GOVERNOR LALONG FELICITATES WITH SPEAKER FEMI GBAJABIAMILA AT 59
Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Northern States Governor’s Forum, Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila on his 59th birthday.
Governor Lalong described the Speaker as a patriotic and dispassionate Nigerian who believes in the unity, peace and progress of the nation.
Lalong said Gbajabiamila has demonstrated that he is a true democrat who believes in the rule of law, freedom of expression, human rights, independence of all arms of Government and their synergy in service delivery.
Governor Lalong said the Speaker has contributed immensely to the growth of democracy and in particular that of the legislature having been actively involved in the politics over a long period of time.
While wishing him many more years of peace, God’s protection and guidance, Lalong urged the Speaker to continue to give the 9th House of Representatives the desired leadership that will enable it enact appropriate laws for the good governance of the nation and conduct of oversight functions.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 25th June 2021
Following the successful conduct of the All Progressive Congress APC primary elections the party on Friday set up an appeal panel and called on its members to remain calm .
A statement signed by Mallam Bashir Musa Sati ,Secretary caretaker committee of the APC in Plateau made available to newsmen in Jos reads that the attention of the APC has been drawn to an unauthorized circulation of fake list of purported winners of the elections on social media .
Members of the party should disregard the message and avoid making statements that will promote the agenda of mischief makers .
This clarification has become necessary in order to ensure that no member of the APC is mislead .
He added that the APC management will use the appropriate channels of communication to announce the results of the party primaries in due course .
Sati added that party faithful are advised to channel all complaints and grievances to the appeal panel at the state party secretariat .
KANAM APC PRIMARIES; SUSPECTED ARMED THUGS ARRESTED, THREE SHARON VEHICLES INTERCEPTED BY SECURITY OPERATIVES.
The security agencies in kanam LGA has on Wednesday 23rd June 2021 nabbed 31 suspected armed thugs along Amper-jos road opposite Sunnah Clinic Dengi Kanam LGA.
The suspects were arrested by joined security operatives of the Nigeria police, the military, NSCDC, DSS and the local Vigilantes in the area.
The arrest was made following an intelligent tips from the men of the national Union of road transport workers (NURTW) in the locality.
The suspects who upon preliminary investigations, confessed to have brought in four Sharon vehicles from Bauchi State on a contract to disrupt the smooth conduct of the APC primary election in the locality.
The securities intercepted THREE of the Sharon vehicles that conveyed the suspects and one of the Sharon vehicle was damaged along Gumshar-Jos road while escaping in the bush paths alongside seven other fleeing suspects.
The suspects who are between the ages of 20-30 years of age further confessed to have been invited by a lawmaker on a mission to cause unnecessary tension and chaos in the area.
Reacting to the unfortunate situation, the council chairman Hon Wokdung Adamu Abbas calls for absolute calmness and commends the proactivenss of the security agencies in the area. Government will continue to support the security operatives in curbing all forms of insecurity in the locality, Hon Wokdung said.
The council chairman also directed the security agencies to transfer the suspects to the state-CID for further investigations.
Bashir Auta. Senior special assistant to the executive chairman (Media and publicity) Kanam LGA. 25th June, 2021.
GENERAL YAKUBU GOWON CALLS FOR PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE IN PLATEAU STATE AND NIGERIA.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) has called for peace and unity among the people of Plateau State and Nigeria at large. He said, no nation or State can make progress without peace and unity.
General Gowon said this when he received in audience former Comptroller of Customs, Nde Victor David Dimka, who was in his Abuja residence today to draw inspiration from the wellspring of wisdom of the former Head of State. He expressed happiness that after a distinguished service in the Nigeria Customs Service, he has offered himself to serve the people of Plateau State. He recollected how prayers enabled him to overcome all challenges and emphasized total dependence on Divine Providence.
The former Head of Sate expressed hope that Plateau State known for peaceful coexistence will soon return to its past glory and called on the good people of the State to see themselves as one and indivisible entity. He stressed the importance of inclusive leadership and the respect of the dignity of all.
” Plateau State is the melting pot of Nigeria which has attracted so many across the country, and should remain the home for all.” he said.
On his part, the former Comptroller of Customs, Nde Victor David Dimka fsi recollected the golden era when the elder Stateman was the Head of State of Nigeria, and J D Gomwalk of blessed memory was the Governor of Benue Plateau State. “Nigeria and the good people of Plateau State will remain indebted to you for the role you played in keeping this country united. Even in retirement, you have remained the rallying point, using the Nigeria Prays programme to unite us the more.”
“We are beneficiaries of your good name, and we will continue to emulate your exemplary leadership qualities.” he added. General Gowon climaxed the familial interaction with prayer for the aspiration, calling for inspiration and guidance from God Almighty.
GOVERNOR LALONG CHARGES NEW BISHOP OF LAFIA ON PRAYER FOR NIGERIA
Governor Simon Bako Lalong and his Nasarawa State Counterpart Abdullahi Sule were among thousands of guests that joined the Catholic faithful for the ordination of Most Revd. David Ajang as Bishop of Lafia Diocese.
Governor Lalong who was accompanied by his wife Regina and a high powered delegation from Plateau State comprising of the Speaker of the House of Assembly Abok Nuhu Ayuba, some members of the State Executive Council, Traditional Rulers led by the Gbom Gwom Jos Da Jacob Gyang Buba, and prominent elders said Plateau State was highly delighted by the appointment of Most Revd. David Ajang as a Bishop.
Lalong said “Having worked closely with him as the Chaplain of the Government House Chapel in Jos for the past six years, I can testify about his deep passion for the salvation of the souls of men. Indeed, he has endeared himself to our hearts through his kindness, love for God and humanity. Bishop David Ajang is a man who undertakes his spiritual calling with utmost humility and the fear of God”.
He charged the Bishop never to cease praying for the country saying “My Lord Bishop, please continue to uphold Plateau and Nasarawa States as well as the entire nation in prayers for peace, security and prosperity of the land. You contributed a lot to the restoration of substantial peace and security in Plateau State by prayers and godly counsel. Please do not relent to offer same to my brother, the Governor of Nasarawa State His Excellency Governor Abdullahi Sule who by the way is another “Jos boy” on loan to Nasarawa”.
Governor Abdullahi Sule congratulated the new Bishop and aasured him of the support and collaboration of the Government and people of Plateau State whom he said are looking forward to a wonderful experience during his tenure.
Sule said the State will benefit from his experience and knowledge, having left a good legacy in Plateau State where he held several positions in the Church including Chaplain, Government House Chapel Jos before his appointment as Bishop.
He also called on religious leaders to pray for the nation and give good counsel to help those in position of leadership to serve the country dispassionately.
Papal Nuncio, Most Revd. Antonio Fillipazzi performed the ordination in line with the tradition and protocols of the Catholic Church.
Arch Bishop of Jos, Mathew Ishaya Audu who is the immediate past Bishop of Lafia addressed the congregation for the last time and appreciated them for their support and players during his term as Bishop. He asked them to extend same to the new Bishop.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor, Plateau State 24th June 2021
KANKE LOCAL GOVERNMENT:MAY BE PILOTED BY A MEDICAL DOCTOR
The contest in Kanke is gradually being driven by the health sector specialists. Kanke Cottage Hospital is almost completed hence the commencement of operations at this health facility which was initiated by the Dariye Administration during the time that Dr Danlami Lenkop was the Executive Chairman of Kanke LGC, is becoming a key determinant of the 2021 race for the exalted position. PDP has blazed the trail with the emergence of Dr Raymond Juryit a world renowned Epidemiologist as it’s candidate. The APC is going to its primaries tomorrow morning, with it’s postponement resulting from a late commencement of this critical task today. Reports reaching us reveals that the front runners are Dr Koptong Bangs a healthcare practitioner specialising as a General Practitioner who is practicing at Plateau Specialist Hospital Jos who is slugging it out with John Goldana a bursar at College of Health Technology Pankshin. Pundits hold that if Dr Bangs emerges then in Kanke it will be a straight fight between two medical experts and this gives an excellent opportunity for high quality medical services when the new hospital is completed. Our investigations reveals that the Lalong Administration is committed to the commissioning of the hospital before 2021 runs out. For Kanke the contest for Chairmanship may yield a double dividend. Professional medical services as well as high quality leadership since the medical experts have held management positions in Plateau State. We await the verdict from Kanke!
Breaking: Tribunal upheld Senator Daduut’s victory as winner of Plateau South bye Election
By Golok Nanmwa ,Jos
National Assembly and State Houses Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Jos on Monday, affirmed the election of Sen.Prof Nora Ladi Daduut of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for Plateau south senatorial constituency.
Delivering judgment, the tribunal said that the petition filed by George Daika of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the election of Senator Daduut failed as the petition lacked merit and is hereby dismissed.
Daika had challenged the declaration of (Sen. Daduut) by the Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) as winner of the Plateau Southern Senatorial Bye-Election held on December 05, 2020.
GOVERNOR LALONG, IGP ALKALI BABA COMMISSION SECURITY PATROL CARS/MOTORCYCLES
Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Alkali Baba on Monday 21st June 2021 joined Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the premises of the New Government House in Rayfield Jos to inaugurate 50 new patrol vehicles and 200 security motorcycles procured by the Government of Plateau State.
Governor Lalong described the event as a momentous occasion that is aimed at boosting the capacity of security agencies in the State towards tackling criminal activities and resurging attacks on innocent citizens.
He said “to a very large extent and without sounding immodest, we have made giant strides in restoring peace in Plateau State by bringing down the level of insecurity and restoring confidence of the citizens as well as attracting investors, visitors and tourists who continue to troop into the State in large numbers. However, we have also realised that while we consolidate on the peace, the crises merchants are not sleeping as their source of business has been obstructed due to the actions we have put in place to restore stability. Therefore, they are restless and trying various methods to breach the peace.”
Lalong said these criminals have in recent times resorted to isolated attacks in various communities which are carried out in a hit-and-run fashion. In the last two years, such cases were recorded in Kulben, Mangu LGA; Kwatas in Bokkos LGA; Foron in Barkin Ladi LGA; Kwall in Bassa LGA; and recently in Dong in Jos North and Kwi in Riyom LGA among others. While some of the perpetrators have been arrested, others are still at large.
While commending the security agencies for doing their best to tackle such attacks and other criminal activities, he expressed deep concern over the inability to prevent isolated killings or arrest the perpetrators in some cases. He told the police and other security agencies that he does not want to hear unknown gunmen again in Plateau State
Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Alkali Baba in a remark commended Governor Lalong for his efforts at restoring peace and security in Plateau State and also consolidating it with the acquisition of vehicles and providing other logistic requirements for the police and other security agencies.
He assured that more police personnel will soon be recruited to boost the manpower of the force while the training of the personnel is also being accorded serious attention.
Gbong Gwom Jos Da Jacob Gyang Buba appreciated Governor Lalong for his continued support to security agencies, assuring that the traditional rulers will always give maximum support to all security agencies by mobilising their subjects to gather intelligence.
Over 3,000 Plateau State Joint Civilian Operatives personel were unveiled by the Governor. The IGP also advised them to be involved in intelligence gathering and also pass the same to the security agencies.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 21st June 2021
PLATEAU CELEBRATES JUSTICE DONGBAN-MENSEM AT NIGHT OF GLAMOUR
It was a night of glamour, entertainment and tributes as the activities marking the Thanksgiving Mass and Grand Reception in honour of the President, Court of Appeal Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem came to a climax with a dinner at the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.
The grand reception organised by the Plateau State Government was preceded by a Thanksgiving Mass which took place at the St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Rantiya, Jos.
The event attended by the cream of the legal profession from the Bench and the Bar featured the display of the rich cultural heritage of Plateau State with performances of some exotic dances and displays by reknown cultural groups in the State.
Governor Lalong while speaking at the dinner said the State Government decided to celebrate Justice Dongban-Mensem not only because she is from Plateau State, but simply to demonstrate that charity really begins at home and also buttress that her journey to the top started from the State.
He said “we also want her to know that we appreciate the enormity of the burden laid upon her shoulders in leading her colleagues at the Court of Appeal in the task of delivering justice and interpreting the laws of the land. Ours is to assure her that we shall continue to stand behind her and pray for her to discharge this duty with excellence and the fear of God”.
Lalong stated that he had no doubt that she will make her family, Plateau State, Nigeria and above all, God Almighty proud as many who have known her over the years attest to her passion for doing the right thing as well as disdain for cutting corners.
Justice Monica Dongban said she was highly overwhelmed by the solidarity and goodwill shown her by the Government and people of Plateau State, revered members of the bench and bar, her colleagues, schoolmates, and well wishers who have continued to pray for her for wisdom and courage to carry out her duties with the fear of God.
She promised to do her best and make Nigerians proud as well as usher a new era of service delivery, judicial integrity and transparency.
Justice Raphael Agbo of the Court of Appeal and Justice C.C. Nweze of the Supreme Court said the entire Judiciary is proud to have Justice Monica in its fold and will continue to benefit from her forthrightness, passion and experience.
Chief Judge of Plateau State Justice Sati Dakwak said having started from a humble beginnings in the Plateau State Judiciary, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem is an inspiration for the Judiciary and a source of motivation for the younger generation.
NBA Chairman Plateau Yakubu Bawa said Justice Dongban represents the finest of the Nigerian bench with a rich background of integrity, incorruptibility, intelligence and hardwork. He assured that the Nigerian bar will work closely with Justice Monica and the Justices of the Court of Appeal to strengthen justice delivery and the rule of law.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 19th June 2021.
BUHARI, SGF, GOVERNORS CELEBRATE COURT OF APPEAL PRESIDENT JUSTICE DONGBAN-MENSEM AT THANKSGIVING MASS
President Muhammadu Buhari, Governors of Plateau, Ekiti, Rivers, Oyo, Justices of various Courts, senior legal luminaries and people from all sectors of the society today (19th June 2021) converged on St. Monica’s Catholic Church, Rantiya, Jos for the Thanksgiving Mass in honour of the Preaident, Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem to celebrate her appointment.
President Buhari who was represented by the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen described Justice Monica as a Justice of good character and dexterity who emerged as the head of the second highest Court in Nigeria by merit.
He said since her appointment a year ago, she has continued to demonstrate diligence in handling the affairs of the Court of Appeal and strengthening reforms towards the speedy and honest delivery of justice to Nigerians of all backgrounds.
He charged her to put in her best and raise the bar in the dispensation of justice by assisting Government in fighting corruption, crime and acts inimical to national development.
Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum, Kayode Fayemi said the celebrant is a woman of substance who has a rich pedigree in the Bench and is known to be fearless, uncompromising and intolerant of inducement in the course of discharging her duties. Fayemi said the success of women like Justice Monica creates more room for Nigerian women to occupy other sensitive offices and perform creditably.
Host Governor, Simon Bako Lalong said the Thanksgiving Mass and Grand Reception was organised to honour the Court of Appeal President and give glory to God for lifting her from humble beginnings to the peak of her career.
He said the State was very proud of her achievements and has decided to celebrate her and showcase her as an example to the world because of her diligence, hardwork and the grace of God.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha who was a classmate of Justice Dongban-Mensem at the Nigerian Law School also sent in his goodwill message asking her to continue to do her best in serving Nigeria.
In his homily, Catholic Bishop of Bauchi Diocese Rev. Dr. Hillary Dachelem said the turn out of people from all aspects of life and various backgrounds to celebrate Justice Monica is an indication that Nigerians can live in peace and collaborate to build a greater Nigeria.
He called on leaders to avoid promoting divisive tendencies that promote intolerance, violence and hatred as God created humanity with peace and love in his image.
Justice Monica Dongban in a response said she was overwhelmed by the show of love from the Church, people and Government of Plateau State, the Executive, legislature and Judiciary, as well as Nigerians from all walks of life who have come out to celebrate her.
She said she is encouraged by their show of love to remain firm in her resolve to do justice to all people according to the laws of the land and the oath of office she undertook, knowing fully that God is the judge of all where will also give account of her stewardship.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 19th June 2021
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