Governor Simon Bako Lalong says as Plateau State records more COVID-19 Cases, it is clear that the State is witnessin g community transmission arising from the earlier cases. At this point, he strongly appeals to Citizens to abide by guidelines relating to social distancing, use of face masks, personal hygiene and hand washing. He asks the people to as much as possible stay at home to avoid contacting the virus and transmitting it. The Governor reiterates that the Government is working hard to ensure that further spread is stopped while importation of the virus from other States is also curtailed. This according to him explains the determination to enforce inter-State and inter-Local Government border closure to address this situation.
It is with deep concern that our symbol of unity, PYC is been bashed by pundits because of yesterday’s pronouncement otherwise communique signed by the PYC Chairman, Dr Fabong Jemchang Yildam.
I am compelled to make the following observations & further advice thus;
1)It is true that the PYC Constitution does not recognize tenure elongation.
2)It is also true that the Constitution does not recognize a Caretaker Committee or interim Committee. This is simply a constitutional deffect. However, my take is;
a)The letter or communique by the PYC Chairman was in error despite its good intention. The communique ought to have been signed by the SPEAKER, PYC since there seem to be a constitutional lacuna.
a)As enshrine in the PYC Constitution, The CWC is vested with the power to appoint an electoral committee. In this circumstance, it is only right to have the Electoral committee in place, since there is provision for the committee.
c)Both the Executive Arm & the CWC of the PYC seizes to function at the expiration of their various tenures.
d)It is a bit late or untimely to call for any constitutional amendment in view of the expiration of the present Exco. This is because the amendments will not be done in good faith.
In conclusion, I thank most sincerely, all Plateau Youths for standing by the idles of our forebears. I believe that together in UNITY, we shall overpower our challenges. I see a UNITED, Prosperous, Indivisible & God fearing Plateau of our dream. God bless PYC God bless Plateau State.
GAGDI DOLES OUT 700K TO 70 SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVISTS, TARGETS LESS PRIVILEGED IN PKK FOR NEXT ROUND OF PALLIATIVE
Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has splashed 10 thousand naira each, to seventy social media activists in Plateau State, three hundred thousand naira to some pressure groups, and targets 100 less privileged in Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Local Government Areas to reach out to them with monetary and food gifts next week, in order to cushion the hardship faced by the downtrodden in his Constituency.
The outspoken philanthropic Parliamentarian has defied vain talks by political detractors to continue his good deeds, regardless of who feels what by his performance since emerging as the House of Representatives member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency.
The lawmaker had earlier distributed 3000 bags of 15kg rice and 800 bags of maize to all the polling units in his constituency, with a promise to sustain the tempo.
Despite the lawmaker’s stern warning to his aides to halt publicizing his philanthropic gestures, the Gagdi Media Team has defied this order to report this development for ease of reference of activities of the lawmaker.
Developments of this magnitude cannot be swept under the carpet, because Gagdi’s political detractors use it negatively to berate his benevolence.
The Member representing Pankshin, Kanke & Kanam (PKK) Federal Constituency and Chairman House of Representatives House Committee on Navy, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi has extended his COVID-19 humanitarian palliatives to the Plateau Online Community.
The gesture which the Federal Lawmaker said is his little way of identifying with the online Community across the State is to help address the economic hardship being faced by the people on account of the adverse effect of COVID-19 pandemic.
The Lawmaker who was physically present with some of his Aides urged the Youths to remain agents of unity and harmonious living in the society, charging them to discard divisive and unhealthy politics. He also admonished them to remain industrious, useful to themselves and society.
He appreciated them for their uncommon patriotism and their immense roles in national unity, cohesion, prosperity, growth and development saying he will continue to do his best to empower them in diverse ways. He charged them to remain optimistic, positive and committed to Nation building. He said he has great confidence in the capacities of the Youths.
The Lawmaker while promising to make laws that will benefit the State and Nation at large said he will continue to engage progressive youths in the best way he can.
He urged the youths to adhere to all preventive measures advised by health experts and government directives targeted at preventing and containing the spread of coronavirus.
70 Youths made up of Bloggers and Social Media Influencers benefited from the gesture of the Legislator. Each beneficiary got a token of N10,000 (Ten Thousand Naira Only).
In their separate remarks, some beneficiaries appreciated the Lawmaker for the kind gesture and commended him for the special interest he has for the youths who they described as the backbone of the Nation.
They urged him to do more in terms of strategic empowerment of youths and taking them out of poverty which they said will have multiplier effect on the society.
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has no preferred candidate for the Plateau South Senatorial by-election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has said. The party, through its state secretary, Alhaji Musan Sati, stated this yesterday in an interview with our correspondent in Jos, on insinuations in some quarters that the governor had a preferred candidate in the upcoming senatorial by-election in the state. The by-election, which has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, is to fill the vacant position of late Ignatius Longjan, who died early this year. “It hasn’t been the attitude of Governor Simon Lalong to be pointing at whom to be elected in an election. He often allows candidates of the party to try their luck and whoever emerges as winner in a contest, would be accommodated because he believes that all party members are his children,” he said.
Plateau state youth Council on Friday unequivocally call on Elected Officers of the Council at all levels to maintain Status quo until the ban on all forms of gathering is lifted by the Government following the outbreak of the dreaded Covid 19 virus .
This was contained in a Statement signed by Dr. Fabong Jemchang Yildam Chairman, Plateau State Youth Council and made available to newsmen in Jos
The statement reads that by this, directive , Officers of the Council shall continue to function in their different capacities pending the lifting of the ban on social gathering , thereafter, the transition to usher in new officials shall commence.
The statement reads that “Dear Plateau Youths, you recall a Press Release on the 23.03.2020 on the suspension of all youth activities and gatherings in compliance with the State and Federal Governments directives, which was in the best interest of the teaming youth in Plateau State, there is a need to update the youths on the current state of the Council.”
“We all agreed that our gathering is no more important than the ultimate survival of the Plateau people, which youths themselves are an integral part of. Indeed, we salute the resolute determination of Plateau youths in the fight against the pandemic, and in observing the necessary precautions put in place to overcome this precarious situation. “
“The Constitution of Plateau State Youth Council states that elected Officers of the Council shall hold office for three (3) calendar years, after which new elections shall be held. By this, the tenure of office of the present Executives terminates on May 22, 2020. However, the Covid-19 Pandemic presents a great challenge to the transition period which should usher in new Executives. The virulent nature of Covid-19, couple with advice form the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, and as backed by directives from the State and Federal Government, banned all forms of social gatherings which makes it impossible for the Council to call for a General Election.”
“Following a meeting of the State Executive Council with the Leadership of the Central Working Committee, Representatives of the Voluntary Youth Organisations and Executive Chairmen of Local Government Chapters of Plateau State Youth Council, with advice from stakeholders and the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Plateau State, which held today 08.05.2020, the following resolutions were made;”
“The Council appreciates the Plateau State Government for measures put in place in fighting the pandemic, and promised to contribute its quota particularly in safeguarding our borders, which has proved to be a serious challenge.”
Fabong further said that “The Council also appreciate the State Government for involving the Plateau State Youth Council in all the Committees put in place from the State to the Local Government levels. This is a great recognition for the teaming youths on the Plateau, a cardinal part of youth engagement.”
“The Council appreciates our Healthcare workers and providers at all levels who have staked their lives in the fight against Covid-19. We also appreciate the Security Agencies and other essential service providers for their sacrifice during the periods of the lockdown.”
” The Council wishes to inform the youths that Plateau State Youth Council’s Constitution does not recognize any form of a Caretaker Committee or Interim Government, and to that extend, there can’t be a vacuum in the event of the expiration of tenue of office due to our inability to midwife the process of elections because of the pandemic.”
The PYC chairman also wishes to appreciate all youths who have remained calm and are going about their strive towards a peaceful transition. We also encourage youths to continue to maintain “social distancing” as advised, appropriate use of facemasks, and to regularly wash their hands as may be required.”
“Plateau youths are encouraged to continue supporting Governments policies to ensure our safety, and to report any suspicious acts noticed around their communities. Together, we shall win the war against the pandemic.”
As the tenure of the present Executives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State expires on 10th May, 2020, the National Working Committee of the Party has approved the reconstitution of the present State Executive Committee Members into State Caretaker Committee.
This decision was contained in a letter addressed to the State Chairman of the Party, Hon. Gwott Yakubu Chocho dated 6th May, 2020 duly signed by the National Organizing Secretary, Col. Austin Akobundu (Rtr).
The letter reads:
RECONSTITUTION OF ALL CURRENT STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS (EXCO MEMBERS) INTO STATE CARETAKER COMMITTEE IN PLATEAU STATE
I wish to formally informed you that the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party, on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) has, pursuant to Section 29(2)(b) and 31(2)(e) of our great party’s Constitution (2017 as amended), approved the reconstitution of the current State Executive Committee Members of your State into State Caretaker Committee.
Accordingly, the current Exco Members upon the expiring of the tenure act as Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the Party until a new State Executive Committee is elected; provided that they shall not serve in such capacity for more than 3 Months from May 10th, 2020.
You may recall that due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Country and the Federal Government’s Stay-at-Home directives, our scheduled State Congress in your State could not be conducted. Bearing mind that the tenure of the current State Exco will be expiring within the next few days and in order to avoid leaving a vacuum, the NWC considers it necessary and urgent to take this action on behalf of NEC.
Please treat urgent and acknowledge the receipt of this letter.
While thanking you for your cooperation and hard work, please accept the assurances of the NWC’s highest regards.
Further to the Statewide broadcast by Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong where he announced the pattern for the total lockdown of the State and its relaxation in the fight against COVID-19, it is important to reiterate the following.
That the total lockdown shall be relaxed Midnight of every Thursday till Sunday midnight when it will resume. This pattern will apply until further review.
That inter-Local Government movement is restricted except for people on essential services.
All borders into the State shall remain closed except for essential services that have been exempted.
That the curfew announced by the Federal Government from 8pm to 6am will be in force during the period when the total lockdown is relaxed.
That the mandatory use of face masks in public places shall be observed and enforced.
That the requirements for use of sanitizers, hand washing, sanitation and hygiene shall continue to apply.
That all places of worship must adhere strictly to the gathering of not more than 50 persons while observing laid down regulations for sanitation and social distancing.
That all other directives regarding closure of social joints, ban on festivals and anniversaries, street hawking and transport regulations remain in force.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 7th May 2020.
