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Gov Lalong Charges Judges To Be Firm On Kidnapping, Rape Cases

Gov Simon Lalong of Plateau on Friday urged judges in the state to be firm while handling cases involving kidnapping and rape.
Lalong gave the advice while swearing-in the new President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Sati Dapit, and five other judges of the High Court at the Government House, Jos. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
The new High Court Judges are Justices Naankwat Shaseet and Buetnaan Bassi.
Justices Pauline Njar, Edwin Sati Munlang and Georgina Dashe were sworn-in as Customary Court of Appeal Judges.
The governor said firmness was required in handling rape cases as victims are left helpless and with health challenges, while kidnapping cases scare away investors.
He expressed concern that rape and kidnapping suspects were granted bail in spite of the gravity of their alleged offences.
Lalong said granting of bail to such suspects posed security threats.
“When I met with stakeholders recently, concerns were raised about prosecution of suspects who are arrested for kidnapping. Some of them, we understand, do not get to be arraigned as when due and even get released without charge despite evidence tendered to law enforcement agents.
“While we are addressing the issue with the police relating to arrest, investigation and prosecution, I want to appeal to our judges to be very firm in trying such cases when brought before them, as kidnapping is fast becoming an industry with no one immune from the menace,” the governor said.
He advised the newly sworn-in judicial officers not to be compromised or tempted by mouth-watering proposals.
“I charge the new judges to ensure that they live up to their oath of office in dispensing justice without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.
“That is the only way we can sustain the fabric of our society which we have chosen to predicate on the rule of law and which guarantees the equal treatment of citizens,” he said.
Lalong said the new appointments were part of effort by the government to fill vacancies in the judiciary to enable the latter to deal with the backlog of cases.
He pointed out that in spite the embargo on employment, his administration granted approval for the judiciary to recruit more than 200 staff, including relevant support employees.
“Today’s swearing in of these new judges is, therefore, a positive development as it will close the gap and improve access to justice by all citizens and indeed all those who seek justice in Plateau State,’’ he said.
The governor said his administration was committed to the rule of law and in ensuring that the judiciary operations guarantee equity, justice and fairness to Plateau people, irrespective of ethnic, economic, religious, political and other orientations.
He said his administration would complete the new High Court headquarters complex before the end of his tenure, stressing that it would create an enabling environment for the judiciary to perform their duties diligently.
Lalong said he has approved the request for the training of judicial officials within and outside Nigeria, as part of his commitment to building the capacity of the judiciary.
“We hope to sustain this initiative so that our judges will keep abreast of contemporary developments in their profession,” he said.
The governor said effort was being made for the three arms of government to operate independently, saying the State Account Allocation Committee (SAAC) has been established as a foundation for the implementation of financial autonomy.
“This we have done despite the fact that formal discussions on the modalities for implementing financial autonomy at the federal and state levels have yet to be concluded and the judiciary is being carried along in this process,” he said.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Justice Dapit thanked the governor for the confidence bestowed on them to serve God and humanity.
He assured him of their commitment to their duties and compliance with their oath of office.
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Kogi Deputy Gov Greets Kogi East APC Stakeholders, Hails Ogwu Alhasan’s Appointment As Ag Zonal Vice-Chairman

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi East, who, despite their tight schedules, attended a critical meeting at his residence in Lokoja on Saturday.
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This is contained in a statement signed by Unubi Emmanuel, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Kogi State
In a letter of appreciation made available to the public by his Press Secretary, Mr. Unubi Emmanuel, the Deputy Governor described the meeting as both strategic and critical to the unity and progress of the party in the zone.
He thanked the leaders for their dedication and support for the APC, urging them to continue prioritizing the welfare of the party, even as they implement the discussions and resolutions reached during the engagement.
Comrade Joel Salifu use this medium to formally congratulate Hon. Abdul Ogwu Alhasan on his recent appointment as the Kogi East Acting Zonal Vice-Chairman of the APC, saying that the appointment is well deserved.
According to the Deputy Governor, Hon. Ogwu Alhasan possesses extensive experience in politics and leadership, equipping him to lead the party in Kogi East to its rightful position in the state. He commended his proactive steps in engaging stakeholders and reconciling aggrieved members shortly after his appointment.
He prayed for God’s guidance, sound health, and long life for him to steer the affairs of the APC in Kogi East to success.
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Minister Engages Chinese Companies Towards revival Of Ajaokuta Steel Company

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu is currently in discussions with Chinese Companies towards the revival of the the nation’s ailing Ajaokuta Steel Complex and to attract strategic investments.
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In a Statement issued by Lizzy Okoji, Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister made available to Journalists in Lokoja, at the weekend, said the mission to China was in order to attract strategic investments and deepen industrial cooperation with key Chinese partners.
The statement said that the Minister’s team which includes the Director General, Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe, and top-level officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, have held several strategic meetings.
Meeting, it pointed out, was held with some of China’s largest and most influential steel conglomerates, including executives of Sino Steel (a member of Baowu Group), Fangda Steel Group and Jingye Steel Group.
“The crux of the meeting with the leading Chinese steel conglomerates is the revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, a key industrial asset considered critical to Nigeria’s manufacturing ambitions and job creation strategy”, she said.
According to the statement, the talks centred around technical evaluations, operational modelling, and financing frameworks required to restore the facility to full productivity.
The Minister, in his remarks said the “Renewed Hope” administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) under his leadership at the Ministry of Steel Development is determined to revive Ajaokuta Steel Company before the end of the current administration.
Mr Joseph Tegbe, also noted, “This strategic discussions underscores Nigeria’s commitment to forging transformative partnerships that align China’s industrial capabilities with our national development priorities.” (Ends)
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Ododo Urges Youths On Nation Building, Promotion Of Democracy

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state has urged youths across the country not to relent in contributing their quota towards nation building and promotion of democracy
The Governor noted that development of any nation is a collective responsibility entrusted in the hands of both the young and the elderly
He also admonished youths to resist the temptation of being used by politicians to execute dirty jobs such as thurggry, violence and killings during Political elections.
Ododo made the call while speaking during the 2025 June 12 Democracy Day Youth Interactive Session, organised by the Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, held at the Government House, Lokoja on Thursday.
The Governor who was represented by the Majority Leader of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon Suleiman Abdulrazaq, described the Youth Interactive Session with the Theme: 26 Years of Democracy, Renewing Our Commitment to National Development as not only timely but very relevant in impacting positively on the nation’s development and electoral process.
“As youths you must air voices that would promote democracy practice in Nigeria rather than embark on tendencies that would set the game on fire
“Our past experiences where youths are used to perpetuate evils by politicians to achieve their selfish political ambitions must be resisted and declared unacceptable”
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the youths assuring of their empowerment through skills acquisition and employment opportunities.
In his welcome address, the Kogi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Anyebe, urged the youths to embrace entrepreneurship and skills acquisition as the surest alternative to make them self-reliant.
The commissioner disclosed that the Youth Interactive Session put in place is aimed at reflecting on the journey so far in the nation’s democratic process and general overview on youth development.
Ends.
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