The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Plateau State

  • Plateau agog for ‘Jos Chillin’ soccer tourney

    Plateau agog for ‘Jos Chillin’ soccer tourney

    The organizers of one of the most lucrative grassroots football competition ever organized in Jos, Plateau State, have said that the basic reason of footing and organizing the competition known as ‘Jos Chillin’ Football Competition is to tell the whole world that peace has finally returned to Plateau State.

    The week-long competition is staged among sixteen teams which were selected from some areas that were affected by the religious crisis that befell Jos and its environs, and play themselves and showed them the benefits and importance of living in peace and showing love to one and another.

    The ‘Jos Chillin’ Football Competition, which is being played at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium, has reached the semi-final stage with the quartet of Nike Boys FC of Tudun Wada, Jazzy Stars FC of AngwanRukuba, De-Bless FC of Bassa and Flying Arrows FC of Alheri.

    The semi-final which will come up on Saturday will see Flying Arrows FC confront Jazzy Stars FC by 1pm, while the second semi-final will be between De-Bless FC and Nike Boys FC by 3pm.

    All the semi-finalists were given free sets of jerseys each. The winner of this competition will smile home with a sum of #150,000 (One hundred and fifty thousand naira), Runners’ up will be given #100,000 (One hundred thousand naira) and the third placed team will receive #50,000 (Fifty thousand naira).

    Some great Nigerian musicians are expected to add flavour to the tournament. They include great musicians like 2Face Idibia, MI, Iceprince, etc. There will also be free medicals at Churches and Mosques, Musical concerts, Christmas Carol, Road Shows and many others.

  • INEC suspends re-run election in Plateau

    INEC suspends re-run election in Plateau

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has suspended the conduct of the re-run election in Langtang South Constituency of Plateau State, scheduled for Saturday.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Plateau State, Godwin Kwanga, told reporters Friday in Jos that the suspension stemmed from an interim order of a Federal High Court.

    He, however, stated that supplementary elections in Pankshin North and Pankshin South would go on as scheduled.

  • Plateau announces fresh cases of bird flu

    Plateau announces fresh cases of bird flu

    The Plateau Government on Friday announced a fresh outbreak of Avian Influenza, saying that the bird flu had so far affected six farms.

    The announcement is contained in a statement signed by the state’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Doris Bitrus, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos.

    According to him, the fresh cases of bird flu were reported to the ministry on January 8.

    “Six farms have been confirmed positive of the disease; the farms host a total of 10,000 birds,” the statement said.

    It said that government had taken proactive measures to contain and control the disease, so as to arrest its spread to other farms.

    The statement advised poultry farmers and live bird marketers to step up bio-safety and hygienic measures within and around their farms and markets.

    The government also advised members of the public to avoid the sale, slaughter and consumption of sick birds, adding that chicken products should be properly cooked before consumption.

    It, however, advised Plateau residents to remain calm and report any disease suspected to be avian influenza to the control project office of the Veterinary Hospital, Jos.

  • Jang to honor EFCC invitation Thursday

    Jang to honor EFCC invitation Thursday

    The immediate past governor of Plateau State, Jonah David Jang has indicated that he will honor an invitation of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on Thursday.

    The former governor is now the Senator representing Plateau North Senatorial Zone at the National Assembly on the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

    The invitation of the former governor by the anti-graft agency may not be unconnected with some financial fraud allegedly committed under his 8 years administration as governor of the state.

    Senior Legislative aide to Senator Jang, Barr. Olivia Dazyem, who confirmed the EFCC invitation Wednesday said, “Distinguished Senator Jonah David Jang feels a point of duty to inform his teeming supporters and constituents of the Plateau North Senatorial District of Plateau State of his invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    “This has become necessary owing to the fact that Sen. Jang owes it a duty, having meritoriously served as Governor of Plateau State for eight years to clear any grey areas that may need further clarification in the course of his stewardship.

    Dazyem who served as commissioner during the 2nd term of Jang between 2011 and 2015 said, “As a two-time military Governor and a democratically elected Governor for two terms of four years each, Sen. Jang will not create any encumbrances in order not to appear before the EFCC to give account of his actions while in office, which he executed to the best of his ability and in the best interest of the Plateau people.

    “The Distinguished Senator took oath of office to defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that is what he did as a Governor and is continuing to do as Senator.

    “Let no one therefore misinform the public and especially the people of Northern Plateau with contrived stories; the truth remains, Sen. Jang has received an invitation from the EFCC to give further explanations to some perceived grey areas for which former appointees of the Governor have been severally invited to the EFCC without any evidence to back the spurious claims and allegations by some petitioner; an invitation he is going to honour on Thursday, 14th January, 2016.

    She said, “It is on this wise that, Sen. Jang calls on his constituents and all supporters to remain calm and ignore any frivolous stories that may be told about his visit to the EFCC.”

  • Lalong urges ethnic groups to preserve languages

    Lalong urges ethnic groups to preserve languages

    Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau has urged ethnic groups in the country to preserve their languages and save them from extinction.

    Lalong made the call on Saturday at the 2015 Gamai Cultural Festival in Shendam Local Government Area of the state, where he hails from.

    He said that languages were vital tools for interacting and expressing ideas, emotions, knowledge, memories and values.

    “Languages are also primary vehicles of cultural expressions and intangible cultural heritage, essential to the identity of individuals and groups.

    “Safeguarding endangered languages is thus, a crucial task in maintaining cultural diversity, worldwide.

    “The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO’s) recent reports on endangered languages shows that half of the 6,700 languages spoken all over the world are in danger of disappearing before the century ends.

    “Already, 417 languages are almost out of use; 47 of them are in Africa and 15 are from Nigeria,” the governor said.

    He also said that language remained a weapon of cultural empowerment and should not be allowed to die like many extant languages of the world.

    Lalong assured that the state government, through the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality and cultural associations, would ensure the streamlining of cultural festivals and boost the rich cultural heritage of the state.

    He urged the Gamai to use the festival with its theme: ‘’Unity and Peace’’ to ensure peaceful coexistence among the different groups in the state.

    Mr Thomas Shialsuk, President, Gamai Unity and Development Organization (GUDO), said the festival was to foster understanding between the Gamai nation and its neighbours as well as residents of Gamai land.

    Shialsuk thanked Plateau people for electing their son as the governor of the state.

    The Chairman of the occasion and Elder Statesman, Alhaji Yahaya Kwande, urged Gamai people to support the govenor to succeed.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor was honoured at the festival with a traditional attire and there was also display of cultural dances and a book launch.

  • Lalong swears in 17 commissioners

    Lalong swears in 17 commissioners

    Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau swore in 17 commissioners for the 17 ministries in the State.

    His Deputy, Prof. Sonni Tyoden is to oversee Higher Education.

    Lalong urged Tyoden to use his wealth of experience as former Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, to assist in the development of higher education in the state.

    Lalong advised the commissioners to consider themselves as servant-leaders who would serve selflessly, diligently and faithfully with the fear of God.

    “As you come on board as commissioners and members of State Executive Council, you are first in line as policy formulators and co-drivers of these policies in various ministries assigned to you.

    “The responsibility is not about glamour of office, but of absolute responsibility in terms of exercising political, economic and social authority for the welfare of the people.

    Lalong warned that there would be no place for idleness, laxity and unproductive ventures.

    He urged commissioners to be prudent and device cogent ways to avoid waste of resources as well as fight corruption – the hallmark of the change mantra.

    Dadi, who spoke on behalf of the appointees, said they would not disappoint the people of the state and the governor for the confidence reposed in them.

    The commissioners are Mr Joseph Mariga, Education Science and Technology Secondary Education, Mr Hitler Dadi former Chairman of Langtang South, for Special Duties.

    Mr Festus Fuanter, APC spokesperson in Plateau, is to serve as Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning, Dr Kunden Deyin for Health and Mrs Lynda Barau, Agriculture and Natural Resources.

    Others are Mr Mwankon John, Culture, Tourism and Hospitality, Mr Jonathan Mawiyau, Justice and Mr Samuel Galadima, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Pam Dongs, Works and Transport.

    Others are Alhaji Dayyabu Garga, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Tamwakat Weli, Finance and Ja’afaru Wuyep, Water Resources.

    Malam Nafiz Ahmed – Information and Communication, Mrs Rofina Gurumyen – Women Affairs and Social Development, -and Mr Danladi Mann, Youth and Sports Development.

    Also, Alhaji Garba Abbas will oversee Environment and Mineral Development, and Mr Ezekiel Daju – Commerce and Industries.

     

  • ‘Giwa FC belongs to Plateau State’

    ‘Giwa FC belongs to Plateau State’

    The owner of Nigeria Professional Football League Outfit, Giwa FC of Jos, Ambassador Christopher Musa Giwa has urged citizens of Nigeria, particularly those residing in Plateau State to see the team as a Plateau State team and not his personal business enterprise.

    Giwa made the statement while speaking with journalists at the Rwang Pam Stadium after his team recorded a heart-warming 1-0 victory over Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan on Sunday.

    The statement was in reaction to a question thrown at him in respect to whether they would play their home games in Jos if they grab a continental ticket at the end of the season.

    “I wonder why you guys are asking this kind of question, if God gives us this team for Plateau State and we decide to play our matches outside Jos,  it means our mission is not accomplished.

    “Giwa FC belongs to the People and government of Plateau State it’s not just about me as a person,” he said.

    Giwa also thanked God Almighty for the victory over 3SC and said his boys are psychologically ready for the final showdown with Nasarawa United FC of Lafia in the last game of the season.

    The Plateau Elephants are currently placed third on the log of the NPFL on 63 points after 37 games.

  • Update: Plateau Tribunal affirms election of Lalong

    Update: Plateau Tribunal affirms election of Lalong

    The Plateau election petition tribunal looking at the April 11 governorship election has upheld the election of Governor Simon Bako Lalong of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and equally dismissed the petition of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Governor Lalong of APC winner of the election, but the candidate of PDP in the governorship election, a Senator Gyang Pwajok challenged the election results on allegation of fraud, irregularity and non-compliance with electoral guidelines.

    However, both INEC and APC went to the tribunal to defend the mandate arguing that the victory of APC was well deserved and met the laid down procedures.

    The tribunal in its judgement Monday declared that the petitioner failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

    In the judgement that lasted six hours, Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Johnson Candide said, “The petitioners, PDP and Senator Pwajok have failed to produce credible evidence to prove their allegations.

    He said, “The petitioner abandoned their criminal case and rely solely on the civil aspects to substantiate their petition, however, the evidence they provided were not substantial enough to convince the court into invalidate the election result declared by INEC.

    “The tribunal therefore has no option than to affirm the election results declared by INEC following the April 11, 2015 governorship election.

    “In other words, the petition of PDP and its governorship candidate is hereby dismissed for lack of merit and the election of Governor Lalong upheld having substantially complied with the electoral guidelines.”

  • Jang, wife, others indicted for hoarding govt vehicles

    Jang, wife, others indicted for hoarding govt vehicles

    A committee set up by Plateau state governor Simon Lalong to recover government vehicles from past government officials have indicted the immediate past governor Jonah Jang, his wife Ngo Talatu Jang and their aids of illegally hoarding government vehicles.

    The committee which was chaired by a former secretary to the state government Mr. Ezekiel Gomos said it has found out that the ex-governor and his wife are illegally in possession of 15 government vehicles.

    The committee made its finding known while submitting its report to the state government in government house Jos Tuesday.

    According to the committee, “the former governor and his wife were entitled to nine vehicles as approved by the state executive council, but government house records revealed that the former governor went away with 24 vehicles instead of 9.

    Mr. Gomos said, “The extra 15 vehicles contravene state’s policy put in place by the former Governor. And when contacted, the former governor refused to return the 15 vehicles in his possession.

    “We discovered that an atmosphere was created to give the impression that government vehicles were part of the entitlements of anyone working with the governor upon exit of office.

    “This wrong belief encourages all manners of persons including personal aids and domestic helps go away with such vehicles. This was accentuated by the rash of approvals given by the former governor to such aides immediately it was clear that a new administration was coming into office.

    Gomos further explained that the committee found that vehicles hoarded based on state council approval were 191 while vehicles hoarded based on the former governor’s executive fiat was 32 and vehicles taken away illegally without approval of the executive council were 24.

    Gomos however said the committee had recovered 30 vehicles while 28 former officers had refused to return their vehicles on the grounds that they were approved from the former governor, a decision he says contravenes the state council decision.

    The committee recommended that all appropriate court actions be taken by the state government to recover the vehicles.

    While receiving the committee report on behalf of Governor Lalong, Secretary to the state government, Rufus Bature said, “Government wish to commend the committee for a job well done, we also want to assure the committee that their efforts in producing the report will not be in vain.

    The SSG also assured people of the state that the APC led government will never allow those who looted government properties go scot free.

    However, ex-gov Jang was not available for response, he was said to have travelled out of the country. But his media aid, Chris Gyang simply described the committee report as a product of hatred and blackmail.

    He said, “It has become clear to us that the APC government have hatred for Senator Jang and are bent on doing anything to blackmail him. Senator Jang is out of the country at the moment; I will consult him and respond appropriately to the allegations in due course.”

  • I have not received salary as governor – Lalong

    I have not received salary as governor – Lalong

    Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau says he has not received salary as the governor since he assumed office on May 29.

    Lalong made this known on Sunday in a media parley with journalists in the state.

    The governor explained that he decided not take any salary because his focus was to first settle the backlog of salaries owed civil servants incurred before he assumed the leadership of the state.

    “We want to take care of the salaries of civil servants first before we look at ourselves.

    “We are yet to constitute the cabinet because we inherited a very huge debt, as soon as the debts are reduced we will constitute the cabinet,’’ he explained.

    He explained that the delay in the constitution of the cabinet was deliberate and mostly to save cost.

    Meanwhile, Lalong had appealed journalists to be fair in their reportage as some of the reports that go to the press are not true reflection of the situation.

    According to the governor, the recent reports that state government was not doing anything regarding the security situation bedevilling the state was untrue.

    “What we read in the papers is not the true reflection of the situation, because security is our number one priority, the state government in collaboration with Operation Safe Heaven has gone very far.

    “We have already put in a lot and we are not relenting. Let us be patient, we will do our best to protect the lives of the people of Plateau as that is the essence of government anywhere in the world,’’ he said.

    The governor explained that after series of consultations with the Fulani and Berom elders they have decided to set up a 14-man peace committee.

    “The committee witnessed a setback after as soon as it was constituted because of series of attacks that rocked the area but they have resumed.

    “We learnt that they have made some progress and have taken some far reaching decisions which we believe would help in ending the crises,’’ he added.

    Lalong, however, appreciated the journalists for their contribution to the sustenance of peace in the state.

    He said that elections in the state wouldn’t have been peaceful if the reports of the journalists in the state were meant for peace.

    Mr Yakubu Taddy, Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau Council, commended the government for the parley, descriding the media interaction was a good forum for accountability.

    Taddy, who called for a quarterly interaction between journalists and the governor, said that such forum would do away rumours that make the rounds.