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PDP Wants FG Sued, Declares 7 Days Of Mourning Over Plateau Killings.
THE Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) wants residents of Plateau to demand justice, defend their rights and sue the Federal Government, just as it announced a mourning period of seven days for the victims of killings in Plateau State and other parts of the country.
According to a statement issued by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Wednesday, during the seven-day mourning period, the party’s flags in its offices will be flown at half-mast in honour of those who lost their lives.
“The PDP urges the people of Plateau State to exercise their rights as global citizens, work with other public-spirited Nigerians and groups and take President Muhammadu Buhari and his government to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the Hague for acting helpless in the face of continuous mass killings in our country,” the statement reads.
The decision is in reaction to the weekend attack by suspected herdsmen on villages in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State in which at least 100 people were killed.
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Also, in addition to the killings, no fewer than over 50 houses were set ablaze and many who survived the attack fled the communities, leading to humanitarian challenges.
The Plateau State Government, had earlier called on the Federal Government to provide N10 billion for a Victims Support Fund.
The Plateau killings has sparked fresh calls for President Muhammadu Buhari, who lamented that life was being cheapened in the country after the attacks, to take decisive action and halt the bloodshed.
There have also been accusations of bias on the part of the security agencies with a former Minister of Defence, Lieutenant General Theophilus Danjuma accusing the military of bias earlier this year.
The PDP, suggested that such accusations won’t come up of it was in power.
“The PDP firmly holds that the life of every Nigerian is sacred. All Nigerians must be protected whether they are Birom, Basange, Igbira, Tiv, Idoma, Hausa, Igbo, Fulani, Gbagyi, Yoruba or from any other tribe whatsoever.
“The fundamental duty of government all over the world is the protection of lives and Nigerians can no longer continue to fold their hands while compatriots are being daily hacked down by marauders.”
The Federal Government and the Presidency have repeatedly denied allegations of bias against it.
During his condolence visit to Plateau on Tuesday, President Buhari told residents of the state that “there is some injustice” in allegations that he is silent over the killings because he is Fulani.
He assured the people that the necessary steps would be taken to protect them and bring those behind the brutal attacks to justice.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) reacted to the killings on Wednesday morning, demanding the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
“We call on security agencies to spare no efforts in ensuring the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators and in stemming the occurrence of such violence in all parts of the country,” the APC said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi.
The party urged religious and community leaders “to demonstrate true leadership even in the face of this terrible challenge by appealing to those affected not to take the laws into their hands and avoid utterances and actions that can provoke reprisal”.
Concerns over reprisals by victims of the attack and the possible breakdown of law and order had led the Plateau State Government to impose a curfew on Barkin Ladi and two neighbouring LGAs – Jos-North and Riyom – on Sunday
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has raised concerns over alleged irregularities and corruption in the recently released list of successful candidates for the 2022/23 Police Constables Recruitment Exercise by the Police Service Commission (PSC).
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, it was revealed that the list published on the Police Service Commission (PSC) portal includes numerous names of individuals who did not apply for the recruitment exercise and thus did not participate in any phase of it.
“The published list contains several names of candidates who either failed the Computer Based Test (CBT), the physical screening exercise, or both,” the statement noted.
Also, the statement further highlighted that individuals who were deemed medically unfit after standard medical tests and were disqualified from the exercise somehow appeared on the list of successful candidates.
“The most troubling aspect is the allegation of financial dealings and corrupt practices leading to the inclusion of unqualified and untrainable individuals on the list,” it added.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) reportedly expressed objections to the list in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission on June 10, 2024. The objections emphasized the discrepancies and irregularities discovered, underscoring the Police’s concern over the recruitment process.
“While recognizing the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Commission’s authority to recruit for the police, the Police reiterated that this authority does not extend to recruiting unqualified and untrained individuals,” the statement clarified.
The Police Service Commission, following the Supreme Court’s ruling on its recruitment powers, had constituted a Joint Recruitment Board to oversee the process. However, according to the statement, the Board was allegedly hampered and prevented from fulfilling its mandate, culminating in a final list that was not endorsed by the Board itself.
Consequently, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has distanced itself from the published list and called for a comprehensive review process that ensures transparency and credibility.
The statement emphasized the Police’s commitment to recruiting qualified, competent, trainable, and productive individuals into the force, aligning with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration on police reform.
The recruitment exercise has been fraught with controversy, including the resignation of the former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Musiliu Smith, in 2023 amidst ongoing disputes over recruitment procedures.
The Police Service Commission had advertised the recruitment for constables, prompting conflicting notices from both the Commission and the Police regarding their respective roles in the recruitment process.
In its statement, the Nigeria Police Force urged the public to disregard the Commission’s recruitment notices, asserting that recruitment processes remain solely within the purview of the Police Force.
Zamfara Begins Payment of N30,000 Minimum Wage Ahead of Eid-ul-Adha
The Zamfara State Government has initiated the payment of the N30,000 minimum wage to civil servants in the North-Western state, following a commitment made by Governor Dauda Lawal.
The announcement came after a meeting between Governor Lawal and labour union leaders, where the decision to implement the wage increase startinginm June was confirmed.
According to a statement released on Friday by Sulaiman Bala Idris, the governor’s spokesperson, civil servants in Zamfara began receiving their June salaries on the 12th of the month, in preparation for the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations.
Previously, employees had been receiving a significantly lower monthly salary of N7,000.
“The Zamfara state government, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, has disbursed the June salary to support workers in preparing for the upcoming Eid celebration,” the statement affirmed.
Governor Lawal’s administration has emphasized its commitment to improving the welfare of workers, with efforts including the payment of previously withheld salaries, leave grants, owed gratuities, and ensuring timely salary payments.
The statement further noted the government’s ongoing dedication to reform and revitalize the Zamfara civil service.
“This is in line with the fulfillment of the promise made by the governor last month to implement the N30,000 minimum wage,” the statement reiterated.
High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, and former governor of Oyo state has called on Muslims across Nigeria to draw inspiration from the exemplary life of Prophet Ibrahim as they observe Eid-el-Kabir.
In a heartfelt address, High Chief Ladoja underscored the significance of reflecting on Prophet Ibrahim’s teachings and sacrifices during this auspicious occasion.
He emphasized the importance of unity among Muslim faithful and collaboration with adherents of other faiths, emphasizing these as crucial for fostering peace and advancing Nigeria’s progress.
“High Chief Ladoja encourages Muslims to draw inspiration from Prophet Ibrahim’s life and to avoid actions that could undermine national unity,” a statement from his office conveyed.
Highlighting the enduring values of faith and perseverance, High Ladoja likened them to Prophet Ibrahim’s steadfast commitment to his beliefs despite facing numerous challenges.
“As we celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, let us remember the enduring lessons of sacrifice, love, and piety,” remarked former Governor Ladoja.
He concluded his address by extending warm Eid-el-Kabir wishes to Muslims in Ibadanland, Oyo State, and across Nigeria, urging them to celebrate joyfully and meaningfully.
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