PRESS BRIEFING BY EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, CHAIRMAN OF PLATEAU STATE TASK FORCE ON COVID-19 ON EASE OF LOCKDOWN 11TH JUNE 2020.
PROTOCOLS

1. Gentlemen of the press, you will recall that I addressed you on several occasions on our efforts to combat the Corona Virus pandemic and ensure that our people are protected.
2. You will also recall that we took several actions ranging from closure of schools; closure of boundary entry and exit points; partial and total lockdowns; restriction of religious gatherings to not more than 50 persons; ban on all anniversaries and cultural festivals; enforcement of social distancing and other hygiene protocols among others.
3. All these were geared towards ensuring that we contain the disease and effectively deal with its impact. While these measures have greatly helped, there is no doubt that they have caused hardship to all of us.
4. Let me specially commend the good citizens of Plateau State for their cooperation and substantial compliance to all guidelines issued in our efforts to combat the pandemic despite inconveniences. With this type of spirit, we shall surely overcome this pandemic in the long run.
5. So far, we have tested 2,032 persons for COVID-19 in the State. Out of this number, 130 were confirmed positive. We recorded 3 deaths which unfortunately occurred before their test results were confirmed.
6. At the moment, we have 26 persons still on admission and have discharged 99. There are 35 persons of interest at our quarantine centres in Pankshin, Quaan-Pan, Heipang and Mangu.
7. Following the recent release of guidelines by the Presidential task Force on COVID-19 on the gradual easing up of the Lockdown measures and subsequent call for States to take ownership of the processes, the Plateau State Government organized a 2-day Community and Stakeholders engagement from 8th – 9th June, 2020 with a view to evaluating the COVID-19 protocols for the State.
8. The engagement was also intended to get the views, opinions, experiences, advices and suggestions of the various stakeholders in order to assist Government review the existing Protocols and make necessary adjustments for the overall success of the fight against COVID-19.
9. Some of the stakeholders that participated in the interface included: CAN, JNI, Marketers and Traders Association, NURTW, Union of Tricycles Operators, Hotel, Recreational and Catering Services Association, Plateau State Traditional Council, NLC, TUC, NUJ, NBA, NMA, National Association of Nurses and Midwives and other professional Health Workers, PIDAN, NCWS and Plateau Youth Council.
10. Based on the outcome of such engagements and after critical review, Government has taken the following decisions:

i. The Lockdown earlier imposed in the State from Sundays to Wednesdays is hereby lifted until further notice.
ii. The curfew imposed by the Federal Government from 10pm – 6am will continue to be observed until further directives are issued.
iii. There shall be no entry whatsoever, into public offices, banks, markets, stores, tricycles and vehicles without wearing facemasks. Violators of this order will be arrested and taken before the mobile courts.
iv. Cultural festivals, anniversaries and large-scale gatherings remain banned.
v. Ban on commercial motorcycles will remain in force, except Dispatch Riders and other essential service operators.
vi. The ban on illegal Sunday markets on Ahmadu Bello Way, and Bukuru Metropolis remains in force.

vii. Churches and Mosques with large spaces shall be allowed to accommodate more than 50 worshippers under strict observance of the use of facemasks, social distancing, hand washing, use of infrared thermometers and use of sanitizers.
viii. While detail outlines on compliance shall be provided, let me emphasized that all public places like Markets, Shops, Hotels, Restaurants that fail to comply with the hygiene or sanitation regulations, social distancing as well as use of facemasks shall be penalized and where appropriate, bear any cost or penalty as would be specified.
ix. All public places like Markets, Shops, Hotels, and Restaurants that fail to comply with the hygiene or sanitation regulations, social distancing as well as use of facemasks shall be shut down and the owners prosecuted.
x. The Head of Civil Service has been directed to work out modalities for the resumption of other category of civil servants who have been working from home.
xi. While the Lockdown is relaxed within the State, inter-state borders shall remain closed with greater enforcement.
xii. All Schools are to remain closed.
xiii. As we ease the lockdown, citizens are strongly advised to participate in mass community testing which will be carried out in the State to avoid further spread of the virus.

1. In order to ensure effective and sustainable implementation of the decisions above, a Monitoring Committee consisting of Government officials and leadership of critical stakeholders will be constituted to ensure that there is compliance to the guidelines.
2. For the avoidance of doubt, Government would not hesitate to close down any market, business premises, and motor park that does not adhere to these protocols. Similarly, any community that violates any of the protocols would be isolated and locked down.
3. Government will step up sensitization and advocacy campaigns as well as deploy Risk Communication Experts who will be engaged in door-to-door campaigns in various communities as a means of continuous engagement with the citizens.
4. At this point, I wish to remind all citizens that the responsibility for staying safe and avoiding COVID-19 infection or spreading it is now in the hands of each one of us. People must take charge of their health and act in a manner that guarantees the health of others.
5. This is not the time to be careless or take the virus for granted. COVID-19 is still a highly infectious and deadly disease that may not go away soon.
   It is therefore imperative for the people to change their life styles and adapt to the new reality.
6. Let me use this opportunity to also speak about the issue of palliatives which has generated attention and has equally been a source of misinformation, fake news and character assassination.
7. The Committee under the leadership of the Deputy Governor has completed the first phase of distribution which targeted the most vulnerable groups such as orphanages, persons living with disabilities, widows and 5 vulnerable households per polling unit. The second phase will soon commence with more vulnerable groups captured.
8. Therefore, you should disregard the fake news on the social media claiming that few palliative items were given to entire areas with large populations. Anybody spreading such information is deliberately misleading the public and also trying to incite the people against government. Those who insist on this mischief should be ready to account for their actions. I have repeatedly explained that the palliatives are not for everybody but for those who are most vulnerable and weak.
9. Finally, I wish to thank all stakeholders including security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, community leaders and professional organisations, private sector organisations, Members of the National and State Houses of Assembly, and above all, the media for their sacrifices through this challenging period.
10. Thank you and God bless you all and let us stay safe.

Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG,
Executive Governor.
Friday, 11th June 2020

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG FELICITATES WITH 9TH PLATEAU ASSEMBLY ON FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY.

Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has rejoiced with the 9th State House of Assembly on its first year anniversary under the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Nuhu Ayuba Abok.
Governor Lalong in a congratulatory message said the legislative arm of Government has remained proactive, thorough and responsive in carrying out its duties of law making and oversight.
He said “The 9th House has demonstrated that it is made up of Honourable Members who have the interest of their constituents and the entire State at heart. They have given due attention to passing laws that have direct impact on the citizens of the State in the last one year”.
Lalong also described their conduct as exemplary because they have consistently extended a collaborative spirit in all engagements with the Executive arm and heads of MDAs in the course of carrying out their duties.
He particularly commended them for diligently scrutinizing and passing the 2020 budget on time and also supporting the fight against COVID-19 19 as well as measures taken to address the economic and health impact of the disease.
He wished the Assembly a fruitful engagement ahead as they continue to serve the people of the State and contribute to the consolidation of the Plateau Rescue Mission.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
9th June 2020.

Come on, what crime is in service? I shudder to think of what the public will make of this contribution. Mr. Jonathan Ishaku’s capacity to fight for himself has never been in doubt. Knowing him as many of us who have worked with him have come to; he would be the last to accept any form of publicity. In fact, he has always maintained that journalists should publicize the activities of people not of themselves. You may not believe it, but a meeting with one of Nigeria’s cerebral editors and mentors of reporters, you may get to know why he abhors personal publicity. He has insisted: I have this belief that newsmen shouldn’t be newsmakers. I always draw the line; if I have anything important to say I express it on the opinion pages of the newspaper like everyone else. I thought it was incestuous to be both a news reporter and a news maker. As a matter of fact, I am afraid to know of what description he may have about this publication. However, I am breaking that rule because we are involved in what has happened to him also. Whatever the ‘General’ would say about my breaking the rule, good or bad; I have made up my mind to carry the cross rather than allow the man who has tirelessly slaved for the state without being paid his gratuity. Sir I pray you pardon my indubitable indulgence about your person and principles. Those who know his condition may have expressed their opinions in various forms; some critical of government, a number resorted to the Almighty for healing. That I am expressing mine in these words does not reduce those others; who perhaps know him far more better than I and feel the impact of what he is associated with over the years; and who should be left to carry this cross. There are several millions of such people and organizations out there who may have over the years benefitted in more ways than one in matters of his wizardry in journalism, teaching, public relations, independent researching and the management of men and resources. Not to forget in a hurry, his dedication to writing of books in his later years of his career did not only confound most of his readers; rather, he opened to the world issues into the ‘phenomenon of rising insecurity and violence in Nigeria’. So far in his journey to the investigations, progressive scholarship received enormous addition with the following books in several homes and libraries: Boko Haram (2010), The Road to Mogadishu: How Jihadists Terrorism Tears Nigeria Apart (2012), Janjaweed in the Middle Belt (2015) and Boko Haram & Armed Herdsmen Violence (2018). These collector’s items were churned out during some of the most trying periods of our development as well as of him as a person. Despite his failing health, he would have resorted to self pity and other such characteristics associated with the frustrations of life. He wouldn’t have that mentioned close to him; rather, he chose humanity to benefit from his deep reservoir of knowledge. What you are reading is been made public not because the man in question cannot fight his ‘wars’, but for the fact that the pains he has been made to go through could happen to anyone who is serving; has served and retired. Should we not if given this circumstance, fight the ‘war’ for him? I thought it should be done with a dispatch that fits his person. For those who do not know the subject matter and or may have just heard about him; it is important to know that by 1986 he had become the Editor of THE NIGERIA STANDARD after a stint as a lecturer at the School of Preliminary Studies, Keffi. Those were the glorious years of the institution; at least I was once a student at that period. It was about that time that he had been fired by the Military Governor of the state. But long before the action was finally taken, he had written elsewhere, he saw the action coming: My General Manager, Mallam Rufai Ibrahim and I had been at loggers head with the predecessor governor over issues of governance. ‘The government thought we should tone down our editorial without any effort to correct the wrongs these editorials have raised. So when it finally happened we were not surprised; perhaps the surprise was that it was taken by an entirely new governor! Soon enough the new governor discovered why his predecessor never carried out the threat himself; for no soon had he carried out the dismissal did he find the entire state rising in a cacophony of condemnation. ‘We became aware that the governor was making frantic efforts to reach to us, so we went underground. We decided to turn the issue into a political fight to make a point about the bankruptcy of military rule; to tell the people that the euphoria which routinely greeted changes of baton were pyrrhic and that the military would always look after its own; to press the point that the misjudgment of the new governor was a pointer to the fact that he was not different from the last etc.’ Ten days before his wedding Jonathan’s second dismissal was announced on the 4 o’clock national news. It was in this most difficult time that he chose not to postpone the wedding as it would be difficult to imagine starting a home without a job. That union produced Beji, a lawyer and Gamji, sociologist turned banker. Whatever may be revealed here is as a result of several things I have known about him and what he stands for: I was at the School of Preliminary Studies from 1981-83 while he was lecturer. I followed him conscientiously while reading him on the pages of newspapers he worked at. I wanted to join him at Champion in 1988 or there about; and while it didn’t work, he sent me to Chris Mamah at the Punch and Toye Akiode, Vanguard and Emeka Izeze, Guardian in Lagos to consider me for appointment as a Reporter. While waiting, I got employed by the Federal Civil Service Commission, Lagos and posted to Calabar. It was as if God had destined me to be Journalist, for after about four years, I resigned to start a career in journalism. But one of the things which he influenced our generation of Reporters is his consistent defense of the state. While several negative reports were churned out by different newspapers depending on their perspectives about Plateau State, he stood as a guardian angel defending the state without being paid a penny for the services. When the regimes of Governors Joshua Dariye and Jonah David Jang (and indeed Governor Simon Bako Lalong) came under a barrage of media attacks, he ‘offered’ though unofficially to put certain records right about the state and its people. Those who remember the media war between him and Mallam Haruna Mohammed cannot easily forget the patriotism attached to this encounter and why he should not be treated shabbily. Regrettable, it was the Jang administration that gave him the hardest knocks. He was relieved of his appointment in circumstances that are today still questionable after setting the titles he has built over the years to what they should be. He defended the government on various media wars meant to speak ill of its people. No one offered him any explanations, even when it was apparent that government’s part of the bargain to put certain infrastructure on ground for the digital printing press it had acquired were not in place. On November 5, 2017, I wrote an article with the headline: ‘Justice may be late, it does come’. I never in my wildest imagination thought after passing through over 30 years of continued deprivation by government he would be made to use the media space available to him to ask for his entitlements. It was not prophesy; but reading through, you may understand why his struggles have been tortuous and not deserving of anyone who has served the state to the best of his abilities. Justice is food for all no matter the degree of what one has gone through in the course of working for government of even private organizations. The fact is that, ‘we may have ended military dictatorship but arbitrariness; impunity; injustice and misrule are still with us’. They all defeat the essence of service and conduct of any worker willing to put in his or her best for productive purposes and growth of it. The court which was presided over by Justice Gandu on Wednesday, October 25, 2017, has also asked the Plateau State government to reinstate and pay him all his entitlements. He was sacked by the Ibrahim Babangida regime in 1987 when an editorial by THE NIGERIA STANDARD was adjudged as critical by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. The newspaper has consistently stood in the gap for the downtrodden. As at the time of his dismissal (then) Col now General Chris Ali, who later headed the state of emergency government in Plateau State in 2004 when Chief Joshua Dariye’s administration was suspended, was the then military governor of the state. Despite Jonathan Ishaku’s fight and plea to successive administrations, both military and civilian fell on deaf ears for his reengagement into service. He went on to ply his trade his talents to productive use in the services of several newspapers and magazines in Lagos. Of particular note are Champion Newspapers, Daily Times, THisDay and as head of the Interim Management Committee and later Managing Director of the Plateau Publishing Corporation, publishers of THE NIGERIA STANDARD newspapers. When it was apparent that justice was being delayed he had proceeded to the NIC, knowing that one day, justice may be served. In the judgment, the presiding judge gave November 2016 as the terminal date for his disengagement from service. He had told a source after the judgment that all these years instead of reinstating him, various governments in Plateau State had preferred to give him one appointment or the other, adding that it had not deterred him from fighting for his rights. The struggle for liberty has been at the forefront of Ishaku’s campaigns. His love for the Middle Belt is infectious, just so as they are points of reference for students of history, politics and peace studies. Talking about injustice, Mr. Jonathan Ishaku represents in many respects one of the consistent voices to have spoken about it here. Hear him: ‘Injustice is one of the highest forms of provocation known to man; a society which perpetuates injustice in combination with violence is a society on the brink of war’. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. This is no mean feat, if you do not like the other titles, anyway. All these do not come easy! But he is not one to be proud of titles, anyway. He has seen it all; from the News Room to the Boardroom, they are familiar tuff for him in his career that has seen him a teacher and molder of opinion in various media houses. But for me, one who thoroughly does not enjoy the company of any lazy reporter. Reprieve or would you say justice was finally served when the National Industrial Court sitting in Jos declared that his unilateral sack was null and void. Those who want justice would naturally feel happy for him, but the ‘only pain in the heart is the fact that it’s not those who meted out the act of injustice that are paying for it. Granted that government is a continuum but I wish that the perpetrators would be made to regret for their misdeed. Thank God you are alive to right the wrong. My prayer is that the settlement would be reasonable to assuage the pains you have carried for the past 30 years’, wrote someone about the feat. The settlement is landmark in a number of ways. The ideals for the fight for justice are absent in the system that allows for victims to suffer untold hardships , who in the end perhaps may die in the course of the struggle and or very few acknowledging the fact that they deserve to be heard in the first place. Not many workers who go through such treatment may be ‘fortunate’ after the long and excruciating experience of neglect. The settlement may not be the point to celebrate, it is the fact that justice was indeed served to one who has committed his life to teaching and mentoring reporters for over 30 years. And indeed promoting the ideals of building peace and communal relationship, he is not deserving of the treatment he has gone through, much less anyone. Of course this victory is not pyrrhic. The justice system has a responsibility to promote victims to be steady and resilient by ensuring that the judicial processes are beneficial to all parties; but above all, the system can be made to be accommodating as well as shorten so that no one suffers for a long period. To be candid, even in normal times, Mr. Jonathan Ishaku has always served as an inspiration and motivator even at the darkest moments. While he is thanking God for justice, perhaps it should not be forgotten that this long and dogged fight was not directed at the government as may have been insinuated in some quarters, rather, it was to serve as an inspiration; and more importantly ensure that no matter how long it might take or it is delayed, justice may arrive. No matter how long injustice walks in the system, the truth would surface for correction to be taken for others. It is interesting to note that it was the knowledge of knowing one’s rights that is at the center of any struggle. Those who may not know, there are many who perhaps could have gone through this treatment and fell by the way side. The rights of workers have continued to be trampled upon by employers over time. Truth cures always, but lie does not. They say good things come to those that wait. The wait was tortuous in many respects as it must be energy sapping. I do not know of the loses he went through, but it was not to deter him from rising as reporter to the pinnacle of his career and molding many to like the profession that has opened them many doors. We are all waiting for the day for the thanksgiving, sir. Your victory will answer many questions for the struggle in any one’s life. It will encourage someone out there on the need to be steadfast, brave while fighting for a course. A few days ago, on his Facebook wall, he posted what you are reading below. It caught several friends and admirers off-guard; however it served as a reminder of the hard fact what workers go through after serving government for the years of their service. His post: I may go blind-a personal issue This is not a public appeal. Nor do I seek Government assistance for treatment. I want to treat myself, if I can! A couple of years ago, I was diagnosed with an eye problem and recommended to undergo an operation. But since then my gratuity has remained unpaid, inspite of several appeals. Then I sought the attention of His Excellency, Gov. Simon B. Lalong, for the payment of another debt: he graciously assured me of the payment. That was over a year now! But early this year, on an official courtesy call, I had a chance to remind him. He appeared surprised I wasn’t paid but assured me it will be paid. It is over four months now. I sympathize that the Government is hard pressed with the raging pandemic; however, I have to make open appeal because my ordeal appears to be getting worse. For all I know, he may be under the impression that I have been settled and undergoing treatment as I have informed him. My situation is complicated by the fact that as a publisher, this is how I earn a living; I am constantly exposed to computer screen light. Please, let me repeat, I don’t seek public donation. Thank you for indulging me. God bless you. Reading through the above, the questions that should be asked by any sane person are: Is this what any worker should go through after serving the state and or any organization for that matter? Does the worker not need to transit seamlessly from his official status to private life without any difficulties? There are several questions requiring answers. While we may not get answers from anyone except government, we all know that she has a responsibility to all who have served her. They do not need to go through sad experiences that reduce efforts put in the service of the state. In the case of Nde Jonathan N Ishaku, I am not making a case for him; rather we set out to reiterate the fact that we should not make those who have slaved to advance the cause of the state to be treated in a manner that belittles their patriotic contributions. He may not be alone in this league; we also speak for those who are in the line to retire from service or may have retired and are facing difficulties of accessing their gratuities. If his case is resolved, it is to the benefit of hundreds of others still on the queue and who do not have anyone to speak for them about their travails. Justice is the soul of living. .

I was sorry to hear about the rainstorm devastation in Munok of Langshi Ward, Kopging of Ampang East Ward and Ladini of Nemel ward all of Kanke Local government Council which destroyed personal residential buildings, as well as places of worship ,and rendered dozens of families homeless.

At these difficult moments, I want you to know you are in my thoughts.

I have instructed my aides in collaboration with the local authorities in Kanke to take detailed stock of the content of the devastation and report back to me as I have already initiated communication with the relevant agencies within the State and at the Federal level so that succour can come your way anytime soon.

Until then, please know you all have my deepest sympathies.

God help us all. Stay safe

Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi
(Danmalikin kanam)
Member Representing PKK
House Committee Chairman on Nigerian Navy.

Editor-in-chief

Authorities of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State have expressed concern over strange deaths in the council in recent times, as the number of deaths and burials have surged to 50 within three weeks in various cemeteries across the Council Area

A source close to the biggest cemetery in the city, the Zaria road cemetery, revealed that the number of death brought for burial in the past three weeks have suddenly increased, and giving the attendance a serious concern.

A grave digger said, “we don’t know the cause of the deaths but we are worried that the number has recently increased. In the past three weeks the rate at which bodies are brought here for burial has doubled compared to the previous times. This afternoon alone we have buried five persons, we may still burry more.”

He placed the figure at 50 in the past three weeks.

The Chairman of the local government, Hon. Shehu Bala Usman, who confirmed the surge in the number of deaths in the area, said, “What you observed is true; right now we have opened a register in all the cemeteries within the local government. In the past, it has been a tradition that corpses must be registered with appropriate authority before burial, but these days people don’t follow the protocol again.null

“What we do now is to open register at the cemetery so that corpses are registered before they are buried. This will enable us to evaluate what is happening, before we can establish that there is a mysterious death in a large scale; there must be data and indices to back up the claim. We would look at the present figure and compare it to the previous ones.”

On COVID pandemic, Usman said the council has stepped up its awareness campaign and has taken it to the ward level since it has become community issue and requires a change of attitude.

He added that the council has not relented in supporting the state government’s effort at curtailing the pandemic

By Jatmak Solomon,Jos


Over 100 homes and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed on Wednesday by rainstorm in several communities in Kanke local government area of Plateau state .


The rainstorm, which started on Tuesday night lasted till the early hours of Wednesday morning and was accompanied by a heavy windstorm that blew off rooftops of several houses and rendered many families homeless.

The unfortunate incident, which occurred in the LGA which is in Plateau Central Senatorial Zone of the state, has thrown the inhabitants into confusion and panic as most of the affected persons are stranded.

A citizen of the council who gave his name as Titus Bitrus, told our correspondent that over 100 homes were destroyed by the rainstorm .

He said that properties destroy includes shops, and worship centres .

He said that The destruction left several people homeless and some squatting with relatives within the locality pending the renovation of their houses.

“This recent downpour has caused devastating effect on dwellers as the storm removed the roofs of buildings.”

He said that the downpour came with heavy wind that lasted for hours and left destruction in its trail.

“The havoc caused by the rainstorm needs urgent attention from the Plateau State government as well as spirited individuals and organisations in order to ensure that those displayed can return to their various homes as early as possible”

He said that “In Amper Town, a Private secondary School was also brought down by the wind.



Executive Chairman of the council Hon Nde Emmanuel Lar confirmed the development to our correspondent .



Lar who led top management team to sympathise with Kopgin community and other affected communities in the LGA over the unfortunate incident prayed God to give the people directly affected the heart to accept the challenges of this difficult moment.


He described the situation as devastating, as several affected persons are squatting with friends in the community.

He said the situation is pathetic and called on State Emergency Management Agency SEMA, and National Emergency Management Agency NEMA and spirited individuals to come to the aide of the people hit by the disaster.



Narrating his ordeal at the side of the ravaged St Monica’s Catholic Church Kopgin, a clergy Bitrus Koprang’ah said the situation is quite shocking and traumatic but thank God that no life was lost except valuables .

He said the church will have no option than to resort to daily morning services under the trees.

“Most of the electricity Poles linking the community within the axis were also destroyed,” he further added .

Rt. HON. YUSUF GAGDI: ONE YEAR SCORE CARD
Bulletin no 3

Following the Electoral victory of Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi on 23rd February 2019 and subsequent inauguration on the 11th of June 2019 as the Honorable member of the 9th Green Chamber Representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency, he was faced with the daunting task of meeting the plethora of Needs and Expectations of the thirty-six (36) Federal wards and three hundred and fifty-seven (357) polling units of his Constituency with their peculiarities.

But with four years of experience as a State Legislator; almost two of it as the Deputy Speaker, he came on board fully armed with rudiments needed for optimal performance. Also, his extensive tour of the four angles of PKK during the campaign gave him an insight on the critical needs of his constituents.

In order to lay a Solid ground for participatory representation where the constituents would always have a say on how their voices will be aired on the floor of the House and most importantly, the freedom of choice of the projects to be cited in their various domains, Hon Gagdi came up with an innovative idea, the first of its kind… The Local Government Legislative Blueprint Committees… who interfaced with the various communities in their respective areas and had fashioned out a working document that would serve as a menu of what is to be served to the various communities as Constituency development projects/Needs. This Novel approach is to avoid wastage of government scarce resources by foisting projects and programs on the constituents where they may not be needed and end up not being of any impact on the people and to the community.

The LGAs Legislative Blueprint Committees worked tirelessly and obtained list of projects/needs directly from the communities of their respective LGAs, discussed, analyzed and produced a comprehensive report to the Central PKK blueprint committee who further scrutinized and harmonized the various reports into a blueprint compendium for the whole Constituency.

The chairman for the Central blueprint committee was a one-time Secretary to Plateau State Government(SSG) Nde John Gobak OFR, mni while Hon. Diket Plang served as the secretary.

The compendium identified needs centered on Rural roads, Housing, Electricity, Education, Youth and Women empowerment, Health, Water and Agriculture etc.
Many of these developmental projects will litter the length and breadth of PKK when the implementation of the capital expenditure of the 2020 budget begins (any moment soon) and throughout the subsequent years that Rt.Hon. Gagdi will be serving in the 9th Green Chamber Gods willing.

Immediately after his Election to the exalted seat of the House of Representatives, even before his inauguration; Hon. Gagdi in his usual God given proactive manner started building bridges and extending hands of friendship across many members-elect, that resulted in him becoming a strong voice within the circle of new members.

Coming from the position of strength within the rank of fresh members, he demonstrated absolute loyalty and commitment in the build up to the election of principal officers of the National Assembly. His competence, dedication, loyalty and capacity was rewarded firstly as a member of the House of Representative ad-hoc committee on media.
Upon the constitution of the house standing committees, he was made the chairman of the house committee on Nigerian Navy and member of 18 other committees among which are; the committee on Army, Petroleum Upstream, Capital Market, Pension, Banking and Currency, National Security and Intelligence, Police, Works, Rural Development and others.

INFRASTRUCTURAL INTERVENTIONS

Despite the none official release of Finances for Constituency projects, Hon Gagdi has built an examination hall for KADA Special Academy Dengi, in Kanam LGA. A school that is providing free Secondary Education to orphans and children of the less privileged.

He has completed the building/renovation of the Palaces of some Traditional Rulers across the constituency. While some are ongoing. An exercise he tagged traditional institutions intervention phase 1. The phase 2 and 3 will commence this year 2020.

YOUTHS EMPOWERMENT

Being a Youth himself and having known what is meant to be poor, Gagdi understood that the sure way towards emancipating people from the shackles of poverty is through gainful empowerment which job placements serve that purpose perfectly well.

He was and is always on the move, from one Ministry, Department, Agency or Parastatal of Government …seeking and lobbying for job opportunities for the teaming unemployed populace of his constituency and beyond. He will kneel and bend to be rode upon; in some instances, even ridiculed and looked down upon, but he endured for the sake of his people. Through that Resilience, Doggedness, Patience and Benevolence, over 200 people mostly within PKK Constituency and beyond got gainfully employed with different agencies of the Federal government, The Military and Police just to mention a few.

He had assembled a team of 25, comprising Young, Vibrant and Intelligent Youths as his Aides with 20 of them to be paid from his personal purse while the rest of the 5 would be paid by the National Assembly Service commission … All in a bid to creating more job opportunities for the Youths and exposing many of them to community development processes and National politics.

KEY CONSTITUENCY ACTIVITIES

1. MONDAY 23rd DEC, 2019

Official Unveiling of the Constituency Legislative blueprint and Distribution of Christmas items (1200 bags of Rice, 28 Cows and some amounts of Cash) to Christian faithfuls, Religious institutions, and Traditional institutions within PKK and issuance of Appointment letters at the Nefur arena, Pankshin LGA.

2. THURSDAY 23rd JANUARY 2020
   International Press Conference at the Plateau State NUJ Press center on the State of Insecurity in Nigeria and its attendant effect on his Constituency with due attention over the gruesome execution of Late Ropvil Daciya by Boko Haram Insurgents.
3. MONDAY 24th FEB, 2020
   Youth/Women Agricultural Empowerment Program: Distribution of Water Pumps with Suction hoses, Grammazoe Insecticide, Rice Herbicides, Fertilizers, Grain storage Bags and cash Stipends worth Millions of Naira to over 300 beneficiaries within Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency.
4. SUNDAY 26th APRIL, 2020
   Distribution of 3000 bags of 15kg rice and 800 bags of 100kg maize/millet to all the polling units of PKK to help in mitigating the economic hardship associated with the Covid-19 pandemic and in support of the Muslims ummah for the Ramadan fasting at his residence at Dengi, Kanam LGA.
5. SATURDAY 9th MAY, 2020
   Distribution of palliative support (N700,000.00) to 70 selected social media influencers and bloggers across Party and Constituency lines on the Plateau and N300,000.00 to some selected pressure groups.
6. SATURDAY 23rd MAY, 2020
   Distribution of 5 million Naira cash and 550 bags of 20kg rice to some Widows, physically challenged and orphans drawn from all the 58 State wards of PKK and also to Muslim faithfuls in the constituency for the Eid-el-fitr Sallah celebration. The distribution was done at Dengi, kwall(Kanke) and in Pankshin. BILLS AND MOTIONS SPONSORED SO FAR THESE 365 DAYS

One of the basic Constitutional Responsibility of the Legislature is the Law Making Process through Bills and Motions, and in meeting with that core Responsibility, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi has personally sponsored over 10 Bills and some Motions to his credit on the Floor of the 9th Green Chamber in his 1st 365 days in office in which to the glory of God, two of the Bills have already been passed into law, just awaiting Presidential Assent.

Some of His Sponsored Bills and Motions are:

A Bill for the conversion of FCE Pankshin to Federal University of Education Pankshin (Establishment) Bill, 2020.

The Nigerian Police Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2020 which seeks to accommodate community Policing as a panacea to the degenerating state of security in the country (passed into law, 19th May, 2020) awaiting Presidential assent.

The Nigeria Police Academy (establishment) Bill, 2020 which seeks to give statutory backing to the Nigerian Police Academy Wudil (which has been operating for several years without statutory backing).

The Chartered Institute of Finance and Control of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2020

Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (Amendment) Bill. Already passed into law November 2019, awaiting Presidential assent.

A Bill for the Nigerian Steel Development Authority Act(Amendment).

A Bill for the Nigerian Red Cross Safety Act (Amendment).

Bill for the Nigerian Mining Corporation Act (Amendment).

A Motion calling on the federal government to reconsider its security strategies with a view to finding a lasting solution to the various dimensions of the security challenges in Nigeria.

A Motion on the need for urgent investigation into non-remittance of contribution by employers, delay or non-payment of entitlement to pensioners by Pension Funds Administrators (PFAs) and non-adherence to the provisions of Pension reform act 2014 by relevant authorities.

A Motion on the urgent need to investigate the non-inclusion of waste management and disposal in the NLNG train 7 project.

A Motion on the need to investigate excess and illegal charges on the House of Representatives accounts held at various banks in Nigeria.

FUTURE PROJECTIONS
It has been one year of consummate planning, extensive lobbying and building the right relationship in and out of the National Assembly for the benefit of the people of PKK, Plateau State and Nigeria in general.

Litigations at the election petition tribunal caused some little distractions at the beginning as well but the reaffirmation of the victory earned at the poll re-energized the humane and political will of the Dan Malikin Kanam to provide people centered representation at top speed in appreciation of the love and trust of the electorates… His constituents.

The future is bright for PKK as the people remain central in all the engagements of Dan Majen Jahr.

It can only get better while we all Continually Trust in God.

GAGDI MEDIA TEAM

PRESS RELEASE

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES ARCHBISHOP ISHAYA AUDU @ 61 & JUSTICE MONICA DONGBAN-MENSEM.

Plateau State Governor and Chairman, Northern Governor’s Forum, Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos, Nigeria, His Grace, Most Rev Dr. Matthew Ishaya Audu on his 61st Birthday.
In a congratulatory message, Governor Lalong described the Archbishop as an epitome of humility, selflessness and godliness.
He said “His Grace, is a man that is well-loved for many reasons. He stands for truth and justice and always speaks for the poor while reaching out to them at every available opportunity. He continues to inspire us all with the word of God and also living an exemplary life”.
While wishing him God’s protection and good health, Governor Lalong said the people of Plateau State particularly Catholics are happy to have him in the State again after his early years of service on the Plateau.
In another development, Governor Lalong has also congratulated Her Lordship, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, Acting President, Court of Appeal over her nomination by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Senate for confirmation as substantive President, Court of Appeal.
Lalong who had on Sunday during the Church service to mark the 2020 Democracy Day and 5th year in office at the Government House Chapel in Jos asked the citizens of the State to pray for her confirmation, expressed appreciation to the President for doing the needful.
He expressed belief that with her pedigree, she is going to do the Nation, Plateau State, her family and the Judiciary proud by upholding the tenets of justice, truth and integrity.
Governor Lalong also thanked the National Judicial Council for recommending her and wished her well as she prepares to undergo screening at the Senate, saying he has no fear that she will give a good account of herself as she has done in the past.
He called on the Senators representing Plateau State at the red chambers to give her all the necessary support needed to have a smooth screening exercise.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to
the Governor of Plateau State.
8th June 2020.

SEN DIMKA CONGRATULATES REV FATHER POLYCARP LUBO AS ANOTHER CHAPTER OPENS IN PLATEAU CAN

Senator Hezekiah A Dimka has congratulated Rev Father Polycarp Lubo, who emerged as Chairman and other officials of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State Chapter at the just concluded election held on June 6, 2020.

The Senate Committee Chairman on Narcotics and Drugs is confident and prayerful that coming on board at this crucial time in our history places a huge responsibility on the new leaders to be able to guide the body of Christ and the society which they shall operate in.

Above all, he has challenged them to have the courage and take the responsibility to speak as a united body for the good of the church and of Plateau State while contributing in various ways by adding a voice to current challenges the nation is going through. Senator Dimka believes that having a credible voice like CAN, Plateau State will be challenged to take meaningful leaps in our march to working in unity and facing the challenges of living as a people.

While extending his hands of fellowship and association to stand with the new officials of the chapter, he prays that He who has brought them on board is also well aware of the challenges they may face, He is indeed able to help them in the course of their service to the Body of Christ (Eph 4:14-15).
Rev Father Polycarp Lubo took over the reins of leadership from Rev Dr. Soja Bewarang, who had piloted the affairs of the chapter after being President of COCIN.

SENATOR HEZEKIAH A DIMKA,
Senator representating Plateau Central, and Chairman Senate Committee on Narcotics and Drugs

PRESS RELEASE

COVID-19: LOCKDOWN CONTINUES.

You will recall that there is an existing lockdown order in Plateau State with regards to COVID-19 which specifies that the lockdown should be observed on Mondays to Wednesdays, while Thursdays to Sundays are allowed for partial lockdown.

You will also recall that a press release was issued last week outlining the programme of events to commemorate this year’s democracy day and the 5th anniversary celebration of the Rescue administration under the able leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG.

In order to abide by the existing lockdown order, the time table for the inspection and Commissioning of Projects has now been adjusted to when the lockdown is relaxed within the week.

In the light of the above therefore, Government wishes to reaffirm that the lockdown will resume from Midnight of Sunday 7th June, 2020 in line to the existing routine.
However, Governor Simon Bako Lalong assures the good people of Plateau State that Government is aware of the inconveniences the pandemic is having on livelihoods and is taking every step to ensure that there is relief.
There is an ongoing engagement with critical stakeholders that will pave the way forward.
While this is being done, citizens are advised to continue to abide by the existing order as security agents will continue to enforce compliance.

The Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG, once more thanks all and sundry for standing by the government in these trying times.

LET US ALWAYS THINK AND ACT PLATEAU.

Dan Manjang,
Hon. Commissioner,
Information and Communication,
Plateau State.
7/6/2020.