COMMISSIONER OF WORKS WARMLY WELCOMES KAWEL TRADITIONAL COUNCIL ON COURTESY VISIT

Plateau State Commissioner for Works Hon Bulus Adams was in full euphoric and cheerfulness when he receives members of the Kawel Traditional Council who were in his office in recognition of his selfless service and to show solidarity and appreciation to the Governor of Plateau State His Excellency Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for appointing him to serve in the State Executive Council.  

In his welcoming speech Hon. Adams expressed his profound gratitude for the show of love, solidarity and recognition noting that a visit like this will greatly encourage them put all their efforts for the service of the state and humanity.

Hon. Adams further noted that he is deeply encouraged with the visit and acceptability, saying the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang is putting all efforts to restore the state back to its former glory and he called on them to continue praying for the governor to succeed because he really meant well for the state.

He urged the Kawel Traditional Council to mobilize their people to supports the government’s policies and initiatives to develop the state and restore peaceful coexistence.       

In his own part His Royal Highness Miskahkam Peter Ngukat Rymkes, Village Head of Kawel in Mushere North Ward, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State expressed his profound gratitude to His Excellency Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for acknowledging Hon. Adams Bulus Lekshek's nobility to serve in the state's executive council.

He commended the governor’s developmental strides in the state, saying he has restored the hope of Plateau people and the state is gradually wearing a look.

 Miskahkam Peter Ngu said the Traditional Council will continue to pray for a successful tenure and enjoined him to be selfless in serving Plateau and the nation at large.

PLANNED PROTEST: PROF. ATU URGES YOUTHS TO EMBRACE DIALOGUE OVER VIOLENCE

Former Secretary to the Government of Plateau State under Governor Simon Bako Lalong (2019-2023) and Director of the APUDI Institute of Peace and Social Rehabilitation (APIS), Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, a Professor of Peace Studies, has advised against violent protests in Nigeria, urging the youth to pursue dialogue instead.

Reflecting on the dark history of violent protests in the nation, Prof. Atu emphasized that violence is not a solution. He pointed out the significant loss of lives and property during the 2020 End SARS protest and other global protests that began peacefully but turned violent, citing incidents in major cities in Nigeria and other countries such as Kenya, Ghana, and Venezuela.

Prof. Atu reassured that  Government at all levels are willing to listen and address the issues raised by the planned protesters. He called on the youths to give the Government more time and to refrain from violent actions.

Additionally, he urged the Government and security agencies to protect peaceful protesters and ensure restraint on both sides, acknowledging the democratic right to peaceful protest.

Dafir Zughumnaan  

Media Aide to  

Prof. Danladi Abok Atu  

APIS (Nigeria)

PLATEAU LABOUR PARTY APPEALS FOR CAUTION OVER PROPOSED DEMONSTRATION

PRESS STATEMENT 

The Plateau Chapter of the Labour Party, LP, is concerned about the proposed nationwide protests scheduled for 1st - 10th, August 2024, considering the negative impact it could have on the country which instead of solving the problems, could escalate them.

As a purposeful and focused political party on the Plateau, we are calling on all organisers and supporters of the protests in the state, to think deeply of the fragile security situation  the state is wrestling with and to opt for dialogue instead of protests which could be hijacked by hoodlums to unleash mayhem. 

We recall with sadness the last #EndSARSProtest which ended up on a very sad note where public and private properties were destroyed and worse of all the protests culminated into ethno-religious crisis. 

We respect everybody's right to freedom of assembling and protest to express their dismay over government's policies, as the harsh economic situation spares nobody especially the lower and middle class which constitute the greatest population. However, in seeking solution to our problems, is wise we consider de-escalation and better ways of finding solution than the aggressive approach which could be leeway to crooks to take advantage and drag us back in pains and sorrow. 

We call on the organisers of the protests to give Mr. President a chance and time frame as he has confessed of hearing the plight of the citizens and is fully set to address the problems since the aim of the protests is to let him know the pains of the citizens. 

We also call on the government to show seriousness in their promises by addressing some of the pressing needs of the citizens. 

Nigeria cannot afford the experience of Sudan, Kenya and other countries which became shadow of themselves as a result of protests hijacked by hoodlums. 

Please let's think of the interest of our country, because there must be a country first before all problems can be solved. 

It's our wish that the protest should be shelved, however, we cannot stop anyone from exercising their constitutional rights. We hereby call on all Labour Party faithful who in case wish to exercise their rights to protest, to do so within the ambit of the law, nothing more, nothing less; and to pray for Nigeria to succeed. 

Signed:

Comrade Awara James Adara

Publicity Secretary

COALITION OF PLATEAU YOUTHS CALLED ON ITS MEMBERS TO BOYCOTT THE PLANNED PROTEST

A PRESS CONFERENCE STATEMENT OF THE COALITION OF INDIGENOUS YOUTHS NATIONALITIES OF PLATEAU STATE "ON PLANNED NATIONWIDE PROTEST", HOLDING TODAY, 31ST JULY,  2024 AT NIGERIAN UNION OF JOURNALISTS-NUJ, SECRETARIAT, JOS

1. PREAMBLE

After a careful review and consideration of the state of the Nation, particularly the prevailing harsh economic realities in terms of galloping inflation,  unemployment,  insecurity, crime and poverty as well as the current clamor for Nationwide Protest,  the Coalition of Indigenous Youths Organizations in Plateau State wishes to make its position clear.

2. OUR CONTEXT

Recall the travails of our individuals and collective circumstances in Plateau State,  especially the massacres of innocent villagers, women and children that the people of Barkin Ladi,  Bassa, Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom, Jos South and other Local Government Areas have suffered in the past and recently are worrisome situation that no right thinking person would wish to continue therein. It's the Coalition's firm conclusion that our people have been subjected and,  indeed,  continue to suffer serious economic emasculation and violent physical oppression in the hands of terrorists,  kidnappers and bandits. Expectedly,  in several hamlets and villages, our people are displaced and generally more impoverished. 

It's no longer news that scores of the Youths are increasingly despondent,  disillusioned and depressed with high numbers as unemployed and substance abusers as well as gullible indulgers in other social vices . The picture this presents is a people already devastated and  traumatized. It's in this context that the untiring efforts and policies of Governor Caleb Mutfwang's Administration is being appreciated as ray of hope that would rejuvenate peace and economic prosperity of the State. Understandably, the Plateau people are jealous in preserving the relative peace currently enjoyed and generally reluctant in providing avoidable opportunity for unscrupulous elements to hijack a legitimate Nationwide Protest to plunge the State once more into a theatre of confusion,  bloodshed and looting.  

3. THE NATIONWIDE PROTEST 

Without any prejudice to the constitutionality of the  Nationwide Agitation and Planned Protest,  the Coalition is constraint by the peculiar circumstances and challenges of our individual and collective survival on the Plateau, particularly the precarious security balance to appeal to our National Compatriots to exempt the Youths,  our members from participating in the 10-day National protest, not so much that we are insulated from the general malaise in Nigeria,  but for the risky security circumstances we face as Plateau Communities.

Indeed,  the excruciating economic hardship is rather amplified in our case with the state of deliberate persecution our people  have continued to suffer for decades.  For us, joining the planned Nationwide Protest would unwittingly amount to opening the floodgates to our oppressors to inflict another round of havoc, bloodshed and exploitation on the peace lovingpeople of PlateauState.

4. OUR RESOLVE 

The Coalition is committed to promoting peace and tranquility in the land while supporting the giant steps and appreciable progress of Federal,  State and Local Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the amiable Governor of the people of Plateau State,  Barr. Caleb Mutfwang for demonstrating a high sense of responsibility as well as taking proactive measures to reduce the hardship of the masses and stabilize the economy. 

In the light of the above,  the Coalition wishes to state that ALL PLATEAU YOUTHS should stay away from the Nationwide Protest,  which would not add good, but precariously worsen our situation in the State. 

5. PRAYERS 

The Coalition hereby prays as follows:

1. That Government at both Federal,  State and Local Government levels continue to implement people oriented policies including direct interventions in the Oil and Gas industry, Food Production and Distribution,  Transportation and Communcation,  Power and Energy Sectors as well as Youths Empowerment and Human Capital Development. 

2. That Government should review and regulate  Fuel price rather than reinstate the regime of Fuel Subsidy. 

3. Outright disengagement of saboteurs working in Oil and Gas industry 

4. Sacking of Cabinet members that are linked to aggravation of insecurity in the country if discreet investigation proves them culpable. 

5. The abjectly poor and vulnerable including IDPs, orphans and widows deserve some succour from Government and Nongovernmental organizations. Such programs need to be expanded in scope, giving the magnitude of the current situation. 

6. That our Youths should not only intensity effort on vigilance, but also synergies with Security Agents against any form of aggression that might be meted out on hamlets, villages and communities.

CONCLUSION 

In conclusion,  the Coalition wishes to affirm its beliefs in constitutional Government,  where citizens enjoy rights and privileges especially those of free conscience, expressions association and indeed,  a right to protest.  However,  the prevailing circumstances and insecurity in the State is risky such that an inch could be taken for a mile by detractors and saboteurs who have defamed Plateau State for so long. 

Finally,  we wish to passionately appeal to His Excellency,  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to forget to appoint a Minister  for Plateau State.

 

State Chairman:

Comrade Paul Joshua Dekete.

State Secretary:

Amb. Duwam Bosko.

HARDSHIP PROTEST: PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT ENGAGES THE YOUTHsWalbe Orgak

HARDSHIP PROTEST: PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT ENGAGES THE YOUTHs

Walbe Orgak

As the Nigeria government braces up to confronting the Planned national wide hardship protest from escalating into crisis, various states are engaging the various stakeholders in an efforts to findings out ways of possible averting the protest bearing in mind the violence outcome of previous protest most especially the recent Endsars demonstration which claims a lot of lives and destructions of properties.

It is in view of this that the Plateau state government engages the youths on the 30 July, 2024 at the Youth centre to finds out ways of preventing the protest or at least possible ways of controlling and mitigating the outcome of the protest considering the volatile nature peace in the state.

While addressing the Youths Secretary to the government of Plateau State, Arch. Samuel Jatau, said the state has suffered enough crises and should not be allowed to go into another one in the name of protest.

“The state has been through a lot and we cannot afford to go into another crisis,” Jatau stated

 He emphasized the need for peace and stability in the state, urging youths to shun the protest.

Responding Alex Audu, Chairman of the Nigerian Youth Council, Plateau state chapter, also spoke out against the protest.

“We, the youths of Plateau state, are not part of this protest; we want peace and stability in our state, and we will not be part of anything that will disrupt that.”

 The planned protest has been met with opposition from various quarters on the Plateau, with many calling for peaceful resolution of issues rather than resorting to protests, which could be hijack by thugs.

Also speaking the Chief of staff to Governor Caleb Mutfwang Jeremiah Satmak appealed to the youths especially to shun the planned protest as the state is vulnerable to security challenges owning to the nature of the state.

He said the state governor is a youth friendly governor with appointments of youths in his cabinet and administration while alot of achievements has been done in the state for a better and prosperous youth.

He further that President Tinubu had created the Ministry of Livestock Development to address perennial farmers/herders conflict as well as boost livestock production and food security in the country.

President recently signed into law the bill on the implementation of the new national minimum wage of N70,000 with a view to improving the welfare and the wellbeing of Nigerian workers.

Chairman of wase local government area and association of local government chairman ALGON Hamisu Anani says plateau state have gone through alot of challenges especially through security will not be to the benefits of the people of the state while pleasing with the youths to unite the state by rejecting the planned nationwide protest.

He says in all genuineness of purpose and concern for democracy and grassroots development has dared the state governors by the recent Supreme Court judgment, which ceded financial autonomy to the local Government councils.

“And granting them full recognition as federating units of the Nigeria political structure,” he said.

Chairman Mangu youth council Stanley said the planned protest is a politically motivated action by some enemies of the state who do not mean well for the ordinary citizens except for their selfish political gains.

He pointed out critical sectors including agriculture, health, education, and youth empowerment, and job creation, regular payment of retirees’ up-to-date payment of civil servants, palliative distribution, and infrastructural development among others.   

In another development, the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, CP Emmanuel Adesina has warned criminal elements to bury their evil intentions before the said proposed date of the nationwide protest or to face the wrath of the law.

Adesina said constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has allowed citizens the opportunity to demonstrate peacefully where they are concerned but security would not fold their hands and watch criminals hijack the process.

 The CP made this known Tuesday during a meeting held at Police officers Mess, Jos, with traditional class, religious leaders, political parties, civil society organizations, youth and women leaders as well as other critical stakeholders.

 He said security agencies in Plateau have concluded arrangement to ensure a violent free protest as they will not allow hoodlums to penetrate.

 He called on parents and guardians to caution their wards to be more responsible, saying all hands must be on deck to sustain peace on the Plateau.

 While appreciating the CP for the wise initiative, stakeholders urged him to continue engaging in dialogue with the youths.

 The stakeholders stated that much as they are kicking against the proposed nationwide protest, government should look inward with a view of addressing issues of hike in price of commodities, hunger and poverty ravaging the country.

IPA APPEALS FOR PROTESTS RENEGE

IPA APPEALS FOR PROTESTS RENEGE 

We, the entire publishers under the canopy of Independent Publishers Association, IPA, appeal to the organisers and proponents of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria to renege from their proposed nationwide protests scheduled for 1st - 10th August, 2024 in view of the catastrophic impact they could have on the nation as was the case with the #EndSARSProtest where so many lives were lost, public and private properties destroyed and skyrocketed insecurity of different scopes and magnitudes. 

There is no doubt that the country is in a serious mess with unbearable hardship on the greatest population particularly the masses caused by the government's haphazard economic policies of subsidy removal on Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, and power.

It's a fact that the freedom of assembling and protest are constitutional rights of every Nigeria citizen, however in the execution of our franchise, situational and beneficial variables should be taken into cognizance to avoid escalating the problems instead of de-escalation. 

The general insecurity, poverty, anger, hunger, secession agitations and high crime rate in the country, can truncate the true essence of the protests by leveraging opportunity to men of the underworld (bandits, kidnappers, vandals and terrorists) to hijack and unleash mayhem to the detriment of the country. 

Sudan, Kenyan, Myanmar and Syria are examples of countries whose citizens started protests for long and ravaged them without abating worse than the situation they targeted changing.

Since the essence of the protests is to draw the attention of the government to the plight of the citizens, the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said he has heard the cry of the youth and the masses and will surely act. Based on this premise, we indulge your consideration for dialogue with the government and sparing additional space for promise fulfillment by the president. 

We also call on the President to start implementing some of the given reformation demands of the would-be protesters to prove his commitment to the attainment of their grievances. This way he can prove himself as a  pragmatic leader whose agenda is to better the welfare of his subjects. 

We also call on Plateau State Governor Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, not to rest on the oars of his appointees sycophancy that all is well with the youth and that the entire land is green, whereas many places are brown and desertified. 

So many Small Medium Scale Enterprises, intra-investors and farmers are direly begging for boosting in the state. 

If the youth are seriously engaged with productive ventures and massive production of goods are service are encouraged by the government, the scourge of hardship will drastically abate and the country will prosper. 

Long live IPA!

Long live Plateau State!!

Long live Nigeria!!!

Signed:

Shabul Mazadu 

IPA Chairman

SSANU Commends Plateau State University for Enhanced Staff Welfare

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has commended Plateau State University, Bokkos, for its commitment to enhancing staff welfare.

National Vice president North Central region of the Association,Comrade  Emmanuel Nyiyongo, disclosed this while on a courtesy visit to the office of the Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Shedrack Best.Nyiyongo praised the university's efforts to addressing long-standing allowances owed to its members.

"I have never seen a university pay weigh-in allowances for three years,".

He  expressed surprise that the issues of arrears could be resolved without delay,while  commending the institution's broader efforts to improve staff welfare, including increasing death benefits for bereaved members among others.

Nyiyongo urged the management to consider paying transportation subsidies for staff also while  reminding the university leadership about state palliatives to be extended to PLASU  and advocated for a pensions board for retired staff members.

Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Shedrack Best thanked the union's local chapter for its cooperation in maintaining industrial harmony and  assured that the university is committed to enhancing staff welfare and sought continued support from the union.

"The university is working to ensure that staff receive their due allocations. While we face financial challenges, understanding and collaboration lead to better outcomes," stated the Vice Chancellor.

Represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Professor Moses  Pyefa, emphasized that the university does not owe the union any dues, except for cases where individuals were omitted from payment records, which are being rectified. He highlighted ongoing initiatives to improve staff welfare and the working environment, including the construction of a 4km road network within the campus.

In his remark,the Registrar Registrar Yakubu Ayuba acknowledged SSANU's vital role in negotiating staff welfare and fostering industrial progress, describing the union as indispensable while continued partnership with the union.

PROF. PATRICK DAKUM URGES CONSIDERATION AND CAUTION ON NATIONWIDE PROTESTS

PRESS RELEASE

PROF. PATRICK DAKUM URGES CONSIDERATION AND CAUTION ON NATIONWIDE PROTESTS

The Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, IHVN, and Plateau State Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum, has called on planners of the #EndBadGovernmentinNigeria , to think deeply with caution in their decision of staging their planned nationwide protests on 1st -10th August, 2024. 

He said the country is in colossal quagmire of inflation and the greatest population is caged in burning suffering without recourse to political party, religion, region and ethnic inclination but all inclusive which the government must be proactive and pragmatic in addressing the challenges to enable the citizens enjoy the dividends of democracy by meeting their ends with less stress. 

Dakum said the protestors have the constitutional right to assemble and express their dismay over government's policies through peaceful and orderly protests. But it also behooves on them to put into consideration their decision in attempting to have their problems solved to avoid dispensing more harm than good. 

The former Commissioner of Health and Information called on organisers of the protests to think about the peace and stability of the nation first which is the recipe of solving the hardship as crisis and unrest are only catalysts of deterioration instead of advancing lasting solution; posing that the current hardship, pains and disenchantment being experienced and exhibited by the greatest population of the citizens cannot guarantee peaceful protests, but violence and vandalism worse than the #EndSARS with capability of consuming the nation. 

He suggested that the organisers of the protests should make a list of the problems they want the government to solve and how they want the government to go about them through dialogue. And if the government fails to abide by their agreement, they can mobilize to oust it at the polls in 2027. 

According to him, the country has about two years to go to the polls, and with massive enlightenment the youth can bring a better peaceful change of government, instead of going through a process with potentialities of prolonging the suffering of the masses. 

Dakum attested that there is no magic anyone can do to solve the current problems with the snap of the finger, saying it's a gradual thing that will take sometime. Therefore the protests cannot bring immediate end to stagflation, adding that after the protests the government will still be given time to address the problems. 

He lamented that Nigerians have been plunged into a dire situation which requires a lot of patience, hard-work and long-suffering to overcome. And that there is no fire brigade approach that can instantaneously solve the problems, saying the damage has been done. And only through de-escalation of the problems and careful planning can the country come out of the harsh stagflation.

He asked, will the costs of goods and services return to their prices before the advent of the current administration as soon as the protests are over?

The Prof, posited by reiterating his appeal to the organisers of the protests to think deeply over their choice of action for the interests of the country and do everything with caution and consideration.

Signed: 

Shabul Mazadu 

Media Consultant 

Prof. Patrick Sunday Dakum 

28th July, 2024