News

Traditional Ruler Advocates Stronger Role for Monarchs as Shendam Hosts Plateau Fact-Finding Committee

Published

12 months ago

July 23, 2025

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His Royal Highness Miskoom Martin Shaldas III, the Long Gamai of the Gamai Nation and President of the Shendam Traditional Council, has called for the constitutional recognition of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s security framework, stressing that sustainable peace is more achievable when communities are led by those who understand them.

The monarch made the call on Tuesday, July 23, 2025, during an engagement with the Plateau State High-Powered Fact-Finding Committee on Conflict and Security, which visited Shendam Local Government Area as part of its statewide consultations.

Shendam, widely regarded as one of the most peaceful local government areas in Plateau State, provided a unique case study for the committee led by retired Major General Nicholas Rogas. The team held separate meetings with the local council leadership, traditional rulers, youth representatives, and other stakeholders.

Addressing the press at his palace after a closed-door session, Long Gamai emphasized the role of communal trust, respect for elders, and localized administration in ensuring peace in Shendam and surrounding communities.

“In the past, traditional leaders were at the center of local governance—we managed security, collected taxes, ran hospitals, even bought vehicles for community services. It worked because everyone knew everyone. Peace was easier to maintain,” he said.

“Today, you bring in police or military from far away who don’t understand the terrain or the people. That’s why we’re asking: give us an institutional role again. Let us help.”

His views echoed those of Shendam LGA Chairman Hon. Nicholas Kemi Nshe, who said the council has prioritized engagement, dialogue, and youth empowerment to curb crime.

“We work honestly with our people. When you give them a sense of ownership, crime drops. That’s how we’ve maintained peace. We ensure transparency, use our resources for real development, and the people respond with trust,” he said.

Committee Secretary Barr. Timothy Parlong assured stakeholders that the team’s recommendations would be rooted in the realities of each community visited.

“Every LGA is unique, and we want the truth. Please be specific—mention names, give facts. We can’t recommend lasting solutions without sincerity,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Rogas (rtd) also commended Shendam for its model of coexistence, particularly among diverse groups such as the Fulani, Igbo, Yoruba, and indigenous Gamai communities.

“We are impressed. Shendam has shown that peace is possible when there’s inclusion and strong local leadership. What we’ve seen here today proves that some communities have solutions that others can learn from,” he said.

The fact-finding committee was inaugurated by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on May 20, 2025, and includes respected Nigerians drawn from across the country. Its findings will help shape the Plateau State Government’s long-term strategy for ending violent conflicts and rebuilding trust in affected communities.

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News

‘I will continue to criticise Ebonyi govt where necessary’ – PDP guber candidate

Published

2 hours ago

July 14, 2026

Preport

The 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Ebonyi, Chief Ifeanyi-Chukwuma Odii, has dismissed allegations by the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Mr Chinedu Ogah, that he has been sponsoring cyberbullying campaigns against Ebonyi government.

Odii, also known as “AnyiChuks” in a statement to journalists in Abakaliki on Tuesday, described the allegation as baseless and an attempt to criminalise legitimate criticism and divert attention from issues of governance in the state.

He maintained that demanding accountability from elected public officials was a constitutional right of citizens and should not be misconstrued as cyberbullying or cyberstalking.

“Since when did asking questions become cyberbullying? Since when did demanding a scorecard become cyberstalking?” Odii asked.

He noted that Ebonyi people deserved to know how public resources allocated to the state had been utilised, insisting that citizens had the right to demand transparency and good governance.

According to him, criticism of government policies and performance is an essential feature of democracy and should not be interpreted as an attack on any individual.

The PDP governorship candidate also denied allegations that he was influencing officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to register underage voters, describing the accusation as reckless, defamatory and without evidence.

He urged the lawmaker to forward any evidence in his possession to the appropriate security agencies instead of making what he described as unsubstantiated allegations in the media.

The PDP candidate pledged to continue criticising the government in areas requiring improvement and commend it where it performs well.

Odii added that he would continue to advocate transparency, accountability and inclusive development, stressing that responsible opposition was vital to democratic governance.

Odii said he would not be intimidated into silence, adding that the people of the state would ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 governorship election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogah, at a press conference recently accused Odii of sponsoring cyberbullying and propaganda against the Ebonyi government led by Governor Nwifuru

Health

Yobe govt approves health insurance enrolment for retirees

Published

3 hours ago

July 14, 2026

Preport

The Yobe State Government has approved the enrolment of state and local government retirees into the Social Equity Programme of its health insurance scheme.

The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YSCHMA), Babagana Tijjani, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Damaturu.

Mr Tijjani said the approval was granted by Governor Mai Mala Buni following a recommendation from the agency.

He said the initiative aims to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare spending among pensioners and improve access to comprehensive, quality healthcare services at YSCHMA-accredited health facilities.

According to him, the approval underscores the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of retirees by ensuring they continue to access quality healthcare after retirement.

“This approval is another demonstration of the governor’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of residents of the state,” he said.

“By bringing retirees under the social equity programme, the government is ensuring that senior citizens can access quality healthcare without suffering financial hardship.”

The executive secretary further said that the inclusion of retirees in the scheme aligned with the administration’s healthcare reform agenda and the state’s drive towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.

He also described the development as a significant step in expanding access to healthcare and strengthening social protection.

READ ALSO: Yobe, Adamawa tighten security to curb illegal mining

Mr Tijjani commended the governor for approving the initiative and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to its effective implementation.

He said the YSCHMA would work closely with pension unions, relevant government institutions and healthcare providers to ensure a transparent enrolment process and seamless access to healthcare services for eligible beneficiaries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the YSCHMA was established under Yobe State Law No. 7 of 2019 to implement the state’s contributory healthcare scheme and promote equitable, affordable and qualitative healthcare services for residents.

(NAN)