Jos

Ahead of the November governorship election in Kogi State, Former Minister Chief Gabriel Aduku has charged the people of the Igala Kingdom in the state to unite if they want to regain political relevance in the forth coming Governorship contest in the confluence state.

The Former Minister of State for Health, Arc Gabriel Aduku in an interview with newsmen on what the Igalas should do to get the governorship seat irrespective of their divers political parties, said governor, Yahaya Bello, has been trying to reduce the Igala kingdom to nothing politically by his actions, advising that the people of Igala kingdom must close ranks and shun selfishness.

Aduku, who is also the Chairman of Ukomu Igala Organization (UIO) as well as the Chairman of Aggregated Igala Elders Platforms, said the Igalas attempt is to try to get the governorship, but the system has not allowed it, and that is how the system will continue to plunge the state into more and more trouble because of the way Governor Yahaya Bello wants to manipulate the political process in the state .

Chief Aduku said the problem with some of his Igala kinsmen is betrayal because of cash inducement, stressing that money is the major challenge working against the unity of the people of the kingdom.

“This forthcoming election is another test for the Igala people to be united, and to be clearly seen to be united. And by that we can save our kingdom. Those of us who are elders in this system now are willingly giving our time and other contributions and continue to appeal to the people to realize that the objective of Bello in particular is to reduce the Igala nation to nothing. That is what he wants to do. He will not succeed, and that is why the people needs to know that we will all be steadily destroyed if such is allowed.

“But the thing is that the people must all work together, and not that along the line some persons will retreat and begin to destroy the system becase of cash inducement. In fact it is money that is the problem working against the unity of the kingdom,” he said.

According to the former minister, their outlook in the election also is for opportunities to be opened up to other parts of the state so that they can all participate equitably and to work properly towards the election with all seriousness.

Audu Otubi Jos.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) leaders under the aegis of the North Central APC Forum has Organized prayer sessions for the success of the forth coming inauguration of the nation’s president-elect, Bola Tinubu, on May 29.

Speaking on behalf of the forum in Jos the Plateau State capital after their post Easter and Sallah meeting as well as their strategic action plan towards the inauguration ceremony, Chairman of the Forum Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, said the prayer sessions have become necessary following the imagined and unfoseen threats against the success of the ceremony.

He said the forum’s Muslim members, including himself, who went for prilgrimage to the holy land of Saudi Arabia and just returned a day or two ago has already commenced a preliminary prayer sessions for the country generally and the smooth transition process, while their Christian members back at home were equally observing their own prayers.

However, he said, the official commencement of the prayer sessions among their members and accompanying supporters would be on Saturday, April 29 which would be exactly one month to the inauguration.

“Prayers for a hitch-free transition process and the eventual inauguration of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, come May 29 has become imperative following forces and other perceived threat working against it. For instance, there are several suits against Tinubu which mischiefmakers are trying to use that to obstruct the occassion.

“Again, there is the threat from several quarters calling for an interim government, and the security agencies themselves have acknowledged such threats. With all these threats and unforeseen others, we have decided to commence this prayer sessions among the adherents of the different faiths so that the inauguration will come and go successfully and the new government can take off on a sound footing,” he said.

Zazzaga pointed out that with prayers Tinubu will also have divine direction in his administration, particularly in the area of selecting the lieutenants he will be working with, as making wrong appointments is the fastest thing that could mare his administration.

In view of this, he stressed, the forum is again calling the President-elect to pick the Director General of his presidential campaign, governor Simon Lalong as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The group said appointing Lalong as the SGF will also ensure equity and fairness in the incoming administration appointment and that all sides will be motivated and stimulated, adding that Governor Lalong has done a lot for the APC, the North, as the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Plateau State and the emergence of Tinubu as the president.

He said apart from Lalong’s sacrificed for the APC, the North, the nation at large and the emergence of Tinubu as the president-elect, he (Lalong) is a man of peace, an achiever and a detribalized leader, among other developmental progresses recorded.

Attai Okwuta Jos

Kogi Democratic Forum has hailed the emergence of Barrister Adejo Okeme, a Legal Practioner as the Governorship Candidate in Kogi state

The group at its meeting in Jos on Wednesday on the conduct of party primaries in the confluence state, commended the peaceful and Democratic manner Okeme emerged as the flagbearer of Labor Party on Sunday and called on Kogi voters from the 3 Senatorial districts to team with Okeme with their votes the forth coming Governorship Election in the state.

Chairman of Forum Chief Otubi Ogwunewa In a statement issued to news in Jos and made available to Oracle Reporters said both APC and PDP have ruled Kogi state not less than two terms each or more but ended up performing below standard and should give way for the voters in Kogi state to test Labor Party to produce the next governor for the state.

It would be recalled that Barr Okeme emerged Kogi Governorship Candidate of Labour Party (LP) after coming top in the party primaries held in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital.

Okeme polled 127 votes to beat his closet rival AVM Isaac Alfa, who scored 69 votes at the primary held on Saturday in Lokoja, Kogi through Indirect mode primary.

The primary was held peacefully under the supervision of a 7-member Committee led by Dr Ayo Olorunfemi, the party’s Deputy National Chairman.

Olurunfemi, who announced the result of the Saturday’s governorship primary on Sunday morning ,said a total 196 delegates from the 21 Local Government Area of the state were accredited and voted for candidate of their choice.

The committee chairman said, “Okeme, having scored the majority of the lawful votes cast at the indirect primary election conducted on April 15, in Kogi, is hereby declared the winner of the Labour party primary election 2023.

“Barrister Adejo Okeme is hereby returned as the duly elected governorship candidate of LP for the November 2023 governorship election.

“On behalf of the primary election Committee, I wish to the winner, the state party leaders and members for the peaceful primary election, ” he said.

In his acceptable speech, Okeme, who is from Kogi East Senatorial district, thanked the electorate for finding worthy to champion the cause of the party in the forthcoming Kogi Nov 11 Governorship election.

Okeme, who is also a businessman, thanked the Primary election Committee, party leaders and members for the peaceful conduct of the primary for hi emergency as flag bear

By Attai Audu Jos

• As Peace for Free campaign Advocates Storm Jos.

A University Don from the Mass Communication Department, Nasarawa State University, Professor Anthony Igyuve has appealed to Nigerians to put behind them events surrounding the conduct and outcome of the 2023 General elections and join hands to build a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

The University Don stated this in Jos on Tuesday when he featured as guest speaker at the launch of the “Peace-for-Free” lecture series held at

Elliel Centre Jos, the Plateau state capital.

He,hinted that his position was based on the fact that what people may see as worse democracy in Nigeria is better than the best of military rule, hence the need to eschew violence and embrace peace through dialogue or legal means with one another.

According to him, “our democracy and elections are revolving and that is why we need to be a credible part of that process so that at the end of the day, we can be proud that we have contributed to democracy sustainability because the worse democracy is better than best military rule.

“So in essence, what we have tried to convey to the people of Plateau state is that elections are over and it is now time to build our country, and the people they have elected as their representatives should be allowed to serve and deliver on their electoral promises which can only be done in the atmosphere of peace.

“We have targeted young persons in this peace campaign series because they are the tools some politicians are using to disrupt societal peace.

“So, once they have the understanding of a peaceful atmosphere as peace ambassadors, then, those using them to cause violence will have no option but to use legal means to seek redress”, he said.

On his part, Founder and Convener, Peace For Free Initiative, Chris Oge Kalu said the peace campaign was a fallout of the 2023 rounds of elections.

“As we all know, a lot of people claimed that the just concluded elections process was marred with a lot of irregularities and all that. So, as a civil society organisation, we quickly moved in to engage the people, especially youths, and ask them to eschew violence and toll the part of peace.

“This is a national peace campaign. We started the campaign in Asaba, Delta State, Lagos in Lagos State, Abakalii, Ebonyi State, Maiduguri, Borno State. We are now in Jos the capital of Plateau state.

“No matter what might have happened, there is always a way to address our differences whether through dialogue or judicial process. So, we need to trust the process because we are one. Peace is not the absence of conflict.

“What that means is that we should have in mind that violence cannot achieve anything tangible for us. It can only disrupt a process we have been learning since we returned to democracy in 1999. So, we need to learn it with due diligence to ensure we have a good democracy at the end of the day”, he said.

The Jos event was graced by young persons from higher institution s and non governmental organizations.

Earlier the participants had identified injustice, breach of agreement, unforgiven spirit, fake news, hate speech and nepotism, lack of tolerance, inequality between the rich and the poor in the society, ignorance, religious bigotry, illiteracy, and tribalism as some of the factors responsible for post-election violence.

The gathering however agreed that forgiveness, respect for the rule of law, prayers for Nigeria and its leaders, patriotism, avoidance of spreading of fake news, dialogue, building peace and education, and legal redress in court instead of taking the laws into their hands, as ways forward.

Otubi Audu Jos

Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June, newly elected legislators especially of the House of representatives are insisting on having a credible and democratic leadership based on credibility, competence and acceptability.

The members Oracle Reporters gathered are insisting that the issue of zoning will not be a determining factor in the emergence of the new legislature because they want to have a stable House built on mutual respect, separation of powers and that which values the independence of the apex legislature.

Speaking separately in Abuja at the weekend, a group of Members-Elect names withheld said in their various joint meetings since their election last month, no issue of zoning has been given any credence above that of competence and general acceptability of those seeking to lead them.

It would be recalled that Premium Times had reported the alleged plot by some Apc governors to cow their elected legislators into submitting to zoning few days ago.

But reacting , some Members-Elect both new and returning disagreed saying they will do the needful for the sake of the image of the legislature and the legislators.

” I can tell you for free that we are top exposed and experience to be dragged backward by zoning or whatever you called it. We are here as colleagues, duely elected legislators to work for country and not for any party. Yes we belong to different parties but the nature of our work demands internal collaboration, cooperation and mutual understanding and respect to succeed. It’s when we agree among ourselves that the input is felt outside. So therefore we must do what can bring about this in-house cooperation before we relate with the other two arms of government. We must put our house in order before anything succeeds so therefore zoning cannot be a consideration for s7ch an Assembly. If its an Assembly of some parry, we can sit in our various party Secretariats to take such decisions based on zoning but we belong to different political parties. Whoever is bringing that to the table must be ready for shock amd surprises. We have learned alot from previous experiences and would not want to repeat such ” , a returning lawmaker said.

Another new member elect said , we have passed that stage my brother. All of those who are contesting the Speakership have gone far mobilising support using their resources to seek for the votes of their colleagues and it will be very unfair and immoral for either the APC and PDP to seek to undermine this by showing selective favouritism in the name of zoning. Why didn’t they announced the zoning before the general elections. From history we all know that the most stable and most productive legislatures all over the world are those build on mutual understanding where members vote from among themselves their leaders and not imposed from the executive. Such practices are no longer fashionable because of the ill wind the blow on democracy “.

The Members-Elect who pleaded not to be named for some strategic reasons opined that the legislature on Nigeria has come of age and therefore it will be primitive and a set back to continue to introduce zoning which has caused more harm than good to legislative progress.

A cross section of the legislators interviewed from all the political parties are of the opinion that the executive should respect the independence of the legislature and not try to ridicule the foundation of the 10th National Assembly by such miscalculations.

” Besides you that the composition of the 10th National Assembly especially that of the House of representatives is very unique. We have about 162 elected APC members and 163 of the other parties put together. We are waiting for the remaing 30 or so members to join us and who knows which party will be higher in number. We must be allowed by our respective parties being ruling or opposition to take our decisions regarding our leadership. We can only respect our own leadership. Any person brought to us through zoning means that person is most likely deficient and can only him use zoning to ascend to that position. We want those that can do the job. We want those that can be more conscious of their mandate and not those to be teleguided”

Attai Audu Jos

The Women and Girl-Child Rescue And Development Initiative in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria, funded by Women for Women International under Conflict Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) has Organized one day Consultative forum on the 4th of April 2023, to discuss issues Sorrounding ‘women peace and security’ in Plateau State, Nigeria.

Oracle Reporters gathered that the one day program had in attendance over seventy women from the communities of Dadin Kowa, Jos South LGA of Plateau State and Congo Russia of Jos North LGA of Plateau State.

During the meeting, the forum participants discussed and profer solutions to ‘trending issues affecting the involvement and participation of women and girls in peace and Security.

Trending issues affecting the involvement and participation of women and girls in peace and security were identified during the one day program including, Culture/religious beliefs, Discrimination. Tribalism.

Other issues identified are that Women are seen as weaker vessels while men seen as the head, Stereotyping, Limited knowledge, Lack of awareness, Lack of involvement of women, Fear and lack of confidence.

Organisations represented at the meeting were, Women Peace and Security Network (WPS), Plateau Peace Practitioners’ Network (PPPN), NAWOJ, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), MWA.

Other participants at the meeting were among others, Community Development Association, Traditional Institutions, Vigilante Heads, Jos North and Jos South; Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Securities and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Jos North and Jos South LGA Representatives; and Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA).

Among the resolutions reached at the meeting were among others, how women and girls can take the lead in strategic advocacy for peace building including, being educated, having one voice, women inclusion in women leadership traditional council, inclusion of women in community policing and community activities, and women assisting each other as women when it matters the most.

Other key recommendations reached at the meeting was that of Creating awareness among women on the need to be involved in the peace process, Encouraging women to speak up,. Advocacies to religious and traditional leaders .

Women were advised not to be

totally dependent on men by building their own capacities and as well be economically empowered .

Additionally,Women were told to create safe spaces amongst themselves. Share their pains and be ready to receive help. And so much more.

Attai Audu Jos

Mrs Bridget Dakyes a civil Society Advocate for gender Equality has bagged Ahmadu Bello Leadership Award 2023.

Mrs Dakyes in her reaction to this distinguished award, told Oracle Reporters that this award is a beautiful way to move into the year

According to her,”.I am glad to announce my first award for the year 2023. The Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna Distinguished Leadership Award of Excellence”

.This award was Presented to her by the National Association of Northern Nigeria Students (NANNS).

NANNS described Mrs Bridget Dakyes, as an achiever per excellence.

According to the Northern students union body ,the award was in recognition of her uprightness, doggedness, integrity,sagacity, excellent and diligent disposition of her duties with absolute fairness, accountability, immense contribution towards national development and her service to The Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Responding,Mrs Dakyes dedicated the award to every woman who is doing her bit to make the world a better place.

According to her,” Let’s keep moving and stay focused.” Bridget stressed

Audu Otubi Jos

All Progressive Congress in Plateau State leadership has called on Commissioner of Police, Plateau state Command to provide security and protection to the legitimate Members of Plateau House of Assembly to enable them continue to discharge their statutory duty of lawmaking devoid of interference by hoodlums.

Spokesman of the party Sylvanus Namang made this appeal on Thursday at his party Secretariat in Jos while addressing newsmen on the current lingering leadership crisis in the state House of Assembly.

According to Namang, Abok who is claiming that a Jos high court has returned him back to his seat as the speaker of the state Assembly is no more a member of the state Assembly as his seat as Member representing Jos East at Plateau State Assembly has been declared vacant when he deffected from the ruling APC to Peoples Democratic party and INEC communicated by the Clerk of the state Assembly.

He wondered why the same Abok who claimed to have gotten judgement from a Jos high court did not wait for the execution of the judgement through due process of law, hurriedly volunteered to serve as courier to deliver a copy of the enrolled order of the court to the Clerk of the House immediately after the delivery of the judgement and forcefully entering the office of the speaker.

. Namang warned Abok to stop claiming that the Jos high court judgement was declaratory and not executory and there by have resumed duty as speaker of Plateau Assembly.

He added that now that notice of Appeal and motion of stay of execution and injunction to restrain Abok from parading himself as speaker was filed and served on him on Tuesday 4th of April, he should stop parading him self as speaker of the state Assembly pending the determination of Appeal by the state government and majority of House members before the court of Appeal.

Attai Audu Jos

In the bid to curb crimes and criminalities within Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, the LGC Administration in the area has constructed and handed over a new Divisional Police Office to the Nigerian Police on Wednesday April 12, 2023.

Speaking during the handing over and commissioning of the office in Namu town, the Executive Chairman of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council, Hon. Ernest Abner Da’a described the event as a fulfilment of his administration’s
assurance to the people of partnering with the various security agencies and outfits within and outside the LGA, towards maximization of their services to secure them.

“You recalled that on assumption of office and in the face of the many security challenges we assured you of impactful partnership with the various security agencies and outfits within and outside of the LGA, towards the maximization of the services of the Army, Police and other recognized outfits, like The Vigilante, Community Police, Neighborhood Watch, among others, to curtail them. Today, I am happy to inform you that this partnership have reduced drastically the level of crimes, criminalities and criminal activities in the Local Government.” Hon Da’a said.

The Chairman added that the securing and establishment of an additional Divisional Police Office in the LGA, with the full status of the office, located in Namu is a further demonstration of practical steps towards curbing security challenges by his Administration

“I am happy to inform you that my Administration has completed the building of the fully fortified office structure, which we are Commissioning and handing it over to the Nigerian Police Force for operational services from today April 12, 2023,’ Hon Da’a said to the applause of the appreciative people.

The Chairman expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Police for their understanding and cooperation towards the establishment of the 2nd Divisional Police Office in the Local Government, and reassured them of the full cooperation of the people of Qua’an-Pan, expressing the hope that the station will boost the Administration’s efforts towards minimizing security breaches within the Local Government Area and its environs to the barest minimum.

” We thank also the Army and other security apparatus for their continued support to the Administration. Together, we assure you Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area will continue to enjoy more peaceful coexistence under peaceful atmosphere,” the Chairman said, while commending members of the Executive, Legislative and Traditional Councils and the people of the Local Government Area for their maximum support towards ensuring that the LGA is taken to the highest level.

While commending the people of Namu for their synergy and cooperation towards the success of the project, Hon. Da’a urged them to see the new facility as their own, and to always protect it and cooperate with the officers.

Speaking at the Commissioning, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, represented by the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Bartholomew Onyeka called on the good people of Namu, to see themselves as partners in progress by creating conducive environment for cordial working relationship and partnership with the Police.

The goodwill message from the Long Pan and President Qua’an-Pan Traditional Council, Nda Emmanuel Dabang, was read by his Representative, the Long Kwo of Kwo Chiefdom, HRH Miskoom Fidelis Longtoe Attahiru II, where he pledged the cooperation of the Traditional Council towards sustainable peace within the LGA.
Other traditional rulers at the occasion included the Long Gamai, represented by the Long Dorok; The Ponzhi Zini and Acting President Langtang North and South Joint Traditional Council; the District Heads of Doemak, Kwa and Kwang.

In his vote of thanks, HRH, the Long Jan, Miskoom Safiyanu Allah-Nana Ill, appreciated the council for coming to the aid of his people, adding that the Police station is unique among other stations in the country, and assured that the police officers posted to the station would be accorded conducive working environment by the community.

Highlights of the event was the Commissioning and unveiling of the office and other facilities meant to aide the operations of the personnel.