By Nick Ibe, Abuja

The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, (Retd) has denied as malicious and an entirely fabricated rumour circulating across various online and social media platforms alleging that he has expressed an intention to step down from his position.

Debunking this as fake news, a statement signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde
SA (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence stated unequivocally, and in the strongest possible terms that:

“These rumours are absolute falsehood borne out of complete mischief.
General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) remains fully focused on his national security mandate, deeply committed to his duties, and completely dedicated to piloting the nation’s defence strategy with results already being seen.

The release further called the public to disregard the fake news. It also strongly called on the media to desist from spreading unverified information falsehood from the internet and social media platforms but to verify from it before going public.

“The general public is hereby urged to completely disregard this fake news. We strongly advise media outlets and internet users to desist from spreading unverified information and seek clarifications from the office.”

By Michael Lim, Jos

Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau State Governor, apologised to the Igbo community for the role the state played during the Nigerian Civil War, saying the people of Plateau “were deceived” into participating in the 1967 – 1970 conflict.

The governor while in an interactive session with Igbo leaders from the 17 local government areas of the state stated so at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, over the weekend.

Mutfwang urged both sides to put the past behind them and instead strengthen the bonds of unity.

He commended the Igbo community for its contributions to the socio-economic development of Plateau State, saying they are an integral part of the state’s progress.

Mutfwang stressed that Plateau remains one of the most accommodating states for the Igbo people since the end of the civil war, noting that compensation was paid for some losses suffered during the conflict. In his words:

“I apologise to the Igbos so that we can put the past behind us and continue to foster unity. We have become one family because our people were deceived into going to war, and we regret it. We must close that chapter and move forward.

“We must unite. We want the Igbos to regard us as their brothers and sisters, and together we must create an enabling environment where everyone can prosper.”

He canvassed the goodwill of Igbo businessmen in Plateau to support indigenous entrepreneurs through mentorship and investment saying:

“Nigeria is a great country, and no ethnic group has demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit more than the Igbo. I encourage you to replicate that same spirit in Plateau. I also appeal to Igbo business owners to employ and train young Plateau indigenes.”

During the meeting, leaders of the Igbo community endorsed Mutfwang for a second term ahead of the 2027 governorship election, citing what they described as his inclusive leadership, prudent management of resources and commitment to peaceful coexistence.

The endorsement was announced by the President-General of the Igbo Community in Plateau State, Chief Chidi Onah.

“We hereby endorse Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the consensus candidate of the Igbo community for the 2027 governorship election. This endorsement is based on his competence, integrity, proven leadership and commitment to equity …

“He has promoted peaceful coexistence and created a business-friendly environment. He stood by us during the demise of our traditional ruler and has consistently engaged stakeholders to promote unity among the diverse ethnic groups in Plateau State.”

Onah further commended the governor’s developmental strides, saying Plateau now enjoys a more conducive environment for business and investment.

“Igbo people have lived in Plateau since before Nigeria’s independence. We appreciate the governor for compensating some of our members over disputed properties and urge Nigerians across ethnic and religious divides to support his administration,” he added.

Also speaking, former President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA), Chief Mike Ifeanyi Okunonke, described the Igbo as peace-loving people committed to the economic development of Plateau State.

He said the community would support Mutfwang’s re-election bid based on his performance rather than political affiliation.

“We will vote for personalities, not political parties. Governor Mutfwang has demonstrated capacity by creating opportunities and reducing unemployment. We will mobilise our members across the 17 local government areas to support him,” he said.

Okunonke added that the endorsement reflected the cordial relationship the governor has built with the Igbo community through genuine partnership and inclusiveness.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Igbo Affairs, Barr. Jonah Okechukwu Ezekweme, commended Mutfwang for creating an enabling environment for the Igbo community to thrive in Plateau State.

He urged members of the community to support the governor’s second-term bid and continue partnering with the government to create employment and business opportunities for young people.

Earlier, Hon. High Chief Felix O. Akpunku welcomed members of the Igbo community on behalf of the governor and praised Mutfwang’s developmental projects across the state, describing his administration as one committed to inclusive governance and sustainable development.

The meeting also featured the formal presentation of the new President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA), Chief Chidi Onah, by the immediate past President-General, Chief Mike Ifeanyi Okunonke.

Other speakers, including Chief Dr. Nelson Mkparu and Hon. Maureen Odilimuo, lauded the governor for his inclusive leadership and support for the Igbo community, pledging continued cooperation with his administration.

The meeting ended with renewed commitments by both the Plateau State Government and the Igbo community to strengthen peaceful coexistence, deepen collaboration and promote sustainable development across the state

… NAWOJ Congratulates Ofoku, Describes Her Victory As Historic

From Terkura Vande in Makurdi

Juliana Ofoku, has emerged the first female chairperson of the Nasarawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ).

She polled 97 votes, to beat two other contestants in a keenly contested election held in Lafia, the state capital on Monday.

Ofoku, of the Information Chapel, polled 97 votes to beat two other male contestants; Samson Jonah of the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS) chapel, who polled 89 votes and Sunday John of Correspondents’ Chapel, who secured 61 votes.

Chairman of the Credentials Committee, Kalu Idika, declared Ofoku, a one-time acting chairperson of the council, winner after satisfying the requirements of the NUJ Constitution.

Kalu said, “Having satisfied the requirements of the NUJ Constitution, Juliana Ose Ofokwu is hereby declared winner and returned elected as the chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).”

He further stated that the “Total number of votes cast were 249; total number of accredited votes 249, invalid votes 3.”

Appreciating the support he got from members of the NUJ, security agencies and other stakeholders at the occasio, Kalu stated that the election was conducted in a transparent and credible atmosphere.

In her acceptance speech, Ofoku, who commended the Credentials Committee for its ideals, credibility and integrity in the process that saw her emerging victorious, pledged to run an all inclusive administration focused on ethical principles, unity and development.

Meanwhile, the state chapter of the
Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, has congratulated Juliana Ofoku, for emerging chairperson of the council.

The group pointed out that the emergence of Ofoku, who was the immediate past NAWOJ Secretary, Zone D, said the election is “historic, as the first female Chairman of NUJ Nasarawa State Council.”

In a statement signed by the state secretary of NAWOJ, Esther Enna, said, “This victory is not just yours, but a victory for all women in the media profession. Your dedication, competence, and leadership over the years have paved the way for this milestone.

‘We are confident that under your leadership, the NUJ in Nasarawa State will witness greater unity, professionalism, and visibility.

“NAWOJ Nasarawa State Chapter pledges her full support and collaboration to ensure that women journalists continue to thrive and have a voice under your administration,” Enna, stated.