HERDSMEN BEARING ARMS: GROUP BACKS GOVERNOR LALONG, INSISTS CRIMINALITY HAS NEITHER TRIBE NOR RELIGION.

A Non-Governmental Group, Coalition For Truth, Justice and Peace has risen to the defence of Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG and Chairman, Northern States Governors Forum, over comments attributed to him during an interview on Channels TV, Sunrise Daily on Tuesday 23 February, 2021 where he bared his mind on security challenges bedevilling the nation particularly herdsmen bearing arms.

In the said interview, the Governor was alleged to have said that not only herdsmen carry AK-47 as even some farmers also carry arms to protect themselves from the failure of the nation’s security architecture to protect them.

The Governor’s comments appear to have raised dust among social media users particularly on the Plateau with many quoting portions of the appearance to lash out at the Governor.

However the Executive Director of the Coalition for Truth, Peace and Justice Comrade Ayuba Zion Garba in a statement said the group was solidly behind the Governor who according to them spoke the truth and nothing but the truth.

He said, “It is unfortunate that the comments of the Governor which were spoken in truth and in pursuance of lasting solution, were taken out of context by people who have pre-concieved motives and do not see beyond their noses. We are not surprised that the issues raised generated discourse unnecessarily. Notably is the fact that the Governor said that farmers, herders and other non-state actors carry AK 47 rifles which is a statement of fact, and which to him is a thing of concern. Pundits have however turned what His Excellency said to a commodity to gain cheap political capital.”

The group reiterated that His Excellency Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong is a lover of peace and calling him names by disperaging him and quoting him out of context does not change the facts on ground, because the fact is that criminality knows neither tribe nor religion.

“We want to state unequivocally that there is a proliferation of arms in the hands of non-state actors who are not from one tribe or religion. There is therefore nothing wrong if the Governor averred that not only herdsmen, but others carry arms illegally. Can the critics of the Governor swear that only herdsmen commit violent crimes with AK-47 and other weapons? Who are those involved in kidnapping, banditary, robberies, destruction of farms, attacks on villages, killing of innocent people, cattle rustling and cultism? Are they from one tribe or religion? The statistics from the security agencies speak differently as people of different backgrounds are involved in crime.”

While not supporting any crime and criminal conduct, denial of this fact amounts to treachery and a disservice to humanity in general. The concern so raised by His Excellency demands applause and support in order to rid our society of criminals rather than condemnation.
The tendency to own criminality has taken us decades backward and Governor Lalong is not ready to turn a blind eye from the truth because of cheap popularity.

The group asks those hyping the innocent but truthful comments of the Governor to calm down and allow common sense to prevail as not everything is politics and not all interventions of the Governor can be faulted by simple reason of sentiments and parochial interests.

Garba therefore uses the opportunity to call on all well‐meaning Nigerians to look at security issues dispassionately and curb it to the bearest minimum so that Nigeria can be salvaged.

WHY I REJECTED RUGA IN PLATEAU STATE – GOVERNOR LALONG

Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong has given reasons why he rejected the Rural Grazing Area Program, commonly referred to as RUGA from being implemented in Plateau State.

Lalong who was speaking on Channels TV programme Sunrise Daily in Jos said the RUGA intiative was a strange concept that came after the National Economic Council thoroughly debated, scrutinised and adopted the National Livestock Transformation Programme (NLTP) as a very comprehensive and inclusive idea to tackle herder-farmer clashes and other associated challenges.

He said because the RUGA initiative did not have the buy in of stakeholders and fell short of addressing the concerns of most Governors, it was not possible to embrace it. This he said further fueled the misconception over the NLTP which is neither for one ethnic group nor meant for land grabbing.

He said “I was one of the first Governors to kick against the RUGA program when it was introduced. To start with, the concept was literally sneaked in for reasons we did not understand. For me as Governor of Plateau State, I just heared that they have erected signposts in some sites within some local Governments. How can you earmark such a project without my knowledge and buy-in of the people in my State? I had no interest in it because it was far below the NLTP which was more robust and passed through series of engagements with critical stakeholders”.

Lalong also said Plateau State subscribed to the NLTP because of the fact that it will carry along many groups and individuals involved in Livestock business and its associated value chains. These include farmers, herders and other people involved in processing of meat and packaging. There is also a provision for other animals such as sheep goats, pigs, and others.

Lalong who said Plateau State was chosen as one of the pilot States having earmarked the Wase and Kanam Grazing reserves, reiterated that the implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Programme (NLTP) will go a long way is addressing many of the issues associated with the activities of herdsmen which have led to clashes with farmers and other crimes.

On the violence perpetrated by herdsmen who bear arms, the Governor condemned the act and called for strong measures to end this ugly trend. He lamented that there are many non-state actors who are in possession of arms, a situation that must be addressed.

He said “today, we are now seeing the hazard of allowing people do open grazing here and there. But they (herders) also want solution; by the time you explain to them, they also want to stay in one place, they would also want to keep away from carrying AK-47. I’m not justifying anybody to carry AK-47 but don’t forget that in the course of our deliberations and investigations, it was not only Fulani herdsmen that were carrying AK-47, even farmers were carrying AK-47.”

The Governor said in order to address the situation, deliberate efforts must be put in place to curtail the influx of light arms while other ways such as the NLTP must be embraced to take these people away from the old type of farming and then introduce them to the modern system.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
23rd February 2021

 All ICT Companies In Plateau Must Be Annually Registered With PICTDA ……

Febuary 23,2021

All ICT Companies both hardware and software in Plateau State must now be annually registered with PICTDA before they can be allowed to do business with MDAs of Government.

In a circular communicated to all MDAs of the Government of Plateau State yesterday, the 22nd of February 2021. It was stated by the Plateau State ICT Development Agency quoting the Plateau State Revenue (Consolidation) Law, 2020 that all companies or vendors who intend to do business with any MDA of the Government of Plateau State must from now register and obtain clearance certificate from the Agency on an annual basis.

This is not the first time that the Plateau State ICT Development Agency has waded fully into the implementation of its policy. It started last year through the issuance of an IT clearance guidelines it communicated to all MDAs through the state Auditor General. In what seems like an update to the guideline, PICTDA is boosting its attempt in ensuring that the sector is regulated and value for money is derived by government. 

According to the Director General of the Plateau State ICT Development Agency, Mr. Daser David, “Two things that make sense to us is simply the fact that while we avoid duplication of projects, it is also in the best interest of the Plateau state technology ecosystem that local companies are protected and helped to achieve growth. The rescue administration through His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, is interested in this sector and is fully committed in exploiting the opportunities it promises our young people. It is against such political will that we are acting”.

In its communication to all MDAs,  its statement reads,  “In line with the Plateau State Revenue (Consolidation) Law, 2020 and the rescue administration’s drive towards raising its revenue and streamlining its processes for the purpose of coordination, it has become mandatory that ICT vendors both hardware and software must be registered and certified by PICTDA before they can engage with any MDA of the Government of Plateau State. while automation processes are really very vital for enabling a lot of government processes and in serving the citizens in a most appropriate way It is very vital that the Plateau State Information & Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA) as mandated by the act establishing it be notified and carried along in every automation endeavour of all MDAs of Government. The law establishes that every IT company must be registered with the Plateau State ICT Development Agency before it can do business with any MDA of Government. Given the aforementioned, any engagement by any MDA of Government with any IT Vendor  who is not registered and certified by PICTDA is a violation of the Plateau State Revenue (Consolidation) Law, 2020.”

The said memo has also been communicated to IT companies within Plateau State via email.

For more details on the new policy, contact pictda@plateaustate.gov.ng

Five of the seven persons killed in Sunday’s military aircraft crash in Abuja have been identified as personnel of the Nigerian AirForce,

The seven victims of the air crash were killed when the Beechcraft KingAir B350i Nigerian Air Force Intelligence Reconnaissance Aircraft, which they boarded in Abuja on a flight to Minna, Niger State, crashed a few minutes after it took off.

It was gathered that the aircraft’s pilot reported an engine failure at 10:39am and crashed on the final approach path of Abuja runway 22 at 10:48am.

Five of the seven persons listed to be aboard the ill-fated military aircraft include:

Flt. Lt. Gazama
Flt. Lt. Piyo
Flg. Offr. Okpara
FS Olawumi
ACM Johnson
Already, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has ordered immediate probe of the air accident.

SIX FEARED DEAD AS MILITARY JET CRASHES IN ABUJA
Six persons onboard a military aircraft have been feared killed after the plane crash landed in Abuja.
The six people comprised two crew members and four passengers.

The aircraft, a NAF201 B350, was said to be Minna, Niger State bound when it developed engine problem around 10:39am.

It was said to have crash landed at the final approach path of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport runway 22 around 10:48am and immediately gutted fire.

Confirming the crash, Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, tweeted: “A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute Minna.

It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any.”

At the time of this report, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) was yet to comment on the accident.

Amb Chris Giwa Revalidates APC membership.

By D’yong Mangut

Feb 21, 2021

There was massive jubilation on Sunday when former gubernatorial candidate, Amb (Dr) Chris Musa Giwa revalidated his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at his Hwak 1 unit located at Kuru B of Jos South Local Government Area.

Speaking shortly after the registration, Amb Giwa who was elated by the impressive turn up and number of people who have registered noted that the exercise offered the party an opportunity to consolidate, expand its membership base, and assess it’s acceptability among the citizenry.

Cross section of party faithfuls at Hwak 1 unit applauded Amb Chris Giwa stating that he is a philantropist who has rendered tremendous support to individuals, groups, and communities across the length and breadth of the state and that he is an asset to the party who has contributed to its fast growing membership base.

“He is a true model for the party and we are happy to have someone like him as a party member and our leader some of them said.”

Amb Giwa was accompained by his loving wife, Mrs Joy Chris Giwa Hon Jacob Pwakim, Hon Ayuba Jagaba, Hon Chris Dabang, Hon Birtus Kataiko, serving councillor of Kuru B ward and cross section of his supporters drawn from all parts of the state.

INSIDE GAGDI PARLEY WITH STAKEHOLDERS, PRESSURE GROUPS, TRADITIONAL RULERS AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS IN KWAL, KANKE LGA.

Just a day after two days official visit to Jos city the Plateau State Capital with Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiala and his wife, the dogged member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Navy Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (Danmalikin Kanam) was in Kanke today Saturday 20th February, 2021 to continue with his constituency outreach which he has started with kanam some weeks ago and was at Pankshin last week for same purpose.

The honourable member held meetings with the traditional rulers, youths, women, pressure groups and different trade unions and associations where he gave summary of his stewardship as a member representing them at the Green Chamber.

At Kwal, Gagdi met and interfaced with village heads and some traditional title holders and briefed them on what he was able to accomplished for the constituency in less than two years and also unveil the numerous plans he have for the constituency.

He brought to them the good news of the construction of befitting district heads palaces and office at Garram and Amper districts which contractors had already mobilised to site last week ago and have 60 days to complete the project.

The construction of the Garram and Amper District Palaces and offices are among the six other palaces that work has commenced already in the last one week within Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam as part of his constituency projects. Six districts are considered for the first phase this year while the remaining districts will be captured in the second phase.

The Hon. member also promised the mammoth crowd that the collapsed Gugur bridge will be reconstructed by him within the shortest time.

During the parley with different interest groups and individuals, Hon. Gagdi again highlighted some of the achievements within the short span of his representation which includes among others; 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, traditional leaders palaces, filling of potholes to make the road safer for driving from 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 and many other laudable interventions and projects.

Just as he explained to his teaming constituents in Kanam and Pankshin the reason behind the challenge faced by some individuals out of the 284 people he was able to secure employment for, he explained the same scenario to the good people of Kanke. Their inability to report to their places of work at Federal University Wukari and Lafia was them not being captured by IPPIS due to the Universities exhausting their budgeted personell cost and the frantic efforts he is making to see the problem being rectified and to even scout, lobby and secure more job opportunities to his constituents. He also give a brief note on his upcoming empowerment program where 400 motorcycles, 400 sewing machines, 400 grinding machines and 40 406 peugeot cars will be distributed. With 20 individuals per polling units with small businesses getting a cash support of between ten to twenty thousand naira only.

The program will be coming soon with the Executive Governor of Plateau State Barr Simon Bako Lalong and Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila expected to grace and bless the event with their presence at Pankshin.

In a demonstration of genuine love to PKK, he said instead of pushing for a new road project to be sited somewhere he rather choose that funds be allocated in the budget for the continuation of the Babban Lamba-Sharam road and assured the constituents that, as soon as capital releases for 2021 budget are made, contractors will be back to site to complete the project.

It was a marvelous and very engaging parley where different respondents commended the giant strides and the people centered representation of Rt Hon Yusuf Gagdi. It was a cheering and very heart touching outing with the honorable member stopping by at different locations from Kwal in Kanke upto Pankshin exchanging pleasantries with his constituents.

The people are indeed at the center of all the engagements of Gagdi forming the very core cardinal of his legislative direction.

GAGDI MEDIA TEAM
FEBRUARY 20, 2021.

PRESS STATEMENT

GIZ FOSTERS STRONGER TIES WITH PLATEAU STATE

The German International Development Agency (GIZ) says it will continue to support Plateau State in capacity building that will facilitate the creation of more jobs and economic opportunities for citizens of the State.

The new GIZ-SEDIN Head of the Programmes in Nigeria Markus Wauschkulm gave the commitment when he visited Governor Simon Lalong at the New Government House Rayfield Jos on a familiarisation visit to the State.

He said the partnership between GIZ and Plateau State runs deep and has positively affected many people in various areas especially agriculture value chain development, peace building and job creation.

Wauschkulm said the success of the programme in the country is very evident in Plateau State as many have been trained and given capacity to engage in economic activities that are generating income and tackling unemployment.

Governor Lalong appreciated the German Government for its intervention in Nigeria and Plateau State through its laudable initiatives of the Pro-poor Growth and Promotion of Employment in Nigeria-SEDIN.

The Governor said the State Government has enjoyed support of GIZ in strengthening its agencies such as the Peace Building Agency, Plateau Small Interprises Development Agency (PLASMIDA), One-Stop Investment Centre, Project Monitoring and Result Delivery Unit among others.

Lalong said the State Government will continue to follow up on those who have been empowered through the support of the GIZ in order to ensure that they give others the value that they have obtained from the programme.

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

Editor-in-chief 

A former member House of Representatives during the second republic, under the People’s Redemption Party, PRP Dr Junaid Muhammad is dead.

A family source told Daily Focus that the Soviet trained Medical Doctor died this evening (Thursday 18/02/2021) at his residence in Kano after a brief illness

Late Dr Junaid represented Dala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives under the platform of people’s redemption party.

He represented Kano State during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s National Political Reform Conference and Jonathan’s administration 2014 National Conference.

He also served with defunct oil minerals producing areas commission OMPADEC.

He left behind his family and among his brothers is Dr Ahmed Salik, former Economics Lecturer at BUK and also a former member of the House of Representatives, Dala Constituency under APP later ANPP (2003 to 2007).

Dikko, is dead, Freelance Reporters has learnt.

It was learnt that the Katsina State indigene, who led the NCS from 2009 to 2015, died after a protracted illness.


The former customs boss had been facing a probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

His house said to be worth N1.1bn as well as cars worth hundreds of millions of naira were seized by the EFCC under the leadership of erstwhile Chairman, Ibrahim Magu.




However, his case could not proceed due to his failing health.


In December 2020, the ICPC and its Chairman, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, were restrained from arresting and prosecuting Dikko.