PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT WINS CASE AGAINST BLENNISON OVER LALONG LEGACY PROJECT.

A Jos High Court presided over by the Chief Judge of Plateau State, Hon.Justice Yakubu Gyang Dakwak, today, the 24th day of September, 2021, struck out a Suit instituted by Bleneson Services Limited against the Plateau State Government; Ministry of Finance Plateau State; STL TRUSTEES Limited and United Capital Trustees Limited.

The striking out of the Suit by the Court followed the success of the Notice of Preliminary Objection filed by Paschal Mammo Esq. Counsel to the Joint TRUSTEES to the Bond used to execute the Project, STL Trustees Ltd and United Capital Trustees Ltd, sued as 3rd and 4 th Defendants respectively in the Suit.

The Joint Trustees had challenged the Jurisdiction of the Court to entertain the Case, on the Ground that the Claimants failed to file the mandatory Pre- action Protocol meant to disclose on Oath, the step, if any, they took to settle the dispute before approaching the Court.

In it’s Ruling on the Application, the Court held that the failure to take those mandatory steps as required by the Rules of Court is a fundamental vice which robbed the Court of the Jurisdiction.The Court consequently struck out the Case.

It would be recalled that on 16th March, 2021, Bleneson Services Ltd instituted Suit No:PlD/J144/2021 seeking to restrain the Plateau State Government from Terminating its Contract with the Company for the construction of various School and Hospital Projects under the LALONG LEGACY PROJECTS.

The institution of the Suit by Bleneson Services Ltd was after the Service by the Government of Plateau State of a 30-day “Notice of Termination of Contract” on the Company on 9th March,2021, following the failure of the Company to deliver a Phase of the Project whose delivery, going by the Work Plan signed by the Parties, was 31st December, 2020 and the prospect that going by the slow pace of work by the Contractor, it was practically impossible for it to deliver the last of the Projects by 31st December,2021as agreed, with the projected earliest completion date being December, 2024.

The Plateau State Government had therefore issued the Notice of Termination in exercise of its right to do so as provided under the Contract, where there is a failure of performance by either Party.

Bleneson Services Ltd had, upon receipt of the Notice of Termination, without approaching any of the Defendants for Settlement, as required by the High Court of Plateau
State (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2020, rushed to Court to file the Suit.

With this development, the completion of the Lalong Legacy Projects in various parts of the State is in sight as Governor Simon Bako Lalong has consistently maintained that the projects will be completed before the end of his administration.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
24th September 2021.

PLATEAU STATE APC ELECTION FLAG OFF CAMPAIGN
The Central Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC, invites all party faithful and the general public to the flag-off of its 2021 Local Government elections campaign rally.
Date: Saturday, 25th Sept, 2021
Venue: Mini Stadium, Shendam
Time: 10am prompt
Signed
Publicity and Protocol Sub-Committee

The Church Has A Role In Re-educating our Youths: Lalongs Speaks At The 2nd Annual Conference Of Chaplains Of Government House In Jos.
Protocols.

It is with great delight to address this very important meeting which is the Second Annual Conference of the Chaplains of Government Houses holding here at the Government House Chapel, Rayfield – Jos.

On behalf of the Government and good people of Plateau State, I welcome you to our beautiful capital city of Jos for this very important spiritual exercise. Your choice of Plateau State to host this second edition of the meeting is no doubt appropriate because of the Status of Jos as Nigeria’s spiritual headquarters.


The people of the State especially the Christian community is no doubt happy that you are here to pray, fast and intercede for the State and the nation at large. That is why your choice of the Theme “Increase In His Peace” taken from the Book of Isaiah 9:7 is an appropriate and timely selection especially at this critical time when we need peace in our land.

As you may be aware, the nation has continued to battle with many challenges relating to insecurity, poverty and disease which are making life difficult for the citizens. Some of these challenges are made worse by the complexities of politics, corruption, intolerance and absence of the fear of God.

Only recently, Plateau State witnessed some disruption of peace and tranquility which our Rescue Administration has worked hard to cultivate in the last six years when attacks left many death and properties destroyed. Indeed we are pained by this setback and have worked hard to ensure that normalcy is restored within the shortest time.

Such effort is what has given you the confidence to host this meeting here in Jos which is another confirmation that Plateau remains the destination of choice for all citizens from within and outside Nigeria. Your coming here should therefore give us more energy to work in giving the proper perspective about happenings in our State.

My spiritual fathers, while I specially commend you for setting aside time to pray for our nation, I wish to remind you and indeed all religious leaders of the enormous responsibility that you carry in ensuring that our society moves forward. While you have the divine mandate to speak truth to the society and in particular to those in power, you should be mindful that such responsibility needs to be exercised with utmost caution and sincerity.


The situation where some religious leaders have resorted to propagation of hate speech and spread of fake information must be avoided for the interest of the peace and unity of the country. Religious leaders cannot afford to politicize the pulpit and make it a platform for attacks which end up weakening the Church and bringing the Body of Christ to disrepute.
Similarly, the clergy particularly those of you who serve as Chaplains in Government Houses must shun sycophancy and the attempt to bury the truth for monetary or other gains. This type of behaviour ends up putting the society in more danger because those in leadership positions are denied the truth that is needed to guide them in serving the people. At all times, Jesus Christ must be our model.

Let me also bring to your attention that the Church has a great role to play in educating and re-educating our people particularly the youths on the concept of love and sacrifice as taught by the Lord Jesus Christ. From the rhetoric we hear everyday, there is a huge dose of misinformation and brainwashing of our youths towards hatred rather than love and tolerance.

We must rise up and confront this negative development which is very disturbing especially when we see the level of wickedness and division among people of various denominations or faiths. We must teach our children love by profession and practicing love wherever we find ourselves. This we must do quickly to save our nation from disintegrating because of ethno-religious sentiments.

Although there are issues we need to address as Governments at various levels, the issue of justice, fairness, tolerance and peaceful coexistence cannot be achieved if religious leaders particularly Christians fail to show the light. As the Bible says, we are the Salt of the Earth, and as such we must not loose our taste no matter the provocations. That way, we will conquer hate with love and bring many into the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

That is why apart from setting up a Peace Building Agency, our administration has gone ahead to set up the Plateau State Inter-Religious Council which has equal representation of the top leadership of the two leading religions. We have deployed those structures towards facilitating dialogue, conflict resolution and addressing ethno-religious crises.

Recently when the National President of the CAN Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle and the President, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto led members of NIREC to Jos for consultations over the recent disturbances in our State, the position was reiterated that those who engage in using their positions as religious leaders to fan the embers of hate and division, will be arrested and prosecuted. That is our position in Plateau State.

Let me therefore assure you that our administration shall continue to do all within its power to support the Clergy to carry out its duties of leading the people to God and teaching them the path to righteousness. We urge you to continue to pray for the Government at these difficult times as well as be available to offer your counsel. Let me at this juncture also congratulate and thank Pastor Seyi Malomo, Chaplain, Aso Villa Chapel for this wonderful initiative and for his leadership of the body and support to government at all levels.

On this note, it is my pleasure and privilege to declare open the second Annual Conference of the Chaplains of Government Houses in the name of the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit.

God bless Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG
Executive Governor, Plateau State.
23rd September, 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG HARPS ON ROAD SAFETY CULTURE AMONG NIGERIANS

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has advocated for an intensification of the road safety culture among Nigerian road users particularly among those who drive or intend to drive.

Governor Lalong was speaking at the 10th anniversary of Kwapda’as Road Safety Demand (KRSD) Foundation a nonprofit organisation founded in honour of late Prince Kwapda’as Rangna’an Dongban, son of the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem.

Governor Lalong while commending the President of the Court of Appeal for establishing the Foundation, said she has used the painful story of the tragic death of her son in a motor accident, to raise awareness and education to halt further needless deaths on Nigerian roads.

He said the fact that many people are on the road without the requisite knowledge and experience of driving is very disturbing as many accidents occur because of recklessness and ignorance. Time he said had come when people must be conscious of the rules of safe driving and also promote it wether they are driving or not.

He stated that Plateau State has continued to work towards improving the safety and efficiency of public transport which is a major economic driver. A bill for the establishment of a transport management commission he said has been approved by the Plateau State Executive Council which is before the House of Assembly for legislative action.

Founder of KRSD Foundation, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem said for the past ten years, the foundation has made efforts to bring to the fore the needless sufferings and deaths that are foisted on innocent citizens due to the careless actions of drivers who either refuse to obey traffic regulations or fail to take care of their automobiles.

She said her story has served as a pivot for further highlighting the issue of road safety culture among Nigerians through the many programmes and engagements that have been organised at different levels.

Justice Dongban-Mensem thanked Governor Lalong and other stakeholders in and outside the country for supporting the foundation to carry out its vision for a more safe and secure road transportation.

FCT Minister Mohammed Bello, Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and other speakers advocated for stiffer penalties in enforcement of road traffic rules and regulations.

High point of the event was the presentation of awards and decoration of KRSD, Patrons and Special KRSD Marshals. Among those awarded was Governor Simon Bako Lalong.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
23rd September 2021.

LETEP DABANG EULOGISES PROF TYODEN ON HIS BIRTHDAY.

Today marks an additional privilege in your life to the glory of God and service to humanity which you have indeed distinguished yourself.

The name Professor Sonnie Gwanle Tyoden resonates in the academic as well as political space which you have made landmarks.

As you celebrate your birthday today I join you in thanking God for the favors that have come your way and the various positive touches you have made in the lives of our people.

May God continue to grant you strength,good health and wisdom in delivering sound leadership to the people for the development of our dear state.

On behalf of my family I wish you a very memorable birthday and many happy returns.

HON CHIEF LETEP M.DABANG AND FAMILY.

GOVERNOR LALONG SALUTES DEPUTY, PROF. TYODEN AT 71

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated his Deputy, Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden as he marks 71 years, describing him as an accomplished technocrat, academic, gentleman and politician.

Governor Lalong in a message of felicitation said Prof. Tyoden has exhibited high level of commitment, sacrifice and intellectual capacity in handling all responsibilities that have come his way over the years.

He said the Deputy Governor remains a strong pillar of support, wisdom and encouragement to the Rescue Adminstration which has continued to work hard in restoring the fortunes of Plateau State since coming into office in 2015.

Lalong said Prof. Tyoden has deployed his academic prowess and experience to governance which has added value to the programmes and projects of the administration and positively impacted the lives of the people.

While wishing him many more years of peace, good health and God’s protection, the Governor urged Prof. Tyoden to continue to serve the people with more zeal and also allow his wealth of experience rub off on the younger generation who he has mentored over the years.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
22nd September 2021.

PRESS RELEASE

UPDATE ON PLATEAU POLYTECHNIC PROTESTS; PLATEAU GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS KILLING OF STUDENT, ORDERS INVESTIGATION

Recall that the Plateau State Government issued a Press Statement on Monday 20th September 2021 to throw more light on the protests by students of the Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi who blocked the main highway into the State from both the main campus and the Jos campus respectively.

In the statement, background was given as to the reasons for the student protests which were triggered by an Industrial Action by the Polytechnic’s unions to press home their demands despite the fact that exams were slated to start same day (20th September 2021).

As at the time the last Press statement was issued which was shortly after the Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden met with the unions, school management and student union representatives to resolve the matter, there was no reported death as a result of the protests, apart from some students that were injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

However, the Government has today regretably received the sad news from the Police of the death of one of the students who was said to have been hit by a stray bullet and taken to hospital for treatment but could not survive.

This is a very sad development which the Government totally condemns and has therefore directed an immediate and thorough investigation to be conducted into the circumstances leading to the death of the student.

While commiserating with the family of the deceased student, the Government assures that it will not spare anyone found culpable in the death of the student as it is determined to ensure that justice is done.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor has directed a Government delegation to visit the family of the deceased student to sympathise with them over the sad and unfortunate situation.

Hon. Dan Manjang
Commissioner for Information and Communication, Plateau State.
21st September 2021.

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE IMBROGLIO AT THE PLATEAU STATE POLYTECHNIC

Plateau State woke up to a mild drama that saw the staging of agitation by students over the refusal to conduct examination by the academic staff as a result of a strike to drive home labour demands. As a result, activities at the institution were disrupted.

This resulted into the blocking of the highway by students resulting in disruption of traffic along the ever-busy road.

When security personnel moved in to persuade the students to vacate the road and restore normalcy, a clash ensued between the students and security personnel.

Contrary to news making the rounds in the social media, no casualty has been recorded. However, some students sustained injuries and have been taken to the hospital and are responding to treatment.

At a meeting with labour leaders of the Polytechnic, Executives of the Student Union Government of the Institution, Management of the School and Government officials, led by His Excellency the Deputy Governor, Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, it was resolved that the lecturers should allow academic activities to continue while negotiations go on between the aggrieved unions and Government over the said demands.

The implication of this is that students will continue with their examinations according to plan.

While Government recognizes the right of both students and staff to press home their demands, it enjoins all and sundry to do so with all civility and in accordance to the rule of law.

Plateau State belongs to all citizens and as such the agitation for one’s right should not deny the rights of others. Therefore all
must strive not to rupture the peaceful coexistence which has been built over the years, particularly in the face of recent developments.

ALWAYS THINK AND ACT PLATEAU.

Dan Manjang,
Honourable Commissioner of Information and Communication,
Plateau State.
Monday, September 20, 2021.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS MOURN OBADIAH MAILAFIYA

The Northern Governors Forum has described the death of former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Obadiah Mailafiya as a great loss to the nation as well as the entire  Northern region.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong said the death of Dr. Mailafiya is a sad development not only to his family, but to the nation because of his enormous contributions to the socio-economic pursuits of Nigeria.

Lalong described the late CBN Deputy Governor as a consummate financial expert and vibrant intellectual whose local and international reputation is highly acknowledged, having been sought and deployed for the benefit of Government and private entities around the world.

While commiserating with the family, Lalong said the legacies of Dr. Mailafiya will continue to be celebrated as he showed passion for development, emancipation, truth, justice and equity in all his interventions at various platforms.

He said such aspirations for a better Nigeria and the upliftment of the downtrodden motivated him to vie for the office of the President in 2019 which afforded him the opportunity to expouse his vision for a better Nigeria.

Lalong extends the Forum’s sympathies to Governor Nasir el-Rufai, the Government and people of Kaduna State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
20th September 2021

Following the declaration of strike action by the Joint Union of Academic Staff of Plateau State owned tetiary institutions, which the Union said would commence on the 17th of September, 2021 through thier State chairman Comrade Lumye Innocent Simji.

Students of the Plateau State Polytechnic on Monday 20th September,2021 whom are supposed to be writing there semester exams woke up to the reality of the strike action as their school gates were completely barricaded. This in turn angered the students who took to the streets on protest.

The provoked students blocked the major road leading from the state secetariate junction down to old airport junction causing serious traffic and hardship on motorist who had to manuvier in difficulty for alternative routes.

The union are having three major demands which are the issues of a) Salary consolidation through minimum wage implementation b) Deduction of remittance from cooperative c) State Health contributory scheme deduction by the agency.

Meanwhile government has been in negotiations with the union leaders, with further details coming soon.