Why we send lecturers abroad for training – Taraba State University VC
Vice Chancellor of the Taraba State University Jalingo, TSUJ Professor Vincent Tenebe, has given reason why lecturers in the university are being sponsored abroad for training.
The Vice Chancellor speaking during a one day workshop on Students Assessment of Lecturers Performance at the university campus in Jalingo said the school will always maintain global standard.
"The reason our lecturers are always sent within and outside the country for further studies is to maintain global standard and to produce quality graduates that will fit in the society.
Professor Tenebe admonished students to make effective use of the platform that was practically demonstrated to assess their lecturers, noting that the school will use the outcome of the workshop to improve its quality.
The resource person, Mr. Samuel Agua, a Graduate Assistant at the Department of Computer Science noted that the evaluation of lecturers' performance by students is a global practice.
"The evaluation of lecturers performance at the end of the semester is widely practice by learning institutions and University, and TSUJ will not be left behind as the overall objective of the institution is for academic excellence where quality, employable and self employed graduates are produced. The results of the evaluation are beneficial in understanding the possible improvement of the lecturers, and the purpose is to identify the factors and predictors of performance among students."
He also said that lecturers performance is one of the components in student evaluations, which significantly contributes to student satisfaction and in turn affects the university image and students' loyalty.
The workshop had in attendance Deputy Vice Chancellor Admin, Prof. Nicholas Nemessan, and Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Registrar, Management Staff, Academic and Non Academic Staff and students.
FEDERAL UNIVERSITY WUKARI GETS NEW REGISTRAR, BURSAR
The Governing Council of the federal University Wukari in Taraba State has announced the appointments of Dr. Aboki Bambur Sallah as the new Register and Mr. Paul Hassan Akpa as the new Bursar of the University.
This decision was reached during the 17th meeting of the governing Council held in the University located along Wukari-Katsina Ala road in Taraba State.
Announcing the appointments, Chairman of the governing Council of the University, Alhaji Uba Nana Ahmed, said the Council received six applications for the position of Registrar and12 for Bursar and congratulated the two candidates for making the University's choice.
According to him, the priority of the University in making the appointments was in ensuring that the University continues to build on its reputation as the top new generation Federal University in the country known for extensive development in infrastructure, new academic programmes, human resource development and community service.
"I believe that the new Registrar and the Bursar have the capacities to provide requisite leadership in areas of responsibilities to meet the University's commitment in supporting Nigeria's human development needs," he said.
The new Registrar and the Bursar who are expected to resume office on May 5, 2020 were until their appointments Deputy Registrar and Deputy Bursar of the University respectively.
The new Registrar Dr. Aboki Bambur Sallah, holds a Bachelor's degree, Master's and a PhD from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and joined the university in 2011 as Principal Assistant Registrar.
Mr. Paul Akpa, the new Bursar holds a Bachelor's degree in Accountancy from Salam University Lokoja and a Master's degree in Accountancy and Finance from Nasarawa State University Keffi and joined the services of the University in 2012 as Principal Accountant.
Why we are Digitalizing College of Education Zing – Provost
The Provost, College of Education Zing, Dr. Mike Dio Jen has revealed a strategic plan for the digitalization of the College.
Chairman, Committee on ICT Development, Dr. Tijjani Usman Karofi disclosed that the strategic plan of Dr. Mike's administration is geared towards digitalization the college environment to allow for access to digital facilities such as internet, e-Library, Multimedia facilities, laptops, and other digital technologies for use by both staff and students for effective teaching and learning.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) Training in collaboration with TETFund held at the College, Karofi said the digitalization agenda is to prepare students of the collage for global challenges and globally competitive .
Earlier, the Director ICT, Mr. Bello Ali disclosed that Mr. Provost has approved a strategic plan for digitizing the college and the 5-day ICDL training was inline with the digitization process of the college.
Also speaking during the occasion, Registrar of the College, Mrs. Martha Jana appreciated the ICDL team for finding the College worthy of committing their time, resources and experte in ICT to share with the college community for the benefits of staff of the College. She urged selected academic and non academic staff of the College to take the training serious, as this is part of Dr. Mike's strategic plan for the College. She also disclosed that her recent visit to the Holly land was to pray for the College which has been witnessing series of deaths of its staffers recently and prayed God to divinely intervene.
Earlier, the Deputy Provost who represented the provost at the occasion appreciated the TETFund and ICDL for always considering the College first out of the numerous Academic Institutions in the North East. He attributed this achievement to the pragmatic leadership style of Dr. Mike Dio Jen and his wonderful Management Team.
Oliver Wubon Moves To Recover Govt. Properties In Sardauna
The Chairman Sardauna Local Government council Pharm. Oliver Wubon, has set up a five man committee for local government landed property verification, identification and recovery.
The committee has Comrade Hamza Abubakar as the chairman and Alh. Hashim Dawu as the secretary, others include: Ephesian Mbesu, Yusuf Wurage and Salihu Usman as members.
It would be recalled that the NULGE Sardauna branch had earlier raised an alarm in a letter signed by the union leader titled " A Save Our Soul (S. O. S) Message to Curb Further Uncertanties" in which they alleged that some unscrupulous and selfish individuals in the Local Government have gone around selling Local Government lands and properties without following due procedures and laid down rules.
Consequently, the Local Government Chairman Hon. Pharm. Oliver Wubon on the 16/1/2020 led a team to the New Motor park and the Old Market Gembu to confirm some of the allegations raised by the NULGE Sardauna branch.
The committee is expected to investigate the matter and present their reports, findings and recommendations for further legal action where necessary.
Wubon noted that the setting of the committee is not triggered by any desire to witch-hunt anybody as speculated in some quarters "but should be seen as a step in the right direction to salvage the Local Government from the hands of greedy and selfish individuals working against the interest of the masses."
Insecurity: Tanko Maikarfi Seeks Support For Local Hunters, Vigilantes
The Chairman of Gassol Local Government Council in Taraba State, Mr Tanko Maikarfi, has called on the state government to support local hunters and vigilantes to tackle cases of kidnapping and similar crimes in the state.
Maikarfi, a former Deputy Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, told reporters at his office that cases of kidnapping and armed robbery were on the rise because security personnel lack the knowledge of the hideouts of the criminals.
On a different note, the council chairman said that the tension between Tiv and Jukun in Dan-Anacha over the change of name of a village to Kwararafa by Governor Darius Ishaku has also been brought under control.
Maikarfi, however, said the place has been placed on red alert over the leadership tussle over who controls the yam market in the area.
He lamented that Gassol, which according to him has the capacity to top revenue generation in the northeastern state, was underperforming as a result of insecurity.
"The issue of insecurity is a serious challenge for me and the state in general. Just yesterday in my village, five persons were kidnapped alongside two motorcycles, but the vigilantes and hunters rescued them," he said.
"There is another case of kidnapping that the local vigilantes and hunters are trailing. The truth of the matter is that soldiers, police and civil defence officers don't know the bushes and the hideouts of these criminals like the hunters and the vigilante people.
"A joint operation involving the hunters, vigilantes and security personnel will help in addressing the problem and we must support them as a government.
"I want to call on the Taraba State government to come out with a strong vigilante team and support them with local weapons to fight insecurity in the state.
"Each community should be allowed to recruit people within the community who are of good conduct to police their community. The community support and engagement will yield the desired result," he said.
Maikarfi, who boasted of his achievements within his short time in office, noted that if the security of the local government improves, it will help in spurring the needed development for the people of Gassol.
(Lead page with picture): Youths Group Rally Support for Ex-Speaker, Peter Diah
A youth group under the aegis of "Taraba our Land of Heritage" has rallied support for the former Speaker of Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abel Peter Diah, describing him as a rising sun whose time to shine has come.
The group in a statement signed and made available to our correspondent by its Chairman, Emma Mani, said unlike others, the ex-speaker has distinguished himself among his peers.
While extolling Diah's virtue, the group in a statement maintained that Abel's kindness and good heart has endeared him to many in the state with his popularity and acceptance widening.
Furthermore, Mani explained that the state is desirous of a leader in person of Abel who understands the yearning and needs of the people.
The statement read: "We've been into politics and we are keenly watching on the political pendulum of our dear state, having a record of every politician since 1999 to date.
"Our observation and analysis have made us realised that Hon Abel Peter Diah has toppled the chat of good politicians we have in this state.
"He remains a rising sun whose glory light has indeed come to shine for the good of our people in the state."
"We made our inquiries of why should Peter became a ranking member for four consecutive term representing the Mbamnga constituency of Sardauna Local Government, we discovered a simple answer that he was a slave-Master for his people.
"Peter has indeed gave himself as servant to render the services that humanity is in dear need of.
"As such we are going to support him, give him all the push and encourage he need to succeeding under whichever party." The statement added
I Eliminated My Girlfriend Because She Killed My 7 months Old Son' – Suspect
The Taraba State Police Command has arrested and paraded a 31-year-old man for killing his girlfriend.
A native of Donga Local Government Area, the suspect identified as Munda Bala allegedly conspired with two of his friends and killed his girlfriend.
Briefing journalist at the Command Headquarters in Jalingo, the Police Public Relations Officer, David Misal, said the victim was burnt to ashes and her remains buried in a bush.
He noted that efforts were in top gear to arrest the other two fleeing suspects while the principal suspect would be charged to court.
The suspect who was paraded with some ashes and bones of his victim admitted to have committed the crime and blamed economic hardship and jealousy for his decision.
He said, "I fell in love with Imbajuri Ambisi. She became my girlfriend; I got her pregnant and she delivered a baby boy and killed him after seven months.
"This got me angry and I couldn't tell anyone. My money got finished and she ran away to some wealthy guys who engage in the selling of rosewoods to foreigners."
"This got me jealous and I met two of my friends who advised me that if I really want my heart to be at rest, I have to kill her, hence our decision to eliminate her," Bala added.
More Suspects Paraded
The command's spokesman also paraded five suspected ritualists whose supposed victim escaped with a deep cut after luring him to cut fingernails for their boss in a forest in Kona Garu, a suburb of Jalingo metropolis.
Investigations, according to the police, indicate that the suspects have been in such nefarious acts for a long time.
Misal noted that the suspects would also be charged to court for prosecution.
Also paraded were five suspected kidnappers and armed robbers who have been terrorising Mahanga Village along the Jalingo-Wukari Expressway.
The police said the suspects were responsible for the security threats along the axis as they stop commercial vehicles and abduct passengers to unknown destinations.
Other suspects were paraded by the police for criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, armed robbery, and purchase of stolen properties among others.
All the suspects admitted to have committed the crime they were accused of.
(interview) For Justice, Taraba North Should Produce Governor by 2023- Ismaila Maihanchi
Hon Ismaila Maihanchi Yushau is a Chieftain of the PDP in Taraba State, in this interview with Taraba Truth and Facts, the former Special Adviser to Governor Darius Ishaku argued that Taraba North should be allow produce the next governor by 2023
The Governor has passed 2020 budget into law, what's your reaction to this and how do you think the implementation of this budget will affect Tarabans?
First of all, we thank God for this day and we thanked the Governor for signing the budget into law and we thanked the members of the Taraba State House of Assembly, the Ninth Assembly under the leadership of Dr. Albasu Kunini who has led others in doing their best to pass the budget and then to the Governor who signed the budget into law. As far as I'm concerned I know Darius Ishaku as a leader who people needs and he is a person who understands the problem of the local people in the communities and the local areas and that is why we local people at the grassroots and different communities always appreciate the governor for a well done job he has been doing in the communities because all the rural areas have seen the impact of Darius Ishaku because some local government areas lacked electricity before the coming of the governor, but during his first tenure, he ensured Kunini, Azare, Bali, Bakundi Local Government areas got rural electrification in Taraba State. Rural roads in Taraba State like Yoro, Wukari, Gembu, Sarduana, Gashika, Kurumi Local governments have felt the impact of his administration and we are confident that 2020 budget would be implemented and effectively used for the people of Taraba State.
On 2023 governorship election, there have been clamor that the governorship should be returned to the central, Northern and Southern zone, and one of the prominent PDP senator in the state said the Southern zone can still retain the slot, what's your take on this?
2023 is in the hands of God who will do all the justice and when we mean justice, it means every zone should produce governor after eight years. Governor Nyame did eight years, Danbaba Suntai-led administration did eight years and we vote for Ishaku during the 2015 election to be governor of Taraba State, he did well and we still reelect him in 2019 and he came back and we are praying and hoping the governorship should after Ishaku's eight years to come back to Northern Taraba State so that it would produce another governor because we need justice.
But the central zone are saying they alone spent six years owing to the inability of Danbaba to finish his tenure?
That's a will of God, but as far as the Nigerian constitution is concerned, Danbaba did eight years tenure because he was alive but was injured. But the former acting governor, Garba Umar UTC and his deputy acted in his absence because he was still alive then. He was alive but not healthy and that can happen to anybody and God can test anybody because test differs; his test was that and mine would be different. So, Southern Taraba had done their eight years tenure.
Now, let's talk about party leadership. The party would be going into congress, looking at a slight division among party stakeholders, what's your intention for the congress?
We are the PDP in Taraba State, we are united and we are one family under the leadership of Victor Bala Kona as the party chairman and under the supervision of Governor Darius Ishaku, we are united and we are one. Whoever is complaining, and then maybe such person is not a member of our party or needs something that is not in the interest of Taraba State of the state's PDP. We cannot say everybody should accept our leadership or join the PDP, no. everybody have their fundamental human right which dictates free association to whatever one believes in within the constitution. We don't foresee crises after the election and God willing, with Darius Ishaku, PDP will win hundred times. Taraba is for PDP, don't foresee any crises because we believe in Darius' leadership and thinking ability and we know we will still come back to the table and resolve any grievances or infighting among our members for a successful congress in the state.
What is your message to Tarabans?
We thank the people of Taraba State and Govenror Ishaku and we call the people to give peaceful coexistence a chance in the state so that Muslims and Christians and different tribes can leave in peace because the state is desirous of peace. Taraba is for everybody, we have natural resources and everything and Darius is ready to work for Taraba State and all what he needs is support, prayers and peace. Securities issue is improving in Taraba State, Jukun and Tiv crises is a bygone issue now and the 2019 Christmas was a joyful one for the people of Taraba state because you can't differentiate who is celebrating Christmas or not as everyone is happy. It was a successful and happy moment for everybody.
What Governor Ishaku Told World Bank Officials in Abuja (Half Page with one pics)
By Bala Dan Abu
Governor Darius Ishaku has visited the Nigerian office of the World Bank in Abuja for discussions on its empowerment programme for women and youths in the state.
Warming up to start the next phase of the empowerment programme, Governor Ishaku told his host at the World Bank that his government has stocked starter packs worth over 350 million Naira to boost its women and youths empowerment programme in the new year.
The governor told the World Bank officials led by Mr Shubham Chaudhri that his administration in Taraba State in its first term executed a very pragmatic empowerment programme which has taken over 4000 women and youths off the poverty line.
He informed the World Bank team who were apparently excited about the level of success recorded by the programme that the administration had to use agents of government to strictly monitor beneficiaries of the empowerment programme to ensure that they opened shops for their operation and that they did not sell off starter kits provided for them free by the government.
Ishaku said most of the beneficiaries of the scheme during the first tenure of his administration are presently not only self-employed but employers of labour.
Ishaku also briefed the team on Taraba State's experience with Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the State.
He said because the state was the least affected by Boko Haram, it became the destination of choice for victims fleeing from the rest of the states in the North East. This, he said, has put a lot of pressure on the resources of Taraba State.
He said the state had to provide the needs of the IDPs whose number has overwhelmed the state.
Despite the situation, he said, the government has been successful in making Taraba State a comfortable home to them, with some of them becoming farmers and home owners in the state.
Gov Ishaku told the World Bank team that his administration has achieved more than 80 percent of the programmes it outlined in the first phase of his administration's rescue agenda.
The areas of achievements which he enumerated during the briefing include the revival of many moribund companies, the provision of water in rural areas through the 300 boreholes in 300 communities scheme, empowerment of women and youths, renovation of three hospitals in three senatorial zones and the construction of a network of roads in Jalingo and major towns in the state.
In his response, Mr Chaudhuri said the Bank was ready to partner with state governments embarking on fundamental projects that would reduce extreme poverty in their domains.
In doing so, however, the Bank would enlist the cooperation of critical stake holders in Nigeria which includes the Nigeria Governor's Forum.
A delegation of some of officials of the Taraba State government is to meet with the Bank's officials at a future date for a more comprehensive discussion on areas of assistance for the state.
Bala Dan Abu is the Special Adviser Media to Governor Ishaku.
Opinion Page
Towards a lasting peace in Taraba State
Any sensitive living being within the sphere of Taraba state should be worried of what is to come in the nearest future. We have witnessed many things in the state since its inception circa, 1991; a few beautiful things and many ugly ones. We have chosen to live in pretence and denial instead of facing the reality and focus on solutions to our numerous problems. Those who can put yesterdays together and forecast tomorrow, would know that the future is doom for this state. We are yet to witness the biggest of evils in Taraba State.
For at least, for the past 30years, Taraba State has been consistently in the news for the wrong reason! Crisis after crises , war after war. Lives and properties worth huge billions always varnished with each of such crisis. The repercussion for the incessant crisis is the stunted growth of the state. We consciously refused to halt this inhumane trend in our land. Instead, we pretend we do not know the solutions to these crises. Yet we instigate, fuel and nurture crisis in this state at will.
Today it is Kuteb against Chamba/Jukun. Tomorrow is it Jukun against Tiv. Another day, Fulani against Tiv or the Kuteb hacking Tivs and burning down their homes. Then, the worst of it kind came, Muslims against Christians!, The air is filled with gunshot sounds, the land littered with blood and the people filled with fear and agony. The warriors are armed by the privileged and sent to attach the perceived enemies. After war and crises, the weapons, we do not know their fate, then comes armed robbery and kidnapping of the susceptible!
Every ethnics, and every religion want to dominate the others.
Truth are replaced with falsehood, friends turned to foes, trust varnished and acrimony heightened as peace gives way to chaos! The converging point for all these noxious acts is the malignant crisis that has since swallowed the state.
The hope for peace in the state does almost not exist. None of the crisis has been resolved properly. The Tiv/Jukun crisis is unresolved. The Kuteb vs Chamba/Jukun crisis is still germinating, the Muslim vs Christians in wukari is still not resolved as the town has been symmetrically divided into two: one side is for the Christians and its mirror image belongs to the Muslims. While the Fulani and the Tiv crisis has no end to it!
The reason these crises haven't been resolved is our choice of falsehood over the truth!, people who are saddled with the responsibility to resolve the crises, are evading the root cause of the crises, seeking alternatives which are capable of escalating the tension.
Our problem is compounded by politics which we do not know how to play! We have allowed the politicians to take away what was remaining of our relationships. And this is where we must be afraid! The killing that has been going on in Kaduna and Jos is nearer to us like never before, what happened in the aftermath of last election might be a tips of an iceberg. If we are not careful, else 2023 will usher in an unprecedented ugly memory in the history of Taraba State.
The infiltration of politicians into religious gathering and settings is tantamount to the metastasis of cancerous cells! If nothing is done about that post election violence in Taraba State, I am afraid the time bomb will surely explode in 2023!
As we are caught in these crises, we are all potentials victims of war, crisis or any form of skirmish and elections related violence, as far as we are Tarabians. We must therefore, come together and contribute our efforts in solving this problem!
We must drop our tribal differences, we must mute our religious jingoism. We must not allow politics and politicians to use us as sacrificial goats in order to get to their offices .
The political leaders and religious leaders in the state have to come together and devise way of diffusing the tensions they have built through their activities. If they fail to do this, they should be ready to bear the guilt for the lives of the people that will die in regards with 2023 elections
The writer wrote under a pen name as Dr. NOBLE
The Vice Chancellor speaking during a one day workshop on Students Assessment of Lecturers Performance at the university campus in Jalingo said the school will always maintain global standard.
"The reason our lecturers are always sent within and outside the country for further studies is to maintain global standard and to produce quality graduates that will fit in the society.
Professor Tenebe admonished students to make effective use of the platform that was practically demonstrated to assess their lecturers, noting that the school will use the outcome of the workshop to improve its quality.
The resource person, Mr. Samuel Agua, a Graduate Assistant at the Department of Computer Science noted that the evaluation of lecturers' performance by students is a global practice.
"The evaluation of lecturers performance at the end of the semester is widely practice by learning institutions and University, and TSUJ will not be left behind as the overall objective of the institution is for academic excellence where quality, employable and self employed graduates are produced. The results of the evaluation are beneficial in understanding the possible improvement of the lecturers, and the purpose is to identify the factors and predictors of performance among students."
He also said that lecturers performance is one of the components in student evaluations, which significantly contributes to student satisfaction and in turn affects the university image and students' loyalty.
The workshop had in attendance Deputy Vice Chancellor Admin, Prof. Nicholas Nemessan, and Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Registrar, Management Staff, Academic and Non Academic Staff and students.
FEDERAL UNIVERSITY WUKARI GETS NEW REGISTRAR, BURSAR
The Governing Council of the federal University Wukari in Taraba State has announced the appointments of Dr. Aboki Bambur Sallah as the new Register and Mr. Paul Hassan Akpa as the new Bursar of the University.
This decision was reached during the 17th meeting of the governing Council held in the University located along Wukari-Katsina Ala road in Taraba State.
Announcing the appointments, Chairman of the governing Council of the University, Alhaji Uba Nana Ahmed, said the Council received six applications for the position of Registrar and12 for Bursar and congratulated the two candidates for making the University's choice.
According to him, the priority of the University in making the appointments was in ensuring that the University continues to build on its reputation as the top new generation Federal University in the country known for extensive development in infrastructure, new academic programmes, human resource development and community service.
"I believe that the new Registrar and the Bursar have the capacities to provide requisite leadership in areas of responsibilities to meet the University's commitment in supporting Nigeria's human development needs," he said.
The new Registrar and the Bursar who are expected to resume office on May 5, 2020 were until their appointments Deputy Registrar and Deputy Bursar of the University respectively.
The new Registrar Dr. Aboki Bambur Sallah, holds a Bachelor's degree, Master's and a PhD from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and joined the university in 2011 as Principal Assistant Registrar.
Mr. Paul Akpa, the new Bursar holds a Bachelor's degree in Accountancy from Salam University Lokoja and a Master's degree in Accountancy and Finance from Nasarawa State University Keffi and joined the services of the University in 2012 as Principal Accountant.
Why we are Digitalizing College of Education Zing – Provost
The Provost, College of Education Zing, Dr. Mike Dio Jen has revealed a strategic plan for the digitalization of the College.
Chairman, Committee on ICT Development, Dr. Tijjani Usman Karofi disclosed that the strategic plan of Dr. Mike's administration is geared towards digitalization the college environment to allow for access to digital facilities such as internet, e-Library, Multimedia facilities, laptops, and other digital technologies for use by both staff and students for effective teaching and learning.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) Training in collaboration with TETFund held at the College, Karofi said the digitalization agenda is to prepare students of the collage for global challenges and globally competitive .
Earlier, the Director ICT, Mr. Bello Ali disclosed that Mr. Provost has approved a strategic plan for digitizing the college and the 5-day ICDL training was inline with the digitization process of the college.
Also speaking during the occasion, Registrar of the College, Mrs. Martha Jana appreciated the ICDL team for finding the College worthy of committing their time, resources and experte in ICT to share with the college community for the benefits of staff of the College. She urged selected academic and non academic staff of the College to take the training serious, as this is part of Dr. Mike's strategic plan for the College. She also disclosed that her recent visit to the Holly land was to pray for the College which has been witnessing series of deaths of its staffers recently and prayed God to divinely intervene.
Earlier, the Deputy Provost who represented the provost at the occasion appreciated the TETFund and ICDL for always considering the College first out of the numerous Academic Institutions in the North East. He attributed this achievement to the pragmatic leadership style of Dr. Mike Dio Jen and his wonderful Management Team.
Oliver Wubon Moves To Recover Govt. Properties In Sardauna
The Chairman Sardauna Local Government council Pharm. Oliver Wubon, has set up a five man committee for local government landed property verification, identification and recovery.
The committee has Comrade Hamza Abubakar as the chairman and Alh. Hashim Dawu as the secretary, others include: Ephesian Mbesu, Yusuf Wurage and Salihu Usman as members.
It would be recalled that the NULGE Sardauna branch had earlier raised an alarm in a letter signed by the union leader titled " A Save Our Soul (S. O. S) Message to Curb Further Uncertanties" in which they alleged that some unscrupulous and selfish individuals in the Local Government have gone around selling Local Government lands and properties without following due procedures and laid down rules.
Consequently, the Local Government Chairman Hon. Pharm. Oliver Wubon on the 16/1/2020 led a team to the New Motor park and the Old Market Gembu to confirm some of the allegations raised by the NULGE Sardauna branch.
The committee is expected to investigate the matter and present their reports, findings and recommendations for further legal action where necessary.
Wubon noted that the setting of the committee is not triggered by any desire to witch-hunt anybody as speculated in some quarters "but should be seen as a step in the right direction to salvage the Local Government from the hands of greedy and selfish individuals working against the interest of the masses."
Insecurity: Tanko Maikarfi Seeks Support For Local Hunters, Vigilantes
The Chairman of Gassol Local Government Council in Taraba State, Mr Tanko Maikarfi, has called on the state government to support local hunters and vigilantes to tackle cases of kidnapping and similar crimes in the state.
Maikarfi, a former Deputy Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, told reporters at his office that cases of kidnapping and armed robbery were on the rise because security personnel lack the knowledge of the hideouts of the criminals.
On a different note, the council chairman said that the tension between Tiv and Jukun in Dan-Anacha over the change of name of a village to Kwararafa by Governor Darius Ishaku has also been brought under control.
Maikarfi, however, said the place has been placed on red alert over the leadership tussle over who controls the yam market in the area.
He lamented that Gassol, which according to him has the capacity to top revenue generation in the northeastern state, was underperforming as a result of insecurity.
"The issue of insecurity is a serious challenge for me and the state in general. Just yesterday in my village, five persons were kidnapped alongside two motorcycles, but the vigilantes and hunters rescued them," he said.
"There is another case of kidnapping that the local vigilantes and hunters are trailing. The truth of the matter is that soldiers, police and civil defence officers don't know the bushes and the hideouts of these criminals like the hunters and the vigilante people.
"A joint operation involving the hunters, vigilantes and security personnel will help in addressing the problem and we must support them as a government.
"I want to call on the Taraba State government to come out with a strong vigilante team and support them with local weapons to fight insecurity in the state.
"Each community should be allowed to recruit people within the community who are of good conduct to police their community. The community support and engagement will yield the desired result," he said.
Maikarfi, who boasted of his achievements within his short time in office, noted that if the security of the local government improves, it will help in spurring the needed development for the people of Gassol.
(Lead page with picture): Youths Group Rally Support for Ex-Speaker, Peter Diah
A youth group under the aegis of "Taraba our Land of Heritage" has rallied support for the former Speaker of Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abel Peter Diah, describing him as a rising sun whose time to shine has come.
The group in a statement signed and made available to our correspondent by its Chairman, Emma Mani, said unlike others, the ex-speaker has distinguished himself among his peers.
While extolling Diah's virtue, the group in a statement maintained that Abel's kindness and good heart has endeared him to many in the state with his popularity and acceptance widening.
Furthermore, Mani explained that the state is desirous of a leader in person of Abel who understands the yearning and needs of the people.
The statement read: "We've been into politics and we are keenly watching on the political pendulum of our dear state, having a record of every politician since 1999 to date.
"Our observation and analysis have made us realised that Hon Abel Peter Diah has toppled the chat of good politicians we have in this state.
"He remains a rising sun whose glory light has indeed come to shine for the good of our people in the state."
"We made our inquiries of why should Peter became a ranking member for four consecutive term representing the Mbamnga constituency of Sardauna Local Government, we discovered a simple answer that he was a slave-Master for his people.
"Peter has indeed gave himself as servant to render the services that humanity is in dear need of.
"As such we are going to support him, give him all the push and encourage he need to succeeding under whichever party." The statement added
I Eliminated My Girlfriend Because She Killed My 7 months Old Son' – Suspect
The Taraba State Police Command has arrested and paraded a 31-year-old man for killing his girlfriend.
A native of Donga Local Government Area, the suspect identified as Munda Bala allegedly conspired with two of his friends and killed his girlfriend.
Briefing journalist at the Command Headquarters in Jalingo, the Police Public Relations Officer, David Misal, said the victim was burnt to ashes and her remains buried in a bush.
He noted that efforts were in top gear to arrest the other two fleeing suspects while the principal suspect would be charged to court.
The suspect who was paraded with some ashes and bones of his victim admitted to have committed the crime and blamed economic hardship and jealousy for his decision.
He said, "I fell in love with Imbajuri Ambisi. She became my girlfriend; I got her pregnant and she delivered a baby boy and killed him after seven months.
"This got me angry and I couldn't tell anyone. My money got finished and she ran away to some wealthy guys who engage in the selling of rosewoods to foreigners."
"This got me jealous and I met two of my friends who advised me that if I really want my heart to be at rest, I have to kill her, hence our decision to eliminate her," Bala added.
More Suspects Paraded
The command's spokesman also paraded five suspected ritualists whose supposed victim escaped with a deep cut after luring him to cut fingernails for their boss in a forest in Kona Garu, a suburb of Jalingo metropolis.
Investigations, according to the police, indicate that the suspects have been in such nefarious acts for a long time.
Misal noted that the suspects would also be charged to court for prosecution.
Also paraded were five suspected kidnappers and armed robbers who have been terrorising Mahanga Village along the Jalingo-Wukari Expressway.
The police said the suspects were responsible for the security threats along the axis as they stop commercial vehicles and abduct passengers to unknown destinations.
Other suspects were paraded by the police for criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, armed robbery, and purchase of stolen properties among others.
All the suspects admitted to have committed the crime they were accused of.
(interview) For Justice, Taraba North Should Produce Governor by 2023- Ismaila Maihanchi
Hon Ismaila Maihanchi Yushau is a Chieftain of the PDP in Taraba State, in this interview with Taraba Truth and Facts, the former Special Adviser to Governor Darius Ishaku argued that Taraba North should be allow produce the next governor by 2023
The Governor has passed 2020 budget into law, what's your reaction to this and how do you think the implementation of this budget will affect Tarabans?
First of all, we thank God for this day and we thanked the Governor for signing the budget into law and we thanked the members of the Taraba State House of Assembly, the Ninth Assembly under the leadership of Dr. Albasu Kunini who has led others in doing their best to pass the budget and then to the Governor who signed the budget into law. As far as I'm concerned I know Darius Ishaku as a leader who people needs and he is a person who understands the problem of the local people in the communities and the local areas and that is why we local people at the grassroots and different communities always appreciate the governor for a well done job he has been doing in the communities because all the rural areas have seen the impact of Darius Ishaku because some local government areas lacked electricity before the coming of the governor, but during his first tenure, he ensured Kunini, Azare, Bali, Bakundi Local Government areas got rural electrification in Taraba State. Rural roads in Taraba State like Yoro, Wukari, Gembu, Sarduana, Gashika, Kurumi Local governments have felt the impact of his administration and we are confident that 2020 budget would be implemented and effectively used for the people of Taraba State.
On 2023 governorship election, there have been clamor that the governorship should be returned to the central, Northern and Southern zone, and one of the prominent PDP senator in the state said the Southern zone can still retain the slot, what's your take on this?
2023 is in the hands of God who will do all the justice and when we mean justice, it means every zone should produce governor after eight years. Governor Nyame did eight years, Danbaba Suntai-led administration did eight years and we vote for Ishaku during the 2015 election to be governor of Taraba State, he did well and we still reelect him in 2019 and he came back and we are praying and hoping the governorship should after Ishaku's eight years to come back to Northern Taraba State so that it would produce another governor because we need justice.
But the central zone are saying they alone spent six years owing to the inability of Danbaba to finish his tenure?
That's a will of God, but as far as the Nigerian constitution is concerned, Danbaba did eight years tenure because he was alive but was injured. But the former acting governor, Garba Umar UTC and his deputy acted in his absence because he was still alive then. He was alive but not healthy and that can happen to anybody and God can test anybody because test differs; his test was that and mine would be different. So, Southern Taraba had done their eight years tenure.
Now, let's talk about party leadership. The party would be going into congress, looking at a slight division among party stakeholders, what's your intention for the congress?
We are the PDP in Taraba State, we are united and we are one family under the leadership of Victor Bala Kona as the party chairman and under the supervision of Governor Darius Ishaku, we are united and we are one. Whoever is complaining, and then maybe such person is not a member of our party or needs something that is not in the interest of Taraba State of the state's PDP. We cannot say everybody should accept our leadership or join the PDP, no. everybody have their fundamental human right which dictates free association to whatever one believes in within the constitution. We don't foresee crises after the election and God willing, with Darius Ishaku, PDP will win hundred times. Taraba is for PDP, don't foresee any crises because we believe in Darius' leadership and thinking ability and we know we will still come back to the table and resolve any grievances or infighting among our members for a successful congress in the state.
What is your message to Tarabans?
We thank the people of Taraba State and Govenror Ishaku and we call the people to give peaceful coexistence a chance in the state so that Muslims and Christians and different tribes can leave in peace because the state is desirous of peace. Taraba is for everybody, we have natural resources and everything and Darius is ready to work for Taraba State and all what he needs is support, prayers and peace. Securities issue is improving in Taraba State, Jukun and Tiv crises is a bygone issue now and the 2019 Christmas was a joyful one for the people of Taraba state because you can't differentiate who is celebrating Christmas or not as everyone is happy. It was a successful and happy moment for everybody.
What Governor Ishaku Told World Bank Officials in Abuja (Half Page with one pics)
By Bala Dan Abu
Governor Darius Ishaku has visited the Nigerian office of the World Bank in Abuja for discussions on its empowerment programme for women and youths in the state.
Warming up to start the next phase of the empowerment programme, Governor Ishaku told his host at the World Bank that his government has stocked starter packs worth over 350 million Naira to boost its women and youths empowerment programme in the new year.
The governor told the World Bank officials led by Mr Shubham Chaudhri that his administration in Taraba State in its first term executed a very pragmatic empowerment programme which has taken over 4000 women and youths off the poverty line.
He informed the World Bank team who were apparently excited about the level of success recorded by the programme that the administration had to use agents of government to strictly monitor beneficiaries of the empowerment programme to ensure that they opened shops for their operation and that they did not sell off starter kits provided for them free by the government.
Ishaku said most of the beneficiaries of the scheme during the first tenure of his administration are presently not only self-employed but employers of labour.
Ishaku also briefed the team on Taraba State's experience with Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the State.
He said because the state was the least affected by Boko Haram, it became the destination of choice for victims fleeing from the rest of the states in the North East. This, he said, has put a lot of pressure on the resources of Taraba State.
He said the state had to provide the needs of the IDPs whose number has overwhelmed the state.
Despite the situation, he said, the government has been successful in making Taraba State a comfortable home to them, with some of them becoming farmers and home owners in the state.
Gov Ishaku told the World Bank team that his administration has achieved more than 80 percent of the programmes it outlined in the first phase of his administration's rescue agenda.
The areas of achievements which he enumerated during the briefing include the revival of many moribund companies, the provision of water in rural areas through the 300 boreholes in 300 communities scheme, empowerment of women and youths, renovation of three hospitals in three senatorial zones and the construction of a network of roads in Jalingo and major towns in the state.
In his response, Mr Chaudhuri said the Bank was ready to partner with state governments embarking on fundamental projects that would reduce extreme poverty in their domains.
In doing so, however, the Bank would enlist the cooperation of critical stake holders in Nigeria which includes the Nigeria Governor's Forum.
A delegation of some of officials of the Taraba State government is to meet with the Bank's officials at a future date for a more comprehensive discussion on areas of assistance for the state.
Bala Dan Abu is the Special Adviser Media to Governor Ishaku.
Opinion Page
Towards a lasting peace in Taraba State
Any sensitive living being within the sphere of Taraba state should be worried of what is to come in the nearest future. We have witnessed many things in the state since its inception circa, 1991; a few beautiful things and many ugly ones. We have chosen to live in pretence and denial instead of facing the reality and focus on solutions to our numerous problems. Those who can put yesterdays together and forecast tomorrow, would know that the future is doom for this state. We are yet to witness the biggest of evils in Taraba State.
For at least, for the past 30years, Taraba State has been consistently in the news for the wrong reason! Crisis after crises , war after war. Lives and properties worth huge billions always varnished with each of such crisis. The repercussion for the incessant crisis is the stunted growth of the state. We consciously refused to halt this inhumane trend in our land. Instead, we pretend we do not know the solutions to these crises. Yet we instigate, fuel and nurture crisis in this state at will.
Today it is Kuteb against Chamba/Jukun. Tomorrow is it Jukun against Tiv. Another day, Fulani against Tiv or the Kuteb hacking Tivs and burning down their homes. Then, the worst of it kind came, Muslims against Christians!, The air is filled with gunshot sounds, the land littered with blood and the people filled with fear and agony. The warriors are armed by the privileged and sent to attach the perceived enemies. After war and crises, the weapons, we do not know their fate, then comes armed robbery and kidnapping of the susceptible!
Every ethnics, and every religion want to dominate the others.
Truth are replaced with falsehood, friends turned to foes, trust varnished and acrimony heightened as peace gives way to chaos! The converging point for all these noxious acts is the malignant crisis that has since swallowed the state.
The hope for peace in the state does almost not exist. None of the crisis has been resolved properly. The Tiv/Jukun crisis is unresolved. The Kuteb vs Chamba/Jukun crisis is still germinating, the Muslim vs Christians in wukari is still not resolved as the town has been symmetrically divided into two: one side is for the Christians and its mirror image belongs to the Muslims. While the Fulani and the Tiv crisis has no end to it!
The reason these crises haven't been resolved is our choice of falsehood over the truth!, people who are saddled with the responsibility to resolve the crises, are evading the root cause of the crises, seeking alternatives which are capable of escalating the tension.
Our problem is compounded by politics which we do not know how to play! We have allowed the politicians to take away what was remaining of our relationships. And this is where we must be afraid! The killing that has been going on in Kaduna and Jos is nearer to us like never before, what happened in the aftermath of last election might be a tips of an iceberg. If we are not careful, else 2023 will usher in an unprecedented ugly memory in the history of Taraba State.
The infiltration of politicians into religious gathering and settings is tantamount to the metastasis of cancerous cells! If nothing is done about that post election violence in Taraba State, I am afraid the time bomb will surely explode in 2023!
As we are caught in these crises, we are all potentials victims of war, crisis or any form of skirmish and elections related violence, as far as we are Tarabians. We must therefore, come together and contribute our efforts in solving this problem!
We must drop our tribal differences, we must mute our religious jingoism. We must not allow politics and politicians to use us as sacrificial goats in order to get to their offices .
The political leaders and religious leaders in the state have to come together and devise way of diffusing the tensions they have built through their activities. If they fail to do this, they should be ready to bear the guilt for the lives of the people that will die in regards with 2023 elections
The writer wrote under a pen name as Dr. NOBLE
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