Streetbell Online

   Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State, has earlier directed stay of action on the ongoing demolition exercise of indiscriminate street markets, opting to first construct morden community markets for traders to carry out businesses in an organised space across the State.

   He disclosed this Saturday, while responding to the demands presented to him by the Plateau State Coalition for #EndBadGovernance# protesters at the stakeholders meeting, held at the Victoria Gowon conference hall Government House, Little Rayfield Jos, the State capital.

     The Governor observed that good governance was actually a collective responsibility saying, “we have never shy away from being criticised  and some reasons for criticism is because we have not communicated effectively.

     “That is why, we have taken steps from the past that, we must continue to communicate better each day of the week so that, people can know what we are doing and to know the feelings of our citizens.

        “For example, different mixed up on the issue of market about people that have been displaced came up. I have instructed that all the demolitions be halted and we are looking for spaces to develop new and morden community markets across the State”, he disclosed.

        Mutfwang, therefore, pledged government’s resolve to ensure that there would be economic prosperity for his people, hence the dire need for government to look for necessary spaces that would be in tandem with the culture of his people who hardly move out of their communities to buy and sell.

       He, however, disclosed further that, they have discussed intensively with some private investors about building new markets across the state at the appropriate time and that, these markets would be well equipped with social amenities.

       “One of the things we are trying to do around our SMEs’ strategy, is to see how we can pull businesses, for example, in some of the very small businesses like ‘Akara and Suya’. The practice of everybody setting up his small shop in a little corner, is not going to help us.

        “We want to see if we can bring 5 to 10 Akara women in one location where we will be able to provide solar energy, prestige and be able to round the use of common services that will give them cost of services”, the Governor assured.

        Meanwhile, the number one citizens of the State, has commended the coalition of #EndBadGovernance# group for the step taken and assured them that, he would convey demands that could only be responded to by the Federal Government to Mr. President to look into them.

   The Police Officer’s Wives Association (POWA), has, today, paid a courtesy visit to the Plateau State of Police, CP Emmanuel Olughemiga Adesina, in commemoration of the association’s 60th years anniversary in Jos, the State Police Command Headquarters.

   This came in a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Alfred Alabo, anipr, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the State capital Thursday.

    The statement said, “the 60th year anniversary celebration with the theme: “The Strength of a Police Wife”, seeks to bring to light the powers and abilities of the Police Wives to educate the women on strategies they can employ to make their husbands more comfortable while executing their duties”.

     Dressed in the Police Operational Camouflage Uniform, the POWA Chairperson of Plateau State, Mrs Esther Abosede Adesina, expressed the association’s gratitude to the Police helmsman and his team for the zeal and gallantry with which they shoulder the responsibility of protecting the State.

    She said, their gallantry while ensuring that the homestead and the citizens did not suffer in the process was worthy of praise, describing their efforts as a virtue that was one of its kind and second to none.

    Mrs Adesina, disclosed that the Association’s National Chairperson, Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun, has mandated them to ensure that all the women should appear in the Police Camouflage uniform during the period to show solidarity to their husbands and also share in their burdens.

     Responding on behalf of the Command, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbemiga Emmanuel Adesina, psc, expressed appreciation to the women and wished them well promising that, the Command would always support POWA whenever the need arises.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State, has, in a strategic move to augment the security of lives and property across the State, procured and distributed over one hundred (100) motorcycles as first batch boarder intervention to security personnel.

  Also distributed were raincoats and rain boots to security agencies operating within the state, where he disclosed that, the initiative was aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of surveillance in the rural communities where access to challenging terrains has been a significant obstacle.

    This came in a press statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Gyang Bere, on Thursday shortly after the ceremony, held at the Old Government House in Rayfield Jos, where Mutfwang, emphasized that the gesture was in alignment with his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

     He said, “the distribution marks the first phase of a broader intervention strategy designed to empower security personnel to navigate difficult terrains and enhance their operational capabilities in rural areas.This is a landmark moment in our ongoing efforts to secure peace and stability in Plateau State. 

      “Over the past two months, we have made significant strides in our pursuit of a safer Plateau. Supporting our security agencies with essential logistics, particularly in rural areas, is crucial for safeguarding our farmers and ensuring they can cultivate enough food for our people,” the governor noted.

      Highlighting on the state’s substantial investment in advanced technology to address the various security challenges facing Plateau State, he, however warned personnel who might misuse the motorcycles for personal purposes saying, strict measures would be enforced to prevent such misconduct.

    Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the State, Arc. Samuel Jatau, explained that the items distributed would be allocated to various security outfits among whom included: military, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Operation Rainbow among others.

        Responding on behalf of the security agencies, the Commandant of NSCDC in Plateau State, Alexander Barunde, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Mutfwang for his support.

  He assured the Governor that, the equipments would be utilized effectively by their able officers and men of various outfits to enhance adequate security surveillance and responses across the state.

 

 Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), has released the revised notice of activities scheduled for the forthcoming Local Government Council elections set to be conducted October 9, 2024.

   The PLASIEC Chairman, Plangji Daniel Cishak, disclosed this Thursday, while addressing Journalists on the new development at the press briefing organised by the commission at its conference hall in Jos, the State capital.

    Addressing Journalists amidst CSOs and IPAC, the Chairman said, “I want to update you today on our election timetable, which has been disrupted by the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest across the country.

     “However, the latest events
have made it necessary for us to adjust activities in the build-up to the elections. This is to ensure that Political parties that have earlier scheduled their Primaries and have notified the Commission within the period of protest and curfew in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis are not disenfranchised.

     “PLASIEC announces today the rescheduling of some upcoming

activities for the local government elections as earlier released. These adjustments ensure that the election process continues smoothly while maintaining the integrity and fairness of the electoral system”, he highlighted.
   Cishak, therefore, assured that PLASIEC was fully committed to ensuring that all political parties
can participate in the elections without any disadvantage. 

     He also reassured the public and all stakeholders that, the rescheduling would not affect the earlier scheduled date of October 9, 2024, fairness or transparency of the election process added that, PLASIEC focus was on providing a level playing field and equitable opportunity for all parties to be involved

     It would be recalled that, last month precisely, July 10, the Commission addressed Journalists on the release of election timetable preparatory to the October 9 Local Government Elections.

    The PLASIEC Chairman, however, promised to continue to provide updates and further give necessary information to ensure a smooth and effective election process.

      Meanwhile, the PLASIEC boss outlined some of the breakdown of the Election Timetable and Schedule of Activities to include: Collection of Nomination Forms for Candidates by Political Parties, Friday 9th August, 2024 to Tuesday August 13, 2024, Friday August 16, 2024 to Monday August 19, 2024 respectively.

   “Submission of Nomination Forms for Candidates by Political PartiesWednesday, 14th August, 2024 to Monday, 19th August, 2024, Tuesday 20th August, 2024 to Friday, 23rd August, 2024 Section 23 of the PLASIEC Law, 2016.

   “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).

    “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).

    “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).

    “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).

    “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).

    “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).

    “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).

    “Substitution of Withdrawn/Uncleared Candidates by Political Parties Wednesday, 11th September, 2024 Same date (Section 27(2) of the PLASIEC Law, 2016).

    “Screening of Substituted Candidates by PLASIEC Friday, 13th September, 2024 Same date (Sections 25-26 and 31-32 of the Local Government Law, 2017)

   “Collection of Nomination Forms by all Cleared-Substituted Candidates Monday, 16th September, 2024 Same date (Section 27-28 of the PLASIEC Law, 2016).

    “Submission of Nomination Forms by all Cleared-Substituted Candidates Wednesday, 18th September, 2024 Same date (Section 27-28 of the PLASIEC Law, 2016).

    “Publication of Final List of Nominated Candidates by the Commission Saturday, 21st September, 2024 Same date (Section 26(1) of the PLASIEC Law, 2016).

     “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).

    “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).

    “Publication of Notice of Poll by the Commission Monday, 23rd September, 2024 Same date (Section 37 of the PLASIEC Law, 2016). 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).

    “ELECTION DAY (8.00am-3.00pm) Wednesday, 9th October, 2024 Same date (Section 32 of the PLASIEC Law, 2016). RUN-OFF/SUPPLEMENTARY ELECTION (IF ANY) Saturday, 12th October, 2024 (Same date Section 32 of the PLASIEC Law, 2016)”, PLASIEC released revised timetable.

      It urged all political parties and stakeholders 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.

  The Jasawa Community Development Association (JCDA), Plateau State, has made a passionate appeal to the State Government and the Security Agencies to consider total relaxation of curfew to help reduce the hardship citizens were tight to.

    This came in a press statement signed by the Secretary General of JCDA, Comrade Muhammad Tanko, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital Thursday.

    The statement said, “considering the economic hardship that sparked series of protests across Nigeria, Plateau State inclusive, calling for end bad governance, it is unfortunate that the negative results led to wanton looting and destruction of properties in some parts of Jos North LGA.

    “The action which caused the Plateau State Government imposing 24-hour curfew aimed at curtailing the breakdown of law and order, we thus commend the efforts of security operatives for their professionalism in handling the situation.

     “However, the three days curfew has yielded the desired results, but its prolonging is also adding yet another economic and social challenges on the citizens. In the light of this, we are appealing to the State Government and security agencies to consider total lifting of the curfew to allow the people go about their lawful businesses”, they appealed.

    While appreciating Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his proactiveness in engaging community and stakeholders on the way forward, JCDA advised that the conventional security and their collaborators as well as the volunteers security should continue to keep watch of events.

    The development association, therefore, called on parents to ensure good watch and guidance of their children against this potential threat that would be capable of posing any lawlessness stating, “it is necessary that we call for calm and maintenance of law and order amongst all the people.

     Meanwhile, the Plateau State Government has further relaxed curfew on Jos/Bukuru metropolis in the light of improved security situation in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.

     This was contained in a press statement signed by the Director of Press and Publicity Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State (DOPPA), Gyang Bere, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the State capital Thursday.

     The statement states, “the Plateau State Government has further relaxed the curfew, effective today, Thursday, August 8, 2024. Residents are now permitted to move freely for their lawful activities from 12 noon to 6 pm daily until further notice.

    “The State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, in consultation with security agencies, has authorized this relaxation. He assured the public that the government will continue to make decisions in the best interest of the people.

    “Governor Mutfwang commended the public for their peaceful conduct during the curfew and appealed for continued cooperation with security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the state”, the statement stated.

     It would be recalled that the Governor, has earlier approved the relaxation of curfew on Wednesday from 2pm to 6am to allow people go about their lawful businesses, after the 24 hours curfew imposed on Sunday, following the hijacking of peaceful protest by hoodlums in Jos-North Local Government Area.

There was mild drama this morning around Polo as Artisans around Jenta-Adamu community axis of Jos-North Local Government Area, came out to embark on their daily bread work when security operatives stopped them.

   It would be recalled that, a 24 hours curfew was imposed on Jos/Bukuru metropolis by the Plateau State Government, following the hijack of peaceful protest by some hoodlums in Jos-North LGA Sunday.

    These artisans who came out as early as 6:30 to beat the curfew laws, received stiff resistance by the security operatives stationed around Polo field.

     According to our correspondent, the artisans while reacting said,  their daily bread comes from the daily work they do to feed their families, describing the curfew as a deliberate act to starve them.

      They were heard saying, “we were not part of the violent protest. Our area was peaceful during the protest, but we are being denied the right to go out and look for what to feed our families with.

      “You people know before the protest that, things have not been easy and people hardly eat these days. Now that there is curfew, what else do you want us to do now that, we are kept under luck? Do you want us to be starved to death?”, they cried out.

        One Mr. Sunday, however, appealed to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State to relax the curfew in Jos and Bukuru metropolis, but should come out with stiff measures that would monitor these trouble prone areas and allow peaceful people to go about their daily activities.

        “I know that the primary responsibility of every government is the protection of lives and property as well as welfare of its citizens. I also know that Governor Caleb Mutfwang will not be pleased to hear that his people are dying of hunger because of the curfew imposed on them.

         “Most of these hoodlums who were used to disrupt the peaceful protest in Plateau State, deliberately did that to give Plateau State a bad name. They were not happy about the peaceful protest we recorded from day one.

        “At least, the world now knows that, we are peace lovers. The secret of those from the other divide who have been giving Plateau people bad name is now exposed. Plateau State Government should identify those enemies of Plateau who are hiding under this protest to bring us back to those ugly days”, he reiterated.

        Sunday, who refused to disclose his surname, called on the Plateau State Governor to consider the hardship this has caused citizens and allow peaceful people to look for their daily bread because people were suffering.

   Following the 24 hours curfew imposed by the Plateau State Government in Jos and Bukuru metropolis, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, has charged citizens to comply with the government order by respecting the curfew rules.

    This came in a press statement signed by the State Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Alfred Alabo, anipr, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital Monday.

    The statement stated that, “following the actions of unscrupulous elements amidst the peaceful protest in the State, the Plateau State Police Command has robustly made deployments to various areas within Jos metropolis and Bukuru to prevent further breakdown of law and order. 

     “Intelligence report at our disposal suggests that hoodlums are planning to cause mayhem in the State and it is glaring that the miscreants are at the verge of hijacking the peaceful protest to massively loot shops within the commercial nerve of the State. 

    “The Plateau State Police Command is poised to maintaining peace in the State and will not allow any person or group of individuals to plunge the State into unruly turmoil”, the statement warned.

     However, the Police Commissioner explained that, it was their constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property by ensuring public safety and that , they were fully committed to ensuring that criminals do not execute their evil plans on the Plateau.

    He, therefore,  warned Plateau residents to comply with the State Government curfew as anyone found violating the directive would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of the land. 

     Adesina,  also warned the miscreants and mischief makers to simply leave Plateau State or be ready to face the full weight of the law as they were all out ready for them.

        He, henceforth, encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious activities through the following GSM Police Control Room Emergency Numbers: 07059473022; 08038907662; 08075391844 and 09053872296 respectively.

     Meanwhile, the PPRO has disclosed that over twenty-seven (27) suspects have been arrested by the security personnel, following the violation of imposed curfew rules by the State Government.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has, as part of his administration’s commitment to education without stress, announced the process of over forty-five point six billion Naira (₦45.6b) ready for payment to institutions as student loan scheme across the country.

     He disclosed the new development in a nationwide broadcast to Nigerians Sunday morning, the Day-4 of the 10 days planned nationwide protest against hunger and hardship being experienced tagged: #EndbadGovernance# by the protesters.

     Addressing the Nation, the President said, “I speak to you today with a heavy heart and a sense of responsibility, aware of the turmoil and violent protests unleashed in some of our states.

    “Notably among the protesters, were young Nigerians who desired a better and more progressive country where their dreams, hopes and personal aspirations would be fulfilled.

     “My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens.

    “Our administration has shown its commitment to the youth by setting up the student loan scheme. To date, 45.6 billion Naira has already been processed for payment to students and their respective institutions”, he disclosed.

     Tinubu also disclosed that, he had ordered the release of an additional ₦50 billion each for NELFUND – the student loan and Credit Corporation from the proceeds of crime recovered by the EFCC

   He, therefore, encouraged more vibrant youth population to take advantage of this opportunity and develop themselves educationally, enjoining the protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue.

   The President added that, under this current circumstances, Nigeria required that all hands should be on deck regardless of age, party, tribe and religion or other divides, to work together in reshaping the destiny of the nation.

   The Nigeria’s leader, however, advised those who were taking undue advantage of the situation to threaten any section of this country to stop or the law would catch up with them saying, “there is no place for ethnic bigotry or such threats in the Nigeria we seek to build.

   Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), an instituted agency saddled with responding to peace and security issues in Plateau State, has expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of protesters in Jos and Bukuru metropolis from day one.

   This came in a press statement signed by the Director General of PPBA, Julie G. Sanda, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital Saturday, the Day-3 of nationwide protest.

    The statement said, “the Plateau Peacebuilding Agency, notes with satisfaction the peaceful conduct of protests within Jos and Bukuru metropolis. 

    “Protesters have been conducting themselves in a peaceful and responsible manner since the nationwide protests that began on Thursday August 1, 2024.

    “The orderliness, peaceful conduct and most importantly, the spirit of oneness exhibited at the venue of the protest is worthy of emulation by other states of the federation”, it stated.

    According to the Director General, “PPBA is particularly excited that citizens have chosen to tow the path of peace, law and order regardless of any religious or ethnic considerations. This is the true spirit of Jos and indeed Plateau State”.

     She, therefore, used the opportunity to commend the Plateau State Government for being proactive by engaging the youths beforehand and the immense contributions of religious, community and youth leaders.

     Sanda, also lauded the contributions of traditional leaders, security agencies and Civil Society Organisations for sensitising the public on the need to maintain peace and order in the state before and during the protest.

   “PPBA notes also the role of the fourth estate of the realm in ensuring that reports from the state are not inciting, but further reinforcing the peace and unity of Plateau State and Nigeria in general.

    “We, however, urge that minors are discouraged from participating in the demonstrations as this would ensure that the present tempo of the protests is maintained.

    “This is the time for us to unite as a people and engage constructively with the issues facing us with a view to finding enduring solutions.

    “We must continue to be intentional about rebuilding the hitherto broken social fabric of our society until we regain fully on a sustainable basis, the Plateau of our dreams: a Plateau State that is at peace with itself and the rest of the world”, the PPBA boss encouraged.

 

  Contrary to the vague notions and fears that the “EndbadGovernance” protest in Plateau State might be hijacked by some criminal elements, Jos, the capital city of Plateau State, witnessed a peaceful and mammoth turn out.

    The crowd converged as early as 8am at the Secretariat junction flyover and peacefully matched to Old Airport round about in an orderly procession amidst tight security.

     The security arrangement was strategic and perfectly made as personnel were stationed at sensitive and flash points of the city. People who did not participate in the protest were going on with their normal routine duties.

     The protesters were seen carrying Nigeria’s flags and placards with different printed inscriptions projecting: “We need a Nigeria where accountability and prudence is a national culture; A Nigeria that is free of corruption and ethnicity;  A Nigeria that is free of religious tolerance; We need political correctness; There is hunger in the land; Bring back fuel subsidy; Revise electricity tariff  and Enough is Enough respectively.

     Addressing the crowd, the Convener of Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN), Prophet Dr. Isa El-Buba, stressed on the hunger and suffering that Nigerians were tight to and called on the President to jettison some of his policies that has brought untold hardship on people now.

    He, emphasised on the need to revise the removal of fuel subsidy and the hike in electricity tariff as well as the reduction of the high cost of living which were some of the main demands of the protesters.

     The Representative of the Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Steve Aloko, called on the protesters to be peaceful and forward their demands to the Federal Government.

      He, however, urged Government at all levels to end bad governance at all cost saying, “we want to tell the government that Nigerians are hungry and there is need to end the hunger now. And the earlier the better.

      “We expect government to be more positive. If they allowed their positives to be negative, it is going to have a negative effect on them”, Aloko enthused.

     However, the Command’s 001 and Commissioner of  Police in the State, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina psc, led other sister security agencies to ensure that Plateau State was peaceful.

 

    The Coalition of Indigenous Youths Nationalities of Plateau State, have called on all Plateau Youths to stay away from the nationwide protest and work towards avoiding what precariously could worsen the situation of the State.

    The coalition made the call Wednesday, while addressing Journalists at the press briefing organised by them at the Plateau State Headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Jos, the State capital.

     Addressing the Journalists, the Chairman of the coalition, Comrade Paul Joshua Dekete, said, a careful review and consideration of the state of the Nation and the prevailing harsh economic realities amidst galloping inflation,  unemployment,  insecurity, crime and poverty were eminent, calling on youth in the state to stay away from the nationwide protest.

      He added that the travails of 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, were worrisome situation that no right thinking person would wish to continue therein.

    “It is 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 is no longer news that scores of Youths are increasingly despondent,  disillusioned and depressed with high numbers as unemployed and substance abusers.

     “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”, Dekete appealed.

    The Chairman disclosed that the Coalition was constraint by the peculiar circumstances and challenges of individual and collective survival on the Plateau because of  security imbalance and appeal to the National Compatriots to exempt the Youths from participating in the 10-day National protest.

    He, however, added that the Coalition was committed to promoting peace and tranquility in the land, supporting the giant steps and appreciable progress of Federal,  State and Local Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor  Barr. Caleb Mutfwang for demonstrating a high sense of responsibility.

   The All Progressive Congress (APC)’s Aspirant in the forthcoming Kanke Local Government Council election, Barr. Wokji Goshit Kwadir, has made a covenant of sacrificing his salary for the development of Kanke Local Government project when elected.

   He made this vow yesterday, while in an exclusive interview with our correspondent ahead of the Plateau State Local Government Council Elections come October 9, 2024.

    Wokji, who resigned from active service with the Nigeria Police Force in 2016, disclosed that, it was a divine calling to serve his people having seen the deplorable living condition of his people and would want to make a change.

    He said, “believing me you, the problem we are facing in Nigeria is cost of governance. The first thing I will do if elected to serve as Chairman of Kanke Local Government Council is to cut cost of governance.

    “I have promised myself and it is a covenant between me and my God that, as I am going into this contest it is with the conviction that I will not collect salary and I am still emphasizing on that.

      “If I happened to succeed and I, Wokji, decided to collect salary for a month, my people should take any action against me. I have vowed that I want to use my salary in promoting my agendas”, the Aspirant vowed.

       He, however, listed some of the planned projects to include, the establishment of security outfit tagged: KASEMA (Kanke Security Management Agency) to help manage both internal and external security in the local government area.

      This, Wokji, added was to create employment opportunities to over four thousand (4000) youths with one thousand (1000) each from the four zones of Kanke Local Government Area.

      He also promised to dwell on how to modify agriculture by introducing a compulsory irrigation farming Programme in the four zones where lands would be acquired in the 4 zones and would be government sponsored farming with all the needed facilities especially dams and improved seeds.

       Speaking on internally generated revenue, the aspirant assured that the Dawaki and Amper markets would be modernised with adequate social amenities to give traders a comfortable environment for them to operate where the  revenue collection would be without stress.

      He, however, disclosed that with the local government antonomy in place, they would together with the internally generated revenue, ensure road networks within the area to further ease transportation problem and also help in addressing security issues especially when distress calls are made.

       Wokji, whose campaign slogan is tagged: ‘NENDANGMAN KANKE LGA’, therefore, called on the people of Kanke Local Government Area to look inward and grap this opportunity where together they would come in freely with the suggestions for the development of the area saying, “those tears, as the leader, believing me you, I will wipe away the tears of Kanke people if elected.

     Barr. Wokji Goshit Kwadir, is a retired Police Officer with a certified Detective modus operandi and  a member of the United Nations Security System, who had the privilege of traveling to different countries of the world for peace keeping.