NORTHERN GOVERNORS FROWN AT PERSISTENT ATTACKS IN SOUTHERN KADUNA
The Northern Governors Forum has condemned the recent attack in Southern Kaduna in which about 22 persons were reportedly killed on Wednesday night, as yet to be arrested gunmen attacked four Atyap villages in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State. In a statement, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said the persistent attacks on villages in the area despite all efforts by the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to end the violence raises serious concern and condemnation. Lalong said this recent attack where the Atyab villages were affected shows the desperate attempt by criminal elements to not only cause pain and sorrow among innocent citizens, but also frustrate the efforts of the Kaduna State Government at fostering peace and harmony. He said “we are deeply saddened by this cycle of violence and blood-letting that is carried out against unarmed and helpless people. This is reprehensible and regrettable. While we call on the security agencies to rise up to the occasion and apprehend these criminals, we also encourage the citizens to assist with relevant intelligence that will lead to the arrest of these blood thirsty people”. Governor Lalong also said that the Northern Governors Forum maintains its position that any group or individual that is aggrieved for whatsoever reason should seek redress through official channels than resort to self-help which only exacerbates crises and instability. The Northern Governors Forum commiserated with the victims of the crises and the Government of Kaduna State, pledging its support to Governor Nasir El-rufai as he works with all stakeholders to bring the incessant crises to an end.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum. 6th August 2020.
Dachung Musa Bagos Foundation Flags Off Medical Outreach in Jos East.
The member representing Jos South/Jos East in the National Assembly, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos has flagged off a Community Based Healthcare Medical Outreach in Fobur, Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Flagging off of the Community Based Healthcare Medical Outreach through the Dachung Musa Bagos Foundation at Fobur, Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State, the outreach will cater for citizens who are suffering from ailments such as; Malaria, dental hygiene, and eye related problems.
This when done, will see constituents being tested and treated within the various communities across Jos East LGA.
The Dachung Musa Bagos Foundation is a community based Non-governmental, Non- profit making organisation, established in 2011 with the aim of supporting the weak and vulnerable groups in the society.
Speakers at the event eulogized the member for showing quality representation stressing that this shows that the member is living up to the promises he made during campaigns when he came to ask for their votes. They promised to support the member in every way possible to actualise his dream for the constituency. Many others offered emotional prayers and thanksgiving for the gesture by the member.
Responding, the member, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos thanked the people for standing up for him always. He assured them of better and quality representation. To the cheers of the community, the member announced the full payment of medical bills of one his constituents to be operated upon at the Plateau Specialist hospital.
The member added that one of his cardinal objectives of his mandate now at the moment was to make sure that he facilitates the speeding up of eventual take off of the proposed Federal Polytechnic, Zandi, Jos East LGA.
This when instituted, will naturally advance the development of the area with motorable roads and other developmental facilities.
The member also gave a rundown of his one year scorecard which included but not limited to providing scholarships to students, fertilizers to farmers, drilling and rehabilitation of boreholes across the constituency, construction of roads and bridges, as well as sponsoring about 30 bills in the National Assembly.
He also emphasized that he wouldn’t want the next generation of children to go through some of the hardships he faced as a child but that they will grow up to have a better livelihood if things are put in the right perspective from today.
It will be recalled that the member has championing the slogan “Equipping the Next Generation” of Leaders who he stressed must be properly nutured for a brighter and more prosperous future.
GOVERNOR LALONG SWEARS IN NEW CHAIRMAN OF QUA’AN PAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Following the impeachment of the suspended Chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Hon. Isaac Kwallu by the Legislative Arm of the LGA, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has sworn in the Deputy Chairman Hon. Abdulmalik Yusuf Haruna as substantive Executive Chairman. At a brief ceremony at the New Government House Little Rayfield-Jos, Governor Lalong said the event was coming in rather unusual circumstances because of the impeachment of the former Chairman by members of the Legislative Arm who had accused him on various acts of misconduct. He also recalled that the former Chairman was earlier suspended by the Plateau State House of Assembly. Given this development and in line with extant laws, he said it became necessary to swear in the former Deputy Chairman, Hon. Abdulmalik Yusuf Haruna so as to ensure that there is no vacuum in the administration of the Local Government. He charged the new Chairman to live up to the responsibility of running the Local Government and meeting the aspirations of the people. He said “Remember that you are to serve the people honestly and diligently as the people are yearning for development at the grassroots. You are to hold this office in trust and to deliver good governance to the people of your Local Government with the fear of God”. Governor Lalong charged the new Chairman to ensure that resources are utilised in line with the realities of Covid 19 where government funds have become scarce. He urged him to ensure prudence and give priority to programmes and projects that have direct impact on the lives of the people. In a response, the new Chairman Hon. Yusuf Abdulmalik Usman said he considered his swearing in as an act of God, saying he was ready to work with all stakeholders particularly the Management Team and Members of the Legislative Arm as well as the traditional and security institutions. He said “I will deploy my experience within the Local Government System to mobilise and reconcile all parties that may have been aggrieved because of the developments in the Local Government in recent times. I will also do my best to uplift the standard on living of the people in order to make them feel the impact of Government”. He appealed to the people of Quan’pan to give him the support needed to work for the peace and prosperity of the Local Government Area. The new Chairman who was born in 1969 is from Kurgwi in Quan’pan Local Government and has a Bachelors Degree in History from the Nasarawa State University Keffi. He was a Counselor representing Kurgwi West from 2004-2007.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Executive Governor, Plateau State. 5th August 2020
MUCDA PRESIDENT INSPECTS ONGOING EDUCATIONAL PROJECT/ALSO ASSESSES LEVEL OF DILAPIDATION OF POPULAR BEND,KWANAN MACHIJI.
The site of an ongoing educational project sponsored by the Universal Basic Education Commission,UBEC at GSS Jak played host to the MUCDA National President, Chief Pedro Ardiyel Dafur during the sallah break.
The President undertook the visit to see for himself progress and quality of work which is the construction of a two classroom block at GSS Jak which had since commenced.
Dafur appreciated the progress and quality of work and charged the contractor to maintain standard and meet up the delivery dateline.
He pointed out that when completed and fully furnished,it will afford students an environment to learn with ease and aid in the development of education in the area.
According to Dafur,the approval for the project which was secured by MUCDA through the coordination of one of its sons, Rear Admiral Timothy Dakwat will also have a solar powered system to ease in terms of light.
Meanwhile the President Mupun Cultural and Development Association MUCDA, Chief Pedro Ardiyel Dafur has called for immediate action to salvage the popular bend on the Panyam,Jiblik,Abwor Dis,Shendam road known as kwanan machiji.
He said the bend which serves as a major road to the southern part of the state as well as link to other states such as taraba needs to be looked into as it is almost giving in to erosion.
He said the economic,and other importance of that road cannot be over emphasized as such government must see the need to address the challenge of the road as very important.
While stating that MUCDA had already taken its cry to the appropriate quarters,there is the need for such a reminder as the coming months usually come along with heavy and sustained rains which can be a challenge to the existence of that road.
The MUCDA President said many parts of the central and southern Plateau which is also known to be agrarian would be totally cut off until they go through longer distances to access markets,healthcare and other services.
Calling on motorists to ply the road with absolute caution,Dafur expressed optimism that the road will receive the required attention in no distant time.
KENZY NGUPAR NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECRETARY MUCDA. 3-8-2020
On behalf of my family, political associates and the good people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, I extend my sincerest condolences to the GIZO family of Gidgid, in Jahr Chiefdom of Kanam LGA over the sad demise of our friend, brother and associate, Mr Mankwat Gizo, on Sunday (evening) 2nd August, 2020.
We are extremely saddened by the shocking news of your death at your prime, but we trust God has a purpose for calling you at this time when the nation needs your service more.
We are consoled by the fact that you lived a worthy life and contributed immensely in nation building. Our prayer is that God reposes your soul and grant you everlasting rest, as we pray for the entire Gizo family to be granted the fortitude to bear this irreparable lost.
Adieu Mankwat!
Signed: Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, National Assembly, Abuja.
Plateau State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA , at the weekend elected new executive officers with Dr .Innocent Emmanuel emerging as the Chairman to steer the ship of the organisation for the next two years.
Our correspondent reports that a total number of 563 accredited voters participated in the elections as Dr Innocent Emmanuel was declared winner unopposed, other offices that went unopposed includes Dr. Bapi Audu(Secretary General) Dr. Nankling Lamu (Vice Chairperson and Datyi Chomo (PRO).
Other officers that emerged victorious from the election are Dr. Ene Jakada as Treasurer, Dr Mbwas Mashor emerged as Financial Secretary while Dr. Innocent Nababa as Assistant Secretary. The outgoing Chairman , Dr. Titus Dajel while handing over to the new officials congratulated them stressing that he would be available at all times to assist the new Exco in the discharge of their duties. The new Chairman promises to work with all stakeholders and all members to advance the cause of NMA plateau state. “nobody will be relegated” the Chairman promises. “We shall ensure that NMA plateau state is great” Our correspondent reports that the elections was conducted amidst tight observance of the covid-19 protocol .
The defection of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC) has sparked political crisis, with various implications that will shape both current and future political developments in Bauchi State. The defection has dominated political discuss and overheated the polity, especially giving Dogara’s reasons for dumping the PDP – a situation that placed the party and the incumbent governor in a defensive position, which is generating reactions and counter reaction that might likely become pointers to determine the 2023 election. Already, Dogara’s Sayawa ethnic group, with majority being civil servants, has become the first victim of the crisis because the community is now divided and yet to take a decision on who to support. Although Dogara have a grassroots footing and strong followership in his constituency and to some extent part of the state, the recent defection might affect his future political fortune. A prominent figure in the Sayawa ethnic group in Tafawa Balewa, Alhamdu Samson, told Daily Trust on Sunday that Dogara’s defection from PDP to APC has clearly exhibited that he is pursuing his personal interest and not the interest of his community because his action has shown that he did not care about the implications of his actions, “We in the community have observed that his recent defection is just inviting open confrontation with the incumbent governor at any given time for his personal gain.” Samson said, “The Sayawa ethnic group has lots of civil servants working with the state government. Dogara’s defection will cause a face-off between government and the ethnic group. “His action demonstrates that he is not concerned about our condition which is why he is jumping from one party to another, depriving qualified and competent members of our ethnic nationality the opportunity of becoming permanent secretaries in the state civil service.” Last Tuesday, Dogara’s community, led by prominent sons and daughters in their hundreds from three LGAs paid a solidarity visit to Governor Bala Mohammad and declared their commitment and support for the PDP-led administration. Speaking during the visit to the governor on behalf of Dass, Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro communities, the chairperson, Bauchi State Orphans and Vulnerable Children Agency (BASOVCA), Hassana Arkila, said they were at the Government House to show their solidarity with the governor. “If we reject Bala Mohammed now, people will stone us because of what God has done for the people of Dass and Tafawa Balewa through him in his short time in office.” The Zaar Development Association (ZDA), Yakubu Dogara tribe’s foremost pressure group, said that the community remained committed and supportive of the PDP-led administration of Governor Bala Mohammed in Bauchi State. President of ZDA, Engineer Isuwa Galla, said “We are grateful to Governor Bala Mohammed and the PDP, they have not done us any wrong. “He has been carrying the community alone and has done some many good things for us. “We are yet to discuss at the community level whether to go with him or not. Though he is yet to address us, we believe and acknowledge that the former Speaker’s defection back to the APC was based on his strong instinct and conviction. Our best wishes to him and his former party.” He explained that Dogara has done what is demanded of him as a legislator for his constituency and that’s why “we voted him for four consecutive tenures. Politics is also defined as an activity aimed at improving someone’s status. If APC finds him worthy for another assignment, it’s a welcome development because we know he is equal to the task.” On the contrary, another member of Sayawa ethnic group and politician who is contesting the Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area chairmanship position under the PDP, Bulus Iliya, said that Dogara is a politician that is with his constituency 100 percent. “I want to assure you that the purported solidarity visit to the Government House and all the people you see claiming not be with Dogara is just mere deceit. “Go to Tafawa Balewa, Dass and Bogoro tomorrow and ask the people, you will agree with me that Dogara is not a pushover politician in his constituency.” Iliya explained that Dogara is a politician who doesn’t do things without a perfect homework, adding that, “The people of his constituency are synonymous with PDP but when it comes to issues of Dogara, everybody supports him irrespective of the party he belongs because in all the elections contested by Dogara, he was not voted based on the party but his personality. “When we decamped from PDP to APC in 2014 towards the general election, I remember some people then called us names, saying we have joined the Boko Haram party because some PDP members were saying APC is a religious party for Muslims but when we stood our grounds during the 2015 election, all the people rallied round and voted Dogara because they know the benefit of voting for him. “The issue of Dogara in his constituency has nothing to do with political party and whoever deceives the current government in Bauchi that Dogara is on his own, is telling tales by moonlight,” Iliya said. Dogara’s defection has also plunged the two major political parties into a struggle for supremacy. At the moment, the APC is seriously working to recuperate from the 2019 loss of the state and reconciling with aggrieved members amidst receiving other PDP bigwigs, including the immediate past state zonal chairman of the PDP and former political adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on political affairs. A chieftain of the APC, Comrade Sabo Muhammed, who is also the chairman Media and Publicity of the party, told Daily Trust on Sunday that Dogara’s return to the APC is going to enhance the electoral fortune of the party at the state level because Dogara has mass followership particularly in Tafawa Balewa, Dass and Bogoro local government areas. “Don’t forget that Dogara is a critical stakeholder not only in Bauchi State politics but national. He is a founding member of the APC before he left for a brief soujourn in PDP. “When he comes back home (Bauchi), he is going to consolidate the gains of the party. “He is going to augment the loss in 2019. “By and large, Dogara is the greatest asset to APC and a great loss to PDP. Dogara’s return will consolidate the ongoing process of recapturing Bauchi back to mainstream politics of APC.” While the opposition APC is working to consolidate the return of Dogara to its fold, some PDP members were plotting a process to recall him from the House of Representatives for dumping his party without a genuine reason. A chieftain of the ruling PDP in Bauchi State, Malam Bibi Dogo, disclosed that stakeholders from the party will soon ask the leadership of the House of Representatives to declare the Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa federal constituency seat vacant following the defection of former Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, from PDP to the APC. The PDP chieftain said that the people of Bogoro, Dass and Tafawa Balewa federal constituency who elected Dogara on the platform of PDP were no longer comfortable with being “totally eclipsed” in the House, the constituents do not know any convincing reason why their elected representative in the National Assembly defected to APC as Dogara did not consult them before his defection. “I hereby call on the House of Representatives leadership to quickly declare Dogara’s seat vacant to enable the constituents elect a capable replacement.” He explained that in view of Dogara’s inability to consult his constituents before defecting to APC, the constituents would soon commence the process for Dogara’s recall, declaring that the people will not condone political indiscipline. Dogo submitted that the reasons stated by Dogara in the resignation letter he sent to his PDP ward chairman are nothing but flimsy excuses. Dogo explained that Dogara has lost his political relevance, and his return to APC will spell doom and help in the final burial of APC not only in Bauchi State but Nigeria in general, adding that Dogara had made three defections in recent times, having moved from PDP to APC ahead of the 2015 general elections, moved again from APC to PDP ahead of 2019 general election and now moved again from PDP to APC. “His jumping from party to party smacks of political indiscipline but you know that a rolling stone gathers no moss. Unfortunately, he lacks the political discipline to be trusted with any public office in Bogoro, Dass and Tafawa Balewa. How can you trust a man whose only political antecedent is jumping from one party to another? The PDP will soon take a drastic action to ensure Dogara is recalled.
Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated His Grace, the Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Ayau Kaigama on his 62nd birthday.
Lalong in a congratulatory message described Archbishop Kaigama as a man of God whose passion for peaceful coexistence and justice is legendary.
He recalled how the Archbishop worked tirelessly while in Jos to bring people together and encourage them to dialogue, forgive and reconcile with one another irrespective of their differences.
“We cannot thank His Grace, Archbishop Kaigama enough for the role he played in ensuring that peace returned to Plateau State. He demonstrated the true essence of the love of God by embracing people from different religious, ethnic and social backgrounds and motivating them to love one another at all times”, Lalong said.
While wishing him God’s divine protection and peace, Governor Lalong reminded Archbishop Kaigama that Plateau State will continue to remain his home as the people have enormous respect for him because of the love, generosity and goodwill he showed them in his many years of preaching the gospel in the State.
He assured him of his personal prayers and that of the people of Plateau State as he continues to carry out his duties as the Archbishop of Abuja.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 2nd August 2020.
Philanthropist and CEO of Chris Giwa foundation, Amb (Dr) Chris Giwa has donated an ambulance to Kuru District in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Earlier in his remark during the presentation of the ambulance to the Gwom Rwey of Kuru, Amb Chris Giwa through his representative, Hon Bitrus Kataiko went down memory lane stating that a year ago during the commissioning of boreholes undertaken by Amb Chris Giwa in Kuru district, the President of Kuru Development Association (KUDA) requested for his kind assistance of an ambulance to assist during emergencies.
According to him, Amb Giwa obliged the request, hence the procurement of the ambulance for the benefit of the good people of Kuru.
The immediate past Chairman of Nigerian Medical Association, Plateau State Chapter, Dr Titus Dajel who is also the head of Amb Chris Giwa medical team in Kuru described the ambulance as having a modern state of the art equipment which will help in saving lives and increase the capacity of his medial team in attending to the health needs of Kuru community.
Da Justin Pam, President of Kuru Development Association (KUDA), appreciated Amb Chris Giwa for his relentless support to the growth and development of Kuru district. He tasked those present to continue to support Amb Giwa in his drive towards a greater Kuru and called on sons and daughters of the community to emulate his gesture.
Gwom Rwey of Kuru, HRH, Da Patrick Mandung, appreciated Amb Chris Giwa for all he has been doing for Kuru community over the years and prayed for God’s continuous grace, blessings and guidance.
The event which took place in Primary health Care Hwak was attended by various groups and individuals in Kuru including, Members of Kuru traditional council, Kuru Development Association (KUDA), Association of Kuru Students (AKS), Kuru branch of Berom Educational and Cultural Organization (BECO), and Berom Youth Movement (BYM) who eulogised Amb Chris Giwa, applauding his philanthropic gesture.
Nde.Victor Dimka Felicitates with the Muslims Umma on the occasion of 2020 Eid-El-Kabir celebration. The rtd.Comptroller of customs officer made the call to mark this year’s celebration of Eid-El-Kabir by Muslims Faithfuls around the world. He also call on all citizens to put behind them any form of differences that will hinder progress and development,and forge ahead with the collective spirit of peace and unity. Mr.Victor Dimka also call for fervent and sincere prayers across religion, political party and ethnic divides for God intervention on the human suffering and economic depression caused by the Global pandemic,Covid-19. in his words,..may we all use this period to uphold the spiritual benefit of the Eid-El-Kabir celebration by extending a hand of friendship,love and solidarity across all divides and imbibe the spiritual benefit of sacrifice and obedience and respect to the higher/constituted authorities as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and upheld by Holy Prophet Muhammed. He also expressed optimism and hope in the post covid-19 economy recovery plans of Plateau State Government and the Federal Government.
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