Governor Simon Bako Lalong has approved the appointment of Prof. Benard Malau Matur as the Vice Chancellor of the Plateau State University Bokkos.
Prof. Matur whose appointment was approved following recommendation of the Governing Council of the University is to succeed Prof. Yohanna Izam whose tenure ends on Tuesday 21st February 2023.
Until his appointment, Prof. Benard Matur was the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, Plateau State.
He is a Professor of Public Health Entomology and Parasitology and has held several positions in the academia.
He was one time Deputy Vice Chancellor, Veritas University Abuja and had previously served as Dean, College of Sciences; Dean, Student Affairs; and Head of Department, Biological Sciences at the University of Abuja. He was also Head, Department of Remedial Studies at the University of Jos.
Governor Lalong while congratulating the new Vice Chancellor, used the opportunity to appreciate the outgoing Vice Chancellor Prof. Yohanna Izam for his meritorious service and pragmatic leadership which has lifted the standard of the University, making it one of the most sought after in the country and one of the best among its peers. He wishes him success in his future endeavours.
Meanwhile, the Governor in accordance with the Law passed by the Plateau State House of Assembly has approved the change of nomenclature and upgrading of the College of Arts, Science and Technology Kurgwi into Ignatius Longjan Polytechnic.
The bill for the Establishment of the Ignatious Longjan Polytechnic and for other matters connected takes effect from 2022, while the College of Arts, Science, Technology and Remedial Studies Kurgwi Law No. 20 of 2020 and amended Law of 2005 are hereby repealed.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 20th February 2023.
APC ASSURED OF MASSIVE VICTORY AS LALONG TAKES CAMPAIGN TO KINSMEN; SAYS VICTORY FOR TINUBU/SHETTIMA & APC CANDIDATES IMMINENT.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has taken his Campaign to represent the people of the Southern Senatorial Zone in the Senate to his kinsmen with an assurance that the APC will coast home to victory in all elections starting from the Presidential and national assembly on 25th February 2023.
The Governor while speaking at the Plateau Southern Zone Campaign rally in his stronghold of Shendam thanked the people for their support and collaboration over the years which has given him the confidence to serve not only the zone but the state and nation at large. He said in Southern Zone, he doesn’t have a record of contesting and loosing any election which clearly shows that Tinubu and all the candidates of the APC will win in the forthcoming elections.
The Governor said his administration has paid back the people of the Southern Zone for their consistent support by executing various projects in the area which are a far departure from the neglect that the previous administration meted out on them.
He enumerated many projects such as roads, water, schools, hospitals among others that have been carried out in the zone by both the State and Federal Governments under the APC.
Lalong assured them that when elected as Senator with Asiwaju as President and Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as Governor, the people of the zone will witness yet another round of bumper harvest of projects and programmes which have direct impact on their livelihoods.
He advised the people of the zone and the state to shun politicians who have nothing to offer but using religion and ethnicity to deceive the people in order to win.
He said his Rescue Administration has exposed such persons who also collaborate with some religious leaders to pretend that they are speaking for the people with the sole aim of deceit and propaganda.
Lalong prayed for the victory of Tinubu/Shettima, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, Chief John Dafaan, Rt. Hon Idris Wase and all APC candidates of the zone during the elections.
Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Idris Wase said the APC is a party of equity and justice with track record of performance which is evident from the collaboration between the Governor and APC Federal legislators to attract projects such as the Federal Medical Centre Wase, Federal Polytechnic Nyak, National Orthopedic Hospital, Jos, Nigerian Law School Jos Campus, Federal University of Education Pankshin among others.
Member Representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency Yusuf Gagdi expressed displeasure with what he described as disloyalty of some APC members who hold political appointments but have chosen to stay aloof from making tangible effort towards the success of APC.
He said he has gone round and seen all the developmental projects Governor Lalong has done in the southern zone and it will be devastating to find anyone from the Southern zone and Shendam who will not to vote for APC.
APC Gubernatorial candidate Dr Nentawe Yilwatda reiterated that the immediate task for the party is to elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President and Governor Lalong as Senator with other candidates of the party to the National Assembly on 25th February.
This he said will usher in a thunderous victory during the Governorship and State Assembly elections in March.
He highlighted the turn around of Lagos which is attributed to Tinubu and stated that Tinubu has chosen Plateau son, Governor Lalong his DG Campaign which shows that Tinubu has great love for the people of Plateau and will give them a prominent place in his Government.
At the rally, Decampees from NNPP were received led by the State Treasurer who said they were amongst the 6 people that were entrusted with the party but he and his people realized that the party was full of deceit. Other Decampees from PDP were also received.
Earlier, the Governor attended a thanksgiving mass and dedication of his campaign at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Shendam and also paid homage to the Long Gamai of Gamailand, HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III who gave him his royal blessings.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 18th February 2023.
GOVERNOR LALONG HOLDS CONSULTATIVE MORE ENGAGEMENTS WITH STAKEHOLDERS AHEAD OF ELECTIONS
As the countdown to the general elections continues, Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has intensified his Consultative engagements within his consituency towards ensuring that the APC achieves a resounding victory at the polls.
The Governor in company of other leaders of the party moved to the Southern Senatorial Zone on Friday having held successful zonal rallies in the Central and Northern Zones.
He met with key players of the All Progressives Congress Party from Quaanpan and Mikang Local Government Areas where he assured to offer quality representation to people of the Southern Senatorial Zone and Plateau State if elected to the Senate.
Governor Simon Lalong who was joined by other candidates and party members from the six local government areas of the Zone said there is no anxiety over the victory for the APC which has proven to be a trustworthy party.
Apart from deepening campaigns for his election bid, he also reminded them that a vote for the Party’s Presidential Candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as other contestants for the Federal House of Representatives and State Assembly within the zone is very crucial and all hands must be on deck to deliver.
In all the Local Governments visited in the Zone the sessions were interactive as Governor Simon Lalong enumerated some of the successes of the APC administration both at the state and Federal levels and solicited the people’s votes for the Presidential candidates, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his election into the Senate, and all contestants seeking offices for the Federal and State constituencies from the Zone.
He also pledged to attract people oriented projects to the people of the Southern Zone if given the mandate to go to the red Chambers just as he has done as Governor where the State has done projects in all sectors and completed many others which were abandoned by previous administrations.
Director General of the Lalong Senatorial Campaign Council, Nanven Nimfel urged the people of the Zone to go all out and ensure the people cast their ballot for the party from top to bottom
Party members at the interactive session assured the Governor of their determination to work assiduously for the victory of the APC because they cannot afford to miss the good things that the party has brought to them which will increase once the party retains power at the State and Federal levels.
The Governor on arrival had visited the palaces of the Long, Kwo Miskoom Fidelis Attahiru, Long Pan, Miskam Emmanuel Dabang and the Puntel, Donald Puntel, to seek their royal blessings for the success of the forth coming elections.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 17th February 2023.
The attention of the Attorney-General of Plateau State, Mr. Chrysanthus T. Ahmadu Esq. has been drawn to a Press statement by the PDP Legal Adviser, Binchen Jantur, issued in reaction to a Court of Appeal decision in a matter involving two members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a Case emanating from the PDP Primary Election in Langtang North Local Government in Plateau State.
In the said Statement, the PDP Legal Adviser insinuated that there was something unusual in the decision of the Office of the Attorney-General of Plateau State taking over a Case instituted without following due process, by Direct Criminal Complaint, because the Case was between 2 PDP Members. Certainly, those said comments by the PDP Legal Adviser must have been made in ignorance of the facts of the matter.
Let it be known that the Office of the Attorney-General is yet to receive any Official Complaint by the PDP in respect of its decision to take over the Case in question, a clear indication that the Party and its Candidate realized the wrongfulness of its action in the manner the Direct Criminal Complaint was instituted.
For the record, the Office of the Attorney-General upon Complaints by aggrieved Citizens of the State routinely takes over Criminal Cases filed in Court where the investigation of such Complaints show the improper and indiscriminate use of the Criminal prosecution machinery of the State to short-circuit due process of Law.
As regards the Case in question, instituted by one Nanmi L. Joseph against one Augustine Timkuk before the Chief Magistrate Court 1, West of Mines Jos for alleged Perjury, upon the receipt by the Office of a Complaint of improper use of the judicial process the following findings were made:
1. That the Complainant and the Defendants were Candidates in the Primary Election of the PDP held in Langtang North of Plateau State.
2. That even though the Offence of Perjury alleged against the Defendant is an offence against the State, the Charge was neither filed by the Attorney-General’s Office nor the Commissioner of Police, contrary to Section 120 (1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Plateau State.
3. The Complainant a Private citizen filed the Charge without a Report of Investigation by the Police and without obtaining the Fiat of the Attorney-General as required by Law.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Attorney-General of Plateau State took over the said Case, like many others before it, where Direct Criminal Complaints are frivolously filed even in purely Civil Cases including even disputes on Title to Land, pursuant to his powers under Section 211 of the 1999 Constitution, out of a sense of duty and in the public interest to prevent an abuse of the judicial process by Citizens who are always quick to employ Criminal Process in a bid to settle purely Civil Disputes.
Consequently, and in the light of the foregoing, the Attorney-General of Plateau State wishes to call on all Politicians not to drag the otherwise non-partisan Office of Attorney-General into the murky waters of Politics, as doing so has the potential to undermine Public confidence in the revered Office with grave implications for Public Order and the Rule of Law.
Chrysanthus T. Ahmadu Esq.
Hon. Attorney-General Plateau State, 15th February 2023
ON THE THIRD DAY OF FEDERAL WARDS’ TOUR, GAGDI’S ACCEPTANCE INDEX KEEPS SOURING
The enthusiasm written on the faces of supporters of Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi in the remaining wards of Pankshin and Kanke delivered a message of hope and of the bond between the people and their representative.
If visiting Gyangyang, Nemel, Dawaki, Kabwir, Wuchenbe, Wokkos, Kangshu, Kadung and Fier is anything to go by, it further reinforces the fact that Gagdi has everything going on well for him as far as his ambition is concerned.
The presence of Engr Manji Gontori, erstwhile gubernatorial candidate of YPP in Plateau State from Gyangyang to Fier was, in the main, a sign that rejoining APC was the boost needed to prosecute the battle.
Thus, Manji’s strongest selling points were further reassurance that, it was no fluke dropping his ambition for Nentawe Yilwatda’s and the party’s glory in the 2023 general elections.
With an affected voice due to selling his candidature for three days non-stop, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi would trudge on, speaking to his supporters who defied the vagaries of the weather to reach out to them before the polls.
On the third day of the tour, about 30 Federal Wards have so far been visited by Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi.
BRITISH-AMERICAN FLYOVER PROJECT STEADILY PROGRESSES WITH ASPHALTING WORK
Work on the British-American Flyover and Dualisation to Lamingo Junction Roundabout in Jos has progressed steadily as the contractor sustains his commitment to complete the work on schedule.
A visit to the site shows that ashphalting works on the slip roads around the main flyover and the stretching from the flyover to the second bridge.
Engineers were seen busy carrying out several activities including intermittent temperature measurement, density and other bituminous properties of the asphalt as part of the processes of quality control.
Already, the main structure of the flyover has been done while the connecting bridges towards the Lamingo Junction Roundabout are also completed.
Motorists and residents have expressed delight at the pace of work and are eager to have the flyover and dualised road commissioned and opened to traffic which will make life easier for them.
They commended Governor Simon Bako Lalong for initiating the project and keeping his promise to ensure its completion before the end of his Rescue Administration.
During the Governor’s last visit to the site, he stressed to the contractor Craneburg Construction Nigeria Ltd that the project must be completed on schedule as it is one of those to be commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari soon.
Other projects which are expected to be commissioned soon are the new Plateau State High Court Headquarters Complex, Multi court Door House, General Hospital Kwall, Kanke; Mabudi Langtang South; and Riyom. Others are ultra modern medical equipment at the Plateau State Specialists Hospital Jos which include Superstar MRI Machine, 64 slices CT scanner, 4D Ultrasound Scanner and Digital X-Ray Machine among others.
Others are the Shendam Internal Road Networks and bridges, Kalong-Angwan Dadi Bridge (the longest bridge in Plateau State), remodelled and reconstructed NUJ Secretariat Complex Jos, Various Legacy Projects among others.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 13th February 2023.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has granted a 4 months extension of service for the Head of Service Engr. Sunday Hyat, mni, who recently retired after attaining the age of 60.
In a communication released by the Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, the extention was approved by the Governor to enable the head of service conclude some sensitive labour and ad-hoc responsibilities he is currently handling.
The extension which is from February to May 2023 will be on contract basis.
While congratulating him, the Governor hopes he will continue to put in his best for the total reformation of the civil service in order to allow his Rescue Administration hand over a virile, motivated and capacitated civil service.
He asks the civil service bureaucracy to continue to give him support and cooperation during the period of the extension.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 9th February 2023.
A few weeks before the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections, when politicians have returned to their trenches canvassing votes for their various aspirations, the member representing PKK, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi is not only engaging his constituents daily but is still holed up in the FCT pressing the right buttons to attract more development for his constituency.
Gagdi, a people-centered representative, who would go cap in hand to lobby for good things for his people, was between Monday 6th, and Tuesday, February 7, 2023, engrossed in a series of meetings in the Presidency where he brainstormed with the Vice President Yemi Osibanjo and the Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Prof Ibrahim A. Gambari on the viability of establishing the proposed Federal College of Education, Dengi, whose bill has been passed into law by the National Assembly; awaiting Presidential assent, alongside the Federal Polytechnic Nyak- Shendam establishment bill.
Gagdi, who has maintained a cordial relationship with the who’s who in the Presidency throughout his political sojourn in the National Assembly as the member representing PKK from 2019, has utilized such connections that have crystalized in the plethora of constituency development projects permeating the nooks and crannies of PKK.
He is even more determined to ensure all the projects and programs he has outlined to achieve for his constituency in his four years in office come to fruition within the set time, hence the last-minute lobbying, despite the fact that electioneering activities have taken center stage in the nation’s political affairs.
This explains why the member representing PKK was unavoidably absent at the 2023 Forgiveness Day Celebration in Plateau State on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. The lawmaker, however, calls on his supporters and political well-wishers to avail themselves at the Campaign Flag off of the APC gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, billed for Wednesday, February 8, 2023, in Wase LGA as he will defy all odds to be personally present at the event.
There is no gainsaying that Gagdi is PKK’s best bet to continue to attract more development to the constituency beyond 2023, and such a decision has gone down well with the electorate of the Constituency given their overwhelming support for the Vote Gagdi Again (VOGA) Movement.
Powered by: GAGDI STRATEGIC MEDIA TEAM February 8, 2023.
PLATEAU COMMEMORATES DAY OF FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION
The people of Plateau State today converged on the Rwang Pam Township Stadium Jos for the commemoration of this year’s Plateau Day and Day of Forgiveness and Reconciliation, a day set aside to mark the 47th anniversary of the creation of the State as well as reflect on the past experiences that once took away the peace of the State.
Speaking at the event, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong said his heart is filled with joy that his administration has laid a solid foundation for peace, justice, equality, tolerance and hospitality.
He said with the support of traditional, religious and community leaders, the Government has worked hard to substantially reverse the damage to the collective psyche and fractured inter-group coexistence.
“Today, the deep-seated level of mutual distrust, suspicion and hate that once characterized social relations between people of different ethno-religious backgrounds across Plateau State has greatly reduced to the barest minimum. This is a result of the hours, days, months and years of work put in by the Plateau Peace Building Agency which we established backed by law, as well as the Inter-Religious Council that was also inaugurated with top leadership of the Christian and Muslim faiths deeply involved”.
Lalong emphasised that the focus on forgiveness and reconciliation does not in any way give room for criminality to thrive or be tolerated. Rather, crises merchants and criminals who previously operated with impunity have been run out of business.
According to the Governor, the Government has continued to remove the triggers for conflicts such as those related to farming and grazing that is not only peculiar to Plateau State.
“We have already sent a Bill to the State House of Assembly for the establishment of Ranching which will prohibit open grazing so as to tackle clashes between farmers and herders. Similarly, we passed and signed into law the Anti-Land Grabbing Law since 2020 to ensure that nobody is dispossessed of his land illegally. It is important to emphasize this because some people are making inciting statements alleging that some villages have been taken over by herdsmen in Plateau State and that the Government has not done anything about it. As Governor, I can say authoritatively that there is no report on my table that any village has been taken over by anyone. The Anti-Land Grabbing law provides that anyone whose land has been forcefully taken should write to me, his traditional ruler, Local Government Chairman, elected representative or even approach the court directly for redress. So far, no one or any community has done so”.
Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar showered praises on Governor Lalong for his passion for peace and reconciliation which has restored calm and progress in Plateau State.
He said the initiatives put in place by the Governor have galvanised the entire state and brought together people who are no longer looking at one another with suspicion, bitterness and hatred.
Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama said he was happy that the initiative taken many years ago has fully been implemented by the Plateau State Government under the leadership of Governor Lalong.
Gbong Gwom Jos Da Jacob Gyang Buba described the event as one that vindicates Governor Lalong who has stood firm in persuading the citizens of the State to put behind them and look forward to a greater future.
Other guests including Emir of Askira, Alh. Abdullahi Ibn Askirama II, Emir of Kano Aminu Ado Bayero, former Military Administrator of Plateau State Gen. Lawrence Onoja, former Governor Fidelis Tapgun, CAN General Secretary, PIDAN President, Chairman Inter religious Council Prof. Pandam Yamsat, all commended the Governor for towing the path of peace and ensuring that criminals are not allowed to operate with impunity while reconciliation is going on.
Former Director General of the NTA Yakubu Ibn Mohammed speaking on behalf of Plateau glorious stars recalled his life while growing up in Jos and said the unfortunate events of the past has been detrimental to the image of the State but the Governor has done well to reverse the situation through inclusive leadership.
The Governor assisted by the special guests unveiled the Gazette for the creation of New Districts and Chiefdoms as well as the Plateau Anthem, logo and symbol which were developed by Daps Dalyop Gwom.
The Governor also handed over 32 schools established by voluntary organisations back to their original owners.
Catholic Archbishop of Jos Most Rev. Ishaya Audu appreciated the Plateau State Government for adhering to the yearnings of the people and doing the needful.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor Plateau State, 7th February 2023.
In view of the commemoration of the creation of Plateau State 47 years ago and the marking of this year’s Forgiveness and Reconciliation Day, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG, CON has approved and declared that Tuesday 7th February, 2023 be observed as work-free.
In this light therefore, citizens of Plateau State are called upon to turn out enmasse tomorrow Tuesday, 7th February to participate in this epoch-making event.
Venue is Rwang Pam Township Stadium Jos.
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Dan Manjang, mnipr Honourable Commissioner, Information and Communication. February 6, 2023.
Freelance Reporters 