Group advocates sack of Jos south LGA Boss over allege non performance

By our correspondent

Group operating under the aegis of Jos South United Action for Change ( JSUAC ) on Sunday called on the Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong to sack the Management Committee Chairman, of Jos South Local government council., Hon Choji Dachung Yohana over non performance .


The Group leader Hon Davou Bitrus, who spoke to our correspondent in Jos lamented that since resumption of office about a year ago , the Chairman of the Council Hon Yohanna has nothing to show to the people as he has not carried out any developmental project .

In his words “Since the Managing Committee Chairman of Jos south LGA was appointed ,he has not been accessible and has been creating disunity in our great party the All Progressive Congress APC in the council .

“We urge Governor Lalong to immediately relieve the Caretaker Committee of Jos south of his appointment.”

The youths, who expressed their anger over the attitude of the chairman also alleged misappropriation of fund meant for the development of the council by the Caretaker Committee chairman.


The group further said that they are yet to see beneficiaries of palliatives distributed to Jos south Local Government area to cushion the effect of the COVID 19 by the Plateau state Government and CACOVID .

“As a group we are aware that Governor Lalong is doing well in trying to bring dividends of democracy to people of Jos south but the Present chairman is frustrating the Governors efforts “.

“Since Hon Dachung Yohana resumed office , no development has taken place in our LGA he needs to be removed “

Bitrus said ” As a group we are calling on Governor Lalong who is a progressive to come to the rescue of the APC in Jos south by sacking the Council boss .

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG IS PATRON OF JOS POLO CLUB

The Jos Polo Club on Thursday 1st October 2020 performed1 the investiture of Governor Simon Lalong as its patron.

At the event held at the polo club in Jos, President of the club Alh. Murtala Laushi said the event investiture of the Governor was in recognition of his enermous contribution to the development of sports in general and polo in particular.

Governor Lalong while accepting the investiture said he will continue to support the growth of the game in the State.

He assured the club that the polo club will be rehabilitated very soon as the government has made arrangements to get a permanent venue for trade fair which usually held at the polo field.

He commended Nasco Group of companies for continued sponsorship of polo game as well as many othef causes in the State.

He also performed the symbolic planting of trees to promote the campaign for afforestation.

An anniversary cake to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Nigeria was also cut at the event by the Governor and Executive Chairman of Nasco Group, (Dr) Attia Nasreddin.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
2nd October 2020

Lt. Col. Samuel Gulong Fwangje (Rtd) Felicitates with Hon. Rufus Bature on his birthday.

Today, I join other well-wishers to celebrate your life. Congratulations and happy birthday to you.
You have been a great leader who has contributed his wealth of experience to the development of our dear state. We wish you God’s continued guidance, blessing, long life, and prosperity.

We pray that the days ahead bring you more of God’s strength as well as glory, honor, and peace! We are glad to celebrate your special day with you.
Once more, have a wonderful birthday celebration today wishing you many more to come.

Signed.

Lt. Col. SG Fwangje Rtd fss, mss, psc

Barden Mangu/Rimin Langai

CEO/MD Greatklings Nig Limited.

GAGDI FELICITATES WITH NIGERIANS ON INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

On behalf of the good people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency I send out my heartfelt felicitations to all Nigerians on the auspicious occasion of the celebration of Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary celebration.

Our journey as a nation has been tumultuous, but we have remained steadfast and resolute in our believe in the oneness of the nation, despite our diversities.

We, as representatives of the people, have been committed to the well-being of the citizenry, and will ever remain dogged in championing the course of the downtrodden and ameliorating their plights.

As the saying goes, “Rome was not built in a day”; we are not yet where we ought to be, but we are surely not where we were yesterday. The progress might be slow, but we are marching on. With the right mentality and committed crop of leaders, we shall surmount our difficulties.

I urge Nigerians to keep faith with the system, as we strive to provide the enabling environment for the nation to develop.

Once again, Happy 1st October!

Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi,
I Chair Nigerian Navy and
I represent PKK,
NASS Abuja.

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG SALUTES NIGERIANS @ 60

Plateau Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated the people of Plateau State and all Nigerians as the nation marks 60 years of independence as a sovereign nation.
Governor Lalong said he unity, peace and prosperity of Nigeria remains an objective that requires the contribution of all Nigerians as aptly captured by the theme of the celebrations “Together we shall be”.
He said although the nation has passed through many challenges over the years, its citizens have equally demonstrated resilience, patriotism, faith and determination to ensure that the country remains together and makes progress.
“Ours is a great nation endowed by God in all aspects and we must continue to work together in eliminating all the factors that have held us back from attaining our potentials and the dream of our forefathers. The achievements we have recorded in various fields such as education, health, sports, science, agriculture, infrastructure and technology among others are a clear indication that we can hold our own in the comity of nations. What is needed is for us to be united and remove corruption, intolerance and other negative tendencies that disrupt our growth” he said.
The Governor said Plateau State and its citizens, past and present have contributed enormously and shall continue to contribute to the development of Nigeria in various sectors.
He assured that his Rescue Administration is determined to deliver good governance and ensure that Plateau State remains a choice destination as the Home of Peace and Tourism in Nigeria’s journey to nationhood.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to
the Governor of Plateau State.
1st OCtober 2020.

Coalition of ethnic youth leaders plateau north visit DSS and STF Headquarters Says they are willful tools of peace
In a quest to ensure the return total peace on the plateau, the coalition of ethnic youth nationalities plateau north when on a familiarity visit to the security agencies on Wednesday 30th September,2020. The visit was to familiarise the new EXCO and this top security echelon and appreciate their efforts for the relative return of peace in the region. You will recall that the coalition has its new EXCO onboard last month.
While at the DSS headquarters, our source gather that it state Director was quite appreciative of the steps taken by the new EXCO although the meeting was was off cameras.
Last point of the visit was at operation safe Heaven headquarters Hill station Jos were news men gathered that it was indeed, a warm reception.
The STF commander was very elated at the approach of the young leaders and the total resolve for peace saying that they are also ready to work closely with community leaders to ensure peace out there for all. The climax of the visit the presentation on award by the STF commander Maj Gen CC Okonkwo. The chairman of the coalition Comr Song Muru appreciated the magnanimous hands of the STF commander and his supportive officers.
Briefing news men after the visit coalition chairman Comr Song Muru appreciate the reception received from the top security echelon and reiterate the commitment of indigenous Youths for peace and economic progress while calling the attention of both government and the security on the resurface of killings,kidnapped, Rape,persistent crops and farmlands destruction and land grabbing so as to nip the return of complete peace within the zone and the state at large.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Monday 28th September 2020 flaged off the inaugural flight from Abuja to Jos operated by Max Air.
Governor Lalong along with his wife Regina, Senator Hezekiah Dimka, Minister of Women Affairs Paullen Tallen, Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission Rev. Yakubu Pam and other members of the National Assembly from Plateau State joined the inaugural flight which departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja at about 5:30pm.
The flight landed at the Yakubu Gowon Airport Jos around 6:00pm to a rousing welcome by a large crowd of Plateau State citizens. At the airport was Deputy Governor of Plateau State Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Idris Maje, Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly Nuhu Abok Ayuba among other top Government officials.
Governor Lalong while speaking shortly after arrival said the flight connecting Plateau State with the nation’s capital Abuja will open up business opportunities in the State and boost tourism and other activities.
He said the State has continued to witness influx of people since the return of peace with many yearning for air transportation to cut travel time by road. He said with the new development, many citizens of the State and visitors will easily shuttle between Abuja and Jos in 25 minutes.
He assured air travellers that security measures have been taken to ensure safety of passengers.
Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives Idris Maje and Minister of Women Affairs Paullen Tallen commended the efforts of the Governor in ensuring that this historic achievement is recorded.
The flight operates Mondays, wednesdays and Fridays.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
28th September 2020.
Photos; Josiah Jenvulu

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG ATTENDS 60TH INDEPENDENCE CHURCH SERVICE

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State says Nigeria will rise above its current challenges to fulfill its divine mandate as the largest black nation in the world.

Speaking during a church service to mark the 60th independence anniversary held at the St. Monica Catholic Church, Rantya, Jos Plateau State, the Governor said there is a lot to celebrate despite some of its challenges.

Governor Lalong said Nigeria has made giant strides over the last 60 years in various areas including education, health, science and technology, agriculture, infrastructure and democracy.

While acknowledging that the nation still faces other challenges related to security, good governance, unity and corruption, Lalong said Nigerians must be united to resolve these issues in order to make room for development.

He said ” The responsibility of making Nigeria great belongs to of all of us that dwell in it. It is our country and we have no other. While we hold accountable those in public offices (whether elected or appointed) who have been given the assignment of leadership to be accountable, fair, just and proactive, we cannot fail to support them. Failure to support them because of differences of religion, ethnicity, politics and other affiliations will keep all of us running in circles and down”.

He said his Rescue Administration has done its best to restore security in the State and also pursue economic and infrastructural development.

In his homily, Msgnr. Prof. Cletus Gotan citing Ezekiel 18:25-28 and Philipians 2:1-11 among other scriptures said Nigeria is a great country which is blessed in all aspects but has been held down by greed, political maladministration, corruption, poverty and insecurity.

He said Nigeria is in need of a Nehemiah who will galvanise positive action for emancipation of the nation to a direction whère justice, equity, fairness, righteousness and tolerance will take precedence over parochial considerations which appear to have been given prominence in governance.

Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria Plateau State Rev. Fr. Polycap Lubo said the Church on the Plateau will continue to pray for the peace and progress of Nigeria as well as Plateau State.

Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Sir. Joseph Ari was at the service to offer Thanksgiving to God over his reappointment for a second term by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Most Revd. Hillary Dachelem, Bishop of Bauchi, top Government officials and heads of security agencies in the State were at the church service.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the
Executive Governor, Plateau State.
27th September 2020.

PRESS RELEASE

$350 MILLION DOLLARS AfDB POTATO LOAN ALLEGATION: PLATEAU GOVERNMENT REPLIES FORMER MINISTER DALUNG, CALLS HIM A SERIAL LIAR.

The attention of the Plateau State Government has been drawn to yet another round of wild and malicious allegations made by the former Minister of Youths and Sports Mr. Solomon Dalung while speaking at a webinar discussion convened by ViewPointNigeria group on Thursday 24th September 2020.
In the discussion purportedly meant to address the question “Why has Plateau lost its relevance on the national stage”, the former Minister launched series of attacks on the Rescue Administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong and his person which cannot be left unchallenged.
This response has become expedient for two major reasons. First, to refute some of the daylight lies and misinformation that Mr. Dalung reeled out before they are swallowed by unsuspecting persons and the gullible that stand to be misled. Secondly, the organisers of this webinar had already extended an invitation to the Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication to be special guest at the next discussion to speak about the key achievements of the Rescue Administration scheduled for 8th October 2020. However, with this falsehood fabricated by the former Minister to pre-empt that discussion, it will be counter-productive to allow this to sink before that date which is about two weeks away. Right thinking persons must therefore be given the true perspective today before that scheduled webinar holds. This is why a few of the issues will be addressed.

USD 350 MILLION LOAN

Mr. Dalung claimed that the Plateau State Government took a loan worth $ 350 million (N140 billion) from the African Development Bank (AfDB) payable over a 25 years period, for the development of Plateau’s potato value chain. He claimed that as a serving Minister at the time, he was a member of the Federal Executive Council and took part in that approval –but to date, no single value chain infrastructure development of potato can been or verified.
Even though it is a fact that Plateau State benefited from loan facility from the African Development Bank, it is rather sad that someone who claims to have been part of the approval of the facility does not know the amount of the loan. This has aptly put a lie to his desperate attempt to take glory for the transaction that he knows little to nothing about. It is on record that Mr. Dalung as then Minister “supposedly” representing Plateau State in the Federal Cabinet tried unsuccessfully to oppose the loan memo presented by the then Minister of Finance during the FEC Meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari. Having failed in his bid, he has not rested in his fruitless effort to discredit the program ever since by fabricating lies. Does he want to drag the name of the Federal Executive Council, the highest executive decision making body in the land to disrepute?
Contrary to the bogus and imaginary figures quoted by the former minister, the Loan amount signed between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Federal Ministry of Finance for the benefit of Plateau State is USD 11.2Million and not USD 350Million as claimed by Dalung. Of this loan, 70% is being committed to Infrastructure, 20% for Capacity Building and 10% for Project Management. While he painted a picture as though the money was approved and given to Plateau State Government in cash, the fact is that the disbursement of the loan to Contractors and Consultants is paid directly by the AfDB under strict guidelines that are set by the bank. This is done gradually under the terms of the agreement and not lump sum as he would want the people to believe. If he wanted to be truthful, he knows that no single kobo is managed by the State Government. This is done through the Potato Value Chain Management Project Office which is not a parastatal or agency of the State Government, but operated under the supervision of the AfDB just like Fadama project among others.
Initially, the project covered only 10 out of the 17 LGAs based on the area of coverage of completed Fadama II project in the State. However, His Excellency Governor Simon Lalong demonstrated his passion for the progress of the programme and made a case for inclusion of the 7 other LGAs to benefit from the infrastructure component of the project during the appraisal mission which was accepted by the Bank. The whole 17 LGAs are today beneficiaries of the project. In addition, the Governor mandated the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to carry out research on the possibility of growing the crop in all the Local Governments of the State. The research returned positive and today, potatoes can be grown in the entire State.
As at today, the Potato Value Chain Project has completed many projects while others are on-going. Some of the projects include:
• 9 Community Markets (Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos, Jos East, Jos North, Jos South, Mangu, Riyom, Pankshin)
• 6 Community Markets have been completed and handed over to the Local Governments and Communities.
• 3 Community Markets and Diffuse Light Stores are awaiting handing over
• 9 Diffuse Light Stores
• 2 Processing Centres
• 200km Spot Road Improvement across the 17 LGAs of the State
• 17 Spring Captures and
• 26 Water Harvesting Structures for expansion of Dry Season Irrigation farming in Plateau State.

OTHER ALLEGATIONS

Mr. Dalung further made disparaging attacks on the Rescue Administration for not achieving much in its blueprint except completing inherited and abandoned projects, having claimed to be one of those who brought the government to power. The questions to ask him are: Are the completed projects located in Plateau State or in another planet? Who are using the projects? Would he have been happier if Governor Lalong chose the path of neglecting inherited projects to start new ones just because he wants to look good in the eyes of the people? Had he chosen that route, the likes of Dalung would have been the first to wail over the Mararaban Jama’a to Secretariat Junction road which was a nightmare for motorists and commuters when Lalong took over. Despite the fact that monies were paid with little work done, he remained steadfast to completing them and also constructing new ones such as the Lowcost junction to Rantya, Rafiki-Dong, British America-Terminus road among others as well as rehabilitating over 26 city roads. He also installed street lights all over the State Capital which the former minister claims not to have noticed for reasons best known to him. There are other roads across the State as well as the Lalong Legacy Projects that are on-going, not to talk of major projects at the Plateau State University and other tertiary institutions in the State. Many primary and secondary classrooms have equally been constructed or renovated while primary health centres have been executed across the State. Could that have been the reason why even when the Dalung was serving as minister, he refused to be present when President Buhari visited Plateau State to commission projects including the tractors that he had threatened to resign if they were eventually procured?
We are aware of his antecedents as a politician who works for the opposition despite claiming to be a memb er of the APC (without making any impact even in his polling unit). We know what he did by campaigning against the party in 2019 despite holding the position of a minister. Little wonder he was not contemplated for reappointment when the President was selecting his cabinet for second term. We hope he would one day find time to tell the people of Plateau State and Nigerians in general what he achieved on their behalf in the four years he held sway as minister of Youths and Sports. It is to his shame and to the credit of the Lalong Rescue Administration that Plateau United won the league and is again coasting to victory without any input from him. Rather, he was antagonistic. No wonder he couldn’t give any tangible response when one of the participants at the webinar asked him about his scorecard as minister and what he attracted to the State.
Other matters raised on the governance style of Governor Simon Lalong and the journey so far by the Rescue Administration will be addressed at the next webinar by the ViewPointNigeria group for which the Government has been invited.

Dan Manjang,
Commissioner for Information and Communication.
25th September 2020.

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS SECURITY HEADS, DIRECTS ONSLAUGHT AGAINST CRIMINALS

Worried by the recent incidences of security breaches in the Plateau State leading to loss of lives, Governor Simon Lalong has met with heads of security agencies where he directed an onslaught against criminals.
Governor Simon Lalong urged security agencies to collaborate with community leaders and other members of the local communities to facilitate investigations into the security challenges in their respective areas.
Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Danladi Atu, while briefing journalists at the end of an emergency security meeting at the Government House, Jos said that the Government noticed the quick response of security agencies but still encourages security agencies to interface with the local population, particularly traditional leaders, community leaders in trying to collaborate to ensure citizens are well secured.
“Government is calling on all community leaders, citizens of Plateau, traditional rulers, to cooperate with security agencies and other non-formal security actors to safe guard the environment, by availing intelligence reports to help in addressing the security challenges we are facing,” he said.
He said resolutions reached at the end of the meeting were that government would ensure that investigations into the security challenges were concluded and the culprits punished. “In areas where there are Farmers/Herders skirmishes, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) who are custodians of the agro rangers, would be deployed in areas such as Barkin-ladi, Riyom and other areas where such clashes are noticed,” he said.
Lalong appealed to social media bloggers to report with caution and establish the authenticity of their reports, while assuring the people of the state of the State Government’s commitment to protect their lives and property.
He said arrests had already been made over the killing of a Tradition Ruler in Ratsat village of Foron District, Barkin Ladi LGA, the Killing of a DSS operative in Shendam as well as the killing of 5 people in Vwang district Jos South Local Government, saying the perpetrators would be brought to book.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
26th September 2020.