Attai Audu Jos.

Reps Member representing Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency at National Assembly, Dr. Francis Ottah Agbo has visited Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps, displaced by the crisis between Effiom and Ezza, within Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.

This visit was necesisted by the brouhaha amongst Effiom and Izzi members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers early this year in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State which spilled to Ado, particularly in Effiom and Ezza settlements, leaving in its wake, many injured and killed, as well as thousands displaced from their homes!

” This led to the establishment of IDP camps at the LGEA Primary School, Ijigban and LGEA Primary School, Ulayi. Others are the LGEA 1 Primary School, Igumale and the Holy Cross Catholic Church Parish, Apa- Ogbozu where thousands of the displaced persons are taking shelter”

During the visit, Dr Ottah Agbo first made a stop over at Igumale where he paid a courtesy visit to the Ada’ Ado and District Head of Igumale, Chief Joseph Otsikor Onazi before proceeding to the LGEA 1 Primary School, Igumale.

The Ada’ Ado, the two 3rd Class Chiefs in Ado, Chief Douglas Ogenyi Otseme and Chief Dr. Julius Iguve and the Chairman of Ado Clan Heads, Chief Attah Obande, the clergy and top government functionaries, Ado LGC Councillors led by the Deputy Leader, Hon Friday Adadu were on the entourage of the Parliamentarian!

Thousands of the displaced persons mainly women and children at the Igumale and Apa-Ogbozu Camps jubillated when they saw the Honourable Member as they broke into singing and dancing to usher in Dr. Ottah Agbo!

Dr. Ottah Agbo, popularity known as the Ozigizaga and Moving Train of Enone Politics had earlier explained to the Ada’Ado that he was visiting the camps and homes of victims to see the level of destruction and devastation to lives and property so that he will be well equipped to make presentations on the floor of the House and to press for the intervention of National Emergency Agency (NEMA) in Ado.

He had explained that he was also visiting the camps to make his personal donations and contribute towards alleviating the suffering of the displaced persons.

He declared that he derives pleasure serving humanity because according to him, “he that serveth man well, serveth God, his creator!”

At the two IDP camps visited yesterday, Dr. Ottah Agbo harped on the need for forgiveness and reconciliation, saying, that is the only way to ensure lasting peace.

He said, ” Nigeria is overwhelmed and soaked in insecurity. We do not have enough Military, Police and paramilitary to secure this blessed country… Even if you have the best army and police, equipped to the teeth, they cannot guarantee you peace. I learnt early in life that no amount of military hardware can truly secure and guarantee the peace of a people.

“What gives peace is the people’s shared value and their sheer determination to live in peace as one people! So unless Effiom/ Ezza people especially the war lords resolve to Iive in harmony with and forgive one another, when you return to your homes, you will still exude hatred and attack yourselves.

“In spite of the sophisticated military hardware of the defunct Soviet Union, the people couldn’t live together in one country, the union didn’t know peace until it was balkanized and the people went their separate ways and formed their own countries. Let us learn to jaw- jaw than to war-war! What this tells you is that the best military in the whole world cannot hold a people together, only the determination to live in harmony does. So Effiom/ Ezza stakeholders must sheath the sword and allow peace to reign!”

He added: ‘Ado is not Ebonyi and the Effiom and Ezza people living in Benue State are not Ebonyians and it is ridiculous to see Ezza or Effiom in Benue avenging in Ado, the killings in Ohaukwu Local Government of Ebonyi State..

“Effiom/Ezza, don’t turn Ado to a war zone, for it is better to jaw jaw than to war, war. At best, you can agree, and disagree without being disagreeable for you are brothers who had lived in peace for ages before the Ohaukwu crisis put you asunder…”

Dr. Ottah Agbo who doubles as Chairman, Narcotic Drugs Committee and Spokesman of the Minority Caucus, therefore condoled with those who lost their property and dear ones in the crisis and prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed.

While stressing that only God can truly console the victims and heal the land, the Lawmaker repeated that without forgiveness, all other measures put in place, including the best form of security cannot guarantee lasting peace and urged the people to learn to put the past behind them, live harmoniously and avoid violence.

The Lawmaker called on the Ezza, Effiom people in Benue to submit to the traditional institutions and constituted authorities in the state as they are their subjects!

One of the Youth Leaders of the Ezza Community in Benue, Mr. Igwe Chukwuma, thanked the Honourable Member for the visit, saying it would go a long way in assisting the people to pick up the pieces of their lives before they return to their respective communities. He said Dr. Ottah Agbo has always identified with them at all times and expressed happiness with his visit. Chukwuma noted that when the crisis first broke out, the lawmaker hosted Effiom/ Ezza meeting in Ijigban and brokered peace!

“We thought we had no hope but we are happy again that a highly placed official like you, the Ozigizaga and the Moving Train of our time has once again remembered us today, after he hosted us in Ijigban three months ago to broker peace! We pray God to reward you for your kindness, and leadership ” he stated.

The Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Solomon Uja who received the cash donations on behalf of the IDPs thanked the Honourable Member for the kind gesture and prayed God to replenish him in wealth and wisdom to continue to assist the poor and the less privileged. He described Dr. Ottah Agbo as his friend and brother, who has helped the Catholic in so many ways.

The cleric recalled how the people have been in pain and agony since the crises, saying the donations will go a long way in bringing succour and relief to the people.

The Ada’ Ado, thanked the lawmaker for paying him homage. He commended Dr. Ottah Agbo for always working for the poor and called on other politicians to emulate the Ozigizaga!

Also, Chiefs Ocheme and Iguve (the 3rd Class Chiefs) in their separate remarks thanked Dr. Ottah Agbo for coming and for extending his caring heart to the needy, stressing that they joined the Lawmaker to the IDP camps because he has proved to be a man of the people whose “words are his bonds.”

Highlight of the visit was when the Lawmaker took to the dancing floor to chant ‘Ekwensuu na ba ba ga zuruke’ (the devil is bragging, go and die) and the displaced persons chorused thunderously.
Today, the Train of the Honourable Francis Ottah Agbo will move to Ndi-Obasi where killer Fulani Militants last Sunday, invaded and killed over 130 Izzi and a Medical Doctor Corps Members serving in the area, in revenge of the killing of one Fulani man, Alhaji Isah by IPOB members months back!

Attai Audu Jos.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission Rev. Yakubu Pam has described retirement in public service as Proof that there is seasons for everything in Life.

Pam made this disclosure in Abuja during a send forth for the NCPC Director of Operations, Rev. Amos Yohanna on his retirement from service.

According to the NCPC Boss,” the essence of retirement shows there are changes of situations in life”. He added, “A day is coming when every staff will bow out from service.”

He stressed that there are times and seasons in life. He therefore reiterated that leaders should strive to always do things aright when they have the opportunity to do so.

The NCPC Chief Executive urged the retiring Director of Operations to be strong and be thankful to God for finishing well, stating that most people would want to be in his shoes but they may not be very lucky and fortunate like him to see this day.

He explained that God always use us as instrument to advance the cause of humanity. In the words of the NCPC Scribe, “a heart that has no love does not celebrate and does not rejoice”. Thus, “today we have every reason to rejoice with the celebrant”.

He explained that as ordained Minister of God you can function well in government which is a Ministry of its own as well as in the vineyard of God. He described the NCPC former Director of Operations, Rev. Amos Yohanna as a distinguished servant of God who was born and call by God.

According to him, “that is why he moved from his denomination to NCPC, the only Christian faith based Agency that has direct link with the Presidency”.

Speaking during the send forth, Rev. Amos Yohanna thanked God for giving him good health to successfully retire from service this fateful day.

He was particularly grateful to Rev. Yakubu Pam for his fatherly role in the Commission since he assumed office last July and for his encouragement to strive for excellent service.

He thanked his Director Colleagues, management and staff of NCPC for their show of love over the years.

There were good will messages from all the Directors. The highlight of the event was the cutting of the 60th anniversary cake.

It would be recalled that Rev. Amos Yohanna had served in NCPC in different capacities: he was the pioneer Zonal Coordinator of the NCPC North East Zonal office, Yola, Head of Administration NCPC, and was the Director of Operations until his retirement on 4th June, 2021,

Attai Audu Jos.

President Muhammadu Buhari, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong and Former Head of State Gen. Gowon were among mourners that paid glowing tribute to former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.
Gen. Joshua Dogonyaro, describing him as a patriotic, brave and disciplined officer who gave his all to serve Nigeria.

President Buhari was represented by Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd) who said the late General Dogonyaro was a thoroughbred officer whose antecedents in the Nigerian Army remain a reference point and motivation to younger officers.

He said Nigeria remains grateful to late General Dogonyaro for his gallantry, patriotism and diligence in service to the nation particularly during his command of ECOMOG troops in Liberia.

Buhari condoled with the family of the deceased, the people and Government of Plateau State over the loss of the General asking them to take solace in his good legacies.

Governor Lalong in his tribute said Plateau State is not grieving over the loss but celebrating a worthy son who made Nigeria and Africa proud throughout his military career.

He said “Late General Dogonyaro left his footprints in the sands of time. The challenge before us today is to ensure that the sacrifices he and other gallant soldiers made in uniting and keeping Nigeria safe does not go in vain. We must unite to defeat the forces of evil that are threatening the security and wellbeing of Nigeria. That is the best way we can honour the memory of the late General”.

Former Head of State General Yakubu who sent in a message through Gen. Jon Temlong affirmed the testimony of gallantry and selflessness by the late Dogonyaro whom he said showed early signs of greatness shortly after being commissioned into the Army.

Representative of the Liberian President George Weah said the Government and people of Liberia remain eternally grateful to Nigeria and in particular General Dogonyaro and soldiers for the role they played in restoring peace to their country.

COCIN Vice President Rev. Dr. Amos Mhozo said the testimony of the deceased who was a committed member of the COCIN Headquarters Compound Church shows that God can use people no matter their backgrounds to achieve his purpose and propagate his word.

He said the Church will continue to pray for the government to rise up to the challenge of stopping the killing of innocent people across the nation by criminals as well as providing better infrastructure for the ease and comfort of the citizens.

Wife of the late General Mrs. Dogonyaro spoke passionately about the faith of her husband and said he gave his best to the nation just as he did to the service of God, saying the family is happy that he was saved and played active role in evangelism before his demise.

.

Christian Pilgrimage to Jordan : NCPC Executive Secretary Rev Pam Assures Zero Abscondment.

Attai Audu Jos.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, Rev. Yakubu Pam has assured that the Commission’s planned pilgrimage to Jordan would experience zero abscondment during pilgrimage.

He disclosed this in Abuja in an interview with newsmen.

Rev Pam, the NCPC Helmsman, described the pilgrimage to Jordan as a spiritual journey that would be well coordinated and assured that the pilgrims would return back to the country safely.

Pam reiterated that the Commission would strictly observe the COVID 19 protocols required for all pilgrims in Nigeria as well as the host country.

He hinted that the Commission’s maiden pilgrimage to Jordan would commence this month.

According to him, the pilgrimage to the Holy sites in Jordan would be a supernatural divine journey for Nigerians and reaffirmed that Nigerian pilgrims would certainly experience divine encounter in Jordan as Jordan was the first country where Christ began His Ministry with His baptism at River Jordan by John the Baptist.

The NCPC Chief Executive further expatiated that the Commission’s pilgrimage to Israel would commence as soon as Israel’s airspace is opened for international travels, stating that pilgrimage to Jordan is not the regular pilgrimage programme of the Commission, but a pilgrimage destination option.

Aside, Rev. Pam explained that one cannot separate pilgrimage and peace.

According to him, “without peace, pilgrimage will not strive.” More so, pilgrimage engenders peace among people.

He affirmed that his peace initiatives across the country would continue as his interface with other stakeholders in peace building had impacted positively on the de-escalation of crises in Southern Kaduna, the Jukuns / Tiv’s in Taraba and Benue, Nassarawa and Lagos.

He also intimated that his peace building initiatives would soon convene another stakeholders meeting in South-South Geo-Political Zone as soon as all logistics are in place.

Audu Attai Jos.

The Executive Secretary Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Rev Yakubu Pam has extolled the good virtues of journalists on the plateau for upholding the dreams of the founding fathers.

Speaking while receiving in audience, the Executive Members of the Plateau State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in his office Thursday, 3rd of June, 2021, on a courtesy, Rev Pam noted that”he was not ashamed of journalists in Plateau State” whom he described as peace makers for “managing the crisis on the Plateau professionally in their reportages.

” I’m proud of you. You have kept the vision of our founding fathers alive by the way you report the crises since 2001 and up to this present time.

“We can’t forget your roles during those days of crises for standing tall in your intervention by your reportage.

“Plateau is a miniature Nigeria, any person who rules the state can rule the country well because of the multi ethnic background of the state.

“Journalists have helped in holding the state together. Over 90% of the crises or riots in the state were caused by “hear says”, but you have remained steadfast in upholding the interest of the state in your reportage.

“I recall the place of pride Plateau occupies in the country because of the first color television that started in the ’80’s when Plateau Television was renamed Nigeria Television Authority, NTA.

“I promised to support your good works and see how we can partner together to promote peace and professionalism”. He enthused!

Earlier, the Plateau NUJ Chairman, Miskoom Paul Jatau who led the seven member state executive council on the courtesy call’said they were at the commission Headquarters Abuja to further identify with the ES and extend an invitation to him to attend the commissioning of the “remodelled NUJ State Council Secretariat by Governor Simon Bako Lalong next Thursday”.

According to Jatua, the council was very impressed and proud of the space at which the Executive Secretary has carried out the work of the commission.

The Chaiman further stressed and called for partnership with the commission observing there was need for synergy.

He said the ES has made the state proud by his conduct and leadership charisma. Being a friend of the press, they’re confident he will continue to exhibit those cherished Plateau values!

Governor Simon Lalong
Fumes Over the Killing Of Retired AIG Dega , Directs Arrests Of Killers .

Audu Ogwunenwa Jos

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has expressed outrage over the killing of a Senior Special Assistant to Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom on Security AIG Christopher Dega (retd.) by unidentified armed men in Bukuru metropolis of Jos South LGA of Plateau State.

Governor Lalong in a reaction to the incident ugly,described it as unfortunate and totally appalling.

Lalong said the murder of the retired senior police officer who was reportedly shot dead by yet to be identified gunmen in Bukuru is condemnable and will not go unpunished.

Lalong said the incident though isolated, is another handiwork of crises merchants who want to rupture the substantial peace of Plateau State and create fear in the minds of the people.

He said “my heart goes out to the family of the deceased and to the Government and people of Benue State over this sad development.

” I have been in touch with the police and other security agencies in the State with a clear directive to swiftly arrest the perpetrators of this heinous crime and bring them to justice”.

Governor Lalong noted the arrest of some suspects by the Plateau State Police Command.

He called for thorough investigation to get to the root of the matter by unraveling those behind this dastardly act, their motives and prevent future occurrence.

Lalong appealed to the citizens of his State to do more by being security conscious, gathering and passing relevant information to the security agencies as well as using the informal Security architecture for necessary action in crime prevention and immediate response.

.

Governor Lalong Advocates Safeguard Against Constitutional Abuses As House Of Representatives Committee On Review Of 1999 Constitution Sits In Jos .

Audu Attai Jos.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has advocated for stiff penalties against anyone who is found guilty of abusing the constitution so as to protect its sanctity as the highest instrumental of power and make it the main driver of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Governor Lalong stated this while declaring open the Public Hearing organised by the House of Representatives Special Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution for the North Central Zone in Jos.

Governor Lalong Said the review of the 1999 constitution is a worthy cause that needs to be supported by all Nigerians as it could impact positively on good governance and service delivery to its citizens.

He however observed that beyond amending the constitution, Nigerians must also take greater interest in how the constitution is implemented to avoid abuses that end up creating distortions and leading to agitations for more amendments.

Lalong said “My advice to the members of the National Assembly and indeed all Nigerians is to put in place strong safeguards in the new constitution to avoid the abuse of power. The situation where people flagrantly disobey, discard and ignore the provisions of the constitution should no longer be tolerated. We should ensure that those who temper with the provisions of the constitution are seriously punished. No matter how frequently we amend the constitution, there may not be any difference if we fail to subject ourselves to its provisions. As citizens, we are the guardians and defenders of the constitution who can either make it work or fail by our actions or inactions. Nigerians should wake up from their slumber and lethargy by ensuring that they employ all legitimate means to protect the constitution. The days of docility are far gone”.

Governor Lalong added that if and when the constitution is reviewed, no one should be allowed to live above it and at the same time, no one should be put beneath it by those in power or anyone saddled with the privilege of implementing any part of it.

“The rule of law must prevail at all times to guarantee democratic rights, freedoms and responsibilities.”

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution and Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase said the Committee is conducting the exercise with an open mind and will collate all positions of Nigerians for further consideration by the National Assembly.

Representatives of Governors of Nasarawa and Benue States decribed the Public Hearing as a golden opportunity for all grievances to be ventilated and all thorny national issues thoroughly discussed to arrive at a people’s constitution.

Governor Lalong had earlier received the members of the Committee who paid him a courtesy visit at the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.

GOVERNOR LALONG ADVOCATES SAFEGUARDS AGAINST CONSTITUTIONAL ABUSES AS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON REVIEW OF 1999 CONSTITUTION SITS IN JOS.Audu Attai.Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has advocated for stiff penalties against anyone who is found guilty of abusing the constitution so as to protect its sanctity as the highest instrumental of power and make it the main driver of Nigeria’s democratic journey.Governor Lalong stated this on Tuesday while declaring open the Public Hearing organised by the House of Representatives Special Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution for the North Central Zone in Jos.The Governor said the review of the 1999 constitution is a worthy cause that needs to be supported by all Nigerians as it could impact positively on good governance and service delivery to its citizens.He however observed that beyond amending the constitution, Nigerians must also take greater interest in how the constitution is implemented to avoid abuses that end up creating distortions and leading to agitations for more amendments.Lalong said “My advice to the members of the National Assembly and indeed all Nigerians is to put in place strong safeguards in the new constitution to avoid the abuse of power.The situation where people flagrantly disobey, discard and ignore the provisions of the constitution should no longer be tolerated. We should ensure that those who temper with the provisions of the constitution are seriously punished.No matter how frequently we amend the constitution, there may not be any difference if we fail to subject ourselves to its provisions.As citizens, we are the guardians and defenders of the constitution who can either make it work or fail by our actions or inactions. Nigerians should wake up from their slumber and lethargy by ensuring that they employ all legitimate means to protect the constitution. The days of docility are far gone”.According to Governor Lalong, if and when the constitution is reviewed, no one should be allowed to live above it and at the same time, no one should be put beneath it by those in power or anyone saddled with the privilege of implementing any part of it. The rule of law must prevail at all times to guarantee democratic rights, freedoms and responsibilities.Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution and Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase said the Committee is conducting the exercise with an open mind and will collate all positions of Nigerians for further consideration by the National Assembly.Representatives of Governors of Nasarawa and Benue States decribed the Public Hearing as a golden opportunity for all grievances to be ventilated and all thorny national issues thoroughly discussed to arrive at a people’s constitution.Governor Lalong had earlier received the members of the Committee who paid him a courtesy visit at the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.

.

Audu Attai Jos.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has sent warm felicitations to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase on the occasion of his 57th birthday.

Governor Lalong In a birthday message described the Deputy Speaker House of Reps. as a leader who has shown uncommon passion for the peace and progress of his constituency, Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.

Lalong noted that the commitment of the Deputy Speaker to the growth of democracy particularly through the enactment of laws for the good governance of the nation is highly commendable.

This he said has made him to remain dedicated, loyal and patriotic in his duty as a legislator who continues to serve the State and the nation with integrity and excellence.

Lalong also praised Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase for being a consummate politician who has attracted Federal projects and programmes to Plateau State and as well influenced other benefits to the people of the State.

He urged Wase to continue to work for the good of his Constituents, Plateau State and the nation .

He urged the Deputy Speaker to bring his long legislative experience to bear as leads the 9th House of Representatives Special Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution.

Governor Lalong wishes Rt. Hon. Wase many more years of peace, good health and progress.