PLATEAU CIVIL SOCIETY COALITION PRAISES GOVERNOR LALONG FOR PEACE/OPEN GOVERNANCE

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Plateau State has praised Governor Simon Bako Lalong for his untiring commitment to restoring peace to the State and adopting transparency, accountability and open Governance approach in discharging his mandate to the people.

During a visit to the Governor at the Government House Rayfield Jos, Chairman of the CSOs in Plateau State Mr. Gad Peter Shamaki said they are delighted that Plateau State has continued to witness incremental peace and stability since Lalong came into office because of his determination to unite the people and address issues that ignite insecurity and crises.

He cited the creation of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, the signing of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, and the adoption of the Open Government Partnership Initiative among others as some of the laudable achievements of the Governor that have turned around the fortunes of the State nationally and internationally.

Shamaki also said the Governor has carried along the CSOs in his administration by listening to their advises and also partnering in various programmes and projects of the State.

He assured the Governor of the commitment of the CSOs in Plateau State to engage, collaborate and support the Government as it continues to serve the people.

Also contributing, Prof. Para Mallam, Steve Aluko, and Jessica Venkat representing various CSOs, thanked the Governor for always listening to their advises and also implementing some of their recommendations.

They also raised concerns about politics where they urged him to use his office as Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum to advocate for politics of inclusion and proper representation of minority groups in the North Central and other parts of the country.

In his response, Governor Lalong thanked the CSOs for their cooperation and collaboration in the course of his service to the people of Plateau State.

Lalong said he has benefitted a lot from the honest criticisms, encouragement and genuine efforts of the civil society who have also played their part in carrying out programmes and projects that directly affect the lives of the people.

He attributed the passage of some of the laws such as VAAP, Child Rights Act, Disability Rights Act among others to the persistence and technical support of the CSOs who are passionate about the improvement of the lives of the people.

He assured them that his Government will continue to do its best in delivering on its promises to the electorate as well as ensuring that Plateau State continues to be the home of peace and tourism.

On the concerns raised about political representation and inclusivity, he said he will continue to canvass for politics of inclusion which he used in Plateau State give people sense of belonging and garner greater participation.

He advised the CSOs to encourage all eligible citizens to go out and obtain their PVCs which will give them the opportunity to ventilate their grievances in the ballot box and ensure that those who are elected will serve their interests.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
14th July 2022.

Gov Lalong has been fair to Plateau women-LG Deputy Chairman

By Golok Nanmwa,Jos

Deputy Chairman, Quan Pan local government council of Plateau, Hon Helen Henniet Wapmuk on Wednesday said Governor Simon Lalong and the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in the State has been fair to women in terms of appointments and elective positions in the state.

Wapmut while speaking to Journalists in Jos, the Plateau State Capital added that women have never had it so good in the state until now, citing some key positions occupied by women at state and federal levels.

According to her, the first female senator in the history of the state was elected on the platform of the APC.“The minister representing Plateau in the Federal Executive Council is a woman.“Since the inception of APC administration in Plateau, the Commissioner for Finance has been a woman and many other key ministries.“As I speak with you, we have four female deputy chairmen of local government councils,” she said.

She said the party has also given women the opportunity to compete politically with their male counterparts.

Wapmuk added that the party made wonderful choice in picking Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, an educationist and a women friendly personality, as its governorship candidate.

She believed that Yilwatda would give women more opportunities, if elected.“I am urging Plateau women to support Dr Yilwatda because he has good plans for women.“I have gone through his agenda and I can authoritatively tell you that women and youths can get more than 50 per cent of appointments in his administration,” she added.

On their performance as Qaun Pan local council officials, Wapmut said that the exemplary leadership of the Chairman, Hon. Ernest Da’a, facilitated improvement in the security situation of the area.

Wapmut noted that a lot was achieved in other areas, including series of free medical outreaches for the people.

GOVERNOR LALONG OPTIMISTIC OF END TO VIOLENCE IN BASSA AS IRIGWE AND FULANI SIGN COMMITMENT TO PEACE

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed optimism of a lasting peace and an end to recurring violence in Bassa Local Government where attacks have led to loss of lives and destruction of properties, farmslands and Livestock.

Governor Lalong who witnessed the signing of the expression of commitment to peace between the Irigwe and Fulani communities in Bassa Local Government Area said he was happy that there is a genuine and collective effort to address the spade of violence that has grossly affected people of the area and the State in general.

He said “Today’s gathering which is at the instance of the leadership of the Irigwe and Fulani is for these two communities to tell the whole world that they had tested the bitter pills that violent conflict serves but now willing, ready and able to chart a new course for themselves by first forgiving the past in order to reconcile the future”.

He said upon coming into office in 2015, his administration inherited crisis but was determined to confront the challenges head-on, which enables it to immediate develope a policy framework in a way that moves away from the reactive approach to being proactive.
“The nearly two-decade experience of violent conflict between Irigwe and Fulani of Irigwe Chiefdom has given my administration sleepless nights. Yet, we never for once relented in our effort and desire to expand the frontiers of Peace and security in those communities in particular and, the entire Bassa Local Government Area in general. My personal involvement in the mediation of this conflict was hinged on the ongoing interventions of both the Plateau State Peace building Agency and the State Inter-Religious Council who have worked closely with other stakeholders, including external actors to bring peace and stability in communities ravaged by internecine conflict” he said.
While commending the Brra Ngwe for his personal commitment to the pursuit of peace as well as other stakeholders including the Fulani representatives, the Governor urged the parties to take full ownership of this Document. “It is your document and you must ensure that you enlighten and sensitize your respective communities on the importance of respecting all the articles contained there-in. Be assured that on its own part, Government will support and monitor your commitment towards the implementation of this Agreement”.
He warned that Government will not relent on its duty if maintaining law and order and ensuring that those who attempt to truncate the implementation of the peace agreement are dealt with according to the law.

In his remarks, the paramount ruler of Miango HRH Brra Nngwe, Rev. Ronku Aka (Rtd.) thanked the Governor for his foresight in setting up the Peace Building Agency and empowering it to work towards resolving conflicts and restoring peace and security among the Irigwe and Fulani in Bassa as well as other parts of the State.

He said the the people of Bassa want to put the ugly events of the past behind them abd live in peace and unity with one another to pursue their legitimate means of livelihood without molestation.

Chairman of the Bassa Internal Peace and Security Committee Mr. John Power and the Co-Chairman Alh. Ya’u Idris signed the peace agreement on behalf of the Irigwe and Fulani communities.

Those who also signed as witnesses include Chairman Bassa Local Government, Chairman Plateau Inter Religious Council Prof. Pandam Yamsat and his Co-Chairman represented by Emir of Kanam, President Irigwe Development Association, Chairman MACBAN, Kaduna Peace Commission, Commander Operation Safe Haven, Police Commissioner, PIDAN, Inter Faith Mediation Centre, United States Inistitue for Peace among others.

Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu said the Governor has directed him and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to immediately put in place machinery for Gazetting and working out the policy framework for immediate implementation.
DG Plateau State Peace Building Agency Joseph Lengmang said the Goverment will continue to count on the support of the parties to implement the Peace Agreement to further deepen the Peace in the area by providing critical social infrastructures that would in turn, strengthen social cohesion among the people.

He said the Governor has also directed the Plateau State Peace Building Agency to work in conjunction with security agencies as well as local and international partners to support the safe return and resettlement of all victims of violent conflict in Miango and environs as well as the provision of pyscho-social support and additional trainings to youth groups and women.

Various speakers in their goodwill messages commended Governor Lalong for his determination to see the end of crises in Bassa by facilitating several dialogue sessions, capacity building trainings, consultations and Peace advocacy among the leadership of ethnic associations like the Irigwe Development Association (IDA); the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN); the Gan Allah Fulani Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN) amongst so many others.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
13th July 2022.

The Troops of the Nigerian Army, Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly killed ten Boko Haram terrorists in an ambush between Magumeri to Gubio road in the North of Borno state.

It was gathered that the terrorists who came in their numbers on motorcycles mount a check point and abducted two gulf vehicles and the Perssengers on board in the axis of Titiya village on July 12.

An Intelligence Sources told Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad that the
highly spirited troops who acted on distressed calls were right on hand to counter the move and inflicted humiliating defeat on the terrorists who abandoned their evil mission and took to their heels.

The sources said that the troops chased the retreating terrorist and killed ten of them while some of them managed to escape with bullets wounds.

The sources explained that all the Perssengers were rescued while the two stolen vehicles were handed back to the owners.

Zagazola understand that the Boko Haram, otherwise known as Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, had intensified in armed robbery activities along the roads to sustained its terror campaigns in the North East.

GOVERNOR LALONG DELIGHTED OVER CANDIDACY OF IBRAHIM JAMES PAM AS REGISTRAR, INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed delight over the candidacy of Ibrahim James Pam who has been shortlisted for the post of the Registrar, International Criminal Court, Hague-Netherlands.

Governor Lalong while congratulating Ibrahim James Pam for being the only Nigerian shortlisted among the twelve candidates for the position, expressed optimism that he will be successful in the selection process going by the experience and knowledge he brings along.

Lalong said Pam who has worked for over two decades in the area of International Criminal Justice, investigations and prosecution of the Rome Statutes crimes, internal oversight, administrative and criminal investigations, fraud risk management and fraud prevention among others, will bring enermous value to the office when appointed.

Ibrahim Pam previously worked meritoriously with the International Criminal Court in the Hague; the African Development Bank; and is currently an Executive Director with the Green Climate Fund in South Korea.

Governor Lalong while assuring him of the support and prayers of the people and Government of Plateau State said his candidacy is not only a thing of pride for Plateau State and Nigeria, but of the entire African continent.
He wishes him well and urges him to continue to demonstrate the true Plateau spirit of resilience, honesty, diligence and excellence.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
12th July 2022.

PRESS RELEASE

9 July 2022

RE: UNSUBSTANTIATED ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA BY MR FEMI FANI-KAYODE IN A VIRAL VIDEO IN CIRCULATION

The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a video produced by Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, wherein he made wild and unsubstantiated allegations against the Armed Forces of Nigeria, regarding the recent spate of terrorist attacks particularly, the attack of the prison in Kuje – Abuja on 5 July 2022.

Ordinarily the video and its maker would have been ignored, considering the antecedents of the person behind it as a known Rabble-Rouser. However, in the interest of members of the public who might be misled by the deliberate falsehood and the sensibilities of service personnel and their families who have been paying dearly to keep Nigerians safe, it has become urgent to respond to the video currently circulating in the social media.

Among other allegations, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode claimed that the Department of State Security (DSS) informed the military about the impending attack on Kuje Custodial Centre and even the previous attack on the Kaduna – Abuja rail service. He also claimed that soldiers were withdrawn shortly before the prison attack. In all these allegations, Mr Kayode is merely playing to the gallery. He is not in any position to know whether the DSS notified the military of any attack or not. It may not be impossible that such a claim is part of a calculated attempt to cause division and rivalry amongst all Government Agencies that have been working collaboratively in addressing issues of insecurity in the country.

The claim that soldiers were withdrawn from the Kuje Correctional Custodial Centre before the attack is laughable. It is sad that Mr Kayode is ignorant of whose responsibility it to guard prison.

Mr Femi Kayode further claimed that the military took no action on the recent Shiroro terrorists’ attack, which resulted in the unfortunate death of some soldiers, some policemen and members of the public. This is also an attempt to smear the military and create bad blood between service personnel and the military high command. A despicable statement that dishonours the sacrifices of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price whilst responding in defence of the civilians and the mining community. What a shame! Mr Kayode is encouraged to pay more attention to the weekly briefs by Defence Media Operations. Defence Media Operations gives weekly briefs/updates on operations being conducted across the country; press releases on military operations are also made when the need arises.

Mr Fani-Kayode is also called to refresh himself on the constitutional roles of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. In all, subordination to civil authority, is key. It is pertinent to state that, the Nigerian Armed Forces has toiled to sustain and nurture our democracy, hence the same military cannot contemplate a coup de tat, as alluded to by Mr Kayode in his video. The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor has always stressed the unalloyed loyalty of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the President, Commander-in-Chief and the Nigerian Constitution. Accordingly, as the 2023 General Elections approach, desperate persons must depart from their evil ways, for never again would they lure the military into their wicked machinations. If a confession must be made, Nigerians must know now: the military is always the worse victim of military rule.

Finally, in a miserable attempt to malign the leadership of the military, Mr Kayode gave the impression that, while junior military commanders and non-commissioned officers are working hard, senior commanders are doing nothing. This is sheer ignorance and nothing more. Mr Kayode is completely oblivious of the fact that in the military, orders, instructions and directives are issued from the hierarchy to the lower rungs of command. Therefore, junior commanders cannot be working hard while their superiors are idle.

This is indeed a difficult time for the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Nigerians as a whole. It is not time for attention-seeking individuals to cause needless distractions. Members of the public are therefore urged to ignore Mr Femi Fani-Kayode and continue to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly to law enforcement agencies.

JIMMY AKPOR
Major General
Director Defence Information

NDE DAVID VICTOR DIMKA fsi CONGRATULATES THE NEW MISKHAM MWAGHAVUL.

Former Comptroller of Customs, Nde David Victor Dimka fsi has congratulated Da John Putmang Hirse over his recent selection as the new Miskham Mwaghavul.

In a congratulatory message issued through his Media Aide, Boniface Kassam, the Captain of the DVD Movement in Plateau State said the selection of the new paramount ruler was the best thing that would happen to the Mwaghavul nation.

He described Da John Putmang Hirse as a seasoned public servant who will bring his wealth of experience toward enthroning peaceful coexistence among his people and Plateau State as at-large.

“Having served at the Federal level and rose to the position of a Permanent Secretary before becoming the Miskham Mangu and now the entire Mwaghavul nation, I have no doubt that the Mwaghavul people have made the right choice. He will bring his wealth of experience to bare as the paramount ruler of the entire Mwaghavul nation”, he said.

He therefore urged the new paramount ruler to ensure unity among his people and other ethnic groups in the State.

He prayed for God’s guidance and wisdom as he seats on the throne of one of the largest ethnic groups in Plateau State.

#DVD Media.

GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS DIASPORA BIKER KUNLE ADEYANJU; RESTATES COMMITMENT TO POLIO ERADICATION, SPORTS AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has received Kunle Adeyanju the diaspora biker who rode from London to Nigeria.

Kunle who is in Jos as part of his advocacy for the fight against Polio met with Governor Simon Lalong at the oldest golf course in Nigeria, Rayfield 1913.

He said he is still going round the country to encourage Nigerians to keep on doing what they have done to fight against Polio so that the disease will not come back again.

Adeyanju stated that just last week, Polio was recorded in the UK and also reiterated the fact that Malawi, Cote D’Ivoire and Togo still have Polio. Therefore it is very important for the country to sustain its efforts to permanently kick polio out of Nigeria so that Polio will never return.

Governor congratulated Kunle Adeyanju for a successful trip from London and also welcome him to Plateau State, describing him as a hero and worthy ambassador of the nation.

Lalong also appreciated his effort in fighting against Polio, a disease which he said did a lot of damage to Nigeria and took a very long time to be checkmated.

The Governor also told him that he is a major donor in the fight against Polio by his reason of being a member of the Rotary International, a body that has led in the fight against Polio globally.

He assured him that the Government of Plateau State will continue to do its best to not only address polio related matters, but also handle other diseases that pose a threat to public health and safety.

Lalong also told Adeyanju that his administration has continued to create the right atmosphere for tourism and sports to thrive thereby making it possible for more people to visit Plateau State for leisure and business.

He also used the opportunity to appeal to Adeyanju to use the benefit of his visit to Plateau State to send out the correct information about the fact that a new Plateau that is peaceful, accommodating and investor- friendly has emerged out of the sustained efforts of the Rescue Administration.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
9th July 2022.

GAGDI FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS ON EID-EL-KABR, DISTRIBUTES 430 RAMS, TWO TRAILERS OF RICE FOR SALLAH CELEBRATION

No fewer than 430 rams and 1700 (50kg, 25kg and 10kg) bags of rice were distributed to Muslim constituents of PKK by the member representing the constituency at the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, to facilitate a hitchfree 2022 Eid-el-Kabr celebration for the beneficiaries.

It is a sacrosanct tradition of the lawmaker to distribute food items and cash donations to his constituents during festive period in tandem with the spirit of giving and to also assist the less privileged members of the constituency celebrate without much hassle, this has been a yearly ritual he has maintained since 2015, when he was elected to the State Assembly.

This year’s celebration came at a time prices of foodstuffs and animals have skyrocketed, jeopardizing the chances of many households to provide for their families, hence the lawmaker’s intervention comes handy, as attested to by many of the beneficiaries.

Traditional rulers, party officials, various youths and support groups, as well as religious leaders from Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam local government areas benefitted from the lawmaker’s gesture, and were appreciative of the intervention.

Cash support raging from 10 thousand to 50 thousand naira were distributed to those some selected perambulation alongside the rams and rice to different individuals and groups to assist in buying soup ingredients. The cash distribution totals 5 million naira.

About 81 rams were shared to salaried village heads within Kanam Traditional Council, 25 to Jahr Chiefdom and 50 to Kanam Emirate Council, making a total of 156 to the entire traditional institution in Kanam LGA.

30, 10 and 12 rams were distributed to Imams of Jummat mosques in Kanam, Pankshin and Kanke local government areas respectively. Similarly, distribution committees in Kanam alongside leadership of KPY and Jos got 33 and 15 rams respectively.

Friends and relations got 54 rams, Jos based stakeholders got 50 while the Kanam APC caucus got 27 and some youth groups got 25 rams.

As for rice distribution, Imams of Jummat mosques got 234 bags, 500 bags were distributed to stakeholders in PKK, VOGA officials shared 100 bags, Babayo boys got 100 bags, youth groups in PKK got 300 bags, Kanam LGA Exco and Ward Chairmen 41 bags, while 247 bags were shared to village heads and traditional rulers.

Signed:
GAGDI MEDIA TEAM

OUR SUPPORT FOR YOUR AMBITION IS UNDILUTED, ARTISTS TELL RT HON YUSUF ADAMU GAGDI

In what appears to be a tacit approval of the competence of Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi to be returned to the House of Representatives, a group of artists have thrown their support behind his ambition.

The group, which included lyricists, composers, musicians and other creative artists, were at the Gagdi Support Group Foundation at Yingi, Rayfield, Jos, on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 to confirm their support for his re-election to represent the people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency.

The group which was received by Pharm Mizim Dagung Haruna, Senior Legislative Aide to Rt Hon Yusuf Gagdi, noted that the constituency has continued to be inundated with myriad of life changing projects and other social intervention needs that have never been witnessed before.

Describing Rt Hon Gagdi as one not satisfied with what he has done so far has exhibited uncommon passion for setting a record that would be difficult to beat.

Corroborating what has been said about Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, one of his aides, Comrade Saminu Maigoro, said Hon Gagdi remains committed to providing the people with life changing and people-oriented projects in virtually all communities in the constituency.

He told the guests who have composed songs, videos and other creative contents in honour of Rt Hon Yusuf Gagdi to remain committed to the cause of selling him to the larger societyty.

Speaking severally, the artists, made glowing reviews of Rt Hon Yusuf Gagdi’s contributions towards uplifting the lives of the people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency.

While pledging to work harder towards helping to sell his candidacy, the group prayed for his success in 2023 and offered suggestions on the way forward.

Those who attended the meeting included, MC Dan Angas, Ayuba Dutse, Xtra P, Jaafar Danja, Lasgidi, and Glamor amongst other 40 artists.


GAGDI STRATEGIC MEDIA COMMITTEE

July 6, 2022