The Age Newspaper Online

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has ordered the Presidential aspirants to sign a controversial Form 18 'Letter of Withdrawal' attached to the nomination form before allowing them to submit their form. The withdrawal letter addressed to the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdulahi Adamu, must also be signed before a Commissioner of Oath/Public Notary before submission. Tagged; Form 18, stated: "I hereby voluntarily withdraw my candidacy from the contest. My withdrawal is in the best interest of our great party, the All Progressives Congress." Consensus is around the corner. -Marka Danladi Kpokpo Source Dailymail gist

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, today reminded all political parties to strictly adhere to the guidelines and conduct of their respective primaries.

Written By Professor Nuhu Kutan Dakum (Professor of Surgery and Consultant Urological Surgeon) in 2018 For The Book “Ripple Effect By Sarah Lyop Dakum”. I write as a younger brother of Patrick Dakum. We were born to Mr. Kutan Stephen Dakum and Mrs. Laraba Dakum. Most of us were born in Zaria, a city in Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria.  Most of the growing-up period was thus in Zaria. Patrick is the firstborn of nine children. One boy to the best of my knowledge died a few days after birth. It was a sad day for all of us in the house and there was a lot of crying and wailing. Eight of us grew to adulthood, but only six of us, all boys are alive. Growing up in the family was a very interesting experience. It was a house full of laughter, discipline, and fear of God. It was a hospitable environment and we had a lot of relations living with us. One day a photographer came around and we took an unplanned family picture of those who were home at that time. Much later in life, I reviewed that

2023 Plateau Guber Race: Kefiano Parleys NUJ Urged Citizens to Support Private Sector Expert By Jerry Daman  As the general elections of 2023 approach, political permutations for party primaries are ramping up to determine who will carry the party’s flag for the Plateau State Gubernatorial Race to the exalted seat of power in the cozy serenity of Little Rayfield. Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik, popularly known as Kefiano, an aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has parley with the members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Plateau State Chapter to inform Plateau citizens about what to expect if they are elected, and urged them to try someone from the private sector, amongst other things. Mr. Kefas urged Plateau State citizens to learn what these aspirants propose to bring to the table if given an opportunity to serve in any form, particularly as governor of Plateau State in 2023. Mr. Kefas Wungak Ropshik said his call is based on the reality that “leadership has always

All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders from Governor Simon Lalong's immediate constituency, have endorsed the governor as their candidate for the Plateau South Senatorial seat in the forthcoming general elections. Arising from a meeting on Tuesday 3rd of May 2022 in Jos, with Gov Lalong in attendance, APC Stakeholders comprised of the three local government areas of Quan-Pan, Shendam, Mikang, appealed to Gov Lalong to accede to the peoples' demand and stand as the party's candidate in the next general elections having been so endorsed. Chairman of the Forum, Sir Joseph Ari, while expressing the position of the meeting, held that the entire stakeholders, including youth and women groups and other members of the party, were well pleased with the sterling performance of the Governor who has restored relative peace on the Plateau, achieved massive construction of schools and hospitals across the 17 local government areas of the state, as well as completing other projects

The mutilated body of a young lady was in Sunday morning, found dumped at Rayfield Resort in Jos metropolis, according to eyewitnesses. The deceased who was later identified as Francisca Choji, was said to reside with her family around Kabong in the Gada Biyu axis of Jos and had left her home on Saturday for an unknown destination before her corpse was discovered Going by eyewitnesses account, the lady who was between 23 and 25 yrars of age, had some of her body parts removed which was an indication that she could have been murdered for ritual purposes. In January, a 20-year-old man, Moses Oko was arrested by the police for allegedly killing a 300-level student of the University of Jos, Jennifer Anthony, for ritual purposes. The lifeless body of Jennifer who had earlier been declared missing by friends and family, was found at a hotel along Zaria Road on New Year’s Day with some of her body parts including her eyes and tongue missing.

By Gideon Ekere The Interim Administrator of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Efiong Okon Akwa has said that the commission is taking a clue from the President Muhammadu Buhari in rapidly completing ongoing projects in the Niger Delta region in the last one year. Speaking at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, where he was honoured by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, at the Institute's 2022 annual dinner and awards, Dr. Akwa noted that NDDC is taking after President Buhari in meeting with the expectations of the Niger Deltans. He said: "The templates adopted by NDDC in delivering its core mandates are driven by the passion of President Buhari. He is a committed leader who has a strong interest in the welfare of Nigerians and the overall progress of Nigeria and that is the reason for the completion of abandoned projects and many other projects in the region" The NDDC boss added: “NDDC is working on the directive of President Buha

After a careful study of the credentials and suitability of the various ably qualified Tarok sons and daughters jostling for the position of House of Representatives for Langtang North/South Federal Constituency in 2023, I have come to a convincingly informed conclusion that Barr Peter Kefas Dandam is the best material for the job. ALL the other aspirants who have indicated interest in the office are ably qualified and competent enough for the job, but in my candid assessment, Barr Kefas is physically and mentally more balanced for the tasking job of representing the Tarok nation at the green chamber of the National Assembly. One certain fact about his representation, if elected into office, is that he will be personally responsible for his actions, decisions and responsibilities, not a proxy kind of a representation we have endured for 16 years. If first term representatives from our neibouring constituencies can perform wonders in 3 years, I can assure you that our constituency too c

By Ukandi Odey The purchase of nomination and expression of interest forms for Governor Simon Lalong to contest the senatorial seat of Plateau South by his commissioners has continued to generate reactions and sentiments that are threatening cohesion and tolerance within the state APC. Last week, Lalong’s Commissioner for Lands, Survey And Town Planning, Yakubu Datti, announced that the Forum of Commissioners, of which he is chairman, has pooled sixty million naira to purchase the APC expression of interest and nomination forms for Governor Lalong to contest Plateau South Senatorial seat in 2023. No sooner was the news released signed by Yakubu Datti, on behalf of the Forum, arguably borne of political expediency such as purchase of nomination forms, and published than the question of the difference between twenty million Naira as the actual cost of the nomination form and the N60million actually raised by the Forum of Commissioners was raised to the front banner, with many accusing th

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has charged citizens to promote the culture of peace which is cardinal to development and also important to overcoming insecurity in the country. Governor Lalong was speaking at the annual Ngas Festival of Arts and Culture, Pundung 2022 held at the Pankshin Mini Stadium. While commending the Ngas people for doing their best to maintain law and order within their domain, he warned that Government will continue to confront terrorists and other criminals and those who shield them. Citing the recent incident in Namu, Qua'an Pan Local Government where some hoodlums tried to prevent the arrest of a suspected kidnap kingpin and resorted to destruction, the Governor said security agencies have been mandated to be ruthless with those who delight in creating chaos and sorrow for innocent citizens. Lalong said from the dances, to cultural displays, and the array of food and artifacts showcased during the Pusdung Festival, he was reassured that the desi

The Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) Plateau State Council has honoured Dr Patrick Sunday Dakum, the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology Abuja-Nigeria, Leader of the Consolidation for Greater Plateau 2023 Team and the Plateau State All Progressives Congress(APC) Gubernatorial Favourite with a distinguished merit award as the Chief Executive Officer of the Year 2022 at the Pre-May Day Event featuring Symposium and Awards Presentation with the theme "The Role of the Working Class in Building a New Nigeria" on Saturday 30th April, 2022 at the Fox Hotel, 18 Utonkon Road by the National Library, Jos.  Other recipients of the RATTAWU Merit Award were Hon Koomsol Alphonsus Longap,Rt.Hon Saleh Shehu Yipmong, Hon Naanlong Gapyil Daniel, Hon Alex Miskoom Naantuan,Dr Sumaiya Fadimatu Hamza, Mrs Felicia Ibi, Hon Emmanuel Aku and Dr Makut Simon Macham.  Dignitaries represented at the event were Engr Sunday Hyat, Head of Service,

A Nigerian Army personnel and at least two others have been killed in a fresh attack carried out by suspected Fulani Bandits at Rikwe-Chongu village in the Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. The spokesman of the Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), maintaining peace in Plateau and environs, Major Ishaku Takwa, who confirmed the incident on Friday, said that the incident occurred on Thursday night. According to the military spokesperson, troops have been deployed to the community. Pleateau state has constantly suffered attacks by gunmen. Earlier this month, at least 50 people were killed with many abducted by gunmen accross nine villages in the state. Major Ishaku Takwa said: “There was a night attack in the area on April 28; our troops deployed to the community repelled the attack and in the process OPSH lost a soldier. Two other civilians died as a result of the attack as well.” According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the National Publicity

The Plateau Frontline Gubernatorial Hopeful, Chief Garba Pwul SAN, was Thursday 28th April, 2022 declared his intention to contest for the Governorship of Plateau State, at the new party Secretariat situated at Kalwa house, amidst pomp and pageantry. Pwul, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and a God-fearing legal luminary, promised to run an all inclusive government if given the mandate. Addressing Journalists shortly after his declaration in his chambers, the legal luminary said; "Today I was at the party seccretariat of the APC plateau state mainly to declare formerly my intention to contest the number one seat on the plateau namely the office the governor, plateau state. I did this deliberately after a long period of consultation, inner soul searching and thinking including the past, I've come to conclusion that I'll seek this office under the platform of the APC. Now to the question what value did have I added to the APC the answer is not too far fetched, I am the found

... NUJ vehicle, pilot cars burnt By Golok Nanmwa, Jos Senator representing Plateau South, Prof. Nora Ladi Dadu'ut and 14 Journalists as well as some of her aides on Thursday escaped death by whiskers, when their convoy ran into an angry mob in Namu community in Quaan pan Local Government Area of Plateau State. The incident occurred shortly after the Senator commissioned an ICT Centre/E-Library in the community, leaving the vehicle of the NUJ Plateau State Council burnt and the pilot vehicle belonging to the Senator. Our correspondent reports that some people had stormed the community on Thursday afternoon and whisked away four members of the community. The angry youths blocked the convoy of the Senator and started burning tires, insisting that the Senator must work out the return of the four persons before she is released. It was observed that those trapped in the community including the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon Musa Gyang and Director General of ICT Plateau

 The headquarters of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was thrown into confusion on Wednesday as a cash sum of N43 million reportedly disappeared into thin wind at the office premises. The cash which was in dollars denomination totaled a sum of $75,000 and was suspected to be among the funds gathered by the party from the ongoing sales of forms for the 2023 elections. According to reports, the canopy under which the sale of forms is taking place was suddenly dismantled without explanation after the money was discovered missing. It was gathered that the sum of $75,000 went missing amid the crowded struggle at the main entrance to the party premises.   Party sources, however, disclosed to PUNCH that the missing money was in no way connected to the monies from sale of nomination and expression of interest forms as aspirants are expected to make deposits in the designated account numbers before picking up their forms at Buhari House. “It’s actually $75,000. You know there wa

The trial of former Plateau State governor, Senator Jonah David Jang and a former cashier in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (OSSG), Yusuf Pam before Justice C. L. Dabup of Plateau State High Court, Jos, continued today April 26, 2022 with a trail-within-trial in which the second defendant, Yusuf Pam, under cross examination by the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, contradicted himself over claims that his statements were extracted under duress. At the last sitting, Pam had told the court that between January 16, 2017 and May 2018 while in the custody of the EFCC, he was denied access to his phone, his lawyer, and his drugs.  He further said that during interrogation, the Investigating Officer, Musa Sunday slapped and harassed him severally until he was compelled to write what Musa wanted to hear. However, while cross examining the defendant today, Jacobs SAN recalled that the defendant, while being prosecuted before Justice Daniel Longji, never mentioned tha

The Plateau State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Sylvester Wallangko has restated the role of the media in disseminating government business and activities to the people. The Commissioner made the assertion when he received the executives and members of the Plateau Publishers Association (PPA) who were in his office on a courtesy call and media parley. The media executives, were led by the Association's chairman, Chief Amb Nanyah Andrew Daman. (JP), Jarumin Jat and Group Managing Editor of the NewsGate Magazine. Wallangko disclosed that the British America flyover was being funded from internally generated revenue (IGR) and also hinted that the issues surrounding the Governor Simon Bako Lalong legacy projects has been sorted out and that the media would be carried along in all the processes, describing the PPA as partners in progress while noting that the ministry of Budget and Planning was a gateway to every organization wishing to do business with the Plate

Attention His Excellency Governor Simon Lalong Your Excellency, the ominous signs are becoming clearer and the decibels getting louder that some of your aides are friendnemies. Danger lurks around, regret and gnashing of teeth might be the next obvious manifestation... I hope His Excellency sees through the smokescreen of contrived deception, I hope His Excellency listens beyond the rumbles of chaos. The Ship is Sinking and yet the party is on with cheers and jeers like children on an enchanted horse of a merry-go-round. Those who should care do not even know the the wind has wafted away the caution and restraint they ought to ordinarily exercise. Your Excellency, I must as a good disciple of yours sound the warning knell that your political carrier might just be headed for its vestigial cremation. Your Excellency Sir, I write to let you know that there are many of your aides ( Commissioners, local government Chairmen and other political appointees) who are benefitting big in this ad

Rev.Shehu Luke OPEN LETTER IN RESPONSE TO YOUR BANK'S BLASPHEMOUS, SACRILEGIOUS EASTER MESSAGE AND YOUR MOCKERY LETTER OF APOLOGY. The Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) and indeed all Christians found your Easter advert of Sunday 17th April 2022 at best appalling, disrespectful of Christians and a provocation. We chose restrain, not to respond in view of the spiritual essence and the holy solace we attach to Easter and the memory of the suffering, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let it be on record that the "meekness" of Christians with reference to Matthew 5:5 should not be taken for granted by your bank, any organization or the government as was the case in the past. We believe your letter of Apology is a public relations stunt, hence it truly depicted mockery of Christianity and Christians. You are aware that the bulk stops at your doorstep and table as Chief Executive and management. Here we are comp

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC). Dalung submitted his letter of withdrawal from the APC to the leadership of the party in SabonGida Ward, Langtang South Local government area of Plateau State. According to reports, the letter dated Friday, April 1, was signed by the Dalung on Monday, April 18. Solomon Dalung who served as the Minister of Youth and Sports during the first tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari-led government from 2015 to 2019 has earlier condemned the ruling party for not living to expectations, sighting insecurities and other challenges facing the country. The former minister’s statement reads in parts: “This is to convey my withdrawal of membership from the All Progressives Congress with effect from the date of this notice. “It is worthy of mention that recent developments in the party conflict with my core principles of values which define the basis of allegiance to the party. “Of note is the fact t