CHIEF OF STAFF TO PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR TESTS POSITIVE TO COVID-19
The Chief of Staff to the Plateau State Governor Noel Donjur has tested positive to COVID-19 after the test that was conducted for members of the State EXCO on 1st July, 2020 following the directive of Governor Lalong. The outcome of the tests indicate that all other members of the State EXCO tested negative except the Chief of Staff who is asymptomatic and in good condition. Accordingly, health officials have commenced treatment for him at one of the isolation centres in the State capital Jos, while members of his family and other contacts are being traced and tested. The Chief of Staff who is in high spirits urges prayers from members of the public and also encourages people to submit to COVID-19 testing which is very important in unveiling cases and leading to treatment. Meanwhile, other personal aides of the Governor, Permanent Secretaries, heads of parastatals as well as other senior civil servants conducted the test on Thursday 2nd July, 2020 and are awaiting the results. Governor Lalong in the meantime continues to admonish citizens to adhere strictly to the guidelines issued to curtail the virus.
Dan Manjang Commissioner for Information and Communication. 3rd July 2020.
THE VOICE OF SPECIAL PEOPLE CRIES OUT TO GOVERNOR LALONG
Arisen from the meeting of the Voice of Special People; a group of persons with special needs held at Otana edu-health service Jos centre, the group was full of appreciation to Governor Simon Bako Lalong for his great desire in seeing that the lives of persons with disabilities on the Plateau is positively touched.
The group recounted the effort and the pivotal role played by the executive Governor in alleviating the suffering of these special group of persons which dates back to the days he held sway as Speaker of the state Assembly where he did sacrificed his time efforts and resources in order ensure the then drafted disability bill which seeks to address the daring challenges of persons with Disabilities was passed into law which birthed the Plateau Disability Right commision which has since served as a template for other states.
The group expressed a strong conviction that if the governor could do that as the head of the legislature (Speaker), they believe he can do better as head of the executive (Governor) who is responsible for implementation of laws and policies including this special one (Disability Law).
on this note, the group is pleading with the Governor who is their friend and father (of persons with disabilities) to in his quest and desire to better their lives implement the Law which was his handwork especially the critical aspect of:
1. percentages of employment in all public and private services alike. 2. scholarship for members at all levels of education, 3. health insurance and housing scheme for members among other things contained in the law
They pleaded that employment of members into the state public/civil service especially in filling the percentage reserved to them in the Disability Law can be implemented without much delay including that of scholarship since it may not need long planning like that of Housing and health insurance.
If those that are abled and having jobs are going through hard times now, the correct guess of everyone will be that those of persons with disabilities will only be worst and most severe.
Finally, the group prayed for a quick end to corona virus on the Plateau, Nigeria and the globe and appreciated Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan for donating palliatives to over two thousand members to cushion the corona virus effect and the attendant hardship calling for other spirited individuals to also extend their hands of fellowship to this special persons.
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us”? Romans 8:31 Today we begin another journey of faith into the new month of July. During the past months we experienced God’s guidance, His sufficient grace and His faithfulness. Despite the challenges of COVID-19 and the lockdown we can count our blessings, name them one by one and of truth we can attribute all to what God Almighty has graciously done for and on our behalf. Our hearts mourn with families who lost their loved ones as a result of the Pandemic and encourage all of us to endure the inconveniences of the protocols to stay safe and reduce the number of casualties. In Romans 8, Apostle Paul asks, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” The “things” Paul is referring to are the teachings about salvation that he has freely given to all who believe and accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior, freedom from sin and death, the life-giving Spirit who lives in us, the new life we have as God’s children, the promise of renewal despite suffering we may face today, in the month and strength and hope to endure one day at a time. Let us be reminded and even be encouraged that our faith in Jesus does not remove the struggles we may encounter in life. But still, we know and are confident with full assurance that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Paul’s question “Who can be against us?” answers itself: If God is for us, of course no one can be against us! Brethren, this life is like a game we are always playing against or for. And if God through Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit is in our team, then we are sure that we are in the winning team. Paul goes on to assure us that, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord, ” he said. As you begin and continue your journey into the month of July join the winning team by having God on your side through faith in Jesus. So l pray, “Dear God, I know that if you are for us, nothing can stand against us. By your Spirit, guide us to live for you through Jesus Christ.”
Rev Dr. Soja Bewarang Chairman COCIN Board of Trustees
Plateau Regeneration Group PRG on Wednesday commended the Speaker of the Plateau state house of assembly Hon. Abok Ayuba, and other members of the house over the suspension of two local government chairmen of the state for insubordination.
The group in a statement signed by the Public relations officer Pam Datiri , said the two sacked LGA chairmen are not bigger than the Plateau house of assembly .
“We commend the speaker of the state house of assembly Abok for carrying out his legistative functions perfectly.
He said that the face of legislature in Plateau has changed for the better and the people are now feeling the positive impact of the Speaker since he took over office in June 2019 .
The several legislative interventions made by the Assembly under Speaker Abok has proved very important in the lives of the people. The collaboration between the executive and the legislature in this era has been of immense benefit to the people as Plateau keeps enjoying peace and progress, The evidence abound!
The 9th assembly under the able leadership of Honourable Abok has prioritize the interest of the people and development of the State above their individual or political parties’ interest through giving needed support to the executive arm.
The group, however urged the speaker and members of the legislative to avoid distraction, remain united, peaceful and Continue to provide more dividends of democarcy to their constituents.
It could be recalled that the State House of Assembly on Tuesday, suspended the Local Government Councils Chairmen of Kanam Hon. Wukdong Abbas, and his counterpart Hon. Isaac Kwalu of Quanpan LGA for a period of three months.
Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Hon. Abok Ayuba ,who stated this at plenary said that the duo were invited to appear before the house regarding some illegalities in their respective Councils but failed to appear.
Ayuba said: “As lawmakers we can’t give instructions and it would not be adhered to, so in this regard the two Council Chairmen stands suspended for three months.”
Pam said , ” I call on the people of the state to support their lawmakers at all times .
GOVERNOR LALONG DIRECTS EXCO MEMBERS TO TEST FOR COVID-19 AS COMMISSIONER TESTS POSITIVE
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has directed members of the State Executive Council to undergo test for COVID-19 and thereafter isolate beginning today, 1st July, 2020.
This follows the fact that a member of the State Executive Council and Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Abe Aku tested positive for the virus after he carried out the test.
Based on the Governor’s directive specimens of the Commisioners are to be taken and forwarded to the COVID-19 Laboratory at The National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom for testing.
During the period and pending the outcome of the results members of the public are advised to be guided by unnecessary visits to members of the State Executive Council while they isolate.
This action is to not only prevent possible spread of the disease, but also show leadership by example. It could be recalled that Governor Lalong and his family carried out the test earlier where all of them tested negative.
The Governor has also continued to speak against stigmatization saying that COVID-19 is not a death sentence and only continuous testing will reveal the rate of infection and facilitate treatment to save lives.
The Governor hopes that by this act, members of the public will be more encouraged to make themselves available for testing, while at the same time obeying the COVID-19 protocols of wearing face masks, social distancing, hand washing and the use of alcohol based sanitizers.
Government also uses this opportunity to remind the public that the enforcement of orders issued by the Governor will continue and those found violating will be arrested and prosecuted.
Dan Manjang, Honourable Commissioner, Information and Communication, Plateau State. 1/7/2020.
GOVERNOR LALONG SWEARS IN ACTING PRESIDENT, PLATEAU STATE CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has sworn in the acting President of the Customary Court of Appeal Hon. Justice Patrick Sati Dapit, with a charge that he should work towards deepening the rule of law and also ensuring that the courts administer justice in accordance with the constitution. Governor Lalong who presided over the oath taking ceremony at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos said the acting President of the Court of Appeal is taking over at a time when there is a greater need to strengthen the judiciary in order for it to perform more efficiently. He said “the Judiciary remains a strong pillar of the Nigerian society and of its democracy. As such, the people will continue to look up to judicial officers, especially Judges for justice, equity and the triumph of truth over falsehood. My experience as a Lawyer, a former Legislator and now Governor, has strengthened my belief that the sanctity, integrity and independence of the Judiciary must be defended at all costs, as anything to the contrary will lead to chaos, anomie and instability”. The Governor said because this position carries with it huge responsibilities, the people must uphold His Lordship Hon. Justice Dapit in prayers as he discharges this burden faithfully, according to the laws of our land and the oath of office he has taken. He assured that his administration will continue to work with the Judiciary and Legislature to ensure that our Courts are made conducive for judges and staff as well as all those who come to access justice or other services. In his reaction, Hon. Justice Dapit expressed thanks to God for the opportunity to be serve the people at this time, saying he is prepared to ensure that justice is given to everybody. He said he was fully aware that the Customary Court is a grassroots court that the people look up to for seeking redress. He said he will do his best to guide his colleagues and staff of the court towards performing their duties with the fear of God and obedience to the Constitution. Justice Dapit was born on 15th June 1959 and obtained his Law Degree in 1985 from the University of Jos. He joined the services of the Plateau State judiciary in 1990 after practicing as a lawyer for four years. He was appointed a judge of the Customary Court of Appeal in 2013.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Executive Governor, Plateau State. 1st July 2020.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Tuesday 30th June 2020 undertook an on the spot assessment of the damaged Lantang-Wase bridge which has cut off travels between the two Local Governments and other parts of the State as well as Taraba State. Governor Lalong who was accompanied by Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Danladi Atu, Cheif of Staff Noel Dongjur and some members of the State Executive Council, said he was at the site to personally assess the situation and also reassure the people that Government will not neglect them. Lalong said “although this is a Federal Road, we have to immediately intervene in order to ameliorate the suffering of the people since this road is a major commercial corridor in this area. This is one of the roads that I submitted to the President for Federal Government intervention which has been approved. I will soon be in Abuja to intimate him on this development so that the bridge can be rebuilt immediately”. The Governor then ordered the Ministry of Water Resources and Energy to immediately provide boats that will ferry people across the river while intermediate work is being carried out. He thanked the people for their continued support to his administration and assured them that Government will ensure that the bridge and other projects are carried out to improve their living standards. Emir of Wase, Alhaji Muhammadu Haruna Sambo commended Governor Lalong for showing concern and coming to see things for himself despite sending teams earlier. He said the collapse of the bridge has cut off Wase Local Government from some parts of the State and is greatly affecting economic activities. He appealed to the Governor to impress on the Federal Government to expedite action on the rehabilitation of the entire road as well as the bridge in order to save his people from economic deprivation. Alhaji Haruna also appreciated Governor Lalong for his doggedness towards ensuring the discovery and exploration l of oil and gas within the Wase and Kanam areas as announced by the NNPC recently. Federal Controller of Works, Plateau State Engr. Usman Magin said already the Federal Ministry of Works has sent teams to assess the situation and work will soon commence on the collapsed bridge. The Governor also inspected the Duankwam bridge linking Shendam and Garkawa which has also been partially damaged by the rains. After receiving briefings from the Commissioner for Works, Pam Botmang Governor Lalong directed the contractor already working on the road to immediately deploy to the bridge for quick intervention. Chairman, Shendam Local Government Miskoom Alex Nuantam appreciated the Governor’s personal visit which he described as reassuring. Before returning to Jos, the Governor inspected also inspected ongoing reconstruction of Shendam-Ibi road where he asked the contractor to increase the tempo of work in order to cover lost time due to COVID-19. He said although it is a Federal road, the State is carrying it out to ease the difficulties of the people with the hope that the it will be reimbursed by the Federal Government after completion.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 30th June 2020.
Federal Government Appoint’s Hon Rufus Bature as Chairman, 774,000 post-Coronavirus jobs Committee for Plateau state. Find in the photos the contacts of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary of each state of the Federation and the FCT.
The jobs is an initiative of the Buhari Administration to assist Nigerians in mitigating against the pandemic for a three-month job between October-December, 2020 and will be paid directly by the CBN.
Each local government has been allotted 1,000 slots.
Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has announced resumption of movement across State borders only outside curfew hours with effect from 1st July, 2020.
Chairman of the PTF and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha made the announcement on Monday during his Press briefing.
Mustapha in the statement also announced re-opening of schools to allow students in graduating classes resume in-person in preparation for examinations and reopening of domestic aviation services as soon as practicable.”
The statement read; “Within the Month under review, the PTF continued to monitor developments and consistently admonished Nigerians to change their behavior in view of the fact that the spread of the virus had entered the community phase. It is the considered opinion of the PTF that Nigerians, though aware of the existence of the virus, have generally misunderstood the objectives behind the reasoning of government in gradually relaxing the restrictions.
“As we are all aware, the PTF in conjunction with sub-national entities, the organized private sector, put in places a number of measures. The PTF also escalated its activities around risk communication to Nigerians but we have observed with growing concern the non-compliances with these measures designed to prevent transmission and protect vulnerable segments of the population. We hold the strong view that if such actions do not abate, experiences of resurgence of the virus from other jurisdictions including China, the United States of America, Brazil and across Europe may emerge in igeria and we run the risk of erasing the gains made in the last three months.
“By way of a reminder, there is presently no known vaccine for the virus and that all over the world non-pharmaceutical measures still remain the most effective fighting opportunity we have for overcoming this pandemic.
“To further strengthen our National Response, the PTF in the intervening period vigorously built partnerships locally and internationally. Similarly, we fully have decentralised the National Response with State Governments and communities taking ownership and more responsibility. These efforts have greatly improved our ability to maximally detect, trace, isolate and treat nationwide successfully.
“The PTF has also continued to pursue the strategic thrust of “telling (communicate), tracing (identify) and treating (manage)” cases, with a stronger focus on precision interventions in high burdened LGAs within identified states of the Federation. This precision intervention will be signposted by: Aggressive scaling up of efforts to ensure effective community protection and sensitisation; and Increased provision of support and guidance to states in their response to the outbreak.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the focus on the important roles to be played by the States is underscored by the following considerations: The spread has entered the community phase which only States and LGAs should drive; The inaction of a particular State could endanger its neighbours and compromise the entirety of the response; States will be encouraged to make considerable efforts to ensure a push for compliance within the guidelines issued by the PTF; States must also take greater care in leading on public health measures in the LGAs under their jurisdiction, by working on surveillance, case finding, testing, isolation, tracing and quarantining contacts; and FG will predicate its resource deployment to States on the level of compliance and the extent of collaboration received on this public health emergency.
“Notwithstanding the challenges faced in the last one month and the fact that Nigeria’s statistics have been on the rise, substantial progress has been made in the following areas: Harnessing of data, which shows that 60% of the confirmed cases are in a handful of local governments in the country (18 out of 774 LGAs nationwide), and putting in place targeted interventions; Increased capacity to detect, test and trace those infected with the virus, through the activation of 38 molecular testing laboratories, resulting in raising the test count nationwide in excess of 130,000; A shift in focus to a targeted community-based approach, enhanced risk communication; Increased collaboration with the legislature, State Governments and the organised private sector; Activation of a new, cost-effective policy on the evacuation of returning Nigerians; Increased awareness of COVID-19 among the population; Cushioning the socio-economic impact of the restrictions through the provision of palliatives to vulnerable members of various communities nationwide; and Successful re-opening sectors of the economy despite initial challenges in areas such as the banking sector, industry and agriculture.
“Today, the PTF submitted its 5th Interim Report to Mr. President for his consideration. In the Report the PTF specifically reviewed the issues around the general level of compliance with prescribed measures, while taking note of the following: Implications of the lack of general compliance with measures; the global and domestic developments especially in the area of rising statistics; and the continued restrictions in the education and transportation sectors as well as for activities that attract mass gatherings such as operations of markets, worship centres and entertainment.
“In doing the foregoing, the PTF considered the need for the continuation of the policy of striking the delicate balance between lives and livelihood as well as inputs received from different stakeholder groups.
“The PTF similarly identified the underlisted areas of concern that would require attention under the on-going restrictions: International travel; Entertainment activities; Educational services/sector; and Public and Private Sector offices.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha “You will recall that the PTF had in previous briefing stated that the aim of Phase Two was to sustain the gains from earlier steps taken for pandemic control and to enable additional sectors of the economy restart activities. Given the challenges and the visible danger ahead occasioned by skepticism, poor public perception both leading to lack of compliance, it has come to the inevitable conclusion that the extension of phase two of the eased lockdown will be needed to: consolidate the gains in the areas of the economy that have restarted, ensure better compliance with the health-based response; support the states in enforcing guidelines and protocols as well as strengthening the LGAs build community level structures for ownership and effective risk communication; and help to better achieve the balance between saving lives and ensuring that wellbeing and livelihood of citizens are protected.
“I am pleased to inform you that Mr. President has carefully considered the 5th Interim Report of the PTF and has accordingly approved that, with the exception of some modifications to be expatiated upon later, the Phase Two of the eased lockdown be extended by another four weeks with effect from Tuesday, June 30, 2020 through Midnight of Monday, 27 July, 2020.
“Specifically, however, the following measures shall either remain in place or come into effect: Maintaining the current phase of the national response, for another four weeks in line with modifications to be expatiated by the National Coordinator; Permission of movement across State borders only outside curfew hours with effect from 1st July, 2020; Enforcement of laws around non-pharmaceutical interventions by States, in particular, the use of face masks in public places; Safe re-opening of schools to allow students in graduating classes resume in-person in preparation for examinations; Safe reopening of domestic aviation services as soon as practicable; Publication of revised guidelines around the three thematic areas of general movement, industry and labour; and community activities; Provision of technical support for states to mobilise additional resources for the response; Strengthening partnerships with States, Local Governments, traditional rulers, community/religious leaders and civil society to ensure increased public awareness and compliance with preventive guidelines; Encouraging State governments to empower Local Government Authorities to intensify contact tracing efforts and ensure stronger grassroots mobilisation to support the response; Encourage States and Hospital authorities to ensure continuity of other health services to prevent fatalities from other life-threatening conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic; and Deepening of collaboration with other mandate groups at States/Federal levels to harmonise the country’s COVID-19 response in the short, medium and long terms.
“The National Coordinator will in due course announce and publish the details of the revised guidelines while relevant MDAs including Education, Transportation and Aviation will respectively consult further with stakeholders and issue guidelines for their sectors.”
I write to congratulate you on your nomination by the National Executive Council (NEC) of our great party to serve as representative of people living with disability in the Caretaker National Working Committe of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
While wishing you a fruitful tenure, It is our expectation that together with your colleagues, you will work to unite our party, and perform credibly well to steer the ship within the period.
Freelance Reporters 