Senator Elisha Ishaku Abbo representing Adamawa North on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has on Wednesday dumped his party for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Senator Abbo’s defection letter was addressed to the President of the Senate,Senator Ahmad Lawan.
Lawan who read the letter at Plenary Session Wednesday said that Senator Abbo defected because of what he described as the unprecedented achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari who has paid attention to the welfare of Nigeria citizens more than any other President,Nigeria as a country has ever produced.
According to Abbo, he is dumping the PDP with his constituents because of what he termed, mismanagement of PDP in Adamawa State by the Governor,Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri that has led to a faction within the party in the State as well as the polarization of the party and interests.
In his remarks,President of the Senate,Senator Ahmad Lawan who welcomed the Senator to APC, said that his action is a show of patriotism,of purpose and unity for the development of the country, said that the APC was inviting more Senators to come to the APC and join hands with the party, with a view to building Nigeria as a country.
Senator Ishaku Abbo’s letter titled, ” Movement of God’s People from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC, read:
“I write to formally inform you Sir,the Senate and indeed Nigerians of my defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This is as a result of the mismanagement of the PDP by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri in Adamawa State which led to the crisis in the party that in turn led to the polarization of the party in the state (PDP and rPDP). “Today I join the APC and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,President Muhamadu Buhari to build the Nigeria of our dreams.
“The journey may be long,but we are on the right track as I strongly believe that by the end of the tenure of Mr President, Nigeria will be a better place.
“My Senate President Sir, it is worthy of note that in the history of Nigeria’s Nascent democracy, specifically from 1999 till date, no President has paid attention to the welfare of Nigerian Citizens like President Muhamadu Buhari as it is evident in packages such as:
i.Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT); ii.Homegrown School Feeding Program (HGFP); iii. Trader Money; iv. Market Money; v.Farmers’ Money; vi.nPower; vii.
Special Public Works Programme, currently employing 1000 persons from each of the 774 local Government Areas; viii.National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA): Buhari Young Farmer’s Network; ix. Artisans and Transportation Grants; x.Guaranteed Off-take Scheme; xi.CAC Business Formalization Scheme; xii. Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) Grants among others. “Thus,in living up to the expectation of the good people of Adamawa North Senatorial District, I hereby defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with effect from today being Wednesday,the 25th day of November 2020. “Accept Distinguished SP Sir, the assurances of my highest regards.”
The member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency has joined thousands of friends and well wishers of Professor Saleh Mohammed Galadima Kanam, to felicitate with him on his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari as the member representing Plateau State in the board of Hydroelectric Producing Areas Development Commission.
His appointment followed his nomination on Tuesday 24th November, 2020 among 7 others by the President for confirmation by the Senate to fill the vacant board of the commission.
SMG Kanam has been one of the strong pillars upon which the All Progressives Congress was built in Plateau State, and he has remained steadfast in his commitment to the progress of the party in the state and Nigeria at large. His appointment, therefore, is a manifestation of his unwavering belief in the APC administration, and my confidence in his ability to defend Plateau well in the board is unshaken, giving his track records of achievements as an academia and administrator.
I want to use this privilege to thank the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Samuel Bako Lalong for submitting the name of Prof. SMG Kanam to Mr President for consideration for federal appointment and the Speaker House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for following up to ensure that the appointment comes to fruition. I am particularly indebted to the Speaker, whom, though not from Plateau State had stood his ground to ensure that SMG was rewaeded for his loyalty and dedication to APC right from inception.
I pray God to grant SMG the enablement to discharge the responsibilities of his new office with utmost diligence and for the edification of the Most High. Amen!
Once more, congratulations!
Signed: Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, (Dan Malikin Kanam and Dan Majen Jahr) Member Representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Navy.
The Northern Governors Forum has rejoiced with Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as he marks 74 years.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a congratulatory message described Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as a political giant who has contributed immensely to the development of the nation and its democracy.
He said “over the years, the former Vice President has clearly demonstrated his passion for Nigeria’s unity and progress through his service in both public and private sectors where he made impact. He is a statesman who loves Nigeria”.
Governor Lalong said Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has continued to offer valuable advice to leadership at various levels in the country particularly within the Northern region in areas of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and religious harmony.
While wishing him many more years of good health, divine protection and God’s favour, the Governor wished him well and urged him to sustain his love for Nigeria by advocacy for good governance, peace and progress as he has done over theyears.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 25th November 2020.
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: GOVERNOR LALONG OPTIMISTIC OF PLATEAU UNITED VICTORY AS HE VISITS TRAINING SESSION
Ahead of the of the CAF Champions League match between Plateau United and Simba SC football club of Tanzania, scheduled to hold at the Zaria Road Stadium in Jos, Governor Simon Lalong on Wednesday 25th November 2020 visited the team during their training session.
While addressing the players and technical team, Governor Lalong said he was at the stadium to ascertain their level of preparations and also encourage them to put in their best for a victory come sunday.
“I am here first of all to congratulate you for winning the Nigerian Premier League for the second time which qualifies you to represent Nigeria at the CAF champions League. I have no doubt that you will bring home the trophy having leant from the mistakes of the past and made serious improvements” he said.
Lalong said the team has all it takes to win the match on Sunday and eventually go ahead to win the tournament. He promised that the State Government will provide all moral and logistics support to the team to ensure they are motivated to perform well.
Governor Lalong assured the team that a new bus will be delivered to the team this week to enhance their comfort and movement. He promised to be personally present at the stadium to cheer up the team to victory.
General Manager of Plateau United Mr. Pius Henwan informed the Governor that the team has been vigorously training for the match and was ready to put in their very best in the CAF champions league and the national league.
He said the Government’s gesture to the club has been a great booster that has seen them make progress over time. He also appealed for intervention of the Governor in getting some fans to witness the match in line with the COVID-19 protocols.
Chief Coach of Plateau United Abdul Maikaba described the Governor’s visit as a tonic that will motivate them for victory. He appreciated the intervention of the Governor at various times towards improving the welfare of the team. He said Plateau United is the only team in Nigeria that receives salaries regularly and before the end of the month.
The Governor in company of his Chief of Staff Noel Donjur and the Commissioner for Sport Victor Lapan inspected renovation work at the dressing rooms and conveniences in the stadium.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 25th November 2020.
Some people who participated in looting of part of the about N75bn items during the recent vandalisation of warehouses and other public and private properties in Plateau state have returned thier loot and are asking to be forgiving for the theft. The items looted under the guise of palliatives was to the tune of N75bn, the governor, Simon Lalong said recently. According to a press release signed by the director of press affairs to the governor, Simon Macham Makut, the repentant persons were led to the new Government House Rayfield Jos led by popular evangelist of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo. Explaining the circumstance of the repented looters, Rev. Dachomo said they confessed during a prayer revival orgainsed at the Zang Secondary School Bukuru, Jos South Local Government, and asked to be led to the government to seek forgiveness. “The clergyman said over two thousand people came forward after the hearing the gospel where he preached against the recent looting and vandalism which affected public and private properties in the State. “This action according to him is not just an invitation of the anger of God against the suspects but the entire State. He said the hijack of the ENDSARS protest is a plan of the devil to scuttle the will of God for Plateau State which cannot be left without intercession”, the release said. Rev. Dachomo appealed to the Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong to temper justice with mercy by granting forgiveness to the repentant persons who voluntarily came forward at the revival meeting with a promise never to partake in such acts again in future. He said they were touched by the message, some of the persons involved in the looting repented and decided to bring some of the items still in their possessions as a mark of restitution and plea for mercy from God and the Government of Plateau State. Receiving the items on behalf of the Governor, Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu commended Rev. Dachomo for appealing to the consciences of the affected persons who came forward to ask for forgiveness. He said the action of the looters was a great disservice to the State as not only food items were looted, but heavy machinery, public infrastructure and businesses worth billions of naira were stolen and also destroyed. He advised the youths of Plateau State to be wary of listening to incitement by people who are not even from Plateau State, but come into the State purposely to orchestrate the destruction after which they disappear to their places of origin just like during the ENDSARS protest. He promised to forward the plea of the repentant persons to the Governor for further consideration. Most of the items returned were food provisions looted from various warehouses.
GWAMLAR REVIEWERS JOYFULLY CONGRATULATES PROF. SALEH MOHAMMED GALADIMA KANAM OVER HIS APPOINTMENT BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI
It is with deepest Joy, we write to congratulate one of the pillar/pioneer and founder of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Plateau State and Nigeria at large, Prof. Saleh Mohammed Galadima Kanam over his recent appointment with the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYADEC) by president Muhammadu Buhari as a member of the governing council of the Commission.
GWAMLAR REVIEWERS , is a political association of Youths, elders and women of Gwamlar Federal Ward , join millions of Kanam and Plateau State Citizens in celebrating with the grant leader/stalwart of the party in Kanam and Plateau State.
Your appointment is longest overdue since 2015 hence did not come to us as a surprise. Your philosophy, ideology, perseverance, confidence and commitment to the progress and development of the party and Nigeria is unprecedented and is what earned you Mr President’s approval of your appointment.
Professor SMG Kanam as he is popularly known and called, is a grassroot mobilizer, coordinator, pilot and the grant leader of the APC in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
As you await the Red Chamber’s (Senate) Screening/Confirmation, we pray that Almighty Allah gives you more health, knowledge and wisdom in discharging your assign responsibilities assiduously and be assured of our unalloyed loyalty and support.
I had earlier declared an interest seeking for an executive position that was zoned to my LGA (Kanam) and to my area khimpyi, in the Plateau Youth Council. The declaration was borne out of my desire to contribute in my own little way what I felt, I have to offer to my state through the youths council and in the process develop my leadership skills as well.
Along the line, I was saddled with another responsibility for the APC youths online forum.
After having a deep thought and consultations, I come to the conclusion that the two platforms have different set ups and coloration and might end up having conflicting roles going forward.
To avoid a future clash of interest and to preserve the integrity of the forum that I was assigned to chair as well as not for people to be mistaken my aspiration as having a partisan garb, I’m withdrawing my interest in vying for the DOS of PYC.
I most sincerely thank all those who had supported my aspiration right from the beginning to this moment. We would have make a big statement in the council election, but, events unfold and that is how it turn out to be. I will forever be eternally grateful for such fraternity.
I will continue to participate in the youth council as an active member and supporter.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS REJOICE WITH PROF. IBRAHIM GAMBARI AT 76
The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari on the occasion of his 76th birthday.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a congratulatory message described Prof. Gambari as a distinguished academic, diplomat and administrator whose achievements have brought pride to the nation and the world at large.
He said Prof. Gambari is one of Nigeria’s finest professionals who has not only toiled for its unity and development, but also worked tirelessly to protect its image and integrity at the global stage.
Lalong also described the Chief of Staff to the President as a bridge builder who has always projected the interest of Nigeria and its people above personal considerations.
While praying God to grant him more years of peace, good health and happiness, Governor Lalong urged the Chief of Staff to continue to offer his best to the nation as he assists President Muhammadu Buhari in fulfilling his promises of taking Nigeria to the next level.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum. 24th November 2020.
Fresh crisis appears to be rocking the Kanke chapter of APC youth online as the secretary Mr. Shikrit Dimka has moved for the removal of the chairman Mr. Mathew Gonet on the basis of his aspiration to run for the position of Secretary, Plateau Youth Council. This was gathered by Plateau Reporters through a press statement released and circulated by the group led by Dimka. However, when Plateau Reporters sought to hear from the side of the chairman Mr. Mathew Gonet, he said, “Shikrit Dimka as my secretary lacks the capacity to do so. I was appointed by the state not LGA exco. I can’t be cowed their act of cowardice born out of desperation for power. As Fabong will always say at Larger house that his work and political affiliation is distinct from PYC, my aspiration has nothing to do with my party.” He further said through a counter press statement that ” Someone called me over this moments ago and I asked some questions: 1. Saminu Maigoro who’s now the state coordinator of APC youths online is an aspirant for DOS why have they not removed him yet? 2. Dr. Fabong the outgone pyc chairman was an employee of the state govt before contesting and later took an appointment as DG PLASCHEMA, why didn’t they call for his removal? 3. Anne suwa the out gone PYC chair person Kanke was appointed by Distinguished senator Dimka as SA why didn’t she turn down the appointment or relinquish PYC? 4. Ken Dabilong, SA to the commissioner for youths and sport who forsees pyc activities is contesting for PYC chairman quanpan. Why haven’t they call for his head yet? 5 Domshiwe Yilleng, an aspirant for PYC chairman Kanke and SA to the local govt chairman is there with them. Why have they not crucified him already?” Read Full Text below 👇 about the chairman’s Removal KANKE APC YOUTHS ONLINE REMOVES HER COORDINATOR. COMRADE. MATHEW GONSUR GONET 24th Nov,2020 Kanke APC youths online wishes to notify the public about the recent development in the affairs and scheme of things in its area. The online platform was sometimes in August 25th. 2020. inaugurated by the state exco at the women wing, in Kwal. Kanke local government council to fulfil its mandate of partisanship to protect and promote the value and pride of the party online. The group represent the interest of APC via all online platform and protects the image and offering constructive criticism where necessary to build the party. Therefore, Kanke APC Youths online is having a” constraint”, which was discussed by the exco and proper advice was given to ensure running of the group. The issue at stake is simple, the coordinator of Kanke APC Youths online Comrade Mathew Gonsur Gonet has declared his aspiration to contest for Plateau Youths Council( PYC) at the state level, the declaration was made on Thursday been 19/11/2020. In view of the above, APC youths online is purely a political affair, built in share partisanship, while Plateau Youth Council is apolitical which represent the interest of all youths irrespective of party affiliation. Hence, our coordinator was duly advice to resign and give neutrality to his contest which is aimed to serve the generality of the state. Going further, the public knows that one of our exco Comrade Godman Gonet resigned his position as Organising Secretary to contest for CWC which is honorable and represent the tenets of our beloved party. After an extensive and wide consultation, the exco, zonals and Wards Chairmen agreed for his removal to protect the image and integrity of our great party (APC) from being ridiculed to make the PYC look like a Party issue which is not but purely Plateau Youth project. Kanke APC Youths online to maintain her dignity and role of protecting government and the party at all levels. The exco, zonals and ward chairmen signed for his removal as the Coordinator! We wish him best of luck in his aspiration and future endeavors. The following exco, Zonals and Wards Chairmen signed and their portfolios. In conclusion, the exco at the executive level, Zonals and Wards Chairmen whose signature herein sealed, recommend Comrade Mwadan Zatji Yilkwuit to fill the vacuum created as the new local government coordinator and prays his confirmation by state exco at an earliest time possible. Sign: Shikrit Dimka Secretary Kanke APC Youths Online. For the exco. CC: APC Youths online State CC: APC Youth leader Kanke CC: Distinguish Senator Hezekiah Dimka Chairman house committee on drugs and narcotics (Plateau Central) CC: Rt. Hon Gagdi Yusuf Babayo. House Committee Chairman on Navy (PKK) CC: Nde Wing. Emma Lar. Executive Chairman Kanke LG. CC: Hon Wallok Goma House committee Chairman on Finance. CC: Hon. Tamwakat Weli. Commissioner for Tourism CC: All Security Apparatus in the state and Local government.
YUSUF ADAMU GAGDI: A QUINTESSENCE OF MODERN DAY POLITICS By Kankimes Al-Ghazali Moh’d This piece is not borne out of sheer vain glorious imaginations or because I am the most lettered. But I consider this a great opportunity to write about this great achiever of our time. An opportunity that doesn’t come too often. If there’s ever a time in history, when the studies of the fundamentals of leadership should be added to the schools’ curriculum, this can’t but be a better time.
Perhaps, the dearth of leadership rocking the steadiness of our nation’s boat would have found a lasting solution. Or if the present crop of leaders will borrow a leaf from history and learn great leaders before them. No doubt, Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi ranks at the fore of a sparse assemblage of leaders in present day Nigeria.
His monumental achievements continue to ring louder even after leaving office as a Member representing Kantana Constituency in State Assembly and within one and a half year in office as member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency. In real sense, it is easy to conclude that some leaders are naturally characterized by ideas, vision and the will to set a pace and to have their name boldly written on the sand of time.
A vivid reference point is the leadership qualities exhibited by this noble man, the Danmalikin Kanam and Danmajen Jhar, which qualified him as the political reference of our time. The starting point for this piece naturally fails to align because the achievements would be too numerous to mention.
However, the qualitative leadership acumen and the sense of stewardship which Yusuf Adamu Gagdi possesses has been established, at least, at the highest level. He occupying parliamentary office in the land and seing from that angle. He goes history lane as a disciplined politician with regard for transperancy and accountability. He is an epitome of discipline, hard work, equity and fairness. His political philosophy has no regard for sentiments. An harbinger of egalitarianism.
His affinity with both the high and mighty and the downtrodden is second to none. He leaves no stone unturned in grassroots developments, socio-economic worries and general political affairs. Kindly permit me to scrutinize little out of the emulative background of this vibrant politician cum business man. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi was born on November 5, 1980 in Gagdi, Plateau State, Nigeria. To the very peasant family of Mallam Adamu and Mallama Hauwa’u, with six brothers and two sisters. His father was the local mosque imam and a Qur’anic teacher in the community.
He was named by his paternal father, late Mallam Adamu Gagdi. They settled in Gagdi, a small village in Kanam Local Government Council of Plateau State. His father was an Islamic scholar who trained and taught people in religious ways. He also kept some livestock and cultivated guinea corn, maize and groundnuts.
Yusuf Adamu Gagdi grew up in a wholesome environment of love and spirituality. His father saw him as a rare gift, a child of destiny. Hon Gagdi had his Islamic education under the teaching and guidance of his father. In him, he learned the virtue of simplicity and compassion, philanthropy, modesty and love for humanity.
Hon Yusuf Gagdi did his primary school at LEA Central Primary School Gum-Gagdi before proceeding to GSS Gagdi for his Junior Secondary school. Since the school then doesn’t have an SSCE center, he transferred to GSS Dengi where he had his Senior Secondary education and graduated in 1999. His transfer to GSS Dengi, was his first time of coming to the local government headquarters. An indication of how peasant and humble his background was.
Gagdi got admission at FCE Pankshin in 2001. He resumed with only a few clothes, few measures of grinded maize flour and the grace of God! Without even money to rent a room as his accommodation. That year, he took solace at the security room of the school gate.
Such challenges play a very significant role in shaping the worldview and thought process of Hon Gagdi. His challenging beginning makes him to be exceptionally generous now… Because he knows what it means to be poor.
He navigate through the initial tough life challenges and difficulty at FCE Pankshin and made a name for himself as one of the most vibrant and outstanding chief judge of the student union of the school.
Instead of going back home with his NCE, he chooses an upward movement to Jos.
Due to his brilliance, hardwork, dedication and loyalty he strike a good relationship with the member representing his constituency who was the Deputy Speaker then, late Rt. Hon Usman Zumunta Musa. The relationship that blossomed beyond being a personal aide, to a father and son bond.
The quest for more education pushed Gagdi to the University of Jos where he bagged a Bsc(Ed) in Economics, a PGD in Conflict Management and Msc in Peace and conflict management. Right now, a PhD candidate at Nasarawa State University, studying and researching in peace and security studies.
While in Jos, armed with his NCE in 2004, instead of the usual complaints of there’s no job, he chooses not to be docile and lazy. He was traversing the length of Jos teaching as a PTA teacher in order to sponsor his degree education while serving late Usman Zumunta as a personal aide, godson and mentee.
Rt. Hon Gagdi started his career as an appointee with the Plateau State Teacher’s service commission where he was posted as a teacher to GSS Anguwan Rogo. He was later seconded to the office of the head of service, the late Godfrey Mamzhi where he served as his Personal Assistant (PA).
The life of Rt. Hon Gagdi has always been that of service and loyalty. Which he has done to these great men Late Hon Usman Zumunta Musa and late Godfrey Mazhi (May their souls continue to rest in peace Amen).
While at the office of the head of service, he facilitated employment into the state civil service to a lot of people, mostly, young people of his peers across the state during some recruitment and replacement exercises that was conducted then. Another young person of his age (in his twenties then), will just be thinking of how to get money to be taking friends out, at that time, he prioritized getting opportunities for job placement to his friends and other associates across the state.
Thus, his zeal for job creation and foresight for employment opportunity doesn’t start today. It is something that has always been part of him. His journey at the state civil service was short because he realized early that he will be of more help to his people in the political circles than the civil service.
He contested 2011 election to state assembly and lost. His keen determination made him to re-contest 2015 State Assembly election and eventually won, defeating his rival then, Bala Noma of the All Progressive Congress. He was elected as the Deputy speaker of the 8th state assembly and was unjustifiably impeached.
People were satisfied with his resilience and doggedness to service and was called to contest for the seat of National Assembly member. He won one of the most dramatic election characterized by religious sentiment and bigotry. Interestingly, the economist turned politician has not betrayed the confidence and trust the people have in him. In about one year, six months he has spent in office as member representing PKK, he has worked assiduously to refocus and reposition the constituency for better performance.
According to Ronald Osborne “The people who succeeds are those that have the self-discipline to develop themselves”. Successful leaders never plateau; they never become static. Yusuf Adamu is a great man, a philanthropist, a motivator, and a political colossus who has channelled his political power positively to help inspire others.
According to Steven Corvey, the celebrated author of “The 7 Habits of the Highly Effective People”, he listed the abilities of understanding before seeking to be understood as one of the 7 habits. Yusuf Adamu is the perfect example. His desire for equity and equality continues to resound to high heavens. In plain and simple term, I will like to say well done to the Enigma called Yusuf Adamu, Danmalikin Kanam and Danmajen Jahr. Indeed his breed is rare and his stock is scarce.
Kankimes Alghazali Moh’d write from Kanam LGA of Plateau State(Email: Princekam75 @gmail.com)
Plateau Reporters 