Opinion

Burutai commends Lalong for using sports to restore peace in Plateau State

Published

4 years ago

December 13, 2022

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Lt- General Tukur Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has commended Governor Simon Lalong administration’s commitment to peace and security with careful implementation of diverse strategic efforts since he assumed office.

Buratai stressed that the governor’s intervention with golf has enhanced unity and engaged the youth for energy in meaningful pursuit. Speaking after accompanying the governor to commission the Lamingo Golf Course building, which was refurbished and named after the governor, Burutai commended the governor for prioritizing peace-building and security, saying that as governor, who must go deeper into national politics, more Nigerians will benefit from his commitment to serve humanity.

In his response, Lalong expressed his happiness for being named as a harbinger of peace and security through the development of golf, saying that he highly appreciates the high-profile visitors for identifying with the tournament, which, he said, contributed to the stability of the state over the years.

Captain of the club, Reverend Father Bless Agwom, said that 400 international golfers, including professionals from Ghana and the United States, came to compete for prizes in various categories of the competition.

News

APC Election Officials Break Silence on Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Primary Dispute

Published

23 hours ago

July 8, 2026

Preport

Controversy surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election for the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency has taken a new turn, with officials who conducted the exercise alleging attempts by some aggrieved aspirants to undermine the credibility of the election.

The allegations were made on Tuesday during a press briefing in Jos by members of the Forum of Ward Presiding Officers, Local Government Collation Officers and Constituency Collation/Returning Officers.

Speaking on behalf of the forum, its Chairman, Chinwatda Tapar, claimed that some aspirants approached election officials after the May 16, 2026 primary and urged them to sign affidavits containing accounts that contradicted what transpired during the exercise.

According to Tapar, some officials were allegedly offered financial inducements, while others faced intimidation and sustained pressure in a bid to secure their cooperation.

“Our duty was to conduct a free, fair and credible election, not to become instruments in any post-election effort aimed at distorting the truth,” he said.

Tapar explained that the election officials were appointed by the APC National Secretariat through the committee constituted to conduct the party’s 2026 National Assembly primary elections in Plateau State, headed by Hon. Stella Okotete.

He stated that the committee deployed them to oversee the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency primary, which, according to him, was conducted peacefully, transparently and in compliance with the APC constitution and electoral guidelines.

He maintained that the election produced a winner who was duly declared and returned after the collation of results.

The forum further disclosed that it had retained information relating to the alleged approaches made by the aggrieved aspirants and would present the evidence to law enforcement agencies, the APC leadership or any court of competent jurisdiction if required.

The officials urged party members and stakeholders to channel any grievances arising from the primary election through lawful and democratic processes rather than attempting to influence election officials.

“Our responsibility as Ward Presiding Officers, Local Government Collation Officers and Constituency Collation/Returning Officers ended with the successful conduct of the primary election and the declaration of its outcome,” Tapar added.

The forum reaffirmed its commitment to truth, fairness, due process and the democratic principles of the APC, insisting that it would not participate in any effort to compromise the integrity of the primary election or distort the facts surrounding its conduct.

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News

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

Published

3 weeks 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.