VICE PRESIDENT YEMI OSINBAJO TO STORM JOS ON TUESDAY

VICE PRESIDENT YEMI OSINBAJO TO STORM JOS ON TUESDAY

AS friends, supporters, and political loyalties of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo are getting set to give him a rousing welcome on Tuesday, the atmosphere is getting excited.

Prof Osinbajo will be visiting Jos on Tuesday 24th May 2022 in continuation of his nationwide campaign tour to address APC national delegates preparatory to the forthcoming presidential primaries in Abuja.

This is a complete gentleman who has proven that the most vital mechanisms of democracy and governance are when sound and credible people are chosen for public office.

Prof Osinbajo is considered one of the most credible and qualified aspirants considering his track records and pedigree in loyalty, he is indeed a force of nature, a man of incredible knowledge, depth, and an erudite in every way, a bridge builder and one of the most intellectual legal luminary.

To be true, his calm and demeanor nature has enticed him to the hearts of many plateau people and Nigerians the testimonies are awe-inspiring. The man has, over the years, combined humility, wisdom, capability, and gallantry in the discharge of responsibilities assigned to him, thus changing the narrative thereby redefining the art of loyalty in governance and thus stimulating self-assurance and exemplary leadership, and in so doing engraving his name as one of the greatest loyal Vice President of our time.

While, formally declaring his intention to run for President in 2023 Prof. Osinbajo has said, “I am today, with utmost humility, formally declaring my intention to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the platform of our great party, the All Progressives Congress,”

He further noted “If by the grace of God and the will of the people, I am given the opportunity, then I believe that first, we must complete what we have started, radically transforming our security and intelligence architecture,” he said, “completing the reforms of our justice system; focusing on adequate remuneration and welfare of judicial personnel and ensuring justice for all and the observance of the rule of law; rapidly advancing our infrastructure development, especially power, roads, railways, and broadband connectivity, providing an excellent environment for businesses to thrive, taking the agriculture revolution to the next level, especially mechanization and developing the farm-to-table value chain; making sure that the government, its agencies, and regulators, serve the business community, creating a tech economy that will provide jobs for millions of young Nigerians; enhancing our social investment program, to a full-scale social welfare program.”

The Vice President said he would also complete President Buhari’s promise of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030.

He vowed to reform the educational system for relevance in the 21st century and ensure universal health coverage for all while strengthening the capacity of states and local governments to deliver on their respective mandates.

“Above all, front and center of our efforts will be the provision of jobs and opportunities for our young people,” he said.

“I now must solemnly and respectfully seek the support of fellow Nigerians everywhere in this land and the Diaspora, young and old, male and female, in the great and exciting journey that we have ahead of us, seek your support. We will work together, establish by the grace of God, the Nigeria of our dreams in a few short years. We will build on the foundation laid by our predecessors; we will need to move with much speed, intentionality, and perseverance towards the vision of a prosperous, stable, and secure nation.

“I am convinced beyond doubt we have the creativity, the courage, the talent, and the resources to be the foremost black nation on earth.

“Let us build a Nigeria where the man of Nnewi sees the man in Gusau as his brother, where the woman in Warri sees the woman in Jalingo as her sister, where the love of our nation burns alike in the hearts of boys and girls, from Gboko to Yenagoa, were everywhere in this land is home for everyone, where our diversities, our tribes, our faiths unite us rather than divide us. Let our tribe become one tribe, the Nigerian tribe, where all are treated fairly, justly, and with respect, where all her given equal access to the abundant opportunities that God has bestowed on this nation.”

THE MAN PROF. OSINBAJO

Osinbajo, 65, is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who previously served as Attorney-General of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007.

A graduate of the University of Lagos and the London School of Economics, he lectured at his Alma Mater in Lagos while practicing law until 1999.

After serving the Tinubu administration in Lagos, he retired from government in 2007 and returned to law and lecturing along with pastoral duties at the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

In 2015, he was tapped as running mate to Muhammadu Buhari for that year’s presidential election.

In May 2017, Osinbajo emerged as acting President after Buhari embarked on a medical trip abroad.

He served as acting President for about four months, during which he fired the Department of State Service boss, Lawal Daura for an illegal invasion of the National Assembly by armed and masked operatives.

GOVERNOR LALONG RECEIVES REPORT ON CREATION OF DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN PLATEAU STATE

GOVERNOR LALONG RECEIVES REPORT ON CREATION OF DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN PLATEAU STATE 

The Executive Governor of Plateau State Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong has received the  Report of the Committee set up to review the establishment of Development Areas in Plateau State.

Members of the Committee were received on behalf of the Governor by Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS) Prof Danladi Abok Atu who appreciated the Chairman and Members of the Committee for the successful execution of their assignment. 

Prof. Atu said the creation of Development Areas in Plateau State is of great importance to the Governor as it constitutes part of his philosophy of inclusive governance which presents the grassroots with an opportunity to directly be involved in governing process.

Prof Atu informed the committee about the recent release of reports on the newly created Districts and Chiefdoms were announced during the week. He said both Districts and Development Areas are very critical as they will help in improving security as well as promoting development in the rural areas.

The SGS then assured the committee that the report will not just rest on the shelf, as the Government will study it and implement its recommendations. 

Chairman of the Committee, Mr Litta Dafan Shindai expressed the appreciation of the committee to the Executive Governor of Plateau State for finding them worthy to carry out the very crucial assignment.

Mr. Shindai stated that bringing development nearer to the people and the people nearer to Government as well as the provision of social services that will have a direct bearing on the lives of the citizens of the state will be possible with the creation of the Development Areas.

The Committee was set up on the 23rd of April 2021 by Governor Simon Lalong and was inaugurated on the 7th of May 2021 by the SGS.

Among other things, the Committe made the following recommendations:

1. The creation of an additional three (3) Development Areas to be added to the Fifty-two (52) earlier set aside by the previous administration, bringing the total to Fifty-five (55).

2. That a sustainable fiscal policy is adopted thus:

i. 10% of the State Gross Statutory Allocation be allocated to Development Areas on monthly basis for capital projects.

ii. Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) realized by the Development areas should be shared on an agreed determinable ratio between the Local Government Councils and Development Areas.

iii. The Local Government Council Law 2018 should be amended to accommodate suggestions 1&2 above.

3. The appointment of people with reputable character to manage the affairs of Local Government Development Areas.

The process for the creation of Development Areas is in compliance with provisions of the Local Government law, 2018 particularly sections 60 & 61.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

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

21st May 2022.

Disaster Management: PLASEMA is Developing a four year Action Plan

Disaster Management: PLASEMA is Developing a four year Action Planet 

In line with the Sendai Framework (2015-2030) the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (PLASEMA) is Developing a four year Action Plan, (2022 – 2026) which is envisioned to facilitate making our settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, sustainable and also taking urgent action to combat the impact of disasters including climate change and its impacts.

To this end, various stakeholders were invited to a meeting which held at the Old Government House Jos on Wednesday 18th May, 2022 to make notable inputs and contributions towards its success. The action plan is developed in a manner that the priority areas in the Sendai Framework are localised to suit the Plateau State situation. 

In attendance was the Zonal Coordinator NEMA, Mr. Eugene Nyelong, representatives of the ICRC, NRCS, State Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Plateau Peace Building Agency , IOM and Tearfund. It was unanimously agreed that the  various stakeholders would converge and work on the plan periodical

NIGERIAN POLITICS AND ITS DISCONTENTS

NIGERIAN POLITICS AND ITS DISCONTENTS

*(Modest thoughts with Ayuba Yilgak'ha, May 14, 2922; SMS: 08116181263)*

Politics is a moral human activity characterised by perpetual rude shockers. It is one game too many, where anything can happen. In the game of politics, is the unusual interaction between the good, the bad and the ugly of human power tussle. In other words, it has to do with the surprising manifestation of all possibilities within the context of human tendencies in the pursuit of power and relevance. 

Because politics is a game interwind with virtues and vices, therefore, it takes someone who has the capacity to absorb big shockers and survive its discontents, that is, aspects of the the game that fall below accepted rule of behaviour or shared expectations. This is especially so when politics take dimensions that are antithetical to one's shared values or ethical code of conduct.

Politics is like a gambling game, full of risk but full of gains too. In the game are no experts but people who are possibly capable of adapting to all situations or outcomes. No politician could, ab initio, predict with certainty the outcome (s) of any political contest at all times. This is because, political outcomes are dictated by the interplay of highly deregulated factors which often flow with great rapidity (speed) and overwhelming complexity that are often difficult to track or control throughout or at some points. Except otherwise imposed, all political outcomes are surprises to all manner of persons including those claiming to be in charge or on top of the game. Therefore, politics is a flexible game which occurres with much fluidity.

What makes politics fluid is the unpredictable nature of its players: Human beings. Human beings are mobile moral agents who can change based on prevailing circumstances around them. This assertion is in consonance with Micheal Owen's postulation that 'the character of a man is made for him not by him.' Here, the scholar means that the behaviour of man is dictated by the environment around him. Therefore, when circumstances changed, human beings which Plato described as 'political animals', also change.

The changing nature of politics has made it a constant and regular game of negotiations and re-negotiations; alignments and realignments; adjustments and re-adjustments. Senator Sani Shehu, a human right activist cum politician once observed that in the game of politics, when one attains the dusk meeting and failed to attain the dawn one, he has already been schemed out. So, it is total naivity for a politician to be absent during meetings where strategic last-minutes-and-critical decision (s) will be taken. This is because the changing dynamics of the game might have invalidated previously held standpoints, especially, when new information are obtained about what really matters at the time.

To an active politician, what is constant is the desire to acquire and/or maintain political power. Every other thing is by the way, especially, when the the game is played without morality or moral consideration and moderation as postulated by Niccolò Machiavelli. In Machiavelli's political school of thought, 'the end justifies the means'. The idea is that whatever is done to acquire power, even if it is deceit, betrayal or even to commit murder, etc, is justifiable. So, those who play the game of politics based on the dictates of this evil postulation, lack morality and can do anything worst than one could ever think or imagine to acquire political power.

Former vice president of Nigeria, Alh. Atiku Abubakar once reported as saying politics is a game of betrayal and that a politician who does not have full dose of it will not fit. Similarly, Rothman (1983) hypothesised that a good politician is one who has prejudices enough to suit the needs of all his constituents. These assertions clearly meant that betrayal and prejudices are strong weapons in any political expedition. The reverse is the case for politicians with good moral disposition.

Moralists see politics as the search for an opportunity to serve not to be served. This means that power just for the sake of it, is useless. It is about service and not self. Therefore, Chaplin's idea that power is needed only when those who seek it wants to achieve something sinister does not follow. If it does follow, at all, then in part, not absolutely. Politics, therefore, can neither be demonised or justified as a saintly enterprise. The condition of the game is dependent on the world view of the participants or actors.

Those whose God is their stomach and have no regard for values can easily be toyed around and make the game of politics more murky and uncertainty. For instance, a man who has not tamed his apatite for food can easy betray when food is offered in exchange for his vote or support. Also, gullible minds could easily be psyched, hypnotised, brainwashed or even indoctrinated when religious sentiments are wiped. In other sense, money (food) and religious instincts are the common most used factors by politicians to win public sympathy amongst gullable minds.

All politicians are restless mood-readers. They are experienced but, maybe, informal psychologists whose motivation is always to understand what appeals to the consciences and instincts of their publics or constituents. Having guaged the mood of the electorates, they tried even by way of unrealistic promises to woo support. This explained why there are more broken promises in the game of politics than in any human endeavour. This is so, especially, when the political actors are the desperate types.

In Nigeria, political actors can mimic anything to gain acceptance from the people. A political lion could perfectly or imperfectly mimic a dove as part of the strategy to survive the unpredictable nature of the game. In this clime, politicians fly private jets but ride motor cycles when elections are handy; they feed on British Menus but go for roasted corns at street corners when elections are handy.

In Nigerian politics, also, politicians spend weekends in Europe, US and Dubai but always in the villages when elections are handy; they eat and sleep in five star hotels but on queue at 'Mama put' (local or street) food vendors when elections are handy; their phone lines hardly go through but always reachable when elections are handy. The idea is just to identify with the ordinary status of the masses who are in the majority with enviable voting power that could return or unseat any public office holder seeking election.

A situation whereby politicians desert the people and return during election campaigns is called fundamentals of psychology of Politics. The actors try to avoid everything that will suggests they are leaving in luxury, especially, when in company of poor electorates. Most politicians will fake empathy, that is , "feel for, with about, about the people." This makes them politically correct (but morally dubious!). The people are getting wiser by the day. They have learnt to understand the fundamentals of the psychology of the politicians too.

Electorates are human beings not mere voting machines. They can reason and make informed decisions. Voters are citizens not inanimate object that can be used and dumped. They cannot be left to fate only to be found useful during elections. When you bit the finger that fed you; there shall be no finger to feed you tomorrow. It is the finger that votes, so you cannot push it aside and expect to enjoy its voting power during the next circle of elections. No way, no way, no way!

In Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart", Eneke the bird says that since men have learned to shoot without missing, he has learned to fly without perching. Driving the message home from this postulation, I dare say since politicians have perfected the art of dribbling poor electorates with subtle professionalism; the electorates have learned to vote out dubious political office holders with prompt correctness and due diligence. This is a possibility in the game of politics too.

In the last couple of months, we woke up to intimating billboards in the city of Jos, Plateau State with a uniquely catchy inscription. For example, "Bigg Things Coming." The name Sunday Garba Biggs suddenly appeared with an intimidating aura. Without sounding preemptive, however, the Bigg things seemed to have been grounded. The initial power and sympathizing frequency that gave it steam have stealthily backtracked and, therefore, the hot steam it generated suddenly evaporated at the speed of light. That is the game of politics for you.

Punctured dreams like this are recurrent decimals in Nigeria's socio-political and economic landscape. The perceived grounding of the "Bigg things" is a symbolic metaphor for many ballooned yet shattered hopes and dreams which are a very common part of the game of politics in my country. With time, therefore, all political actors would either taste disappointment or appointment. There is no politician, born of a woman, who tarries awhile, in the game of politics, that has not gone through one form of discomfort or the other.

In politics, a secret game of dabblings and wobblings, the more you look, the less you understand, and, the less you understand, the more you are manipulated and shortchanged with discreet subtlety. In primitive democracies like ours, where sound moral values and progressive political ideologies are almost nonexistent, political outcomes are often bound to be boring and inspiring.

Active political participants are likely to experience political baptism of fire (deceit and betrayal) or political favor where power is gained to serve. These binary probabilities and possibilities are fifty-fifty, especially, in this part of the world. Those that have been part of the game could tell the story even better. Best wishes to genuine political office seekers at all levels as processes lead to the 2023 General Elections start in Nigeria.

GOVERNOR LALONG INAUGURATES PLATEAU STATE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION; SIGNS VAAP ACT INTO LAW

GOVERNOR LALONG INAUGURATES PLATEAU STATE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION; SIGNS VAAP ACT INTO LAW

Governor Simon Bako Lalong inaugurated Members of the Plateau State Judicial Service Commission with a charge for them to ensure that there is transparency, discipline and efficiency in the operations of the Judiciary in Plateau State. 

Governor Lalong who inaugurated Chairman and members of the Commission at the New Government House Little Rayfield Jos said the body is saddled with the duty of advising the National Judicial Council on the Appointment and discipline of Judicial Officers including the Chief Judge; Grand Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal; President of the Customary Court of Appeal; Judges of the State High Court; as well as Khadis and Judges of the Sharia and Customary Courts of Appeal.

He said the Constitution powers them to also appoint, dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over the Registrars, Deputy Registrars of the Courts mentioned above as well as Magistrates, Judges and members of Area and Customary Courts. All other members of the Staff of the Judicial Service of Plateau State are expected to be supervised by this Commission.    

Lalong said "Because our people deserve justice and fairness in Temple of Justice, it goes without saying that every process and bureaucracy of the Judiciary must be occupied by qualified and competent persons who will ensure smooth operations of the system. Any break in the chain of the Judiciary will have negative consequences on the society. It is therefore expected that you will work hard to ensure that the right persons are appointed into any office while such persons are guided and supervised to operate within the guidelines of the Judiciary. The era of misconduct, corruption, indiscipline, unnecessary delay of cases and other infractions should be over as you come on board".

 

Members of the Commission include the Chief Judge of Plateau State Hon. Justice David Mann (Chairman), Mr. Henry Lankwap (Member), Barr. Tony Agaga (Member), Barr. Stephen Abah (Member).

Meanwhile the Governor has signed into law the Violence Against Persons Act (VAPP) passed by the Plateau State House of Assembly. 

The Governor said the signing of the law was very important because it will curb the menace of violence against women and children which is on the increase in the country. He said even men will receive protection against violence from the new law.

Lalong said the State Government will give all necessary support to the relevant agencies towards implementing the provisions of the VAAP Law in order to safeguard the safety of the citizens particularly the most vulnerable. 

Giving the synopsis of the law, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Plateau State Chrysanthus Ahmadu said the VAAP law which is the domestication of the law passed by the National Assembly is very comprehensive and deals with all areas of violence and rights of the citizens particularly women and children who are mostly affected by cultural practices and harmful traditions. 

He said it is a specialised piece of Legislation that seeks to prevent violence against persons (VAP), by prohibiting certain acts and prescribing penalties for violation. While some of the offences are known to our Criminal Statutes such as the Penal Code Law of Plateau State many of the violent acts against persons sought to be contained are new.

Among some of the major acts of violence against persons which the Law prohibits and which are to be found in Clauses 3 to 26 of the Bill are offences such as rape which upon conviction attracts the punishment of life imprisonment and a person who aids, abets or conceals an offender also commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for a minimum of 12 years imprisonment. 

Gang Rape also attracts imprisonment for a minimum of 20 years without an option of fine as well as award appropriate compensation to the victim as it may deem fit in the circumstance.  

A marriage partner who forcefully evicts his/her partner from his/her home or refuses him/her access commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 2 years or to a fine of not less than N300,000 or to both such fine and imprisonment.          

Anyone who incites, aids, or abets another to commit the offence of forceful ejection such as relatives/in-laws who eject widows or persons with disability is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year or a fine of not less than N200,000 or both such fine and imprisonment. 

On the Abandonment of spouse, children and other dependents – Clause 17(1) of the VAAP Law prescribes that any person who abandons a wife/husband, children or other dependents without any means of sustenance commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not less than three years or to fine of not less than N500,000 or to both.

The law also prohibits Spousal/Partner battery in Clause 20 which states that any person who stalks another commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not less than 2 years or a fine of not less than N500,000 or to both.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham

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

19th May 2022

MDA ENDORSED TYODEN

The Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) and the Highest decision making body of the Mwaghavul nation known as Kapuk have endorsed Professor Sonni Tyoden as gubernatorial flag bearer on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. 

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the decision to endorse Professor Tyoden was arrived at after series of meetings in Mangu. 

According to our correspondent, Tyoden's endorsement  followed several engagements between the MDA and aspirants from the Local Government Area who indicated interest to contest on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

Our correspondent further confirmed that Professor Tyoden's endorsement was hinged on his pedigree, experience, competence and integrity as well as the sitting Deputy Governor. 

Information available to our correspondent also shows that the umbrella body of the Mwaghavul people took the decision to avoid fielding more than one aspirant. 

When contacted separately, the officials of the two bodies said an official Statement will be issued in that regard. 

Our correspondent further gathered that similar decision was taken on the other opposition parties from the Mwaghavul nation. 

Securing Plateau State is His Topmost Priority

Aecuring Plateau State is His Topmost Priority

jane Addams, an influential  American woman activist and first woman to receive Noble Peace Prize in 1931 once said;

" The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain untill it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life".

Therefore, securing Plateau State remains  a topmost priority on his development agenda.

.

In recent times, there have been many threats faced by Plateau State from both intrinsic and external factors. The man who possess all that is required to mitigate such challenges is here.

Nde David Victor Dimka fsi is a product of strategic level security/intelligence course as well as top level management expert with requisite skills to handle any emerging crisis in the State. 

He is poised to contribute positively to the implementation of security policies and development of the State.

Inducted and awarded with the designation of Fellow of the Security Institute (fsi) marks him out above the mire.

He is well equipped with the following knowledge and experience;

-Security and Intelligence

- Leadership and Management 

-Policy and Strategy

-Conflict and Peace Building among others.

DVD is the Governor whose time has come.

Think DVD, Think Plateau!

#DVD Media.