RE: GAGDI IS SET TO INSTALL NEXT GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE (Shabul Mazadu)
It was funny reading an expression of chicken heartedness concocted as a writeup by a faceless person or group on Viewpoint, an online news medium dated 27th April, 2022, tagged ‘Gagdi is set to Install the Next Governor of Plateau”, thus; attempting to discredit Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, and whip out political hatred against him.

The writeup was merely and evidently born out of fear and malice.

Any person with tremendous achievements of Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, will surely intimidate political opponents without mentioning a word, because of the large presence of supporters and admirers won over by the feats which successful game of politics hinges on.

The writer of the article has clearly shown that politically, Gagdi is an intimidation to his ambition or that of his principal, that’s why they came up maliciously attempting to bewitch the state to form a negative opinion about him and to divert the minds of the electorates from his achievements to flimsy issues. This act is purely an act of cowardice. Chief Obafemi Awolowo said, “It is mean and cowardly, and an evidence of weakness and utter demerit, for any group of people to attempt to commend themselves to the public by the negative process of belittling and condemning others. Strong, courageous, resourceful and self-confident people are never afraid of rivals or competitors.”
It is evident and a fact that individuals don’t impose on Plateau State who becomes the next Governor. A typical example is then Governor, Jonah David Jang.

Jang as a sitting governor had the resources, all the 17 local government councils chairmen, political appointees and strong backing from the presidency, but could not form the Governorship in 2015. How then can someone alleged that a person who is in the House of Reps, without even the logistics at his disposal as the case was with Jang, boast of installing the next Governor? This is laughable. Gagdi is not a daft but an intelligent person, because only intelligent people represent their constituents remarkably the way he is doing. His bills passed into laws shows intelligence, so, he cannot be this daft to make such a boast. He knows that the people decide who governs them, that’s why in many fora he advocated for people oriented projects, excellent governance and excellent representation too.
On the issue of having a gubernatorial aspirant, Gagdi said that he has none, and that the one the party presents he will fully support. He said this on Sunday 24th April, 2022, in his office.

It shouldn’t be misconstrued, constitutionally and Electoral Act wise, Gagdi has the right to have his gubernatorial aspirant and sponsor him, but he denied himself that right waiting for the direction of his party.

The writer faulted Gagdi for being loyal to Governor Simon Lalong, when has loyalty to the Governor becomes a crime? Where in the constitution of the Federal Republic is it enshrined that a Federal Legislator should not be loyal to the governor? Let’s say it’s true, which is not, that Gagdi is lobbying the Governor to support his gubernatorial candidate, what is wrong with that? Will the writer not do same if he has a candidate? Will he sincerely tell us that he will not like the Governor to support his candidate? When has lobbying become a crime in politics? Hon. Benjamin Kalu, member representing Bende Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, confirms lobbying as part of the political game when explaining why some reforms brought by women were not considered in the constitution amendment. Is Seeking support for candidates from the electorates not lobbying? Is there a law that frowns at seeking support from the governor?

The clownish writer said, “Gagdi who in his foolishness thinks he is smart has gone ahead to create a group named; “Plateau Legacy Group” and had purchased both the nomination and expression of interest forms and by extention, endorsing Governor Lalong for Senate all in a bid to appease the Governor to make him (Governor Lalong) to endorse Gagdi’s Gubernatorial candidate.” Let’s say it’s true that he did that, when has creating groups in politics and purchasing forms for aspirants become foolishness? Is he saying that all those that bought forms for their preferred aspirants are fools? Except they don’t have the means, but supporters who are not willing to purchase forms for their aspirants have questionable loyalty and support. Is it wisdom not to have political groups? Which serious politician in Nigeria doesn’t have different groups of supporters? How can you be successful in politics without groups? If the writer has something against Governor Simon Lalong, and doesn’t see him as a hero, many don’t have anything against him and they see him as a hero.

There is nothing wrong with Gagdi picking forms for Lalong and asking him to contest the Senatorial election. There is nothing wrong in forming legacy group. Is Lalong not eligible to contest the Senate? Don’t people have the right to make him their choice?
It’s unfortunate that the writer of the fairytale did not put into cognizance Gagdi’s constitutional rights as a citizen of Plateau and as a politician.

Gagdi is a bona fide indigene of Plateau State and has contributed his quota immensely to its peace, progress and prosperity. He has the right to contest for any position just like any eligible indigene would do. He has the right to support whoever he wants for Senate, House of Assembly, House of Reps, Governorship and for Presidency. He has the right to partake in installing the next Governor. In fact he has the right to contest the Governorship of Plateau State and the Presidency of Nigeria. If anyone says he doesn’t have the right to the aforementioned, let them produce the law depriving him of them.

Any game that Gagdi plays so long as it is within the ambit of the law, is legal.

He is not an underdog, and should not be biaslly projected as one that should play the second fiddle.

Everyone involved in politics have vested interest and aspiration which hinge on the mercy of the delegates of the political parties at party primaries and electorates at the secondary election polls. And instead of the writer embarking on calumnious campaign of smearing reputation of Gagdi, he should channel his energy in marketing himself or his principal. Chief Obafemi Awolowo said, “What our people want to know above all things else is not the defect or incapacity of this or that organization, but the plans and programmes which we have for improving their lots and the relative merits of such plans and programmes which could be put into execution…”

GAGDI PICKS APC REPS NOMINATION FORM

The member representing PKK and Chairman House Committee on Navy, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, has today kicked started his second term bid, by picking the APC nomination form for House of Representatives.

The lawmaker, who led members of Plateau Legacy Group to pick senatorial nomination form for Governor Lalong, also used the opportunity to pick his own form, and had the privilege of been handed the reps form by the APC National Secretary, Dr Mohammed Argungu, with the serial number Reps 0001; making him the first to pick the APC reps nomination form in Nigeria.

Gagdi was accompanied by some prominent members of his Constituency to pick the form, notable among whom are the Executive Chairman of Kanke Local Government Council, Comrade Saminu Maigoro amongst others.

Signed:
Pharm. Mizim Haruna Dagung
SLA to Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi.

PLATEAU LEGACY GROUP PURCHASES SENATE FORM FOR GOVERNOR LALONG; INSIST THAT HIS EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL

The Plateau Legacy Group, a political pressure group has purchased the APC Senatorial form for Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong to contest for the Plateau South Senatorial seat in the forth coming elections.

The group which was led by its Chairman and Member representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi disclosed this when they met the Governor at the Plateau Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

Gagdi said they have no option but to take the decision in order to persuade the Governor to run for the Senate seat in order to offer more services to the State and Nigeria large.

He said, “leaders like you should not do what they have done to Plateau people and retire home. You have done so much for Plateau State and Nigeria at large and that is why we have put our heads together to take the decision to buy the form for you to contest”.

The Federal Legislator told the Governor that the Plateau Legacy Group consists of a wide range of stakeholders including all elected Plateau representatives at the National and State Assemblies from the APC, all elected Local Government Chairmen under the APC, all Commissioners and some strategic appointees who are determined to assist the Governor to consolidate on the legacy of achievements.

He informed the Governor that although the National Secretariat has designated Zonal Officers to sell the forms to aspirants, the National Organising Secretary of the APC personally attended to them as a mark of honour to Governor Lalong who has contributed enormously to the success of the party. In addition the Legacy Group was given the privilege to purchase form No. 001 being the first Senatorial form to be acquired.

The Group said they will present the form to the Governor officially this week at an elaborate forum in Jos where all its members across the entire State as well as other supporters will be present.

Responding, Governor Lalong said he was surprised by the gesture of the Legacy Group coming when he had just started consultations.

While assuring them that he will heed their call for more service to the State, the Governor said he was pleased to note that so far, his service to the State is being keenly watched by people such as the Legacy Group who have taken it upon themselves to project him further.

The Governor said his passion has always been to leave Plateau State better than he met it and this has been largely achieved through the support of citizens and leaders from the Local to the Federal level including members of the Legacy Group.

He again reiterated that the Legacy Projects will be completed among other projects that are ongoing to give the State a better future.

Lalong also used the opportunity to thank President Buhari for his leadership and support to Plateau State in many areas which enabled the State to carry out several developmental projects.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
26th April 2022.

“RESIST PRESSURE TO COMPROMISE THE JUDICIARY” GOVERNOR LALONG CHARGES NEW CHIEF JUDGE OF PLATEAU STATE.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has sworn in the substantive Chief Judge of Plateau State Hon. Justice David Gwong Mann with a charge for him to resist pressure from politicians and other vested interests to compromise the Judiciary.

While performing the swearing in at the Victoria Gowon Hall, New Government House Little Rayfield Jos, Lalong said Hon. Justice David Gwong Mann has paid his dues in the Temple of Justice and through experience, talent and patriotism is by the grace of God elevated as the Chief Judge of the State.

He said “While I congratulate you on this well-deserved appointment, may I also remind my Lord that this task is a daunting one which calls for total dedication and commitment for the peace, progress and stability of Plateau State and Nigeria at large. Having spent your public life within this sector, no one can lecture you on what the citizens expect from you as the Head of this very important Arm of Government”.

He urged him not only see this elevation as call to duty, but also as a Trust given to him by God to represent him in the affairs of men. Staying true to his Oath of Office and discharging his duties with the fear of God and without fear, favour, affection or ill-will is therefore sacrosanct.

Lalong said the new Chief Judge was coming into office when the State was operating Autonomy of the three Arms of Government including the Judiciary. He therfore urged him to take advantage of all the latitude that this autonomy provides to ensure that Judicial Staff are well trained while the day-to-day running of the courts is seamless.

On Industrial harmony in the Judiciary, the Governor said “Only recently, the Judiciary Workers Union in Plateau State called off its Industrial Action which had paralyzed activities in all Courts and created untold hardship to many citizens who need one service or the other from the courts. While we put behind us this recent challenge, I urge you to do more to ensure that all matters that could lead to such action are addressed to forestall future strikes.You can count on the support of the Executive Arm of Government and the Legislature to work with you in helping you cultivate a cordial working relationship with the Staff. This is very necessary in order to consolidate on the efforts we have put in to reduce to the barest minimum all industrial disputes in the past 7 years”.   

Lalong also drew the attention of the new Chief Judge to the challenges with speedy dispensation of justice particularly as it involves some suspects that are arraigned for violent crimes including terrorism.

“We have noticed that the longer such cases stay in the courts, the colder they become and the tendency to further impact on security and safety of not just witnesses, but of the citizens at large. Findings have shown that lack of conclusion of some of these cases on time has seemed to create an impression among criminals that they can carry out crimes and not be punished. It is our view that when such cases are dealt with expeditiously and those found guilty are punished, it will deter others hoping to engage in criminal acts” he said.

He also reminded His Lordship that political activities are in top gear at the moment ahead of the general elections in 2023 and this is the time when enormous pressure will be mounted on Judges by politicians who want to achieve their aims at all costs.

He advised him to beware of those who want to corrupt, confuse, intimidate or blackmail the Judiciary to do their bidding in order to win elections saying his is very capable of withstanding them and maintaining the sanctity of the Temple of Justice and the Legal profession.

Responding, Justice Mann said he was grateful to God for the opportunity to serve and the privilege to be elevated to the position of Chief Judge of Plateau State.

He promised to serve with integrity, honesty and justice as well as do his best to ensure that the rule of law is adhered to at all times.

Justice Mann also said he was aware of the challenges in the Judiciary and appealed for support and collaboration from the Executive and Legislative Arms as well as the Justices and other Judicial Staff and professional bodies.

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

25th April 2022.

By Golok Nanmwa,Jos




Group operating under the aegis of PKK Political Vanguard for Good Governance, ( PKKPVFG ) has lauded the member representing Pankshin ,Kanam ,Kanke federal Constituency in the house of representatives Hon Yusuf Gagdi for his outstanding representation of the people at the National Assembly.

The group further added that the incumbent Yusuf Gagdi has done a lot to bring the dividends of democracy to the people of the Zone adding that “since the inception of democratic representation in the district, they have fared better under the leadership of Hon Yusuf Gagdi .




“We would support the re election bid of Rep Yusuf Gagdi ,because he is one of the best thing that has happened to PKK ” ,the group further added .


President of the group Comrade Francis Longji Takop , in a statement issued on Monday after an emergency meeting at Kanke noted that the lawmaker’s representation of the people was outstanding and unequalled since creation of the zone .


The group averred that his unalloyed loyalty to the All Progressives Congress APC coupled with hard-work and faithfulness in the discharge of his legislative duties have endeared him to members of the group.






“We are calling for the re-election of Hon Yusuf Gagdi because of the good works he is doing and for him to gain ranking order in the National Assembly.”






As a group we therefore, enjoined all well meaning sons and daughters of PKK to join in the vanguard to re- elect Hon Yusuf Gagdi in 2023.





Takop reiterated that representation can come from any person in the district, as far as the person is giving the people of PKK robust representation, delivering good governance and associating well with the masses, who remain the bedrock of democracy.


He stated that the Rep Gagdi has continuously ameliorated the poor by providing boreholes, transformers, street lights, motorcycles cars ,building hospitals ,providing Jobs and more to cushion the effects of poverty in the area.




The lawmaker has done so well and would continue to do more ,he has attracted so many projects to the district and Plateau as a whole .They further added that ” The rep member Hon Yusuf Gagdi Babayo has done well and created an awareness that the dividends of democracy can reach everyone in his constituency irrespective of political or religious divide.




“We call on the people of PKK to give him another chance. I urge our political leaders to support Gagdi for the growth of the zone ” the statement further added .

They further added that ” The rep member Hon Yusuf Gagdi Babayo has done well and created an awareness that the dividends of democracy can reach everyone in his constituency irrespective of political or religious divide.

“We call on the people of PKK to give him another chance. I urge our political leaders to support Gagdi for the growth of the zone ” the statement further added .

★ Describes him as the best and most qualified candidate for the job.


A Group, Coalition of Plateau South Youths in Plateau State has called on Governor of the state His Excellency Rt. Hon Dr. Simon Bako Lalong to contest for the senatorial seat of the zone.



This decision was made known by the patriotic youths Senatorial Zone during a briefing held Yesterday at 24th 2022 in Jos the plateau state capital.


Speaking seperately, Mr Nkat Joseph Lakai from Mikang Local Government who is the President of the coalition of the Plateau south youths, Ibrahim Donglong from Qua’an-Pan, Tony Bako from Shendam and several others described the Governor as the best Governor ever produced by Plateau. They noted that the Governor has proven himself as a man who has the interest of his people at heart and as such, deserves higher positions/responsibilities.


They stated he has provided and delivered the much needed dividends of democracy to the people of Plateau.


Also lending their voices Mr. Stephen Sambo from Langtang South, Abubakar Muhammad from Wase, praised the Governor and urged him to continue with the good works he is doing.


“Governor lalong has brought the needed developments to our people in plateau south as such we are urging all well meaning of the zone to l support the governor”


The group also appreciate lalong for lobbying for federal institution to the zone, sitting of plateau University teaching hospital in the zone, legacy projects,roads network across the zone amond many laudable projects in the zone.

NIGERIAN GOVERNORS FORUM CONDOLE PLATEAU STATE OVER KANAM/WASE KILLINGS; DONATES 50 MILLION TO VICTIMS

Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Ekiti State Kayode Fayemi has condoled the Government and people of Plateau State over the recent murder of over 100 people by terrorists in Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas of the State.

Governor Fayemi who was at the Government House Rayfield Jos on behalf of the Forum, condemned the murder of the innocent citizens by the terrorists, saying that this was another attempt to destroy the efforts put in by the Lalong Rescue Administration to consolidate peace and security in the State.

Fayemi said the Governors Forum is outraged over the killings and will continue to do everything possible to support Governor Lalong to overcome the situation and deal with those who are bent on causing chaos in Plateau State which is a natural destination of choice to many.

He announced a donation of 50 million naira by the Nigerian Governors Forum to assist in meeting the needs of victims and supporting those who are displaced.

The NGF Chairman also condoled Governor Lalong over the death of Dr. Simon Harry, the Statistician General of the Federation who died recently and was buried on Friday.

Responding, Governor Lalong said he was delighted to receive the Chairman of the Governors Forum who has come on behalf of the other Governors to commiserate with the people and government of Plateau State.

He said the State was devastated by the incident which was sheer criminality and another desperate attempt by merchants of crises to take the State back to the dark days.

Lalong assured that the Government has beefed up security and also directed that all those involved are arrested and brought to justice.

He thanked the Forum for the donation and specifically commended Governor Fayemi for his leadership which is pragmatic, compassionate and focused.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
22nd April 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG VISITS NEW TETFUND EXECUTIVE SECRETARY; CANVASSES MORE INTERVENTION IN PLATEAU TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has visited the new Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund) Arch. Sunny Echono in Abuja with an assurance that the Plateau State Government will continue to engage the Fund in addressing critical challenges of educational institutions in the State.

Lalong who was at the TetFund to formally congratulate Arch. Echono over his new appointment, said he was not surprised by his appointment having done excellently well as the Federal Ministry of Education where he retired as Permanent Secretary.

He recalled the wonderful relationship existing between Plateau State and TetFund where the Fund carried out major interventions at the Plateau State University Bokkos, Plateau Polytechnic, College of Education Gindiri as well as Federal Institutions such as the University of Jos, Federal College of Education Pankshin among others.

According to the Governor, he was optimistic that the new ES will carry on with the good works of his predecessor Prof. Elias Bogoro who did a lot to improve the standard of infrastructure in many State and Federal Tertiary institutions in the country particularly in Plateau State and the North.

He called on Arch. Echono to be focused and ignore distractions from some groups and individuals who are calling for the scrapping of TetFund, saying such calls are unreasonable and uncalled for, giving the tremendous work the Fund has done in changing the face of education in the country.

Lalong assured him that as Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, he will work with his colleagues to ensure that the Fund does not only achieve its objectives across the nation, but get quality interventions in the North which is lagging behind educationally.

Responding, Arch. Echono said he was delighted to receive Governor Lalong who is the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of the State where he spent his early school and working life and still considers it his first home.
He said he has received a lot of support from Governor Lalong over time and is happy that such collaboration will continue as he carries out his new assignment.

While assuring the Governor of the continues intervention of TetFund, Echono said the Fund is moving into other areas of intervention outside infrastructure by devoting resources to content development and supporting entrepreneurship education, as well as equipping education students with practical skills and knowledge to perform better.

He disclosed that President Buhari has already approved upward review of education tax from 2 to 2.5 percent which will enable the Fund cope with increasing demands by the old and new Tertiary institutions that are being established across the country.

Echono was also full of praise to Governor Lalong for his pursuit for peace and development which has restored Plateau to its pride of place as the Home of Peace and Tourism.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
21st April 2022.

” I HAVE NOT ENDORSED ANY ASPIRANT” – GOVERNOR LALONG

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says he has not endorsed or anointed any candidate for Governorship or any political office in the forth coming general elections.

Governor Lalong who spoke while addressing an APC Stakeholders meeting in Jos, made the clarification over unconfirmed insinuations that he has anointed a successor and also endorsed other aspirants contesting for various offices.

Lalong said “I have not adopted or anointed any aspirant for Governor or any other office. While very suitable members of our party have indicated interest to vie for different offices, we are carrying out consultations with all key stakeholders to ensure that at the end of the day, the best persons emerge to fly our party’s flag. When such time comes, we will make it public and not hide it. I am praying that God will guide all of us to make a choice that is in the best interest of the people and our State and nation”.

Lalong also said the party will continue to encourage members to build consensus from the grassroots and build healthy competition among aspirants and thier supporters before, during and after the elections.

He said although all the aspirants will be given a level playing field to test their popularity and acceptance, at the end of the day the will of the majority will prevail while only one person will emerge for any office.

The Governor also cautioned against negative campaign and use of foul language by aspirants and thier supporters, saying such could end up being counter productive for the APC as the opposition will use it to discredit the party at the general elections.

On the dateline for public sevants and appointees seeking elections to resign, Lalong gave up till the end of this week for those yet to comply to do so in order not to fall foul of the new electoral law.

Lalong also thanked the APC members for their support and sacrifices particularly during the last bye elections which the party won one and lost one, urging that they should close ranks to ensure victory in the forthcoming bye elections for Bassa and Jos East State Constituencies.

He assured that the ongoing projects such as the British America Flyover, Legacy Projects and the Jos main market billed to commence soon will be completed before the end of this administration.

Also speaking, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Idris Wase charged members of the APC in Plateau State to come together and work in unity for the success of the party at the Local, State and national levels.

He admonished the party faithful to continue to support Governor Lalong who is the leader of APC in Plateau State particularly towards ensuring that a smooth succession plan is attained where APC will retain the Governorship and win more seats at the State and Federal Levels.

The Deputy Speaker advised all the aspirants for various offices not to be desperate as power comes from God alone.

Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda urged members of the party to close ranks and avoid divisive tendencies that will cost the party electoral victories.

Chairman of the APC in Plateau State Hon. Rufus Bature said the party has mapped out strategies for more electoral victories as well as reconciliation.

He also announced that the party office will soon move to Kalwa House from its present location where members will have more room for the party’s activities.

The ALGON and Elders Forum also gave goodwill messages where they assured of their continous loyalty to the party.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
18th April 2022

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES MINISTER OF JUSTICE ABUBAKAR MALAMI, SAN AT 55

The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN on his 55th birthday.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong in a message of felicitation described Malami as a courageous and committed legal personality whose passion for the peace and progress of the nation has continued to guide his conduct.

Lalong said the Learned Senior Advocate has effectively managed the nation’s law and justice sector by introducing innovations that have improved justice delivery, strengthening independence of the Judiciary, and emphasizing the principle of separation of powers between the arms of Government.

Governor Lalong also acknowledged the efforts of the Minister of Justice towards consolidation of the rule of law, fight against corruption, terrorism and economic crimes in the country.

While wishing him good health, God’s blessings and divine protection, Lalong said the Forum appreciates the contributions of Malami to its efforts towards addressing the socio-economic challenges and improving the living standards of its people.

He urged him to continue to remain steadfast and committed to the implementation of Justice reform in the country.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum
19th April 2022.