Jos High Court nullifies the impeachment of Hon. Isaac Kwallu as Chairman of Qua'an Pan Local Government Council.

The Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos has reinstated the purportedly impeached Executive
Chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area, Hon. Isaac Kwallu.

The presiding Judge, Justice Nafisat Musa after a six hours judgement ruled that Hon. Kwallu is hereby reinstated and ordered the fourth defendant, Hon. Abdulmalik Yusuf Haruna to vacate the office with immediate effect.

She said the judgment is in the interest of justice, fairness and in the promotion of democracy in Nigeria, saying that It is highly unfortunate that the conduct of the proceedings of the panel were within a week.

“There is no how that the panel should have afforded the plaintiff the right to respond to these allegations against him. Consequently, I ruled in favour of the plaintiff against that of the defendant.

“On the whole, having resolved all the four issues in favour of the plaintiff, I hereby granted this judgment in the overall interest of justice, and the promotion of democracy in the country, this is the ruling of the court in this case,” she stated.

Following a consequent application by Counsel to the plaintiff for the release of the official vehicles to the Chairman, Justice Musa directed the immediate release of three official vehicles, ‘one Toyota Hilux, one Ford Hilux and one Prado Jeep” which were in the custody of the court to Hon. Isaac Kwallu.

She said having keenly looked into the matter; the impeachment can be described as a stage-managed drama. "That is why I painstakingly looked into this issue carefully. I don’t want to overlook anything so that nobody will say he was cheated.”

The reinstated local government council Chairman, Hon. Isaac Kwallu while responding to questions from Journalists on the outcome of the case said, “To the glory of God the Father Son, and Holy Spirit; my joy knows no bound. I want to thank the good people of Qua’an Pan who gave me their mandate freely and that was why we had to defend the mandate which was freely given to us.”

He thanked his supporters who have kept faith with him in the struggle as well as citizens of Plateau State, and called on the good people of Qua’an Pan LGA to put everything that happened behind them. “We are all politicians, we will meet again, and whatever it is, I have forgiven everybody.”

GOVERNOR LALONG TO INAUGURATE TASK FORCE ON LAND GRABBING; CHARGES NEW PLATEAU YOUTH COUNCIL LEADERSHIP ON PEACE AND UNITY

 Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has asked the people of Plateau State to take advantage of the Anti-Land Grabbing Law signed early this year and seek redress over any land forcefully or illegally taken from them.

This is even as the Governor says he will soon inaugurate an Anti-land Grabbing Task Force to also follow up on such complaints and ensure that justice prevails.

Governor Lalong was speaking at the inauguration of the new leadership of the Plateau Youth Council (PYC) at the Azi Nyako Youth Centre in Dadin Kowa Jos, where he charged the leadership of the youth body to work for greater peace and security of Plateau State.

Lalong decried the exploitation of the youths by some unscrupulous politicians who stop at nothing to spread lies against his administration using such false narratives relating to land and other matters.

He said “Contrary to this mischief, our Government is the first in the history of Plateau State and one of the few, if not the only one in Nigeria to sign anti-land grabbing law which we initiated as an Executive Bill. To date, no one has either approached the Courts to lodge any complaint of land grabbing or even sent a petition to me. Yet you hear this narrative being spread like wildfire. Similarly, our efforts to end conflicts between farmers and farmers are being ignored and twisted for politics. We established the Peace Building Agency, which has conducted a series of dialogue sessions across the State. In Bassa alone, there have been more than 34 sessions. We succeeded in bringing Berom and Fulani together in Barkin Ladi and they reached an agreement on how to live in peace”.

The Governor, therefore, charged the youths to shun being used by unpatriotic elements who take joy in creating disharmony, and rancour in the State just to have political relevance. 

“I appeal to you to ignore and reject such character assassination ploys by those who want to use you to achieve their selfish agenda. Beware of politicians who do not have anything to offer to you except to cook up lies and pull down others under the guise of standing with the people. Let them tell you what they are bringing or have brought to the table when they were in office” he said.

He congratulated the new leadership of the youths for their election and urged them to continue to support the Government as it works towards improving a lot of the youths and creating job opportunities.

New Chairman of the Plateau Youth Council, Comrade Lot Sunday Adas said the youths in Plateau must rise up and show their readiness and commitment to pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival, progress and success as all citizens of the State irrespective of their backgrounds.

He also promised to work with the Government in ensuring that the youths get empowerment and job creation opportunities. 

Commissioner for Youths and Sports Victor Lapang, immediate PYC Chairman, Dr. Fabong Jemchang thanked the Governor for his youth-friendly disposition and asked him to continually open doors of opportunities to the youths.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.

9th September 2021

INSECURITY: NAAT DESCRIBED JOS KILLINGS AS A BARBARIC ACT.

-Called for genuine and concerted efforts by individuals and stakeholders in proffering solutions.

The University of Jos Branch of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has added its voices to other concerned citizens in condemning the destruction of lives and properties and advocated for the setting up of strong measures to protect staff and students.

In a press release signed by the Branch Chairman Aleni, Alex Luke, and Secretary Kevin Kyolbok Guyit, NAAT described the recent carnages in Jos and environs as a dastardly act and very worrisome considering its impact on the university community and the society at large.

NAAT presented nine-point recommendations which if implemented will go a long way in protecting lives and the University Community as a whole.

 

PRESS CONFERENCE

LET US STOP THE KILLINGS AND LET LOVE LEAD

   Being a press statement by the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), University of Jos branch on the recent crisis that consumed the lives of some citizens of Plateau State, Country Nigeria, staff, and students of University of Jos in August 2021

Fellow citizens of Plateau State, it is with great pain and sorrow that NAAT University of Jos Branch joins all other concerned individuals and groups in condemning the recent crisis that claimed the lives of innocent citizens of this country and some harmless staff and students of the University of Jos in particular.

We are aware of the unfortunate and recurring incidences witnessed in the state and by large the nation in recent time and so the need for genuine and concerted efforts by concerned individuals and stakeholders in proffering solutions.

NAAT as scientists and technologists cannot apportion any blame but strongly condemn in totality the killing of a fellow human being for whatever reason besides the law. NAAT, therefore, put up and across cogent suggestions and recommendations for the way forward.

No doubt the country, the state, and the University of Jos, in particular, have suffered a great setback round the clock. It is on this premise that NAAT with a heavy heart condoles with the country, the state, and the University of Jos for the loss of lives of some citizens, staff, and students respectively.

PRAYERS:

 The state government should at all costs live up to its responsibilities to the people of the state in the area of protection of lives and properties.

These can be improved upon by collaborating with the Security agencies in providing and stationing security personnel at strategic locations and flashpoints at all times and not only at times of crisis.

The state should put in its budget the dualization of British America/Farin Gada Road to ease traffic.

The security agencies must go after perpetrators of such attacks immediately where destruction of lives and properties are recorded; people want the perpetrators to be brought to book and not promises.

The security agencies should step up her intelligence gathering and treat as important and urgent all information and alerts of security threats to nip such in the bud.

The University of Jos on her part should sensitize her staff and students at all times on security matters and the need for vigilance.

The university should collaborate with transporters to establish Campus Taxis (Commuter cars and buses) for members of the university community and her environs.

The illegal motor packs opposites the Bauchi Road campus of the University must be relocated immediately to avoid gathering of hoodlums/Criminals. 

The security and welfare committee in the University must meet regularly to review the security situation and report findings and other suggestions to the management who in turn shall act accordingly to nip all ugly situations in the bud.

All appropriate authorities handling security matters must at all cost be guided by the constitution and the fear of God.

Finally, NAAT commends the efforts by the Federal, State, Jos Nort5h Local Government, the University management, and her surrounding community Leaders in curtailing/curbing the crisis so far and also urges them to still be more proactive towards guaranteeing peace, justice, and equity in the state and the University in Particular.

Thank you and God Bless.

 

Aleni, Alex Luke                                            Kevin Kyolbok Guyit

(Chairman)                                                      (Secretary)  

LETEP DABANG CONGRAGULATES,CHALLENGES NEW PYC EXCO TO STAND TALL.

Newly sworn in leadership of the Plateau Youth Council have been told to be upright and firm in the protection and projection of the youth constituency in the state.

In a message of congratulations to the state exco,Hon Letep Dabang described their coming onboard as a unique moment to further consolidate the unity of the state amidst challenges.

He said the place of a youth body such as this will help in galvanizing and making access to the youths easier.

According to Letep Dabang,this inauguration once more brings to fore efforts to ensure that youths are given their rightful place in the scheme of things.

Describing Plateau Youths as courageous,the politician challenged the new exco to stand firm against the many odds they may encounter so that at the end it can pride itself to have been most efficient and effective in the discharge of its duties.

He called on them to quickly identify areas of disunity and work towards the economic,social and other positive revival of youth activities in the state having come out of a legal tussle that has left it more united in purpose.

He assured them of his prayers as they settle down to business asking that the entire plateau stand with them through the thick and tins of the moment.

COMMANDER OPERATION SAFE HAVEN INAUGURATES JOINT PEACE COMMITTEE IN JOS

The Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali inaugurated a 36 member Joint Peace Committee today 11 September 2021 at the Operation's Headquarters in Jos. The Committee is to recommend measures to be taken to find lasting solution to the incessant clashes and killings among various ethnic groups in the State.

Speaking during the inauguration, Maj Gen Ali urged members of the committee to demonstrate impartiality, neutrality, honesty, uprightness and avoid sentiment and compromise. He disclosed that the members who were drawn from ethnic communities in Bassa, Jos North and South LGAs have the background knowledge of the conflict and hopes their experience in communal conflict resolution would assist in fast-tracking the restoration of peace on the Plateau. Maj Gen Ali stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms by all parties to the conflict.

The Commander noted that the Committee was created as part of the non-kinetic approach of Operation SAFE HAVEN to peacebuilding in the state. He added that the committee would assist in making recommendations that will help OPSH and Plateau State Government in finding a lasting solution to the incessant conflict among various ethnic groups of Irigwe, Fulani, Hausa, Bache, Dong, Gyel and Anaguta. "…It is hoped that the outcome of this committee will contribute immensely to the peacebuilding efforts in the targeted communities with a view to returning Plateau state to the path of peace and sustainable development" he said.

The Committee according to Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali, would identify the root causes of the crises in Bassa, Jos North and Jos South local government areas and recommend implementable strategies that would lead to sustainable peace on the Plateau.

Thanking the Commander for the confidence reposed on the Committee, the Chairman of the committee, Prince Robert Rigwe Ashi gave the assurance that the committee would discharge its duties diligently devoid of sentiment and solicited for the support of community leaders to achieve their mandate.

Also speaking on behalf of Traditional Rulers, the District Head of Dong, Ada Gwom Kaze Inyam appreciated the Commander for the initiative and urged the leaders of Irigwe, Fulani, Hausa, Bache, Dong, Gyel and Anaguta communities to support the Committee to succeed in its assignment. The Committee has two weeks to submit its report.

ISHAKU TAKWA

Major

Military Information Officer

11 September 2021