Acting VC of Plateau State University Bokkos Mourns Pioneer Pro Chancellor, Late Professor Ochapa Onazi.

Acting Vice Chancellor Plateau state University Bokkos Professor Shedrack Best has joined family, friends and Associates to mourn and sympathize with the immediate family of late Professor Ochapa Onazi, pioneer Pro Chancellor Plateau state University Bokkos.

Our Correspondent was on the entourage of the Acting Vice Chancellor report that,leading  Management of the Plateau State University Bokkos to the compound of late Professor Ochapa Onazi, the Acting Vice Chancellor said, it is rather difficult to say exactly who the late educationist is 

Describing him as a prolific university administrator, a mentor and an academician per excellence.

Professor Best shared his personal encounter with late Professor Ochapa Onazi, whom he said gave him appointment with the University of Jos and has remained indelible in the life of his family and that of the Plateau state University.

Responding, one of the daughters of the deceased, Agbenu said, though the passing on of their patriarch still remains a shock to them, the sudden realization of the larger than life example the father lived brought comfort to them as a family.

She expressed gratitude to the university community for always being their for them.

Prayers were offered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Professor Moses Pyefa.

    End

HOPE AS ANTIDOTE

HOPE AS ANTIDOTE

There is no rest in a restless world. The world is falling; and in a falling world, everything is falling along except hope. Only hope  Stands, and if anyone loses it, such person should report himself or herself to the grave. I mean the person is finished. Who does that? I can be patient if i do not have bread to eat but no amount of problem can stop me from having a bite if i see one. I can wait when there is no work to do, but no amount of luxury can stop me from taking up a job to help my family and society. Who told you it is over when your life is just began. No one is too old or too young to make a difference. No one is finished who has hope enough to keep trying something worthwhile with his or her life. I have seen the sick gets healed, the poor gets rich and the broken hearted bounces back with great cheers. There is no odd that cannot be reversed with hope and hard work. Hope is effort and effort is a prove of hope. Effort is an act of living with high sense of possibilities. In other words, it is hope expressed in prompt and strategic action. Thus, hope is a potent antidote for a trying and frustrating world! (Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, August 14, 2024)

LG ELECTION: A LOOK AT LAPCHING GOLIME ASPIRATION Walbe Ogak

LG ELECTION: A LOOK AT LAPCHING GOLIME ASPIRATION  

Walbe Ogak

As activities toward the Local Government Elections in Plateau state gathers momentum as numerous politicians are trooping into the various political parties offices to purchase forms or carry out one activities or the other; morso as campaign posters and signposts are seen littering several walls or public places across all the local governments areas, and Kanke is one of such.

Amongst the top arrays of political gladiators jostling for the chairmanship position of Kanke Local Government Council is Hon. Lapching Ezekiel Golime who is seen as one of the topmost and most popular aspirants considering his humble but impactful background, tract records and political acumen.

His proven leadership experience and track record of accomplishments in various capacities, demonstrating the ability to mobilize, manage groups, make inform and tough decisions, and above all accomplished desired results.

Considering the various officers Hon Lapching has occupied; such as Senior Adviser to Local Government Chairman on Economic and NAPEP matters (2008-2009), Personal Assistant to Honorable Commissioner, Supervisory Councilor for Social Services, Principal Senior Assistant to the Governor (Media), Member, State Campaigns Council (2019), Member, State Campaigns Council (Mobilization/Youth Council 2023) and ad-hoc Committee Secretary for Local Government Chairmanship Primaries amongst others this indicated that he has a deep understanding of local issues with a strong connection to the community mobilization and services. Indeed Lapchine has a deep understanding of the local challenges, needs, aspirations and concerns, enabling effective representation and solution-driven governance.

As the Managing Director/CEO of Ngongur Nig. LTD and Elgisp Nig. LTD, his experiences in the business field is compelling and this will help drive his visionary and enterprising thinking.

There is no doubt that considering these qualities trailing him, Lapching possesses a profound, clear and compelling vision for the future of the Kanke local government, with innovative ideas and strategies to drive progress, growth, and development.

One of the qualities that stand Lapching out is his eventful, youthfulness and humbleness, this boundless and energetic young man is an experienced collaborator, who is always building bridges across different stakeholders, fostering partnerships, and engages citizens in the decision-making process, ensuring inclusive and participatory planning and initiation, wherever he found himself.

Considering the various offices and committee he has been assigned to Hon Lapching has always shown an unwavering reliability, integrity, good and upright character and accountability, committing himself to virtuous and reliable ally, thereby earning him the trust and confidence of all those who had worked with him.

With this wealth of experience and passion for public service, Hon. Golime is committed to delivering exceptional leadership and development to Kanke LGA. His vision is to create a prosperous and inclusive community, where every resident has access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

Indeed Lapching aspirations have proven that men make history and real men inscribe their name in the hearts of men. In an era where there is the need for sound and qualitative leadership, his larger than life image as well as his legendry simple and unassuming personality had greatly endeared him to the heart of the people of his community as well as those that had the singular honour and privilege to come in close contact with him.

Lapching uncommon spirit of undiluted patriotism coupled with his numerous philanthropic endeavors particularly in his local government, which he loved dearly and so passionately, are indeed eloquent testimonies of his great sense of selfless sacrifice for humanity and enduring legacies.

It is a fact that money bag politics do us no good, if we are patriotic and patient enough and elect those who have proven themselves and have worked above board then we have all the cause to smile. And HON. LAPCHING EZEKIEL GOLIME is such a person that Kanke LGA need now. In him you will see brotherliness and patriotism in display, in him you will see and feel a new reality, in him you will see a unique man who shares and feel the pains of his people; in him also you will see your aspirations and yearnings being met. Join the train lets better the future of Kanke together.

PLASIEC HAS RECHEDULED SOME ACTIVITIES TOWARDS THE LG ELECTIONS

PLATEAU STATE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION (PLASIEC)

NO. 7 JOHN MARK SAMCHI ROAD, P.M.B. 2277, JOS

REVISED NOTICE OF YEAR 2024 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS IN PLATEAU STATE

1.   As part of its mandate and in compliance with Part IV, Sections 16(1) and 22(1) of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2016, Section 197(1) & (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended 2023) and Electoral Act, 2022, the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) wishes to notify the leadership of all political parties and the general public that elections shall be conducted in the Seventeen (17) Local Government Councils of Plateau State on Wednesday, 9^th October, 2024 between 8.00am and 3.00pm.

2.   Consequently, all prospective candidates are expected to obtain nomination forms in respect of the election into the offices of Chairmen and Councillors of the 17 Local Government Councils from the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) Headquarters at No.7 John Mark Samchi Road, Jos from Friday, 16th August, 2024 to Monday, 19^th August, 2024 between the hours of 8.00am and 4.00pm daily.

3.   The breakdown of the Election Timetable and Schedule of Activities is as shown below:

NO.	ACTIVITY	DATE	NEW/EXTENDED DATES	REMARKS
1	a.   Publication of Notice of Election b.   Release of Election Timetable c.    Release of Election Guidelines	Wednesday, 10th July, 2024	Same date	Section 22 of PLASIEC Law, 2016
2	Commencement of Campaign activities: Commencement of Campaign by Political Parties	Friday, 12th July, 2024	Same date	As determined by the Commission (See Sections 95-97 of the Electoral Act, 2022)
3	Conduct of Party Primaries including resolution of disputes arising from same and observation of same by the Commission	Friday, 29th July, 2024 to Thursday, 8th August, 2024	Friday, 29th July, 2024 to Thursday, 15th August, 2024	As determined by the Commission (See Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022)
4	Collection of Nomination Forms for Candidates by Political Parties	Friday 9th August, 2024 to Tuesday 13th August, 2024	Friday, 16th August, 2024 to Monday, 19th August, 2024	Section 23 of the PLASIEC Law, 2016
5	Submission of Nomination Forms for Candidates by Political Parties	Wednesday, 14th August, 2024 to Monday, 19th August, 2024	Tuesday, 20th August, 2024 to Friday, 23rd August, 2024	Section 23 of the PLASIEC Law, 2016
6	Publication of Personal Particulars of Candidates by the Commission	Wednesday, 21st August, 2024	Saturday, 24th August, 2024	Section 23(4) of the PLASIEC Law, 2016
7	Verification/Screening of Chairmanship Candidates and their Running Mates	Thursday, 22nd  August, 2024 to Saturday, 24th August, 2024	Monday, 26th August, 2024 to Wednesday, 28th August, 2024	Sections 31-32 of the Local Government Law, 2017 and Sections 101-102 of the Electoral Act, 2022
8	Verification and Screening of Councillorship Candidates	Monday, 26th August, 2024 to Friday, 30th August, 2024	Thursday, 29th August, 2024 to Monday, 2nd September, 2024	Sections 25-26 of the Local Government Law, 2017 and Sections 101-102 of the Electoral Act, 2022
9	Submission of List of Qualified/Cleared Candidates to the Political Parties by PLASIEC	Monday, 2nd September, 2024	Tuesday 3rd September, 2024	Section 26 of the PLASIEC Law, 2016
10	Receiving of Appeal Cases by PLASIEC	Wednesday, 4th September, 2024	Thursday 5th September, 2024	Sections 25-26 and 31-32 of the Local Government Law, 2017
11	Hearing of Appeal Cases by PLASIEC	Friday, 6th September, 2024	Saturday, 7th September, 2024	Sections 25-26 and 31-32 of the Local Government Law, 2017
12	Last Day for the Withdrawal by Candidate(s)/Replacement of withdrawn Candidate(s) by Political Parties	Monday, 9th September, 2024	Same date	Section 27(2) of the PLASIEC Law, 2016
13	Substitution of Withdrawn/Uncleared Candidates by Political Parties	Wednesday, 11th September, 2024	Same date	Section 27(2) of the PLASIEC Law, 2016
14	Screening of Substituted Candidates by PLASIEC	Friday, 13th September, 2024	Same date	Sections 25-26 and 31-32 of the Local Government Law, 2017
15	Collection of Nomination Forms by all Cleared-Substituted Candidates	Monday, 16th September, 2024	Same date	Section 27-28 of the PLASIEC Law, 2016
16	Submission of Nomination Forms by all Cleared-Substituted Candidates	Wednesday, 18th September, 2024	Same date	Section 27-28 of the PLASIEC Law, 2016
17	Publication of Final List of Nominated Candidates by the Commission	Saturday, 21st September, 2024	Same date	Section 26(1) of the PLASIEC Law, 2016
18	Submission of Names and Addresses of Polling Agents by Political Parties to the Commission	Monday, 23rd September, 2024	Same date	Section 36(1) of the PLASIEC Law, 2016
19	Publication of Official Register of Voters for the Election by the Commission	Monday 16th September, 2024	Same date	Section 10(4) of the Electoral Act
19	Publication of Notice of Poll by the Commission	Monday, 23rd September, 2024	Same date	Section 37 of the PLASIEC Law, 2016
20	Last day for Campaigns by Political Parties	Monday, 7th October, 2024 (12.00 mid-night)	Same date	Sections 94(1) & 96 of the Electoral Act, 2022
21	ELECTION DAY (8.00am-3.00pm)	Wednesday, 9th October, 2024	Same date	Section 32 of the PLASIEC Law, 2016
22	RUN-OFF/SUPPLEMENTARY ELECTION (IF ANY)	Saturday, 12th October, 2024	Same date	Section 32 of the PLASIEC Law, 2016

 

4.   In conclusion, all political parties and stakeholders are hereby enjoined to give their support and cooperation to PLASIEC, so as to organize, undertake and supervise a free, fair, credible and transparent Local Government Councils Election in Plateau State.

5.   Dated this 7^th day of August, 2024

Sign

Mr. Plangji Daniel Cishak

Chairman

BREAKDOWN OF LAW AND ORDER/LOOTING AND VANDALISATION OF PROPERTIES IN JOS NORTH: THE NEED TO IMMEDIATELY CALL OFF THE PROTEST IN PLATEAU STATE by Barminas Walshak Danat, Esq.

BREAKDOWN OF LAW AND ORDER/LOOTING AND VANDALISATION OF

PROPERTIES IN JOS NORTH: THE NEED TO IMMEDIATELY CALL OFF THE PROTEST IN PLATEAU STATE

by

Barminas Walshak Danat, Esq.

The ongoing nationwide protest that commenced on 1st August, 2024 that would expectantly be lasting for ten days to 10th August, 2024 has come with a mighty force that has shaken the foundations of the Nigerian nation. This has further demonstrated once again, how gradually our democracy will be evolving as the masses become more and more conscious and aware of their rights over and over again. 

Indeed, the heat of the protest has sent a very strong message to the ruling class. This is why in the build up to the protest, calls had come from various angles on the need to shelve it but it still went on regardless. The beautiful thing about this is that the anger of the Nigerian masses has been communicated to the ruling class loud and clear. The ruling class is now aware that the people's constituency cannot be taken for granted anymore. 

Special commendations must be given to the protesters in Plateau state whose peaceful conduct became a very elaborate reference point for expert analysts and commentators who have made various calls from various quarters on the other protesters across the country to toe the path of peace and conduct themselves in the most civil manner in total emulation of the example set by the Plateau state branch of the #EndBadGovernance protesters. I must therefore most sincerely join other commentators to express my admiration to the coordinators of the protest in Plateau state for doing their best to do whatever it takes to make sure that even in the midst of the protest, the fragile peace we currently enjoy in the  state is not compromised. This indeed shows that the general motive behind the protest in Plateau state is quite noble and patriotic. Special commendation equally goes to the Plateau State Government under the able leadership of H.E. Hon Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for providing the enabling environment for the peaceful protest witnessed across the State in recognition of the constitutionally guaranteed right of citizens to peacefully express themselves.

However, dear compatriots, you will all agree with me in totality that the good intention of the protest was short-lived when hoodlums broke into our ranks as a people and began to cause the destruction and vandalisation of properties in some areas of Jos North Local Government Area. I will at this point once again, very sincerely express my admiration to the organizers for being very sensitive enough to immediately suspend the protest to outsmart the hoodlums from further infiltrating and hijacking the process. This is the kind of superior intelligence which you, my dear compatriots, exhibited that will always make me proud to identify myself as a Plateau youth; in this spirit, I will continue to walk with my shoulders high as a proud son of Plateau state. Also worthy of further commendation is the proactive steps taken by the Plateau State Government under the able leadership of His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to immediately put a stop to any plan to temper with the hard earned peace we are enjoying in the state. This shows to us very clearly that we have a very sensitive Government in Plateau State that understands the needs of the people and is able to listen and respond swiftly to both the outspoken and the silent voices. This is the kind of partnership we need, to continue to have Plateau state on the  world map of greatness as our unique talents continue to reverberate across the globe. 

Dear comrades, I believe that the message of the protest has been well delivered just within three days of its execution. Going by the recent events, we can no longer guarantee that the hoodlums who infiltrated our ranks have been adequately neutralized and completely eliminated because even with the curfew in Jos and Bukuru metropolis, pockets of resistance are still being witnessed in some areas of the state. To avoid any further escalation of their nefarious activities therefore, may I bumbly and very passionately appeal that the protest be called off immediately. The message already sent just within the three days of the protest is enough to call on the attention of the ruling class to sit up to their responsibilities. We must know that we the people of Nigeria and especially, Plateau State, have attained a level of intelligence and sophistication that should be able to empower us to block every loophole that will promote unwholesome activities aimed at crippling and strangulating a worthy and noble cause that seeks to end bad governance and allow power to truly reside with the people. We should beware that we have demonstrated the capacity to neutralize any bad elements planted among us to cause any form of confusion that would prematurely end a well intentioned and positively motivated struggle. We should once again therefore, demonstrate this superior intelligence by immediately calling off  the protest in the interest of peace and tranquility.

As an Aspirant for the position of Chairman of the Plateau Youth Council, I am assuring you that when we get there by the grace of God Almighty, the foundation that has been laid is a solid one that we can build upon wherein going forward, we shall have a protest that will be well coordinated with a clearly identified and verifiable leadership and ideology. In the coming years, you will have the assurance that agitations such as this will no longer be pursued and prosecuted by faceless persons but by fearless comrades ready to pay the supreme sacrifices for our freedom as a people. Many strategies will be adopted by our leadership to provide a very strong voice for the youths. We shall make sure that we set the ball rolling for all forms of agitations with clear cut ideologies to ensure that there is justice, equity and fairness to all Plateau youths regardless of any form of inclinations. We will make sure that protests do not only end on the streets but beyond and away from the streets; we can prosecute different forms of agitations that will yield very positive results. 

I therefore once again, plead with you dear compatriots, that there may be no need to resume the ongoing/suspended protest in Plateau State but to call it off completely because its message has been communicated loud and crystal clear. 

*Barminas Walshak Danat is a lawyer, youth activist, a community mobilizer, an advocate for justice and good governance as well as an Aspirant for Chairmanship of Plateau Youth Council at the State level.*

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)