Gentlemen of the press, it has become very necessary to address you today regarding the campaign of calumny raised and sustained against the Hon. member representing we the good people of Jos North/Bassa federal constituency in the National Assembly, Haruna Maitala (Turakin Jere).
This press briefing is borne out of the fact that being members and critical stakeholders in the constituency, we owe it a duty, firstly, to the Hon. member and to posterity to debunk the white lies being bandied against him regarding his performance as our representative.
Recall that his journey to the Green Chamber went through four stages; the first two stages at the polls and the last two at both the Lower and the Appeal Tribunal respectively. Despite extending the olive branch to the losers for the sake of democracy and our constituency, they rather chose the inglorious path of petty propaganda to tarnish the good name of the Hon. member.
At first, they didn’t hide their identities but when it became obvious that their campaign of calumny was rather drawing bad blood for them, they resorted to writing in pseudonym names. We commend the Hon member who in the face of these provocations, has remained focused.
It is in this regard that we find it necessary and obligated as constituents who have seen the tremendous achievement of Hon Maitala in just 11/2 years in office to tell the whole world about that and correct the erroneous impression given by these mischief makers.
It is on record that immediately after the inauguration of the 9th Assembly, Hon. Maitala was deeply involved in the campaigns that eventually saw the emergence of leadership at the lower chamber. A development that equally saw his appointment into 11 committees even as a first timer. Thereafter, Hon. Maitala, being a promised keeper, decided to fulfill his campaign promises beginning in the area of empowerment. Consequently, in January 2020, Hon. Maitala sponsored over 1000 candidates for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board ( JAMB) and over 500 candidates for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
Unfortunately, the process of the empowerment was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged the world prompting lockdown on many countries, Nigeria inclusive. The ugly development made it incumbent upon spirited government and individuals to diverse means of cushioning the effects of the pandemic. Gentlemen of the press, we want to categorically state here that we are witnesses to Hon Haruna Maitala’s effort within the period aimed at cushioning the effect of the COVID-19 as he distributed food and other items worth millions of naira as palliative to his constituents. This was aside his contribution to the COVID-19 fund raising in the two Local Government Areas (Jos North and Bassa that make up his constituency), the State and the Federal Governments respectively.
We also witnessed a continuation of the empowerment activity immediately after the lockdown when Hon Maitala distributed fertilizer to all the Executive Committee Members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in his constituency in June, 2020.
We are also testifying to the lobbying power of our Hon. member which after meeting with the leadership of Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, resulted in the rehabilitation of Jos – Jengre – Zaria road and the award of contract for the construction of 3 kilometre rural road in Rimi Ward, Pengana Chiefdom in Bassa LGA.
We are bold to further state that Hon Maitala has been able to secure appointments to some members of his constituents in Federal Government establishments such as the National Assembly Commission, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, the Police Academy Wudil, the Nigerian Customs Service among others. We also know that he was able to secure admission to over 50 candidates into the University of Jos and assisted many with cash to enable them carry out registration exercise.
With regards to insecurity, most especially in Bassa LGA, we are also witnesses to the fact that Hon Maitala has been having discussions with stakeholders and in July this year, had an interface with a committee set up by the Irigwe Traditional Council to come up with modalities on how to bring a solution to the recurrent attacks in the community. The Hon member during the meeting promised to synergize with I D Gyang, Senator representing Plateau North Senatorial District in the National Assembly to achieve that purpose. It is obvious that the relative peace being witnessed in the area currently is as a result of that effort.
We also wish to state that Hon Maitala has donated cash to the neighborhood Watch of some communities in Jos North for the purchase of operational vehicles and other working equipments.
Taking the above into consideration, you would agree with us that it is only God fearless and experts in mischief making would go public and say that Hon Maitala has not been seen for 300 days (which is almost one year). It for the above reasons that we deem fit to address you and inform the world that Hon Haruna Maitala has not derailed in his campaign promises. It is instructive to further add that he has deeply involved us in his programs for the constituency and we are more than satisfied with his performance so far.
In the light of the above, we hereby pass a vote of confidence on Hon Haruna Maitala, member representing Jos North/Bassa federal constituency in the National Assembly. We also pledge our unalloyed and total support for him.
We call the bluff of the faceless people asking the Hon member to either resign or be recalled and challenge them to carry out their threat. We acknowledged the fact that recall of an elected member is part of democratic process but it doesn’t starts and ends in noise making and blackmail. We make bold to state that the farthest these faceless people can go in their project (if there is any at all) is to succeed in obtaining thumbprints of pupils in Kindergarten which eventually would serve them no purpose.
As a human being, we know that Hon Maitala is infallible and therefore, has his shortcomings. It is the reason we would continue to engage him by way of constructive criticism for the sake of our democracy and for our constituency and we call on well meaning individuals to tore the same line.
It is also for this reason that we are calling on all those who hold our constituency in high esteem to contribute positively toward enhancing its progress.

THE COALITION OF PATRIOTS FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE, FAIRNESS AND JUSTICE (JOS
BASSA) AT BISHOP’S COURT JOS ON NOVEMBER 18, 2020

Thank you and God bless.

SIGNED:
REMTJUS EGEJUPU, TAFAWA BALEWA WARD JOS-NORTH
HON. MOSES WILLIAMS, ZOBWO WARD BASSA
MR. AUDU IMBAI AMOS MAFARA WARD BASSA

By Peter Akpah

The waterAid Nigeria at the EU- WSSRP III Technical Assistance to civil society organizations (EU-TAC) project close out event in plateau state as part of the support and making water a necessary project and water for all and to also advocate for water support to every person in the county and as part of the teams work to train and also work with the state government and also support the government by providing 70% of founding to water projects in the state, the director of programmes Adebayo Aloa in his opening remarks has highlighted some very important achievement made so far since the inception of the programmes .  Adebayo who said he is highly honoured to join the occasion of the close out of the EU-funded technical assistance to civil society organisation the project in plateau state, the project is part of the overall European Union support of over EUR 260 million to reach more than 10 million people with improved access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in 14:states of Nigeria, and in plateau state, the project was implemented by waterAid Nigeria in collaboration with society for water and sanitation (NEWSAN) a coalition of CSOs with mandate to support the development of the  WASH sector in Nigeria, The project aimed at strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) to work in partnership with public and private agencies in driving the governance of the water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector in the state and using the partnership to demonstrate improved WASH service delivery in Riyom and Shendam local government Areas in plateau state.   Adebayo further said he is also delighted to say that the EU-TAC   Project has delivered on it’s objectives and over 25 CSOs have been strengthened to drive the process of improved water and sanitation governance in plateau state for improved health, equity and inclusion in service delivery, gender mainstream in WASH services, creation of livelihoods and socio-economic outcomes.
   A critical part of the project was focused on strengthening the capacity of CSOs to support state WASH institutions to fulfill their mandate of sustainable water and sanitation services, To achieve this result the CSOs had capacity building trainings on budget advocacy/policy analysis, human rights based approach to water and sanitation fundraising, gender and inclusion, case study gathering and project monitoring and evaluation, all of these have enabled them to engage the state WASH institutions including the ministry of water Resources and Energy, plateau state Rural water supply and sanitation Agency (PRUWASSA) , plateau state water Board, to improve on the delivery of their mandate in the state’s WASH sector, these engagement also led to the approval of the state WASH policy by the state executive council and the fastracking  of the development of the state water sector Bill, which was eventually passed into Law, Additionally, a gender Audit in the ministry of water Resources and Energy  was conducted and it was followed by development of an action plan for gender mainstreaming in the ministry and agencies.  The implementation of the action plan has commenced and it is our believe that it will be fully implemented, Also continued engagements have led prioritisation of water and sanitation by duty bearers in the state and such budgetary allocation to the  WASH sector increased from 4.9 billion naira in 2019 to 15.47 billion in 2020 , This is seen as a demonstration of the state government commitment to improve the sector and in the course of the project the CSOs had their capacity strengthened to support citizens including women and people with disabilities in Riyom and Shendam LGAs, to demand their rights to water and safe sanitation and ensure their voices are heard in decision making platform within the sector, the CSOs moved quickly with the knowledge gained and implemented the Vote4WASH campaign which focused on leveraging on the 2019 general election to educate and empower citizens to demand for their WASH  rights from duty bearers, the campaign was a success with 29 Signed pledge cards ate currently facilitating sustainable WASH access in their constituencies, these political office holders include senator I D Gyang, Hon Livinus James Kwapfuan, Shendam house of Assembly, Hon Komsol Alphonsus Longgap Member House of Representative Mikang, Quanpa’an and Shendam for federal Constituency and Hon Dantong Member state House of Assembly, The CSOs are following up with the keep your promises campaign to ensure elected official translate their commitments to realistic and sustainable actions, 
  And also speaking to journalist in an interview Dr Mohammed Tigani EU-WSSS RP III, Team Leader said the project in Riyom and Shendam was a success and the plan is for them to be able to carry and train the other local government along to also develop their water supply and the EU is also providing a Dam to be able to reduced the water problems being faced by the people and also the plan and their target is the entire 17 LGAs. For the people be enable to access good and hygiene drinking waters and good sanitation, Dr Tigani Loaded the team performance and say the will do more although according to him is a long time plan is that will take up to 3 years but the results at the end of the day will be very good and of a beneficial to the people.     And also Dr Vings J Lomak the state coordinator society for water and sanitation (NEWSAN) Has said the project on the plateau was also a success and the are working closely withe CSOs and the state government to achieve sustainable and good hygiene drinking water and also to make the citizens know that access to good and hygiene drinking water is their rights and they should demand for it, and as part of their plan is to  keep educating  the citizens and promote the WASH campaign and also keep partnering with the government to ensure that the people get access to good hygiene drinking water, and he has commanded the state government for the support for the campaign and call on all to join the campaign.

By Peter Akpah

The Plateau State COVID-19 medical research team which was established by Governor Simon Bako Lalong to find a cure for the corona virus pandemic has briefed the Governor on the progress of its assignment.

While presenting an interim report to the Governor at the Government House Rayfield Jos, lead researcher Prof. Noel Wannang said the team had concluded the first phase of the work which is the pre-clinical stage with tremendous success.

He said the next stage is the clinical stage where the samples will be tested on human beings for further processing. He explained that already the research papers for the remedies have been published in national and international medical journals.

He stated that the team has patented the products under the name COPLA I, II & III and has equally submitted them to regulatory agencies for further scrutiny and evaluation.

He said in the cause of its work, the team followed all global standards and protocols for the research which he believes is going well and if followed to conclusion, will not only generate value to the State, but also create economic opportunities.

Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong while responding said he was proud of the team for the level of achievements so far, promising to also reach out to relevant government and private sector organisations for further funding of the research.

He reiterated that the Plateau State Government continues to pay attention to research and innovation as there are many people citizens with gifts and telents that could provide solutions to humanity in various ways.

By Peter Akpah

Sourcenews24 . Nov 4, 2020Read original
He informed the panel that the CCTV camera stopped recording due to the vandalism of some equipment and fire outbreak at the toll gate.

Managing Director of Lekki Concession Company, Abayomi Omamuwasan, has informed the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry that the Closed-Circuit Television camera of the company did not capture the shooting of peaceful #ENDSARS protesters by the Nigerian Army.

He informed the panel that the CCTV camera stopped recording due to the vandalism of some equipment and fire outbreak at the toll gate.

SaharaReporters had reported that Omamuwasan had earlier submitted a hard drive to the panel, saying it contained the incident that happened on October 20, 2020.

While further testifying before the panel, he disclosed that the CCTV stopped recording around 8pm and did not capture the shootings.

He also said the company had three surveillance cameras located at Sandfill, Ikoyi Bridge and one at Chevron.

“The surveillance camera didn’t capture the shooting.

“It stopped recording around 8pm,” Omamuwasan told the panel.

He added that the fire outbreak at the Ikoyi Bridge affected the CCTV cameras and it stopped recording.

Explaining the reason for the power outage, he insisted that the company complied with the curfew and asked staff to leave in adherence with the directive of the state government.

He added that the company withdrew its staff from the toll gate following the takeover of the toll gate by the protesters.

Recall that on that fateful day, soldiers opened fire on peaceful #ENDSARS protesters, killing not less than a dozen protesters with many sustaining bullet wounds.

The army initially denied involvement in the shooting, saying its soldiers were not at the scene.

It, however, admitted that soldiers were at the toll gate, revealing they were drafted on the orders of the state government.

By Peter Akpah

TheRev Dachollom Datiri COIN President Has Refuted the report going round on the social media and some media house saying Rev Polycarp Zango has been released Speaking to COIN members in church service today 1st of November 2020 at COIN Head Quarters Compound church the COIN President said he has not set his eyes on Rev Polycarp Zango also his church members and family and as such the report is fake and not true and also call on all the members and Christian nation wide and the world at large to keeping praying for the release of the servant of GOD Rev Polycarp Zango,.

By Peter Akpah

PRESS STATEMENT

INUGURAL SITTING OF THE JUDICIAL PANEL ON POLICE BRUTALITY AND EXTRA-JUDICIAL KILLINGS IN PLATEAU STATE.

The Judicial Panel Investigating Complaints of Police Brutality and Extra-judicial killings in Plateau State is inviting the general public to its inaugural sitting scheduled as follows:

Date: Monday 2nd November, 2020.
Venue: Dadin-Kowa Youth centre Jos.
Time: 10am prompt.

Members of the public who have complaints of police brutality and other extra-judicial killings are encouraged to make their submissions to the panel as it commences its assignment.

Kindly note that Covid 19 protocol will be strictly observed, please.

Cornelius D. Shiobial
Permanent secretary (CSS)
Secretary to the Panel.

By Peter Akpah

– Full Economic Activities Resume at the Jos Trade Fair 2020

– 2020 Jos Trade Fair Fun continues at Jos Polo Ground

– Jos Trade Fair 2020: Exciting Experience continues at Jos polo field

Economic activities has continued at the Jos polo ground venue of the 2020 Trade Fair hosted by Plateau Chambers of Commerce Industries, Mines and Agriculture in collaboration with Anista Marketing and Events limited.

The ongoing trade fair which started on 15th October, is featuring an exhibition covering all aspects of businesses, economic and tourism activities with the theme; Trade Fairs, a Platform for sustaining MSMEs in a Challenging Economy.
Jos 2020 Trade Fair provides a platform for children with a funfair and will also be spiced up with various entertainment and relaxation activities to round up all daily exhibition.

Be part of the continuous exciting experience featuring Special exhibition days, Grills and Cuisines, Made in Plateau Products, Children’s Funfair and lots more…
For enquiries or Participation call. 08033486915 or 09033229919

The peculiarity of this years trade fair has ensured that both exhibitors and visitors alike are adhering to core COVID-19 Set Guidelines to access the venue for full commercial activities starting 8am daily with entertainment starting by 6pm. Security has been adequately provided at the Jos polo ground.

By Peter Akpah

The Plateau State Security Council has again met to deliberate on the security situation following the massive looting that has been perpetrated across the State in the last two days.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting held at Government House Rayfield Jos, Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu said so far, the situation is calm but still fluid as there are still threats to attack other public and private businesses as well as individuals.

He said the Council agreed to further fortify all check-points in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas to give effect to the curfew imposed in order to restore peace that will determine the next line of action.
He also said that security agencies have been mandated to embark on massive manhunt for the arrest of looters and ensure materials are recovered while the culprits are prosecuted.

Prof. Atu said so far, 7 courts have been designated for the prosecution of the 307 suspects so far arrested at various locations where the looting took place.
The Council warned members of the public from consuming some of the looted food items because they are dangerous for human consumption as they have been chemically treated for preservation.
Members of the public were further advised to be aware of these dangers and not to patronize the product of these looters.

The Council also encouraged the sustenance of all channels of engagement and dialogue with youth groups, community leaders, professional bodies, associations and traditional rulers to foster more understanding that will lead to a de-escalation of the current situation.
Members of the security forces were commended for their efforts so far and encouraged to continue to work in restoring and maintaining peace in the State. The Government has also promised to look into their challenges with a view to addressing them and making them more effective.
The Government again restated that there was no hoarding of palliatives as the looted items were delivered to the State by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development just before the #ENDSARS protests began which made it difficult for the distribution to commence before the sad looting and destruction of the warehouses.

The council advised members of the public to be wary of propaganda and disinformation that is perpetrated through the social media to incite the people against government and encourage chaos, saying no society can exist without law and order.
Council notes that up till now, some political leaders and traditional rulers have not engaged their people as resolved with at the stakeholders meeting with the Governor. They are being called upon to do so and submit reports to government immediately.
As at 26th October 2020, some of the looted and vandalized properties include: SEMA Warehouse (Old Nitel Bukuru), PRUWASSA, PADP (Dogon Dutse Jos), Mineral Museum (Angul D, Bukuru), ASTC Vom, Plateau Publishing Company, SUBEB (Dogon Dutse), Government Technical College Bukuru, Ryom Local Government Secretariat, School of Home Economics Vom, Jos foods, Jos Trade Fair (Polo), Private Residence of former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara. Others such as Grand Cereals Bukuru, State and Federal Secretariats and Private residences of some individuals have also been threatened.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
26th October 2020.

By Peter Akpah

The house committee on health chaired by Hon Dr Pascal Chigizie Obi member representing Ideato North and Ideato South Federal Constituency IMO State and other members of the committee including the member representing Jossouth Joseast Federal Constituency Hon Dachong Musa Bagos among the committee on health on an oversight visit to all government owned health organizations and hospitals, visited the federal school of medical laboratories tech in jos for an oversight function and Assessments.

By Peter Akpah

Rotary Club of Jos Central District 9125 Inaugurates 38th President

Newly Inaugurated President of Rotary Club of Jos Central, Rotarian Samuel Edeh has disclosed that more than 3 Primary Schools in Jos North and South Local Government Areas of Plateau State are to benefit from Rotary Club of Jos Central (District 9125) Projects for the 2020-21 Year.

The Club President stated in Jos during his Investiture Ceremony as the 38th President of the Club.

According to him, the name Rotary rings a bell everywhere in the world and known to render humanitarian services to our immediate communities, which has prompted Rotary Club of Jos Central to carry out these noble projects for the next one year under his watch as President of the Club.

He encouraged members to key into these developmental projects which will go a long way in alleviating the sufferings that abound in the Society.

Speaking further the President explained Projects to be executed to include donations of 300 Classroom Desks to RCM Primary School Kabong, drilling of Water Borehole and water system facility at St Luke’s primary school Jos, donation of Wheelchairs to polio affected disabled persons, free eye test, blood sugar level test and blood pressure test for 200 people in Kabong community, provision of 2 bus shelters in target commercial areas in Tudun Wada- Jos North LGA, and organising a Literature Competition among 22 Senior Secondary Schools, all valued at 5 million Naira.

He solicited the support of club members and Spirited individuals in the Society, saying Rotary is a platform for friendship, humanitarian service and personal development.

Keynote Speaker at the event, Plateau State Coordinator of World Health Organisation, Pharmacist Wadzingi Bassi applauded Rotary for been partners in the eradication of Polio in Nigeria through its campaign and health interventions, saying their efforts has yielded good results as World health Organisation declared Nigeria Polio free.

The Speaker said more efforts will be made to ensure Nigeria remains a Polio free nation and pledge World Health Organisation’s continuous support to the club in any capacity to ensure it’s humanitarian efforts is achieved.

Director General Nigerian College of Accountancy Dr Kayode Fasua who was also inducted and recognised by the club charged Spirited Nigerians to emulate the good works rendered by rotary club to the society saying if more wealthy Nigerians invest in humanitarian services the nation will fair better.

Highlights of the occasion witnessed presentation of Awards to five individuals in the Society among whom are Direcor General of Industrial Training fund- Sir Joseph Ari; WHO State Coordinator- Pharmacist Wadzingi Bassi; Director General NCA- Dr. Kayode Fasua; and Young Entrepreneurs Mrs Anna Yarling and Mr Obinna Udeh among others.