Streetbell Online

      Senator representing Plateau North, Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang, has called for the immediate arrest of the miscreants who resort to violence to stop the special taskforce constituted by the Plateau State Government to regulate buildings and vehicular traffic within Jos Master Plan from executing its duty.

     This came in a press statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Senator on Media, Eric Dung, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital Tuesday, following the unfortunate break down of law in Bukuru yesterday.

     The Senator, noted that the Task Force has been doing a commendable job of clearing illegal structures in the last few weeks and wondered why the exercise would turn violent in Bukuru where miscreants were seen carrying dangerous weapons and burning innocent people’s property to stop the exercise.

     He, therefore, called on the law enforcement agencies to arrest and deal decisively with all those connected to the incident saying, “a situation where citizens pick up arms to assault security personnel on legitimate duty should not be tolerated.

        “I call on community leaders, religious leaders and other stakeholders especially within the Bukuru community to reign in their youths and ensure that they cooperate with government to clean up the city for the good of all”, Dachungyang advised.

         However, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police,  Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, psc, has ordered all Area Commanders and DPOs within Jos-Bukuru metropolis to intensify patrol and surveillance activities in order to forestall any further breakdown of law and order within the State assuring citizens of their safety.

     According to press statement signed by the Command’s PPRO, DSP Alfred Alabo, “the Plateau State Command is saddened over the attack on some security personnel attached to the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) Taskforce by criminal elements at Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area, while in the execution of their lawful duties.

      “On 17/06/2024 at about 2pm, the Jos Metropolitan Development  Board (JMDB) Taskforce which is mandated to regulate buildings and vehicular traffic within the greater Jos master plan, came to Bukuru on execution of the State Government executive orders. 

      “While in the process, they were attacked by some armed hoodlums who began to destroy the properties of innocent citizens. About six (6) cars were set ablaze while a yet to be estimated number of others were damaged.

    “When all efforts to disperse them failed, one of the personnel fired a warning shot into the air in an attempt to scare them away. Unfortunately, one Nasiru Abubakar, a trader from Bukuru Jos South LGA was shot dead”, it confirmed.

       Adesina, therefore, warned all persons with criminal intentions within the state to either desist from such activities or flee the state, as the Police Command under his leadership remains resolute in the fight against crime and criminally. 

        He encouraged all Plateau residents to comply with all the policies of the government, as they were meant for the peace, progress and general development of the State.

         “I am assuring all Plateau residents that the Command through the State Criminal Investigation Department is intensifying investigation into the matter, with a view to arresting the perpetrators of this heinous act and ensuring that they face the full weight of the law, the Commissioner assured.

  Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State, has condemned in strong terms, the attack on the Task Force responsible for enforcing Executive Order 003 by some criminal elements in Bukuru, Jos-South Local Government Area.

   This was contained in a press statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor, Gyang Bere, and made available to newsmen in Jos, the Plateau State capital Monday.

    The statement said, “the Task Force is mandated to regulate buildings and vehicular traffic within the Greater Jos master plan. 

    “The sad incident occurred on Monday at the Bukuru market in Jos South Local Government Area, where lawless individuals brazenly assaulted members of the joint Task Force.

    “Governor Mutfwang, expressed deep regret over the shameful actions of these miscreants, who not only targeted the Task Force but also endangered the lives of traders around the vicinity”, it stated.

   The Governor, emphasized that the market was designated by the government to accommodate lawful business activities with an appeal to street vendors to relocate accordingly.

    He lamented the reckless behavior of the attackers, who wielded dangerous weapons to inflict harm and loot shops, resulting in the destruction of vehicles owned by innocent traders. 

    “Tragically, however, one of the suspects fatally shot his accomplice during the chaos. We condemned the incident as entirely avoidable, questioning the motives of those who flouted Executive Order 003 and resorted to violence against law-abiding citizens. 

    “I call on security agencies to swiftly apprehend all perpetrators and ensure that they face justice without delay. I want to reiterate the State government’s unwavering resolve to confront troublemakers decisively”, Mutfwang warned

    Highlighting broader the purpose of Executive Order 003, Governor Mutfwang clarified that the order’s intent was to safeguard Jos from deterioration into a slum and a haven for criminal activities. 

    He, therefore , reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with law-abiding citizens across all divides to foster peace and unity in the state.

     Mutfwang appealed  to religious and community leaders in the affected area, to guide their followers against unlawful conducts and implement measures to thwart criminal elements who may exploit the situation to cause disorder.

      The Governor expressed appreciation to all security agencies for their dedication and urged them to intensify efforts to restore calm amidst the current challenges. 

        Meanwhile, he sympathised with members of the public whose vehicles and other properties were vandalized as a result of the incident.

   Plateau State Command of the Nigeria  Police Force (NPF) led by CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, has released active response phone numbers for people to alert the Police in event of any emergency that erupted for them immediately arrest the situation.

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

     The statement said, “as parts of proactive measures to combat crime, ensure public safety and address security concerns within the State, the Plateau State Police Command has made available active response phone numbers for residents of the State.

    “The general public is to use these numbers in case of emergencies. Please, take note of the following active response phone numbers for each Area Command, Tactical Team and Division: DC ADMIN 08035508819; DC STATE CID; 08033036061; DC OPERATIONS 09025911911 respectively.

    ” Also available are: AC ADMIN 08032923978; AC OPERATIONS 0803044224; COMMANDER, 66 PMF08033565847; COMMANDER, 8 PMF08035645797; AREA COMMAND METRO 08061674202; AREA COMMAND BUKURU 08034519400; AREA COMMAND LANGTANG 08036160804 and AREA COMMAND PANKSHIN 08037766903 in that order.

      “Other include: ‘A’ DIVISION 08036980132; KADUNA-VOM DIVISION 08039648676; SHENDAM DIVISION08036478012; WASE DIVISION08036329749; Taranto DIVISION08036482647; MANGU DIVISION08039434834; BASHAR DIVISION08035926002; BASSA DIVISION08036010545; ANGWARE DIVISION08032497734 and BARKIN LADI DIVISION 08036703619 respectively”, it stated

     According to the command, “ANGLO–JOS DIVISION 08033397853; QUA’ANPAN DIVISION 08063606182; ‘C’ DIVISION 07089798032; NASSARAWA GWONG DIVISION 08031191828; KANKE DIVISION 08034435573; LANGTANG NORTH DIVISION 07064531974; GINDIRI DIVISION 08106103983; RANTYA DIVISION 08032696568; BUKURU DIVISION 08036361916 and BOKKOS DIVISION 07035574082. “RIYOM DIVISION 08060212171;MIKANG DIVISION 07031930300; NAMU DIVISION 08039746131; JENGRE DIVISION 08065389669; LANGTANG SOUTH DIVISION 08022243691; PANKSHIN DIVISION 08037730787; DENGI KANAM DIVISION 07036109523;MAIJUJU DIVISION 07033412971 andANGWAN ROGO DIVISION 07047114444.

“RIYOM DIVISION 08060212171;MIKANG DIVISION 07031930300; NAMU DIVISION 08039746131; JENGRE DIVISION 08065389669; LANGTANG SOUTH DIVISION 08022243691; PANKSHIN DIVISION 08037730787; DENGI KANAM DIVISION 07036109523;MAIJUJU DIVISION 07033412971 andANGWAN ROGO DIVISION 07047114444.

        “SWAT 08084666282; ANTI BOMB SQUAD 07034197120; ANTI KIDNAPPING 08032225570;ANTI CULTISM 07037526620; ANTI CYBER CRIME 08128855155;EAGLE EYE 08136676023; PPRO 08060545670; COMPLAINT RESPONSE UNIT 08067884627”, accordingly.

     However, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, psc, has encouraged the general public to report any unethical conduct by Police personnel during their duties to the office of the PPRO or the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) using the following phone numbers: PPRO 08060545670; 08037681026; 08067884627; 08069638786 and 08066709795 respectively.

BY EZEKIEL DONTINNA 

    Major streets in Jos, the Plateau State capital went agog as the body of His Royal Highest, Da Gwom Rwei of Kabong,  Late Justice Gabriel Adamu Sha (Rtd) OFR, was finally laid to rest in his compound along JD Gomwalk road Jos today.

  All roads leading to the venue of funeral were completely blocked to allow for traditional funeral rites as Berom Warriors matched to bid farewell to their respected paramount ruler who has, while alive, demonstrated a good leadership quality.

     Motorists were forced to use one lane with others using alternative roads to avoid the tick hauled up caused by number of cars that formed the convoy that followed the ambulance to the venue 

    He was always described as an Icon known for Justice, truth and high principles in trying to coordinate and unite his subjects in not only his immediate area of responsibility, but where truth seeks to be truncated. May his soul rest in peace with the Lord. Amen!

     The Director General of International Institute of Professional Corporate Entrepreneurship and Leadership (IIPCEL), Godwin E. Urhie, has described entrepreneur as the bedrock of every society’s development and wealth and should be embraced jealously.

    He stated this on the occasion marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day Celebration and Group Discussion of IIPCEL with the: Inspiring Youths & Women for Wealth Creation & National Development Through Entrepreneurship and Innovation Initiating Convergence of Action & Outcomes”, held at the Plateau Club 1921Garden Jos, the Plateau State capital Wednesday.

     The Director General said, “the only means of creating wealth or sustaining wealth and development in every society and nation is through entrepreneurship. So, we need to be trained in a community like our institute to be mentored.

      “If we have access to government agencies’ support that provides the funds that we can channel through the process of receiving those funds then, we can set up a business and impact the society positively.

       “Our IIPCEL is a professional institute recognised in Nigeria to regulate the practice of entrepreneurship and we have move entrepreneurship and leadership from Just a profession to a professor. So, when you come into the institute, you are not just practising a profession, but you are a professor”, explained.

     On his part while stressing on the theme of the occasion, the President of the IIPCEL, Bitrus Pam Bandung, said, “the youth are the future of this country and encouraging women in businesses is a very good opportunity for them to manage funds even from family background.

      “Woman can manage even much more as business women do so, this is a very well crafted theme to create this awareness among our youth and women and indeed the men to bring them to the knowledge of how to access funds and training.

      “As we brought  all these organisations together, it is an opportunity for us to interact to hear and to channel it through these organisations to have knowledge and funds and how to manage business to success”, he disclosed.

       However, the Plateau State Manager of Small and Medium Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Jonathan Jafa, commended the successes recorded on the Plateau within 10 years of its operations as a Federal Government Agency.

    “We have had alot of success on the Plateau with alot of our programmes because we also give grants, loans and trainings in churches, hospitals, mosques, schools and we have alot of partnership with Government that was why PLAMEDA was created”, he highlighted.

      Also, Yop Pam Dareng, of the Safer World Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, encouraged Plateau youth to find something within their space to do because there were so many opportunities on the Plateau saying, “I don’t think there is anything beautiful than creating something”.

There were discussion as well as questions and answers sessions led by Segun Oluware respectively.

BY EZEKIEL DONTINNA 

  The petition filed by the former Plateau State Council Chairmen of Local Government sitting in Court 15 of the Jos High Court against Governor Caleb Mutfwang,challenging their removal has been squashed yesterday by Justice S. B. Samchi, for lack of merit.

    Describing it as speculative, pre-aimtive and subjective, the Judge leaned on the argument of the defendants Counsel that Council to the Claimants filed the petition on 18/5/2023 before their claims removal and that, they were not removed by the defendant but rather suspended months after their petition.

     Although, the judgement observed question for determination in the Section 90 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended that restricts the Governor from terminating the tenure of any elected Chairmen unless expired, but also leaned on section 95 (1) of the Local Government Law of Plateau State 2016 that empowers the Governor to remove them.

     After considering the two provisions of the law and struggled to hold the position of the claimant and that of defendant, the court lack the ability to weigh the claimant’s argument as they were said to be not removed, but suspended and thereby squash the petition for lack of base.

  Speaking shortly after the judgement, the Counsel to the Claimants, Barr. T. Kekemeke, said, “the learned Judge frown that the Governor cannot remove them. Even though, in the counter affidavit filed by the respondents said that the Governor used those powers to suspend them.

      “So, when the learned Judge frown that the Governor cannot remove them using section 95 of the Plateau State local government law, it became clear therefore by some deductive reasoning, that these people cannot be removed from office.

      “This is because their rights to exercise their three years tenure as representatives of the people is inviolable. It cannot be taken from them except by democratic processes.

      “The learned Judge did not say that the Governor cannot remove them and as far as he is concerned, the Governor can use section 95 and remove them, but notwithstanding all of these findings, he stroke out the action on the bases that they have not been removed. But it is public knowledge!”, he wondered.

    Kekemeke, however, cleared air that he has no power as a lawyer to tell Journalists that they were contemplating going to Appeal Court but that, it was and must be at the purview of the claimants.

     Efforts to get Counsels to the Governor, Attorney General of the State and the Speaker proved abortive as they were all rushing out to their cars.

   Plateau State Chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria Women’s Wing (PFNWW), has inaugurated its new state executives to oversee the affairs of the organisation for the next four years.

   This took place yesterday, at the Living Faith Headquarters Church Jos, the State capital as send-off prayers was also held for the outgoing executives who had previously served for last four years.

   Those inaugurated included Pastor Mrs. Elizabeth Gomwalk, as the Chairperson with Pastor Mrs. Joy N. Taiye, as the Vice Chairperson while Rev. Patricia R. Kyengson and Mrs. Victoria Olusunde were sworn-in as General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary respectively.

    Also inaugurated were: Pastor Mrs. Manji Grace Fale (Financial Secretary); Pastor Mrs. Sako Akila Yusuf (Treasurer); Evang. Delmwa Bot (Welfare Secretary): Ambassador DNC Abigail Biyam (Prayers Coordinator) and DNS Florence Mathew, was sworn-in as the PFNWW Public Relations Officer (PRO) in that order.

    Congratulating the newly inaugurated executive, the Plateau State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, charged the incoming executives to take responsibility in their new roles to the glory of God.

    He emphasized on the need for integrity, self-control, respect and the ability to manage both family and church affairs, encouraging them to lead by example by maintaining order, discipline, and trust within the fellowship.

     Delivering her sermon titled: “The Need for Faithful Stewardship,” Pastor Choice Isa El-buba, charged Christians to take responsibility and use the gift bestowed upon them by God wisely.

   Taking her reading from 1 Corinthians 4:2, she encouraged the new leadership to recognize their roles as divine gifts from God and serve selflessly, generously and faithfully within the body of Christ.

     Earlier, the outgoing PFNWW’s Chairperson, Pastor Mrs. Magdalene Dasbak, while patting farewell to her members, reflected on her tenure highlighting some of the achievements of the fellowship under her leadership.

   She expressed gratitude to God and members for the support received from them as she recounted the significant milestones achieved during her tenure.        These included; health seminars, business workshops, the introduction of state uniforms symbolizing unity, hosting a dinner for advisory mothers and female ministers, hospital visits, and a state annual conference that fostered a renewed passion for their mission respectively.

     Meanwhile, in her inaugural speech, the incoming Chairperson, Pastor Elizabeth Gomwalk, assured members of her commitment to advance the fellowship’s mission and build on the foundation laid by her predecessor. 

    She expressed confidence in the new executives’ ability to lead the fellowship to greater heights and called on members to give them the needed support and encouragement to achieve the fellowship’s dreams.

    There were special prayers for both outgoing and incoming executives led by Rev. Dr. Steven Dangana, the Senior Special Advisor to the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang and former State PFN Chairman.

    The event was marked by a strong sense of unity and commitment to service, setting a positive tone for the future of the PFNWW in Plateau.

    When collections of cultural values and ideas are decisively made soluble to fit into the present times realities, positive results are bound to emerge.

 As a people, your strength depends on how prepared you are to overcome formidable obstacles through a purposeful unity. No matter how rich and attractive your values could be, agreeing to diversify what you have into results is what matters the most.

 This, to some extent, was what the Tarok people of Plateau State demonstrated at the 2024 Tarok Cultural Festival, ‘Ilum O’Tarok’, tagged: Cultural Festival and one billion naira appeal fund launching for the establishment of a Tarok University with a theme; ‘Tarok Unity in Diversity: Our Culture, Our Identity’.

 Interestingly, the festival when compared to the previous ones which used to be strictly the display of rich Tarok cultural heritage, took a different dimension this year. More emphasis was on establishing a Community University that would help mould generations.

  Resting on this year’s theme, the President of Ngwang Ishi O’Tarok (NIO) Worldwide, Ambassador Nanpon Danjuma Sheni, said, “it underscores the critical role of unity in the progress of the Tarok nation. It emphasizes that when united, the Tarok people stand strong, but when divided, they face the risk of downfall.

 “Looking ahead therefore, the Tarok nation envisions establishing a dedicated university that will serve as a beacon of knowledge, innovation and cultural heritage preservation.

 “Although, the initial steps may be daunting, the long-term benefits of having a world-class institution dedicated to advancing humanity and education in Tarok, thereby inculcating enduring values are immeasurable”, he explained.

Former Nigeria’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who was Chairman of the occasion, described the idea behind establishing this university as awesome and commended the Tarok nation for thinking outside the box.

 He, exposed that, “today’s wealth is migrated from the surface of the earth and have been buried in our brains. I tell you, the future is for those who developed themselves educationally to seek knowledge. So, we will support this course”.

  On his part, former Nigeria’s Minister for Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Selcap Dalung, disclosed that the Tarok community was the first to establish an indigenous community secondary school on the Plateau and other communities followed suit, and again was planning to set a pace by establishing a community University.

  Also, Hon. Beni Lar, who was the daughter of honour at the occasion described education as key to every society’s development saying, “we do not have any higher institution in Langtang North and South and it is an opportunity for us to have a university here. I am happy!

   The Special Son of the day, Sen. (AVM) Napoleon Bali, RTD, congratulated the President of NIO and his team for achieving this fit. “I feel while we are pursuing for establishment of tertiary institution from the state and  federal government, it is  apt that we hold the bull by the horn.

 Meanwhile, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, represented by his Chief of Staff, Jeremiah Satmak, congratulated NIO and challenged the Tarok people to work towards the selection of Ponzhi O’Tarok. He promised to give them the necessary avenue to set up a committee immediately.

    The occasion was graced in solidarity to the NIO and Acting President, Langtang Joint Traditional Council, Ponzhi Zinni, HRH Nimnan Langnim, by Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, who was the Royal Father of the Day. 

 Other dignitaries especially friends, sons and daughters of Tarok land included; Senator Simon Bako Lalong, Senator Simon Mwatkon, AIG Aisha Abubakar Baju, Plateau State Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Hon. Jamila Tukur Bitrus and Hon. Nanbol Lipstick respectively.

Also present were, Dr. Nandul Durfa, as Father of the Day, Mrs. Nanyi Jonah Wuyep (Mother of the Day), Hon. Vincent Bulus Venman, Hon. Laven Ubsndom HVa Joshua, Prof. Obed Goselle, Hon. Abel Nimchak, Hon. Nanchwat Bendel and President, Ngwang Ishi Cha Tarok, Mama Rahab Wormicit Noma among others.

     THE NIGERIA STANDARD observed that, cultural festivals on the Plateau are gradually taking a different direction now. Is it the Nzem Berom, the Puusdung, the Puuskat, the Ikos Izere, the Tukunku Anaguta,  Bit Gamai or Bit Jepjan, Out Roger etc? All have different approach to their festivals.
     This demonstrated how prepared they  are to deliberately shift from just Celebrations to building an economically viable ‘Plateau of Our dream’ as always been their slogan.

Representative of Governor Mutfwang, Hon. Satmak