From Jude Dangwam, Jos

The Jahr Patriotic Forum has commended the efforts of the Executive Governor of Plateau State Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang in tackling the menace of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and all forms of criminality bedeviling Jahr Chiefdom and the entire Kanam local government area of Plateau State.

The Group led by the Galadiman Jahr, Alhaji Dayyabu Garga, the Deputy Chairman of Kanam local government area Honestly Aliyu Ali at the press conference held at the NUJ press centre on Tuesday maintained the Governor became the first to visit the council area for an on the spot assessment of the recent attacks in the areas an effort back with action said to have brought some sense of relieved to the area. They countered the narrative of the caretaker committee of Jahr development association for accusing the governor of not doing anything to the security situation in Kanam. Noting that such allegations are pure lies and calling on the paramount ruler of the Jahr people to dissolve the committee and set up machinery for new leadership of the sociocultural organization.”Our attention has been drawn to a letter dated 26th May, 2025 and addressed to his Excellency, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muttwang drawing his urgent attention to the security challenges in our Chiefdom.“We are not contesting the cause of the letter but are flabbergasted by the Language implored in expressing the intent of the letter.”The Jahr people are known to be humble, polite and level headed and would ordinarily portray such in all presentations, expressions and advocacies. We are therefore embarrassed to see the above mentioned letter addressed to the Chief Executive of the State loaded with ultimatum, insults, intimidation and threats.”We are law abiding, enlightened and have the fear of God, therefore we caution the caretaker committee to stop forthwith inciting people against the Government.”We appreciate the Governor’s efforts in tackling terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and all forms of criminality but like Oliver Twist, we beg for more since it appears that the more efforts being made, the higher the propensity of attacks and destruction”, Garga noted”These words and phrases do not suggest that the document emanated from a lower authority but from an overload. Moreso, that it is supposed to be an appeal in the face of several other attacks in recent times in Mangu, Bokkos, Bassa, Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of the State.”Bandits, terrorists, Kidnappers and indeed herdsmen are not authorized, we therefore wonder what leadership the care-taker committee of Jahr Development Association wants to give the Jahr Community.”We are law abiding, enlightened and have the fear of God, therefore we caution the caretaker committee to stop forthwith inciting people against the Government.”We appreciate the Governor’s efforts in tackling terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and all forms of criminality but like Oliver Twist, we beg for more since it appears that the more efforts being made, the higher the propensity of attacks and destruction.”In view of the fact that the current care-Taker Committee of Jahr Development Association has overstayed is welcomed, I call on our Royal Father, the Ra’an Jahr, who is Grand patron of the Association to dissolve the care-taker Committee with immediate effect as constituted a new one with a definite time frame to conduct elections into the various offices of the Association.”We pledge our loyalty and support to the Government of Plateau State and we will continue to provide information and other required logistics necessary to actualize the government’s goals and objectives,” he stated.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The organizers of the Bayelsa Governor’s Cup tagged Prosperity Cup have said the sum of N50,000.00 have been set aside as money for the winners of this year’s tournament.According to the breakdown, the male champion will go home with ten million naira while the second runner up will go home with five million naira and the third place will smile home with two million five hundred thousand naira and the fourth position will be awarded one million five hundred thousand naira and one million naira consolation prices.

For the female category, the winner is set to go home with five million naira while the second runner up will get two million five hundred thousand naira and the third place will go home with one million five hundred thousand while the fourth position will smile home with five hundred thousand naira and another five hundred thousand naira for consolation prices.Addressing the media at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, the Director General of the Central Working Committee Onoriode Kelvin Akpe said, all the local government winners received one million naira each while the second runner up got five hundred thousand naira which has been paid already while waiting for the final matches.According to him, there are other prizes including trophies, buying of boots for Azuzama team and one hundred thousand naira cash award. “Prices will also be given to the most enviable players and the highest goal scorers and other prices”.Speaking further, this year 224 registered and 26 centers used in communities’ field across the eight local government areas of the state. Saying about 37 outstanding players were picked during the tournament for male categories.According to the DG, dignitaries expected includes,Bayelsa state governor Sen Douye Diri will be the chief host, Deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo is the host while the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau is the Special Guest of Honour for the showdown.Others are, Mallam Shehu Dikko, chairman National Sports Commission would be chairman of the occasion, Director General National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olapade is also expected to grace the occasion.Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman Nigeria National League, NNL, George Aluo, Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Nationwide League One, Olushola Ogunnowo, Chief Executive Officer of the NNL, Emmanuel Attah and Chief Operating Officer of the NNL, Danlami Alanana are all expected at the finals.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, under the leadership of Acting State Chairman, George Turnah has commended the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike and the G5 members for their decisive leadership and commitment to the survival and unity of the Party as evidenced in the recent meeting convened in Abuja on Monday.

According to Bayelsa PDP, the Abuja meeting which brought together eminent leaders and concerned stakeholders of the party is a testament to the unwavering love Wike has for the PDP and his relentless fight for justice against impunity. The party in a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Derri Alasuote Wright and made available to our correspondent in Yenagoa saluted Wike’s dedication to party’s principles which it said stands him out and has endeared him strongly to all genuinely committed members of the Party nationwide.The party therefore commended Wike for always championing the cause of unity and integrity within PDP ranks. Wright declared that Bayelsa PDP endorsed all the decisions taken at the Abuja meeting.The statement read in part: “We fully endorse the resolutions reached at the meeting, and as a State Chapter, we stand by our recognition of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the PDP, and to state that there is no vacancy requiring any replacement whatsoever. Our party’s Constitution and the recent Supreme Court decision regarding the National Secretary issue are very clear and unambiguous in this regard.”As a State Chapter, we stand united with the rest of our eminent leaders and concerned stakeholders across the Federation in the decision to zone the Presidential ticket of our party for the upcoming 2027 elections to the Southern region. This strategic move does not just demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and fairness. It also does ensure that our party remains attuned to the voices of all Nigerians.”Bayelsa State PDP reaffirms its loyalty to the resolutions of this meeting and remains steadfast in its support for Nyesom Wike as our national leader, as well as our endorsement of Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary. Together, we will forge ahead with renewed vigour to restore the PDP to its rightful place as a beacon of hope and justice for our people and nation.”