The Economic and Financial Crimes Commision has arrested the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris, over alleged mismanagement of N80billion, Freelance Reporters has learnt.

Sources said the arrest was made in Kano and he was currently being moved to Abuja.

The commission is expected to issue a statement shortly.

Details later….

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONDEMN MURDER OF DEBORAH SAMUEL; APPEAL FOR CALM AS THE LAW TAKES ITS COURSE

The Northern Governors Forum has condemned the murder of Deborah Samuel, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education Sokoto who was killed on allegation of blasphemy.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong in a statement said the Governors were concerned about the development which is clearly an extra-Judicial measure of addressing perceived infraction.

According to Governor Lalong, any attempt to adopt self-help in addressing grievances whether religious or otherwise, will only lead to further chaos that could threaten law and order as well as the general peace and security of the society.

While commisserating with the family of the victim, Lalong said the Northern Governors want security agencies to be allowed to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that the law takes its full course on anyone found wanting.

The Northern Governors also appealed for calm following reports of the hijack of a peaceful protest which later turned violent and led to the imposition of a curfew in Sokoto metropolis.

Governor Lalong also extended the support and commiserations of the Forum to Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State over the incident as well as praised his proactive efforts to restore normalcy.

They assured him of their solidarity and prayers in dealing with the matter as well as ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to forestall future occurrence in any part of the region and nation at large.

The Forum also reminds citizens of the region and Nigerians of the need to continue to show love, tolerance and respect for one another irrespective of faith, ethnicity or other affiliations.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
14th May 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG ATTENDS TAROK CULTURAL FESTIVAL “ILUM O’TAROK”; ASSURES OF COMPLETING PROJECTS IN TAROKLAND

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State on Saturday 14th May 2022 attended the annual cultural festival of the Tarok nation otherwise known as “Ilum O’Tarok” which took place at the Langtang Mini Stadium.

The Governor who was Special Guest of Honour at the event assured the people of Tarokland and the citizens of Plateau State that his administration will do its best to complete all ongoing projects.

According to the Governor, so much has been achieved in completing many abandoned projects inherited from the immediate past administration and others before it as well as new ones initiated.

He cited the General Hospital in Mabudi, Langtang South which was abandoned at foundation level but now completed and awaiting commissioning. The Langtang Water Treatment Plant built by Chief Solomon Lar which was moribund for many years was also reactivated and now providing portable water to the citizens.

Lalong said the Legacy Project in Shishi will also be completed soon while the Gazum Road, Langtang-Garkawa Road and Kadarko Road will also be done.

He commended the Tarok nation for sustaining the cultural fiesta saying:

” I am happy that the Ilum O’Tarok has taken the lead in this new vista of cultural renaissance in Plateau State. This is not surprising considering the patriotism and sense of pride with which all sons and daughters of Tarokland hold and display their culture and tradition wherever they find themselves. This is a good virtue that must be sustained. At an event like this, I must re-emphasise the need for continuous propagation and sustenance of our rich cultural heritage that is under threat by globalization. Many of our cultural practices are gradually being abandoned while our languages are fast disappearing by the day especially among our younger generation. This is a concern that I want the Tarok nation to take very seriously considering the fact that other tribes also face similar threats”.

On peace and security, he commended the Tarok nation for doing their best to maintain peace within their domain and by extension, the State in general. These efforts he said should be sustained as the State continues to confront criminals and crises merchants who are always looking for an opportunity to strike and cause havoc.

He also assured them that Government will support them towards having a substantive Ponzhi Tarok.

“As I once again condole the Tarok nation over the demise of the late Ponzhi Tarok, I wish to assure you that Government will not hesitate to ensure that a new Ponzhi is installed when the king makers and the traditional council conclude the process for the selection of a successor. My appeal as always is to ask that everything should be done according to laid down rules and the culture and tradition of the Tarok people. My administration has maintained its neutrality over appointment of Traditional Rulers and will not impose anyone on the people” he said.

Chairman of the Ngwang Ishi O’Tarok, Amb. Nanpon Sheni said the cultural festival provides an avenue for the sons and daughters of Tarokland to get in touch with their roots, culture and heritage as well as find ways of addressing critical challenges in education, infrastructure, water, health, economic prosperity among others.

He thanked Governor Lalong for his efforts in developing many parts of Tarokland and urged him to do more particularly in completing ongoing projects.

Royal Father of the day and Emir of Dass HRH Alh. Usman Bilyaminu Othman emphasised the need for peace, unity and harmony among the Tarok people as well as with its neighbours. He said the Tarok nation is known for hospitality, friendship and honesty which are attributes that have endeared them to many people around the world.

Chairman Langtang North Local Government Hon. Zulfa Rimven, Acting Chairman Tarok Joint Traditional Council HRH Nimnan Langnim, Algon Chairman Plateau State Hon. Alex Naantuam and other speakers praised Governor Lalong for working hard to sustain peace in Plateau State and spreading development across all Local Government Areas.

They promised to support him to continue to do more for the people even as they called upon the Tarok nation to play its part in the democratic process as they have done over the years with dignity, peace and candour.

The Governor later inspected ongoing construction work on Gazum Road.

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

SOUTH AFRICAN AGRI-BUSINESS TEAM VISITS GOVERNOR LALONG; TO INVEST IN EXOTIC CROPS AND PERISHABLES

A team of agri-business investors from South Africa with over 40 years experience are in Plateau State to explore opportunities for investing in farming, processing and export of exotic crops and perishables which are synonymous with the State.

The team was led to the Government House Little Rayfield Jos by the Managing Director of the Plateau Investment and Proper Property Development Company (PIPC) Mr. Chrysogonus Yilzak.

Mr. Yilzak explained that the PIPC had been in talks with the investors who would have been in the State long ago, but for COVID-19 restrictions.

He said the investors were in the State under Plateau Fresh Project which is targered at harnessing the abundant and untapped potentials of the State in production, marketing, processing and export of exotic crops and perishables.

He said so far, the survey conducted shows that 18 potential crops are ready for investment initiatives across the State.

Technical partner to the project Mr. Ian White said Plateau State is very ideal for growing many varieties of crops and vegetables that are in high demand in Nigeria and around the world.

He said they have gone round to identify some areas and crops that are produced by over 4,000 farmers who are shortchanged by middle men who do nothing except moving the products to the cities.

According to him, their company plans to conceive, design, build and operate a tested agri- business model that will train farmers using technology and modern farm inputs to guarantee high yield.

In addition, he explained that they will establish value addition mechanisms to ensure that products are processed and packaged before being taken out for export and domestic consumption.

Ian regretted that Plateau with high capacity for tomato production is not able to meet domestic demands as Nigeria has to spend huge foreign exchange in importing tomato paste.

This he said will be addressed with the efforts of his firm which intends to start small, but expand gradually through training and building the requisite management teams and workforce.

He commended Governor Lalong for doing his best to restore peace to the State and also creating an enabling environment for investors.

Responding, Governor Lalong thanked the team for visiting Plateau State and expressing interest to invest in agriculture.

He said the Government will continue to do its best in providing an enabling environment for investors particularly in agriculture which is a main source of employment and economic prosperity of the citizens.

The Governor told the team that already, the Yakubu Gowon Airport has been designated as Special International Airport for agricultural products while the Inland Container Depot has also been acquired and will soon be put to use.

He promised to continue to work towards enhancing the security of lives and properties of the citizens and investors.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
10th May 2022.

Chief Kefas Ropshik “Kefiano” Job Creation and Philanthropic Gestures that Makes Him Best Aspirant

Proverbs 19:17 “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed”

As Aspirants jostle to grab the tickets at the Primary elections of the major political parties in Plateau State before the end of this Month which is the first step towards knowing the likely Successor of the incumbent Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong, it is very important to know about what the Aspirants have done or are still doing to better the lives of the people and transform the society.

It is equally vital to know that the aspiration of those Aspirants is not borne out of parochial interest of enmeshing wealth for themselves, family and Friends leaving the people wallowing in abject poverty.

Chief Kefas Ropshik has written his name in gold when it comes to humanitarian intervention and impacting the lives of the people in diverse ways. He is a frontline PDP Governorship Aspirant in Plateau State.

Kefiano as he is fondly called is a consummate business Tycoon, a renowned Philanthropist and an Employer of labor whose feats are unmatched having touched over 50,000 (Fifty Thousand) lives in the last 13 Years.
As an a reputable Entrepreneur and employer of labor, he has on his payroll over 150 staff. He is able to build their capacities, improve their productivity and make them financial stable.
Kefiano paid for comprehensive surgeries for over 3,900 persons, settled the bill of over 230 successful surgeries for glaucoma, paid the medical bills of over 5,000 persons who suffered from various illnesses, organized a feeding programme for over 2,000 widows and less privileged, facilitated amnesty for 127 Prisoners in Jos and Abuja Custodial Centres during his direct prisons’ outreaches, rented a home for the less privileged in Jos and environs, adopted 15 Children in his orphanage home in Jos (he us responsible for their shelter, feeding, clothing, medical and education needs).

He was able to secure employment opportunities to over 30 Plateau Youths into Civil Defense, Federal Road Safety Corp and the Nigerian Police.
He has also offered scholarships and financial assistance to over 25 Youths in the State, provided Shelters to some facilities and donated cars to some Friends and Family Members.

His manta is “Plateau First” and intent to achieve that through holistic empowerment and critical infrastructural development.

He is also ready and willing to provide quality leadership which will enhance the prosperity of the State.
He has always frowned at the abysmal economic performance of the State which has made the State to be referred to as “Civil Servants State” instead of being one of the economic hubs of the Nations considering its huge potentials in agriculture, tourism, mineral resources, etc.

He is passionate about making the economy viable economically, creating wealth and raising Millionaires in the State.

He envision a safer, secured, united and prosperous Plateau State.

#PlateauFirstMedia

Dr. Dawop hints at creating a prosperous, Peaceful & Buoyant Plateau State

As the race for the 2023 General elections across Nigeria gets into top gear, Frontline aspirant for The Action Democratic Party (ADP), Dr. Sani S. Dawop said he plans to make Plateau a prosperous, Peaceful and Buoyant state, if elected as the Governor for Plateau State, come 2023.

Dr. Dawop disclosed this in an online discussion ‘Meet Your Guber Aspirant’ organized by the prestigious Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association, PLABOMA.

Dr Dawop said he strongly feels he can restore the past glory of Plateau state because as the Home of Peace and Tourism. as peace has eluded us for about 20years or more and it is now time we restore the peace and also the glory.

He stated that In the absence of peace, there wouldn’t be tourism for any individuals from outside the state or country to visit. While citing an example with a state like Lagos where there is peace leading to the state accommodating. individuals and potential. He noted that such can be achieved by a level of hard work, deliberate effort and dedication. As such every individual should be given an equal opportunity to reclaim that glory that is lost.

While discussing His gubernatorial ambition, Dr Dawop said as a human resource person, he intends to achieve a Plateau desire development, where every individual living in the state will have the opportunity to achieve any level of self-actualization in life.
He hinted at his dream to develop a state that is peaceful and accommodating irrespective of our tribe, religion and creed. He stressed that if elected as Governor come 2023, he will develop a number of programs and activities to focus on regenerating the economy. He added that his mission is to provide a government that touches life positively.

Pointing at his high level of exposure as an added advantage, Dr Dawop said he is bringing the experience he derived over the years with both public and private sectors, internationally, Governmental and non governmental parastatals where plateau can tap into all.

“Some of my experience are 16years of public service experience, 2years in the revenue office at the federal level, 14years as a Federal auditor, 3years of international experience with an international NGO, 2Years will Bill and Melinda Gate’s Foundation, 1year with the United Nation Development Program (UNDP), 8years as private sector Entrepreneur and a Co-Founder of an NGO (International Institute for research and Economic Development), 5years with a blue-chip conglomerate of the Dangote Group where he worked in diverse areas.” Dr. Dawop said.

Dr. Sani Dawop stated that another area to focus on is security and sustainable peace, working as a team to achieve peace in the state. He stated that one of the major areas to review critically regarding security is the operation rainbow. “Being close to Gen. John Temlong who was one of the architects of Plateau Operation Rainbow, I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge in the concept that they had earlier set up”. He said.

He added that as part of his security strategy, he is looking at reviving peace committees in different villages, wards, Local Government and at the state level. The peacebuilding agency established has done some work in that area but will need to be strengthened the agency to do a lot in such area because of you give responsibility to the traditional rulers in particular in various communities and into the governance and security architecture, you will achieve more he said.

Speaking about economic revitalization, he mentioned that he has gained experience with the Dangote group over the years, and he will seek for partnership with the Dangote group so they can bring up a project that will be of benefit to the state as well as individuals such as industrialization, cottage industries.

Dr Dawop went on to assure the citizens of Plateau that he is going to focus on industrialization through the concept of one product for one local government area. He will identify a product that is of competitive advantage in each local government area and then build a cottage industry around that area. He added that his experience as an industrialist in the manufacturing industry has also exposed him to know all the regiments and what it takes to build an industrial based in the community or a state. We will take advantage of that and change the narrative of Plateau from being a Civil Service town to being a commercial and industrial hub when elected” He said.

PLATEAU TO HOST 5,000 PHARMACISTS AS GOVERNOR LALONG PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR PSN NATIONAL CONFERENCE “TIN CITY 2022”.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has pledged support to the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) ahead of its National Conference tagged “Tin City 2022” scheduled to hold in Jos, November this year.

Governor Simon Lalong who received the National President of the PSN Prof. Cyril Usifo at the New Government House Little Rayfield Jos, said Plateau State was eager to host the Pharmacists who have been very helpful to the health and socio-economic development of the State.

Lalong who accepted to be part of the Conference said the State Government will give all necessary support to ensure a successful National Conference in line with the State’s history of hospitality and accommodation.

He said the choice of Jos as the host city for PSN National Conference is another testimony and dividend of the peace efforts that the Rescue Administration has put in place over the past 7 years.

The Governor while commending the pharmacists for doing their best towards safeguarding the health of the citizens, appealed to them to intensify their surveillance, monitoring and enforcement against drug abuse, illicit drugs, self-medication and other harmful practices.

PSN President Prof. Cyril Usifo said the Council agreed to give Plateau the hosting rights of the Conference because of the improved security situation in the State and the efforts of the Governor to improve the health of the citizens.

Uniform also thanked the Governor for his policies towards better practice of pharmacy and his support to members of the profession in both public and private practice.

Plateau State Chaiperson of the PSN Kaneng Pam said the State will benefit a lot from hosting the event 27 years since it last hosted it.

According to her, the efforts of the Governor in creating enabling environment for businesses to thrive is responsible for the consideration of Plateau for the highest gathering of Pharmacists in Nigeria.

The Governor was also decorated with the official regalia for the Conference and also presented with the hosting banner.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
10th May 2022.

Breaking: 18 APC Plateau State Guber Aspirants Threaten To Dump The Party

Gubernatorial aspirants under the platform of the All progressive Congress in Plateau state have threaten to leave the party if due process is not followed in electing the flag bearer for the party ahead of the primaries.

Addressing a Press conference in Jos on Monday, Chairman/convener of the forum of APC Governorship aspirants, Chief Amon Gizo insisted that an attempt by the Governor of Plateau state, Simon Lalong or the Party hierarchy to foist a candidate on the party and the people of plateau state will be resisted.

The forum is also asking the party leadership to address forthwith the use of ad hoc delegates with amendments for the primaries.

The list of those who are members of the forum include the Deputy Governor, Sonnie Tyoden, Professor Dakas Dakas, Mr. Sunday Biggs , Doctor Patrick Dakum and 14 others.

2023: GOVERNOR LALONG RECEIVES NOMINATION FORM TO CONTEST FOR SENATE

Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has officially received the Expression of Interest/Nomination forms purchased by a political pressure group, Plateau Legacy Group to contest for the Plateau South Senatorial District Seat in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

The official presentation which took place at the Shendam Mini Stadium was attended by a large crowd of supporters and APC members from the six local government areas comprising the Southern Senatorial District as well others from across the State.

Speaking at the presentation, Chairman of the Plateau Legacy Group and Member representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency Yusuf Gagdi said the group is convinced beyond reasonable doubt that Governor Simon Lalong has performed exceptionally within the zone, the entire State and Nigeria at large to merit going to the Senate for further representation.

Gagdi said the Plateau Lagacy Group which has membership across the entire State is passionate towards ensuring that the legacies of the Governor are sustained even after his tenure.

He said the purchase of the form was also to thank the Governor for his sense of justice and fairness in distributing projects across all the local Governments unlinke in the past as well as working for the peace, prosperity and progress of the Northern Region and Nigeria.

APC Chairman in Plateau State Hon. Rufus Bature said the APC has received a boost with the acceptance of the Governor to offer himself again to serve not only the people of Southern Zone, but the entire Plateau State at the National Assembly.

He charged them to remain united and work in synergy to deliver the Governor and all other candidates of the APC contesting for various offices in the General elections.

Bature who warned against traitors and fifth columnists who will come in to seek to destroy the fortunes of the party, assured that the State Working Committee will work assiduously to make sure nobody works against the interest of the party.

Chairman of the APC in the Southern Senatorial Zone Hon. Musa Abdullahi Dan Nyalum thanked the Plateau Legacy Group for coming to the aid of the teeming APC members and supporters of the Governor within the zone who are yearning for the Governor to move to the Senate after the completion of his rescue mission to continue serving them.

Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda said the decision of Governor Lalong to accept the call to contest for Senate is a win-win for the Southern Senatorial Zone and Plateau because he has performed well as Governor and carries along huge Legislative experience that will make him a valuable asset to the Senate and National Assembly in general.

Other speakers including representatives of Local Government Chairmen, women and youth groups, and other friends of the Governor from other Senatorial zones promised to work for the total victory of Governor Lalong and all the candidates of the APC.

In his acceptance speech Governor Lalong said he was overwhelmed by the show of love and solidarity from the people of the Southern Zone and Plateau Legacy Group who have used their hard earned resources to purchase nomination/expression of interest form for him.

He said “Having reflected on the demand of the people over the last few weeks and carried out relevant consultations, I wish to announce with all sense of humility and gratitude that I have accepted this clarion call by the good people of Plateau South Senatorial District to serve them as Senator in 2023 by the grace of God. My decision to heed the call of the people is based on the confidence they have reposed in me and the sustained love and support they have shown me throughout my political career. Since I contested and won elections in 1999 into the Plateau State House of Assembly, I have developed a great relationship with the people of the Southern Zone which has grown over the years. I cannot afford to turn my back on them at this very crucial when they need me most”.

Lalong said among other things, the many reasons which has been consistently given by the many groups and individuals who have pressured him to consider running for Senate is that having gathered so much experience as Member and longest serving Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly; Chairman Conference of Speakers, Chairman; Forum of Former Speakers of State Houses of Assemblies and Governor; the people of the Southern Zone, Plateau State and entire nation needs his vast experience.

“While I would have loved to concentrate on the job at hand which is to complete the Rescue Mission as Governor and finish the programmes and projects we are carrying out, I am also aware that the call for me to contest for Senate is all about the PEOPLE. For me, anything that has to do with the interest of the people takes priority over my personal interest. Politics is about the people and serving them to the best of my ability is where I derive joy and satisfaction. My dear compatriots and members of the APC family in Southern Zone and Plateau State, I wish to assure you that I am fully conversant with the demands of representation in the Red Chambers and the high calibre political maneuvers that go on there. By the grace of God, I will do my best to ensure that we bring more dividends of democracy to the Zone and the entire State when I am elected”.

The Governor said he was happy with the growing fortunes and acceptability of the APC in Plateau State over the years from 2015, having gained so much ground, attracted more members, and won more elections despite the propaganda and disinformation by the opposition.

He also appealed for unity, collaboration and focus ahead of the 2023 elections.

“Let us not allow personal ambitions to jeopardize collective interest of the party. This is the time to demonstrate true loyalty and faith in the APC family. As democrats, we should not forget that of all people aspiring for one office or the other, only one candidate and winner will emerge at the end of the day. That does not make the others losers but provides them an opportunity to be considered tomorrow. The party has mechanisms for rewarding faithful members who sow and sweat to ensure its victory in all elections. We have a duty to close ranks, reconcile, forgive one another and put the interest of the party first. This is more so when our party will be going into its first transition elections from one administration to the other at the State and Federal Levels”.

He also called on the people to shun all forms of political thuggery and before, during and after the elections, insisting that Election is not war, while service to the people is not by desperation or force.

The Governor also visited the Palace of the Long Gamai HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III to seek his blessings for the contest for Senate.

The Royal Father told the Governor that his good works have already gone ahead of him as the Southern Zone has benefited enormously from his projects and programmes.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
7th May 2022.

PRESS STATEMENT

WORK CONTINUES AT BRITISH-AMERICAN FLYOVER AFTER ENGAGEMENT WITH WORKERS/CONTRACTOR

After the the slight disruption of work at the construction site of British-American Flyover to Lamingo Roundabout Junction on the 5th of May 2022, the Ministry of Works immediately swung into action to interface between the construction company, Craneburg Nigeria Ltd and the aggrieved workers.

During the intervention, both sides presented their issues and pledged to work together to resolve all grey areas and ensure that work continues on the all-important project.

The Ministry notes with delight that its intervention yielded positive result and work has since resumed fully at the sight with vigour the following day 6th May 2022 with all staff back to work.

The Ministry also commends maturity exhibited by the workers who have also resisted incitement and overtures by underground political interests to fuel imaginary crises and disrupt the laudable project.

Since then, the construction work has continued day and night with casting and abutment on the flyover bridge which is a major component of this project.

Fresh concrete tests have been run along with a set of compressive strength cylinders including slump, air content, unit weight and temperature. Data from these tests is helpful in assessing mix production and consistency in performance. This is to ensure all stands are kept.

Similarly, Metal works for the other sections of the bridge is ongoing while Beams on the first bridge and formwork continue on the second abutment. Parapets are also being casted and ready for assembling.

The Ministry of Works wishes to express its appreciation to the workers and Management of the construction company Craneburg Nigeria Ltd. for quickly adopting the path of dialogue to avert further disruption of the work in order not to jeopardise the targeted delivery dateline.

We wish to appreciate His Excellency the Executive Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong for his commitment and passion for the project which has boosted the morale of the construction company and its staff.

The good citizens of Plateau State have also been very encouraging since the commencement of the project and continue to cooperate with the Government despite some inconveniences occasioned by diversions and movement of Service Infrastructure from the area.

This gesture is the true spirit of Thinking Plateau and Acting Plateau.

Hon. Pam Bot-Mang
Commissioner for Works,
Plateau State.
7th May 2022.