Streetbell Online

“As a face is reflected in water, the heart reflects the person. Don’t forget that people will judge you by your actions, not by your intentions, but God sees all hidden motives. 

   You may have a heart of gold, but so does a hard-boiled egg. View others in the same light, each person knows something you don’t, learn from them.         We’re all created to unite and work together, to complement one another not for competition and we are all given in us the seeds for greatness but each in our own way. 

   Doing what God wants you to do and being where He wants you to be is greatness. Be happy where you are.             There are no unimportant people. Your life makes a difference. The Lord reflects..Good morning and a blessed Monday.”

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

    The Ngolong Ngas, His Royal Majesty, Nde Jika Golit, has assured sons and daughters of Ngasland who come with impactful programmes and initiatives of his total support, prayers and royal blessings for them to excel even in the midst of unimaginable uncertainties.

   This came in a press statement signed by Media Officer to Ngolong Ngas, Wukaska Bako Gowon, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital yesterday.

   He gave the assurance when one his daughters Dr Mrs  Nendi Ruth Obadiah  who was appointed as the pioneer   State Chairman of No Woman No Nation, one of the pet projects of the wife of the President, Senator Remi Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid homage to him in his palace in Pankshin recently.

The Ngolong Ngas appreciated her for acquainting her life with meaningful ideas  describing her as a guidepost towards a better side of the  society not minding religious or political differences.

While congratulating her on the appointment, he advised that the yet to be inaugurated State Exco should be surrounded by resilience women who were ready to build the organisation and make remarkable impact on her plans to thrive further.

Earlier,  Dr  (Mrs) Nendi Ruth Obadiah, said the visit was an opportunity  to inform the Royal Father of her appointment as the Plateau State Chairperson of the “No Woman No Nation” and to also seek for prayers and his blessings ahead of the Inauguration of the State leadership of the organization.

   She disclosed that, they already has the Wife of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Her Excellency, Barrister (Mrs) Helen Caleb Mutfwang, as the Patron and that, the inauguration was scheduled for October 24, 2024.  

She explained that, “under my leadership, over one thousand two hundred (1,200) women in Plateau State have benefited from the Federal Government Grand. By and large, more women in the State have equally benefited from the Fifty Thousand Naira distributed of through PLASMEDA and very soon, others who were not captured  will have their own share. 

 Earlier In their separate remarks,  the Chairman of the Ngas Elders Forum, Nde Gideon Barde and the National Secretary of the Ngas Development Association, Dr Nengak Deshi who accompanied her  on the visit described her as the catalyst that connects the Ngas Nation and the entire state to other Organizations both within and outside the Countries.

    They described her appointment as timely  and thanked His Majesty, Nde Jika Golit, the Ngolong Ngas for his kind reception and God to protect and continue to give him the wisdom of King Solomon to be able to bless sons and daughters of the Ngasland.

   Bashar Community Development Association (BACODA) of Wase LGA, has raised serious concern making a passionate appeal to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State to withdraw or rescind the review directive on the Rekna of Bashar Chiefdom.

    The appeal was made recently at the press conference led by the Secretary of BACODA, Alh. Inusa Ali, at the Plateau State Headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Jos, the State capital.

    Reading the text at the press conference, the BACODA Secretary, they received the shocking announcement Wednesday October 2, 2024 on PRTVC that the Rekna of Bashar Chiefdom should step aside pending investigation on the selection conducted and concluded since 2022.

   He reasoned that this strange trend has compelled BACODA to organize this press conference to demonstrate the concern of their communities which they described as dangerous and disturbing new precedent and unfortunate trend.

    “While the instruction for the Rekna to step down has been issued, we passionately appeal to the government to reassess the situation and kindly withdraw/rescind this directive for the interest and well-being of the entire people of Bashar Chiefdom.

    “How this decision became necessary is a subject of speculation amongst our local populace thus enhancing tension and obvious misgivings.

    “While we acknowledge the robust governance frameworks in place within our state, we are compelled to voice our serious reservations about the instruction for Rekna to step aside pending the conclusions of an investigation by committee on complaints related to his 2022 selection”, Ali explained.

    BACODA, however, described the review process rendered as unnecessary considering the clear reference to the existing report and the established actions of Government.

    According to them, it was the greatest surprise and disbelieve to receive such information that the Rekna was instructed to step aside pending the finalization of the committee’s findings.

  “The current decision has not only advanced tension, disunity and distrust but have generated a substantial leadership gap within our chiefdom, coinciding with a period when resolute leadership is desperately needed. 

  “As we are all cognizant, our chiefdom has faced an uptick or resurgence in banditry and insecurity, which demands steadfast direction and leadership to safeguard the well-being and stability of the entire people of the chiefdom.

   “It is essential that these traditions are respected and upheld, as they are what binds our chiefdom together in times of crisis or adversity such as we are currently contending with even though, absolutely avoidable in the first place”, the text emphasised.

    Alhaji Inusa Ali, moreover, highlighted the longstanding traditions of Bashar Chiefdom which stipulated that, in the absence of the Rekna, irrespective of the circumstances, the Madakin Bashar automatically assumes leadership responsibilities. 

    He, behalf of the communities, passionately appealed for Government’s neutrality on the purported contentions advanced by selected individuals, attracting Government patronage on the stool of the Rekna of Bashar. 

     Ali, explained that it was unfortunate and disturbing that Bashar Chiefdom was been singled out for this treatment among numerous serious Chieftaincy Complaints statewide deserving attention that has not been attended to. 

    He expressed concern that, his people received this action as a perceived disparity in treatment and has generated concerns and inquiries regarding impartiality, fairness and justice. 

    “We recommend that the state government exercise judiciousness and ensure consistent application of procedures to prevent perceptions of partiality or impropriety.

    “Communities within Bashar have demonstrated exceptional loyalty and support to the present Rekna, readily embracing his leadership, which is being extensively recognized, felt and celebrated throughout the chiefdom.

   “The current trend is a serious distraction and setback which must not be encouraged to thrive by Government.We therefore strongly request His Excellency Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, to ensure justice in this matter”, the Secretary.

    He, however, expressed confidence in the leadership qualities of Governor Mutfwang and implored him to stand by the oath he took to protect his people without fear, favour or ill will, nor allow any sentiments or considerations to influence his official decisions. 

    It was revealed that the former Rekna of Bashar, Late Alhaji Adamu Idris, on the September 24, 2022, a new Rekna of Bashar, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris was selected by the kingmakers since 2022. 

    Attached were detailed reports of the selection process showing all the stakeholders involved in the selection of the Rekna of Bashar who participated in the said process which was conducted since 2022. 

   The process was also captured on video and submitted to Government since 2022. The report clearly showed that the names of the nominees, list of attendance of kingmakers, ballots cast for the candidates, recommendation of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs amongst others.

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

    Ahead of the October 9 Local Government Elections, not less than eleven (11) participating political parties in Plateau State, have officially signed a peace accord towards a peaceful conduct of elections.

    The strategic move organised by the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) in collaboration with the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), brought stakeholders and leaders of the participating political parties at Tamarald Event Center Jos, the State capital.

     While commending PPBA and PLASIEC for this Initiative, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, noted that the step taken demonstrated how prepared and committed all political parties were to peaceful conduct of the October 9 LG elections.

     Represented by his Deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, the Governor said, “this signing served as a powerful reminder of the impact of unity and dialogue in shaping a better future for all of us.

    “Despite our political differences and diverse visions for the future of our State, we have chosen to prioritise peace above everything else during and after the elections.

    “This peace accord demonstrates our dedication to resolving our destiny through peaceful means, upholding the democratic principles and ensuring a fair and transparent elections processes”, he enthused.

     Mutfwang, therefore, observed that the signing of peace accord demands courage and collective believe which proved that Plateau was standing united together towards building a nation where every voice could be heard, every vote counted and every citizen was valued.

      Earlier, the Director General of Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Dr. Julie Sanda, urged the political parties to focus on issue based campaign that ensures security and progress rather than resolving to inflammatory statements that could spark violence.

          On his part, Chairman, Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), Plangji Daniel Cishak, commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for respecting the democratic principles by giving the commission the necessary independence.

By Ambassador Nanpon Danjuma Sheni, the PIDAN President

Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile, a world of optimism and hope. A ‘you can do it’ when things are tough.

Even on the days you don’t see it, you are needed on this earth as happiness depends upon ourselves.

Sometimes you have to forget what you want in order to remember what you deserve.

As the clock is ticking, strive to be the person you want to be. It’s never too late to be kind.

A Smile can brighten someone’s day, they bring a glimmer of hope to the receiver. There’s nothing like a smile from the right person, even if it’s coming from a stranger at the right time can completely make one feel accepted and comfortable.

The Lord comforts. Put on a smile, the world needs it.The Lord Encourage.. Good morning and Thank God is Friday..

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

   The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State on Middle Belt Nationalities, Hon. Dan Kwada, NIPR, has congratulated the newly elected Executive Council of the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN).

   This came in a press statement signed by him and made available to newsmen Thursday in Jos, the Plateau State capital, shortly after their election to overseeing the affairs of the organisation.

   While appreciating the show of interest in shaping and driving the course of peace and development, the SSA assured them of his reaffirm commitment to working closely with PIDAN and called on the new Executive to help address security concerns and promote peaceful coexistence.

    He said, “PIDAN leadership should work towards fostering economic empowerment and sustainable development, enhance education, healthcare and social services and most importantly promote cultural heritage and preserve indigenous traditions.

   “To Ambassador Nanpon Danjuma Sheni and the entire new leadership, I extend our warmest congratulations on your emergence as the new President of the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN).        

   “Your election marks a significant milestone in the journey towards advancing the interests of indigenous ethnic nationalities in Plateau State.

Coming at a time when our communities face various challenges, your leadership and vision are crucial in navigating these complexities. 

    “I am optimistic that  together, we can overcome current challenges, achieve meaningful progress and sustainable development and build a brighter future for our communities”, Kwada expressed optimism.

    The Senior Special Assistant, confirmed to the fact that he so much believed in the new leadership and vision that undoubtedly propel PIDAN to greater heights, fostering development, unity and progress among the native communities.

    He, therefore, acknowledged the trust reposed in team by the members and pledged his support to the new leadership in promoting the welfare and advancement of Middle-Belt nationalities.

   An additional memorandum, has been submitted by Argyam Rulling House Kingmakers of Bashar Chiefdom in Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State in defence of the stool of Rekna Bashar.

   The group submitted the memorandum Wednesday, to the Committee constituted by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, to review the selection process of Rekna Bashar in Jos, the State capital.

    Speaking shortly after the submission, the Galadiman Bashar, Alhaji Ishaq Umaru, disclosed that they had elected and sworn-in the Rekna of Bashar almost two years ago, but some group suddenly petition the selection process.

      “The complaint came from those who contested with him that, they were not happy with what took place two years ago. We are here because they invited us, the two Rulling Houses, to make comments about what happened.

    “We are in support of the selection process of Rekna because the it was democratic, transparent, free and fair. We are surprised because, why would the complaint took this long to be filed”, the Galadiman Bashar questioned.

     He, however, assured that inspite of the ongoing, Bashar has remained peaceful and prayed that justice would be made for the people of Bashar Chiefdom and the entire local government area.

     It would be recalled that the representing various five (5) Rulling Houses of Bashar Chiefdom were earlier before the Committee. They included: Gwalakan, Al-Bature, Babitan, Bagidgid and Bagara respectively.

    The  Rulling House Kingmakers who submitted last Monday were: Alhaji Ali Nuhu (Madakin Bashar); Alhaji Abdullahi Yusuf (Sarkin Yamman Bashar); Alhaji Abdullahi Yakubu (Masun Bashar; Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Babajo (Kuyanbana Bashar) and Alhaji Yahaya Aliyu (Limanin Bashar) in that order.

Comrade Arandong Yohanna Makwin, the Plateau State President, NULGE

By Philip Zhattau

The Plateau State President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE ), Comrade Arandong Yohanna Makwin, has congratulated Nigerian Workers on the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebration.  

He gave the congratulatory message through a telephone interview with Journalists shortly after inaugurating 18 Branches of the Executive officers across the 17 Local Government Areas, saying, “though Nigerians, especially Local Government workers are passing through untold hardship, but their is hope for better nigeria.

“The financial autonomy granted to the local governments in Nigeria is what they’ve been struggling with over the years and I want to use this opportunity to commend President Tinubu for granting the local government authorities autonomy”, the President appreciated.

Makwin, recalled that NULGE has been working hard to improve the well-being of the workers salary to no avail, but the present government has given them the listening ears because they were the only tier of government that was closer to the grassroots.

According to him, the inauguration of the newly sworn-in LGs Executive went on successfully yesterday and we applauded them for taking the mantle of leadership towards contributing to the upliftment of Plateau State chapter.

Arandong, however, explained that the only challenges they encountered during the inauguration was that, they expected the exercise to begin with the state Chapter before the branches, hence what attracted uproar that was later settled amicably.

“As they insisted that the traditional way should be maintain as it used to be the practice, the branches should come before the state chapter. So we had a lot complaints leading to the delay for sometime”, he disclosed.

“During my first tenure in office, a lot of achievements were recorded. when the NULGE workers Salary was increased from 55% to 30,000 minimum wage, we were able to deal with the consequential adjustment which was very very insignificant”, he explained.

Yohanna Arandong, maintained that the progression of members to get promotion to GL 16 and Restoration of Domestic Servants as well as its immediate implementation for Officers on GL 15 &16 who were shortchanged for over 8 eight years was achieved.

Also restored during his tenure was the Hazard Allowance of Internal Auditors and the massive promotions and the immediate implementation.

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

  Former National President of the Ngas Development Association (NDA), Professor Sylvester Shikyil, SAN, has described the Ngolong Ngas, His Majesty, Nde Jika Golit, as a true father and harbinger of good times in the lives of Ngas people.  

This came in a press statement signed by the Press Secretary to the Ngolong Ngas, Wukaska Bako Gowon, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital Tuesday.  

 The former President stated this when he led some of the family members and associates to pay homage to His Royal Majesty in the Palace in Pankshin, the headquarters of Pankshin Local Government Area recently.  

 He disclosed that the purpose of their visit was to congratulate him and pledged loyalty to the Monarch describing him as a wonderful leader with wonderful thoughts and deeds saying, “the role you played in stabilising the upgrade of the Federal College of Education Pankshin to a University status among other key achievements was awesome.  

  The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, however, disclosed that he was a member of the Presidential Committee that gave credit to the then Federal College of Education for its transition and commended whoever pushed for its approval.    

He, therefore, expressed optimism that the upgrade and location of University was a source of  Development, not only to the immediate community but to the State and Nation at large.  

 Responding, His Majesty, the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, thanked the Professor for the visit extolling his virtues in serving not only the Ngas Nation, but the country at large through hard work, loyalty and selfless services. 

 

 He maintained that the Ngas Nation needed people of the former NDA President’s caliber to join hands and push towards achieving results and academic excellence in the University.   

  Earlier in a remark, Hon Yakubu Bonlu, apologized for their late visit which he reasoned it to tied schedules of the leader of the family, Professor Shikyil, and thanked the Royal Father for the warm reception accorded them and  prayed that, God would continue to give him more strength and wisdom to lead the Ngasland.

   Member representing Barkin-ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency and Chairman, Plateau State Labour Party Campaign Council, Hon. Engr. Dalyop Chollom, has called on the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) to conduct a free, fair and transparent elections come October 9, 2024.

   He stated this yesterday, while addressing Journalists at the press briefing held in the conference hall of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Headquarters Jos, the Plateau State capital.

   This, according to the Chairman, was to uphold the laid-down standards in order to fulfill the assurances of the Executive Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, regarding the State-wide exercise to reflect on the will of the masses.

    He said, “PLASIEC should strictly adhere to its statutory mandate of conducting free, fair and transparent elections to uphold the laid-down standards in order to fulfill the assurances of the Executive Governor regarding the State-wide exercise, which should reflect the will of the masses.

   “I note with great concern the primacy given to a particular political party, as against its statutory mandate to create a level playing ground for free, fair elections in Plateau State, which is very unthinkable.This impinges on the neutrality test of the task at hand.

    “It deliberately contradicts the numerous assurances that the Plateau electorate will have the most credible local elections, honoring the values instituted by our past political leaders and mentors, such as Baba S.D. Lar and Da Sen. J.D. Jang. If this avoidable anomaly is timely addressed, it will single you out as a true democrat, father and pastor to all Plateau people as you are known for”, Chollom observed.

   The Lawmaker, however, commended  the composition of PLASIEC Committee with Hon. Plangji Daniel Chishak, as its Chairman, boosting the confidence of all political parties that PLASIEC was capable of delivery credible elections.

   The Reps Member, therefore, called on the electorate within Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency and the entire Plateau State, to come out en masse and vote for the candidates of the Labour Party in the forthcoming elections on October 9th, 2024.

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

   The Allied People’s Movement (APM), Jenta-Apata Ward of Jos-North Local Government Area, Plateau State, has withdrawn itself and unanimously agreed not to participate in the forthcoming Local Government Council Elections in the State.

   It has also unveiled its plans to support any political party willing to partner with the party ahead of the forthcoming Local Government Council Elections for the interest of the party and peaceful conduct come October 9, 2024.

    Addressing Journalists at the press briefing organised at the party Secretariat, the APM Ward Chairman, Hon. Moses John Azi, said the decision taken was best known to the party and that, their doors were opened to support any party.

     The Chairman disclosed that, “we want to make it open and announce publicly that the APM Jenta-Apata Ward will not partake in the forthcoming elections due to one or two reasons basically known to the party.

     “We also want to inform other parties that, APM is creating an opened door for any of them that would need our support during the forthcoming Local Government Council Election”, assured.

      On his part, the Leader of the Party, Hon. Yakubu Simon Tangni, confirmed that they were out of the race and that, it was party’s decision for the political interest and development of Community.

        He confirmed to our correspondent that the Plateau State Chapter of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), was aware of the decision and had agreed because it was for the interest of the party and that state.

        Meanwhile, the Councillorship Candidate of APM Jenta-Apata Ward, Hon. David Okonkwo, concured with the position of the party saying, “we have weight and compared why I have to step down and I feel it is in our favour. As the Councillorship flag bearer of Jenta-Apata Ward, I concur with the decision “.

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has, in collaboration with the United State Agency for International Development (USAID) and World Bank trained health workers on the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) in Plateau State.

  The training held at the APIS Suites and Gardens Rayfield Jos, the Plateau State capital, was supported by USAID funded Advancing Nutrition in Nigeria project and implemented by Helen Keller Intl was to build the capacity of nutrition focal persons at the health facilities in the sate on how to identify and manage children with acute malnutrition.

   The participants were drawn from the Ministry of health and its Department, Tertiary Institutions in the State as well as National and state facilitators and it was to be stepped down to health facilities at the LGA level.

    Earlier in his keynote address, the Plateau State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk, represented by the Ministry’s Director of Public Health,  Dr. Mafwalal Bunah Masok, expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Helen Keller Intl for selecting the State as one of the beneficiaries of the training.

    He said, “this training is timely considering the prevailing economic situation in the country and the management of acute malnutrition is critical as it will ensure that those affected get the desired care.

  “As a government, we remain committed to ensuring that, there is complete turn around in the health sector for improved care and health outcomes. So, I urged you all to participate actively in this training,” the Commissioner advised.

   On her part, the Nutrition Advisor with Helen Keller Intl, Pauline Adah, welcomed participants and urged them to pay attention to the various topics that would be discussed during the training.       She underscored the importance of the various interventions by Helen Keller Intl around nutrition and management of malnutrition in the country. 

  There were Resource Persons from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.