WORKAHOLIC GAGDI’S BILL FOR EXTENTION OF RETIREMENT AGE OF JUDGES PASSES FIRST READING, MEETS WITH LALONG INJOS, TO EMBARK ON CONSTITUENCY INTERFACE AND PROJECTS MONITORING

The Bill for an Act to alter the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to increase retirement age for judicial officers has passed the first reading at the House of Representatives today.

Sponsor of the Bill, RT Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, highlighted that for the rule of law to be upheld to its optimal standards, retirement age for judicial officers must be increased, in order for their experience gained from the work over the years be put into use for the strengthening of our legal system.

Most Hon Members were in sync with the motive behind the Bill and urge the house to give it the desired support so as to foster our democratic culture.

Meanwhile, Gagdi was in Jos this evening shortly after the day’s plenary at the House of Representatives.

The lawmaker met with the governor were important state matters were discussed for the progress and development of Plateau State and PKK in particular.

The workaholic lawmaker is billed to proceed with projects inspection in his constituency tomorrow, Thursday 4th March, 2021 were he will flag off the Kwalmiya-Dogonruwa road construction project as well as the 6 District Heada Palaces under construction in Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Local Government Areas. Other projects to be inspected are construction of classrooms blocks in various schools across the constituency.

Similarly, the lawmaker will round off his consultation/interface with various stakeholders in the constituency, which he started sometime in January 2021, where he met with traditional rulers, youths groups, labour groups as well as trade associations and many others in the three local government areas of Kanam, Pankshin and Kanke respectively.

The last set of people to be consulted this week will include the 27 party officials from the federal wards in Kanam, Kanke and Pankshin, as well LGA party officials from the areas. Local government council Chairmen of the three areas, as well as legislative council members and all local government appointees in the three local government areas will be consulted, where matters bothering on development and progress of the constituency will be on the front burner and form the fulcrum of the meeting.

We are proud of our workaholic principal who has redefined representation in PKK by working hand-in-hand with his constituents.

Signed:
Gagdi Media Team

Gombe Governor Appoints New Mai Tangle

In Excercise of the powers vested in him under the Gombe state Chieftaincy Law, 2020 and based on the recommendation of the Kingmakers of the Tangale Chiefdom, the Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approved the appointment of Malam Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba as the Mai Tangle.

The Commissioner, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo who conveyed the Governor’s approval and presented the appointment later to the new Mai Tangle in Poshiya, Billiri, said the the appointment of Malam Danladi Maiyamba was informed by his personal qualities and suitability.

The presentation ceremony was witnessed by the Chairperson of Billiri Local Government Council, 9 Kingmakers of the Billiri Chiefdom, members of the traditional council and other functionaries.

Presentation of Staff of Office will be done in due course.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director General
( Press Affairs)
Government House
Gombe

Plateau State Government is set to domisticate the National Livestock Transformation Programme by approving a bill for the establishment of the Plateau State Livestock Transformation which when passed into law, will promote livestock business anchored on ranching.

The State Executive Council at its weekly meeting approved the transmission of the bill to the Plateau State House of Assembly for consideration by the legislature.

Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General Chrysanthus Ahmadu explained that the proposed law takes care of herders, farmers and other interests in the livestock value chain. He said in ranching, there will be dairy and beef production, fodder production, marketing and associated businesses that will employ many.

He said it will also go along way in ending destruction of farmlands by livestock, clashes between farmers and herders and unnecessary violence that is rooted in the unsavoury relationship between them.

The people of Plateau State have therefore been reassured that no land will be grabbed by anyone as there is already an anti-land grabbing law signed by the Governor which prescribes stiff penalties for violators.

PLATEAU EXCO APPROVES LIVESTOCK TRANSFORMATION BILL; MOVES TO COMMENCE RANCHING, END OPEN GRAZING.

Plateau State Government is set to domisticate the National Livestock Transformation Programme by approving a bill for the establishment of the Plateau State Livestock Transformation which when passed into law, will promote livestock business anchored on ranching.

The State Executive Council at its weekly meeting approved the transmission of the bill to the Plateau State House of Assembly for consideration by the legislature.

Briefing journalists after the EXCO meeting, Commissioner for Information and Communication Dan Manjang said the bill is to facilitate smooth transition from open grazing to ranching.

Manjang said the State has been working assiduously to put in place all necessary requirements for the take off of the model ranching programme at the Wase and Kanam Reserves which are wholly owned by the State Government.

He assured that once the programme takes off and alternatives are provided, people will no longer be allowed to move around with livestock in the State. Already, local and international investors have shown interest in putting their money in the pilot phase of the livestock transformation program.

Secretary of the State Livestock Implementation Committee Prof. John Wade said the programme has zero land grabbing as nobody’s land will be appropriated for ranching. The Government he said will put into use its gazetted reserves in Wase and Kanam for the take off and thereafter, anyone who wants to go into ranching will follow the guidelines provided by the law.

He said the State is approaching ranching strictly as a business hence the directive by the Governor for robust sensitization to enable more citizens key into modern livestock business. He said the notion that one ethnic group has a monopoly of the business is incorrect and such must be discountenanced in the new development.

Wade said the ranching policy will also accommodate other species of livestock aside from cows to bring in more diversification of the agriculture sector.

Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General Chrysanthus Ahmadu explained that the proposed law takes care of herders, farmers and other interests in the livestock value chain. He said in ranching, there will be dairy and beef production, fodder production, marketing and associated businesses that will employ many.

He said it will also go along way in ending destruction of farmlands by livestock, clashes between farmers and herders and unnecessary violence that is rooted in the unsavoury relationship between them.

The people of Plateau State have therefore been reassured that no land will be grabbed by anyone as there is already an anti-land grabbing law signed by the Governor which prescribes stiff penalties for violators.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
3rd March 2021.

The Federal Government has announced a complete ban on mining activities in Zamfara, declaring the state as “no fly zone’’.

The National Security Adviser (NSO), retired Maj. -Gen. Babagana Monguno, made this known when he briefed State House correspondents at the end of the meeting of the National Security Council.

The meeting was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday.

“The President has approved, based on our recommendations, the imposition and enforcement of a ban on all mining activities in Zamfara with immediate effect until further notice. “He has directed the Minister of Defence and the National Security Adviser to deploy massive military and intelligence assets to restore normalcy to that part of the country.

“He has also approved that Zamfara State should be declared “a no fly zone’’ with immediate effect.

According to the NSO, the president also directed security officials to apprehend all those causing problems for innocent citizens not only in Zamfara but across the country.

Management of JAY FM on Tuesday ,paid  a courtesy call to  the Plateau state Information commissioner Hon Dan Manjang  to  seek partnership with  the state Government .

JayFM Jos is a Nigerian privately owned commercial radio station located in Jos .

The station features a mix of diverse music genres and talk shows with special focus on local and global news, current affairs, and sports. The radio station airs and streams for 24 hours.

The Jos-based radio station started broadcasting in September 2016. 

Speaking at the occasion , the head of sports Jay FM , Fedinard Mbum said the station is willing to partner with the state government at all times .

He said that the station is not a PDP station as speculated .

Manjang who   received the management of the radio station at about 12 30 pm on Tuesday said the state government is willing to partner with all media houses in the state .

Responding he stressed that 

Journalist should maintain the code of conduct of the profession for the growth of the society.

Let us maintained professionalism at all times .

One of the management team Jennifer Okoye  expressed their gratitude to the government and said Jay FM is dedicated to   discharging it’s responsibilities.

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ENOUGH OF THE ABUSE OF POWER FROM THE SPEAKER PLATEAU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY , RT . HON . AYUBA ABOK.
Pankshin Local Government Legislative Arm has been under undue pressured by the RT. Hon. Ayuba Abok to remove its Majority Leader for no justifiable reason. This needless meddling started sequel after the impeachment of the former Leader of Pankshin Local Government Legislative Arm,having seen that impeachment was eminent. The moves to impeached him was predicated on his inability and incompetency to lead the legislature as expected.
However, not long after the impeachment of the former Leader last year, Hon. Ayuba Abok with some few House of Assembly Members went beyond their jurisdiction of operation arrogantly, unethically and dishonourably asking the Legislative Arm of the Local Government to remove its Majority Leader who is currently giving his best to the party and the legislature.
We seek to know whether the speaker has any constitutional responsibility to determine who becomes the Majority Leader of any Local Government’s Legislative Arm ?
It is a common knowledge that the Speaker of House of Assembly is one among equals, whose primary function is to preside over the House in accordance with the house procedures and ethics. But it seems he got intoxicated by the siren provided to aid his movements. This siren accompanied by his limited knowledge about the role of a Speaker is making him to drag the entire Members of Plateau State House of Assembly to the abyss of shame. Because the Majority Leader of a Local Government Legislative Arm has no connection with the House of Assembly and only opportunist who found themselves within the corridor of power unprepared and ill informed that can take this path disrepute. It is unfortunate that the Speaker is bowing to some unscrupulous elements who have lost popularity in their domain. They should know that removing the Majority Leader innocently cannot resuscitate their stunted popularity, rather it will further deepen. The Speaker of House of Representative couldn’t force the Edo State House of Assembly to swear in those 14 House Members not because he was afraid, but because he recognises the independence of any Legislative Arm anywhere as an informed person.
After countless sitting with the Legislators of the Local Government threatening them to remove the Majority Leader and they couldn’t bow to his threat. He has written a letter inviting them through the Clerk of the House of Assembly to hold a meeting in his office with the aim to accomplish the bidding of those with the spilled popularity.
We choose to speak out now because we have an evidence, which is the letter.
The public should educate the Speaker that his role as an individual is to preside over Legislative matters.
Collectively, he can participate in oversight functions over the executive.He should know that the people of Pankshin can resist any undue pressure that is aim at massaging the ego of an individual at the expense of the collective progress of the people.
Plateau people are highly respected anywhere, therefore his ill informed action should not robbed on the entire State.
Finally, the youths and the stakeholders of the Local Government are patiently waiting to hear what will come out from the discussion between the Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly, Leader and Deputy Pankshin Legislative Arm, which is coming up on Tuesday, 2 March 2021.

HOW SEN SULEMAN ADOKWE LED 24HRS PDP CARETAKER COMMITTE EMBEZZLED 10MILLION NAIRA BELONGING TO PLATEAU AND THREW THE STATE INTO DEEPER CRISES

It was a huge dramatic maneuver and the biggest fraud orchestrated against innocent members of the Plateau State chapter of the PDP.

A committee constituted with a marching order to reconcile members of the plateau state chapter before scheduling a State Congress, spent less than twenty four hours and organized a purpoted Congresses which has since been nullified by courts of law.

In Plateau State, ward Congresses were actually conducted amidst allegations of fraud, multilation of fake results sheets and handwritten of wards executives in several areas across the state by some powerful forces and submitted to the already arranged and compromised State Congress Committe Secretary Amb Bala Aboki, who was hired to be part of the Plateau Congresses for hatchet jobs as alleged.

To make matters worst, ward appeal committe never sad to attend to the numerous appeals arising from ward Congresses.

The next episode was the raveging covid 19 pandemic which paralyzed activities across the country forcing the State Congress Committe Chairman, Prof Maxwell Gidado who stood for Adamawa State Governor, HE Adamu Fintiri, into suspending the LGA Congresses across Plateau State.
While the Congress Committe Chairman suspended the Congresses and reported back to Abuja,
his then Secretary, Amb Balla Aboki, in connivance with some forces issued a statement through one Emma Tuang directing for the conduct of LGA Congresses in violation of party Congresses and 2020 guidelines, in the suprise absence of the State Congress committe Chairman Prof Maxwell Gidado.

An insider who confided to some leaders said,some forces transmutted one Mr Sunday Katung, a former member of the house of Reps in Southern Kaduna State, into the new LGA congress committe Chairman with same Balla Aboki as Secretary. What a big supprise.
Mr Sunday Katung was appointed as ward appeal panel committe Chairman, an assignment he abandoned to orchestrate a shaby LGA Congresses with intend to stage state Congresses in a later day as well.

The court nullified purported LGA congress of Jos South, which stood for other LGAs was boycotted by stakeholders across the state in compliance with Government directives but few people dramatically staged the nullified exercise in a hurry to achieve 2023 hidden agenda.

As if that wasn’t enough,while complains hit the National headquarters of PDP, the NWC remain mute over the incident which resulted in numerous court action by members of the party across the state.

No sooner than the cases started, the Benue State Governor on the instruction of the National Working Committe convenned a meeting of critical stakeholders in Abuja to resolve grey areas bedeviling the Plateau State chapter. The meeting unanimously agreed to ensure a caretaker committe was constituted to resolve all pending issues for Plateau State before scheduling any Congresses.That was an answered prayers by genuine lovers of the party.

A committee was later appointed headed by Sen Suleman Adokwe with members sourced locally to oversee the state chapter for a period of (3)three months and organise a State LG Congresses after corrections would have been effected on complains arising from Ward Congresses..

The committee arrived Jos the Plateau State capital on 27th, August 2020, stayed in a hotel around Plateau Hotel.
To the suprise and shock of party faithfuls, the committee again announced a date for state Congresses for 29th, August 2020, less than 24hts after their arrival to Jos. They shared the 10million Naira donation meant for logistics in resolving the lingering crises in the state chapter.
What a shock! what a supprise!

Infact, suggestions have reached an advanced stage to blacklist members of the dreaded Suleman Adokwe committe, who were locally sourced from participating in any form of party assignment around the state.
It was a betrayal of trust of the suffering good people of Plateau State who are yearning for a change.The multi million dollar questions one needs to ask here is that,
as a party in opposition wishing to take over Government, how will losers and winners be a topic in assembling party officials? Is this not expected to be resolved emicably and internally without much rancour to enable the party wax stronger with a united house?

Those leaders who rushed and stood by other ways of installing party leadership are the worst enemies of the party in Plateau State considered as home of PDP.

You must have a winning foundation before appointing party officials who are merely to run the party on it’s day to day activities.But financial emphasis and struggle to install stooges ahead of the party primaries was the main agenda by few myopic, greedy and self-centered minded leaders.

The numerous litigations ongoing at the moment if not properly managed will surely mark the end for the party ahead of the much talked winning the elections in the State in 2023.

“BRING INVESTMENT TO NIGERIA AND PLATEAU STATE”, GOVERNOR LALONG CHARGES NIGERIAN AMBASSADOR DESIGNATE TO RUSSIA, PROF. ABDULLAHI YIBAILKWAL SHEHU

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has charged the Nigerian Ambassador-designate to the Russian Federation with concurrent accreditation to Belarus, Prof. Abdullahi Shehu Yibaikwal to do his best in not only enhancing relations between Nigeria and his countries of posting, but also attract investment in areas of comparative advantage to the country and Plateau State.

Governor Lalong was speaking when he received a delegation from Kanam Local Government led by the Emir of Kanam, Alh. Muhammadu Muazu Muhammadu II who came to thank the Governor over the appointment of Prof. Shehu as ambassador by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said Plateau State was proud to have an experienced scholar and technocrat like Prof. Shehu who was the pioneer DG of GIABA, the West African Anti-corruption agency having served variously in agencies fighting corruption and money laundering in Nigeria such as the EFCC.

He said “I have no doubt that you will make us proud because of your pedigree and experience. You have shown your worth in the past and that is why they have given you this huge assignment to represent the country in one of the super power nations. We hope you will not only bring investment to Nigeria, but also to Plateau State because of the potentials we have. We will be praying for you to succeed”.

Emir of Kanam, Alh. Muhammadu Muazu Muhammadu II said they decided to come and show appreciation to Governor Lalong for his commitment to equity and fairness in facilitating the appointment of sons and daughters of the area into State and Federal Institutions. He pledged the continued support of the people for the success of the Rescue Administration at all times.

Prof. Shehu in a remark said he was humbled by the confidence reposed in him by the Governor for nominating him and the President for considering him worthy of the appointment.

He assured that he will not let the nation and Plateau State down as he was going to encourage investment into Nigeria from Russia and also pursue exchanges in areas of technology, security and mineral development.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
1st March 2021.

GOODWILL MESSAGE BY H.E. RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE AT THE INAUGURATION OF SENIOR EXECUTIVE COURSE 43 OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR POLICY AND STRATEGIC STUDIES KURU, PLATEAU STATE, 1ST MARCH 2021.
Protocols

1. It is a great honour for me to be here again for the inauguration of another set of Senior Executive Course Participants at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru. I welcome all the participants and resource persons to Plateau State, the Home of Peace and Tourism.
2. I also welcome His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who is officially inaugurating the Senior Executive Course 43 at this very important occasion. We also welcome other guests who are attending this event from various parts of the country.
3. For us, the establishment of the National Institute here in Plateau State and its steady progress since 1979 remains a great blessing for the State and the nation at large. This is because as the highest policy think tank of the country, so much valuable research and policy recommendations have emanated from this institute which has shaped policies of our nation.
4. I am therefore excited by the choice of the study theme for SEC 43 Executive Course which is “Getting Things Done: Strategies for Policy and Programme Implementation in Nigeria”. This is perhaps one of the crucial topics that the institute will focus on in recent times because of its importance to our national development.
5. It is an uncontestable fact that over the years in Nigeria, numerous brilliant policies have been formulated in different sectors and by different administrations. However, the paradox is that only a fraction of these numerous policies are implemented with many of them either jettisoned, abysmally carried out or left to gather dust in the shelf.
6. This has led to a lot of distortions in the process of nation-building where many policies have to be re-casted all over again, implemented half-way or entirely abandoned. In the process, the nation incurs enormous losses in terms of wasted resources, manpower and valuable time.
7. Corruption, lack of continuity in government policies, inadequate human and material resources, poor leadership programme, sectionalism and ethnic biases and lack of political will are some of the reasons attributed to the lack of effective policy implementation in Nigeria. Such reasons can by no means justify the enormous resources that are wasted and the attendant consequences to the nation.
8. Today, some of the challenges we face ranging from insecurity, poverty, illiteracy, climate change, poor transportation, inadequate infrastructure, abuse of power, mistrust and intolerance, lack of adherence to rule of law among others can be traced to the inability to implement policies enunciated at various times.
9. For example, in the 50s and 60s, there were policies to administer our forests and its resources where the regions had Ministries of Forestry solely devoted to managing these endowments. Along the line, we lost track and scrapped them such that today, we no longer have such Ministries to focus on many of our vast forests. The result is that they have become ungoverned spaces where criminals are using as hideouts to terrorize the people. The same story is replicated in various sectors of the economy.
10. For us to change this trajectory and get things done, we must make a radical shift where policies with timelines will be faithfully adhered to, no matter who is in charge. National aspirations should not be subjected to political, ethnic or religious biases that end up impoverishing all of us. We must look at the larger picture in implementing policies that impact the lives of our people today and in the future. Examples are all over the world for us to learn from.
11. For us in Plateau State, our Rescue Administration has deviated from the practices of successive administrations who jettisoned projects and programmes they inherited. We have decided to implement most of the projects that were abandoned because of the interest of the people and the huge investment of the State. Despite the fact that we took over from a different political party, we have not allowed sentiments to overcome our reasoning in the interest of the public. That is the way to go.
12. Today, we have completed projects such as the Riyom General Hospital which was started in 2005 and abandoned for over 8 years; the Mabudi General Hospital in Langtang South abandoned at foundation stage; the Kanke General Hospital in Kwall; the Mararaban Jama’a dual carriage road; the Secretariat Junction Flyover Bridge and roads, among many others. We are determined to complete others for the benefit of our people.
13. In addition to these, we have equally developed a 5 year strategic development plan that is being implemented in line with the aspirations of the State particularly as it relates to the development of its areas of comparative advantage which include agriculture, tourism and mining. We have equally set out a roadmap for sustainable peace by establishing the Peace Building Agency backed by law and the first of its kind in Nigeria.
14. Distinguished participants, I hope that you will devote your time to carry out deep research into how we can break away from this situation of policy summersault, waste of resources and under-development that is brought about by the lack of faithfulness in policy implementation. Our nation has lost a lot of time and resources which we need to redeem if we must make any progress in the face of many challenges we face today.
15. Be assured as always of the support of the Plateau State Government during the period of your stay here in our beautiful State. Our people are hospitable and willing to accommodate you long after you complete this course just like they have done to your predecessors. Apart from settling down in Plateau State, many of them have over the years enjoyed coming back to base to meet and relish in the spirit of reunion and thanking God for what NIPSS has imbibed in them.
16. As you settle down to business, I admonish you to give your best to justify your selection to this prestigious institute for special course. The nation is looking up to you and you should bear in mind that mere formulation of policies are not the major issues in Nigeria today. Rather their effective implementation with strategies and timelines are the only things that can bring about national development and cohesion.
17. I wish you a successful study tour.
18. God bless Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
19. Thank you.

Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG
Executive Governor, Plateau State
1st March 2021