BY Peter Akpah

PRESS STATEMENT

I appeal for calm and self-restraint in the face of on-going break-ins, looting and destruction of both government and private property across the country.

These actions can dent and diminish the genuine agitations for justice that triggered the #ENDSARS protests nation wide.

Since the initial demands have already been received, noted and acknowledged by the governing authorities, it is only proper for the protesting groups to follow up on those demands within the government for speedy implementation and monitoring.

The nation must not allow itself to descend to the level of anarchy. I appeal to the people undertaking these improper actions of outright looting and arson to stop. They should instead use alternative, peaceful and constitutional channels to resolve whatever issues they wish may be addressed toward a much better society. Destruction of national and private infrastructure does not help in improving our lives or growing our economy in anyway.

I call on all people of goodwill and influence, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, parents and elders, as well as the media, to undertake public enlightenment and confidence-building measures to uphold our dignity and safeguard our unity as a nation.

On the other hand, I appeal to Mr President to give marching orders to the appropriate authorities to accelerate the implementation of the demands collated from the legitimate protests. This will inspire confidence in the citizens.

Mr President should also take urgent action to reduce unemployment among the youth by ordering for immediate employment of very large numbers of young people into the public service in addition to other relief measures he is already undertaking.

I appeal to defence and security officers and men to exercise every caution and be humane in their contacts with unarmed civilians as a way of deepening our democratic practices and safeguarding human lives.

I offer my condolences to the families of all who have lost their lives and wish the injured speedy recovery.

Lt. Gen (Rtd) Sen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni,
DSS, Fwc, mni, CFR.

October 25, 2020.

I appeal for calm and self-restraint in the face of on-going break-ins, looting and destruction of both government and private property across the country.

These actions can dent and diminish the genuine agitations for justice that triggered the #ENDSARS protests nation wide.

Since the initial demands have already been received, noted and acknowledged by the governing authorities, it is only proper for the protesting groups to follow up on those demands within the government for speedy implementation and monitoring.

The nation must not allow itself to descend to the level of anarchy. I appeal to the people undertaking these improper actions of outright looting and arson to stop. They should instead use alternative, peaceful and constitutional channels to resolve whatever issues they wish may be addressed toward a much better society. Destruction of national and private infrastructure does not help in improving our lives or growing our economy in anyway.

I call on all people of goodwill and influence, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, parents and elders, as well as the media, to undertake public enlightenment and confidence-building measures to uphold our dignity and safeguard our unity as a nation.

On the other hand, I appeal to Mr President to give marching orders to the appropriate authorities to accelerate the implementation of the demands collated from the legitimate protests. This will inspire confidence in the citizens.

Mr President should also take urgent action to reduce unemployment among the youth by ordering for immediate employment of very large numbers of young people into the public service in addition to other relief measures he is already undertaking.

I appeal to defence and security officers and men to exercise every caution and be humane in their contacts with unarmed civilians as a way of deepening our democratic practices and safeguarding human lives.

I offer my condolences to the families of all who have lost their lives and wish the injured speedy recovery.

Lt. Gen (Rtd) Sen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni,
DSS, Fwc, mni, CFR.

October 25, 2020.

By Peter AkpahForum of Mothers Condemns Looting of Govt, Private property in Plateau State*Urges mothers to caution their wards against bad acts*Hails Operation Safe Haven for arrest of perpetrators, professional discharge of duty*Appeals to Governor Lalong to summon youth stakeholders meeting across the State*Tasks Plateau citizens to cooperate with governmentMothers in Plateau State have condemned the looting of private and public warehouses in the state by some people they described as misguided youths, charging parents,especially mothers to caution their children against engaging in actions that are against constituted authorities.They commended Operation Safe Haven, the special military task force in the state for acting swiftly in successfully arresting many of the looters without recording casualties, tasking the Government to appropriately prosecute the perpetrators to serve as deterrent to others.The mothers under the aegis of Forum of Plateau Mothers,in a statement, Monday,expressed disappointment over the attitudes of the youths in the state,regretting that their actions were against their good moral upbringing.In the statement signed by Barr. Mrs Rebecca Pam, Executive Director of the Forum, the Plateau mothers said while they were pleased with the engagement the governor was currently having with the people of the state to restore lasting peace to Plateau,they “urge him to convene an emergency community peace advocacy program targeted at youths.”” This is the best way genuine and lasting peace can return,”the statement said.
The mothers said in the statement that while,”We supported the #EndSARS protest which was aimed at addressing police brutality and bad governance across the country, we must state clearly that what is happening now is no longer protest but outright stealing and arson and must be condemned by all.””We wish to strongly condemn in the strongest term the wanton stealing and destruction of government and private properties in Plateau State by some misguided youths looking for palliatives. This development is sad as it has taken us over ten years back,” the statement said,adding that:” We are not known for this kind of criminality on the Plateau and we should not start such now.””Our children are brought up decently,so we wonder where this is coming from. There is no denying the fact that there is hunger in the land but this does not justify the high level of coordinated and sponsored stealing and looting of private warehouses where people worked hard to build from the scratch.This is totally unacceptable to us a mothers,” it stressed.Expressing regret over the action of the looters, the group noted that,”Most times, business owners in Plateau borrow money from banks and cooperatives societies.””How does one expect them to pay back? How can we be worst than the government we claimed to be fighting? As mothers,our hearts bleed over these sad developments in the state,” adding that:” We call on all Plateau indigenes and residents alike to rise up and defend our land against these daylight criminality, before it’s too late. “According to them,”Those looting and stealing are doing so for their personal gains but the consequence will befall all of us if we don’t act now.”In the statement, the mothers said,”We believe that by the time these deviant youths are done with government and private properties, they will now face our individual homes”,adding:” This is why we must come together to resist these their ugly actions now.””As a good mother, you ought to caution your child if he brings item that does not belong to him or her home. We should not condone it.”If we shield them from the law after committing crimes just because they are our children, they will definitely turn against us tomorrow,” the statement stressed.The group commended OPSH for the massive arrest of those involved in the ugly act.” We want to sincerely and passionately commend the security agencies especially the Operation Safe Haven,a special military task force in the state for the massive arrest of some suspected criminals and exhibits.”Their action would go along way to deter others from destruction and stealing of public and private properties. This is one of the best steps taken by security forces.”We certainly can’t allow criminals to destroy our country and economy when we are still battling with the effect of the global coronavirus pandemic.”We appeal to the military outfit to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted according to the law of the land.”The exhibits displayed by the task force is scary. If you said you are hungry,why stealing vehicles tyres, batteries, office computers, television, irrigation machines, Keke Napep and agro chemicals meant for farmers? Are these palliatives too? Obviously, this is purely an act of criminality and must be condemned.”Operation Safe Haven must be commended for these arrests and their show of professionalism. They have displayed professionalism in the discharge of their duties so far, we are so happy that for the past six months, human rights abuses, and indiscipline by soldiers have drastically declined. The soldiers are now very professional and discharging their duties effectively,” the statement read.According to the statement,” Worthy of commendation also is the way the men of Operation Safe Haven are deployed strategically to almost every nook and cranny of the state.”” This has largely helped in restoration of law and order in the state,”it said.It added:”Their timely response to distress calls is second to non and we think it is appropriate to commend the security outfit and other security agencies. We don’t have to wait until they make mistakes for us to blame them.”It read further:”We also wish to commend the vigilante group, Neighborhood watch and community police in the state for their commitment to service despite working on voluntary basis.”We are appealing to Governor Simon Lalong to rationalize and place them on monthly stipends. This will go along way in taking youths out of the streets thus, reducing criminality.” Finally, we are calling on the youths to key into Governor Simon Lalong’s peace road map that is already yielding positive results before this evil came in.”We must remember that leadership comes from God and He alone gives it to whoever He chooses. All we need do is pray and support our leaders to succeed.”We are also pleased with the engagement the governor is currently having to restore lasting peace to Plateau and urge him to convene an emergency community peace advocacy program targeted at youths. This is the best way genuine and lasting peace can return.”While we call on the security agencies to intensify their operation against the looters, we call on all mothers on the Plateau to preach peace and good conduct to their children at home.”

By Peter AkpahForum of Mothers Condemns Looting of Govt, Private property in Plateau State*Urges mothers to caution their wards against bad acts*Hails Operation Safe Haven for arrest of perpetrators, professional discharge of duty*Appeals to Governor Lalong to summon youth stakeholders meeting across the State*Tasks Plateau citizens to cooperate with governmentMothers in Plateau State have condemned the looting of private and public warehouses in the state by some people they described as misguided youths, charging parents,especially mothers to caution their children against engaging in actions that are against constituted authorities.They commended Operation Safe Haven, the special military task force in the state for acting swiftly in successfully arresting many of the looters without recording casualties, tasking the Government to appropriately prosecute the perpetrators to serve as deterrent to others.The mothers under the aegis of Forum of Plateau Mothers,in a statement, Monday,expressed disappointment over the attitudes of the youths in the state,regretting that their actions were against their good moral upbringing.In the statement signed by Barr. Mrs Rebecca Pam, Executive Director of the Forum, the Plateau mothers said while they were pleased with the engagement the governor was currently having with the people of the state to restore lasting peace to Plateau,they “urge him to convene an emergency community peace advocacy program targeted at youths.”” This is the best way genuine and lasting peace can return,”the statement said.
The mothers said in the statement that while,”We supported the #EndSARS protest which was aimed at addressing police brutality and bad governance across the country, we must state clearly that what is happening now is no longer protest but outright stealing and arson and must be condemned by all.””We wish to strongly condemn in the strongest term the wanton stealing and destruction of government and private properties in Plateau State by some misguided youths looking for palliatives. This development is sad as it has taken us over ten years back,” the statement said,adding that:” We are not known for this kind of criminality on the Plateau and we should not start such now.””Our children are brought up decently,so we wonder where this is coming from. There is no denying the fact that there is hunger in the land but this does not justify the high level of coordinated and sponsored stealing and looting of private warehouses where people worked hard to build from the scratch.This is totally unacceptable to us a mothers,” it stressed.Expressing regret over the action of the looters, the group noted that,”Most times, business owners in Plateau borrow money from banks and cooperatives societies.””How does one expect them to pay back? How can we be worst than the government we claimed to be fighting? As mothers,our hearts bleed over these sad developments in the state,” adding that:” We call on all Plateau indigenes and residents alike to rise up and defend our land against these daylight criminality, before it’s too late. “According to them,”Those looting and stealing are doing so for their personal gains but the consequence will befall all of us if we don’t act now.”In the statement, the mothers said,”We believe that by the time these deviant youths are done with government and private properties, they will now face our individual homes”,adding:” This is why we must come together to resist these their ugly actions now.””As a good mother, you ought to caution your child if he brings item that does not belong to him or her home. We should not condone it.”If we shield them from the law after committing crimes just because they are our children, they will definitely turn against us tomorrow,” the statement stressed.The group commended OPSH for the massive arrest of those involved in the ugly act.” We want to sincerely and passionately commend the security agencies especially the Operation Safe Haven,a special military task force in the state for the massive arrest of some suspected criminals and exhibits.”Their action would go along way to deter others from destruction and stealing of public and private properties. This is one of the best steps taken by security forces.”We certainly can’t allow criminals to destroy our country and economy when we are still battling with the effect of the global coronavirus pandemic.”We appeal to the military outfit to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted according to the law of the land.”The exhibits displayed by the task force is scary. If you said you are hungry,why stealing vehicles tyres, batteries, office computers, television, irrigation machines, Keke Napep and agro chemicals meant for farmers? Are these palliatives too? Obviously, this is purely an act of criminality and must be condemned.”Operation Safe Haven must be commended for these arrests and their show of professionalism. They have displayed professionalism in the discharge of their duties so far, we are so happy that for the past six months, human rights abuses, and indiscipline by soldiers have drastically declined. The soldiers are now very professional and discharging their duties effectively,” the statement read.According to the statement,” Worthy of commendation also is the way the men of Operation Safe Haven are deployed strategically to almost every nook and cranny of the state.”” This has largely helped in restoration of law and order in the state,”it said.It added:”Their timely response to distress calls is second to non and we think it is appropriate to commend the security outfit and other security agencies. We don’t have to wait until they make mistakes for us to blame them.”It read further:”We also wish to commend the vigilante group, Neighborhood watch and community police in the state for their commitment to service despite working on voluntary basis.”We are appealing to Governor Simon Lalong to rationalize and place them on monthly stipends. This will go along way in taking youths out of the streets thus, reducing criminality.” Finally, we are calling on the youths to key into Governor Simon Lalong’s peace road map that is already yielding positive results before this evil came in.”We must remember that leadership comes from God and He alone gives it to whoever He chooses. All we need do is pray and support our leaders to succeed.”We are also pleased with the engagement the governor is currently having to restore lasting peace to Plateau and urge him to convene an emergency community peace advocacy program targeted at youths. This is the best way genuine and lasting peace can return.”While we call on the security agencies to intensify their operation against the looters, we call on all mothers on the Plateau to preach peace and good conduct to their children at home.”

By Peter Akpah

The men of operation safe haven have swing into actions as to the brake of law and order in the state as is no longer business as usual as is no longer #ENDSARS Protests but criminality as hoodlums has hijacked the protest and commenced stealing and distraction of government facilities and private warehouses and shops and even the residence of the immediate past speaker Hon Yakubu Dogara was also vandalized and items catered a way and the men of operation safe haven has succeeded in arresting over 118 Persons of which so far 13 females and 105 males.

By Peter Akpah

Following the continuous uprising in the invasion and looting of palliatives from government installments by residents in Jos which led to the reinstatement of the 24hours curfew in Jos North and South. More invasion and looting has been reported in the morning hours of Sunday 25th October with both public and private properties being broken into which are in no way connected to COVID-19 Palliatives.

The turn of events have gotten to a criminal level in which all well meaning Nigerians must condemn in its entirety
Plateau Youths and residents in like manner must arise and defend the state against these criminalities as there is no reason defending the vandalization of public and private properties. Citizens must know that once these hoodlums are done with the government installments which are our common heritage we will not be safe in our homes and businesses cause they will come after us all.
Plateau citizens and all Nigerians must rise up now and stop this act of criminality now.

We, therefore, call on all the youth leaders, activist, ward leaders ethnic and religious bodies to use this time to call for calm and refrain from all uncivilized acts.
The criminality you celebrate today will turn out to be the monster that will consume you tomorrow
Please Lets Think Plateau and Act Plateau

Matthew Tegha
For Plateau Bloggers And Online Media Association

By Peter Akpah

Following resolutions reached at a high level stakeholders’ meeting chaired by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, one of which is the need for stakeholders to immediately engage their communities across the state in a systematic Peace dialogues aimed at de-escalating tension, the Government has decided to relax the curfew earlier imposed on Jos North and South Local Government Areas from 6am to 8pm as from Friday October 23, 2020 until further notice.

This decision was reached after painstaking deliberations with critical stakeholders and careful assessment of the security situation that led to the skirmishes in some parts of the affected local government areas, last Tuesday.
Please note that the government is not unmindful of citizens’ Constitutional Rights to hold lawful assembly or stage peaceful protests as long as these are carried out within the extant laws of Nigeria. As a Government, we also appreciate the fact that these are the variables that further deepen our democracy.

However, as a deliberate approach to prevent a repeat of last Tuesday’s ugly incident where precious human lives and property were lost, the Government has for now also resolved to ban forthwith any processions and protests under whatever guise in order to safeguard the lives all citizens of the state. This is to enable the Government isolate and deal with those who are bent on disrupting the peace of the State.

By this notice, we urge all law abiding citizens to go about their legitimate businesses without fear of molestation as government has put all necessary measures in place to ensure the maintenance of law and order across the state.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Plateau State government has already set machinery in motion to address the demands raised by the protesters. In this light, government has constituted a Committee headed by a retired High Court Judge, Justice Philomena Lot which has since swung into action and ready to receive petitions from those who have cases.
We sue for understanding and patience from all and sundry as government takes decisive steps to address the demands of the protesters in the coming weeks.

We therefore call on all citizens to avoid any action that is inimical to the overall development of the state especially those that threaten the peace and unity of our people.
Signed.
Prof. Danladi A. Atu
Secretary to the Government of the State
22.10.2020

By Peter Akpah

Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Wednesday 21st October 2020 visited some of the areas that were affected by the disturbances that trailed the ENDSARS protests in Jos North and Jos South Local Government areas of Plateau which led to the imposition of curfew in the two Local Governments.
The Governor accompanied by Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu and heads of security agencies in the State, took a tour of Ahmadu Bello Way, Terminus and Bukuru where he was briefed by the Commissioner of Police Edward Egbuka.

He was told that some cars belonging to customers were burn at the Ahmadu Bello Way while attempts to loot shops were thwarted and some arrests were made. The Governor also went round some of the businesses that were partially torched and places of worship that were vandalized along the terminus area.

At Jos South Local Government, the Governor visited some places of worship that were burnt and looted at Gyero road and Kugiya market.
While speaking with journalists after the visit, the Governor said he was disappointed that some persons were cashing in on the ENDSARS protests to implement their hidden agenda of destabilizing Plateau State at all costs. That he said will not be allowed to happen under his watch.
On compliance to the 24 hour curfew, the Governor said he was satisfied with the level of compliance but will only announce further measures after an analysis of the current situation by security agencies.

He advised citizens to guard their safety and peace judiciously and also cooperate with the government in fishing out criminals whether they are associated with the protests or not.

By Peter Akpah

A day after imposing a 24-hour curfew in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Wednesday 21st October 2020 summoned a stakeholders meeting to further engage on the processes of de-escalating the situation and enhancing the security of the State.

While addressing the stakeholders who include traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, and special interest groups, the Governor Lalong said the #ENDSARS protest which began peacefully was gradually degenerating into chaos as hoodlums attacked and molested innocent citizens who were going about their normal businesses.

This development he said took a new turn yesterday when the protests led to the destruction of properties, cars and looting of business premises along the Ahmadu Bello way as well as the burning of a place of worship along Gyero Road in Bukuru. In addition, five deaths.

He said “Government was left with no choice than to impose a curfew to stop further loss of lives and properties. As collaborators and partners in our inclusive governance architecture, l have once again convened this interface to update you and equally solicit for your input as the way to consolidate on the calm atmosphere that has been restored in the affected areas. Peace is a priceless commodity that we cannot do without”.

He warned that no one will be allowed to jeopardise the peace of the State because the protests had been hijacked and now taking the dimension of ethno religious crisis. He said his administration will not tolerate the actions of these miscreants as anyone who constitutes threats to the lives and properties of law abiding citizens will be dealt with decisively.

Plateau State Commisoner of Police CP Egbuka said the ENDSARS protesters had refused to heed the advice of security agencies which led to the unfortunate situation. He said intelligence shows that the protest was infiltrated by some people behind the scenes who are bent on causing chaos. He said so far, five deaths have been recorded as two corpses we discovered in Jos South Local Government on Wednesday.

Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba commended Governor Lalong for his prompt action to intervene in the crisis so as to ensure that the State and its people do not witness violence. He said as traditional, community, and religious leaders, everyone has a role to play to ensure that those dark days do not return.

Stakeholders in their contributions called for further engagement with stakeholders in the various communities to ensure that normalcy is restored to enable government lift the curfew.

A communique reached at the event recommended among other things that more efforts should be made to identify and dialogue with leadership of the protests and also fish out the criminals to be brought to justice.

By Peter Akpah

The rule of law is the foundation of every democracy as far back some years ago, Bar Darong disclosed this in an interview with journalist at his office over the crises rocking the the Nigerian bar association (NBA) and the continues abuse of the rule of law in the country.

By Peter Akpah

The United Nations Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon has visited Plateau State to meet with Governor Simon Lalong on enhancing collaboration in areas of development.

Kallon who is on a two – day official visit to assess the situation in Plateau State, said his pre-occupation in the country is to promote development particularly through the States.

He informed the Governor that the UN through its agencies will continue to carry out development projects in the State in key areas that impact on the lives of the people particularly at the grassroots.

He said he will engage with key Government officials in the State to get a picture of development challenges where the UN can step in. He also said the engagement will enable him also examine the progress of current programmes and how they can be made to succeed.

He further explained that the visit affords him the opportunity to strengthen relations with both Plateau State and the Northern Governors Forum, promising to use his office to advocate for development of the region.

Governor Lalong in his response expressed appreciation for the interventions of the UN in Plateau State which he said has impacted the lives of the poor and vulnerable. He acknowledged the efforts of the agency and his team in various interventions in the North East and Nigeria as a whole.

He also told the UN scribe that Plateau State has continued to sustain peace through its efforts using the Peace Building Agency. He asked for the assistance of the UN in strengthening the agency.