Mmember representing Pankshin, Kanam, Kanke (PKK ) in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has condemned without equivocation, the terrorist attacks on several communities in Kanam Local Government Area; Kukawa, Kyaram, Gyambau and Dungur among others, leaving in their wakes, the gory tales of human annihilation and destruction of valuables.

The lawmaker in a statement made available to newsmen said he was in Madina for lesser Hajj along with some of his colleagues when the news of the attack broke.

He commiserates with the families of those who lost their loved ones and prayed God almighty to forgive shortcomings of the victims and grant them everlasting rest.

The lawmaker, who chairs an Armed Forces Committee of the House says he swiftly contacted the Minister of Defence, Gen. Magashi (rtd), to request for immediate military presence in the affected communities and those bordering them in order to arrest the surging activities of bandits in communities within his Constituency.

Gagdi fumed at federal government’s negligence to provide security to Plateau communities, despite intelligent reports by the DSS, of the influx of bandits fleeing to Plateau and other neighbouring states over nine months before this attack was carried out.

According to him, the federal government, who has exclusive control of security apparatus in the country has woefully failed in its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property of Nigerians.

Gagdi expressed outrage at the devastating state of security in the country, positing that somebody has been negligent in the discharge of his duties to Nigerians, maintaing that it was high time the federal government owned up to their inability to discharge this sacrosanct duty it owes Nigerians.

Gagdi said he was going to cut short the lesser Hajj and return to the country in order to visit the affected communities to console victims of the attacks, provide relief materials, as well as to see for himself the extent of damages inflicted on the communities by the daredevil marauders.

He commended Governor Lalong for his swift response to the dastardly situation. Even though the governor has no direct control over the security operatives within the state, his swift intervention to reach out for security interventions in times of infractions has always been commendable, the lawmaker has said.

Gagdi raised the alarm for citizens within boundary communities, particularly in Wase and Kanam local government areas to be on the alert, as fleeing bandits from Zamfara and other North-West states are traced to be camping within the thick bushes in the mentioned local government areas.

GOVERNOR LALONG SALUTES ELDER STATESMAN AMB. YAHAYA KWANDE AT 93

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has sent warm felicitations to elder statesman Ambassador Yahaya Kwande on the occasion of his 93rd birthday.

Governor Lalong in a message congratulated the seasoned Administrator, Politician, Diplomat and philanthropist for his selfless service to Nigeria, Plateau State and humanity at large.

He described him as an accomplished personality who has made huge impact in the lives of the people at various times when he occupied various offices in the country.

The Governor said Ambassador Kwande has mentored many in public service, politics and humanitarian activities by his record of performance over the years where he has freely offered counsel, support and goodwill to those in power and others.

According to Governor Lalong, Ambassador Yahaya is one of the few elders that have demonstrated sufficient interest in the peace, progress and prosperity of Plateau State and Nigeria over the years, hence his willingness to advise and share his wealth of experience with the Government on key issues.

While wishing him many more years of God’s love, good health and prosperity, Governor Lalong urges him to continue to do his best to serve the State and the nation especially during difficult times when the wisdom and knowledge of elders comes into play.

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

Plateau Inter-Religious Youths Council on Wednesday appealed to Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik, owner of Kefiano Autos to contest the 2023 governorship election in Plateau State.

The council further said the business man has visionary leadership qualities and his philanthropic activities have impacted positively on citizens of Plateau State.

Chairman of Inter-Religious Youths Council, Plateau State, Nabal Dagin made this known while speaking with newsmen in Jos .

They said ” We the Plateau Interreligious Youth Council call on Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik to contest for the position of the Governor of Plateau State to improve our infrastructure, bring investments using his global network.

In their words ” We are appealing to all patriotic citizens and stakeholders in Plateau State to ensure the realization of Chief Kefas Kefiano Wungak Ropshik’s election as Governor of Plateau State in 2023.

” Being a man who God has raised from a humble background he understands the predicaments of the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable among us.”

The group described Ropshik as a man with human feelings who sponsored the medical treatment of over 59,000 poor people and 2,900 persons with complicated surgeries who could not afford the cost .

“He facilitated the release of 127 inmates from the Jos correctional facility who were languishing in jail for minor case or have been granted bail bit could not afford to pay fines. This intervention secured the release of these inmates who are now being productive in society.



“Kefas has brought succour to over 2,000 widows that have been direct beneficiaries of his food support programme in the 3 states of Plateau, Taraba and Benue where he was born.



He is explained that with the laudable intervention programmes carried out by Kefas, the Group has thrown it weight behind him and would put in place political structures for his emergence.



“We are calling on patriotic citizens of Plateau State to help us plead with Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik to come and contest for the Governor of Plateau State; having him as a governor will restore the hope and participation of intelligent young people in governance.



“This will boost the economy and peace of Plateau State as a leader with all sterling leadership qualities, highly knowledge of E-commerce, an ardent believer in global best practices, a peace builder, a unifier, a philanthropist and a lover of humanity.”



The council further called on citizens of the state to support the business man if he decides to contest the 2023 elections .

PLATEAU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL APPROVES RECONSTRUCTION OF JOS MAIN MARKET; CONDEMNS ATTACK IN BASSA

The Plateau State Executive Council has approved the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market burnt down many years ago.

The decision was reached by the Council at its weekly meeting presided over virtually by Governor Simon Lalong who is currently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates alongside other Governors to participate in the 11th Annual Investment Summit.

The approval was sequel to a memo submitted by Hon. Idris Gambo, the Commissioner for Urban Development who is supervising Ministry of Commerce and Industry to the Council with the proposal for a Public Private Partnership Joint Venture to be funded by Jaiz Bank Nigeria Plc.

Briefing newsmen after the Council meeting, Commissioner for Information and Communication Hon. Dan Manjang said the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market has been one of the priorities of the Lalong Rescue Administration which despite several attempts delayed because of conditions given by various prospective investors.

Manjang explained that the determination and resilience of Governor Simon Lalong to fulfill his campaign promise to the people by ensuring that the market is reconstructed has finally paid off with the agreement by Jaiz Bank Plc. to partner with the Plateau State Government in funding the project.

He said the project expected to be completed within the lifetime of this administration, is one of the many legacies the Governor wants to leave behind for the economic prosperity of the State.

Giving details of the PPP Joint Venture, Supervising Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Hon. Idris Gambo said the entire project will be funded by the bank with a total of 4,231 shops of different sizes expected to be constructed on 44 percent of the land totaling 7.4 hectres. He said the rest of the land space will provide for parking, banks, fire station, police station, administrative blocks and other facilities.  

The Commissioner disclosed that the market wholly belongs to Plateau State Government and will be managed by the Jos Main Market Authority while the Investor will recover part of their investment from proceeds of the sale of the shops.

Gambo also said the Exco resolved that those who were displaced from the burnt market will be given the first option of acquiring the new shops which will be provided under a flexible payment plan to ensure that genuine traders and people of Plateau State are not left out.

It was also agreed that work on the adjourning roads from the Gangare axis will be intensified with a possibility for dualization to ensure that traffic congestion does not prevail when business activities resume in the market.

The estimated total cost for construction of the three phases of the market is 9.4 billion naira.

Jaiz bank has similar PPP projects in Kano, Kaduna and Niger States with some completed and others ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Exco has also approved a proposed Bill for the establishment of the Plateau State Independent Peace and Security Trust Fund to be sent to the State House of Assembly.

Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General Chrysanthus Ahmadu explained that the proposed Bill seeks to generate funds from the private sector, Government and other sources to support peace and security efforts in the State by training, equipping, motivating and insuring security personnel on security duties in the State, as well as supporting community policing structures and neighbourhood watch groups.

In another development, the State Executive Council has condemned the attacks in Jebbu Miango which left three persons death and others injured.

While consoling with those affected, it directs security agencies to redouble their efforts in arresting the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
 
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
30th March 2022.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES NEW APC LEADERSHIP; COMMENDS PARTY FAITHFUL FOR PEACEFUL EXERCISE

Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Venue/Site Servicing Committee of the just concluded All Progressives Congress National Convention, Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated the newly elected leadership of the party led by former Governor of Nasarawa State Sen. Abdullahi Adamu for their emergence.

Lalong while rejoicing with them over their election said the APC has proved all skeptics wrong by organising a very successful and rancour-free exercise that has put it in good position to continue to provide leadership to Nigeria in the years to come.

He expressed optimism that the new APC leadership under Senator Abdullahi Adamu will give the necessary direction and impetus to all organs and members of the party to play their roles in strategizing for the next phase of the party’s development strides.

According to Governor Lalong, “Senator Abdullahi Adamu brings into the job a basket full of vast political experience spanning many decades that will be very instrumental in stabilizing the party ahead of the 2023 general elections. With his experience, connections and ability to bring members together, our party will grow more united and stronger especially with robust reconciliation which the newly elected Chairman had started alongside other stakeholders of the party before the Convention”.

Lalong also appreciated the fatherly role that President Muhammadu Buhari played before and during the Convention which doused a lot of tension and guided members of the APC to put the general interest of the party above their personal ambitions.

This leadership demonstrated by the President according to Governor Lalong, ensured that the party did not tore the line of self destruction as envisaged by naysayers and some members of the opposition who predicted a chaotic convention and doom that could weaken the APC and reduce its political might.

Governor Lalong also commended the Caretaker and Extra ordinary Convention Planning Committee for its role in ensuring that the process went ahead irrespective of many challenges faced along the way.

He also thanked members of his committee who did excellently well in ensuring that the venue and site services were in top shape for the exercise which went without any challenge.

The Governor also used the opportunity to ask members of the APC family in Plateau State to remain united and work to consolidate on the gains recorded by the party over the years as it has all it takes to retain power and win all elections in the future.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
27th March 2022.

HAPPY 78th BIRTHDAY TO AN ASTUTE POLITICIAN, MENTOR AND QUINTESSENTIAL LEADER

Every man has a hero. My hero is the one who is fatherly, motivates, emancipates and inspires my political ambitions.Sen. Dr Da Jonah David Jang is the hero who I will live to emulate his legacies. An exemplary leader and astute politician, a nationalist who believes in oneness and indivisibility of Nigeria, a great patriot who served his fatherland meritoriously and passionately. A principled, honest, transparent, accountable, firm, hardworking and incorruptible man. Indeed, Da Jonah David Jang is a role model of good leadership. I wish Nigerian politicians would emulate the legacies of my hero.
As you celebrate your 78th birthday, I wish you a year of bravery and more success. May Almighty God bless you with faith and courage.


Once more, congratulations and happy birthday to you sir.


Signed: Nde Isaac Wadak
March 13, 2022

PLATEAU PDP’S BRAZEN DISRESPECT FOR GENERAL YAKUBU GOWON (REJOINDER)
By Shabul Mazadu
I read the press release issued by the Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, dated 12th March, 2022, signed by John Akans, its Publicity Secretary, where it attacked Plateau State Government over the British-America Flyover. I felt broken over a statement on the erudite and reputable elder statesman, General Yakubu Gowon in the press statement. The statement reads, “We advise Governor Lalong and the APC to stop using our highly valued elder statesman (Gen. Gowon) to cover up their non performance.”
From the statement, the PDP is clearly saying that Lalong and the APC have been using General Gowon to cover up for their non performance, and therefore they should stop.
Again, telling them to stop using Gowon for their coverup means he is Lalong’s and APC’s pawn, that is, he is being used without his knowledge or with his knowledge but being overpowered or he knew it, but compromised.
General Gowon never stood for or supported anything wrong, and for the PDP to say that he is being used to cover up for non performance, is a grave allegation on his person.
A question can also be asked on this wise, how has Lalong and the APC been using Gowon?
Or, is the PDP referring to the invitation given to Gen. Gowon to come and flag off the bridge construction as being used? If yes, are they saying Gowon does not know good and useful projects to come and flag off, and projects to ignore?
Gowon came for PLASU convocation and simce then appreciates the rapid infrastructural development and academic expansion in the institution. He has the records of Lalong and that was why he commended him for completing the projects the PDP left behind.
The PDP is only playing the ostrich, but Gowon knows Plateau more than all its party members, and he is forthright unlike they who are filled with lies, mischief, sabotage, hypocrisy and craving for charting away public funds as they did to the funds brought to them by Governor Nyesome Wike.
Gowon is apolitical lest they accuse him of being a member of the APC, therefore, in all ramifications the PDP has no justification of using the clause they used warning Lalong and the APC to stop using him to coverup for their underperformance.
Since 2015 to now, General Yakubu Gowon, came to Plateau on two special occasions. He was at the first Convocation of Plateau State University, Bokkos, PLASU, where Governor Nasir Ahmad El-rufai of Kaduna State, the Bauchi State Governor, Muhammed A. Abubakar, Senator Joshua Dariye, Dame Pauline Tallen and other dignitaries were there. And secondly, he was at the groundbreaking of the British-America Junction flyover.
The resuscitation of PLASU which was assassinated by the PDP administration, was laudable because at present, the institution has greatly expanded. The groundbreaking of the British-America Flyover, is laudable too, because motorists who ply the road would tell the horric traffic holdup they face. Are these two projects worthy of saying Gowon is used to coverup underperformance? Are they underachievements?
The PDP should know that there is no Head of Military Junta or President of the Federal Republic that broke the record of General Yakubu Gowon in terms of projects execution. Gowon chose an excellent head to lead Benue-Plateau State as its first administrator, that was Joseph Gomwalk. Therefore he shares in all the projects executed by Gomwalk.
He executed lots of projects as Head of State and gave full backing to someone who executed same in our state, thus; depicting he is totally in love with achievements.
As an ex Head of State and an Army General, he cannot succumb to the whims and caprices of bloody civilians to be manipulated and use as coverup for their undetachievements.
When then President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was in power and assassinating democracy, Gowon came out openly and cautioned him. In fact he said there was a demon controlling Aso Rock. How then can this great man be reduced by the PDP saying he is being used by Lalong and the APC to coverup their undetachievements? May be the PDP is still having the pain that Gowon begged Obasanjo to lift up the emergency rule he imposed on the state in 2004 as a birthday gift. Or could it be that they were angry that he came and supported the resuscitation of the Plateau State University Bokkos?
It is worthy of note that since the inception of the Fourth Republic, the PDP led by Jonah David Jang, the man controlling the party currently, never invited General Gowon to any of its activities. Dariye revered him and consulted him so many times. Lalong reveres him and consults him always, can the PDP tell us when and how they revered him when they were in power?
They said, they value him highly, but that is mere lips service and hypocrisy. If not, let them tell us how they value and valued him.
Can you sincerely claim to value a man in the capacity of General Gowon and then said he is being used as cover for underachievements?
Gowon has given Nigeria the best, likewise Plateau. And he supports what is good for Plateau that was why he opted for the restoration of democracy during the emergency rule as a birthday gift.
By the way, until Lalong leaves office without completing the projects he embarked upon before he can be judged by anyone of failure. What the PDP is doing, is what Chief Obafemi Awolowo qualified as acts of envious people and detractors. He said, “Our enemies and detractors are already at work. They are seeking to dwarf our stature in order to delude the public that they are taller than we are. They are seeking to divert us from our noble and constructive courses into the barren land of petty strife and fruitless controversy.”
He qualifies politicians with such attitude as envious braying asses.
Opposition is vital in politics, but it should be done with decorum and within the confine of its jurisdiction.
The PDP should therefore recant its statement on Gowon and apologize publicly to him.

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN

were said to have been prevented from arresting a suspected gun runner and fabricator in Vom Community of Vwang District in Jos South LGA of Plateau State.
Military Information Officer OPSH, Major Ishaku Takwa said that on sighting security personnel, members of the community came out en mass and barricaded the road leading to the community in a bid to prevent troops from gaining access to the community to carry out their lawful duty.
“All efforts to calm the crowd proved futile as they resorted to throwing stones and other dangerous objects at security personnel who kept their cool in the face of the unwarranted provocation.
“In order to prevent the situation from degenerating, the Comd OPSH Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali ordered the immediate withdrawal of the troops from the community.
“OPSH condemns the action of some members of Vom Community for obstructing the lawful performance of duty by security personnel, we wish to remind the people about the consequences of preventing the arrest and harbouring criminal elements in their community
“However, Operation SAFE HAVEN wish to call on the people never to attempt obstructing security agencies from the performance of their lawful duties. No one should be in doubt that troops would certainly effect the arrest of any person or persons suspected to be involved in any unwholesome activity considered capable of truncating the peace and security of the state and the nation at large.”

GENERAL GOWON UNVEILS REDESIGNED OLDEST GOLF COURSE IN NIGERIA, RAYFIELD 1913, APPLAUDS GOVERNOR LALONG FOR SUSTAINING PEACE

Former Nigerian Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon has unveiled the redesigned oldest golf course in Nigeria, Rayfield 1913 which is now a green.

Gen. Gowon while performing the event at the Rayfield golf course in Jos said he was happy that the game of golf is progressing in Plateau State and Nigeria at large with attendant benefits.

He praised Governor Lalong for his passion for the game and also redeveloping the Rayfield golf course which is now comparable to any standard course in Nigeria.

Gowon said the influx of visitors and investors into the State would not have been possible without the restoration of peace which Governor Lalong has worked hard to build over the years.

He called on the citizens of Plateau State Nigerians at large to do everything possible to live with one another in peace and respect the sanctity of life at all times.

While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces for their gallantry in dealing with criminals across the country, Gowon said he was pained to see how a few people and groups have chosen to terrorise the citizens. He urged Nigerians to expose criminals and expose them by supporting the security agencies to deal with them.

Governor Lalong while appreciating Gen. Gowon for honouring the State to unveil the redesigned golf course, said Rayfield has a historic reputation that needs to be cherished and developed into an economic potential in sports.

Lalong said his efforts in fostering peace and working against criminals and crisis merchants has gradually paid off with more and more people confidently coming into the State.

He said the Government will also work on the Laminga golf to making it a green.

Gen. Gowon and Governor Lalong later perfomed symbolic shots to commemorate the event. They were joined by Deputy Governor of Edo State Philip Shuaibu, Amanayabo of Twon Brass in Bayelsa State King Alfred Diete-Spiff, HRH, Agwam Atyap in Kaduna State and the Captain of the Rayfield golf club.

Governor Lalong also sponsored Hole 13 which was named after his mother, Tiopsan.

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

GENERAL GOWON FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF BRITISH-AMERICAN JUNCTION FLYOVER IN JOS; PRAISES GOVERNOR LALONG FOR PROJECTS AND PEACE

Former Nigerian Head of State General Yakubu Gowon has flagged off the construction of a new interchange at the British-American Junction in Jos with a call on the citizens of Plateau State to continue to support Governor Simon Lalong to complete his developmental projects.

General Gowon said the flyover project was highly commendable because it will address the traffic situation in the area and enhance the movement of goods and persons within the State.

He said Plateau State remains a centre of attraction and a gateway to many States in the country, hence the need to have good road infrastructure for the easy access of visitors and citizens.

The former Head of State congratulated Governor Lalong for exhibiting political maturity by continuing with inherited projects and completing many of them as well as initiating others across the entire State.

This he said is giving the State the capacity to attract more development and continue to fulfill its responsibility as the home of peace and tourism.

Governor Lalong in his remarks described the construction of the flyover as a major step towards addressing the plight of motorists who have over the years experienced so much challenges passing through the road which is a major link to the North East.

He said “we have not only executed projects (both inherited and new ones), but ensured that every part of the State is touched irrespective of whether the people voted us or not. We have put behind us the era of carrying out projects to favour ethnic, political or religious affiliations.   We are all aware of the nightmare citizens of the State and other road users go through to commute through this corridor. Our decision to take the construction of this fly over and dualization up to Lamingo junction is borne out of the need to place the State on a pedestal for economic growth knowing that the long hours people spend on traffic impedes commerce”.

The Governor disclosed that the road is a Federal road, but the State Government decided to intervene while eagerly awaiting the commencement of the Akwanga through Jos to Gombe segment of the project because of  its importance to its people.

He directed the State Ministry of Works to Liaise with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure that conditions for intervention are fulfilled in addition to a joint-supervision to meet up with the standards and specifications that are set for such interventions to enable us get reimbursed for this work.

The Governor said the project is the first road project that his administration has carried out using the Public Private Partnership option where a financial institution is to provide all the funds with the State Government providing the guarantee.
 
“This partnership has not only opened a new vista in project funding for the State, but also affirmed the success of the administration in restoring confidence in Plateau State and rebuilding the economy. I therefore assure citizens of the State and other road users that with this guaranteed funding arrangement and the commitment so far demonstrated by the contractor, this project will be completed and commissioned by my administration before leaving office in May 2023” he said.

Niger State Governor and Acting Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee and Convention Planning, Abubakar Sani Bello praised Governor Lalong for being resilient and focused in fulfilling his campaign promises to the people of Plateau State despite the challenges of funds.

He said the performance of Governor Lalong is a good omen for the APC which has made giant strides in many areas of the economy in all States where it is in power.

Commissioner Ministry of Works Pam Bot-mang said and they have been in constant engagements with stakeholders along the corridor which is a Federal Highway in order to ensure that there is no encumberance.

He said the total sum for the project is 9 billion naira with cost of funds and the completion period of 18 months.

The Long Gamai Miskoom Martin Shaldas said the performance of the Governor in projects is one that is based on equity, justice and fairness.

Chairman of the construction company, Cranenburg Nigeria Ltd, Alhaji Nasiru Danu assured that the company will work assiduously to meet the target of completion and the desired quality.
 
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
11th March 2022.