Attai Audu Jos.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Yakubu Pam has disclosed that the Commission has approved the Kingdom of Jordan as one of its pilgrimage destination Countries.

Rev Pam made this known when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Tourism and Antiques, His Excellency Mr. Nayef Alfayez at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiques, Amman, Jordan.

Rev. Pam explained that the Federal Government of Nigeria had saddled the Commission with the responsibility of taking Christian Pilgrims to the Holy Sites Around the world.

In his words, “the Commission in past had three pilgrimage destinations which were Israel, Rome and Greece but now Jordan has been officially added to our pilgrimage destinations, this is only possible because you opened your doors to us”.

The NCPC boss thanked the Minister for all the support and co-operation the Jordanian Government had accorded them to ensure a hitch free pilgrimage exercise especially in the area of visa procurement.

According to him, “ every promise you made to us in the area of Visa procurement you kept to your words and we are grateful”.

He further thanked his host for the red carpet reception the Jordanian Government accorded the first batch of Nigeria Pilgrims who arrived Jordan on the 25th of July, 2021.

In his words, “the reception you gave us was overwhelming, we saw another Nigeria in Jordan because we felt at home”.

The NCPC helmsman informed his host that the first and second batch of Pilgrims who came to Jordan had arrived Nigeria and their testimonies about their pilgrimage experiences was great.

He affirmed that a new bilateral relationship has been established between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Jordan.

According to him, Nigeria is open to learn from Jordan in the area of information technology and agriculture because according to him, “ I believe that Nigeria has so much learn from Jordan and Jordan has alot to learn from Nigeria, too”.

In his response, the Minister of Tourism and Antiques, Mr. Nayef Alfayez thanked the Executive Secretary and his team for their visit.

He commended the Nigeria Government and the NCPC boss for considering the Holy sites in Jordan as a viable pilgrimage destination.

Mr. Alfayez explained that the greatest value they have cherished as a nation is the peaceful co-existence between the Christians and the Muslims.

In his words “ we work together as brothers and we accept each other not minding our religious differences”.

He hinted that the Jordanian Government and the Ministry of Tourism will do everything possible for NCPC to experience a hitch free and a successful pilgrimage exercise.

In his words, “we are ready to clear any obstacle to make this year’s pilgrimage exercise great”.

The Minister commended the pilgrims for conducting themselves well.

According to him,” we have received good reports on the pilgrims that have come to the Holy land so far”.

In his remarks, the Nigerian Ambassador to Jordan, His Excellency, Amb. Faruk Yabo thanked the Minister of Tourism and Antiques for their cooperation and support to this success of this pilot scheme pilgrimage.

In his words, this has created an unprecedented momentum because any nation that is receptive to pilgrims is blessed”.

He solicited for more cooperation in the area of visas procurement to afford more Nigerians the opportunity to visit Jordan and to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

The courtesy call was witnessed by Chairman House Committee on pilgrimage Affairs, Hon. Abubakar Nalaraba, NCPC Federal Commissioners, Executive Secretary of Lagos, Osun and Ondo Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards, among others.

Attai Ogwunenwa Okwuta Jos

National President Directors Guild of Nigeria Victor Okhai has promised diaspora Chapters of the Directors of guild of Nigeria(DGN) in US and Canada of organizing exchange Programs between them and those at home in Nigeria to maintain the connection and knowledge based capacity of their colleagues in the diaspora.

Okhai gave this hint while in audience with the Chairman of the Guild US/ Canada diaspora guild of Nigeria Mr Obed Joe at the National Secretariat of the Organization in Lagos when the diaspora chairman paid him a courtesy visit.

According to Okhai, he was happy that finally they have diaspora Chapter and assured the US/ Canada Chairman of DGN that the new leadership of DGN in Nigeria is forward looking and proactive.

Okhai further stressed that his leadership vision is to ensure best practices, wants to ensure high standards for the directorate.

He added that there was going to be a lot of collaboration and support from home here in Nigeria to diaspora members of the association.

Okhai also gave an assurance that very soon,they were going to travel abroad to Inaugurate the diaspora Chapters in several countries in Africa and European countries.
.” As DGN, our new motor is first among equals as we are determined to lead the way”

Okhai also disclosed that his leadership is determined to restore the dignity of film Directors in the movie Industry in Nigeria.

He congratulated Joe Obed for his appointment and assured him of working together to take the movie Industry to higher hight.

Earlier,DGN diaspora Chairman, Joe Obed commended Okhai for the warm reception accorded him during his visit to the national Secretariat of their association.

He thanked Okhai and his team for the creation of the association diaspora Chapters.

” You have finally bridged the gap” saying DGN is definitely bringing a new dimension, perspective, unlimited growth and Opportunities to the local Directorate of Guild, Nollywood ( the movie Industry and the creative c at large.

He promised to work closely with Okhai and his team to ensure regular training collaboration and resertification of members.

Hon Ubandoma Laven urges court to stop Lalong,PLASIEC from conducting Langtang North polls.

Attai Ogwunenwa Audu.

The Executive Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Council of Plateau State ,Hon Ubandoma Joshua Laven on Friday told a Jos high court that the Plateau state Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC ) Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs ,Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong and the Attorney General of the Plateau state be stopped from conducting the forthcoming LG polls scheduled for October ,2021 in Plateau state.

The claimant Counsel,Niri Darong, on Friday told the court that this matter was adjourned this Friday for hearing on motion notice of their interlocutory injunction served before the defendants but the claimant /Applicant were just served yesterday 5th of August ,2021 .

We pray the court to entertain this suit after a long filing but owning to the circumstances we are asking for a short date to respond..

The Chairman of PLASIEC ,Hon Fibia Ntung Ari has fixed the council polls for October including Langtang North LGA, whose chairman is only in the second year in office .

Joshua-Laven, in a motion on notice filed before Justice Ishaku Kunda of State High Court 5, said that his action was in pursuance to order 42 and 43 of the Plateau State High Court (civil procedure) rule 2020, section 7 of Construction of the Federal Government 1999 (as amended) and section 38 of LGA Laws 2016 and section 18 of State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) 2016.

Joshua-Laven explained that Plateau State Local Government Council Election Appeal Tribunal declared him to be the duly elected Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Council by its judgment of 19th July, 2019 for 3 years tenure but there is plot to truncate the court process .

He said that PLASIEC issued him with a Certificate of Return on the 17th October, 2019 while Governor Lalong administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on him on the 9th October, 2019.

“The tenure of the Applicant as Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Council under section 38 of the Plateau State Local Government Council Law, 2016, is for three (3) years effective from the date he took the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office.

“But the Respondents have fixed 9th October, 2021 as the date to conduct election into the Office of Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Council, among others.he argued.

Laven counsel argued that”If not restrained, the Respondents would truncate the statutory three-year tenure of the Applicant .

Consequently, Joshua-Laven is seeking for “an order of this Honourable Court for interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants by themselves, their agents, representatives or privies from doing anything or taking steps towards conducting elections into the office of Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Council on 9th October, 2021 pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”

He was also seeking for an order of the Court for mandatory injunction restraining the defendants, their agents or privies from doing anything or taking any step prejudicial to his Office pending the determination of the substantive suit.

When the case came up for mention before Justice Ishaku Kunda on Friday , it was adjourned to the 17th August, 2021 for ruling on the motion of injunction .

However, counsel to the defendants Barr. Fidelis .Kaatpo didn’t oppose the application for adjournment sought by the Applicant,Claimant .

It would be recalled that all the defendants and their Counsels were absent on first appearance date having not been served with the hearing notices.

” My Lord, it’s unfortunate that none of the defendants’ Counsel is in Court today even though we have served them with our motion on notice,” Darong told the Court

“However the clerk of the court just informed us that the 1st respondent has filed a counter affidavit in reply to our motion but that copies were not provided for service on us today,” he explained.

The Judge expressed shock on the flaunting of his early order that the hearing notice be attached to the motion on notice served on the Respondents.

Darong said

considering the circumstance, the case could not go on and he quickly applied for an adjournment to enable the court serve them (defendants) with hearing notices.”

A

ttai Ogwunenwa Audu Jos

The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission,PLASIEC, on Thursday instituted a fresh motion calling on the court to stop the proceedings of a suit brought by the People Democratic Party ,PDP, challenging their exclusion from purported plan to prevent their candidates from contesting the forthcoming October Local Government election in Plateau state.

Edward G. Pwajok ,SAN,told newsmen that the motion for the adjourning the proceedings till after the vacation to them was brought by Pwul in bad faith because they know that we told the court that PLASIEC has fixed the LG election for October, 2021 .

According to Pwajok SAN ,”if you’re saying the matter should be adjourn may be towards the end of September that means that they want to consolidate their decision to exclude PDP from conduct of the election .

Pwajok,SAN, said the question should be asked If PLASIEC Is not supposed to be independent ?and are they not suppose to be neutral .This doesn’t show neutrality for them to be asking for adjournment until after the vacation .

He explained further that what they are doing now is because as a matter of fact, they have engage the services of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria ,SAN,so is not for PLASIEC that is going to be arguing the matter in court so why are afraid that they don’t want the matter to be heard .

” They have engage the services of a lawyer allow them to handle the work approximately and that is why we are happy with the court for given us short adjournment date .

He stressed that if PLASIEC think this is their delay tactics,we help them ,they can run but they can not hid ,we must argued this matter ,considering that PLASIEC is government agency ,they’re supposed to represent the people of Nigeria as they’re funded by the people of Nigeria which is including you and I not answerable to other masquerade somewhere .

According to him ,” Let them know that they are suppose to be a neutral body but what they’re doing now they are showing that they are part of the players they demonstrate that they are referee.

He added that PLASIEC by what they’re doing now is rubbishing the neutrality and content of the electoral body.

Chief Garba Pwul ,SAN, in his own argument, claimed that there wasn’t any application moved in court today but due to the fact that we have filed an application seeking the judge not to sit on this matter again during vacation why because this matter is not for vacation judges.

“We said the matter can be heard under a normal court proceedings which had the right to entertain the suit ,however, the vacation is meant for both lawyers, Bar and inner bar ,and jurist to embark holiday to rest .

Pwul ,SAN ,emphasized that this was why we drew the attention of your lordship to the fact that this case should not be entertain during vacation and court proceedings matter are done through filing processes .

We can file a motions during vacation but this is not for vacation matter ,therefore, they should adjourn the matter beyond vacation period to deal with the matter on merit .

The plaintiff in this case the PDP need to respond to what ever we do in court, it is a balanced fair hearing so they needed to study our motion with the view of replying to it .

The judge in his wisdom ruled that they should come back on the 11th August, 2021 to argue that motion before he would give his ruling on whether this matter should be heard before the hearing of PDP substantive suit against PLASIEC.

Counsel to the petitioner ,Barr. E.G Pwajok told the court that the matter was adjourned today for hearing on two issues ,the preliminary objection and originating surmouns .

He told the court that they’ve filed their further and better application which is attached with affidavit and a written address all joined together .

However, counsel to the respondent ,G.S.Pwul confirmed that they’ve been served with complainant preliminary objection on the substantive ,originating surmouns but based on understanding, they have filed and exchange arguments were received this morning .

Pwul ,” we have file our counter application waiting to be moved which is accompanied with a written address “.

This case has been adjourned to 11th August for further hearing .

MIOSA Hails Jos North Chairman For

Displaying Purposeful leadership.

Attai Audu Jos.

The Chairperson Miango old Students Association MIOSA Jennifer Dung has applauded the Management Committee Chairman of Jos North Local Government Shehu Bala Usman for the tremendous feats recorded by his administration.

Mrs Dung gave the commendation when she led other officials of the body on a courtesy visit to the Chairman at the Local Government Secretariat.

According to her, the Chairman has made a significant impact, particularly, in the area of infrastructure and human capital development since his appointment by Governor Simon Lalong of plateau state.

She said they were proud to identify with one of their own who has been exemplary in his duty by making the school and alma mater proud hence the need for the body to appoint him as its patron.

The state Chairperson who spoke through her welfare officer Chaimang Jerry said the Chairman remained a great asset to the school and the association and encourage him to continue to do more to people in the locality.

While praying God to give the Jos North Chairman more years of selfless service and fulfillment, she expressed optimism his brilliant performance will in no distant time get him ready for higher national assignment.

Contributing, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress Maicibi Vwarji noted that the Jos North Chairman has done creditably well in the area of peaceful coexistence and infrastructural development in Jos North LGA.

Vwarji called on citizens to continue to give the Chairman their unflinching support to provide more succor foro its citizens.

Responding, Management Committee Chairman of Jos North Local Government Shehu Bala Usman appreciated the plateau chapter of the Miango old Students Association for the honour done him to serve as state patron of the body.

Usman noted the training he received from the institution has adequately prepared and strengthen him to serve without any bias nor difference.

He called on Miosa to support the administration of Governor Simon Lalong as he is working very hard to achieve the needed peace and security of citizens of the state.

Attai Audu Ogwunenwa.

The Acting Chairman Plateau State All Progressive Congress (Apc) Mr Enoch Fanmark has condemned in strong terms the attacks in some communities in Riyom and Bassa local government areas of Plateau state.

He decried the wanton killings and destruction of farmlands by marauders calling for an end to this dastardly misguided

The APC Chairman in a statement on the ugly development in Bassa and Riyom LGAs, described the continued attacks and killings of innocent citizens of the State” as Barbaric and unacceptable.

He Called on the security agencies in the state to intensify efforts at “arresting these perpetrators by Bringing them to face Justice.

According to him “Plateau needs support from both the federal governments and international donor agencies to deal with incessant crises that had persisted in the state without relief.

While Commiserating with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate incident, Prayed God to Console them .

He added that this carnage must be stopped at all cost, adding “We must try to get it right by fixing any vexation amongst our people. We can not continue this way. It has to stop” he stressed!

Mr Fanmark Called on Plateau people to show resilience by Supporting the government to fight against crisis merchants if the State is maintain it’s relative Peace.

Fanmark urged Citizens of the state to ignore rumour mongers and go about their normal businesses but remain Vigilant by reporting any suspicious movements around them to Security Agencies for prompt response.

SIGNED:
ENOCH FANMARK
ACTING CHAIRMAN
ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS (APC)
PLATEAU STATE
AUGUST 4TH 2021.

Attai Ogwugwu Audu

Stakeholders in Jos North Local Government have resolved to hold a monthly security engagement with relevant security agencies in the area to guide against any break down of law and order within its borders on the one hand and with Communities of neighboring LGAs on the other.

This decision was reached at an extraordinary stakeholders security engagement with relevant security agencies following the
Security breaches that arose at Gada biyu due to the security breach at Kwall in Bassa Local Government Area of plateau state.

The meeting brought together Traditional and religious leaders, representatives of Youth, Development Organizations, the police, Nigeria Immigration Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp as well as Vigilantees and Neighborhood watch to brainstorm on the need to find lasting solutions to breach of peace and insecurity in the locality.

.
This stakeholders meeting at the instance of Jos North Chairman Comrade Shehu Bala Usman Oracle Reporters gathered came on the heels of the disruption of peace and order on Tuesday Night around Gada biyu, in Jos North Local Government which reportedly obstructed traffic when two trucks were set ablaze on the highway.

The situation was however brought under control with the quick intervention of security personnel that were drafted to the troubled neighborhood that halted the incident from spilling to other parts of Jos and it’s environs.

While reading the resolution at the end of the meeting Management Chairman Committee Chairman of Jos North Local Government Shehu Bala Usman noted that they Jos North stakeholders have resolved to constitute a standing committee to take statistics of affected internally displaced persons residing in the area for proper assistance by the Local government.

The stakeholders also resolved among other things, to deploy security personnel to flash points areas and as well as collaborate with the Chairman of Bassa Local Government Council administration to tighten its borders to prevent infiltration by merchants of conflict.

Other resolutions include setting up an early warning mechanism and adequate involvement of volunteer security personnel to complement the efforts of various conventional agencies in the community to curtain any breach of peace and threat to security of citizens in the locality.

They also recommended to the Management of Jos North Local Government to intimate Governor Lalong to increase additional security personnel at Dong Community, Gada biyu Ungwan Rukuba, Zololo and Bauchi road areas to forestall and contain any unforeseen situation from these hot spots neighborhoods.

The Jos North management Chairman Shehu Bala Usman at the end of the meeting, appreciated the quick response of the various security agencies in containing the reported Gada biyu incident from spilling over.

Usman Commended Governor Simon Lalong for building a solid foundation for peaceful coexistence in the state and northern Nigeria at large.

He also noted that Council would continue to complement the state Government efforts in prioritizing peace and security of it citizens.

On the other hand,Divisional police Officer OBinna Simon and his C Division Courterpart Felicia Oketona called on traditional and religious leaders, Youth as well as other stakeholders and citizens to be security conscious and to provide useful information on any suspicious movement or activity.

The other security officials at the meeting Commended the steadfast commitment of the Chairman of Jos North for always getting in touch with them to ensure security and peace of the people.

Attai Ogwunenwa Audu

Senator representing Plateau North Senatotrial district at National Assembly Senator ID Gyang has Condemned consistent attacks on native communities in Plateau North Senatorial District by killer herdsmen.

The Senate Committee Vice Chairman on Defence in a statement in Jos expressed regret over the unprovoked attacks and killings of the host Communities natives and the destruction of their means of livelihood with reckless abandon by suspected armed herders .

According to him, the most recent one is the attack on Irigwe villages in Jebu Bassa last Saturday 31/07/21 where 7 persons were killed, many injured, over 200 houses burnt and large farm crops destroyed.

Senator Gyang said the burnt villages were among others, Zanwra, Nche-Tahu, Rikwe-Rishe A&B, Ri-Dogo, Nchu-Nzhwa all under Kpatenvie of Kpachudu/Jebu Community.

He added that the most disturbing aspect of the ugly Incident,was the fact that these repeated attacks have all been preceded by widely circulated intelligence information as to the date, time and location of the attacks.

” EWith such prior information, the belated or non response of the Security agencies has been called to question”.

Senator Gyang urged the OPSH, Police, and DSS to discharge their duties dispassionately and provide protection to endangered communities of Plateau North by ensuring that all threats to peace are decisively dealt with.

He called on his Constituents in Plateau North Senatotrial district to remain calm and report strange movement of questionable faces around their Communities to security agencies for prompt response.

He insisted that the primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and Properties of the people.

NCPC Boss Rev Pam Seek a

n End to Killings and Destruction Of Farm Lands in Rîyom And Bassa LGAs Of Plateau State.

Attai Okwuta Audu Jos.

The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam has condemned the recent attacks in some communities in Riyom and Bassa local government areas of Plateau state.

Pam in a statement issued through his media aide Ayuba Pam on Wednesday and made available to Daily Independent, decried the wanton killings and destruction of farmlands by marauders calling for an end to this dastardly behavior.

Rev Pam bemoaned the continued mayhem meted out to innocent citizens of the State and called on the security agencies to intensify efforts at “arresting the perpetrators of the heinous acts.

According to Rev Pam “Plateau needs support from both the federal government and international donor agencies to deal with incessant crises that had persisted in the state without relief.

“We need support to stop this carnage. We must try to get it right by fixing any vexation amongst our people. We can not continue this way. It has to stop!

“Killings of any nature are despised by God. Nobody ever fought His battles? We must shun tribal and religious differences to give peace a chance.

He called on Plateau people to show resilience and not be deterred by revenge mission but allow God to contend with all those contending with them at this trying moment.

“We should support the government to fight these intruders and round them up for the nation to sleep in peace”! He emphasized.

Janet Audu Taraba.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Taraba State Chapter has inaugurated it’s Mobilization and Enlightenment Committee on CVR to work out parameters for effective sensitization and participation of members of the Party in the ongoing INEC Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) and the Party’s membership E-Registration Exercise in Taraba state.

Hon. Danladi Baido, Member representing Karim Lamido, Ardo-Kola, and Lau Federal Constituency has been appointed to be Chairman of the 62 man committee while the ALGON Chairman Taraba State, Hon. Bala S. Bako serves as the Committee Secretary

T he Party Chairman, Col. Agbu Kefas rtd, in his address while inaugurating the Committee at the party’s Secretariat in Jalingo, Capital of Taraba state, said the Committee project was very dear to the party which is the second assignment the party had embarked on since his assumption of office as the leader of the party in Taraba state..

He advised the committee members to use their wealth of experience to deliver on the mandate given to them .

“However, in appointing you as the chairman of this project, the party took into consideration your background, love for humanity, peace building capacity and the love for the prosperity of the party.”

“The party reinstated her absolute confidence that you and your team will deliver in this assignment that is expected of you to execute.

“The task ahead of your team is to create awareness, englighten, educate and sensitise Tarabans on the need to participate and join the ongoing INEC Continues Voters Registration (CVR) and the Party membership E-Registration Exercise for new members.”

In his response, Chairman of the committee,Hon. Danladi Baido assured his party that the committee would reach out to all the members of the party in the state and others across the state, in a bid to actualize the set objective of the party.

He also promised that the exercise would be all-inclusive to youngpeople with disability, women and aged persons , who are yearning for the restoration of the lost glory of their dear nation.

According to him, “while the opposition party in the state are busy on how to reposition their party ahead of incoming general election. PDP under Hon. A. A. Kefas is two step ahead working towards winning election in 2023.”

Baido commended the state party chairman and his state working committee members for the tedious Job since they were elected as party leaders to pilot the affairs of the ruling party in the state.

The 62 man standing Committee cut across the 3 Senatotrial districts of Taraba state.