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Plateau Palliatives committee Distribute Palliatives To Entire 6 LGA’s’ of The Southern Zone.

By Peter Akpah

The plateau State palliatives committee has visited the southern zone which comprises of 7 local governments the palliatives committee who already zone the distribution to ease the process Could be recalled to have started with the northern zone in Bassa LGC then the central zone in Bokkos LGC respectively, the distribution of the southern zone took a new dimension as the palliatives committee flag up the symbolic distribution in Quanpa’an LGC, then Shendam and Mikan respectively in a similar order.

The chairman of the palliatives committee prof sunie Tyoden before the takeoff of the distribution to the southern zone address journalist at the SEMA warehouse where the palliatives where stored various questions where put across to him concerning the exercise and the entire process as there various issues and concerns raised by some individuals and critical stakeholders in the state as the distribution is very slow, and selective and political, reacting to such questions and issues prof Tyoden said the palliatives distribution is not politicize every body is entitled to it and the reason for the delay is not deliberate as at times you find one item more than the other or awaiting supply for example rice may be 500 bags and maize 50, and so on according to him, and with such short supply distribution can not take place so the have to wait for other items to arrive before the distribution can continue, and with the availability of items on ground that is why they are embarking on the entire southern zone is because they have enough items on ground that can go round and after finishing with the southern zone others will follow.

The palliatives committee then moved to Quanpa’an local government to distribute their own share of the palliative, Prof Tyoden while delivering the items, 100 bags of rice, 77 bags of maize,30 bags of salt,20 cartons of beauty hand wash, 30 cartons of Royce cubes, 5 bags of gari 50kg,7 bags of beans 50kg, 10 cartons of close-up, and also a special palliatives to the disability 10 bags of maize flour, 10 bags of rice, 20 cartons of beauty hand wash, 10 cartons of Pepsi cola, 10 cartons of swan water, 2 cartons of tissue paper, 2 cartons of hypo,

The chairman palliatives committee Prof sunie Tyoden while presenting the items to the executive chairman of Quanpa’an Hon Isaac Kwalu and other stakeholders in the he local government including the traditional rulers he emphasized on fair sharing and they should adhere strictly to the guidelines on how the palliatives is to be shared’ and in response the chairman of Quanpa’an Isaac Kwalu thank the state government and the palliatives committee for their donations and support to Quanpa’an according to him they have also distributed some palliatives in line with the directives of 5 person from every polling unit and ward by ward and the traditional rulers are also playing a good role during the distribution according to him they have set up a commitee as directed by the palliatives committee to handle the distribution.

The Isaac also stressed that such similar gesture was done by his local government with some support from very spirited individuals and with what the state has done will go along way to further cushion the effects of the present situation people are facing and thank his excellency for the proactive measures he has taken to protect the state and the citizens, and to support them at this time of need.

Similarly the palliatives committee also went to Shendam LGA where the palliatives committee was recieved by the chairman and the Long Goemai, Marthins Sheldas of Shendam,

prof Tyoden while delivering the items ask them to distribute it to those that are truly in need and is not for any political reason, reacting to the donation the Long Goemai of Shendam thank his excellency for the support and more so for providing a special package for the disabled is a wonderful and well thought ideas the chairman Hon Alex also thank the governor and the deputy for taking it upone himself the stress to see the distribution by himself and promise to distribute the items according to the guidelines given, and also they as a local government has done similar with this it will argument what they have done. among items given to Shendam are, rice, maize, gari, beauty hand wash, Royco cubes, close-up, beans, etc, and also a special package for the disabled.

Mikan LGA also was visited by the palliatives committee and 130 bags of rice, maize, Royco, beauty soap, gari, beans, close-up, etc and also a special package recieved by the deputy chairman was represented the chairman Hon Ezekiel Volgap, receiving the items the deputy chairman Hon Austin Bako, thank the chairman and the palliatives committee and the governor for the support for they got and said they have also did similar things by identifying 5 households in every polling unit and gave them 5,000 naira each, the chairman of the palliative committee who couldn’t hide his feelings appreciated Mikan LGC for the sitting arrangements made by them observing social this and said so far Mikan is the only local government that have arranged a place such as the one they are.

The commissioner of lands survey and town planning Hon yakubu Dati and the deputy chairman of Mikan Hon Babs Austin Bako also use the opportunity for the deputy governor to lunch the face mask being produce for distribution to the people of Mikan according to hon Austin Bako the local government has procure over 10,000 face masks, and the deputy governor prof sunnie Tyoden Lunch the face mask to the glory of God the father, son and the Holy Spirit and for the use of humanity and call on other local government to follow suit.

Present at the distribution of palliatives to southern zone are the secretary of the committee Dr Sumaye Hamza and other members of the committee respectively.

Court of Appeal Jos Division:Ordered EFCC, Police Commissioner To Pay 5 Million Compensation.

By Peter Akpah

COURT OF APPEAL JOS DIVISION ORDERS EFCC, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE PLATEAU STATE TO PAY N5MILLION NAIRA TO VICTIM OF VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHT

In a Judgement delivered on Thursday 14th May, 2020 the Court of Appeal Jos Division Ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command and others to pay one Ephraim Kapara Galadima the Sum of Five Million Naira (N5,000,000.00) as Compensation for Violating his Fundamental Human Rights.

The Judgement which was unanimously agreed by the three Justices of the Court of Appeal was delivered by his Lordship Hon. Justice Mudashiru Nasir Oniyangi of the Court of Appeal Jos Division in Appeal No. CA/J/349/18 filed by the Applicant/Appellant through his Counsel Gyang Zi Esq.

The Court of Appeal set aside an earlier
Judgement delivered on the 9th may 2018 by Hon. Justice I. I Kunda of the High Court of Plateau State in Suit No. PLD/J/631/ 2017 wherein he dismissed the Appellant/Applicant’s Suit against the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, A.M. Awal (DCO A Police Division), Fidelis Odey (DPO, A Police Division) Austin Ogah (Branch Manager FCMB, Jos), First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

It is the case of the Appellant that his account with First City Monument Bank (FCMB) was frozen and when he approached the Bank to inquire why his account was frozen, he was arrested, beaten and taken to A Division, Jos Plateau State Command by the Police where he was detained for over Five days before his subsequent transfer to Abuja and Portharcourt where he was further detained without informing him of the offence he committed.

While discharging First City Monument Bank (FCMB) of the alleged Violation of the Rights of the Appellant on the ground that the Bank only acted on the instruction of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Court condemned the action of the EFCC, Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command and their agents and Ordered them to pay the Sum of Five Million Naira (N5,000,000.00) to the Appellant having found that his Fundamental Human Rights under Chapter IV of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) were violated.

Rinji’s Murder: Culprits Must Face Full Wrath of the Law- Rep. Simon Mwadkwon, Ph.D.

By Peter Akpah

Rinji’s Murder: Culprits Must Face Full Wrath of the Law to Serve as Deterrent – Rep. Simon Mwadkwon, Ph.D

* Extra-Judicial Killings Threat to Human Rights – Rep. Dr. Simon Mwadkwon

The Honorable Member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency Plateau State, Rep. Simon Mwadkwon, Ph.D has called for the immediate prosecution of the culprits involved in the gruesome murder of 20 year old Mr. Rinji Peter Bala, a 300 Level Student of History and International Studies in the University of Jos by a trigger-happy security personnel attached to Operation Safe Heaven on Tuesday 12th May, 2020 without any form of provocation.

Dr. Simon Mwadkwon said the perpetuators of the heinous must face the full wrath of the Law to serve as deterrent to others.

“This killing is one of the many extra-judicial killings the State has recorded which must not be swept under the carpet but heavy penalty should be meted on the culprits”

“Nigerians have come under serious cases of human rights violation by personnel expected to protect them and their property, this is the fate of the vulnerable in my Constituency” Dr. Mwadkwon posited.

The Federal Lwamaker described the ugly incident as utterly odious, wicked, inhuman, barbaric and callous happening when the Nation is battling with the public health challenge of COVID-19 Pandemic.

While praying for the repose of the soul of the deceased, the Federal Legislator said the people will no longer condone acts of extra-judicial killings and unprofessional conduct by security personnel while carrying out their duties in the State henceforth.

He charged all security personnel to discharge their duties in more professional manner and with high sense of responsibility making protection of lives & property of citizens their priority.

Rep. Simon Mwadkwon console with the family, government of Plateau State and all youths in the State over the untimely demise of the promising Rinji whose life was cut in his prime.

Rep. Dr. Mwadkwon concluded by appealing for calm as the issue is being handle to a logical end.

Cmr. Friday Bako
Director, Media & Publicity to Rep. Simon Mwadkwon, Ph.D

:Plateau Bloggers/online Media’ Condemned The Gruesome Murder of Rinji And Called For Justice.

By Peter Akpah

PRESS STATEMENT: Gruesome Killing of Rinji by Army in Jos; Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association Raises Concerns for Justice #JusticeForRinji

The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association, strongly condemns the killing of 20 year old Rinji Peter Bala, a student of History and International Studies, University of Jos by the Nigerian army on the 12th of May 2020.

At a time when humanity is united in the fight against a common unseen enemy in COVID-19 Pandemic, it is entirely unacceptable that those who are placed to help are causing more harm. The killing of Rinji Peter Bala is totally condemnable and should be investigated to logical conclusion and anyone found culpable must be brought to justice.

The safety and security of all citizens must be upheld, the impunity that has prevailed to date must end, and perpetrators must be held accountable.

We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Late Rinji Peter Bala and those impacted by this abhorrent incident.

Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association initiated our major process for justice by activating the #JusticeForRinji tag after our attention was called an hour into the incident and we drove the conversation and information across all social media platforms until it got national and international attention calling for justice.

It is becoming a recurring decimal that security personnel kills innocent civilians with impunity and this must stop in demanding for justice on behalf of Rinji Peter Bala. We also implore Governor Simon Lalong and all those in positions of power to step up to their responsibilities and see that Plateau citizens are not continually killed carelessly.

While praying for the soul of the deceased, we enjoin all citizen to exercise calm, support and cooperation with government and security agencies to ensure justice is served. Let’s not allow any individual or group break our resilience as a people especially at this difficult period that the world is battling to overcome COVID-19. Any public gathering or procession would be risky, a potential for spreading the dreaded coronavirus as social distancing won’t be adhered by persons.

Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association also calls the attention of Plateau citizens as it wishes to to be in the front for Justice, beaming its lights on any issue of injustice by calling the attention of the wider community just like it did in this situation.

Matthew Tegha
Vice Chairman
Plateau Bloggers And Online Media Association
13th May, 2020.

:Plateau Youth Council Comdemned, The Gruesome Murder of a Plateau Youth Rinji’ By Men of OPSH.

By Peter Akpah

Good morning Sir.

The Plateau State Youth Council condemned in the most strongest term, the gruesome murder of Rinji Bala, a youth on the Plateau.

The unfortunate events that led to his death was needless to say. It demonstrated how very unsafe young people are in Nigeria.

This is one too many, and we are doing all we can to seek redress. We call on the OPSH and the Government of Plateau State to ensure justice is served.

In the same manner, our condolences goes to the immediate family of the slain Rinji. We mourn with you.

Dr Fabong Jemchang
Chairman
Plateau State Youth Council.

OPSH: Regrets The unfortunate Death of a Civilian on 12 May 2020

By Peter Akpah

PSH REGRETS THE UNFORTUNATE DEATH OF CIVILIAN ON 12 MAY 2020

Operation SAFE HAVE HAVEN regrets the unfortunate death of a civilian by name Mr Rinji Peter Bala by its personnel.

At about 10pm on 12 May 2020, information was received on the activities of suspected armed robbers and cultists operating around No 18th Street, Jos South LGA of Plateau State. The report revealed that the criminals took advantage of the lockdown and curfew to perpetrate crimes. Consequently, Sector 1 patrol troops of OPSH swiftly responded and arrested 7 suspects, which were immediately moved to the Headquarters Sector 1 for preliminary investigation. Thereafter, 5 out of the 7 suspects were cleared and asked to leave the premises. Unfortunately as they were leaving the premises, one of the personnel on sentry duty mistook them for escaping suspects. Thus opened fire on them, which led to the death of Mr Rinji Bala.

However, a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident. Meanwhile the MOPOL personnel involved in the incident has been arrested and detained accordingly.

Operation SAFE HAVEN has condemned the sad incident. Representative of OPSH has also visited the parents of the deceased to commiserate with them. OPSH also assures the general public of justice.

Ibrahim Shittu
Major
Media Officer, Operation SAFE HAVEN

Northern Governors Forum congratulates The New Chief of Staff Prof. Gambari.

By Peter Akpah

The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, over his appointment as the new Chief of Staff by President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a congratulatory message, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong described the appointment of the accomplished diplomat and Administrator as most deserving and timely.
Lalong said, “We are delighted with this opportunity that Mr. President has given Prof. Gambari to serve the nation. The Professor comes into the job with huge experience and knowledge on governance and service, which we believe will enable him perform well. As Northern Governors, we assure him of our support and prayers as he takes on this very important role”.
The Governors also commended the President for his choice of Prof. Ibrahim Gambari as his new Chief of Staff, saying his vast knowledge in administration both at home and abroad will assist the President in delivering on his campaign promises to Nigerians.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR.
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
13th May, 2020.

Buhari Appoints Ibrahim Gambari As Chief Of Staff

By Peter Akpah

New Chief of Staff to President Muhammdu Buhari, Ibrahim Gambari

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed renowned diplomat and former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Ibrahim Gambari as his new Chief of Staff.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation Mr. Boss Mustapha announced the appointment before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.

Following his appointment, Professor Gambari has arrived at the Presidential Villa for the FEC meeting which is presided by President Muhammadu Buhari and has Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in attendance.

Other ministers at the meeting include, Ministers of information and Culture, Transport, Solid minerals, Power, Agriculture, and Budget and National planning are physically in the meeting while the remaining cabinet members will join the meeting virtually.

:A 20 Years Old Undergraduate of university of Jos Was Allegedly Killed By Soldiers Along Zaria Read Opposite Sector 1

By Peter Akpah

Soldiers allegedly shot and killed a 20 years old undergraduate of university of jos Rinji Bala popularly called Bobo, who leaves at hwolshe in jossouth Local government area and the incidents happened around Zaria road along jos new stadium in front of sector 1, an eyewitness to the killing who is among those arrested gave account of on how it happened.

At about 6-7pm of Tuesday night 7 of them where taking a stroll around the over head bridge close to mobile filling station close to plateau state polytechnic according to the eyewitness he said some vilante show them and arrested them and handed them over to the soldiers around 18th Steert close to the national library where the contacted the sector 1 and a Helux van and from there and they where taken to sector 1. at Zaria road and when they got there the did find anything on them and discovered they are from the area where they where arrested and asked them to go, according to the eyewitness of them said on there way when they got in front of the gate one soldiers in front of the gate asked them to start running while running they just had a gun shot and they all scattered and run to different directions and one of them fell and some of them just fall on the ground and in the process one of the soldiers came close and pointed a gun at them and said if I come back and see u laying there I will kill you so they ran according to him.

One of the survival whose name is withheld by this medium said the diseased father show him and ask him why he was running and he told him the they ask them to run and like Rinji his son fell on the ground and the father quickly went back and show his son laying dead in the pool of blood, information available to this medium shows they father earlier went to the sector 1 when he was told his son was arrested according to him when he got there he was told that they didn’t find anything in them so they have released them before the unfortunate incident happened.

All efforts made to contact the STF public relations officer major Shetu Alao proved abortive as he is not picking his calls and also the police PPRO ASP Gabriel Ubah also not picking his call for further clarification.

The body of late Rinji Bala Peter popularly called Bobo has seem been deposited at the plateau state specialist hospital jos mortuary.

The family of the victim and the remaining eyewitnesses have seems lodge a complain at the A Division jos.

Details later as the alleged murder is being investigated by the police.

EFCC Arrests Two Chinese For Offering N100m Bribe To Top Official

By Peter Akpah

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested two Chinese for offering the sum of N100m as bribe to the Zonal head of the anti-graft agency in Sokoto State, Mr Abdullahi Lawal.

The agency disclosed this in a series of tweets on Tuesday, noting that the arrest was made on Monday in Sokoto.

According to the EFCC, the sum was allegedly offered in a desperate bid to compromise ongoing investigations of a construction company, China Zhonghao Nig. Ltd, which was handling contracts awarded by the Zamfara State Government in the sum of N50,000,000,000.00 (fifty billion naira) between 2012 to 2019.

“The zonal office of the Commission is investigating the construction company, in connection with the execution of contracts for the construction of township roads in Gummi, Bukkuyun, Anka and Nassarawa towns of Zamfara state; and also the construction of one hundred and sixty-eight (168) solar-powered boreholes in the 14 local government areas of the state.

“Alarmed by the consistency and professionalism of investigation being conducted, the company reached out to Lawal with an offer of N100,000,000(One Hundred Million Naira) as bribe to “bury” the matter,” the statement read.

It, however, noted that in a grand design to trap the corrupt officials, Lawal played along.

“On Monday, two representatives of the company Meng Wei Kun and Xu Kuoi offered him cash totalling fifty million naira in their office along airport road, Sokoto. The cash was offered as a first installment”.

But the suspects were promptly arrested with the cash as evidence.

The anti-graft agency further explained that the investigation of the construction company was informed by intelligence on alleged conspiracy; misappropriation of public funds; embezzlement; official corruption; abuse of office, stealing and money laundering obtained against the Zamfara State government through inflated and uncompleted contracts awarded to the company.

So far, according to the EFCC, investigations have revealed that China Zounghao Ltd has received payments of over N41,000,000,000.00 (forty-one billion naira) from the Zamfara state government out of which about N16,000,000,000.00 (sixteen billion naira) equivalent to over $53,000,000.00 (fifty-three million US Dollars) was allegedly diverted and traced to some bureau de change operators.

It says the suspects would be charged to court soon.