News
Diasporan group asks urgent action, backs state police
A diaspora group, under the auspices of the Plateau State Association USA, Inc., has called for urgent action in tackling attacks and killing of innocent people.
In a statement by the group’s national president, Barth Shepkong, on Friday.
The group also called for comprehensive security reform, including the establishment of a state police force.
“The current security structure is no longer sufficient to address localised and evolving threats.
“Strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, including state policing, is essential,” it said.
The group, which strongly condemned the recent killings in the state, described the violence as “unacceptable and a grave concern requiring immediate and coordinated action”.
It said that the recurring nature of these attacks highlights serious gaps in prevention, response and overall security coordination.
“The continued loss of innocent lives under recurring circumstances underscores the urgent need for more proactive, coordinated and effective security measures.”
PSA-USA called on the President Bola Tinubu-led government to take immediate and decisive steps to address the deteriorating security situation in the state.
“The protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of government.
“We urge the President and the federal government to act with urgency and resolve to safeguard the lives of citizens in Plateau state,” it said.
The association stated that repeated incidents of violence, especially where warning signs are evident, must be met with swift and effective intervention.
“Where early warning signs exist, they must be matched with early and effective action,” the group said.
PSA-USA explained that those responsible for these acts of violence must be held accountable.
“Those responsible for these attacks must be identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay. Accountability is essential to breaking this cycle of violence,” it said.
It also called on critical stakeholders in Plateau state, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, state lawmakers and members of the National Assembly, to act with urgency and take collective responsibility for protecting the lives and property of the people they represent.
“This is a moment for leadership. All stakeholders must act decisively to protect lives and restore public confidence in the system,” it said.
The association warned that sustained inaction or delayed responses risk undermining public trust and further endangering communities, noting that
“sustained and coordinated action is critical to restoring public trust and ensuring lasting stability.”
As a diaspora organisation with deep ties to Plateau communities, PSA-USA reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for sustainable security solutions and accountable governance.
“PSA-USA stands in solidarity with the governor and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, particularly those directly impacted in the affected communities, and reiterates the urgent need for immediate and sustained efforts to prevent further loss of life.
“The protection of human life is the first duty of government—and it must not fail,” it said.
The PSA-USA is a non-profit, non-political and non-religious organisation that unites Plateau indigenes in the U.S. to support education, healthcare and socio-economic development initiatives for underserved communities in the state.
(NAN)
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule on Saturday installed and presented the staff of office to the new Aren Eggon, Ahmed Ubangari-Alaku.
Mr Sule urged the royal father to discharge his duties with justice, fairness and the fear of God.
“As you are aware, traditional rulers remain indispensable partners in governance and community development. They serve as custodians of our cultural heritage, promoters of peace and unity, as well as mediators in conflict resolution,” he said.
The governor said his administration had integrated traditional institutions into the machinery of governance by involving them in government affairs at various levels.
According to him, the collaboration between government and traditional rulers has contributed significantly to peace, stability and harmonious coexistence among the diverse people of the state.
Mr Sule said the appointment of Mr Ubangari-Alaku to succeed the late Aren Eggon, Dr Bala Abaine-Angbazo, was based on his proven leadership qualities and ability to unite the people.
“I say this considering the antecedents of His Royal Highness, who is a man of proven wisdom and integrity. He embodies the virtues that are essential for leadership.
“His emergence has given hope to the Eggon nation for greater progress and development,” he said.
He also urged the traditional ruler to use his position to promote peace and ensure respect for democratic processes ahead of the June 20 Nasarawa North senatorial district bye-election.
Mr Sule said his administration remained committed to the welfare of traditional rulers across the state.
He highlighted some of his administration’s projects in Nasarawa Eggon and Nasarawa North senatorial district, including the Nasarawa Eggon modern market, Alizaga Hill-Wuyo-Wamba Road, and the Nasarawa Eggon-Arugbadu Road, which links communities in Lafia Local Government Area.
The governor added that several urban and rural roads had also been constructed in Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga and Wamba Local Government Areas, among other infrastructure projects.
Earlier, Aminu Maifata, the Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, said the emergence of Justice Alaku followed the demise of the late Aren Eggon, Mr Angbazo.
Mr Maifata commended the governor for renovating palaces across the state to provide a conducive environment for traditional rulers.
He called on residents to continue supporting traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity and development.
Also speaking, Aliyu Ibn-Aliyu, chairman of Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, said the installation of the new Aren Eggon would strengthen unity and peaceful coexistence among the Eggon people and neighbouring communities.
He appreciated the governor for presenting the staff of office to the traditional ruler and assured the royal father of the council’s support and cooperation.
“Let this coronation serve as a rallying point for our people and the state at large through the promotion of unity, peace and cooperation,” he said.
In his vote of thanks, Mr Ubangari-Alaku expressed gratitude to the governor for approving his selection and presenting him with the staff of office.
The former chief judge of Nasarawa State pledged to rule with justice, fairness and the fear of God in the interest of peace and development.
He solicited the support of Eggon stakeholders, sons and daughters of the land, and other residents to help him succeed.
“I call on all sons and daughters of Eggon land to join hands in building a stronger, more prosperous and united Eggon nation, a peaceful Nasarawa State and a better Nigeria.
“Let us embrace dialogue over division, cooperation over conflict and service over self-interest,” he said.
Mr Ubangari-Alaku ascended the revered stool of Aren Eggon on May 5, 2023, following the approval of his selection by the governor.
The last presentation of the staff of office to an Aren Eggon was in 1983 when the late Mr Angbazo received the insignia of office from the then Governor of old Plateau State, Solomon Lar.
The late Angbazo died on July 12, 2022.
Dignitaries at the event included Senator Abdullahi Adamu, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Senator Tanko Al-Makura, former governor of Nasarawa State; Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada; Dr Emmanuel Akabe; the deputy governor, Dr Danladi Jatau; speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Retired Justice Muhammad Sidi-Bage; and the Emir of Lafia.
Others are retired Gen. Nuhu Angbazo; Silas Agara, a former director-general of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE); Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna; and Shehu Tukur, traditional rulers from Plateau, Niger and Taraba states, as well as other prominent personalities.
(NAN)
Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, has attained trillionaire status after SpaceX, the rocket, AI and satellite communications company established by him, turned a soaraway success on its first trading day, surging 20 per cent to $2.1 trillion in valuation.
SpaceX’s shares closed at $161 on the Nasdaq on Friday, compared to its initial public offering (IPO) price of $135, making it the biggest-ever stock market debut.
The IPO had earlier raised $75 billion from investors and the underwriters of the transaction before the listing.
“Liftoff! First $SPCX trade complete,” Space X wrote on X (formerly Twitter), which Mr Musk also owns.
The 54-year old now has a total net worth of $1.1 trillion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, with its stake in SpaceX standing at 42 per cent or $767.1 billion as of Friday.
SpaceX debuted with a valuation of around $1.8 trillion. Its valuation at the end of Friday’s trade makes it the sixth-largest publicly traded company in the United States.
Trading under the ticker symbol “SPCX,” SpaceX began trading shortly before noon, attracting strong investor demand.
The listing places SpaceX among the world’s most valuable companies, despite the firm reporting a loss of nearly $5 billion last year and generating significantly less revenue than many technology giants with comparable valuations.
“I gave SpaceX a 10 per cent chance of succeeding at all,” Mr Musk said shortly before the company was listed.
SpaceX, since its establishment in 2002, has evolved from an experimental rocket startup into a dominant player in aerospace, satellite communications, and AI-related infrastructure.
READ ALSO: Elon Musk announces formation of American Party
Starlink, its satellite internet business, has expanded SpaceX beyond rocket manufacturing into a broader technology and connectivity platform.
Mr Musk, who now controls several companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, xAI, and X, began building his wealth by co-founding Zip2 and PayPal.
After completing the acquisition of X in October 2022 in a deal worth $44 billion, Mr Musk introduced monetisation features on the platform, which contributed to the growth of his business empire.
After selling Zip2 and later PayPal, he reinvested much of his earnings into Tesla, SpaceX, and other ventures.
Mr Musk’s wealth is now nearly equivalent to the entire economic output of Switzerland or Poland.
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