The Speaker House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila mila is currently in Jos, the Plateau State capital, attending a meeting at Government Guest House, No. 2. Rayfield, with members of the Plateau State House of Assembly.
An insider informed The Headline News that the meeting was organized by one of the members of the National Assembly from Plateau State name withheld.
Those in attendance are members, Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, Hon. Maje and others.
The meeting commenced by 6:00pm and still on going as at time The Headline visited the venue of the meeting.
JOS NORTH STAKEHOLDERS VOW TO EXPOSE TROUBLEMAKERS AS THEY MEET GOVERNOR LALONG.
Hours after relaxing the 24-hour curfew imposed on Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has held a meeting with stakeholders from the area to consolidate on efforts to sustain peace.
Governor Lalong while addressing the stakeholders, said the recent attacks in the Local Government Area are very disturbing and have brought back sour memories that have been almost forgotten.
He thanked the stakeholders for their roles in calming the tension as well as assisting security agencies to bring the situation under control. However, he told them that there must be deliberate efforts to ensure that there is no more violence.
The Governor said his administration has done a lot to improve security in the State in the last six years through various avenues including the Peace Building Agency. He asked them to take control of their areas as Government will not allow the breakdown of law and order under any guise.
Lalong regretted that the Government has been forced to use curfew as a last resort, but this can be avoided through dialogue and continuous engagement. He also assured them that he will continue to uphold justice and fairness which is the bedrock for peace.
During the meeting held at the Government House Rayfield Jos, the stakeholders expressed dismay over the recent attacks that led to loss of lives of lives and properties leading to the imposition of curfews.
They said most of the crises are pure criminality that are usually exploited using politics, religion and ethnicity to the point of escalation. According to them, the time has come for all well meaning citizens of Jos North to come together and fish out criminals among them to be punished.
The stakeholders assured the Governor that they will increase surveillance within their communities to fish out those instigating the crises as well as perpetrators in order to maintain peace.
They also warned those fuelling the situation in Jos North through provocative statements to desist as they will no longer watch and see people from outside the State instigating violence while they bear the brunt.
The effort of Governor Lalong in restoring peace in Plateau State over the past six years was also commended because there has been more engagement, empowerment of security agencies, equity and fair representation, and efforts to boost economic growth.
Drug and substance abuse, fake news and hate speech were also raised as some of the most disturbing issues that are heightening tensions unnecessarily which the Government must rise up to address.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 30th August 2021.
The funeral itinerary leading to the final internment of late Miss Vou Loisinta Pwol has been announced by the family as follows:
Friday 3rd September, 2021:Service of songs/commendation service @the family residence, #6 Thomas R. Pwol Close off Pwol Gyang Kyeng street by former Rukuba tractor Junction, Rock Haven (Ladura), Jos North LGA, Plateau State by 3pm prompt.
Saturday 4th September 2021, corpse departs Plateau State Specialist Hospital Mortuary by 9am for Church service at St. Murumba College Field by 10am.
Afterwards her remains will be laid to rest at the family compound in Rock Haven (Ladura), Jos. May the kind and gentle soul of our beloved daughter, sister and Aunty, continue to rest in the bosom of our faithful Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
Sign:
Very Rev Dr. Joseph P. Nyam on behalf of the lokadang kabong family.
The funeral itinerary leading to the final internment of late Miss Vou Loisinta Pwol has been announced by the family as follows: 1. Friday 3rd September, 2021:Service of songs/commendation service @the family residence, #6 Thomas R. Pwol Close off Pwol Gyang Kyeng street by former Rukuba tractor Junction, Rock Haven (Ladura), Jos North LGA, Plateau State by 3pm prompt. 2. Saturday 4th September 2021, corpse departs Plateau State Specialist Hospital Mortuary by 9am for Church service at St. Murumba College Field by 10am. 3. Afterwards her remains will be laid to rest at the family compound in Rock Haven (Ladura), Jos. May the kind and gentle soul of our beloved daughter, sister and Aunty, continue to rest in the bosom of our faithful Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
Sign:
Very Rev Dr. Joseph P. Nyam on behalf of the lokadang kabong family.
PLATEAU ATTACK VICTIMS RECEIVE MORE RELIEF MATERIALS FROM STATE GOVERNMENT
Sequel to the broadcast by the Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong that places affected by recent attacks in the state will be presented palliatives, the Governor has match words with action as the State Deputy Governor, Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden today lead a high powered government delegation to deliver relief materials to survivors of the attacks.
The first port of call by the delegation was Yelwa Zangam in Jos North Local Government Area were scores loss their lives following last week’s attack on the community.
The Deputy Governor while presenting the relief materials to the survivors appealed to them to remain calm as government will do everything possible to ensure that they are well catered for.
The delegation also paid a similar visit to the Brra Ngwe Rigwe, Reverend Ronku Aka at Miango, where Professor Sonni Tyoden sympathised with the Paramount Ruler over the recent attacks in the locality.
He noted that the Governor, Simon Bako Lalong is passionate about peace in the state, stressing that perpetrators of the dastardly act will be brought to book.
Also, relief materials were also presented for onward distribution to those affected. The relief materials include, bags of rice, maize, cattons of indomie, Milk, toiletries among others.
Doman Wetkum CPS to the Deputy Governor, Plateau State. 30th August, 2021.
PLATEAU GOVERNMENT DENIES SEALING HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
The attention of the Plateau State Government has been drawn to allegations made by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abok Nuhu Ayuba who appeared on Channels TV programme on Monday 30th August claiming that the Assembly Complex has been sealed.
This false allegation has further been circulated on social media associating the Executive arm of Government and the Governor as being behind it.
We wish to make it abundantly clear that the Executive arm of Government and the Governor is not aware or behind the purported sealing of the House as it does not dabble into the affairs of another independent arm of Government.
It is on record that His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako was the first Governor to implement full Autonomy for the legislature and Judiciary as well as Local Government in the country.
It is therefore not possible for him to be associated with any action that will impede on the activities of the House which has its rules and conventions.
The Governor remains the longest serving Speaker of the House in the history of democracy in Plateau State, understands the workings of the House, and has demonstrated uncommon respect to the leadership and members of the Assembly.
To the best of our knowledge, the House of Assembly remains open for legislative business. The good people of Plateau State and members of the public are advised to ignore the allegation and refrain from dragging the Executive arm of Government and the Governor into the affairs of the House.
Those who have any concerns should channel them to the security agencies and desist from peddling falsehood against the Executive arm of Government and His Excellency the Governor.
Dan Manjang Commissioner for Information and Communication 30th August 2021.
Security was beefed up around the Plateau State House of Assembly on Monday morning.
Clerk of the house Ponven Wuyep, confirmed to newsmen that there is heavy presence of security around the house but normal administrative activities were going on.
He debunked claims that the house was under seal.
“No the house was not sealed because normal activities are going. I am currently in the house. But there is additional security standing by and nobody is saying anything to anybody.
“Our normal security personnel is at the main gate. Staff is coming in and going out without any problem,” .
It could be recalled that on Saturday, the house in press conference asked people in the state to defend themselves following the upheavals that have ravaged the state in recent times.
A night attack on Yelwan Zangam last Tuesday left at least 37 people dead.
Plateau killings – Lalong visits trouble spots, vows to stand by his people always
By Golok Nanmwa ,Jos
Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, on Sunday embarked on a visit to troubled areas of the State in the wake of the recent attacks in Bassa and Jos North local government areas.
Lalong who led a delegation of traditional rulers , other stakeholders as well as security operatives said he would always stand by his people at all times .
The Governor first port of call was the Yelwa Zangam Community where over 30 persons were killed by gunmen .
Ateker Pada Bitrus who lost 9 members of his immediate family spoke on behalf of the survivors, wherein he appealed to the Governor to urgently address the Food crisis in the community following the destruction of their grains and their farmlands.
He also requested on behalf of the community for the building of a police station to assist in the responding to distress calls.
Governor Lalong while expressing his condolences to the Anaguta nation sued for restraints expressing concern over those he described as using the deaths of the over 30 persons in the community to score political points.
He sympathized with the affected people and called for calm, assuring them that they will get justice, we would ensure that those arrested are prosecuted .
Governor Lalong again warned criminals that they will be pursued, arrested and dealt with, no matter how long it takes, as his administration will not allow the reign of terror to persist and rubbish all the investments made in restoring calm in the State.
We will act swiftly to the request of the Anaguta Association especially the siting of a Police Station and rehabilitation of the bridge, when next I come back here it is to commission these projects, but we must continue to pray and be watchful .
Governor Lalong also announced that, the Federal and state government will mobilize relief materials that will be distributed beginning Monday to the affected community while he expect more federal deployments of security personnel.
He thereafter took a tour of Yelwa Zangm to assess for himself the level of carnage visited on the community
The Paramount leader of Anaguta people His Royal Highness Johnson. Juro who also spoke at the occasion described Governor Simon Lalong as a lover of the people of Anaguta .
In his words ” I am the chief mourner and nobody can mourn the lives and property lost more than me. I am not blaming Governor Lalong of the misfortune that befell us. Let the hate on social media stop.”
“Lalong has always stood for us and the people of Plateau at all times .
‘Lets continue to support Governor Lalong to tackle the insecurity bedeviling the state “,he further added .
A REJOINDER TO THE PURPORTED WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE BY ELDERS AND STAKEHOLDERS OF PANKSHIN LGA IN RESPONSE TO THE PLATEAU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PRESS RELEASE.DATED SATURDAY 28TH AUGUST,2021.
The purported Elders and stakeholders of Pankshin LGA, Which will subsequently be referred to as The Group, claimed to be stakeholders and Elders of Pankshin LGA, This is flat-out incorrect, we challenge the group to publish names of everyone present in the purported meeting, to the best of our understanding this is a group of political stooges who are just displaying their level of ignorance on the true state of Plateau State and singing the songs of the Governor in a bid to secure the state Government sympathy in 2023 and also to protect their selfish Agenda.
The Group claimed to Sympathize with the innocent people massacred within the Northern part of the State: it is on record that the so-called Stakeholders and Elders of Pankshin have not even for once by way of conduct or actions commiserate with the People of Bassa, Jos North, Barkin Ladi, Riyom ETC, before now. It begs the question what is the secret behind this fire brigade political approach? Or maybe they have suddenly regained consciousness and are awake from their slumber. 3The Group commended the Governor and security agencies on the Plateau for efforts made so far in curtailing the escalation of the Crisis, By this, the group have been betrayed by their obvious ignorance regarding the actual state and plight of people in the affected communities, it is on record that the Governor has not visited any of the epic center that was recently attacked and best he went to the hospital and other places which are safe heaven compare to what is happening in the affected communities, He did not attend the Burial and no high power delegation as Representative was sent as we saw in the case of the deputy Governor Sonni Tyoden escorted the Ondo indigenes to their State, while the Governor was on official assignment in Kano dinning with Buhari and other political Giants. While a Dusk to Dawn Curfew was imposed which has been the best strategy of the government and which has proven not to be the best strategy as people are still massacre in the most brutal and inhumane manner anyone can think of during Same curfew Hours.
The Group also praised the Governor who they claimed has tried exceedingly well, in the last six years to ensure that Plateau State enjoys Peace and stability, despite limited funds: the recent Happenings in the State do not represent these witless claims as it is on record that the Governor of Plateau State has underperforming in terms of security if past and current statistics of casualties are anything to go by, as it only shows the recklessness, irresponsibility and Nonchalant attitude of the APC led government; the constant attacks on Bassa, Jos North and other parts of the states shows. That the Governor is helpless and has run short of ideas. He has indeed underperformed.
The Group in a bid to Satisfy the Government of the day, Tend to discredit the ever-powerful, well articulated, and people-oriented World Press Conference on the state of insecurity on the Plateau by our Pro people and unintimidated House of Assembly which if properly evaluated with the lenses of Truth, equity and good conscience encapsulated the concerns of the good people of Plateau State and the dejected Masses in the villages, as it was devoid of any partisan, Tribal or religious connotations.
As a body of conscious people who believe in Posterity we Humbly subscribe to the following; A. That the House of Assembly under the stewardship of Rt. Hon Abok recognized it’s a constitutional obligation to the people and as such cannot sit and watch the barbaric and continuous killing of her people without taking necessary parliamentary Actions as a responsible Arm of Government. B.That the House of Assembly as an establishment of government and the umbrella that house All Plateau people through honorable members are saddle with the responsibility of not just making laws but ensuring its implementations as such the actions of the House of Assembly is not out of place as it conforms to the sacred obligation of government to protect life and property. C.That the 2weeks Ultimatum given to the Governor is the step in the right direction, we appeal that it shouldn’t be compromised and failure of the executive to comply with the ultimatum should be visited with stiff rejection from the House of Assembly by way of putting words into action, the constitutional power to impeach the Governor should be enforced.
we want to commend our legislators representing us. The Plateau State House of Assembly, namely, Hon.Philip Peter Dasun, Pankshin North, and Hon.Henry Longs, Pankshin South for taking the bold step of taking the Bull by the Horn and standing with the Oppress People at a time where posterity and history are watching. but just like Oliver Twist “we are asking for More legislative actions”.
We the Youths fully associate ourselves with the unbiased and nonpartisan decision of our members and we stand on the unshakable pillars of solidarity with the House of Assembly, That as an independent arm of Government they must continue to discharge their parliamentary responsibilities without fear or favor.
We the youths and ordinary stakeholders of Pankshin L.G.A. reject in totality the ill and anti-people world conference drafted by some misguided political elements parading themselves as Elders and stakeholders of Pankshin LGA. Who is standing with the oppressor of the people just to gain cheap political scores, indeed a fool at 50 is a fool forever! The Press Release did not in any way reflect the Wisdom, Incorruptible, Astute, and God-fearing ELDERS AND STAKEHOLDERS of our beloved Local Government. On this note, we declare them Persona Non-Grata S, As Albert Einstein Says ” whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted in important affairs'”. Knowing fully well that one of the signatories is an Aspirant for the position of senate 2023! We shall remind you, keep fraternizing with the oppressors.
Lastly, we plead to all patriotic citizens of Plateau State and Pankshin LGA to stand in solidarity and Unity with the House of Assembly as Martin Luther King Jr will say ” we must learn to live together as brother’s or we will perish together as fools”.
Solidarity Forever! Solidarity Forever! Solidarity Forever.! Just like El Dorado Plateau State will rise like the Day and From the ashes of yesterday, we Shall Build a new Plateau of our Dreams… APOLOGIES TO Baba Paul Gindiri! J.D. Gomwalk! Solomon Lar. Long live Plateau State… Signed: All concerned Youths of Pankshin LGA.
GOVERNOR LALONG NOT TO BLAME FOR PLATEAU ATTACKS: UJAH OF ANAGUTA
The Ujah of Anaguta, His Royal Highness Pozo Johnson Magaji Jauro, First Class Traditional Ruler in Jos North Local Government has berated those blaming Governor Simon Lalong for the recent attacks in the State saying such accusations are baseless and uncharitable as the Governor has done his best to promote security and peace of the State.
The Ujah was speaking when Governor Lalong visited Yelwa Zangam village in Jos North Local Government Area to commiserate with the community over the recent attack that claimed lives and resulted in destruction of properties.
He said the Anaguta nation is grieved with the attack which was very barbaric and carefully planned, but cannot put the blame on Governor who has not only empowered the security agencies to protect the people, but has also established structures to promote peaceful coexistence.
He said what is needed now is for the Governor to be supported to pursue the cause of justice by ensuring that the perpetrators are fished out and punished according to the law.
“I want everyone to quote me. I am the Chief mourner of this tragedy and nobody can mourn more than me. Let me appreciate the swift response of the security agencies and Government when we were attacked. I am not blaming Governor Lalong for the attack. I have been hearing all sorts of nonsense on the social media. How can somebody emancipate you and then turn back to kill you. This narrative is very very unfortunate. Governor Lalong is a lover of Anaguta people, lover of Jos North, Lover of Plateau State and lover of peace” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Sunday Bunu, Chairman or Anaguta Development Association said the community has been exposed due to lack of a Police station and access road which made response difficult during the attack. He asked for compensation for the victims, rehabilitation of houses destroyed, payment of hospital bills, reconstruction of Kunga bridge, as well as the construction of an alternative road linking the village to the permanent site of the University.
A representative of the affected families Mr. Bitrus Pada who lost members of his family said a total of 33 people were killed during the attack while several others were injured and are receiving treatment in various hospitals. He said they need urgent supply of food items and temporary shelter as most of their possessions were burned and looted.
Governor Lalong while condoling the community over the incident said he was highly grieved over the killings which are purely criminal and can never be left to go unpunished.
The Governor directed that a police station be established in the village and assured them that the newly trained vigilante will be deployed to the area. He also directed that relief materials be supplied immediately to alleviate the suffering of the victims. He also visited the residence of the village head which was destroyed as well as the bridge linking the community, directing that immediate repairs be carried out.
Lalong also told them that he has mandated the security agencies to fish out the killers no matter how long it takes because all the attacks in the State are purely acts of criminality, no matter the attempts by some persons to change the narrative.
The Governor urged the people to be consoled as no amount of conjecture will bring back the dead. However, he assured them that he will ensure that those killed get justice as those arrested will be head prosecuted diligently.
He asked the Anaguta people and others who have suffered recent in recent attacks to ignore the attempt by some politicians to incite them and pitch them against the government under the guise that they care for them.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 29th August 2021.
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