Opinion

2023: I doubt Lalong can deliver plateau to Tinubu — Plateau Rep

Published

4 years ago

September 20, 2022

vicky

Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives, Dachung Musa Bagos has proclaimed that the Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, cannot deliver the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

Bagos the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Anti Corruption made these claims in Abuja on Monday, stating that Governor Lalong who is also the Director General of the Ahmed Bola Tinubu Presidential campaign would find winning the state an arduous task because, according to him, youths in the state have decided that all political parties must labor to get votes for their candidates.

“I want to let you know that the people of Plateau are waiting for February 25, 2023, to pass their verdict on Governor Lalong and his presidential candidate, Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

“I can assure you that every candidate will get votes according to his performance, the governor has failed Plateau people in all areas since 2015, that is why he cannot deliver Plateau State to the APC and Presidential elections, being a DG will not change the decision of the Youths and Plateau electorate.”

Bagos who currently represents Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency of Plateau said apart from the poor performance of APC at both Plateau and the national level, the youths are now, more than ever, ready to take back their country.

“Remember, the youths constitute more than 60 percent of the electorates, and by the way, how can a party that has kept our youths, the students at home for more than half a year get votes from the same people who have been denied their right to education, the same group of Nigerians who have no jobs, people who are pauperised, how can they vote for the APC?

“How can the youths whose parents and relatives have been killed by terrorists and bandits, who have been displaced, give their votes again to failed promises? This is simply impossible”, he said.

On whether the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi stands a chance in the coming election, the lawmaker acknowledged the efforts of the youths who are mobilizing for the former Anambra governor, saying: “Honestly, even my party the PDP has a lot of work to do to convince the youthful voters because the youths are working tirelessly for any possible options on candidates not party.”

“I believe that after careful analysis and strategic considerations, the youths will make the right choice, not based on emotions but on logical consideration of the different voting blocks in the country”, he added.

Related Topics:2023 election APC PDP plateau

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Plateau Information Commissioner Joyce Ramnap, Vindicated as NUJ Rejects Allegations of Journalist Exclusion

Published

1 week ago

June 16, 2026

Preport

The Plateau State Ministry of Information and Communication and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, have refuted allegations that some journalists and media publishers were deliberately prevented from covering the recent flag-off ceremony of the state’s ultra-modern abattoir project in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

The clarification follows a publication circulated on social media claiming that the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, mni, instructed an aide to stop certain journalists from participating in the coverage of the event held at Pwomol in Heipang District.

In a statement signed by the Special Assistant in the Office of the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Stanley Smiles, the Ministry described the allegation as false, misleading, and without any factual basis.

According to the statement, the groundbreaking ceremony was a public government event, and media participation was coordinated through the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, the umbrella body representing media organizations in the state.

The Ministry emphasized that neither the Commissioner nor any official of the Ministry issued directives to exclude or restrict any journalist or media organization from covering the programme.

It further noted that journalists from various media platforms attended and reported on the event, underscoring the administration’s commitment to transparency, openness, and equal access to information.

The statement added that Commissioner Joyce Ramnap remains dedicated to promoting government activities and ensuring that citizens receive accurate and timely information about the policies, programmes, and projects of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration.

“It is therefore inaccurate to suggest that the Commissioner would deliberately block media coverage of a major government project, as such actions are inconsistent with her responsibilities and established record,” the Ministry stated, urging the public to disregard the publication and rely on verified information from official sources.

In a separate statement, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, also distanced itself from the publication, clarifying that the opinions expressed did not reflect the official position of the Council but were those of the individuals involved.

The statement, jointly signed by NUJ Chairman Ayuku Pwaspo, ANIPR, and Secretary Mary Domtur, acknowledged that while some members were unable to board the vehicles provided for transportation to the venue, they successfully attended the event by making alternative arrangements through personal vehicles and public transportation.

The Council encouraged all concerned parties to adopt dialogue and existing dispute-resolution mechanisms instead of resorting to public narratives capable of creating unnecessary tension within the media industry.

It also observed that administrative decisions relating to media coordination at government functions should not be misconstrued without a proper understanding of established protocols and procedures.

The NUJ commended the Plateau State Ministry of Information and Communication under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap for maintaining productive engagement with media stakeholders and facilitating effective dissemination of government information.

As part of its resolution, the Council passed a vote of confidence on the Commissioner, applauding her commitment to strengthening communication channels between the government and the media.

The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting professionalism in journalism, and fostering mutual respect among journalists, media owners, government institutions, and the public in the overall interest of Plateau State.

News

2027: SDP’s Adebayo kicks against ADC, other parties deregistration

Published

1 week ago

June 16, 2026

Preport

Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in the 2023 election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has condemned a court ruling which ordered the deregistration of some political parties, describing the development as unconstitutional, undemocratic and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

Adebayo, in a post on his X handle, said there was no constitutional, legal or moral justification for alternative political platforms to be suppressed through government action backed by judicial orders.

According to him, the development is particularly troubling as it comes barely days after the nation marked Democracy Day with celebrations, national honors and renewed commitments to democratic values.

He noted that although his party is not among those reportedly affected, remaining silent in the face of injustice would amount to abandoning democratic principles.

The ADP chieftain called on Nigerians and all defenders of democracy to stand in solidarity with the affected parties, including the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Action Alliance, AA, Action People’s Party, APP, Accord Party, AP, and Zenith Labour Party, ZLP.

Adebayo argued that Nigeria’s vast social, cultural, religious, economic and ideological diversity require a broad range of political platforms through which citizens can freely pursue their political aspirations.

He pledged support to the affected parties in their quest for justice and restoration through lawful means, stressing that democratic participation should never be restricted.

The SDP chieftain also advocated constitutional reforms to remove the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to register or deregister political parties, limiting the commission’s role to conducting free, fair, and credible elections.

He proposed a system where political associations are free to field candidates, subject to statutory deposits, which parties failing to secure a minimum percentage of votes would forfeit.

Adebayo warned against policies capable of raising political tension in the country, urging leaders to focus on strengthening democratic institutions and promoting national development instead.

Recall that Justice Peter Lifu of the Abuja Federal High Court, in a ruling on Monday, had ordered INEC to deregister the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Accord Party, and others, and stop them from participating in the 2027 general election.