NORTHERN GOVERNORS SALUTE GEN. ABDULSALAMI ABUBAKAR AT 79
The Northern Governors’ Forum has sent warm felicitations to former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, on his 79th birthday, describing him as a patriotic Nigerian who continues to work for the unity, peace and progress of the country.
In a statement, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong said General Abdulsalami apart from serving the nation meritoriously during his military career, edged his name in gold by setting the country on the path of democracy when he handed over power to an elected President, ending the long years of military rule.
Lalong said the former Head of State has also continued to take keen interest in the growth of democracy and the entrenchment of good governance through his interventions, advocacy and wise counsel.
He said General Abdulsalami’s passionate pursuit of peace and the fight against insecurity is commendable as he has always made himself available whenever called upon to offer his knowledge and experience to leaders at various levels in tackling challenges.
While wishing him more years of God’s protection, good health and more wisdom, Lalong urged the former head of State not to relent in his determination to ensuring the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria, devoid of violence, acrimony and desperation.
He said the Northern Governors Forum will continue to leverage on his advice, leadership qualities, and maturity in addressing the challenges facing the region and its peoples.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
14th June 2021

KURU KILLINGS: LALONG WARNS AGAINST ATTACKS ON INNOCENT CITIZENS, BEGS COMMUNITIES TO INCREASE SURVEILLANCE

Distressed by the killing of innocent citizens in Sabon Layi, Kuru in Jos South Local Government Area, Governor Simon Lalong has appealed to citizens to increase surveillance and intelligence gathering as well as collaborate with security agencies to foil such attacks which are carried out in a hit and run fashion by criminals who are bent on disturbing the peace of the State.

Governor Simon Lalong who expressed disgust over the murderous incident which occurred on Sunday night in Sabon Layi Kuru, in Jos South Local Government and left 12 people dead and 5 critically injured, said these unprovoked and isolated attacks on soft targets must be stopped at all cost, as the Government will never allow few criminal elements to create fear in the hearts of the citizens.

During a visit to the scene to commiserate with the families of the victims and the Kuru community, the Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu condemned the attack describing those behind it as cowards who have no courage to face their victims for whatever grievances they might harbour against them.

He said irrespective of the motives behind the killings, the Government is treating it as a purely criminal activity and has directed security agencies to swiftly investigate, pursue, and arrest the perpetrators who must face justice.

Atu who announced a donation by the Government for the treatment of those injured and the burial of the deceased, said the Government is injecting more equipment into the security apparatus to enhance their rapid response in crime prevention and investigation.

The Secretary to the Government thereafter held a meeting with the Gwom Rwei Kuru District, Da Patrick Mandung, community and youth leaders as well as the Management Committee Chairman, Jos South Local Government Area Hon. Gideon Dandereng who all appreciated the Government for its quick intervention and visit, promising to intensify intelligence gathering and fully cooperate with security agencies in unraveling those behind the killings.

They said despite the ugly incident, the spirit of the people will never be broken and their hospitality and tolerance will not change as they remain a peaceful community who embrace all people irrespective of their backgrounds and harbour no grudge against anyone.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
14th June 2021

Agroup known as Plateau State Grass Root Youth for Justice through the state chairman Davwab Zachariah calls for immediate independent investigation over the step aside order issued to the Caretaker APC chairman Hon. Chief Letep Dabang. the group claims to be non-participant but any interested in issues that will affect the peace and justice of plateau at home and in the diaspora. see details of the news below as available to our news desk:   

PLATEAU STATE GRASSROOTS YOUTH FOR JUSTICE  

PRESS RELEASE 

Preamble  

The Plateau State Grass Root Youth for Justice is a non-partisan, Non-Ethnic, Non-Religious group but monitors and checks the activities of political parties and exists to encourage justice, fairness, peace, and order at all levels of engagement, advocating for the rights of Plateau citizens at home and in the diaspora. 

We are inundated by the recently staged suspension of the chairperson of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) Hon. Chief. Letep Dabang. As youths whose mandate is to encourage fair play and justice for all and various levels, we rise to the occasion as a wakeup call for caution against the peace we have enjoyed as a state for some time. We are forced therefore, to lend our voices knowing fully well that to safeguard our peace is a collective responsibility. However, we must call a spade by its name. 

The suspension of the chairperson on the ground of Anti-Party activities is to say the least unreasonable, callous, uncharitable, and unjustifiable and lacks merit to the reasonable mind. We see this scenario as a calculated attempt to hijack the party by some cabals whom we see as selfish and might not mean well for the continuous growth of the party and our dear state at large. For the records, we are fully aware of the activities and pedigree of the suspended chairperson, first, as a founding member of the party whose wealth of political experience catapulted the party to where it is today. 

We are fully aware of the Modus-operandi of the APC which is contained in its good books. Again, we appreciate the role of the grassroots through the ward level, a situation we conspicuously found lacking in the allegation therefore begging the question; who is responsible for this staged act? And to whose interest? We therefore pray that this action will not raise dust at the ward, LG and state levels or worst-case scenario distort the peace we have enjoyed for the past years. We therefore call for serious caution, to whom it may concern.  

We encourage that political parties should be instruments of mobilization rather than polarization of the people knowing the role Hon. Chief Letep Dabang played in the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in the state, a role we believed not only stabilized the parties in the state but also consolidate on the peace in the state. 

In conclusion, we wish to call on the national leadership of the APC to immediately rescind its decision by setting up an independent and transparent committee that will guarantee justice and fairness to all before the LG polls and other elections in order not to truncate the peace of the state.  

Sign 

Davwab Zachariah                                                         

  Chairman        

“GO AND MAKE GOD AND PLATEAU PROUD”, GOVERNOR LALONG TELLS LAFIA CATHOLIC BISHOP-ELECT, MSGNR. DAVID AJANG.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has charged the Catholic Bishop-elect of Lafia Diocese Msgnr David Ajang to continue to serve God and declare His salvation to the world without fear or hesitation.

Governor Lalong was speaking at a send forth Mass organised for the Bishop-elect by his Parish, the Church of Immaculate Conception, Zarmaganda Jos.

Lalong said “His commitment to the Catholic Church and the propagation of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ here on the Plateau and elsewhere is very much acknowledged and appreciated. Having worked closely with him as the Chaplain of the Government House Chapel for the past six years, I can testify about his deep passion to the salvation of the souls of men. We therefore have to release him and pray for him as he takes on this new responsibility. My Lord Bishop-elect, as you leave us for what could be referred to in other quarters as the Next Level, we urge you to go and make us proud just like you have done over the years by providing spiritual cover for the Government and people of Plateau State”.

Lalong said at the time when the nation is going through many challenges, the Church remains the beacon of hope and a place of refuge, urging the Bishop-elect not not to depend on human wisdom, power or might, but the Spirit of God and His grace.

The Bishop-elect who took his Homily, read from 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 and Mark 4:26-34 said growth, both physical and spiritual, requires deliberate efforts and choices by those involved as God blesses their good efforts.

He urged the congregation to always choose how they spend their time and with whom they keep company as it eventually defines the level of progress they attain.

He thanked the parishioners of CIC Zarmaganda for their love and support which enabled him perfom his priestly duties, urging them to pray for him as he takes om his new assignment.

He also thanked Governor Lalong for giving him the opportunity to serve as the Chaplain of the Plateau State Government House Chapel, describing the experience as worthwhile and rewarding.

There was thanksgiving and songs of praise to God in marking the event.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the
Executive Governor, Plateau State
13th June 2021

PLATEAU TO IMPLEMENT FULL AUTONOMY AS EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATURE & JUDICIARY REACH AGREEMENT

The dust over the implementation of autonomy for the Judicial and Legislative Arms of Government across the country has been settled in Plateau State, with the three arms of Government reaching an agreement after series of negotiations on modalities for its operations.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong disclosed this at a dinner and lecture to mark Democracy Day 2021 at the Banquet Hall of the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos on Saturday June 12th.

Lalong said prior to the clamour for implementation of autonomy across the nation, his administration had put in place structures for autonomy and even implemented some aspects. This include establishing the Judicial Service Commission and the House of Assembly Service Commission which are the administrative fulcrums of the two arms of Government among others.

He said with the agreement reached on modalities for implementation, he has directed that all funds accruing to the two arms of Government should immediately be transferred to them. This he said will continue to be the practice henceforth.

Based on the arrangement, after every FAAC monthly allocations are recieved and Internally Generated Revenues ascertained, statutory charges and liabilities will be deducted before each arm of Government are given what belongs to them.

The Governor who thanked the Speaker of the House of the Assembly and the Chief Judge for their understanding and cooperation throughout the negotiations, said there is no winner no vanquished. He then called on Judiciary and Legislative workers unions to ensure they get back to work immediately as anything short will amount to absence from duty which attracts “no work no pay”.

The Governor also recieved the report of the Judicial Panel of Enquiry on Police Brutality from the Chairman, Retired Justice Philomina Lot who said they recieved over a hundred petitions and struck out a few, but had many petitioners appear to make their cases.

The Governor assured that the State will implement all the recommendations relating to it and forward those concerning the Federal Government and its agencies appropriately.

Guest Lecturer Prof. Andrew Zamani, DG ITF Sir Joseph Ari, and acting DG NIPSS Gen. Udaya rtd  all commended Governor Lalong for pursuing peace and tackling insecurity which has brought about investment and development in the State.

Deputy Governor Prof. Sonny Tyoden and Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Danladi Abok Atu used the commemoration of the two years of the second tenure to reaffirm the commitment of the Lalong Rescue Administration to implement all it projects and fulfil its campaign promises.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
13th June 2021

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has confirmed the removal of Chief Letep Dabang as the chairman of the All Progressives Congress in the state.

The Governor made the announcement on Saturday night during a lecture and dinner organised for stakeholders as part of the activities to mark the June 12 Democracy Day which held at the Rayfield Government House in Jos.

Lalong who stopped mid-way in his speech to introduce the new State Chairman of the APC said, “We have a new APC chairman in Plateau. He is here with us. I saw him trying to send a text message using his phone and I said, let me stop here and recognise him before he will suspend me.”

Although the Governor did not speak further on the matter, it was gathered that the former APC chairman who was replaced by his Deputy, Enough Fanmak, was accused of anti-party activities which led to his suspension.

Dabang’s suspension was contained in a letter written to him by the party’s National Secretary, Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Sen. John Akpanudoedehe.

The letter dated June 11, 2021, read in part, “The Party is in receipt of a correspondence suspending you from office as the State Caretaker Chairman of Plateau chapter of our party, over anti-party activities.

“The information of your suspension contained in a document endorsed by a good number of members of the State Executive Committee, of which the Executive Governor of your state equally serves as a member, cannot be ignored.

“Therefore, in line with the posture of transparency of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), the National Chairman H.E. (Hon) Mal Mala Buni, has authorized the constitution of a 3-Man Fact Finding Committee.

“The committee is to look into the allegations as averred, with a view to determining the veracity or otherwise of the claims.

“In the circumstance, you are to step aside from your position as state caretaker chairman while the Deputy State Caretaker Chairman will act in your stead, pending the conclusion of the findings of the committee,”

The letter urged the suspended party chairman to “count on the fairness and good conscience of the CECPC on this endeavor”

Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong

on saturday said his adminstration has continued with its determination to complete many inherited and abandoned projects as well as those initiated by this administration.



He further said ” So far his adminstration has intervened in 19 out of the 28 inherited road projects. We have also continued work on the 26 new roads awarded by our administration covering a distance of about 800 kilometres linking various towns and villages across the State



He made this known in a broadcast to citizens of the state in commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, June 12, 2021.
of Dokan Tofa-Dokan Kasuwa-Ba’ap-Kurgwi with spur to Bwall and Dokan Kasuwa–Lardang–Kwa Road is ongoing. A substantial portion of the road from Kwalla to Kurgwi has been done.

The Rehabilitation of the Langtang–Garkawa– Yelwa Shendam–Longvel Road Project with spur to Laling has also gone far.



He added that ” Other road projects were captured in the “Operation Zero Potholes” initiative where over 20 internal roads within the Jos-Bukuru Metropolis were reconstructed or rehabilitated covering over 40 kilometres. The roads which were completed on schedule have been in use. Some of them were commissioned in the last two days.”





Lalong also said that The street lighting project tagged “Operation Light up Plateau” has also been on-going. So far, we have covered a distance of 80 kilometres across the Jos-Bukuru Metropolis with integrated solar powered street lights that have illuminated the city. We intend to continue with other areas once we get more resources.”



” In terms of water provision, we have intensified efforts to ensure that we give our people access to portable water. “





Apart from signing into law the Plateau State Water Sector Bill which gave rise to four agencies for effective management, monitoring and utilization of the water sector, we have constructed and rehabilitated various water treatment facilities and also provided hundreds of hand pumps across the State.



“These include the Yelwa Water Treatment Plant; the rehabilitation of Langtang North Water Treatment Plant which was hitherto grounded but now able to supply water to Langtang North; Pankshin Water Treatment Plant; and ongoing construction of a new Treatment Plant and Water Reticulation in Riyom among several others.”





The Governor further added that In order to ensure that the Judiciary is comfortable to carry out its duties, the High Court Complex in Jos is about 80 percent completed while the Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists has also been reconstructed to give the media in Plateau State a befitting place to practice. “



On education Lalong said Within the last two years, his adminstration has established and constructed over 200 Primary and Junior Secondary Schools as well as rehabilitated many others.



“We also procured and distributed over six thousand chairs, tables and other furniture to various schools. School enrollment in public schools has increased while we embarked on strong enforcement of substandard private schools among the over 1,300 operating in the State.”



He added that ” Work is ongoing on two new Technical Schools in Shendam (Southern Zone) and Pankshin (Central Zone) to further compliment the Technical School Bukuru in the Northern Zone all in a bid to boost our capacity for skill development and entrepreneurship

LETEP DABANG CALLS FOR CALM.

Suspended Caretaker Chairman of The All Progressives Congress in Plateau State,Letep Dabang has called for calm among party faithful over reports carried on various media platforms on the National Secretariat’s decision asking him to step aside for certain investigations to be carried out on his activities as party chairman.

A statement conveying his decision strongly called on members of the APC to avoid any action that may over heat the polity and bring disunity among the members of the party saying the unity of the party is very critical at this moment where elections are approaching.

He said as a faithful and committed party man,he welcomes any decision taken by the leadership of the party as such the latest is mere investigative therefore he believes he will be given a fair hearing and will overcome the temporary challenges.

Letep Dabang added that he strongly remains steadfast in ensuring the APC remains strong.

“I am calling on party faithful to believe in the process and we shall all smile at the end.No one should take the law into his hands rather let’s keep working as a team.

GOVERNOR LALONG BROADCASTS TO PLATEAU STATE, JUNE 12, 2021

In commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, June 12, 2021, Governor Simon Bako Lalong will address the citizens of Plateau State on Saturday June 12, 2021, at 2pm.

Television, radio stations and other electronic media outlets are encouraged to link up with the Radio and Television Services of the Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTVC) for the broadcast.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
June 12, 2021

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES PLATEAU LEGISLATURE/NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR TWO YEARS IN OFFICE
Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated the Speaker and Honourable members of the Plateau State House of Assembly for their doggedness in carrying out their legislative functions which have strengthened democracy in the State in the last two years.
Governor Lalong described the 9th Plateau House of Assembly under the leadership of Speaker Abok Nuhu Ayuba as very proactive and collaborative in the governance of the State.
He commended them for passing critical laws that have direct bearing on the people and also carrying out robust oversight of the Executive which has strengthened accountability and transparency in governance.
While urging them to redouble their efforts in carrying out their duties and responding to the needs of their constituents, the Governor assured them of the support and collaboration of the Executive towards improving the living standards of the citizens and providing security and peace.
On autonomy, the Governor assured them that the Executive has been very positive towards implementation which explains why even before the recent agitation, many aspects of Autonomy have been implemented with just a few aspects to be tidied up once modalities are worked out.
Similarly, the Governor has also congratulated the leadership and members of the National Assembly for marking two years in office.
Governor Lalong extended warm felicitations to the Senate President Ahmad Lawan and other distinguished Senators as well as Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and Honourable Members of the House of Representatives.
He said as members of the 9th National Assembly, they have shown passion and commitment to the economic and socio-political development by passing many laws and giving several approvals towards tackling national challenges such as insecurity.
Lalong urged them to write their names in gold by carrying out a thorough review and alteration of the 1999 Constitution by ensuring that the wishes of the people are reflected for a better Nigeria.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
11th June 2021