GOVERNOR LALONG DELIVERS 11TH AREWA LECTURE, CANVASSES FOR REDUCTION IN COST OF GOVERNANCE TO FUND DEVELOPMENT

Chairman of Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong says all tiers of Government in Nigeria must as a matter of urgency cut down on the high cost of Governance in order to fund critical areas of development that will address challenges of Nigerians.

Governor Lalong said this while delivering the 11th Annual Memorial Lecture in honour of late Sir Ahmadu Bello at the Arewa House, Kaduna.

Governor Lalong whose lecture was entitled “Reducing the Cost of Governance for Inclusive Growth and Youth Development in Post COVID-19 Northern Nigeria” said the high cost of governance has further increased the inability of the governments at all levels to meet the basic needs of the people.

He said factors such as corruption, insecurity, large number of Government appointees, high salaries, corruption, among others are among some of the factors that drive the high cost of governance in the country. He insisted that this must be addressed immediately to change the trajectory of growth in Nigeria and the North in particular.

Lalong said the high cost of governance has worsened the standard of living in the Northern part of the country which continues to battle with infrastructure deficit, poverty, illiteracy, culture of patronage laziness, diseases and insecurity.

He said the Northern Governors Forum has seriously examined the economic situation in the region and is working in unison to address the high cost of governance and other obstacles to development.

Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari who represented President Muhammadu Buhari said the Federal Government has continued to implement various cut-cutting measures to reduce the cost of governance and free resources for development.

He said so far, the results are positive and the Federal Government will work with State Governments including those of the Northern region in adopting measure that will reduce huge spending and wastages so that funds will be available for development.

Chairman of the occassion, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said the discourse is timely as the nation needs to prioritise its spending and get more resources towards addressing the problems of the common man.

The Lecture was attended by many dignitaries from across the country as well as Governors from the northern region.

Awards were bestowed on six former Governors of the Northern region who served meritoriouly and founded the Arewa House. Among them is former Governor of Benue Plateau State, late Joseph Gomwalk.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
27th March 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES NDE JOSHUA WAKLEK @72

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated former Accountant General of Plateau State Nde Joshua Waklek, mni, as he marks 72 years.

The Governor in a message of felicitation described Nde Waklek who is also Wazirin Pankshin as an astute professional who continues to deploy his vast experience to the service of Plateau State, Nigeria and humanity having served in several capacities in the State including Permanent Secretary.

He said the elderstatesman carries with him a rich pedigree of patriotism, diligence and excellence that has characterised his life as a civil servant and even at retirement.

Lalong said as Chairman, Governing Council of Nigeria’s premier University, the University of Ibadan, Nde Waklek has proven to be a man of honour and integrity as he has brought stability to the institution, making it remain focused on research and learning.

As strong member of the Kaduna Polytechnic Alumni Association, he has equally demonstrated his passion for educational development, especially technical and skills building.

The Governor also said Nde Waklek who was one time President of the Ngas Development Association continues to show deep passion and commitment to the promotion and sustainance of the Ngas culture and tradition by mentoring the younger generation to appreciate their heritage.

Governor Lalong wished him well and prayed that God will continue to grant him good health, divine protection and wisdom as he remains humble and generous.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
27th March 2021.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

Plateau State Gets New Head of Civil Service, Engr. Sunday Hyat, mni & 14 New Permanent Secretaries
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has approved the appointment of Engr. Sunday Hyat, mni the Permanent Secretary, General Administration in the office of the Head of Service as the New Head of Civil Service Plateau State.

This is to avoid administrative and leadership vacuum in the State Civil Service as the State Head of Civil Service, Mr. Izam Atang Azi, mni retires today having reached the mandatory retirement age of 60.

The Governor has also approved the appointment of 14 New Permanent Secretaries.

Details of the appointments are as seen below;

GOVERNOR LALONG APPOINTS NEW HEAD OF SERVICE/PERMANENT SECRETARIES.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has approved the appointment of Engr. Sunday Chong Hyat as the new Head of Service for the State.

This follows the retirement of the Head of Service, Mr. Izam Azi, mni, having attained the mandatory age of 60.

The new Head of Service Engr. Hyat was until his appointment, the Permanent Secretary, General Administration in the office of the Head of Service.

Engr. Sunday Chong Hyat, mni, was born on 3rd February 1963, in Ganawuri, Riyom Local Government Area. He attended Boys Secondary School Gindiri before proceeding to the Federal University of Technology Minna where he graduated with B. Eng. Civil Engineering. He has a Diploma Computer Application from the University of Jos.

He was one time Chairman, Nigeria Society of Engineers Jos branch, and later served as the Council Member representing North Central on the Board of COREN. He is a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers and is registered with the American Society of Civil Engineers.

An alumnus of the prestigious National Institute for policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, Engr. Hyat has been Permanent Secretary in various ministries including and Works, Lands, Survey and Town Planning.

Meanwhile Governor Lalong has expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Civil Service, Mr. Izam Azi for his patriotic and diligent service to the State.

Similarly, the Governor has approved the appointment of 14 new Permanent Secretaries in the State civil service.
Those appointed include:

Ishaya Turba
Istifanus John
Ibrahim Kam
Alfed Zaman Datoel
Jacob Bitrus Keng
Ambrose Danjuma Allaburah
Annastesia Dongjur
Jesse Nimyel Miri
Alexander Plangnan
Kande Gotom
Fanto John Nanghin
Selfa Dashe
Nanlop Gupiya
Sunday G. Biggs
The new Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries will be sworn in on Monday 29th March 2021.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
26th March 2021

By Prince Sekat,Jos 

National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting at the High Court of Justice West of Mines Jos in a petition filed by Rt. Hon. George Daika and the PDP against INEC, Prof Nora Daduut and the APC on Friday upheld the argument of Counsel for the Respondents in the matter and rejected the evidence of PW17 (Pam Gyang Davou).

This is the second time in less than one week that the petitioners have suffered setbacks in their attempts to prove their case before the Tribunal.

Recall that on Monday 21, March 2021, the Tribunal in its ruling on the competence or otherwise of PW16 (Moses Thomas Sule,  a.k.a BB), upheld the submissions of the Respondents’ Counsel that the said witness (on Subpoena) was incompetent to testify before the Tribunal.

Counsel for the Petitioners, S. (Oyawole) had on Thursday, sought to lead PW17 in evidence in Chief when Counsel for the Respondents (Ibrahim K. Bawa SAN, Pius A. Akubo SAN and Garba S. Pwul SAN), vehemently objected to the competence of the witness arguing that he was not listed on the list of witnesses by the Petitioners in their Petition.

In its ruling, the Tribunal found merit in the objections of the Respondents’ Counsel to the competence of Pam Gyang Davou as an unlisted witness and therefore held that he was not qualified to testify for the petitioners not withstanding the fact that his statement on oath was front loaded.

More Details later

PLATEAU TARGETS HIGHER REVENUES AS GOVERNOR LALONG INAUGURATES REVENUE COUNCIL/ PIRS GOVERNING BOARD.

Plateau State Government is aiming for higher internally generated revenue (IGR) as the State Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Thursday 25th March 2021 inaugurated the Plateau Revenue Council and Governing Board of the State Internal Revenue Service.

The Governor described the event as another milestone in the journey of the State towards improved revenue generation and self-sufficiency. He said the inauguration sets the tone for the full implementation of the new Plateau State (Consolidated) Revenue Law, also known as the Revenue Law 2020, which he assented to, in November 2020.

The Governor said “even before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, our administration has continued to make frantic efforts towards improving the revenue profile of the State by looking inwards for more internally generated revenue. Instructively, experts’ projections indicate that Plateau State has an internal revenue capacity of more than N5 Billion Naira per month. This explains why before the disruption caused by COVID-19, our administration was able to jerk up its Internally Generated Revenue from about six hundred million naira monthly in 2015 to about nine hundred million in 2019. This shows that the projection by experts is in the right direction and we can actually do far more than we have been doing if we put our house in order”.

The Governor explained that in line with his resolve to improve the revenue profile of the State, his administration engaged Compliance Professionals Plc. (CPP), a reputable tax consortium, to help steer the transformation of revenue administration across the State, including at Local Government levels.

This engagement led to the development and implementation of the plan to effectively transit from the current state to a harmonized internal revenue generation and collection system, thereby improving efficiency and effectiveness and significantly increasing bottom lines.

He charged the 18-man Revenue Council which he Chairs to ensure that it works within its terms of reference to ensure that the revenue of the State is inproved. The Council shall be responsible for Coordinating all revenue activities in the State; Making policies, regulations and guidelines on revenue matters; Setting up structures for whistle blowing; Reviewing revenue rates; As well as identifying other sources of funding for the state.

Similarly, the Governor inaugurated the Governing Board for the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service.

Lalong appealed to all citizens to cooperate with the new revenue drive as the State has a lot of projects to carry out but needs resources. The days of looking up to Abuja according to him are over because the national purse is also depleted.

The Governor assured that every kobo will not only be accounted for, but used for projects and programmes that have direct impact on lives of the people.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
25th March, 2021.

Prince Sekat,Jos



Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong on Thursday inaugurated the Plateau state revenue council and the Governing council of the state Internal Revenue Service .





Speaking at the occasion held at the New Government House in Jos ,Lalong said ,Today marks another milestone in our journey as a State, towards improved revenue generation and self-sufficiency. This event provides me an opportunity to set the tone for the full implementation of the new Plateau State (Consolidated) Revenue Law, also known as the Revenue Law 2020, which I expeditiously assented to, in November 2020.





He said that It is no longer news that there has been a remarkable decline in revenue allocation to States, from the Federation Account. This is primarily occasioned by the continuous fall in crude oil prices in the international market, and most recently, the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic which has ravaged the world for over a year now.



Lalong further said Even before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, our administration has continued to make frantic efforts towards improving the revenue profile of the State by looking inwards for more internally generated revenue. Instructively, experts’ projections indicate that Plateau State has an internal revenue capacity of more than N5 Billion Naira per month.





He said that This explains why before the disruption caused by COVID-19, our administration was able to jerk up its Internally Generated Revenue from about six hundred million naira monthly in 2015 to about nine hundred million in 2019. This shows that the projection by experts is in the right direction and we can actually do far more than we have been doing if we put our house in order.

5. Over the years, the decentralized operation of State MDAs and other revenue generating agencies have created structural and technical gaps, which reduce the efficiency and effectiveness of revenue generation and collection in the State.



Lalong further said In line with my firm resolve to address this challenge and improve the revenue profile of our dear State, my administration engaged Compliance Professionals Plc. (CPP), a reputable tax consortium, to help steer the transformation of revenue administration across the State, including at Local Government levels.



” Our engagement with CPP led to an in-depth assessment of the current state of the IGR environment in Plateau State and the dissection of the 2017 Revenue Law which gave birth to the new Plateau State (Consolidated) Revenue Law, also known as the Revenue Law 2020, which I signed into law at the close of 2020. I want to once again appreciate the Rt. Hon. Speaker and Honourable Members of the State House of Assembly for their thorough and expeditious passage of the bill. “



He said This journey has led to the development and implementation of the plan to effectively transit from the current state to a harmonized internal revenue generation and collection system, thereby improving efficiency and effectiveness and significantly increasing bottom lines.



“As a result of this, a new and viable template called Plateau State Revenue Generation Project has been developed by the CPP. This is expected to be a game changer because it seeks to completely rethink the way and manner in which revenues in the state are generated and ultimately make Plateau an example for other States to emulate.”



He further said” A very vital part of the project approach and organization is the Harmonized Revenue Administration Process Redesign (HRAPR). This approach seeks to Implement the right revenue administration process across all MDAs and LGCs, and ultimately across all main revenue lines with priority on areas of high revenue capture. The main aim is to ensure that changes in this project are institutionalized.”



Consequently, the project is broken down into series of goals or waves. The First Focus Wave which covers the period of February

VIOLENT PROTEST: ZANGO KATAF STAKEHOLDERS SUE FOR PEACE, PLEADING OPERATION SAFE HAVEN TO REMAIN

Following the violent protest staged by women and misguided youths of Gon Gora Kataf in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State on 23 March 2021, the leadership of the community has visited the troops of OPSH in the area to tender their unreserved apologies for the misconduct.

The delegation included the community leaders, religious leaders, chairman of Zangon Kataf LGA, traditional rulers, youths and women leaders, retired permanent secretaries, and other eminent citizens of Zangon Kataf LGA.

Speaking during the reconciliation visit, the team leader and chairman Zangon Kataf LGA, Dr Eliaz Manza said they dissociated themselves and the whole community from the activities of the violent protesters, noting that troops presence was for their safety and security, stressing that OPSH is doing much towards bringing the lasting peace in Southern Kaduna in general and Zangon Kataf in particular.

The team leader assured that such violent act would never reoccur again, therefore pleaded that OPSH should remain in their locality. He further assured the operation of their support and cooperation towards achieving the lasting peace in the area.

IBRAHIM SHITTU
Major
Media Officer OPSH
25 March 2021

DR SIPAK SHASE’ET, fcvsn, PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO CHIEF LETEP DABANG

Dr Sipak Shase’et on a condolence visit to Chief Letep Dabang over the lost of his sister KIRNAN who sudden demise occurred last week

In a condolence message on behalf of my family, I personally regretted the fact that your younger sister dead came at a time you and the entire family need her.

Dr Sipak Shase’et expressing his sadness over her demise, urges the family to be comforted by the fact that she having lived a life of selfless service to the family and also a respected member of the family , has gone to take a deserved rest at the bossom of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dr Sipak in a serious and a friendly charts with Letep Dabang as longtime friends who has come a long way, further prays God to rest the soul of the late KIRNAN and give the family, the fortitude to bear this loss.

Sign Dr Sipak media team

By Prince Sekat, Jos

RE-TROOPS OF OPERATION SAFE HAVEN DID NOT KILL A WOMAN IN A PROTEST AT GON GORA


Women during the protest.
The attention of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) has been drawn to a video-cilp by Masky Media Television and Sahara Reporters online publication dated 24 March 2021, alleging that troops of OPSH were responsible for the killing of a woman in a protest recently staged by the women in Gon Gora of Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.

To set the record straight, on 5 March 2021 following a reported case of farmland destructions belonging to one Mr Ibrahim Amako by group of herders numbering 5, the Secretary to the District Head Gon Gora, Mr Ayuba Bungon intervened in the case where he facilitated the payment of the sum (N300,000:00) compensation to appease the victim.


The 8 Suspects arrested with arms inside the protesters by men of the operation safe haven.
At about 0655pm on 6 March 2021 while on routine patrol, troops of OPSH were informed that the Secretary and 5 herders were kidnapped by unknown persons suspected to be youths of Gora Village at Ungwan Masat along Gora – Zonkwa road in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State while returning from dispute resolution.

Troops in conjunction with other security agencies swiftly mobilized to the scene and successfully rescued the Secretary unhurt, while 2 out of the 5 victims were later escaped from their abductors. Efforts are ongoing to rescue other missing persons.

Own troops while exploiting the general area recovered one locally fabricated Assault Rifle, 4 Rounds of 7.62mm Special and a bag containing rings and charms.

In the same vein, on 22 March 2021, a group of women from Gon Gora Village in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State staged a peaceful protest at troops location in Gora village. The protesters expressed their displeasure over the constant killings of their people by suspected militias where people have deserted the village over fear of a possible reprisal attack following the kidnap incident on 21 March 2021.

The protesters were addressed by the Commander Sector 6 Colonel David Nwakonobi to sheath their swords and embrace peace. The protesters were later dispersed peacefully.

Relatedly, on 23 March 2021, at about 0545pm, troops of OPSH deployed at Gun Gora received a distress call of a violent protests by women and youths of Gon Gora, Bafai Gora and Sagwaza villages in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. The violent protest was believed to be sponsored by some aggrieved elites of Zagon Kataf.

Troops swiftly mobilized to the scene in order to restore normalcy to the area. Troops on arrival at the scene of the incident were however encountered by some youths in the midst of the female protesters firing and pelting dangerous object at the troops. In the ensuing pandemonium, one of the female protesters in close contact with troops was hit by a stray bullet from the youths, while an elderly man sustained a gunshot injury on his right hand.

Furthermore, the youths therefore barricaded the entry and exit routes likely to be reinforcement for the troops. The protesters thereafter demanded for the withdrawal of troops from the Gon Gora Community as the basis for their protest.

Consequently, troops of OPSH have apprehended 8 suspects involved in the violent protest and recovered one locally fabricated assault rifle and 3 cartridges from the suspects. The arrested suspects are currently in OPSH custody undergoing preliminary investigation. Also, the injured person is receiving treatment at Saint Louis Hospital Zonkwa, while corpse of the deceased has been deposited at the General Hospital morgue Zonkwa.

Normalcy has since returned in the general area while troops are maintaining vigilance to forestall any further breakdown of law and order.

OPSH wishes to state that its operations is conducted with strict adherence to rules of engagement, code of conduct and respect for the fundamental human rights. Therefore, use this opportunity to warn mischief makers to desist from fomenting troubles and violence in the Southern Kaduna and across its Joint Operational Areas, thereby soliciting for public support in discharging its mandate.

IBRAHIM SHITTU
Major
Media Officer OPSH
24 March 2021

NTDC TO PARTNER PLATEAU STATE ON TOURISM

The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Mr. Folorunsho Coker has assured the Plateau State Government that his agency will work with the State in harnessing the abundant tourist potentials in the State.

Mr. Coker was speaking when he visited Governor Simon Lalong at the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.

He said, Plateau State known as the Home of Peace and Tourism has both the natural and human advantage in terms of tourism and hospitality. All that is needed according to him are proactive and firm initiatives to tap into the endowments.

He praised Governor Simon Lalong for restoring peace in Plateau State which has again restored confidence in the citizens as well as reassured investors, tourist and other visitors to return to Plateau State for business and leisure.

Coker announced that the NTDC will carry out its intervention in one of the tourist sites in Plateau State, the Kurra Falls as it has made provisions in its 2021 budget. He also promised to ensure that Plateau State is rebranded and marketed on the national and international tourism platforms and calendars so as to reinforce and repackage the natural gifts of weather, people and alluring sites.

Governor Lalong while welcoming the DG NTDC and members of his entourage to Plateau State, said the State has continued to work towards developing its tourism assets which are key to the economic blueprint of the State.

He appreciated the gesture of the NTDC in developing Kurra Falls, one of its oldest and famous tourist sites, saying the Government has put a lot of emphasis in developing tourism as a major source of revenue.
He said the choice of Kurra Falls is very timely considering the recent visit of HYPADEC to the State where they are also going to intervene in various areas around the communities of the Falls which is the first place where hydropower was generated in Nigeria.

Lalong assured the NTDC Management that his doors were open for further collaboration in many areas that will assist in bringing more people to the various tourist attractions across Plateau State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
24th March 2021