News

2023: Plateau Police warn politicians to abide by the Electoral Act

Published

4 years ago

September 29, 2022

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As political campaigns officially commence, the Plateau State Police Command has cautioned political parties against employing local security outfits to provide security during political activities, stressing the State Police Command has put in place robust arrangements to ensure surficient security and safety during campaigns in the State.

The Command also admonished political parties to abide by the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and play the game by the rules, calling on party leaders and candidates to prevail on their supporters not to engage in any conduct that would incite violence.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Bartholomew Onyeka who addressed Heads of Security Agencies, the leadership of political parties, State Resident Electoral Commissioner and other stakeholders in an interactive session held on Wednesday in Jos reminded them that a hitch free 2023 general elections can only be possible if all stakeholders play their part in maintaining peace during the campaigns.

In his remark, the CP said, “… Political activities are no doubt associated with lots of problems and challenges that are capable of threatening national security hence there is a need for collective efforts to ensure that campaigns are conducted in the peaceful, serene, conducive and secured atmosphere, devoid of rancor, mischief, misgivings, and thuggery. As the lead internal security agency in the state, it is the primary duty of the Police to ensure that all electoral activities are conducted without any hitch or security threat in any part of Plateau State.

“As the countdown to the Political campaigns draws near, the Plateau State Police Command has put in place robust security arrangements and measures to ensure adequate security and safety for electioneering campaigns and rallies throughout the state. The Police Command is poised to protect and safeguard all venues of campaigns and rallies as well as other INEC-approved electioneering activities and all political parties throughout the state from now to the end of the campaign period for the 2023 general elections.”

“We have also carried out discreet threat assessments and pre-campaigns evaluations and have commenced deployment of our personnel to passive flash points and vulnerable areas to prevent and nip in the bud any form of inter-party frictions, political thuggery, clashes, and acts of lawlessness that can lead to the disturbance of public peace anywhere in the state. This meeting also provides a unique opportunity to dissect current law enforcement realities and engage an all-inclusive approach to re-evaluate our security policing strategies against the backdrop of the dynamics of crime on the Plateau.

“All Political parties are hereby advised to abide by the provisions of Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended) and INEC guidelines and play the game according to the rules. Party leaders and chieftains are to prevail on their flag bearers, members, supporters, and fans not to engage in any act or conduct that can incite violence or constitute a breach of the peace anywhere on the Plateau, before, during, and after the campaigns…”

He added, “Note and be strictly guided by the fact that all quasi-security outfits that were established by the state government and local communities and which are operating under different nomenclatures, structures, and orientations have no legal rules under the Electoral Act, 2022 and within the electoral process.”

“Hence you are charged to ensure that they are not in any way or manner used by any political or community actor for any role during the electioneering campaigns and other electoral processes in the count down to the 2023 general elections.”

News

SoftBank is creating a robotics company that builds data centers — and already eyeing a $100B IPO

Published

9 minutes ago

April 30, 2026

Preport

Tech companies are racing to build out infrastructure that can further drive the automation boom. Now, Japanese multinational SoftBank reportedly plans to create a new company designed to automate the creation of that infrastructure.

SoftBank is putting together a new business called Roze AI, the Financial Times originally reported. Roze would seek to make data center construction in the U.S. more “efficient,” the Wall Street Journal reports. It would do that by — among other things — deploying autonomous robots to help build server farms.

In an interesting twist, the conglomerate is already prepping Roze for an IPO, and some executives want it to happen by the second half of 2026, the Journal writes. The desired valuation might be $100 billion, FT reported.

TechCrunch reached out to SoftBank for more information.

Other recent ventures have also envisioned using AI and automation to make the industrial sector more efficient. For example, Amazon mogul Jeff Bezos has co-founded a startup called Project Prometheus that plans to buy firms in major industrial sectors and modernize them using AI.

SoftBank has been known to back some dark horse startups (it notably sunk hundreds of millions of dollars into Zume, an AI-driven pizza delivery startup that went belly up in 2023). The FT notes that some inside SoftBank have expressed skepticism “about the valuation and the proposed timeline for an IPO.”

News

Langtang North Chairman, Tyem Leads Condolence Visits, Pledges Stronger Security Measures

Published

26 minutes ago

April 30, 2026

Preport

The Executive Chairman of Langtang North Local Government, Hon. Pirfa Jingfa Tyem, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace, security, and community development following a series of condolence visits to bereaved families and traditional institutions across the council area.

During a visit to the residence of the late District Head of Kwallak, Ponzhi Kwallak, Patrick Vongtim, Chairman Tyem sympathized with the family, the Tarok Traditional Council, and the entire Kwallak community over the tragic death of the revered traditional ruler, who was reportedly killed during a violent robbery attack.

The Chairman conveyed the condolences of Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, describing the incident as a painful and unfortunate loss not only to Kwallak but to the entire Langtang North Local Government. He condemned the attack, stressing that criminality must not be allowed to thrive in a society built on strong cultural and moral values.

Hon. Tyem called on residents to remain calm and peaceful as burial arrangements continue, urging the community to honour the late traditional ruler with dignity. He noted that while death is inevitable, the violent circumstances surrounding the monarch’s passing remain deeply disturbing.

Addressing the rising wave of insecurity, the Chairman linked the trend to the gradual erosion of societal values and family discipline. He appealed to parents, community leaders, and all stakeholders to play active roles in mentoring young people and steering them away from criminal activities.

He further assured residents of his administration’s readiness to intensify collaboration with traditional institutions and security agencies. According to him, plans are underway to strengthen security architecture in the area, including the possible deployment of joint patrol teams to protect lives and property.

Responding on behalf of the Tarok Traditional Council, the Acting Ponzhi Tarok, Ponzhi Zinni Nimnan Langnim, commended the Chairman for his prompt intervention and leadership during the difficult period. He described the incident as a wake-up call for communities to address the growing breakdown of family values and social discipline.

He urged parents to be more intentional in raising their children, warning that unchecked misconduct often escalates into more serious criminal acts. The traditional council also pledged its full support to the local government’s efforts to combat insecurity and restore peace.

Community stakeholders, including hotel operators and commercial motorcycle riders, were equally advised to remain vigilant and avoid providing safe havens for criminal elements.

The Councillor representing Kwallak Ward, Hon. Yilkur Isa, appreciated Governor Mutfwang, Chairman Tyem, and the traditional council for standing with the community during its moment of grief. He strongly condemned the killing and called for sustained efforts to improve security in the area.

In a separate visit, Chairman Tyem also condoled with the family of the late Adama Danga, describing her death as a painful loss and encouraging the family to remain steadfast in faith.

The Langtang North Chairman reiterated his administration’s unwavering resolve to work with traditional rulers, security agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure lasting peace, security, and prosperity throughout the local government area.