PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI CELEBRATES VICE PRESIDENT OSINBAJO AT 64, DESCRIBES HIM AS A RELIABLE AND DEDICATED DEPUTY.
President Muhammadu Buhari has described Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as βa reliable and dedicated deputy who is not only admirably competent, but also exudes confidence and passion in the performance of his job.”
In a message to celebrate the Vice President on his 64th birthday Monday March 8, President Buhari said “I’m proud to have selected Osinbajo as my running mate and he has given a good account of himself since our journey began in 2015.”
According to the President, “the Vice President is a cool-headed gentleman who puts the interest of Nigeria above other narrow considerations.”
President Buhari also noted that βVice President Osinbajo is an incredibly patient politician who demonstrates remarkable intellectual and mental energy in the discharge of his duties.”
He wished him many more prosperous years and Almighty Godβs continued guidance.
Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, March 07, 2021.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS SALUTE VICE PRESIDENT OSINBAJO AT 64
The Northern States Governorβs Forum has felicitated with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as he marks his 64th birthday. In a statement, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong described the Vice President as a patriotic Nigerian who has combined character, professionalism and pragmatism in handling national issues.
Governor Lalong said the Vice President has exhibited high level of faith and loyalty to the nation and the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari as he continues to give his best to the success of the Government and the upliftment of Nigerians.
He said βas Northern Governors, we have enjoyed tremendous cooperation of the Vice President who does not only give us a listening ear at individual and collective levels, but also engages us on how best to tackle the challenges of our region and the nation as a whole. Among other things, we cherish his leadership of the National Livestock Transformation Programme (NLTP) which seeks to usher Nigeria into the threshold of modern livestock business that is capable of ending the negative consequences of open grazing in the country. We assure the Vice President of our continued collaboration as he supports the President to deliver his promises to the people.β
Lalong wished the Vice President well and urged him to continue to mentor and support young Nigerians particularly in the area of law where he has vast experience as a Senior Advocate, Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, as well as a Professor of Law.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern States Governors Forum. 8th March 2021.
The All Progressives Congress Caretaker Committees in Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Local Government Areas of Plateau State have endorsed the Member of the House of Representatives Representing Pankshin/Kanke/ Kanam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi for reelection in 2023, saying the lawmaker has perfomed credible well within a short period of representation at the National Assembly.
The APC officials made the endorsement in Kanam, Kanke and Pankshin respectively when the lawmaker imspected ongoing constituency projects and held an interaction with the Wards and LGC EXCOs of the party at the weekend and presented his scorecard of representation at the National Assembly from 2019 to date.
The Chairman of APC of Kanam Local Government Area Hon. Nuhu Gamabari while welcoming the Hon. Yusuf Gagdi in Dengi together with House of Assembly member representing Kantana Constituency, former Commissioners and other stakeholders said the lawmaker has keep in touch with the grassroots since he was elected and the APC has unanimously agreed and adopted him for reelection in 2023 to represent them again.
βWe are proud of Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi Member Representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam since we elected him to represent us at the National Assembly has been doing very, keeping in touch always providing dividends of democracy to his people, we have seen projects in our communities, employment and empowerment to our youths and women and the APC Leadership in Kanam, Kanke and Pankshin have unanimously agreed and adopted him for reelection in 2023 to represent us againβ.
Executive chairman of Kanke Local Government Council Hon. Emmanuel Lar who welcome Hon. Gagdi together with all the officials of APC in the locality decribed the lawmaker as true representative who has touch the lives of the people of kanke.
He said the people of Kanke Local Government will continue to stand strong to support the National Assembly member to continue with the good work.
βWe are indeed bless with Hon. Yusuf Gagdi as our representative in the House of Representatives Abuja, of the truth we have felt the impact of his representative within a short period, even children now know his name because of his Good representation, and we will stand strong behind him alwaysβ.
Gagdi who is the Chairman House committee on Navy in the Federal House of Representatives was also welcome at Pankshin Youth Centre where he interacted with over 300 Wards EXCOs from the 12 Federal wards of the local government including the LGC Party officials.
Chairman of APC in Pankshin Hon. Timothy Yilmuwa affirmed that the party is ever united to reelect the lawmaker for the second term in office come 2023 in fulfilment of the zoning arrangement of PKK.
He said the House of Reps member has performed credibly well, adding that people of Pankshin would still vote him overwhelmingly to represent them in house of Reps come 2023 general elections.
βFrom the gathering of party officials from Ward, Local Government and APC Stakeholders, you have seen here today, it is crystal clear that Hon. Yusuf Gagdi is on the ground in Pankshin and PKK Federal Constituencyβ.
Also Speaking the Council chairman of Pankshin Local Government Hon. John Damap pledged his support for his second term bid of Hon. Yusuf Gagdi
He expressed confidence in the representation of the lawmaker for demonstrating his capacity as a good representative.
The Member Representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency Hon. Yusuf Gagdi who also visited his ongoing constituency projects across the three Local Government Areas while Speaking with Journalists said his focus, zeal and desire is to give back to the people who elected him to represent them in the National Assembly.
The lawmaker said he was on inspection of capital projects in his constituency and also use the opportunity to interact with his constituents to inform them of what he has been doing at the National Assembly.
βThere is nothing as important as the spirit of getting back to the people who elected you to represent them at the National Assembly and I have pledge to be the serving of the people of PKK Federal Constituency in the National Assemblyβ.
Gagdi added that he will continue to work in good relationship with his people, because they are the one that elected him to represent them at the National Assembly.
GAGDI ROUNDS OFF PROJECTS INSPECTION; INTERFACES WITH EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATURE AND APC WARDS AND LGA EXCOS OF PANKSHIN, KANKE, AND KANAM
The servant representative of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam federal constituency, Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi had continued his tour round the constituency for projects inspection, starting with Amper District Head palace.
He was accompanied to the project site by leaders and political supporters within the Federal Constituency.
The member, with his entourage, proceeded to Kwal, the headquarters of Kanke Local Government Area to inspect rods Maintainance taking place in front of the Local Government secretariate, from where he headed to inspect similar road work from Chigwong village to Mwel junction, both in Kanke Local Government Area.
Gagdi also visited the ongoing Pankshin District head office palace, Ner, where expressed satisfaction with the progress of the works and urged the contractors to maintain the quality of the works so far done.
Earlier, the lawmaker interfaced with APC party excos of Kanam Local Government Area in multi-purpose hall in Dengi.
Gagdi took his time to parley with Kanke and Pankshin Local Government Areas APC party excos as well, after the projects inspection.
At Kanke Local Government Area, Gagdi got emotional before addressing the mammoth crowd in appreciation of the warm reception from the Local Government Council Chairman, Councilors and thousand of mammoth crowd, who thronged in droves to welcome him. He described Kanke as his second home.
During his parley with the three(3) Local Government APC party excos which was done separately at the various LGA headquarters, the member gave summary of his stewardship in less than two years to include; the building of classroom blocks and offices at GSS Kor, Belning ward Pankshin LGA; building of classroom blocks, office and furnishing of a community secondary school at Dungung, Kanke LGA; an examination hall at KADA Special Academy, Dengi, Kanam LGA; building of traditional rulers palaces; general roads Maintainance to make the road safer for driving from Pankshin/Kabwir to Dengi, Kanam LGA; many phases of intervention during the lockdown due to Covid 19; provision of millions of naira worth of food support to his constituents during Sallah and Christmas festivities; provision of non-interest loan to businesses as a form of support against the dwindling economy due to the corona pandemic, empowerment of constituents with pesticides, insecticides, water pumps, fertilizer, Cash in Pankshin youths center, facilitation of permanent and pensionable appointments to constituents in different MDAs, appointment of over 80 personal aides, empowerment of youths and women in the constituency with motorcycles, granting machines and sawing machines and many other laudable interventions and projects, amongst many others too numerous to mention.
He explained the reason behind the challenge faced by 36 individuals out of the 284 people he was able to secure employment for. Their inability to report to their places of work at Federal Universities Wukari and Lafia was due to their inability to get captured by IPPIS, due to the Universities exhausting their budgeted personell cost, adding that he was making frantic efforts to see the problem being rectified.
He maintains that he is not relenting in his effort to scout, lobby and secure more job opportunities to his constituents, and other Plateau indigenes.
The Danmalikin Kanam while addressing the excos, debunked rumors of him contesting for Governor or Senator in the forthcoming 2023 elections, but expressed keen interest in seeking re-election to continue in the same capacity, if the people of PKK are convinced that he would perform even better with another mandate.
He directed that at each Local Government, the party and the Local Government Coucil should submit names of 10 persons in each of the polling units for the purpose for the purpose of his upcoming empowerment program.
The Hon. member promised the party exco at Kanke that the collapsed Gugur bridge will be reconstructed by him within the shortest time and a grading and surface dressing of road from Amper to a Neighboring village of kalanshi.
He broke the news of construction of befitting youth and townhall centers in most of the geo-political areas of PKK. Work have already commence in Tankwal Geo-political area of Kanam LGA from his personal pocket.
Fielding questions from newsmen after the day-long inspection which rounded off in in almost completed Constituency office in Pankshin, Gagdi reiterated his commitment to serving the good people of PKK and urge his constituents to support him with prayers and action.
NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS HONOURS GOVERNOR LALONG WITH AWARD FOR PEACE & INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
It is yet another recognition for Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong as the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) recognized his efforts in peace and development with an award for Peace and Infrastructural Development.
The NIPR at its national workshop on “Lobbying and Social Change” holding in Calabar, Cross Rivers State said Governor Lalong has remained a shining example in peace building, harmony and tolerance which is the foundation for development.
The Governor was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Communication Hon. Dan Manjang who received the award at the Transcorp Hotel Calabar.
NIPR President and Chairman of Council Mallam. Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo said Governor Lalong was carefully chosen for the award because of the qualities that have embraced every segment of the society for development.
He said Governor Lalong is a marketable product who has utilized public relations tools of persuasion, dialogue and lobby to bring people of various interests to the table that today have assisted Plateau State to regain its position as the Home of Peace and Tourism as well as a preferred destination for Nigerians and foreigners.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, Mr. Dan Manjang said Governor Lalong has been a man of peace and a quiet achiever that has addressed development needs based on equity, justice and fairness.
Governor Lalong said “My experience as the Governor of Plateau State gives me confidence that lobbying can greatly assist in calming frayed nerves and reducing tension in the society. When I came on board, there was so much violence, mistrust and lack of confidence among various groups in Plateau State. Rather than impose peace using force, I decided to engage stakeholders in fostering dialogue through lobbying. Practically, I lobbied them to see the reason to agree to sit together and talk event when many of them had sworn that they would never sit with each other based on ethnic and religious differences. With consistent lobby and persuasion, they eventually agreed to sit and dialogue. This was a very slow and tortuous process, but eventually we succeeded in having them understand that peace lies with them and not with law enforcement agencies.”
He advocated for the institutionalization of lobbying as a standard practice in Nigeria backed by law.
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor Dr. Makut Simon Macham and the Personal Assistant to the Governor Mr. John Naandoet who are both members of the NIPR accompanied the Governor’s representative to the workshop.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 5th March 2021.
PROFESSOR TYODEN REFUTES 2023 GUBERNATORIAL DECLARATION. The attention of His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden has been drawn to posters being circulated in the social media on his purported declaration to contest the Governorship of the state in 2023.
Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden being a humble and loyal Deputy, would not resort to the use of the social media to declare his political ambition. This is the handiwork of some political jobbers whose activities are capable of affecting the existing very cordial relationship between the Deputy Governor and his principal, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Rt Honourable Simon Bako Lalong.
The Deputy Governor shares the same ticket with His Excellency, Governor Simon Lalong and will not allow his political interest to override the success of this government, bearing in mind their collective effort to deliver dividends of democracy to Plateau people.
To put the records straight. The Deputy Governor Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden as a citizen of Plateau State is by every standard qualified to contest the number one seat in the state. He would not want to be detracted from his constitutional responsibilities as the Deputy Governor of Plateau State. Moreover, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the body that regulates political activities in the country has not lifted on electioneering campaign in the country ahead of the 2023 General Elections.
He, therefore, unequivocally dissociates himself from the posters trending in the social media and calls on Plateau citizens to ignore them in their entirely.
Doman Wetkum. Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor.
Tax Tribunal Orders new generation Bank to Remit N161 Tax to Plateau Internal Revenue
Tax appeal tribunal , North central zone , sitting in Jos the Plateau State capital has ordered a new generation Bank to remit the undisputed sum of N 161,483,590.68 being tax liability for the 2014_ 2019 tax years.
The Tribunal reached this decision while ruling on appeal brought before it by the Bank over tax assessment made by PSIRS.
In it’s appeal the bank claimed that the assessment made to it in the sum of N 537, 196, 180.51 is excessive. In the notice of appeal the bank through it’s Tax Consultant claimed the it’s liability is the sum of N161,482,590.68.
Delivering the ruling of the Tribunal, the Chairman of the Tribunal Hon. Richard Bala noted the disputed claims and thereafter Order the Bank to pay the undisputed amount in the sum of N 161,482,590.68 within 28 days from the date of the Order while parties avail themselves at the Tribunal on the disputed amount.
Management of 2017 Nigeria Professional Football League champions , Plateau United Football Club of Jos has noted with grave concern the activities of some mischief makers which is capable of derailing the collective aspirations of the team.
In a statement signed by the Media Officer of the club, Albert Dakup on Thursday , the club frowned at the activities of the mischief makers, warning that henceforth, legal action will be taken against them for defamation of character as management is ready to go to any length on this matter in order to serve as a deterrent to others who may wish to follow the same line.
Dakup lamented that while efforts are being made to galvanise the team to achieve its objectives this season, some enemies of progress are busy causing disaffection with their utterances and actions which are capable of bringing disaffection in the team and derail the genuine efforts of the League Management Company LMC and the Nigeria Football Federation NFF who are working hard to improve the league.
The statement wondered where the mischief makers get
information of discontent in the team as a result of team selection which is the sole responsibility of the technical crew vested with that mandate.
The statement further noted with dismay the allegation of incompetence levelled against the hardworking General Manager, Pius Henwan who not only led the team to two league titles, but repositioned the club as a brand in Nigerian football.
Discerning minds are left to wonder what the mischief makers seek to achieve with their unfounded and baseless allegations if not sheer envy of the achievements of the General Manager who has been guided by Professionalism since he took over the reigns of the club five years ago.
On the allegation of incompetence levelled against Coach Abdu Maikaba , the statement states categorically that the former Flying Eagles assistant coach is discharging his duties creditably well and management of the club is satisfied.
The Club noted with dismay the allegation of sentiments in selection against some indigenous players stressing that the allegations are not only baseless, but a ploy capable of destabilizing the team as the technical crew pick players for matches based on merit and performance during training sessions.
The statement therefore warned the mischief makers and their sponsors to steer clear of the club , as management of the team will not fold it’s arms and watch them destroy the team.
The statement equally advised the media to always cross check facts with the team before going to the press in order not to feed the unsuspecting public with half truths and fake news which will not serve any good.
Speaking on Tuesday, at a press conference Lead Counsel, Yakubu Bawa, said it will defy human reasoning, if the contestant with the highest vote is not appointed, adding that it will be unfair to appoint those with 2 votes, describing it as βrepugnant to natural justice, equity, and good conscience.β
He said the group has written to the attorney general of the state who is second respondent in the suit, to advise the governor to refrain from further actions relating to the prolonged declaration or disqualification of Dr. Musa Maiyamba.
He said, βConsequently, and in the light of all, having waited this long we have approached the high court of Justice Gombe, to subject this debacle in respect of the appointment of the new Mai Tangale to Judicial scrutiny and pronouncement as well as judicial intervention.
βHence filed a suit in order to seek judicial review by a writ of Mandamus to compel the Governor through judicial order to announce and appoint Dr. Musa Maiyamba as the duly elected Mai Tangale as part of constitutional, statutory, administrative and legal duties required by law since he has refused to do so. We are also seeking an order to restrain the Governor from appointing any of the two contestants or any person or disqualifying Dr. Musa Idris Maiyamba or cancelling the election of the new Mai Tangale held on 15th February, 2021.
βIt would defy human reasoning, justice, equity and fair play for a contestant to have scored highest majority votes who is choice and desire of the people to appoint another contestant who scored 2 votes or appoint a different person entirely. In fact doing so will be repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience.β
He added, βThe essence of the letter already served on the Attorney General of the state is for him to inform and advise Gombe state governor to stay any action that is connected to the Stool of Mai Tangale pending the determination of the suit just filed by our clients.β
GOVERNOR LALONG LOBBIES NASENI TO ESTABLISH INSTITUTE IN PLATEAU STATE.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has canvassed for the establishment of the Agriculture Machinery and Equipment Development Institute in Plateau State by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) as part of its collaboration for promoting technological development that will give the required skills for its citizens to provide solutions to day-to-day challenges.
Governor Simon Lalong gave this indication when he received the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna who led the top management of the organisation on a courtesy visit to Government House, Little Rayfield Jos. He said the State was even willing to host more of such agencies like the Hydro Equipment and Machinery Institute, because Plateau has the largest potential for hydro power in Nigeria on account of its topography which gives rise to being the source of most rivers in Northern Nigeria.
The Governor said since coming into office, his vision has been to move Plateau State to a higher level of productivity and human capital development, hence the development of a Strategic Plan which is a comprehensive Road map that guides the Governmentβs policies, programmes and project implementation over the period 2019-2023.
He said βPlateau State is one of Nigeriaβs most endowed states in terms of favourable climate, huge deposits of high value minerals and a wide range of unique agricultural products. This is in addition to being home to some of the most imaginative and inventive minds in Nigeria. Our Technical School in Bukuru and the Relevant Technology Center in Jos have over the years produced some of the most creative technicians and engineers that have gone on to support Plateau State and the Nigerian economy in various forms. We are today building 2 more Technical Schools in Shendam and Pankshin to further deepen skill development in our State. The days of paper qualification are over.β
Governor Lalong said Plateau State presents a significant opportunity that can assist NASENI to fulfill its mandate and the State is willing, ready and prepared to collaborate with the Agency to ensure that some of the intervention Agencies related to its strategic vision are established in the State. This he said will go a long way in harnessing the rich of the State through value addition.
Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI Prof. Mohammed Haruna said he was delighted to be back to Plateau State where he started his journey in life and had his early education attending Craft School Laranto, Technical School Bukuru and the Plateau State Polytechnic before moving on to work for NASCO for many years. He alluded to the fact that Plateau State has huge potentials in human capital development that need encouragement and exposure, to which his agency has pledged support.
He explained that NASENI has achieved breakthroughs in many aspects of technology and is solving problems in energy, transport, agriculture, mining, aviation, health, electoral system and many others.
He canvassed for the support of the Plateau State Governor as well as his colleagues in the Northern Governors Forum so that the region can use technology to tackle some of its economic, security and infrsatructure problems.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 4th March 2021
Freelance Reporters 