Fidelity Bank on Wednesday 20th May 2020 donated 10 million naira to Plateau State Government as part of its contribution to the fight against Coronavirus Pandemic.
The North Central Regional Head of the Bank, Mr. Sadi Zuwaya presented the cheque to Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House, Rayfield Jos.
He explained that the bank deems it fit to support Plateau State despite its earlier contribution through the Federal Government because of the existing cordial relationship it has with the Government.
Governor Lalong appreciated the gesture and said it will go a long way in assisting the Government to improve the response to the challenge posed by COVID-19 especially now that the State is recording more cases.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 21st May 2020.
Plateau State Police Command has said it would deploy over 2,089 personnel to checkmate criminal elements during the Sallah festivities.
By Prince Sekat,Jos
Members of the public are enjoined to be security conscious, give useful and timely information to the Police and other security agencies in order to curtail the pre-sallah illegal activities of Sara-Suka and other cult groups.
The spokesman of the command, ASP ASP Obah Ogaba, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Jos .
He said the command has drawn out elaborate security strategies to ensure peaceful and hitch free celebrations throughout the state.
The spokesman of the command said the State Police Command in its quest to have a hitch free Sallah celebration, held a meeting on 20th May, 2020 with Security Chiefs, Religious Leaders and other Critical Stakeholders in Plateau State in order to fine tune its strategies to ensure a crime free forthcoming Eid El Fitr celebration across the State.
“In view of the above, the Command wishes to remind members of the public that the Federal and State Government safety directives on Covid-19 Pandemic are still in force. ” The Command therefore solicits the cooperation of the peace loving people/residents of Plateau State in the maintenance of law and order during the festivities on Saturday, 23rd and Sunday, 24th May, 2020.
He said that there will be no prayers on all Eid grounds but Mosques where Eid Prayer will be observed should not have more than fifty worshippers.
“Social distancing, use of hand sanitizers and wearing of face mask is compulsory for all. “
The PPRO Said that there is a total ban on the use of tricycles during these periods (Saturday and Sunday) within Jos metropolis and Bukuru areas of the State.
He said that all relaxation centers such as the National Museum, Zoo, Wildlife Park, Social Joints and other Recreational Centers in the State is closed down as usual and in this period of sallah celebration.
“The ban on the sale and use of fireworks such as knockout, bangers and other explosives is still in force and violators will face the wrath of the law. “.
The command called on Parents to counsel their children not to indulge in drugs/substance abuse as well as any other form of anti social activities.
The Police Act Repeal Bill sponsored by Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi to alter the provisions of the Police Act to accommodate community policing and sundry other provisions aimed at engendering optimum security of lives and property of Nigerians by the Nigerian Police Force has passed all the rudiments of legislative enactment by the House of Representatives awaiting concurrence by the senate in order to be assented to by the President to take effect.
This brings to two, the number of bills sponsored by Gagdi, which have already been passed into law, and stands him out as the first and only first time House of Representatives member in the 9th assembly to sponsor bills that have already been passed into law.
The other bill, been an amend to NIMASA Act was passed into law by the House of Representatives in November 2019.
The two bills been passed into law both lasted less than three months from the time they are presented, scaled through the procedures of law making and passed by the House; this signifies the cordial relationship between the sponsor of the bills and his colleagues, as well as the dexterity of the lawmaker in the discharge of his core legislative function.
Rt. Hon. Gagdi assured that of the 11 bills already sponsored by him, the one that has direct impact on his consituency, which is the bill for the establishment of Federal University of Education in Pankshin, will see the light of day, as existing facilities at FCE Pankshin, which would only be upgraded to that status, have the capacity to carter for the physical and human resources requirement for university status.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM HOLDS ANOTHER MEETING, REVIEW COVID-19 COMMENDS PRESIDENT BUHARI ON SECURITY INTERVENTION
The Northern State Governors Forum held its 4th teleconference meeting on Wednesday 20th May 2020 to review the region’s COVID-19 response, and deliberate on other matters relating to its progress and development.
During the meeting presided over by its Chairman and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong, the Forum acknowledged and appreciated the intervention of the Federal Government following their request to President Muhammadu Buhari for the deployment of more security personnel to the region to tackle banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and other crimes which are threatening livelihoods and preventing farmers from going to their farms.
On the profiling and evacuation of Almajiris, the Forum noted that so far, there has been appreciable progress as many States have transferred Almajiris to other States and also received their citizens without any problem. They resolved to continue with the exercise by strictly following laid down protocols for profiling, quarantining, testing, transportation, handing and taking over as well as reintegration. The Governors also maintained their earlier decision to purchase COVID-19 Mobile Testing Vans which have already been ordered to boost testing of more citizens especially in the rural areas. On enforcing closure of inter-state boundary roads, the Northern Governors again expressed disappointment that despite several measures taken, including Presidential orders, there are still violations where people move from one State to another through compromise and use of illegal routes. They vowed to continue to take further measures to protect their people including the deployment of members of their cabinets and civil servants where necessary. The Forum resolved to continue their appeal to the Federal Government for support to deal with the Corona Virus Pandemic, as the Northern Region now has about 54% of the national cases and 70 percent of new infections.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum. 20th May 2020.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved proposals by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, for projects worth over N1,348,057,600.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing State House Correspondents after the week’s FEC meeting, which was held virtually.
Giving a breakdown of the approvals, the Minister said while the Ministry of Education security an approval for the construction of the Health Faculty at the Plateau State University, Bokkos (PSUB), at the cost of N610, 355, 221.82, as well as a N114, 357, 600 project for the procurement of furniture and other equipment.
“The Minister of Education today presented a memo seeking approval of council for the award of contract for the construction, equipping and furnishing of a faculty of Health Sciences in Plateau State University, Bokkos and It was awarded at the cost of N610, 355, 221.82 and the completion period is for 52 weeks.
“Also, a procurement of furniture and equipment was awarded at N114, 357, 600 and completion period is 12 weeks”, he said.
He said further that the FEC approved the proposal brought by the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning for the procurement of computers and printers for zonal and area commands of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the value of N623, 700, 000.
“The Minister of Finance presented a memo for the award of contract for 1, 200 units of coloured printers and desktop computers for human resources and accounting management systems across zones and area commands of the Nigeria Custom Service, which was approved.
“The sum of the contract was N623, 700, 000 for the 1, 200 desktops and computers for the use of the custom Service all over the country,” he said.
Recall yesterday VPN promised to interview the speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly on allegations made by one Luka Danboyi with regards unsubstantiated claims bordering corruption, anti-party activities etc.
Today Wednesday 20th May 2020, ViewPointNigeria’s reporters Comrade Longgul Dakwom, Mr Longji Reuben, Mr Yaki Musa and others met the speaker at 8:00am at his official residence (with a number of his aides).
And even though the speaker declined to grant a full interview —saying it would be foolhardy to respond to a faceless individual who hides behind a fake account to spew out mischief and nonsense, he parleyed extensively with ViewPointNigeria.
Speaking in an informal setting, the speaker challenged the faceless individual to come forward with the allegations he claims to have. He said, “it is childish and mischievous to make up such baseless allegations without furnishing an iota of proof”. He said, “anti-graft agencies (EFCC, ICPC etc) exist for lodging such petitions, Facebook is not the place for such. The mere fact that this fellow has chosen to take this to Facebook and not EFCC shows that he is not to be taken seriously.
He pleaded with the general public not to be distracted by the pettiness of the allegations but to remain focused on the important issues of governance, security and keeping safe in these perilous COVID-19 times.
When our reporters pressed him about whether he knows about the car purchases in question, the speaker retorted sharply that legislators do not get involved in purchases, as that is a duty of the executive. He said “the autonomy to make such purchases has yet to be granted in our system” so this allegation is at best spurious”.
Speaking further on Luka Danboyi, the speaker said “it is important not to give this individual more attention than he deserves, but be assured that he who alleges, carries the burden of proof…..so since the person behind the fake profile named Luka Danboyi is alleging something, the burden of proof lies with him…..let him put forward the proof.
In a rather surprising twist though, the speaker confirmed that he knows the person behind the fake account…..saying the fellow messaged him privately with the spurious allegations.
In closing, the speaker thanked ViewPointNigeria for the chat and averred that he typically would not grant any parley on such matters but for the deep sense of respect and admiration he has for ViewPointNigeria as an agency.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM COMMISERATE WITH SHEIK LEMU OVER DEATH OF ELDEST SON.
Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has on behalf of the Forum expressed condolences to Sheik Ahmed Lemu, over the death of Abubakar Shehu Lemu, his eldest son. In a condolence message to the revered Islamic Scholar and members of his family, Governor Lalong described the death of the late Abubakar, as a great loss to the family, Niger State and the Nation. He said “Late Abubakar, a retired Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, distinguished himself in serving the country meritoriously within and outside the country, and also impacting the lives of people particularly at the community level. The Northern Governors Forum shares in your pain at this moment of grief”. The Northern Governors Chairman also noted that although the death of Late Abubakar remains painful, it has to be accepted as the wish of Allah who is his maker and decided to take him, having fulfilled his purpose on earth. He prayed Allah (SWT) to grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort the family, noting that Late Abubakar will continue to be remembered for his humility, tolerance, generosity and service to humanity.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR, Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum. 20th May, 2020.
The Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna, has tried and found guilty 14 cadets on various offences, including examination malpractices, indiscipline and other acts of misconduct.
The NDA, established in February 1964, is a degree awarding military institution offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
It was gathered on Tuesday that 13 cadets were dismissed while one was demoted from the 400 level to 300 level.
The disciplinary action was announced in a signal by the NDA authorities dated May 15. Which read, “Today being May 15, 2020, at 13:04 hours, NDA Commandant, Maj. Gen. Jamil Sarham, tried 14 cadets on various offences; 13 were dismissed from the academy while one was relegated from the fourth termer (400 level) to three.
“The dismissed cadets have handed over all their military kits to the military police and the process of handing them over to their next-of-kin commenced at 18:06 hours. They exited without hitches.”
Findings indicate that the military authorities did not make arrangements for the trial of the disgraced ex-cadets for exam malpractices. The Examination Malpractice Act 33 of 1999 stipulates punishment ranging from a fine of N50,000 to N100,000 and imprisonment for a term of three to four years with or without an option of fine.
I have made up my mind sometimes back to be Taciturn especially concerning Politics and the attitudes of some of our Goemai Politicians. I am Abashed, Ashamed, Discomfited, Mortified and Perturbed with what is going on in the Goemai Nation and how people who are in position by merit of been Goemai are mishandling and miss using the opportunities that has been given to them. If they were not Goemai, such opportunity wouldn’t have been given to them. The attitude of some of our(Goemai) ‘previlage’ public office holders is Aberrant. When you don’t have strategies you suffer tragedies. If I didn’t love the Goemai Nation, (my Nation), it would have been easy for me to remain silent. It is because I love my Nation, the Goemai Nation, because I fervently believe that if we lose this great opportunity, seldom or sporadically will we have such again, hence I will not be silent. In the History of Plateau State and Nigeria at large, I don’t think there is any ethnic group(s) that have ever gotten this previlage that we the Goemai have gotten Politically(subject to correction). From the National to the Local Level, one can hardly be complete in regards to Nigerian Politics if the Goemai are omitted. Infact, you seldom can succeed or win Gubernatorial seat on the Plateau if you do without the Goemai. One would thought that with this political influence of the Goemai on the Plateau and Nigeria at large, the Goemai Nation should have been a thing or place of envy among other ethnic groups. But reverse is the case. Like Apostle Joshua Selman would say, “don’t criticise people’s actions too fast until you Know what drives them into that”, I am trying not to be a critic here but pointing out our lapses so that when we work on it, we may have better results. Is in regard to that, that I am been very Tactical and selective of my words here, less it would be an Abstruse here. Let me list down some Prominent Goemai Sons and Daughters who are in public offices that if they have used there positions apparently, the Goemai Nation would have been a Paradise here on earth(Though let me not be blinded of the fact that there are some of them who have tried and are still trying their best). For example, Shendam which is the headquarter of the Goemai Nation and Southern Zone is far left behind. Can we talk about the dilapidated Shendam Stadium? Can we talk about the Status quo in General Hospital Shendam? Can we talk about the Long Goemai Palace that you can not even renovate? Can we talk about the Long Dorok Palace that has become a venue for annual festival in Kalong? Can we talk about the Long Kwo and the Long Kwo Palace that have been abandoned for years? Lalong can we talk about the Shendam to Nyak (your home town) road? Can we talk about bringing or creating higher institution in Shendam? Ohhhh, I don’t want it to be so Abhorrent.. If you spend your whole life inside waiting for the storm, you will never enjoy the sunshine. “No one reaches the top without daring” says John Mason. Hmm… Adrenaline come down!!! Sorry if I was too root but it touches me. Below is the list of Goemai Sons and Daughters in various positions;
His Excellency Rt.Barr. Simon Bako Lalong… Plateau State Governor. *Her Excellency Dame Pauline K. Tallen… Minister of Women Affairs. *Prof. Sabastian Maimako(aka Sabastian MAITAIMAKO)…VC Uni. Jos. *Hon. Joseph N. Ari…DG ITF. *Hon. Cyril Tsenyil…Acc. General Plateau State. *Hon. Komsol A. Longgap… House of Representatives Abuja *Hon. Livinus Kwalfuan (Soja)… Member PLHA Shendam Constituency. *Prof. Mathew N Sule…PSUBEB Chairman. *Hon. Duksuk Thomas…Auditor General Plateau State. *Hon. Noel K. Dongjur… Chief of Staff Government House Plateau State. *Hon.Tapgun Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Plateau State. *Hon. John Ahmadu… Commissioner for Justice Plateau State. *Hon.Henry Langkwap… Commissioner(I) Local Govt. Service Commission Plateau State. *Hon. Sabastine Sambo Alkali… Commissioner (II) Local Govt. Service Commission Plateau State. *Miskoom Mathias Hata…GM JMDB Hon. Pius Henwan…GM Plateau United Football Club *Hon. Alex Wukari…Chairman Mighty Jet Football Club Jos. Hon. James Yilnaan…Perm. Sec. Ministry for Local Govt. And Chieftaincy Affairs Plateau State. *Prof. Wapmuk Longmas… Senior Lecturer Plateau State University Bokkos. *Hon. John Naandoet…PA to the Governor, Plateau State. *Hon. Alex Miskoom Naantuam… Executive Chairman Shendam LGA. *Miskoom Pius Diebal…Chief Librarian CHT Pankshin. *Dr. Livinus Miapkwap…Sec. Plateau State Primary Health Care Board. *Hon. Joe Bukar…Liaison Officer Plateau Southern Zone. *Hon. Cornelius Shiolban…Perm. Sec. Security and Operation Rainbow Plateau State. *Hon. Fabian Ntung…PLASIEC Chairman… *Justice Mensem Monica…Agt. Chief Judge High Court Abuja. Not to talk about the likes of Prof. Sharubutu, Cletus Kangkum, Yenshi Pius, Fedelis Longban, Richard Adidi, Ignatius Wulkwap, Alex Yola, Alhassan Barde etc etc. Time and space will not permit me to mention them all, some I don’t even know them or their positions, but I know that most of you might have known them more than i do. If each of these aforementioned personalities would go back to their communities and introduce one or two entrepreneural or skill acquisition centers and engaged our less previlage Goemai brothers and sisters in the village, do you imagine what would have become of the Goemai Nation in one or two years to come? “GOEMAI SHIND’ET” What baffled me most is the first name on this list. I am not trying to be Sentimental or Tribalistic here, I know Lalong is not the governor of Goemai but Plateau, like some unambitious Goemai would always said, but am trying to evaluate things in a manner every individual would do if they were the one in question. Rev. Fr. Mbaka Ejike said “For my brother to be a king and my siblings suffer or die, it’s better an alien should be the king and my siblings should survive”. Lalong has been the Governor of Plateau State for barely 5yrs now, but one can not attest or prove by visibility that Shendam is Governor Lalong’s LGA if not been told. I wonder what history and posterity will record on Lalong if he has to serve this 8yrs without Shendam as his home LGA been benefiting from his government. Lalong is ‘TARDY’ naturally. At a time I felt and thought whether it was wrong for us to have voted Lalong into power? (Though am a member of the Opposition Party PDP) but I voted him all because we thought if he comes back for the second tenure we will see changes and also with the fact that we were deceived with the phrase “nmak ah nmak”, but Allas, like in the word of Prof. Wole Soyinka, “a dog that is destined to get lost will not hear the Hunter’s wistle”…and yes we seem to be losing. Little wonder do the Late Raggae Legend Bom Marley says “in the midst of flowing water, the foolish will still be thirsty”. We have the jar full of water and wine yet we are dying of thirst, what a tragedy?? “To be forwarned” they said is “to be forarmed”. Lalong and Co, you have to wake up from your slumber. Your father’s land is calling on you, our ancestors are frowning at you, the neglected and abandoned Goemai whom you are eating their quarters and slot of Governorship are yarning for your attention at home. Have you imagine how many yrs will it take the Goemai man to be governor again on the Plateau? You have eaten ours already. If you come back home today, what do you have to show as your achievements for us as one of ours who took our slot? There’s a Goemai saying that “Niin goe le tong pue tangriin, tong goe sae shat nkakum mou”, why then is this Aiden not working on us the Goemai?? Why are we so slack and static? Have you not seen how it’s done in other states and by your predecessors? Why do we have to go empty handed when we are the gatekeepers of the ban? Ohhhh posterity will judge you if nothing reasonable is done. We will never forgive you if we come back home empty handed. I am surprise that people can’t come out to tell Lalong the truth that time is not by our side, yet you will hear people sarcastically saying “there’s time”. A man of purpose is always time conscience. ‘He will do’ is far different from ‘he has done’. No matter your intentions, in as much as you have not did anything yet in this 5yrs, to me you can’t do it in 3yrs except by the grace of God and you adhere to advices like this. Lalong and Co, your conducts are Abysmal especially that Goemai is left to the mercy of God under your administration. Lalong and Co, don’t be like wheelbarrow, trailer or canoe that you have to be pushed, pulled or paddled before you move . Defending your fault and error only prove that you have no intention of quitting and correcting them. A word they said is enough for the wise. A submission of a Goemai Activist yarning for a taste of divident of democracy in the Goemai Nation…Comr. Thomas Tukyen Aboki… Long live Goemai Nation. Long live our Father’s land. Proudly Goemai.🗣️✍️✍️
Residents in Jos the Plateau state on Tuesday defied the state Government lockdown order directing the movement of vehicles and for people to stay at home across the state capital .
A resident of Jos , who gave his name as Chun Bature, lamented the movement of persons especially car owners during the lockdown .
“I am calling on Governor Simon Lalong and security operatives to work to enforce the lockdown .”
Another citizen of the state who gave his name as Zakari ,lamented that people of the state are flouting the orders i see so many cars on the road even people that are not on essential duties .
He called on people of the state to obey the lockdown order and help curtail the spread of the disease.
It would be recalled that The Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong on sunday said With effect from 17th May 2020, the total lockdown will resume from midnight of every Sunday and be relaxed on Wednesdays 12 midnight.
He said that This will henceforth be the pattern until further review. In order words, the total lockdown is relaxed on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays; while Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays remain totally locked down.
Lalong said that Restriction on all inter-local Government movements shall continue to apply except for those on essential services as earlier enumerated.
“The use of facemasks in public places remains compulsory, and anyone found not using one outside his home would be arrested and charged to the mobile court.
“To ensure better enforcement and compliance, Government will henceforth enroll some of its civil servants for the exercise. Accordingly, the Head of Service has been directed to immediately deploy civil servants from grade levels 10-14 to various points across the State.” “Local Government Chairmen are to also replicate same in their domains to ensure effective coverage of the entire State. “ “The ban on all illegal markets such as the Sunday markets on Ahmadu Bello Way, Bukuru and environs shall remain in place indefinitely, while Social joints, Nightclubs, drinking parlours are to remain closed
However our correspondent who monitored compliance with the shutdown order, reports that some shops were opened and traders are selling their goods and products in all some areas visited.
Also a lot of persons who were not on essential duties were seen on the road especially around old airport moving about freely.
An essential worker who spoke to our correspondent lamented the disobeying of the lockdown order by motorist and citizens and called on the state Governor to act now .
