NORTHERN GOVERNORS CELEBRATE SENATE PRESIDENT, AHMAD LAWAN AT 62
The Northern Governors Forum has rejoiced with President of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, on his 62nd birthday.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a congratulatory message described Senator Lawan as an erudite legislator and scholar who has brought his experience to bear on the Nigerian parliament.
Lalong said since stepping into the National Assembly, Senator Lawan has remained consistent in pursuing the enactment of quality legislations and conduct of robust oversight that have gone a long way to strengthen the nation’s democracy.
He commended Senator Lawan for galvanising his colleagues at the 9th Senate and the National Assembly as a whole towards supporting the Buhari Administration in fulfilling its promises to Nigerians.
Lalong also described the Senate President as a worthy partner in the development of the Northern Region, assuring him that the Northern Governors Forum will continue to work with him in addressing the challenges of the region.
He wished Senator Lawan God’s guidance, wisdom, protection, and good health.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum. 11th January 2021.
NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION SCORE GOVERNOR LALONG HIGH ON HEALTHCARE
National President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Innocent Ujah on Monday 11th January 2021 led Executive Members of the body on a courtesy call to Governor Simon Bako Lalong where he scored the Governor high on development of healthcare in the State. Prof. Ujah who has spent many years in Plateau State teaching and practicing medicine said the Rescue of Administration of Governor Simon Lalong has done what is unique by not only focusing on healthcare infrastructure, but developing manpower. He commended the Governor for initiating the construction of mega health facilities in the three senatorial districts as well as continuing with inherited work on others which have been moribund for many years. He said “We are very excited that you recently approved the employment of over 40 doctors and many other health personnel to boost the manpower of the sector. This is inspite of the economic situation of the country and the State. It is also on record that your administration has procured medical equipment for health facilities across the State and ensured that the Plateau Contributory Health Insurance Scheme and the Plateau Primary Healthcare Development Agency were established. This demonstrates your passion for healthcare delivery. We commend you and ask that you do more”. Prof. Ujah also appealed to the Governor to look into other areas such as the implementation of the CONMESS which is at 83 percent at the moment. He also solicited the support of the Government towards the development of the National NMA Headquarters in Abuja as well as the training of more medical doctors from Plateau State to fill the gap that has continued to widen with the exodus of doctors from the country. Governor Lalong while responding said he was delighted to have the NMA visit him under the leadership of Prof. Ujah who though originally from Benue State, is now the son of Plateau as he has spent most part of his professional life in the State. He congratulated the NMA leadership and assured them that the Rescue Administration was committed to providing qualitative and affordable healthcare to the citizens particularly at the grassroots level. Governor Lalong disclosed that apart from ensuring that health takes priority in the Lalong Legacy project, his administration also ensured that the abandoned hospitals in Riyom, Mabudi and Kanke and others are completed so as to give the people more access to healthcare. The Governor further explained that his administration also worked for the establishment of the Faculty of health sciences at the Plateau State University Bokkos as a way of ensuring that more health personnel are trained to increase manpower. He disclosed that the construction of the new faculty has gone far as the teaching hospital is also being constructed in Shendam. Lalong appreciated the medical professionals for sacrificing themselves in the fight against COVID-19 which has seen some of them infected and others losing their lives. A minute silence was observed for those who lost their lives, even as he again called for more sensitization among members of the public advising them to take precaution in the face of the second wave of the pandemic. He assured them that the State Government was doing everything possible to ensure that the Plateau Health Research team led by Prof. Noel Wannang comes up with home grown solution to COVID-19 and other diseases. The three drugs developed by the team he said have passed pre-clinical stage and undergoing clinical trials before approval by relevant authorities. The Governor also invited the doctors to invest in the State by establishing medical services as the State if focusing on becoming Nigeria’s headquarters for medical tourism giving its unique weather and hospitality.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 11th January 2021.
Dear Lord, I lift up all those that are in leadership position in our government, both locally and nationally. May they be endowed with wisdom, strength and justice to administer their duties in a manner that is right and pleasing in Your sight. May you lead them with your pillar of cloud in the day and pillar of light in the night Exodus 13:21-22 and crown their year with goodness Psalm 65:11. Give them the wisdom to rightly and justly administer the law and to carry out their judgements and decisions in the fear of the Lord. Keep our leaders from adopting humanistic laws, which are so contrary to Your truth. Guard their consciences from being seared by so much that is flooding the corridors of world power today and give each one wisdom, insight and integrity in the decisions they have to reach, and may we live peaceably in this land as we wait for the any day return of the Lord Jesus Christ to take His church to be with Him into heaven. In Jesus’ name we pray,
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the removal of the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (rtd).
He was appointed on January 12, 2016 by the former Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Engr. Babachair Lawal, via a letter with reference number SGF.35/S.5/11/272.
In another letter dated January 7, 2021 and signed by the Secretary to the Federal Government, Boss Mustapha, Abdallah was mandated to handover to the Secretary of the agency, Mr. Shadrach Haruna, on or before January 10, 2021 (today).
It was gathered that Haruna, who was in the United Kingdom during the notice, had to cut short his trip as he hurriedly returned to Nigeria at the weekend.
Governor Simon Bako Lalong says he is shocked by the sudden death of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police Mr. Dan Bature who died at the age of 58.
Lalong while commiserating with his family and the people of Plateau State said the nation has lost a committed and dutiful personality who served the country throughout his career in the Nigeria police force with dignity, courage and zeal.
He said even in retirement, AIG Bature continued to serve the nation and Plateau State by offering his wealth of experience and also impacting his immediate community tremendously.
The Governor also praised the contributions of the late AIG Bature to the restoration of peace and security in Plateau State through his consistent engagement in peace building and capacity building for crime fighting.
Lalong said that the late police officer also did a lot to empower youths in his community and within the State as well as engaged in entrepreneurial activities that created employment opportunities for many youths and added value to the economy.
He prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and comfort the family.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 10th January 2021.
Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong on Sunday said his adminstration would continue to pay attention to the security of lives and property by adopting various measures to foster peaceful coexistence and also deal with crime and criminality.
Lalong made this known while speaking at the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance day church service held at the COCIN headquarters church in Jos .
“I am aware of the incidences of kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes in some parts of Plateau State. The Government is working hard with the security agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the ugly incidences are tackled. “
Last month, I signed the Anti-kidnapping, Land grabbing, Cultism and Violence-related matters bill passed by the State House of Assembly into law. By that law, anyone convicted of kidnapping in Plateau State will be sentenced to death while cultism and other violent crimes attract various terms of imprisonment.
The Governor who said that he remains a firm believer in Community Policing stressed that he is convinced this can enable the state to tackle the challenges of insecurity in Nigeria more effectively.
“We have to be proactive in preventing crimes through intelligence gathering and ensuring rapid response to any distress.”
In his words ” This is why even before the Federal Government decided to implement the Community Policing Initiative, we engaged stakeholders in the State towards strengthening our Operation Rainbow to provide grassroots policing. “
He said that” In December last year, we inaugurated 595 Community Police constables who were trained and deployed to the 17 Local Government Areas to assist law enforcement agencies, particularly the police in intelligence gathering and other security operations. “
” Since security is everybody’s business, I appeal to all citizens to always be security conscious and participate in protecting themselves against criminals before security agencies respond to their distress calls. Let us not live care-free and expect the security personnel to do everything. “
Lalong further said that “The security agencies as we all know have challenges of manpower, logistics and equipment as well as training which most times delay their response and effectiveness. We need to join hands with them by doing our part and also passing accurate and timely information to them.”
He called on the people of the state to support security agencies at all times .
“Rather than use the bad conduct of a few to condemn all of them, let us isolate the bad ones and ensure that they are removed. We cannot afford to demoralize our gallant men and women at this time of insecurity in our country. We saw what happened during the ENSARS protests when they came under attack physically and morally. “
He further said ” On the issue of our brother Rev. Polycarp Zongo who has been in captivity for months now, I want us to keep hope alive and never give up. The State and Federal Government is working with the Church to ensure that he regains his freedom. We cannot disclose everything here, but I urge you not to cease praying for him and all others who are in captivity.
GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES HON. DAN MANJANG @ 60
Governor Simon Lalong has felicitated with his Commissioner for Information and Communication Hon. Dan Manjang for attaining the landmark age of 60 years.
The Governor described Dan Manjang as a committed member of the Rescue Mission who has given his best in communicating the programmes and projects of the Government and also sanitizing the citizens towards greater participation in governance.
Lalong said Manjang is a media professional who has brought his experience, knowledge and versatility to bear in the service of Plateau State and Nigeria even at the face of challenges.
He urged him to continue to serve the State with more zeal, resilience and commitment particularly in engaging members of the public towards understanding and supporting the government to consolidate on peace, building, infrastructural development and sustainable economic rebirth.
He also wished him many more years of good health, peace and God’s protection.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 10th January 2021.
GOVERNOR LALONG ATTENDS THANKSGIVING MASS FOR SENATOR NORA DADU’UT IN QUANPAN
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong together with his wife Mrs. Regina Lalong were among hundreds of guests that converged on St. Brendan Catholic Church Kwa in Quanpan Local Government Area for the Thanksgiving Mass in honour of Senator Nora Dadu’ut.
Governor Lalong described the election of Senator Nora as the will of God, urging her to do her best to impact the lives of the people of the zone particularly women and youths.
He said the State will give her every support to ensure that she succeeds at the red chambers. He called for unity among the constituents and the elected representatives of the State for the interest of the people.
Catholic Bishop of Bauchi Hilary Dachelem said the the emergence of Senator Dadu’ut was for the benefit of all people of the zone irrespective of their backgrounds, hence the need to support her.
He commended Governor Lalong for embracing all citizens of the State and urged him to do more in consolidating on completion of inherited projects and those initiated by him.
DG ITF Sir. Joseph Ari appreciated the people of electorate for reposing their confidence in Prof. Nora saying she will represent all irrespective of differences.
Prof. Dadu’ut appreciated Governor Lalong and the Plateau APC family for making her election possible promising to work for the interest of all.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 9th December 2021
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has released the list of successful applicants in its ongoing recruitment exercise.
NDLEA spokesman, Deputy Commander of Narcotics (DCN) Jonah Achema, announced this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
Achema urged successful candidates to visit the agency’s website http://www.ndlea.gov.org for the list adding that those shortlisted had also been contacted via E-mail and SMS.
According to him, the candidates had applied for different vacancies, some of which were invited for job competency test.
“The affected candidates, numbering 5, 000, are to appear at the Agency’s Academy, Citadel Counter-Narcotics Nigeria, (CCNN), Katton-Rikkos, Jos, Plateau State for the screening and documentation exercise between January 10 and 23, 2021 at 0900 hours daily.
“The candidates are divided into four different groups for the screening, in adherence to the COVID-19 pandemic protocol.
“The order and schedule for the exercise according to the group into which the candidates fall are also indicated. They are expected to arrive a day ahead of their screening period,” said Achema.
He added that successful candidates were expected to be issued letters of appointment and documented immediately upon successful screening.
“Candidates are, therefore, to report for the screening exercise with their guarantors’ forms, originals and duplicates of academic credentials, birth certificate or age declaration and indigene certificates.
“They are also expected to come along with certificate of medical fitness from a government hospital as well as a pair of shorts, T-shirts, canvass and stockings,” the NDLEA spokesman said.
NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the recruitment of 5,000 Personnel for the agency to boost its manpower in July 2019.
The process began in August 2019, while the aptitude test was conducted in December 2019 and January 2020.
PROTESTS BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES: PUTTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT.
For over a month now, employees of Local Governments in Plateau State have embarked on protests, barricading the entrance of the Joseph Gomwalk Secretariat, blocking roads and causing untold hardship to the public as well as harassing Government officials by calling them names, threatening them and their families.
All this has been under the guise that the State Government has not implemented the N30,000 minimum wage negotiated and passed into law the Federal Government. This is totally incorrect as the State Government has since October 2020, commenced the implementation of the 30 thousand new minimum wage to its employees. Local Government employees on the other hand are yet to reach an agreement with their employers (Local Government Councils).
Having tolerated this ugly situation and done everything possible to facilitate the resolution of the grievances of the Local Government employees and their employers (Local Government Councils), the State Government rather than receive praise for its intervention, has been inundated with unwarranted assault, propaganda and campaign of calumny aimed at tarnishing its image.
In the light of the above, it has become imperative for the Government to put the records straight and leave the matter before the court of public opinion.
In the first place, it is common knowledge that the administration of Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG and by the special grace of God, the Chairman, 19 Northern States Governors’ Forum is labour friendly, especially when it comes to the payment of staff salaries, pension, gratuity and other emoluments. This has earned him the indelible name “GOVERNOR ALERT” bestowed on him by no other group than the entirety of Plateau State workers.
It is common knowledge that since he assumed office in 2015, salaries and pension in Plateau State have never been owed as they are paid as and when due. In fact, Plateau civil servants have become used to the sound of bank “alerts” from 23rd of every month.
Furthermore, time was before the life of this Government that the last administration could not pay salaries and pensions of civil servants for upward of eight months. However, all these were cleared by the administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong without any fight. The same applied to “No Work, No Pay” arrears of salaries of about four months which was paid by this administration. As at today, the salaries of Plateau civil servants have been paid up to date despite the economic crunch and low earnings!
The Rescue Government of Simon Bako Lalong similarly showed magnanimity by recalling over 2,000 teachers who were sacked by the Jang administration after due consideration of their pleas. Not only that, Governor Lalong also ensured that the promotion and transfers of Local Government staff which was stagnant for about 2 decades was also carried out. Yet, these are the people today calling for the crucifixion of the Governor for no just cause.
As it stands today, the State Government does not have any dispute with its employees who patiently waited and negotiated for the implementation of the 30 thousand minimum wage which has commenced since October (even when some states have not even opened negotiations).
Therefore the conduct of Local Government employees who have embarked on a wild campaign of columny, mischief and misrepresentation of facts to the effect that the Governor is holding the implementation of its 30 thousand minimum wage is to say the least, most uncharitable and unfortunate.
It is common knowledge that Local Government employees are hired, disciplined, promoted and fired where necessary by Local Government Councils (their employers) and not the State Government. This is moreso when the implementation of Local Government autonomy has since commenced in Plateau State. The State Government which is a separate tier of Government has no responsibility for the implementation of the new minimum wage for Local Government staff and the Governor cannot force it down their throat. It is purely the business of Local Government Councils to negotiate with their employees based on their capacity to pay. This is exactly what happend between Federal Government and its employees as well as the States and its employees. If the Federal Government did not force the States to implement the new minimum wage, why do Local Government employees in Plateau State want the Governor to force the Local Government Councils to pay their employees when he has no control over their resources? Or should any State fail to pay the minimum wage to its workers, will they march to Abuja to seal off the Federal Secretariat?
For the Local Government employees to jettison this fact or pretend not to know but resort to blackmail, threatening and locking out State workers from the Secretariat for about a month, chanting political and war songs and other contemptuous behaviour is to say the least most unfortunate and regrettable.
Only they know what they stand to gain from locking down the State Secretariat and denying workers access to their offices as well as disrupting the economy of the State. They have been unreasonable to the extent that they forget that many citizens are just trying to recover from the COVID-19 lockdowns and curfews which impacted on their livelihoods. They are not on salaries but have to struggle to earn their living and also pay taxes that are appropriated to even pay Government workers including the protesters.
Moreover, the State Government took the civil path by approaching the National Industrial Court in Jos to ensure that the obstruction is stopped. An order was subsequently obtained wherein the Local Government employees were restrained from further protests and disrupting public peace.
Rather than the Local Government employees to obey a lawful court order, sheath their swords, or at least seek to vacate the order while the matter is being addressed by the joint committee mid-wived by the Governor which consists of their leadership and other union leaders, the Local Government employees escalated their agitation and further politicised it for reasons best known to them.
If they had gone to their respective Local Government Councils to protest or embark on labour actions such as withdrawing their services, many would have understood or even sympathised with them. But their action which is more political than a fight for their rights has become repulsive and devoid of public sympathy. Nobody will stop them if they have political ambitions and want to pursue it. However, they need to come out and embrace partisan politics rather than hide under minimum wage struggle only to disrupt the stability of the State.
The Plateau State Government would therefore, for the sake of clarity and emphasis, again state categorically as follows:
a. That the administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong recognises that there are three tiers of Government in Nigeria, in this case, Local, State and Federal. The Governor is irrevocably committed to ensuring the that these tiers of Government particularly the Local Government enjoy their financial independence and other provisions of the autonomy.
b. That as far as the employment, discipline, promotion and payment of salaries and emoluments of Local Governments is concerned, the onus rests squarely on the shoulders of Chairmen and Management Committee Chairmen of the various Local Governments while the Governor has the responsibility of ensuring that State Civil Servants are paid as and when due. He has never failed!
C. That the Governor has done everything possible as a father to wade into the lingering crisis but the Local Government Staff have continued to stifle this effort, even when their Union officials have advised them to give them a chance to negotiate the matter. They rather prefer to play to the gallery and misinform the gullible while allowing clandestine interests to use them for pecuniary motives.
d. In view of the above, the Plateau State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG hereby advises Local employees to redirect their grouse to the right channel which is the Local Government Councils. It is their sole responsibility to negotiate and implement not only the minimum wage, but other allowances they wish to offer them. This is moreso, that the allocation of Local Government is paid directly into the accounts of the Local Governments by the Federal Government and not warehoused with the State Government.
e. That the unwarranted attacks, misinformation and mischief of the Local Government employees aimed at tarnishing the good name of His Excellency, the amiable worker-friendly Governor Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, a.k.a GOVERNOR ALERT, is unnecessary and a great act of treachery and ingratitude for all he has done to improve their conditions. Despite that, he has greatest respect for the workers which he has consistently demonstrated since he came into office and is committed to sustaining it.
f. That the State Government appeals again to the Local Government employees to show maturity and understanding by interfacing with their employers (Local Government Councils) as henceforth, no disruption of public peace or Government activities will be tolerated.
LET US ALWAYS THINK AND ACT PLATEAU
Signed:
DAN MANJANG, HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER, MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
Freelance Reporters 