PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT TO PARTNER WITH SIGHTSAVERS FOR ENEHNCED EYE HEALTH PROGRAM

Plateau State Government is to partner with Sightsavers, an international organisation in establishing a comprehensive eye health program throughout the State.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong stated this while receiving the Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria and Ghana, Dr. Sunday Isiyaku at the Government House Jos.
He said the partnership is based on his earlier visit to the United Kingdom where he interacted with the global leaders of the organisation and a subsequent request for the partnership which is aimed at addressing the challenges of eye health in Plateau State particularly in the rural areas.

Lalong said one of his passions is to see that people who are living with disabilities in any form get assistance and reprieve through deliberate steps such as the one being taken in the partnership with Sightsavers.

He thanked the team for the visit and assured them that the Plateau State Government was ready to play its part in the partnership by paying its counterpart funding and also making facilities and personnel available for training and actual operation.

Earlier, Country Director Sightsavers Nigeria and Ghana Dr. Isiyaku said they were in Plateau on the directive of the global office which responded to the communication sent to it by the Governor for partnership.

He said a three year partnership is being proposed and will support the establishment of a State owned comprehensive eye health program that is well coordinated, accessible, affordable and sustainable based on national policies and guidelines for the over 4 million people of Plateau State.

Dr. Isiyaku said in 2021, a survey was carried out which showed that there was a significant gap in eye health in Plateau State which needs to be addressed immediately to save many citizens from going blind. This he said will involve manpower training, improvement of infrastructure and advocacy.

The Country Director asked the Governor to approve health facilities in the Central and Southern Zones; commit to pay counterpart funds; fund budget lines for eye health; and work towards improving the human resource in the eye health sector.

Head of the Christoffel Blinden Mission (CBM) also assured the Governor that they will partner together with Sightsavers to achieve the mission.
 
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
26th January 2022
 

LALONG AND HIS DIVIDENDS OF GOOD RELATIONS WITH PMB (PART 1)

Dear Plateau PDP and Lalong/APC Haters,

You keep asking what Lalong and the APC has  brought to Plateau State out of the cordial relationship between the State and the Federal Government (which you have mischievously referred to as “servitude”, “sell out” etc). You have called Governor Lalong names and accused him of being a “Buhari boy”, “Caliphate stooge” and other uncomplimentary names despite what he has done to ensure that Plateau State is at the table in national affairs and gets its fair share of the National Cake.

Without any abuse and insults, let’s do a comparative analysis of what Lalong and the APC attracted to Plateau and what Governor Jang and the PDP brought in 8years.

In no particular order, here is Governor Lalong’s list in 6 years:

1. Establishment of Airforce Base Kerang
2. Establishment of FRSC Training School Shendam
3. Establishment of Nigerian Shippers Council North Central Coordinating Office Jos
4. Designation of Yakubu Gowon Airport as one of the 4 Cargo Airports in Nigeria
5. Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak Shendam
6. Federal Orthopedic Hospital Jos
7. Appointment of Rev. Yakubu Pam as ES Nigerian Pilgrims Commission
8. Appointment of Sir. Joseph Ari as DG ITF
9. Appointment of Engr. Rose Ndong as Executive Director Petroleum Regulatory Agency
10. Appointment of Engr. Mathew Pwajok as Acting MD, NAMA
11. Appointment of 4 Major Generals and many Brigadier General equivalent in the Armed Forces in recent promotion 2021
12. Appointment of Prof. Garba Sharubutu as ES Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria
13. Appointment of Dr. Mikaila Zakari as Rector Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak
14. Appointment of Prof. Sebastine Maimako as VC Unijos
15. Appointment of Prof. Angela Miri, VC Federal University Lokoja
16. Appointment of Prof. Edmumd Banwat as CMD JUTH
17. Appointment of Mr. Solomon Dalung, Minister of Sports
18. Appointment of Dame Pauline Tallen, Minister of Women Affairs
19. Appointment of Dr. Simon Harry as Statistician General of Nigeria
20. Appointment of Bar. Amos Azi as Chairman, Investment and Securities Tribunal
21. Approval for 2 New private Universities in Plateau State (ANAN and Kark Kumm)
22. Appointment of Alhassan Yakmut as Secretary, Prisons, Immigration, Civil Defence Board
23. Appointment of Da Jonah Madugu as Federal Commissioner,  Federal Civil Service Commission
24. Appointment of Steve Jings, Federal Commissioner, Federal Character Commission
25. Appointment of Mr. Alex Shaiyen, Federal Commissioner, Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission
26. Plateau Daughter Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem is President of the Appeal Court of Nigeria
27. Appointment of Amb. James Dimka as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Liberia
28. Appointment of Prof. Abdullahi Shehu as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia
29. Appointment of Amb. Martin Adamu as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Cote d’ivoire
30. Appointment of Late Ambassador Abdullahi Wase, Nigerian Ambassador to Qatar
31. Establishment of Mobile Police Squadron, Shendam
32. Appointment of Engr. Silas Buba, Executive Director North Central, FERMA
33. Appointment of Commodore Isaac Mankilik (rtd) as Registrar, Admiralty University Delta
34. Appointment of Dr. Chirfat as Provost, College of Education Pankshin
35. Appointment of Prof. Sani Mohammad Adam SAN as National Commissioner INEC
36. Appointment of Dr. Nentawe Yilwada INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner
37. Appointment of Dr. Pokop Bupwada, Acting CMD JUTH
38. Appointment of Late Ignatius Longjan, Chairman Governing Council, NIPSS
39. Construction of Ibi bridge linking Plateau and Taraba State
40. Construction of the greater Mangu/Gindiri Regional water project abandoned by PDP after collecting billions
41. Appointment of Hon. James Ayuba as Board Member, FIRS
43. Appointment of Mr. James Lalu as Executive Secretary, Nigerian Disabilities Rights Commission
43. Appointment of the Registrar, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo
44. Appointment of Prof. Dakas CJ Dakas SAN as Chairman Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic Ayede Oyo State
45. Appointment of Nde Joshua Waklek as Chairman of Council, University of Ibadan
46. Appointment of Mr. Nansok Shehu as Librarian, Federal Polytechnic Wannune, Benue State
47. Appointment of Dr. Celina Shitnaan Gana as Registrar, Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak
48. Appointment of Mr. James Tunlong as Librarian, , Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak
49. An illustrious Plateau son and Legislator per excellence, Rt. Hon. Idris Ahmed Wase is the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives (No. Senior Office Holder in Nigeria)
50. Governor Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG is the Chairman of the 19 Northern Governors Forum.

There’s more to come……

Oya, over to you my good friends on the other side, kindly give us your list of PDP’s 8 years under Dara Jonah Jang and his closeness to GEJ.

#Lalongissucceeding
#Plateauissucceeding
#APCisworking

We remain yours in the struggle for a better Plateau,


Comrade Iliya Mark, JP
Chairman

Comrade Tina Dabak
Secretary

For: Rescue Monitoring Team.

FED. POLYTECHNIC NY’AK, PLATEAU STATE TO ADMIT STUDENTS IN 2022 – GOVERNING COUNCIL CHAIRMAN

Chairman of the Governing Council for Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak, Shendam, Plateau State Engr. Sistus Ukelina Abetienbe has said that new students will be admitted by the end of the year 2022 as the Polytechnic takes off in the temporary site donated by the Plateau State Government.

The Chairman was speaking when Members of the Governing Council paid a courtesy visit to Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House, Little Rayfield as part of their working visit to the State.

He praised Governor Lalong for not only seeing to the establishment of the Polytechnic, but also making sure that the institution is granted large percel of land, very big and suitable temporary facility with quality infrastructure for take-off, planned provision for basic infrastructure such as power, water, and access road  to the permanent site among others.

Engr. Sistus said the institution was fortunate to have been established during the administration of Governor Lalong who is not only passionate about education, but very interested in partnering with the Federal Government to provide educational opportunities for his people.

He disclosed that the Institution will give strength to courses in areas that Plateau has strong advantage such as tourism, agriculture and mining among others.

Governor Lalong while welcoming the delegation said he was eager to ensure that the Polytechnic commences operations because so much efforts have  been put in by various stakeholders to bring the dream of the school to fruition.

He said that was why the Government did not hesitate to donate one of the Legacy Schools, the Model Secondary School Ny’ak, which has large infrastructure for the take off of the institution.

He expressed his determination to ensure that the Institution commences operations and develops to gives quality education to citizens of Plateau State and other Nigerians.

The Governor congratulated the Governing Council for their appointment, and again expressed appreciation to the President, Minister of Education and the National Assembly for approving the Institution, saying there is high hope that the Federal College of Education Pankshin will soon be upgraded to a University of Education once the President signs the bill before him into law.

Rector of the Polytechnic Dr. Mikaila Zakari Ya’u said the efforts of Governor Lalong has made the task of commencing academic activities of the school very seamless.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
25th January 2022.

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR SWITCH FOUNDATION

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has commended the Support Women Initiatives to Transform Children (SWITCH) Foundation for its tremendous impact in touching the lives of many under-privileged women, children and young girls in Plateau State.

The Governor was speaking while recieving Mrs Zainab Tsok, Coordinator of SWITCH Foundation at the Government House Rayfield Jos during a courtesy visit.

Lalong was told that SWITCH Foundation which is the brainchild of Plateau First Lady Mrs. Regina Lalong, has continued to assist women with funding, training and facilities to enable them carry out businesses and farming which have yielded positive results.

Mrs. Tsok said thousands of women have been removed from poverty due to the empowerment given to them by SWITCH Foundation which has enabled them overcome the challenges of widowhood, health and social issues.

She said the girl child in Plateau State has also been given proper attention through ICT literacy, counselling and mentorship and other efforts of the SWITCH Foundation which target rural girls and youths throughout the State.

Zainab also stated that the Foundation has also carried out advocacy and rehabilitation of young persons affected by drugs with tremendous success where many have been returned to good standing in the society.

She however explained that the Foundation which is a nonprofit organisation has a lot of challenges of funding and will need the support of the Government and well spirited individuals to enable it carry out its mandate.

She thanked the Governor for his support so far and solicited for more collaboration and support in the next phase of its activities which require expansion, consolidation and the movement to a permanent facility.

Governor Lalong appreciated the efforts of the SWITCH Foundation which he said has greatly assisted Government to address the plight of the poor and vulnerable.

He promised to support the Foundation in every way possible and also directed relevant Government MDAs to engage with SWITCH with a view to ensuring that some of the challenges are addressed.

He commended the Founder, First Lady Regina Lalong for not only deploying her personal resources for the success of the Foundation, but also keying into the activities of the Future Assured Programme of Nigeria’s First Lady Aisha Buhari.

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

Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku of Taraba State has approved the appointment of the New Aku Uka of Wukari, he is, Manu Ishaku Adda Ali, the 25th Aku Uka of Kwararafa Kingdom, following his selection by the four kingmakers and confirmation by the Kunvyi after consulting the oracles of the Jukunland.

The emergence of the 25th Aku Uka followed the transition of the 24th Aku Uka, His Majesty, Dr. Shekarau Angyu Masa-Ibi, Kuvyo II, CON on 8th October, 2021.

The new Aku Uka, who will be coronated traditionally on Friday, 28th January, 2022, is the son of the 23rd Aku Uka, Adda Ali Agbumanu V (1975-1976); he is from the Bama Ruling House.

Born on 24th March, 1946, he holds Higher National Diploma (HND) in Forestry in 1986 from the premier Federal College of Forestry, Jos, Plateau State.

He joined the civil service in 1965 and retired in the year 2000 as Chief Forest Superintendent, after 35 years of meritorious service.

After retirement from the civil service, the new Aku Uka engaged in community, religious and social activities, as well as special duty as member of task force on Forest Management in the State.

He has special interest in listening to news (both local and international), humanitarian service and environmental development.

Until his appointment, he was Chairman of Abiu Bauka, Jalingo Branch and that of the Kwararafa Ethnic Nationalities residing in Taraba State.

FED. POLYTECHNIC NY’AK, PLATEAU STATE TO ADMIT STUDENTS IN 2022 – GOVERNING COUNCIL CHAIRMAN

Chairman of the Governing Council for Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak, Shendam, Plateau State Engr. Sistus Ukelina Abetienbe has said that new students will be admitted by the end of the year 2022 as the Polytechnic takes off in the temporary site donated by the Plateau State Government.

The Chairman was speaking when Members of the Governing Council paid a courtesy visit to Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House, Little Rayfield as part of their working visit to the State.

He praised Governor Lalong for not only seeing to the establishment of the Polytechnic, but also making sure that the institution is granted large percel of land, very big and suitable temporary facility with quality infrastructure for take-off, planned provision for basic infrastructure such as power, water, and access road  to the permanent site among others.

Engr. Sistus said the institution was fortunate to have been established during the administration of Governor Lalong who is not only passionate about education, but very interested in partnering with the Federal Government to provide educational opportunities for his people.

He disclosed that the Institution will give strength to courses in areas that Plateau has strong advantage such as tourism, agriculture and mining among others.

Governor Lalong while welcoming the delegation said he was eager to ensure that the Polytechnic commences operations because so much efforts have  been put in by various stakeholders to bring the dream of the school to fruition.

He said that was why the Government did not hesitate to donate one of the Legacy Schools, the Model Secondary School Ny’ak, which has large infrastructure for the take off of the institution.

He expressed his determination to ensure that the Institution commences operations and develops to gives quality education to citizens of Plateau State and other Nigerians.

The Governor congratulated the Governing Council for their appointment, and again expressed appreciation to the President, Minister of Education and the National Assembly for approving the Institution, saying there is high hope that the Federal College of Education Pankshin will soon be upgraded to a University of Education once the President signs the bill before him into law.

Rector of the Polytechnic Dr. Mikaila Zakari Ya’u said the efforts of Governor Lalong has made the task of commencing academic activities of the school very seamless.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
25th January 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS FAMILY OF FIRST REPUBLIC POLITICIAN, CHIEF MICHAEL AUDU BUBA; SAYS HE DESERVES BETTER RECOGNITION.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has eulogised frontline First Republic politician, Chief Michael Audu Buba, Wazirin Shendam, who he said played a key role in the emergence of democracy in Nigeria and opened doors for many politicians in Plateau, the Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria.

Governor Lalong who was speaking when he met with some family members of the late politician at the Government House Rayfield Jos, said the late politician was yet to be accorded the honour deserving of his personally and political achievements.

He recalled that Chief Michael Buba, one of the closest associates of the late Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, was a member of the Northern House of Assembly where he became a Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources under the then Northern Region.

During the nation’s independence era, he was variously appointed as the Northern Region’s Minister of Trade and Industry, as well as the Minister for Social Welfare and Cooperatives where he served creditably.

Lalong said the late political heavyweight played a key role in launching the then Plateau State into the political landscape of the Northern Region and Nigeria, as well as fought for rights of the people.

He told the family that the Government will ensure that his labour and sacrifice do go unrecognised by ensuring that he is given proper honour in Plateau State, the Northern Region and Nigeria at large for the role he played in the democratic journey of the country.

He urged the family to sustain the legacies of their father and also participate in politics in order to influence the lives of people like their father did during his time on earth.

Responding, a son of the late politician, Musa Michael Buba said they were happy for the invitation by Governor Lalong who is also the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, saying they remain proud of what their father did to mentor many young politicians and technocrats who have become great people in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.

He said the family appreciates the goodwill of Governor who has decided to give their father proper recognition and honour, many years after his death.

Michael Audu Buba, a prominent member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in Plateau State, was also an official member of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) having served as the party’s regional secretary, Northern Region.

He was born in 1924, and hailed from Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau. He worked with the Lowland Native Authority as a Secretary and Councilor before he was elected into the Northern House of Assembly in 1951, and later became a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives in 1952.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
25th January 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE FIRST CLASS RULER, DA NELSON BAKFUR, MISHKAHAM MWAGAVUL

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has paid tribute to the late First Class Traditional Ruler in Mangu Local Government Area, the Mishkaham Mwagavul, HRH Da Nelson Bakfur who joined his ancestors at the age of 73.

Governor Lalong while speaking at a funeral service for the deceased traditional ruler held at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Kerang, said the Royal Father was man of peace who did a lot to promote peaceful coexistence and tolerance within his domain and in the entire State.

He said “Our father did his best and served with all his might and strength. He was a man who loved peace and did everything possible to encourage unity, love and tolerance among all citizens within and outside his domain, irrespective of their tribes, religion or political affiliations. He did not discriminate against people, but brought them together”.

The Governor Governor described him as a very reliable ally of Government particularly at difficult times when enemies of the State attempted to disrupt public peace. His proactive approach enabled Government to nip the situation in the bud and sustain security of lives and properties. Criminals had no hiding place within his domain as he mobilized his subjects to be vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in flushing them out.

While asking the family and the Mwagavul nation to bear the loss and sustain his legacies, Lalong said the late monarch will be remembered as a man of honour who paid very close attention to the economic prosperity of his people. Apart from being a farmer himself, he encouraged the people to also work hard and engage in farming and other business activities.

The Governor also appealed to the Mwagavul traditional Institution to unite and put the interest of the Chiefdom above personal gains particularly during the election of a successor, assuring that the Government will not interfere in the process in line with the stance of the Rescue Administration to allow justice and fairness to prevail.

Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman, Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs Da Jacob Gyang Buba, extolled the virtues of the late Royal Father, describing him as a very jovial, intelligent and constructive personality who made valuable contributions to the decisions of the Council.

He also appealed to the Mangu Traditional Council to avoid anything that will bring disharmony and hatred in the choice of a successor to the late monarch, urging them to abide by the laid down procedures spelled out in the Gazette.

COCIN President Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo said the late Mishkaham Mwagavul was a believer in Christ who supported the Church and also depended on God for wisdom during his reign.
He asked the family and sympathizers to always think about eternity in all their activities as death is inevitable and cannot be avoided by anyone no matter his status.

Widow of the deceased, Na Monica Bakfur, and his son, testified that their late father was a man of integrity, love and forgiveness who paid attention to his family as well as the people of the Chiefdom.

Several other speakers affirmed that the late monarch was a man who loved education and supported the establishment of schools within his domain by both Government and the private sector.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
24th January 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG RECIEVES STAFF AUDIT REPORT; VOWS TO REMOVE QUESTIONABLE CIVIL SERVANTS AND INJECT NEW ONES

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says his administration will not tolerate civil servants with questionable records and those who have falsified their data to remain in service or secure placement and promotions they dont deserve.

Governor Lalong was speaking at the Government House Rayfield Jos while recieving the report of the High Powered Committee on Staff Audit and Verification that was saddled with the task of auditing the State Civil Service.

Governor Lalong said the Committee was necessitated by the desire of Government to address some of the challenges that constituted barriers to service delivery, professionalism, accountability and transparency.

He said “among other things, Government was worried that despite the number of people exiting from the Service as a result of deaths, retirements, transfers, withdrawals etc., the State wage bill appeared to be constant and even increasing. In addition, Government was inundated with alleged cases of age falsification, record tampering, placements and other complaints that cast a negative image in the service and attempted to reduce the effectiveness and efficiency of the Civil Service.  This also restrained Government from conducting recruitment to inject fresh manpower into the system, resulting in a situation where the State Civil Service is confronted by loopholes and critical manpower shortages in various areas”.

While commending the Committee under the leadership of Nde John G Gobak, OFR, mni, for doing  a wonderful job, Governor Lalong directed the Standing Committee on White Paper to immediately swing into action and submit a Draft White Paper for Government’s consideration and swift implementation.

He said this will enable Government to resume  promotion as well as employment processes in the Service as soon as possible, and also assured civil servants that the report will not be used to witch hunt anyone and those who have questions to answer should be ready to answer them.

Chairman of the Committee Nde John Gobak said as a result of the autonomy granted to the Judiciary and Legislature, the Committee only screened staff under the direct purview of the Executive with a total number of 14,418 officers said to be in Service. Only 13,978 were authenticated indicating a difference of 440.  Out of the 13,978 staff verified, 709 staff either falsified or altered their age while 673 others were wrongly placed/promoted/converted. 66 ought to have retired prior to the inauguration of the Committee on 20th April, 2021.  17 cases were recommended for review by a Medical Board.

He said the Committee established that there is a manifest disconnect between the Salary Automation Unit in the Ministry of Finance and other important Offices of Government such as the Office of the Head of Civil Service and the Office of the State Auditor- General resulting in the Unit’s seeming overbearingness and or ability to function unchecked.

This he said resulted in some Staff still being paid salaries months after they had disengaged from the Service either by Death, Retirement, Transfer or Secondment due to failure to timely raise Variation Orders in that regard or collusion to circumvent the System and or outright acts of misconduct.

The Committee therefore recommended that Salary Automation Unit should have a Tripartite Supervisory Linkage among the Offices of the Head of Civil Service, State Auditor-General and the Accountant General who may either jointly endorse the Payment Mandates or ensure on a monthly basis, that what is paid is well vetted and genuine. That is, while the Office of the Head of Civil Service compiles, the Office of the Auditor General vets while the Office of the Accountant General pays.

It so said all approvals earlier granted some Staff to change their dates of birth be rescinded while all Employments/Placements/Conversions/Advancements done against the provisions of the Schemes of Service and other extant Circulars as captured in the Main Report be withdrawn.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the
Executive Governor of Plateau State,
21st January 2022.

2023: PDP’S DESPERADO POLITICALLY SPONSORED MEDIA PROPAGANDA AGAINST GOVERNOR LALONG AND APC UNCOVERED.

Ahead of the 2023 elections, it has been discovered that some desperate politicians who are threatened by the successes of the APC Rescue Administration in Plateau State, have resulted to deception, blackmail  and propaganda as their last resort to discredit the progressive administration of His Excellency Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG.

It is gathered that in the wake of their desperation and fear of losing elections, they have set other propaganda machinery covertly and also budgeted huge sums of money to embark on media campaign of calumny against the APC Government as well as damage the reputation and integrity of the Governor through peddling lies, fake news, misinformation and disinformation.

Available and concrete facts show that the infamous strategy is being championed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as they believe that this will revive their destroyed forunes and restore their candidates to winning elections again. They hope that this can only succeed when they bring down the Government of the day and the ruling Party the APC using lies, deceit and character assassination.

It is worthy to note that democracy has given everybody the freedom of association and speech but sadly, this has been hijacked by propagandists like the opposition party in Plateau State who are bent on doing everything mischievously misinform the people with a view to clinch to power by all means.

Instead of the opposition to go beyond fault-finding to give or invent a vision of their own on  how they intend to make Plateau State and the nation better, they are stuck with old tricks and wailing propaganda. All that they seem to give the public is destructive and disruptive actions coated with hate speeches, falsehood, adverse, comments and vitriolic attacks on Governor Lalong and his Rescue administration. This act if not checked poses danger to democracy in the State.

Although their plan is to use the mainstream media, bloggers and social platforms to perpetuate their evil acts, the Press on the Plateau must be commended for their act of selflessness, professionalism, diligence and unbiased stand on issues which has not allowed the opposition to use them to achieve their their selfish desires. We encourage them to remain independent, objective and faithful to facts.

We are also aware that some prominent politicians outside Plateau State have committed huge sums of money to members of the opposition parties to sponsor media war and propaganda against the Governor and the APC with the sole aim of bringing it down.

We strongly belief that the media on the Plateau who have been partners with the progressive government in the restoration of peace and good governance in State will not be distracted or induced with money by any group of people to carry out any evil propaganda against the State.

We also advise the PDP to concentrate on promoting its obscure and faded image and market its aspirants, rather than embarking on vicious disparagement of the APC government through baseless and empty write ups and press releases that serve no good than to disparage the State and expose its citizens to ridicule in the eye of the country and the world at large.

The people-centered ruling APC continues to question the PDP’s credibility and moral justification in planning such a humongous and expensive media propaganda when their sixteen (16) improvident years in power was characterised with a legacy of deep-seated insecurity, poor and equal welfare to our Civil servants, Pensioners and Plateau people.

Because of the shaky foundation upon which their party stands, they have in addition to planning this vitrolic media propaganda agenda, Possibly resorted to recruiting aggrieved, desperate and disgruntled APC members with the hope using them for mischief. Their thinking is that they would receive cheap popularityn cto revive their misfortunes. This will definitely fail just as they failed in using the Local Government strike, Endsars Protests, Abok impeachment saga and the attacks in some parts of the State to sway people to their side. Plateau people are wise and know that Governor Lalong and the APC mean well for them.

Already, the propaganda has failed woefully because some of the alleged ruling party “decampees” have since recanted and confessed that they were misled and exploited.  They reject being used and further re-assured the APC of their loyalty and commitments to the ideals of the party which has mechanisms for settling disputes.

Our conclusion is that what is giving the opposition sleepless night is the fact that they are aware that good governance has become one of the yardsticks for evaluating proficiency and efficiency, and Governor Simon Lalong administration has from every indication established that keeping a campaign promise is possible.

The Plateau people are admonished to continue supporting the administration of Lalong as he remains resilient and resolute in his approach to governance. He remains firm and focused on the pact with Plateau people and refuses to be intimidated nor be bullied by the enemies of peace and good governance, and no amount of campaign nor propaganda would take that from him. Plateau people are wiser and will not be deceived again.

Diket Plang
Special Adviser to the Governor of Plateau State.
21st January 2022.