Attai Audu Jos.

Ubandoma Joshua-Laven, Chairman Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau has dragged the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) before a Jos high Court over the moves by PLASIEC to conduct fresh local government Polls in his LGA at a time his term in Office is not yet over .

Joshua-Laven who has taken his case to Jos high court, is seeking an order stopping PLASEIC from conducting the Local Government elections in his domain.

Joined in the suit filed through his Counsel, Mr Niri Darong, are the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Governor Simon Lalong and Attorney General of the State as 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants

This suit came on the heels of PLASIEC fixing of the council polls in the state for October this year including that of Langtang North LGA.

Joshua-Laven, in a motion on notice filed before Justice Ishaku Kunda of Plateau State High Court 5, said his action was pursuant to order 42 and 43 of the Plateau State High Court (civil procedure) rule 2020, section 7 of Constitution of the Federal Government 1999 “(as amended).

Joshua-Laven explained that Plateau State Local Government Council Election Appeal Tribunal declared him duly elected Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Council by court judgment of July 19, 2019 and that
PLASIEC issued him Certificate of Return on Oct. 17, 2019 while Governor. Lalong administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on him on Oct. 9, 2019.

According to him, his tenure as Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Council under section 38 of the Plateau Local Government Council Law, 2016, is for three years, effective from the date he took the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office.

He wondered why the respondents fixed Oct. 9, this year as the date for the conduct of election into the Office of Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Council, among others.

He asked the Court to restrain the Respondents from truncating the statutory three-year of his tenure.
Joshua-Laven argued.

Consequently, Joshua-Laven the only PDP LG Chairman in the state, is seeking for an order for interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants by themselves, their agents, representatives or privies from doing anything or taking steps toward conducting elections into the office of Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Council.

He also seeks 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 Kunda, all the defendants and their Counsel were absent having not been served with the hearing notices.

“My Lord, it is 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 first respondent has filed a counter affidavit in reply to our motion but that copies were provided for service on us today,” he explained.

The Judge expressed shock on the flaunting of his earlier order that hearing notices be attached to the motion on notice served on the respondents.

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

“If that is the case we are asking for a date to enable the clerk to do the needful and to enable the respondents to also serve us with their counter affidavits,” Darong pleaded.

Justice Kunda, however, directed the court clerk to effect service of hearing notices on the respondents and adjourned the case until Aug. 6 for hearing of the motion on notice.

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Atti Audu Jos.

Senator Hezekiah Dimka, Chairman Senate Committee Chairman on Drugs and Narcotics has decried attacks and killings of innocent people of Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Jos South and East local government areas of Plateau State by armed gun men.

Dimka in a statement issued in Jos on Tuesday and made available to Oracle Reporters in Jos, lamented that these attacks pattern has been the decimation of farmlands, killing and maiming as well as loss of lives in the most barbaric manner.

According to the Former Imo state Commissioner of Police, ” Iam aware that there have been apprehension concerning these incidents as there are untold hardship on the part of communities. The attack on Jebbu Miango on July 31 until morning of August 1, 2021 leaves much to be desired”.

Dimka noted that from reports, over ten people were massacred, their homes and farmlands desecrated recklessly.

” These are attacks that should not be glossed over. It is time to get things sorted out by ensuring that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.”

He noted that coming as they did, and disturbing as they have witnessed them, these are not isolated cases going by the pieces of information that are circulated before the attacks take place.

” It is expected the security should be on top of the situation”.

He sympathize with the communities as well as ask that they are provided adequate security without waiting to be called to do so as the affected people have suffered without let.

The Jordan Pilgrimage Records huge Success- NCPC Executive Secretary Rev Pam .

Attai Okwuta Audu Jos

The first batch of Christian Pilgrims who left Jos airport last month on the 25th July to the Kingdom of Jordan on pilgrimage, have returned to the country on Monday afternoon through Abuja International airport.

Speaking shortly on arrival, the Execuitve Secretary of the Commission, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam, described the journey as “worthy and successful”.

According to him, the “experience was worthwhile” stressing that the pilgrims were now better “informed about their responsibilities as citizens”.

Pam added that the pilgrims were ” well behaved while in the Holy land” praising the relentless efforts of the Nigerian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Jordan, Ambassador Faruk Yabo for standing by them.

“I believe the pilgrims will put to use what they saw in Jordan for the betterment of the country. we prayed for the peace of the country and for our leaders in all spheres of governance”! He enthosed!

According to Rev Pam, “we were well treated by the Jordanian government and I must say, Jordan is a fantastic country full of memories from biblical history to morden agricultural mechanization to tourism.

He said he was happy that the first batch did not witness any case of ” abscondment” due to the “tight security that was put in place from the first day to the end”.

According to NCPC boss, the commission was working round the clock to ensure that all the 2,500 pilgrims to Jordan were airlifted to perform the pilgrimage as scheduled.

” I’m happy the operations are moving smoothly and I hope we shall meet our target as scheduled”! Pam said.

It would be recalled that the flag off of first ever pilgrimage to Jordan was done in Jos, Plateau state where the State Governor Simon Bako Lalong performed the ground breaking ceremony at the Jos Heipang Airport last month on July 25th

So far, the third batch left Jos Monday, 2nd August, en route Abuja this evening while the fourth batch will depart Lagos on Thursday, 5th August, 2021 to join other contingents in Jordan.

Attai Audu Jos

After over three hours of deliberations behind closed doors, the Plateau State Security Council rose from its emergency meeting with a directive by Governor Simon Lalong to the security agencies in the State to take full control of all vulnerable in Bassa and Riyom LGAs and clear the attackers that have parpetrated mayhem within the areas.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, Commissioner of Police Edward Egbuka said Governor Lalong after receiving full briefs from the various security organs in the State and after exhaustive review of the situation, gave marching orders to the Police, Operation Safe Haven, Nigerian Army, DSS, Civil Defence, NSCDC and other collaborating agencies to reinforce and contain the ugly situation in Bassa and Riyom LGAs without further delay.

According to CP Egbuka, “The meeting basically reviewed the fallout of events within the last 48 hours where there were attacks specifically at Jebbu Miango. From our records as at Saturday night the 31st of July 2021, five people were killed while about 85 buildings were burnt. The next morning, the attacks still persisted. From intelligence, the attackers are militia brought from outside the State. The attacks continued in Tamburam, Riyom LGA where unfortunately twelve people were also killed and some houses destroyed and again at Maiyanga. We lost some security personnel at Maiyanga and Riyom”.

CP Egbuka said although security agencies have deployed men on the ground coping with the situation, Governor Lalong has directed them to do everything possible to bring the situation under control within the next 48 hours and arrest all the perpetrators.

“This is the sound of warning to the people involved in perpetrating this violent acts. The leaders will be arrested. There are records of leaders that are on bail temporarily, and some of them have been fingered in this present attacks. Nobody will be spared. Human life is sacrosanct and nobody can take it at will. There is a Government in place and it will not accept lawlessness” CP Egbuka warned .

He assured the citizens that the directives of the Government will be swiftly carried out as the security agencies will further strategise and reinforce to contain the situation, arrest the attackers and bring them to account.

The state Security Council also resolved to enhance engagement and collaboration with informal security groups such as the vigilante, community watch groups, hunters association and community leaders for enhanced intelligence gathering.

Governor Lalong during the Meeting again sympathised with the victims and also reiterated his directive for immediate assessment of the humanitarian needs and assistance to affected people by State Emergency Management Agency once the security agencies contain they situation. Further engagements will then follow by the Peace Building Agency.

The meeting chaired by the Governor was attended by the Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Secretary to Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu, Chief of Staff Noel Donjur, Chairman, Plateau Council of Traditional Rulers and Emirs, His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos, GOC 3rd Armoured Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Garrison Commander, Commander 551 NAF Station Jos, Coordinator Operation Rainbow, Director DSS, Commandant NSCDC, as well as Commanders of NDLEA, Immigration Service and Correctional Service. The Chairmen of Riyom and Bassa LGAs and the DG Peace Building Agency were also in attendance.

Attai Audu Jos.

Plateau state Commissioner for Finance, Regina Soemlat has expressed delight in the peaceful conduct of the ward congress of APC in Plateau state last Saturday.

She described the exercise as credible and transparent.

According to her, APC in Panshin and Particalarly in her Lankan ward adopted a consensus arrangement as advised by her state Governor Barr Lalong except that of the chairmanship position which went through election proper as a result of disagreement between two contestants.

Soemlat noted that All members of her Party in Lankan ward of Pankshin LGA were united and working assiduously for the progress of the party towards winning the 2023 general elections in the state and the Nation in general.

She applauded the peaceful and orderly conduct of the ward con gress by party faithfuls and urged them to continue to rally round Governor Lalong to enable him succeed in the task ahead .

The Plateau Finance Commissioner earlier advocated for peace among members of the party and urged them to vote for candidates of their choice.

Similarly,Chairman Plateau state Local Government Service Commission, Robert Taple, National President of Mupun Development Association, Ardiel Pedro and Plateau state APC stalwart, Maichibi Vwarji described the ward congress in their area as peaceful.

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Attai Audu Jos.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Yakubu Pam has called on the first batch of the maiden Christian Pilgrims to the Holy Land of the Kingdom of Jordan to return home back to Nigeria and become agents of peace and be meaningful to Nigeria.

The NCPC boss disclosed this in Jordan during the ceremony to mark the end of maiden Jordan Pilgrims ceremony for the first batch of Pilgrims who came to Jordan on 25 July and had completed their Pilgrimage circle in Jordan.

He urged the Pilgrims to go back to Nigeria and become agents of light and transformation to the glory of God.

Rev Pam explained that it was a great privilege for him to be placed with the responsibility to coordinate and superintend over the maiden Pilgrimage to Jordan.

In the words of the NCPC boss,” I wish to be remembered that I led the Nigerian Pilgrims to the Holy Land of Jordan for the first time in the history of Pilgrimage in Nigeria.”

Pam commended the active role played by the Nigerian Ambassador to Jordan who allowed himself to be used and be part of history.

He reiterated that” this occasion is so unique as Nigeria is turning the history of Jordan around”

Rev Pam affirmed that insecurity in Nigeria would soon be a thing of the past and advised the Pilgrims to see Pilgrimage in a better perspectives not the way they used to perceive it.

According to the NCPC boss,” the blessings of Pilgrimage is not for us alone, but let it be a blessing to your father land ”

He admonished the Pilgrims to change their mind set towards government as they return back home.

Pam added that the President of Nigeria cannot govern Nigeria alone, but as they return home they should join hands with the government to move the nation forward.

In his remarks, the Nigerian Ambassador to Jordan, Amb.Faruk Yabo said he was excited and very proud of the way and manner the Pilgrims conducted themselves in the Holy Land of Jordan.

According to him ,” you have set an excellent precedents and the Jordanian authority can attest to this”.

Ambassador Yabo further reaffirmed that Nigeria and Jordan have an excellent relationship,
stressing that Jordan is a very good country blessed with many Holy Sites.

He urged the Pilgrims to let their people know as they arrive home that Jordan is a very good country.

His words,” when you go back tell our people that Jordan is a very good country”

The Nigeria Envoy to Jordan emphatically declared that the power of prayer should be what Nigeria would be looking for because therein lies the solution to our problems.

In his admonition to the Pilgrims,the spiritual leader of the 2020 Pilgrimage to Jordan,His Eminence, Dr Samson Ayokunle, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) said it was a unique privileged for the Pilgrims to had walked the paths where the Saints walked.

He advised that having come to the Holy Land and be blessed, they should not allow the name of the Lord to be malinged.

Highlight of the event, was the presentation of certificates of Jordan Pilgrims to the dignitaries and the Pilgrims as well as the cutting of cake decorated in Nigeria National colour of green and white.Jordan: Go Home And Be Agents Of Peace and Be Meaningful To Your Country — NCPC Boss Pam Charge Christian Pilgrims .

Onoja Audu Jos.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Yakubu Pam has called on the first batch of the maiden Christian Pilgrims to the Holy Land of the Kingdom of Jordan to return home back to Nigeria and become agents of peace and be meaningful to Nigeria.

The NCPC boss disclosed this in Jordan during the ceremony to mark the end of maiden Jordan Pilgrims ceremony for the first batch of Pilgrims who came to Jordan on 25 July and had completed their Pilgrimage circle in Jordan.

He urged the Pilgrims to go back to Nigeria and become agents of light and transformation to the glory of God.

Rev Pam explained that it was a great privilege for him to be placed with the responsibility to coordinate and superintend over the maiden Pilgrimage to Jordan.

In the words of the NCPC boss,” I wish to be remembered that I led the Nigerian Pilgrims to the Holy Land of Jordan for the first time in the history of Pilgrimage in Nigeria.”

Pam commended the active role played by the Nigerian Ambassador to Jordan who allowed himself to be used and be part of history.

He reiterated that” this occasion is so unique as Nigeria is turning the history of Jordan around”

Rev Pam affirmed that insecurity in Nigeria would soon be a thing of the past and advised the Pilgrims to see Pilgrimage in a better perspectives not the way they used to perceive it.

According to the NCPC boss,” the blessings of Pilgrimage is not for us alone, but let it be a blessing to your father land ”

He admonished the Pilgrims to change their mind set towards government as they return back home.

Pam added that the President of Nigeria cannot govern Nigeria alone, but as they return home they should join hands with the government to move the nation forward.

In his remarks, the Nigerian Ambassador to Jordan, Amb.Faruk Yabo said he was excited and very proud of the way and manner the Pilgrims conducted themselves in the Holy Land of Jordan.

According to him ,” you have set an excellent precedents and the Jordanian authority can attest to this”.

Ambassador Yabo further reaffirmed that Nigeria and Jordan have an excellent relationship,
stressing that Jordan is a very good country blessed with many Holy Sites.

He urged the Pilgrims to let their people know as they arrive home that Jordan is a very good country.

His words,” when you go back tell our people that Jordan is a very good country”

The Nigeria Envoy to Jordan emphatically declared that the power of prayer should be what Nigeria would be looking for because therein lies the solution to our problems.

In his admonition to the Pilgrims,the spiritual leader of the 2020 Pilgrimage to Jordan,His Eminence, Dr Samson Ayokunle, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) said it was a unique privileged for the Pilgrims to had walked the paths where the Saints walked.

He advised that having come to the Holy Land and be blessed, they should not allow the name of the Lord to be malinged.

Highlight of the event, was the presentation of certificates of Jordan Pilgrims to the dignitaries and the Pilgrims as well as the cutting of cake decorated in Nigeria National colour of green and white.

LalongConduct Commends
Smooth Conduct Of APC Ward Congreses In Plateau State.

Attai Audu Jos.

Nigerian Christian Pilgrims currently on holy Pilgrimage to the kingdom of Jordan have held their maiden Prayer Congress at Mount Nebo, Jordan for the return of lasting peace to Nigeria.

The Prayer Congress was the first to be held in Jordan for the 2020 Pilgrimage exercise.

All the Nigerian Pilgrims currently in Jordan were on ground to grace the epoch making event.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Yakubu Pam in his address at the event, expressed profound gratitude to the Jordanian authority and specially thanked them for the wonderful reception which was accorded to the NCPC delegation on arrival in Jordan.

According to him,” this will forever be appreciated”.

Pam hinted that the Commission had discovered quite a number of Holy Sites in Jordan and would take the good news back home for a sustained relationship with Jordan.

The NCPC boss promised to leverage on this new relationship with Jordan in the area of Agriculture, tourism and ICT for the benefit of our youths.

Rev Pam further commended the Jordanian government for opening their doors to Nigerian Pilgrims at a “perilous time like this”.

He thanked the Nigerian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Jordan Amb.FarukYabo for ensuring that the Pilgrims and members of the delegation are comfortable in Jordan.

His words”,
thank you for making Jordan a home away from home”

The NCPC helmsman in his charge, affirmed that there would be peace in Nigeria after this Pilgrimage.

He posited that peace and development without love , cannot guarantee peace in Nigeria.

Rev Pam who took his Bible lesson from the book of Psalms, chapter 23 verse one, called on Christians to be still in the face of trouble so that the Lord who is a good Shepherd would see them through and deliver them from all their travails.

He admonished them to learn how to forgive one another as Christ would always forgive us.

The Chief Executive of NCPC later created four think tank groups from among the Pilgrims to provide advisory services and policy direction in the area of Agriculture, tourism,ICT , policy formulation and spirituality.

Also speaking at the event, the Nigerian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Jordan, Amb. Faruk Yabo stated that he was excited for the opportunity to receive the Nigerian delegation to Jordan.

According to him, Jordan had been able to discover incredible Holy Sites which means that Pilgrims would have the opportunity to visit more Holy Sites in Jordan.

He appreciated the dynamic and pragmatic leadership of the NCPC boss for making sure that Jordan Pilgrimage became a reality.

He also stressed that Jordan had been spectacular in achieving peace and unity as such “is an excellent example of peace and unity.”

He affirmed that there exist a strong bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Jordan.

He assured that Nigeria would continue to appreciate what Jordan had been doing in the area of counter terrorism and military cooperation.

Amb.Yabo was optimistic that the Christian Pilgrimage operation in Jordan
would be sustained and intimated that the Nigerian Embassy under his leadership had developed a mobile application for Nigerians in Jordan to enhance effective information technology drive.

In his sermon,the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN,His Eminence, Dr Samson Ayokunle preached on love as symbolised by Christ.
Reading from the book of Acts chapter17, Collosians 13 verse 14 and Romans chapter 12 verses 1 to 12.

He affirmed that the spiritual experience of the people cannot stop.

He posited that without Jordan the Israelites would not have been able to reach the promised land.

Dr Ayokunle thanked the Ambassador for allowing himself to be used to be part of this historic moment.

His words,” We thank you because you can read the minds of God and acted well,”

He added,”the Ambassador also opened his full hands to receive Nigerian Pilgrims even when he belongs to another faith.”

He explained that because of this Pilgrimage experience in Jordan, Nigerians would know and appreciate Jordan better.

The N o 1 Christian leader in Nigeria further stressed that true love overcomes everything and we should be devoted to one another in love .

Prayers were offered for Nigeria, the state governors, pilgrims and kingdom of Jordan.

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Attai Audu Jos

A Political Credibility Group in Pankshin,Kanke and Kanam federal Constituency has called on the Representative of the PKK at House of Representatives Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi to a head to re contest for second term as Reps.member representing the people of PKK at National Assembly.

According to the group, Hon Gagdi, House of Reps. Chairman on Navy deserves to be re-elected for the second time because of his giant strides in building the socio-economic and infrastructural development of his constituency .

“,Yusuf Babayo Adamu Gagdi is an assent to the people of PKK and should be supported by all to ensure that he wins his second term bid .”

“He has been able to better the lives of the people of PKK and we believe that his return to the House of Representatives for second term would bring more dividends of democracy to his people.”

“With the experience he has garnered so far at House of Representatives, he would be able to do more for the people of the area and the state if re elected .”

The group appealed to the Federal lawmaker to re- contest as they are solidly behind him .

“Yusuf Babayo Adamu Gagdi is the only one in PKK who can represent the interest of the Youths .”

They further described Babayo as a man of integrity and called on the Constituents to return Hon Gagdi back to House of Representatives during the 2023 elections .

The Convener of the PKK Political group Gogop George, stated that
Gagdi’s achievement in over two years as a federal lawmaker has brought development to his constituency .

“We commend our lawmaker for recently donating 20 vehicles to some of his constituents and security agencies in his constituency stressing that the gesture was aimed at addressing the security challenges in the constituency and the state.

Similarly, he said the lawmaker had in the recent past, distributed 100 wheelchairs to Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs) in the local government areas a gesture meant to ensure that all constituents benefitted from his development strides.

“Yusuf Gagdi has also tackled the problems of water scarcity in his constituency by carrying out massive drilling of boreholes as well as renovation of structures that are beneficial to his people ”

“Gagdi has portrayed himself as one of the most remarkable leader in Plateau state.”

To us Gagdi is the only one who can represent the interest of the youth , women ,aged and others and who has what it takes to defeat candidates of other parties in in PKK come 2023 .

According to him,Gagdi is a detribalized Nigerian that carries all along since he became a lawmaker .

“The achievements of Hon Yusuf Babayo Adamu Gagdi has shown that there is no vacancy in the zone come 2023 .”

“His good works are there for all to see , he has stood out so tall “.

Babayo had demonstrated his preparedness for public service by his incontestable public-spirited disposition and commitment to the welfare of his people, thus solidifying his political credibility and enhancing his electability.”

While commending Gagdi for “striving to attract projects and development to his zone ” the group urged the electorate to support him for a second term as their Federal legislator, noting that “a return of Gagdi to the Federal House would consolidate on gains made so far”.

Attai Audu Jos.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has advocated for Electrification of more rural communities in Plateau state through the deployment of Solar Mini Grid system.

Governor Lalong made this plea when visited the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in Abuja to meet with the Managing Director Engr. Ahmad Salihijo and his management team.

He commended the Agency for carrying out the 234 KWp Shemankar solar mini grid that has become a successful venture lighting up communities and improving the lives of the people.

According to him, his visit to the REA was to make another passionate appeal for a Solar Mini-Grid Deployment to Ajikamai, the community hosting the newly established Federal Polytechnic N’yak, Shendam LGA of Plateau State.

According to him, as the new Polytechnic takes off, power is a major challenge because currently, the area is not connected to the national grid.

While appealing for urgent intervention, he said “Specifically, we shall appreciate if the REA program through the World Bank/Central Bank CARES initiative can be extended to the newly established Plateau State Energy Corporation as a means to enable the State government’s desire to deliver power to the Polytechnic and surrounding communities through the off-grid energy approach.”

Lalong hinted that Plateau State energy sector is undergoing reforms with the establishment of the Plateau State Energy Corporation which is being positioned for synergy and policy implementation.

He craved for the assistance of REA in equipment supply and technical capacity building for the new Corporation.

Governor Lalong presented other requests to the Managing Director of the REA, urging the agency to partner with the Plateau State Government in expanding NESCO power generation capacity both in the existing hydro or exploring other renewables.

Responding, Managing Director REA Engr. Ahmad Salihijo appreciated Governor Lalong for the visit and assured him that the agency will be captured under various programmes that are ongoing.

He cited the interventions that will soon be done in 3 markets in Jos namely: Building Materials, Rukuba Market and Katako.
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Other initiatives that the State is expected to benefit from are the Solar Power Naija program which has five communities.

Others already implemented are the 5KW Health Centres project in five primary healthcare centres in the State under COVID-19.

Salihijo appealed to Governor Lalong to nominate a State focal person that will liaise with the REA in carrying out some of the requests presented to the agency.