June 2022 | 4WARDWEGO

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Plateau 2023 Budget to capture the Citizens inputs – Lamba Peter Bot

The inputs of the Plateau State Citizens is key in the process of of budgeting policy and process because they are part and parcel of the budget

Mr Lamba Peter Bot made the statement during a town hall meeting on citizens engagement in the budgeting process for the central zonePlateau 2023 Budget to capture the Citizens inputs – Lamba Peter Bot

The inputs of the Plateau State Citizens is key in the process of of budgeting policy and process because they are part and parcel of the budget

Mr Lamba Peter Bot, The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, made the statement during a town hall meeting on citizens engagement in the budgeting process for the central zone held at the Joshua Dariye hall, Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi, Jos, Campus today 30th June, 2023. held at the Joshua Dariye hall, Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi, Jos, Campus today 30th June, 2023.

He said that In spite of the limited resources, the government is still responsive to its statutory responsibilities to the citizens of Plateau state.

“The citizens are the focal point of government budgeting policy and programs hence the need for their involvement at the preparatory stage. Their valuable input is key in the process because they are part and parcel of the budget. The 2023 citizen budget has to comply with a recent guideline that puts emphasis on what is known as local governance.”

“It will interest you to note that, the ministry of budget and economic planning was directed to drop the approved budget estimate of 147.5 billion Naira in the 2021 fiscal year to 101 billion Naira in 2022 which finally stood at 106.5 billionaira after legislative consideration. The desire of the government is to prepare a modest and realistic budget that will add value to the state not mere reflection of figures. I, therefore, want to appeal for understanding of the citizens in that regard.”

He said that “the 2023 budgeting process will soon commence following the same process in which a budget draft document is expected to be transmitted to the legislature in good time. The projects and programs to be encapsulated in the proposals are expected to be in line with the three-pillar policy trust of our charismatic governor, RT. Hon. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong our rescue team leader, are i. Peace, Security, and good governance, ii. Physical Infrastructure Development and iii. Sustainable Economic Re-Birth.

“Indeed, to prove beyond a reasonable doubt in governance, His Excellency, RT. Hon. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong has demonstrated continued work on all the projects inherited from the past administration since inception with most of them now completed and very few un-going.
He has also initiated new projects that are very critical and have a direct bearing on the lives of citizens cutting across the 17 local government areas of the state. Similarly, his desire and zeal for the welfare of citizens can be seen in the prompt payment of salaries and pensions.

Some issues rised by some participants are the ministry of finance and budget should take note and capture tourism as it will also be a means of generating income and also beautify the state

Another participant touched on the need to look at the area of natural resources, and the need to collect task from the big trucks coming in and parking on the road side, damaging the roads

A co-chair at the town hall and rep of the Civil Society Organization, Obadiah .J Afwanks, stated that the Open Government Partnership was a commendable development, having civil societies partner with the Government towards a participatory Budgeting process.

He said the move creates an opportunity for a people-oriented budget that highlights the needs of citizens, where the civil society goes to the local government to conduct needs assessments and help the communities to develop their own community plans.

Local Government Area representatives from Plateau Northern Zone made their budgetary submissions while Citizens who spoke at the town hall called for the budgeting to also capture things that promote the state in terms of tourism, economic development and return of peace

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R Kelly sentenced to 30 years for sex crimes

Disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison Wednesday for leading a decades-long effort to recruit and trap teenagers and women for sex.

Judge Ann Donnelly handed down the term in the Brooklyn federal court nearly a year after the 55-year-old Kelly was convicted by a New York jury.

“The verdict is in: R. Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years,” the US attorney’s office for the Eastern District of New York said in a tweet.

The prosecutors had urged the court to put the “I Believe I Can Fly” artist behind bars for at least 25 years, saying he still “poses a serious danger to the public.”

In September, the fallen superstar was found guilty on all nine charges he faced, including the most serious of racketeering.

“His actions were brazen, manipulative, controlling and coercive. He has shown no remorse or respect for the law,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.

Kelly’s lawyers called for a lighter sentence with a maximum of approximately 17 years.

The sentence comes just over a month before jury selection is due to start in Kelly’s separate, long-delayed federal trial in Chicago on August 15.

In that case, Kelly and two of his former associates are alleged to have rigged the singer’s 2008 pornography trial and hid years of sexual abuse of minors.

The musician who once dominated R&B also faces prosecution in two other state jurisdictions.

#MeToo milestone
Kelly’s conviction in New York was widely seen as a milestone for the #MeToo movement: It was the first major sex abuse trial where the majority of accusers were Black women.

It was also the first time Kelly faced criminal consequences for the abuse he for decades was rumored to have inflicted on women and children.

Prosecutors were; tasked with proving Kelly guilty of racketeering, a federal charge commonly associated with organized crime syndicates that depicted; Kelly as the boss of an enterprise of associates who facilitated his abuse.

Calling 45 witnesses including 11 alleged; victims to the stand, they painstakingly presented; a pattern of crimes they say the artist-born Robert Sylvester Kelly carried out for years with impunity, capitalizing on his fame to prey on the less powerful.

To convict Kelly of racketeering, jurors had; to find him guilty of at least two of 14 “predicate acts” — the crimes elemental to the wider pattern of illegal wrongdoing.

Lurid testimony intended to prove those acts included; accusations of rape, druggings, imprisonment and child pornography.

His accusers described events that often mirrored one another: Many of the alleged victims said they had; met the singer at concerts or mall performances and were; then handed slips of paper with Kelly’s contact details by members of his entourage.

Several said they were; told he could bolster their music industry aspirations.

But prosecutors argued all were; instead “indoctrinated” into Kelly’s world — groomed for sex at his whim and kept in line by “coercive means of control,” including isolation and cruel disciplinary measures, recordings of which were; played for the jury.

Core to the state’s case was Kelly’s relationship with the late singer Aaliyah.

Kelly wrote and produced her first album — “Age Ain’t Nothin’ But A Number” — before illegally marrying her when she was; just 15 because he feared he had; impregnated her.

His former manager admitted; in court to bribing a worker to obtain fake identification allowing the union, which was; later annulled

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Economists warn recurring fuel shortages could worsen inflation

Economists at Vetiva have said recurring fuel shortages could push inflation to 19 per cent in 2022.

The economists, Ibukun Omoyeni and Angela Onotu proposed a bear case scenario of 19 per for inflation after a base estimate of 17.50 per cent.

They said, “We see considerable risks from global food shortages, sustained fuel shortages, another energy crisis, higher power tariffs, and weaker exchange rates. Amid these varying outcomes, our base estimate for inflation is 17.50 per cent y/y in 2022.”

The economist expects the nation’s economy to grow by 2.7 per cent y/y in 2022, driven by supportive base effects, volatile oil production, sustained growth in active GSM lines, and slight depreciation in the Naira. They added that the war in Ukraine was causing supply disruptions globally.

They stated, “We note that both warring countries are key commodity exporters, and supply disruptions would reverberate globally. With inflation reaching new highs, the Fed’s increasingly hawkish stance, combined with a stronger dollar, poses new challenges for emerging and frontier markets.

“The warring economies (Russia and Ukraine) are responsible for 3.6 per cent of African imports. Despite the little exposure to Ukraine and Russia, constrained supply from these economies means prices of these commodities, most of which are essential, will be elevated.”

According to the economist, the war will place immense pricing and external strain on African economies, and economies such as Ghana and South Africa with floating currencies and volatile fuel prices would be adversely affected.

Speaking on the nation’s upcoming general elections, they said, “A trip down memory lane shows that despite increased voter registrations, the voter turnout ratio has declined steadily since 2003.

“Beyond voter turnouts, a cursory glance at the economic outcomes of previous elections shows; one clear fact – economic performance is; tied largely to the performance of the oil sector.”

The economist added that the recent decline in the oil sector was due to crude theft. They added that the naira would slightly depreciate towards N440/$ in the Investors and Exporters Window.

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Mass defections in Sokoto as 3 APC governorship aspirants dump party for PDP

No fewer than three governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the recent gubernatorial primary of the party have so far defected to the Peoples Democratic Party in the state.

Among those who have so far defected from the APC to the PDP is a member of the Federal House of Representatives; identified as Hon Abdullahi Balarabe Salame.

Salame, who represents Ilella/Gwadabawa Federal Constituency, is a three-term member of the House of Representative;, having spent two terms in the state House of Assembly, where he served as the Speaker as well as acting governor of the state.

Also, the former Minister for Transportation, Hon Yusuf Suleiman, on Saturday obtained his PDP membership card from the chairman of the party in the state.

In a post on his official social media handle; the Isa Local Government-born politician said he is now a bonafide member of the party in the state; even as he promised to work for the success of the party.

Another aspirant who defected to the PDP is a renowned Sokoto-based businessman, Alh Abdullahi Abubakar Gumbi.

One of his aides confirmed that the businessman turned politician had informed the governor; Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, of his intention to join the party and all arrangements have been concluded.

The source, however, said there will soon be an elaborate ceremony to welcome the defector back to the party.

He said many political leaders in the APC have shown their readiness to move to the PDP; even as they are ready to work for its success in the forthcoming general election.

However, it was gathered that at least five out of the seven governorship aspirants under the All Progressive Congress have shown their displeasure over how the candidate of the party, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu emerged.

Recalled that two of the aspirants, Abdullahi Balarabe Salame and Alhaji Abubakar Gada, had withdrawn from the exercise; while the trio of Honourable Yusuf Suleiman, Abdullahi Abubakar Gumbi; as well as Honourable Faruk Malami Yabo left the venue in the middle of the exercise.

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Amotekun confirms arrest of suspected Owo Catholic Church terrorists attack

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed “Amotekun Corps” has confirmed that some suspects have been arrested in connection with the terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.

The suspected terrorist invaded the church on June 5, killing no fewer than 40 people and injuring many other worshippers.

The state Commander of Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, on Thursday said some suspects had been arrested in connection with the killing.

He stated this while parading some 71 men who were arrested for various criminal activities across the state.

He, however, did not give the actual figure of the suspected terrorists arrested but expressed assurance that all the attackers of the worship center would be apprehended.

The Amotekun boss said, “As regards the Owo incident, we have recovered the last vehicle they used for that operation and we made some arrests and we have also recovered some vital things which we are working on.

“A number of people have been arrested concerning the Owo issue as well as a number of equipment. On that day, we pursued them to the point that we recovered the vehicle and we are still pursuing them We have told you that until we get to the root, I can assure you that the perpetrators and their sponsors will be brought to book.”

On the 71 suspected criminals paraded at the headquarters of the command in Akure, the state capital, Adeleye explained that the suspects were arrested within the last one month for various offenses ranging from armed robbery, cattle rustling, and kidnapping, raping, fraud, and human trafficking.

“The 71 suspects were picked while committing offenses and others were tracked to their hideouts in the forests. We have been able to get a cartel that specializes in stealing and dismantling motorbikes which we all know as okada. Also, we were able to recover over 50 bikes during the operation from these criminals.

“We also got reports from some herdsmen that their cattle were; stolen. We went after them and brought the cows back to the Fulani herdsmen that owned the cow. A group of small boys who are under 18 years old turned themselves into a; cartel of criminals in a particular local government in Ondo State and armed themselves. They actually belong to a cult group called ‘Agbado’. We were able to arrest 12 out of the 17 members.

“We have; about three to four suspected kidnappers and we intend to take most of these suspects, especially the ones we have; concluded their investigations to the DPP and for their onward prosecution in court.”

He assured the people of the state that the corps would; not rest on its oars until it rids the state of criminal elements, saying, “there is no hiding place for them. They turned the heat on us and we have; also turned the heat on them.”

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Police rescue 14 kidnap victims in Zamfara

The Police Command in Zamfara has rescued 14 kidnap victims held for 42 days at Kunchin Kalgo forest in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state.

This is contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Muhammad Shehu.

Shehu said that the victims were; rescued successfully during an intelligence-led search and rescue operation in the forest on Tuesday.

He said that the operation was; conducted by the police with the support of some individuals partnering with security agencies to restore peace to the state.

“The police tactical team acted on credible intelligence and stormed a; suspected bandits’ hideout, leading to the rescue of 14 victims including two babies of one year each.

“The victims informed the police that the bandits invaded; Nasarawar-Wanke and Rijiya villages in Gusau LGA and abducted them to their enclave, where they spent 42 days in captivity,” he said.

Shehu added that the 14 victims had; been handed over to their relatives.

He said that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Ayuba Elkanah, appreciated the support being; given to the police by the government and people in the effort to restore peace to the state.

Meanwhile, about seven gunmen struck on Wednesday at Orin Ekiti in the Ido/Osi Council Area of Ekiti State and abducted a; retired top civil servant identified as Bamisaye, who was working on his farm.

Sources said the farm where the incident occurred was; located between Ero Dam and the Ekiti State farm settlement at Orin Ekiti.

A source said that the development had caused tension and panic in the town, saying residents were; worried about their safety.

He said, “The seven gunmen had; earlier attacked one man identified as Ojo within the vicinity of the farm where Bamisaye was; kidnapped.

“Ojo was asked about the whereabouts of the white men working at the farm settlement, but he replied that he didn’t know where they were.

“They ordered him to lie face down, ransacked his car that was; parked nearby, and took away the N4,500 they found inside the vehicle. They fired a shot and terrified the environment before they later found; Bamisaye and whisked him away,”the source said.

The Corps Commandant, Ekiti State Amotekun Corps, said that operatives of the corps and as well men of the security agencies in the state had; started working on the development immediately after they received the information.

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Prisca Kevin – God’s Time Album

The Revelational Voice presents one of its very own remarkable female gospel artist, Prisca Kevin with a brand new super amazing project titled “God’s Time” a great compilation with inspiration to fill your spirit and soul.

The project comprises of 5 amazing tracks, carefully selected to encourage and keep your faith in the lord

Download, Listen, and Testify with a comment below

Track List:

DOWNNLOAD ZIP FILE

All tracks produced by the incredible Royaltee Beatz, Backup by Joan Godfrey.

Prisca Kevin is a gospel minister of God, called as the REVELATIONAL VOICE for revivalists, for the excellent generation, her music Life was inspired and given by God himself, that got many people confused even her own family could not understand her, but because the call was so strong that made her to follow God’s leading, on her own, she said God himself thought her how to sing, for her passion was just to serve God and wait for his reward, and was never to become a gospel minister until 2016 God started making it clear to her.

Connect with Prisca Kevin:
Facebook: prisca Kevin
Instagram: prisca.kevin
Facebook page: REVELATIONAL VOICE

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Abductors of Plateau monarch demand N150m ransom

Abductors of a Plateau monarch have demanded the sum of N150 million for his release.

Recall that the monarch, Da Aminu Derwan of Panyam in Mangu council was abducted and taken away from his palace in the early hours of Monday.

According to a family source, “they are demanding N150 million, where can we get that kind of sum?

“But, we are still talking with them, hoping that they’ll reduce the ransom or release him on compassionate grounds”.

However, when contacted, the Public Relations Officer of Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo said, “The command is making frantic efforts to rescue the traditional ruler; as I speak to you, a tactical team is working hard to find the abductors and free the monarch”.

On 26th December, 2021, the Paramount ruler of Pyem Chiefdom in Gindiri, was abducted, and later released.

A few months later, the paramount ruler of Vwang District of Jos South LGA was also kidnapped and released after a while. This is the fifth monarch to be abducted in the State.

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Plateau PDP Guber Candidate Mutfwang uncover running mate

The PDP Governorship candidate in Plateau, Barr Caleb Mutfwang on Tuesday unveiled former Chairman, Riyom Local Government Council Hon. Josephine Piyo as his running mate.
In his speech during the unveiling, Mutfwang stated that he had to demonstrate his capacity for leadership by taking a very tough decision regarding the choice of a Deputy Governorship candidate for the party. He, however, added that fortunately for him, he had an array of qualified men and women to choose from stressing that ironically, it was a difficult one since it can only be one person.

The Governorship candidate hinted that in making the decision, he made far-reaching consultations with leaders of the Party, Stakeholders, and various Caucuses before choosing his Running Mate in order to enhance the joint ticket going into the general elections.
According to Mutfwang, “It is pertinent to mention that since my election, I have taken the responsibility of providing leadership seriously.

“I have begun by talking with and where possible visiting my fellow contestants. I am very grateful for their sportsmanship and solidarity thus far.

“The discharge Permit to place on record the unflinching support I have enjoyed from the leadership of our Party across the state, elders, stakeholders, and supporters since I emerged as our Gubernatorial Candidate.

“Some of you will recall that in the course of my campaigns before the party primaries, I made a commitment to giving a voice to the voiceless.

“I make bold to say that a critical segment of our society that is often neglected in leadership considerations is the women folk and yet they form a formidable percentage of our population. For me giving them a voice is a compelling necessity.

“I, therefore, have the honour and privilege of introducing to our party members and Plateau people a respected Plateau woman, mother, grandmother, daughter of Barkin Ladi, wife of the people of Riyom.

“She was trained as a healthcare worker and served as public administrator before becoming a consummate politician. Ladies and gentlemen behold the Honourable Mrs. Josephine Chundung Piyo, as my Running Mate”

The PDP Governorship candidate further expressed his confidence in the choice of his running mate for the fact that she is a grassroots and cosmopolitan politician, a loyal party woman believing that she would bring along with her a wealth of experience, having served the State dutifully and diligently as a Nurse, Teacher before venturing into politics when she got elected into the Plateau State House of Assembly in 1999. He said that thereafter, She served as Special Adviser to the Executive Governor, of Plateau State from 2008 to 2011 and later got elected as the Chairman of Riyom LGC from 2014 to 2015.
He passionately appealed to every true PDP man and woman of good conscience to join hands in what he called a great task of winning the 2023 elections to enable the party to bring succour to the good people of Plateau State.

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Reps override President Buhari on Electoral Act

The House of Reps attempt to override President Muhammadu Buhari on Section 84 (8) of the Electoral Act 2022, which seeks to provide for statutory delegates at political party meetings, congresses, and conventions, has failed.

On Wednesday, June 21, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, urged members inclined to launch a motion to overturn Buhari’s veto to do so by Thursday.

Two members of the Peoples Democratic Party – Deputy Minority Leader Toby Okechukwu and Ben Igbakpa – protested on the House floor after failing to acquire tickets to run for reelection in the just finished primary.

Okechukwu had backed Gbajabiamila on the comments made by the Speaker earlier on Tuesday, faulting the way political parties conducted primaries leading to the failure of members of the National Assembly to get tickets of their respective parties to seek reelection in the 2023 general election.

Gbajabiamila had chastised the parties for failing to allow statutory delegates to vote for candidates in primaries, as stipulated by the National Assembly in Section 84 (8) of the Electoral Act 2022, which the President has yet to sign.

After the 30-day window for the President to sign the amendment bill had elapsed, Igbakpa moved a resolution for the Reps to invoke Section 58 (5) of the 1999 Constitution on the bill.

However, the session was presided over by Deputy Reps Speaker Ahmed Wase, who criticized Igbakpa’s method.

Wase stated that Igbakpa was expected to have asked the Speaker to recommit the bill to the House Rules and Business Committee for review.

While Igbakpa stated that the proposal followed the Speaker’s directive, Wase requested that the motion be withdrawn and the proper procedure be followed, which the sponsor promised to do.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State parliament has passed a resolution to send commendation letter to President Muhammadu Buhari and others for ensuring a credible presidential primary election that produced the APC candidate, Sen. Bola Tinubu.

The House of Assembly directed its Clerk, Mr Lekan Onafeko, to write commendation letters to Southern and Northern APC governors and the Conference of Speakers of State Assemblies and the National Assembly.

The House passed the resolution at the resumption of plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa on Monday, June 20.