GOVERNOR LALONG WELCOMES SENATE NOD FOR LAW SCHOOL CAMPUS IN PLATEAU STATE
Governor Simon Bako Lalong has welcomed the decision of the Nigerian Senate to create a Campus of the Nigerian Law School in Plateau State as it passed the Bill amending the Legal Education Act to create 6 new campuses across the country.
Lalong said the decision by the Senate is highly commendable as it will further strengthen the training of Nigerian legal professionals and reduce the challenges faced by law graduates in attending the Law School which is a prerequisite for call to the Bar.
He said “I strongly commend the Senate for this decision and the choice of Plateau State as a host of one of the new campuses. This is a right choice considering the fact that Plateau has been a leading producer of lawyers in Nigeria with the University of Jos churning out many graduates who have gone ahead to make the nation proud in the Bench, the Bar and other sectors. Only recently, we finalised plans to establish a new Law Faculty at the Plateau State University Bokkos to expand the training of lawyers in the State and nation at large”.
While expressing optimism that President Muhammadu Buhari will not hesitate to give his assent to the amended law, the Governor assured that Plateau State is ready to host the new Law School Campus as it is a home of learning supported by good weather, hospitable people and enough infrastructure to support the Institution.
Lalong commended Senate President Dr. Ahmad Lawan, the leadership and entire members of the Senate; Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters; as well as the Sponsor of the Bill Senator Smart Adeyemi for doing the needful to pass the amendment creating the new Law School campuses.
The Governor is also happy that the efforts of his administration in working assiduously to restore peace to the State are yielding positive results as Plateau is now substantially peaceful which has continued to attract not only investors and visitors, but Federal projects and Institutions.
It could be recalled that the Federal Government last year approved the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak, Shendam; Karl Kumm University Vom; ANAN University Kwall; and most recently the Federal University of Education Pankshin.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 9th January 2022.
No fewer than 20 gubernatorial aspirants on the platforms of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have indicated their interests to succeed the incumbent Governor of Plateau State, Mr Simon Lalong whose second term in office expires in 2023. The political temperature in the state is gradually being raised with anxiety coupled with delve political moves in various quarters, while aspirants have started traversing the state for consultations with various stakeholders.
The scheming to succeed the incumbent in the state is coming against the background of unique history in the state. It is obvious that since the inception of this dispensation in 1999, no incumbent government has been able to install a successor. As the second term of Governor Lalong is gradually coming to an end, political observers have been asking if the governor can break the jinx and successfully install his successor. Another puzzle is: who will be his anointed candidate among those who have indicated their interests so far?
Going down the memory lane, Senator Joshua Dariye, who governed the state from 1999 to 2007, could not hand over to the person of his choice on the platform of the PDP. Various interest groups ganged up to frustrate his plan in this regard. There was a huge opposition against him. The situation was so tensed he had to abandon the platform for another political party. Yet, he couldn’t make any head way. Senator Jonah Jang won the 2007 election.
Senator Jang had a good time in office as the governor of Plateau State with a solid political structure. His achievements while in the office are reverence points to date. But despite this, he failed to plant a successor.
His choice of the late Senator Gyang Pwajok as the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP did not go down well with certain stalwarts and members of his party who opposed his choice of successor from Plateau North which produced him.
For this reason, there was a huge and thick opposition against him. The party was fragmented, some notable members of PDP kicked against his succession plan. Before the election, some jettisoned PDP and openly worked against the candidate of the party, while a good chunk of others stayed back to sabotage the party within.
The ability of the late Senator Pwajok to govern the state was not in doubt. He was an intelligent young man and played a formidable role in Jonah Jang’s administration. But his albatross was being from the same local government with Jonah Jang. Governor Lalong attested to this when he openly declared that the wrong political calculation of Jang gave him victory while receiving his certificate of return at Hill Station Hotel in 2015.
Though there is no written agreement to back up zoning arrangement among the three senatorial zones in the state, it is sacrosanct and strictly adhered to. Currently, it is the turn of the central zone to produce the next governor, hence the reason no aspirant from both the North and South has shown interest.
Among the array of aspirants that have shown interest to contest the gubernatorial primary in APC, it is not yet apparent who Governor Lalong wants to support for the ticket of the party. Observers opine that the incumbent is being careful and trying to avoid the pitfall of his predecessors. His body language at the moment is causing hiccups while some members call it a pretentious posture.
Watchers of Plateau politics would want to see whether Governor Lalong would stand aloof and would also want to see whether he would throw his weight behind a private sector or a career politician or if he will allow the process to throw up the most popular candidate.
A former Nigeria Ambassador to Ukraine, Ambassador Ibrahim Kasai, said the governor is well-informed as a lawyer to know that imposition of a candidate might have undesirable effect on the party. “I know him very well he will not impose anyone on the state, his background would not allow him to do that,” he said.
In contrast to the Kasai’s position, a member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Yusuf Gagdi said that only the candidate that is chosen by the governor would be supported to succeed him in 2023.
He noted that the governor would consult widely with relevant stakeholders and bring out an acceptable candidate that would not be rejected by the APC as well as the people of the State.
Gagdi insisted the governor bringing a successor will ensure that “by the will of God that we have a governor that can determine and decide who succeeds him on the Plateau.”
A political analyst Dr Victor Danjuma said in Nigeria political context no governor or president will fold his arms and stand aloof over who succeeds him no matter how pious and democratic such a governor is.
“Governor Lalong holds the ace as far as APC in the state is concerned. He is in the full grip of the party. Those who could be considered as opponents within have been cut to size and some frustrated out of the party. He has the party in his palm, the bulk of delegates who will determine who pick the gubernatorial ticket are his cronies. So he has what it takes to determine who picks the ticket but who becomes the next governor of the state is a different ball game,” Danjuma said.
Another analyst who preferred to be anonymous declared this:” From the body language of Governor Lalong, especially over the recent political developments in the state, it is crystal clear that he will follow the tradition of other state governors in ensuring that his preferred candidate gets the party’s ticket.
“Let us be honest with ourselves. Who would not want him to prefer the person to take over from him? Who would not want a successor that would protect and consolidate his achievements? It is either he succeeds or is frustrated. Governor Lalong cannot be an exception in this regard. Moreover, there is an insinuation already that he is in support of this or that,” he said.
Though aspirants are trying to curry the favour of the governor for possible endorsement, a source close to the party told Sunday Tribune that there are aspirants and groups within the party working independently not minding the influence of the governor.
At the moment, those who have shown serious commitment and interest in the platform of APC are the Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) Dr Patrick Dakur; former Dean Faculty of Law University of Jos, Professor Dakas C J.Dakas (SAN); the deputy governor of the state, Professor Sonny Tyoden; Garuba Paul (SAN); Senator Hezekiah Dimka; a retired Assistant Controller of Customs, David Dimka; and former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue State, Nentawe Yilwatda, among others.
The question now is that who gets the nod of Governor Lalong for the gubernatorial ticket of APC? Sunday Tribune learnt that every one of the aspirants has notified the governor to contest for the primary and as well-received his blessing.
A source close to the governor disclosed that Lalong is determined to break the jinx by not only ensuring that a candidate of his choice emerges, but also that APC wins the 2023 governorship election in the state. He quickly dismissed the speculations in some quarters that the governor is standing aloof or planning to impose a candidate on the party.
“The governor is just being careful not to fall into the mistake of his predecessors. I can assure you that a strong candidate will emerge without much interference in the process,” said the source.
However, whoever picks the ticket will determine if the governor will be able to break the jinx or not. Sunday Tribune findings revealed that the wrong choice of candidate couple with poor performance have always robbed the previous incumbents of the chance to produce their successors.
A former chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Latep Dabang, and a former Majority Leader of the Plateau State House of Assemblyk Hon. Henry Yenkwap have defected from the ruling party APC to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State.
Also, a former chairman of Quanpan local government area, Hon. Isaac Kwalu, and a former member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Nanpon Tom and their supporters were recieved by the PDP during the Langtang Mega Rally 2022 tagged the ‘Great Movement’.
Dabang and Yenkwap also said they have moved to the PDP along with their numerous supporters.
GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES TRANSPORT MINISTER ROTIMI AMAECHI ON CONFERMENT OF “DAN AMANA DAURA” CHIEFTANCY TITLE.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Minister of Transportation Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi on the conferment of the chieftaincy title of “Dan Amana” on him by the Daura Emirate Council in Katsina State.
Governor Lalong in a message of felicitation described the conferment of the title of “Dan Amana,” (the trusted one) to the Transport Minister is another testimony and recognition of his achievements over the years and his vision of building bridges between various parts of the country.
Lalong said the decision of the Daura Emirate Council to honour Rt. Hon. Amaechi is a welcome development which clearly shows that Nigerians love one another and are committed to building a united, peaceful and prosperous society that engender harmonious relationships between people of different cultures.
He asked the Minister to continue to work hard in collaborating with other well-meaning Nigerians in the journey to strengthening the nation’s democracy and pushing for development of critical infrastructure such as the railways, where he has exhibited uncommon patriotism and passion to delivering on the President’s mandate of reviving the nation’s rail system.
The Governor also congratulated the Emir of Daura His Royal Highness Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk for considering the Transport Minister for the honour through the title, saying the gesture is a plus to nation building.
Lalong also congratulated businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Nasiru Danu who was also turbaned as Tafida Babba of Daura.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 5th February 2022.
GOVERNOR LALONG EXCITED AS FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION PANKSHIN BECOMES FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong is again excited with the emergence of another tertiary institution in Plateau State following the signing into law of the Bill for the upgrading of the Federal College of Education Pankshin into a University of Education by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Bill which was passed by the National Assembly and sent to the President for assent provided for the upgrading of the existing Federal College of Education Pankshin into a University of Education. This is another cheering news for the Government and people of Plateau State who last year welcomed two private Universities and a Federal Polytechnic, after approvals were granted by the Federal Government.
While reacting to the assent on the Bill for the Federal University of Education Pankshin, Governor Simon Lalong expressed deep appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for his unquestionable love for Plateau State and his consistency in considering matters related to its progress and development.
Lalong who specifically thanked the sponsor of the Bill Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, Member Representing Pankshin, Kanam, Kanke Federal Constituency for his doggedness in pursuing the bill and lobbying his colleagues, also praised all Federal legislators from Plateau State, leadership of the National Assembly particularly Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and Deputy Speaker Idris Wase, and all legislators for the various roles they played in ensuring that the law was passed and sent to the President for assent.
He said this development further validates the position of Plateau State and a Centre of learning in the North Central, Northern Nigeria and indeed the nation at large, saying the creation of the University will further resolve the challenge of shortage of well trained teachers in the country.
The Governor assured that the Plateau State Government will give every support to the Federal Government to ensure that the University takes off, adding that so far, the infrastructure available is good enough to give it a strong start.
It would be recalled that shortly after the National Assembly sent the passed bill to the President for assent, Governor Lalong immediately visited the Presidential Villa to meet with the President and appeal to him to give his assent to the bill.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 3rd February 2022
GOVERNOR LALONG GREETS FIRST CLASS RULER, AGWOM IZERE, DR. ISAAC AZI WAKILI AT 72
Governor Simon Bako Lalong has sent warm felicitations to the Agwom Izere of Izere Kingdom in Plateau State, HRH Dr. Isaac Azi Wakili as he marks his 72nd birthday.
Governor Lalong in a message described the First Class Traditional Ruler as a man of integrity and a lover of peace whose leadership continues to inspire his people and bring them good fortunes.
Lalong said as an ordained Christian clergy, the Royal Father has maintained his standards of depending upon God to lead his people which has made it easy for them to follow him as he takes decisions based on their interests and with the fear of God.
The Governor said Dr. Wakili is a worthy partner to the Government in the process of peace building, reconciliation, and fight against insecurity in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
He acknowledges his contributions in the Plateau State Council of Traditonal Rulers as well as in the Northern Traditional Rulers Council which have enhanced the quality of interventions by the Royal Fathers in the governance of the nation.
While wishing him many more years of peace and good health, the Governor urged him to continue to motivate and mobilise his people towards ensuring that they take advantage of opportunities in agriculture, education, tourism and many sectors that are witnessing tremendous impact in Plateau State.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 2nd February 2022
GOVERNOR LALONG, ABU LAW CLASS OF 1990 CONDOLE FAMILY OF LATE PROF. AYUA, SAN.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has described former Solicitor-General of the Federation Prof. Ignatius Akaayar Ayua, SAN, OFR, as a scholar of repute and a man of integrity who combined academic prowess with administrative excellence and political sagacity.
Governor Simon Bako Lalong who visited the family of the one time Dean, Faculty of Law and Deputy Vice Chancellor ABU Zaria in company of some of his classmates of ABU Law Class of 1990, said the late Prof. Ayua impacted a lot of people particularly the students he taught, mentored, and inspired throughout his teaching and public service career.
He recalled how the late legal luminary insisted on excellence, honesty, the rule of law, justice and fainess in all his dealings in and out of the classroom, which motivated his students to be passionate in replicating his legacies many years after graduation.
Lalong said Prof. Ayua was in particular a source of pride for people of the old Benue-Plateau State and the Northern Region having distinguished himself in the legal profession and served as the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies among other responsibilities.
He urged his widow Hon. Justice Phoebe Ayua of the FCT High Court and the children to take solace in the fact that their father lived a resourceful life and impacted many people across the nation which constitutes a good legacy that will continue to speak for him even in death.
Leader of the ABU Law class of 1990 Mr. Sylvanus Tahir said the entire members of the class and indeed the former students of the Professor were saddened by the news of his death, but have to accept the sad event because he gave them his best and never hesitated to open doors for them whenever he had the opportunity.
Tahir said the Class at its last reunion meeting in Abuja acknowledged his love and sacrificial service during their days in ABU, assuring that they will continue to associate with the family and honour his memory.
While responding, his widow Justice Phoebe Ayua said the family was deeply honoured by the visit of Governor Lalong who is also Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum.
She thanked the ABU Law Class of 1990 for their show of love and support to the family at this difficult time, saying that such concern is highly comforting and reassuring.
She described her late husband as a man of integrity and a loving father who trained his children in the fear of God and gave them the same training he gave all his students.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 29th January 2022.
UPDATE ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF INTERCHANGE (FLY OVER) AT BRITISH AMERICA JUNCTION AND DUALIZATION FROM BRITISH AMERICA JUNCTION TO LAMINGO JUNCTION.
The general public may recall that we recently issued a Press Statement on the above mentioned project.
In keeping to our promise to regularly give updates on the construction activities of the project, we therefore wish the general public to know that the surveys which included Geotechnical surveys, soil tests, load tests, etc. have been concluded and setting out/markings are being rounded up. The construction work proper is set to commence and the contractor requires full control of the construction site with little or no obstruction and/or interference from vehicular/human traffic in line with safety protocols.
It is in this light, that we are issuing this travel advisory for the general public to note.
The British America junction will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning Sunday, 30th January, 2022 till further notice to enable the contractors set out for the construction please.
The road closure will be at the Plateau State Water Board water treatment plant for the Dogon Karfe Axis; At the Guaranty Trust Bank U-turn for the Murtala Mohammed Way axis; And at Film Corporation junction for Liberty Boulevard axis.
By this development therefore, motorists are advised to find alternative routes to their destinations some of which include the following: 1. Tudun Wada Ring road to Domkat Bali Road. 2. Secretariat junction through Plateau Hospital Road. 3. Plateau Hospital roundabout through D. B. Zang way. 4. Abbattoir-Dogon Karfe through Plateau State Dental Hospital Road. 5. Abbattoir-Dogon Karfe Roundabout through Hopehill Hospital to Ministry of Lands and Survey-ECWA Headquarters Road. 6. Rayfield to Lamingo Road. 7. Gold and Base through Shiaka to Liberty Boulevard Road. The same will apply for those leaving Jos township to Bukuru and beyond.
The government regrets all inconveniences that will emerge as a result of this development and urges understanding and cooperation of the citizens. The Rescue Administration once more calls on all the good and peace-loving people of Plateau State to collaborate with the government to be able to achieve this noble project that has been highly anticipated.
GOVERNOR LALONG CHARGES NIGERIANS TO SUPPORT GODLY ASPIRANTS FOR PUBLIC OFFICE
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has charged Nigerians to be circumspect and deliberate in their choice of public office holders by supporting candidates who have the fear of God and respect for humanity.
Governor Lalong was speaking at the 1st General Assembly of Catholics in Politics and Catholic Business Leaders in Abuja.
Lalong said Nigerians of all faiths must fully participate in the political process before, during and after elections by ensuring that candidates that vie for public office posess godly principles that will guide them to govern with the fear of God and do justice to all.
He said bringing Catholic politicians and captains of industry under one roof to discuss their roles in the Nigerian project at this particular time is very significant, because the nation is in dire need of godly men and women to champion the rebirth that will lead Nigeria to achieving its national aspirations.
The Governor said Christians and indeed Catholics are taught to follow the principles laid out by God in the Bible and the examples left by Jesus Christ, such that they will always make a difference wherever they find themselves.
He emphasized that the forum provides the participants an opportunity to discuss the challenges confronting Nigeria such as insecurity, corruption, violence, diseases, poverty, and poor infrastructure with a view to peer-reviewing one another and giving stewardship of their responsibilities in various offices.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo commended the Catholic Church for organising the General Assembly which is in line with its long tradition of speaking truth to power and creating consciousness among citizens.
He said the theme of the meeting is hinged on Catholic social teaching which harps on the common good as a basis for public service and governance.
Osinbajo said the pursuit of the common good pushes people in or out of positions of authority, to seek equal treatment, fairness, justice, and human rights of others outside their ethnic, religious, political and other affiliations.
He said raising leaders with such qualities in Nigeria will require that parochial interests are put aside in all leadership recruitment processes. This he argued cannot be achieved accidentally because Christians have to fully participate and commit to build bridges across religious, ethnic, social and economic lines.
Guest Speaker Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Mathew Hassan Kukah represented by Rev. Fr. Raymond, speaking on the theme “Moral Principles in Catholic Teachings and the Nigerians Political Business Life”, said the Catholic social teaching prescribes that participantion in governance is beyond elections.
He said leaders, particularly those who profess to be men and women of faith must live sacrificially, shun evil, love one another, embrace honesty and righteousness as well as remember always that heaven is their goal as their lives on earth are tenured.
He warned politicians to desist from using the Church for personal and selfish political gains, stating that the Church is not a political party and embraces candidates of all political parties who are God fearing and ready to serve honestly and build a better nation.
Deputy Governors of Edo, Osun, Cross Rivers State as well as the Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Dame Nora Dadu’ut gave goodwill messages at the event.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 28th January 2022.
BIRTHDAY FELICITATION TO A FATHER, THE EMIR OF KANAM.
On this special day of the birthday of His Royal Highness the Emir of Kanam, Muhammadu Babangida Muazu Mohammadu ll, I am pleased to join millions of well wishers and subjects of the Monarch to wish him good health, long life and prosperity, as he continues to spearhead the growth and development of one of the oldest traditional institutions in Plateau state.
You are a just and fair father who has tremendous love for his subjects devoid of ethnic or religious segregation. Your peaceful disposition accounts for the rapid economic and physical development of Kanam Local Government Area and its people.
I and many other illustrious sons of Kanam LGA are living testimonies of your pragmatic leadership. I remain indebted to your fatherly role that shuttles me to the limelight in our various fields of human endeavors. As you continue to guide us in our various areas of responsibilities, we pray Almighty Allah to continue to shower His love upon you, and always guide you in taking decisions that will bring prosperity to Kanam LGA and beyond.
Once more, on behalf of myself and the people of the people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, I wish to say Happy Birthday to my father, the Emir of Kanam!
Signed: Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, (Dan Malikin Kanam), Member Representing PKK and Chairman House Committee on Navy.
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