GOV. LALONG HONOURS NIGERIAN HEROES; URGES CITIZENS TO HONOUR THEIR SACRIFICES BY EMBRACING PEACE

GOVERNOR LALONG HONOURS NIGERIAN HEROES; URGES CITIZENS TO HONOUR THEIR SACRIFICES BY EMBRACING PEACE 

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has paid tribute to Nigerian fallen heroes who have made sacrifices for the unity, peace and stability of Nigeria, urging all citizens to honour their courage by living in peace with one another and exposing criminals. 

Lalong stated this during the laying of wreaths to commemorate the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the tomb of the unknown soldier, Joseph Gomwalk Secretariat, Jos. 

Lalong who spoke with journalists after the event said Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies have made sacrifices to not only keep Nigeria one, but also ensure that its territorial integrity is kept intact. 

The Governor said Nigeria has in recent years been confronted by internal security threats that are compounded by lack of harmony and tolerance among Nigerians which has further stretched the security architecture. 

He also said unless Nigerians deliberately work towards building a peaceful society by respecting one another, obeying the rule of law and exposing criminals, the security challenges will not be resolved because the capacity of the security agencies will continue to be overstretched. 

Lalong said the security agencies have continued to do their best to confront the challenges and must be supported by all Nigerians in order to motivate them to put in their best to make further sacrifices. 

He also appealed to Nigerians to be generous towards the families of fallen heroes as well as retired soldiers who are battling with many health challenges and carrying responsibilities of dependants. 

The Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda, Acting Chief Judge David Mann, GOC 3rd Amoured Division Gen. Ali and other dignitaries laid wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes. 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

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

15th January 2022.

Hon Caleb Shikir towering in the Pack

Hon Caleb Shikir towering in the Pack

By Walbe Orgak

2023 has offered us another opportunity to choose credible leaders, men with a pedigree and a good track record of representation; if we must get it right, then this is the time.

One and the ultimate component of a democratic system is that it gives the citizens an ultimate opportunity to determine their affairs through electing trustworthy leaders into political offices. Amongst the array of credible people that are seeking elective office as representative is Hon Caleb Shikir.

Over the years the positive impact of Hon Shikir in Kanke politics is undeniable, a man of unquestionable character who has demonstrated an uncommon passion to serve his people.

He is an individual who feels the welfare and comfort of the people comes first, a unique fellow who feels the right and privileges of the common man must be accorded him, a brother who feels power comes from the people and they deserve the best from leadership.

With such a political credential trailing him HON CALEB SHIKIR REMAIN THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF MEMBER KANKE CONSTITUENCY IN THE PLATEAU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY 2023

Council Boss, NDLEA moves to curtail the activities of drug dealers

Council Boss, NDLEA moves to curtail the activities of drug dealers

By Walbe Orgak

Drug abuse amongst the youths in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau state has
become worrisome, therefore, in order to curtail the activities of drug dealers in the locality the Council Chairman Shehu Bala Usman and the NDLEA has issued a stern warning to the landlord not to allow their properties to be used by drug dealers

This declaration was made during an enlarged stakeholder’s engagement meeting organized by Jos North Local Government Council in collaboration with the NDLEA to mitigate crime and provide a better future for Nigerians held at the Council Hall in Jos.

Shehu Bala Usman acknowledged the role of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency in minimizing the intake of drugs and other substance

He promised that his administration has a strong desire to partner with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency to ensure Jos North becomes a free drug Local Government and to as well engage the Youth and make them better Nigerians.

The Plateau State Commander of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, Mustapha Umar said they are ready to take on drug dealers as well as does who abuses it.

He emphasized that any person or accomplice of drug dealers will be arrested and face the full wrath of the law.

The state Commander lamented that the issue of drug abuse among the young is a source of serious concern to the Government at all levels to due to the grave implications it poses on the future of Nigeria as a country.

He further said drug abuse  " is the enemy and the stringer, which pushes people into crime such as banditry, kidnapping, rape, gender-based violence, wanton killings and destruction of public assets.

Umar used the opportunity to solicit the support of Traditional, Community and religious leaders, youth organizations, pressure groups as well as individuals to make Jos a drug-free society.

He warned that any House owners as well as House Agent who give out his or her house for rent without consulting the client thoroughly to ascertain his or her nature of work will not be spared by the NDLEA.

The Plateau State NDLEA commander noted that if in an event the person or persons staying in that accommodation is a drug dealer as well as the intake, such House would be confiscated, seized and handed over to the Federal Government according to the established Drugs Law Enforcement act.

At the end of the event, the Jos North Local Government Chairman was decorated with an Emblem as an Ambassador of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency.

 

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BEHOLD THE TRAILBLAZER! ROFESSOR DAKAS C.J. DAKAS, Ph.D, SAN

 BEHOLD THE TRAILBLAZER!

ROFESSOR DAKAS C.J. DAKAS, Ph.D, SAN

(PROFESSOR OF LAW AND SENIOR ADVOCATE OF NIGERIA)

PERSONAL DATA

1. NAME:                   DAKAS CLEMENT JAMES DAKAS

2. PLACE/DATE OF BIRTH:   Tokbet, Katul Village, Jipal Chiefdom, August 23, 1967

3. SEX:                              Male                 

4. STATE OF ORIGIN:         Plateau

5. LOCAL GOVERNMENT:     Mangu

6. NATIONALITY:                Nigerian

7. MARITAL STATUS:          Married

HONOURS, AWARDS AND TESTIMONIALS

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS: SAMPLES

The second First Class Honours law degree holder from the University of Jos since its establishment in the mid-1970s;

The first, and so far the only, academic to be appointed Attorney-General of Plateau State;

The youngest person to hold the office of Attorney-General of Plateau State;

One of the youngest Nigerian professors to be conferred with the prestigious and highly coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria;

Conferred, in a rare feat, with the prestigious and highly coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria at first, and only, attempt;

The fourth Nigerian professor of law from the entire northern region of Nigeria to be conferred with the prestigious and highly coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN);

The first professor of law from Plateau State to be conferred with the prestigious and highly coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN);

The second legal practitioner from Plateau State conferred with the prestigious and highly coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN);

The youngest academic to occupy a Distinguished Professor of Law Chair in a Nigerian tertiary institution;

One of the very few Nigerian professors of Law to hold the office of Attorney-General and to be conferred with the prestigious and highly coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. In this category, the first, and so far the only one, to occupy a distinguished professorial chair in Law.

ACADEMIC HONOURS:

Fellow in the Programme on Comparative Research in Law and Political Economy, York University, Canada, 2007

Rita & Gustave Hauser Global Scholar, New York University School of Law, New York, USA, 1997 [Selected for this prestigious scholarship “from an outstanding world-wide group of candidates” by an international selection committee led by Sir Robert Jennings, a retired judge of the International Court of Justice and a glittering array of members such as Professor Giuliano Amato, former Prime Minister of Italy; the Japanese Ambassador to the United Nations; the President of New York University; and several other distinguished professors and judges];

University of Jos Prize for the Best Student in Law, 1990;

Dr. Nwafor Orizu Prize for the Best Student in Academic Excellence in the Faculty of Law, 1990;

Gally Brown-Peterside Prize for the Best All-Round Student in the Faculty of Law, 1990;

Gally Brown-Peterside Prize for the Best Student in Constitutional Law, 1990;

Prince Bola Ajibola Prize for the Best Student in Jurisprudence, 1990;

Chief R. A. O. Akinjide Prize for (being the first of) the Three Best Students in Law, 1990;

Best Boy of the Year, Boys Secondary School (BSS) Gindiri, 1986.

NON-ACADEMIC HONOURS AND AWARDS: SAMPLES

Honorary Fellow, Ben Nwabueze Centre for Studies in Constitutional Law and Related Subjects, 2016;

University of Jos Alumni Association (National Body) Distinguished Career in Forensic Brilliance in Law Award, 2015;

University of Jos Alumni Association (Plateau State Chapter) Distinguished Legal Luminary Award, 2015;

Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT) Award of Excellence, June, 2015;

Gindiri Old Students Association (GOSA) Meritorious Service Award, 2014;

Nigerian Bar Association (Jos Branch) Special Award for Excellence in the Legal Profession, 2013;

Conferred with the prestigious professional rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), September 2012;

Conferred with the Fellowship of the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria, 2006;

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Merit Award for Outstanding Performance, 1992;

Epitome of Education in Mupun Land – by Baptist High School, Kagu, 2009;

Pillar of Law – by the Law Students Society (LSS), University of Jos, 2008;

Pillar of Law – by the Law Students Society (LSS), University of Jos, 2005/06;

The Pillar of Law – by the Nigerian Law School Students from Plateau State, 2004/2005 session;

Justice of Knowledge (JK) – by the Law Students Society (LSS), University of Jos, 1997;

Courageous Role Model – by the Glorious Praise Chapel, Jos, 2005;

Award of Excellence – by Star Chambers, University of Jos, 2005;

Certificate of Recognition for Academic Excellence – by Mupun Cultural and Development Association (MUCDA), 1993;

The Advocate of NAMS (through educational empowerment) – by National Association of Mupun Students, 2005;

Pillar of Justice and Supporter of Students Unionism – by National Association of Mwaghavul Students, University of Jos Chapter, 2005;

Pillar and Temple of Justice on the Plateau – by National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPSS) University of Jos Chapter;

Democracy Defender on the Plateau – by National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPSS), Plateau State Polytechnic Chapter, 2005;

ACADEMIC TESTIMONIALS: SAMPLES

Professor Dakas is an “outstanding...scholar.” - Professor Philippe Sands, University of London, UK;

Professor Dakas is “inordinately well-read” and “will make an unusually good teacher because of the concise, precise and animated way in which he presents an invariably sound legal argument. I expect him to play a significant role in the rejuvenation of Nigeria.” – Professor Thomas Franck, New York University, USA;

Professor Dakas is a scholar with “a sharp mind” and “a strong personality.” - Professor Georges Abi-Saab, Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva, Switzerland;

 

Professor Dakas “bestrides the legal firmament like a colossus. Yet, despite his outstanding and impressive academic resume, he remains very humble and courteous, is quick to offer assistance to others, undertakes tasks assigned to him with utmost commitment and exhibits tremendous leadership skills. An eloquent, articulate and engaging speaker, I have no doubt whatsoever of his outstanding intellectual capabilities.” - Professor Seokwoo Lee, Inha University, South Korea.

WORKING EXPERIENCE

I. Lecturing at the Faculty of Law, University of Jos, rising to the rank of Professor of International Law and Jurisprudence in October 2010.

II. Visiting Professor (International Human Rights Law), Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Canada, 2007 (Renewed in 2008 & 2009 but could not take up the last two offers due to competing schedules).

III. Virtual/Transnational Classroom: Teaching of “Human Rights in Africa” through a virtual classroom which involves interface via video conferencing between Canadian and Nigerian students and faculty.

IV. Serving, at different times, in several administrative and related capacities, at the University of Jos, including:

Dean of Law, August 2014 to 2018;

Member, Committee of Deans and Directors (2014-2018);

Member, School of Postgraduate Studies Board (2014-2018);

Chairman, Freedom of Information (FoI) Committee (2014-2018);

Acting Head, Department of International Law and Jurisprudence, 2004; 2009 to 2010;

Acting Head, Department of Private Law, 2007-2009;

Senate Member (the highest academic organ of the university), 2004; 2007 to 2018;

Governing Board Member, Centre for Conflict Management and Peace Studies, University of Jos, 2009 to 2010;

Member, Partnership for Higher Education in Africa Educational Technology Initiative (PHEA-ETI), University of Jos Team, 2009 to 2010;

University Coordinator, Nettel@Africa Postgraduate Programmes on ICT Policy & Regulation, 2003-2004;

Member, Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, University of Jos, 2003-2004;

Member, Carnegie-University of Jos Gender Equity Project Team, 2003-2004;

Coordinator, Department of Public and Private Law Seminar Series, 2001-2004.

V. Serving, at different times, in several administrative and related capacities, outside the University of Jos, including:

Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Plateau State, December 2004 to November 2006;

Ben Nwabueze Distinguished Professor of Law, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, 2012-2014;

Director of Research, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, 2012-2014;

Head of the Department of International Law, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, 2010-2012;

Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Centenary Law Summit, 2013;

Chairman, Central Planning Committee, NIALS @ 35, 2013-2014;

Panel Member, Presidential Visitation Panel to Usmanu Dan Fodio University (UDUS) Sokoto, February 15-March 15, 2011;

Panel Member, Visitation Panel to Plateau State University, 2014;

Member, Committee set up by the Plateau State Government to advise its delegates to the National Conference, 2014;

Governing Board Member, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Institute of Continuing Legal Education (2012-2014);

Member, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Transition Committee, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, September 20-December 20, 2010;

Co-Chairman, National Universities Commission (NUC) Accreditation Team, South Eastern zone, 2008 (in the course of which he led the accreditation team to Rivers State University of Science & Technology, Portharcourt);

Member, National Universities Commission (NUC) Accreditation Team to Benson Idahosa University, Benin, 2010; Anambra State University, Uli, 2008; Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, 2007; Usmanu Dan Fodio University (UDUS) Sokoto, 2007;

Member, National Universities Commission (NUC) Resource Verification Team to Baze University, Abuja, September, 2011;

External Examiner (Post Graduate School) and External Assessor (Professorial Rank) to several institutions, such as:

National Research Foundation, South Africa;

University of Lagos (UniLag);

University of Nigeria (UNN);

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ife;

University of Benin (UniBen);

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria;

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka;

University of Maiduguri (Uni Maid);

Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos;

Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Benin;

Delta State University (DELSU);

Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST);

Benue State University (BSU);

Nasarawa State University, Keffi;

Odumegwu Ojukwu University;

Bayero University, Kano (BUK); and

Igbinedion University (IU), Okada.

External Assessor/Editorial Consultant to several local and international journals, such as:

Journal of African Law, London;

Nigerian Bar Journal,

Nigerian National Human Rights Commission Journal, etc;

Lead Consultant to the House of Representatives Special Committee on Constitution Review (2021 to date);

Chairman of the Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State (2022 to date);

Governing Council Member, International Association of Law Schools, with headquarters in the United States of America (USA), 2008-2011;

Governing Council Member, Digital Bridge Institute, Abuja, 2004;

Member, Body of Benchers (“a body of legal practitioners of the highest distinction in the legal profession in Nigeria”: Section 3, Legal Practitioners Act), 2004-2006;

Governing Council Member, Council of Legal Education [charged with “responsibility for the legal education of persons seeking to become members of the legal profession” in Nigeria: Sections 1 & 2, Legal Education (Consolidation, Etc) Act], 2004-2006, 2014 to date;

Governing Council Member, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), 2014 to 2018;

Member, Judicial Service Commission, Plateau State, 2004-2006;

Chairman, Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, Plateau State, 2004-2006;

Member, Legal Practitioners Remuneration Committee, 2004-2006;

Chairman, Administration of Justice Committee, Plateau State, 2004-2006;

Council Member, General Council of the Bar (“charged with the general management of the affairs of the Nigerian Bar Association”), 2004-2006;

Member, Plateau State Executive Council, 2004-2006;

Member, Plateau State Security Council, 2004-2006.

PUBLICATIONS - Over 80 (available on request)

WORKSHOP/SEMINAR/ROUNDTABLE/CONFERENCE PAPERS

Professor Dakas has presented over one hundred and fifty (150) papers on  constitutional law, human rights, humanitarian law, international law, peace building and conflict resolution, building resilient communities and strengthening the security architecture in vulnerable communities, democratic policing,  justice in transitional societies, election management, population dynamics, inter-ethnic and inter-faith dialogue and engagement, migration, refugees and IDPs, drugs and crime, corruption, economic and financial crimes, etc at workshops, roundtables, seminars and conferences, organised by several governmental and non-governmental organisations/institutions within and outside Nigeria. Such organisations/institutions include the following: 

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC);

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP);

United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF);

National Commission for Refugees (NCFR);

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA);

Nigerian Psychological Association (NPA);

National Planning Commission (NPC);

Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA);

Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS);

Joint Tax Board (JTB);

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC);

Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS);

Institute of Governance and Social Research (IGSR) Jos;

National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS), Abuja;

University of Jos;

Federal Ministry of Justice (FMJ);

National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru;

Ministry of Defence;

National Defence College (NDC), Abuja;

Institute  of Security Studies (ISS), Abuja;

Command and Staff College (CSC), Jaji Kaduna;

Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Abuja;

Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Abuja;

House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs;

Plateau State Government;

Plateau State House of Assembly;

Kwara State Government;

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Abuja;

National Orientation Agency (NOA);

Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT);

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA);

African Leadership Forum (ALF);

Civil Liberties Organization (CLO);

International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA);

Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP);

League for Human Rights (LHR);

Legal Research Initiative (LRI);

BAOBAB for Women’s Rights(BWR); etc.

Outside Nigeria, Professor Dakas has presented papers at conferences in the United States of America (USA); Canada; Italy; South Korea; etc

BOSAT FELICITATES WITH HON LUMUMBA DAH ADEH ON HIS BIRTHDAY

 BOSAT FELICITATES WITH HON LUMUMBA DAH ADEH ON HIS BIRTHDAY

The National President of Bukuru Old Students Association, BOSAT Raphael Rume,
on behalf of the National Executives and the entire members of the Association heartily felicitate with Hon Lumumba Dah Adeh on the occasion of his birthday celebration.

This was contained in a press release signed by the National PRO Williams Gyang

He said ‘The world will always be grateful that a man of magnetic mien, good candour and rapid progress, in your mould, passed through it’

‘As an outstanding member of this body, we are proud to associate with you today and pray that you enjoy long life and good health’

Once again, happy birthday

IPA AWARD: TYODEN REDEFINING THE ART OF LOYALTY AND TRUST ON THE PLATEAU

 IPA AWARD: TYODEN REDEFINING THE ART OF LOYALTY AND TRUST ON THE PLATEAU

By Walbe Orgak

On 8th January 2022 just as Plateau people are settling down to begin the New Year in style, after a hitch-free yuletide celebration, the news of Independent Publishers Association recognizing an icon of loyalty the Plateau Deputy Governor, Prof Sonni Gwanle Tyoden hit airwaves.

The Chairman of the Independent Publishers Association, IPA Shabul Mazadu while Presenting the Award of Sterling Loyalty Per Excellence, to the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, said ‘We commend His Excellency, Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, who by age is 12 years older than his principal, a Professor and a former Vice-Chancellor of the prestigious University of Jos, and yet has shown a remarkable sterling quality of absolute loyalty to the Governor and Government of Plateau State, and by extension the entire state.

Shabul Mazadu also extolled the leadership qualities of Governor Lalong saying, ‘At this juncture, IPA praises the Rescue Administration for exhibiting a cordial relationship between the number One and number Two citizens of the state, which serves as illumination to success and an example to future leaders whose aim is to succeed.

Prof Tyoden was considered as the most loyal deputy governor in the history of Plateau state, his calmed and humble nature has earned him a lot of respect, and admiration within and outside the state, Morso, considering the array of personalities that grace the award presentation ceremony has further confirmed his acceptability.

As Fidelis Longban would say in one of his writes up ‘…true to type, each generation produces its kind of leaders, so it is with our generation…’

Longban further said, … It is clear that Governor Lalong has, over the years, combined tack, humility, wisdom, experience and civility in the task of administering a complex State like the Plateau, thus changing the narrative in governance and thereby eliciting confidence in the prospects of creditably etching his name as one of the greatest leaders of our generation.  

Loyalty, in general use, is a devotion and faithfulness to a nation, cause, philosophy, country, group, or person. It is in the light of this that Shabul said, ‘Independent Publishers Association, IPA appreciates the loyalty exercised by Tyoden which has projected him as a great patriot who delights in the smooth running of governance, peace, progress, and prosperity of Plateau State.