The Age Newspaper Online

            Late Mrs. Ogbonnia  We remember today as always, the painful exit of our wife, sister and niece, Late Mrs. Florence Ogbonnia which occurred on the 16th May, 2019 at Amoria Ozizza in Afikpo North local government area of Ebonyi State after a prolonged illness. Aged, 58 years, late Mrs. Florence Ogbonnia who was the Matron of Igbo Community. Women’s Wing, Amper branch in Kanke LGA of Plateau State was subsequently buried on the 30th October, 2019 at her home town, Amoria and she is survived by her husband, Engr. Clement Ogbonnia, (Father Father), the Patron, Igbo Community, Kanke LGA, six sisters and two brothers. At this juncture, we wish to particularly express our profound appreciation to all those who in one way or the other commiserated with us during our moment of bereavement, including the Igbo Community, Kanke LGA, St. Jerome Catholic Church, Amper, Catholic Women Organization (CWO) Amper Parish, Amper Community, Amoria Ozizza community, Afikpo North LGA, Ebonyi State

Operation SAFE HAVEN has noted an online report in circulation on social media since 28 October 2021 authored by one Mr Femi Owolabi, where he alleged that gunmen asked troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN deployed in an unspecified village in Bassa to vacate the community ahead of planned attacks. It was also alleged that the troops went on to negotiate with the gunmen to avert attacks on the said village.  While OPSH would not want to join issues with this merchant of falsehood, it is however instructive to state that the report is unsubstantiated, laced with falsehood and fictitious imagination of the author. To put the record straight, troops do not negotiate with gunmen, we rather deal with them decisively. Additionally, troops deployed to various villages and communities have stepped-up their early response to distress calls and will not hesitate to come heavy on anybody planning an attack or harbouring criminals in their communities. OPSH therefore appeals to journalists especially th

It is high time we rise as the Constituents of Jos North-North and put senses to our member in the State House of Assembly,Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Baba Hassan. Peace and Tranquility has eluded and vanished from the Hallowed Chamber of the Plateau state House of Assembly, since he became the member of the state House of Assembly. Hon. Baba Hassan, who hails from Yobe state, has been in the state house of Assembly for almost two decades now and no indigene of this Cosmopolitan Constituency has never enjoy this kind of privilege in which so many people describing it as miniature Nigeria. Instead of reciprocating this wonderful gesture and opportunity which come but once, the man has grossly and flagrantly abuses and misuses this ample opportunity by turning himself into a monster,traunt and an absentee member, he only appears in the Chambers when there is budget presentation, screening of commissioner nominees and other appointees of the Governor. It will interest members of the General Public

Lawmakers of the Plateau State House of Assembly has Suspended Six members of the state assembly for gross misconduct, insubordination and legislative rascality Moving the motion for the suspension of the 6 lawmakers during plenary Majority leader plateau House of assembly Hon Philip Dasun Said their Suspension became necessary owing to their act of insubordination and gross misconduct for attempts to cause disunity in the house. He said the lawmakers who are desperate attempted to impeach the Speaker in the early hours of the day but failed haven collected millions of naira from the executive has failed in their attempt and thereby remain suspended   The Majority leader Philip Dasun Said the suspended members are as follows  Saleh Yipmong  Dengi (APC) Nanlong Daniel Mikang,(APC) Yakubu Sanda Pengana,APC) Mohammed Balo Quan Pan South(APC) Eric Dakogoal Quan Pan North(APC) Baba Hassan(APC) Jos north north  Speaking futher  the house leadership has also pass a vote of Confidence on the s

I take exception to the skewed mentality that only certain people or what is approved by them is the best for Plateau State. Lalong might have failed, but I have no regrets nor apologies for supporting him against the hegemonic leadership about to be foisted on Plateau State that necessitated my supporting Lalong at that time. What makes a man is his ability to take full responsibility for actions taken by him conscientiously without regrets, and learning from the mistakes observed in the decision taken. His glaring failures notwithstanding, I shall support Lalong 1million times given the 2015 and 2019 circumstances. That Lalong has failed is no guarantee that the persons he defeated at the polls in 2015 and 2019 would do better. When the same people supported Buhari in 2007, they told us Buhari was the best thing that would happen to Nigeria, but now they are telling us that Buhari is the worst thing to happen to Nigeria because he emerged without their support. My level of exposure h

The newly elected leaders of the 17 Local Government Council in Plateau State have been called to uphold leadership ethics and values.  The Chairman Jos North Local Government Council, Hon. Shehu Bala Usman disclosed this in an interview with the News Men after the first section of the three days program tagged: "Threshold orientation and leadership retreat for local government Chairmen and their deputies in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund, (ITF)". He said the retreat was organised to enhance capacity building, effective management and control, financial prudence and general administration for effective leadership, rule of law and general responsibilities of local government councils as the third-tier of government, held at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Study, NIPSS, Kuru of Jos South local government area of the Plateau. He added that the retreat for Chairmen and deputies would provide them with new approach to mainstream the local governmen

Agency Report The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau on Wednesday vowed not to recognise the elected Principal Officers of the Mangu Local Government Council Legislative Arm. The Chairman of the party,Mr Abdullahi Garkuwa, made the declaration in an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Mangu on Wednesday. NAN reports that the legislative arm had on Oct. 15 held its inaugural sitting and elected Mr Mangs Istifanus-Isa as Leader and Mr Humphrey Dungtaham-mutwuling as Majority leader,respectively. And later at another seating it elected other officers to include Mr Kabiru Illiyasu-Chinbes as Deputy Majority Leader, Mr Noma Ayuba as Chief Whip and Mr Joseph Manasseh as Deputy Chief Whip. But Garkuwa described their election as “illegal” and “null and void” as far as the APC and the local government area were concerned. “As long as the leadership of APC in Mangu is concerned, the supposed elected legislative Principal Officers ar

Kaze wrote on his Facebook wall thus:  PLATEAU COUNCILq POLLS 2021: THAT MY SILENCE MAY NOT BE MISCONTRUED  Following the decisions of the courts that led to the exclusion of PDP in the Oct 2021 Council Polls in Plateau State, the propaganda was amplified that, “Bitrus Kaze have written the commission [PLASIEC] that they should not recognized the (Sen Ogbeha-led State) CTC, that they should not participate or observed the PDP primary election and that they should not issue nomination forms to the PDP candidates.” Without producing the letter, the State Legal Adviser Barr Bincen Jantur issued a public statement on 25th Oct 2021 stating that; “the pains PDP members are passing through emanated from the controversial deal between PLASIEC and Bitrus Kaze' s letter.” My attention has just been drawn to another post this morning from Barr Jantur who is now saying it is a “lawyer that wrote to PLASIEC on behalf of Bitrus Kaze.” I could ignore the e-rats but when within a week, the State L

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, October 25, 2021 presented a budget of N31, 350, 512, 836 ( Thirty-one Billion, Three Hundred and Fifty Million, Five Hundred and Twelve Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirty Six Nara) to the National Assembly for its operations in 2022. The figure represents a slight improvement over the N29, 575,694,747.46 appropriated for the Commission in 2021. For details on this and other stories, visit our website: www.efccnigeria.org.

Amo National Development Association (AMONDA) was on Saturday 23rd October held a thanksgiving and prayers service in honour of their illustrious sons and daughters of the community who have impacted positively for the growth and development of the community and its people, and who are also making the community proud. The thanksgiving service and prayer programme was held at the Seventh Days Adventist Church Jengre of Bassa local government area of Plateau State amidst pomp and pageantry. Answering questions from select Media Executives of the Age Newspaper, the NewsGate Magazine, the News Crest Newspaper, Frank News Magazine and the Emerald News Magazine respectively, the Statistician General of the Federation said in his capacity as the Statistician General, his administration will do everything possible in moving the nation's economy forward. Hon. Elder Samuel Amos Timbau, the organiser and President of AMONDA said it is imparative of them to honour the sons and daughters of t

There were palpable pundomium and an uneasy calm at the permanent site of  Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), in Nukpis district Area of Jos North Local Government of Plateau state. When our Correspondent visited the hospital site, he discovered that everywhere was blocked by the protesters comprises of eight Companies that are working with the Hospital. The staff were seen picketed the entrance of the Hospital to protest over 30 Months of their salary arrears.  According to them, they have been passing through excruciating pains over the non payment of their salaries. One of the protesters and a supervisor with one of the Security Companies who identified himself as Wakyil, said they are going to embarked on a 7 day sit at home strike and failure for the management to pay them, they'll declare indefinite and total strike, according to him, it has not been easy as our children are no more in schools, we can't pay house rents anymore, enough is enough even when we were to

our Attention has been drawn by a purported statement from an amorphous group that claimed to be APC EXCOs of Jos Jarawa. Ordinarily, we wouldn't have reply such non existence Group, but for the sake of History and to put the record straight. We the EXCOs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of Jos Jarawa ward are firm and resolute and have never contemplated of suspending the newly Elected vibrant, astute, Workaholic and Industrious Chairman of our dear Party in the State Hon. Ishaya Itse, the Youth emancipator and Philanthropy per excellent. We the EXCO at the ward level Suspend the said Ishaya Ashom whose action and other person are impersonating as EXCOs of Jos Jarawa ward and we therefore, suspend them in line with article 21, particularly (A)III and we have constituted a three man committee to investigate the said Ishaya Ashom and his accomplice on financial allegations infractions, and anti party. The three member Committee will be soon Inuagurated to swing into action to

By Azi Aware The last Saturday's All Progressives Congress (APC) state Congresses has raised so many anxiety among Party faithfuls, in Plateau state, just like other states, two different EXCOs Elected with different Party offices, the first was the one that took place in Crest Hotel, the announcement for the venue of the Congress was issued by the then State Secretary of the Party, Bashir Sati, according to the press release as at then, the exercise will commence by 10Am but as our correspondent visited the Venue, party faithfuls gathered anxiously waiting for direction but left in confusion as no officials on ground to address them and conduct the Congress. It was later that they turned out lately in the night for the affirmation, some aggrieved members boycotted the entire exercise and described it as a complete charade, debacle and fiasco. Addressing some select Media Executives, the newly state APC Chairman, Hon. Ishaya Itse said over four hundred delegates converged at the

... Commended Governor Lalong For A Peaceful Conduct Of Congresses. Hon. Solomon Itse Maigari, a top contender for Jos North/Bassa  Federal Constituency, said he is inspired to contest for the by Election of the the Constituency is to provide a better representative for his constituency. He stated this while interacting with newsmen in Jos. He said "I'm contesting for the Election because I have the conviction and capability of leading my people in that capacity. APC is the party for all and I have being the member since it's formation. APC is the only Party that's carrying everybody along in respective of Religious and Ethnic affiliations. I have a Clarion call from my people, particularly from Afizere nation. As a professional Architect, I will use my experience to bring development to the door steps of my people through quality laws, lobbying of projects and oversights". He added that "There are so many dilapidated roads within the Constituency particularl

... Passes Vote of confidence on Dr. Nimzing led EXCO By Jatdul Daman, Jos. Dengi Old Students Association (DOSA), has passed a vote of confidence in the Professor Abdullahi Shehu Yibaikwal and Dr. Nimzing Nanchak's led administration and unanimously endorsed them to pilot the affairs of the association for the next two  years. The declaration was made at the DOSA 2021 Annual Convention recently held at the Crest Hotel  in Jos, Plateau State Capital  where members trooped in from all over the country and abroad to grace the occasion amidst pomp and pageantry. Although the President, Prof Shehu Abdullahi Yibaikwal, who is currently serving as Nigeria's ambassador to Russia was not present at the event, but he sent his strong endorsement of the Vice President Dr Nanchak Nimzing, describing him as being very capable since he was able to keep the Executive Committee of the Association united and strong for performance. Responding shortly after the endorsement, the Acting Presi

                Ex Gov Jonah Jang ... Described Him As The Greatest Enemy Of Democracy In The History Of Plateau State  We are appalled to read some offensive write up from a certain Clinton Garuba who claims to be speaking for former Governor of Plateau State Dara Jonah David Jang as a Media Consultant or (Kwan-sultant). In the shameless statement, he called the hugely peaceful, successful and court-sanctioned Local Government elections held today throughout the 17 Local Government areas of Plateau State as "show of shame, travesty of justice, cowardice and rape of democracy.  We would have ignored this piece of trash as a "shure shure" (ranting) of a nonentity, rusty, jobless and shameless busy body, but because of the historical antecedents of the message and the messenger in the democratic history of Plateau State, we cannot allow it pass or fail to put the records straight.  Let's begin with Dara Jonah Jang who is our elders statesman which we would have loved t

Sequel to the expiration of the tenure of elected Local Government Chairmen and Councillors by midnight of Thursday 7th October 2021, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has appreciated them for serving the people meritoriously and doing their best to improve the lives of the citizens at the grassroots.  Governor Lalong while wishing the Chairmen and Councillors the best in their future endeavours, asks them to continue to offer their services to the socio-political development of the State as they have demonstrated their capacities in the last three years and gathered enormous experiences to add value to the people.  He thanked them for their support and collaboration towards ensuring the success of the Rescue Administration through many projects and programmes cited in their Local Government areas.  In view of the expiration of the tenure of the elected Local Government Chairmen and Councillors, the Governor directs their immediate dissolution and instructs them to hand over aff

  An All Progressives Congress APC Chairmanship aspirant,  Hon Ishaya Itse has commended governor Simon Lalong for the appointment of credible persons as Special Advisers. Hon Itse who expressed  excitement over the appointment, noted that their coming on board will improve the machinery of government in view of their experiences in their previous endeavors.  He commended Governor Lalong for the foresight in appointing  men and women of sterling qualities in his administration as Special Advisers. Noting that their coming on board will enhance Service delivery and a big boost to the ruling party in the state. The chairmaship aspirant, urged the new appointees to brace for the challenges ahead and work hard not to betray the government and people of the state and contribute their quota to the success of the ", Rescue Administration. He  further encouraged the appointees to see the entire state as their constituency and work assiduously for the success of the party in Saturday's

  ... Asks Buhari To Call Him To Order Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has been accused of undermining democracy by using the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission, PLASIEC to exclude the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and its candidates in the local government elections billed for saturday in the state.  Rising from its monthly meeting in Abuja this evening, former members of the House of Representatives under the PDP from the 6 states of the north central zone including the FCT, described the plan by the governor to allow only Apc candidates in the elections as an act of democratic dictatorship, reckless approach to political power and cowardice. In a strong worded statement signed by former deputy majority leader and former deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Baba Shehu Agaie and Rt Hon Engr Muktar Ahmed respectively, the over 50 former legislators frowned at the governor for taking democracy for granted because of his privileged po

                  John Sura  B rigadier G eneral John Sunday Sura retired, after serving his father land for the mandatory 35 years in service, has promised to serve Plateau State better than he served the nation. He made the declaration in a media interview with a select Media Executives at his residence in Lamingo area of Jos. In his remarks General Sura who is aspiring to be the Governor of Plateau State come 2023, said: "Brigadier General John Sura is a retired Army officer, who retired in June 2019. Before retiring out from service, I served in different units in the Nigerian Army. I also served on outside operationschool. I was out of the country during the Liberia war, we're the second set of Military Observers that served in Sudan and I served in Western Dafur. In that place probably because of my versatility, I was appointed as a Military Observer. We were always on the field collating and also investigating and reporting to the African Unon (AU). I was also in charg

  We the Afizere Youth Movement,in Jos North LGA, want to debunk in clear terms and without any doubt and equivocation that the said Press Conference, that was read by one Agwom Atang, on be half of the group is very embarrassing and a meticulous as well as calculated attempt to enmeshed, smear and drag the good image of the Izere nation into a political catastrophe that is awaiting to befall the Natives of Jos North LGA. We as a nation,will neither reneged nor negate on the recommendations of Justice Niki Tobi's Commission of inquiry that states unambiguously clear that,Jos North belong to the three Ethnic groups of Afizere,Anaguta and Berom,since then,there has been a gentleman agreement among these Ethnic groups to rotate the Chairmanship position. For the avoidance of doubt,the said Shehu Bala they are  clamouring to imposed on the Peaceful and law abiding citizens of Jos North LGA was appointed as the management committee Secretary of Jos North LGA in 2016 under the management

. .. Accused him of complacency   CMD Edmund Banwat  A group under the auspices of Affukoh Concerned Youth (ACY) of Lamingo area of Jos North Local Government, has staged a peaceful protest over their dissatisfaction with the way and manner the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Jos University Teaching Hospital  (JUTH), Edmund Banwat discharges his duties within the hospital and their community respectively.  The group also accused the Chief Medical Director of the Jos University Teaching Hospital of complacency, negligence to the plights of the host Community and regards him as coward, a failure and are tired of his mal- administration.  The protesters were seeing en- masse carrying placards with various inscriptions such as: 2000 hectres of land, no employment for host Community, give us our farmland, give us our right by employment. We need our 75 percent employment slots as enshrined in the Federal Character Article, we are hungry no land to farm because of JUTH, we say

The Afizere Youth (AYM) Movement of Nukpis district Area of Jos North Local government  with serious dismay, debunks in strong terms, a press statement issued by a certain group of youths who were out for their personal and selfish interests and was led  by one Julius Arin Atang who claimed to be the Youth leader of the Community. In a press release, the AYM itemized their points as follows: 1. Arin Julius Atang is not a Community Youth leader of Nukpis and lacks the capacity to speak on her behalf. 2. Comrade Daniel Itse David is the Current and Serving leader. 3.we equally want to  point out that "Afukoh" Concerned Youth is the Umbrella Body of the entire host Communities of Jos University Teaching Hospital and in view of this,it is saddled with the responsibility of serving and representing the community in search of employment opportunities as well as admission for our teeming Youths in various Institutions within and outside our community. 4.Therefore,we want to categori