Senate Passes Law Abolishing Discrimination Against HND Holders
It was serious joy and jubilation as Senate Passes Law Abolishing Discrimination Against HND Holders

The Senate on Wednesday passed into law a bill abolishing discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders for the purposes of employment and promotion, into law.

The decision followed the consideration and adoption of a report on the Bill presented by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, at plenary.

The 9th Senate recently moved to address the existing discrimination between Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in employment and promotion in Nigeria.

During a public hearing on “A Bill for an Act to abolish and prohibit discrimination between First Degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) for the purpose of employment and other matters connected therewith”, organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, stakeholders took turns to vent their anger on the discrimination that has gone on for a long time.

The Chairman of the Committee, Ahmad Babba Kaita described their effort as the third time such a bill would come to the Senate.

He added that none had reached public hearing.

Kaita said the bill is not controversial as the Committee received “no single memorandum opposing it”

The bill which is sponsored by Senator Ayo Akinyelure (Ondo Central) is seeking to address the dichotomy that exists between B.Sc and HND that has affected a significant number of people in a way considered undesirable.

RT HON. WASE @ 57: CELEBRATING A GEM AND LEGISLATOR PER EXCELLENCE.

Today marks the 57th birthday anniversary of a rare gem, a colossus of inestimable value whose story typifies the rise from grass to grace through dedication and honesty.

As a younger colleague who is learning the rope of people oriented representation from your reservoir of wisdom, I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating you today, as always.

Your guidance and wise counsel has impacted positively in my legislative prowess, and I remain indebted for your kind gestures.

On behalf of myself, family and the entire good people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, I wish you heaven’s choicest blessings, sound health and more boisterous years ahead.

Once again, Happy birthday!

Signed:
Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi,
(Dan Malikin Kanam),
Chairman House Committee on Navy.

Plateau Govt Sacks 532 Workers Over Falsification of Records
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong has vowed to continue to rid the civil service of staff who have questionable records or are found to have tampered with their records. This is even as 532 staff with questionable records have so far been removed from the State payroll after an investigation using the BVN system.

Governor Lalong who disclosed this during a policy retreat for Permanent Secretaries held at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS Kuru said the exercise will continue as those found culpable will face disciplinary proceedings.


He said “I am aware of the huge manpower gaps that exist in the Plateau State civil service because of years of unemployment. With the setting up of the Nde John Gobak Committee on the Verification and Audit of Staff strength, we will address these issues once the committee completes its assignment and submits its report. Already, about 532 names have been removed from Government payroll after an investigation using the BVN system revealed inconsistencies in their records. Some had falsified their ages or tampered with their records. Others could not appear to answer queries on such records”

Lalong told the Permanent Secretaries that the State is today facing continuous decline in revenues from FAAC which makes it very necessary to generate more revenue internally to meet the yearnings of the people. This he said necessitated priority spending on areas that will yield revenues in all MDAs as well as the blocking of leakages in the system.

He also reminded the Permanent Secretaries that Government business in Plateau State is now driven by ICT and as such, they must not only be proficient, but also mentor all civil servants in utilizing ICT for carrying out their day-to-day schedules.

Head of Service Plateau State, Engr.
Sunday Chong Hyat said the Policy Retreat became necessary because of the appointment of 14 new Permanent Secretaries and the fact that the last exercise was held in 2015.

He said as accounting officers of various MDAs, the Permanent Secretaries have been equipped with relevant knowledge to enforce discipline and good conduct in line with extant rules and regulations of the civil service.

Lead consultant, Mr. Ezekiel Gomos and the Head of Component, Policy and Strategy GIZ/SEDIN Mr. Akin Omoware said the retreat provided a very strategic opportunity for Government to build the capacity of the top echelon of its workforce who will drive the reforms in the State and lead in programme implementation and project execution.

They advocated for more of such trainings to build workers capacity and enable the Government deliver on its mandate to the people.

PLATEAU GOVERNMENT WEEDS OUT 532 WORKERS OVER FALSIFIED RECORDS.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has vowed to continue to rid the civil service of staff who have questionable records or are found to have tampered with their records. This is even as 532 staff with questionable records have so far been removed from the State payroll after an investigation uaing the BVN system.

Governor Lalong who disclosed this during a policy retreat for Permanent Secretaries held at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS Kuru said the exercise will continue as those found culpable will face disciplinary proceedings.

He said “I am aware of the huge manpower gaps that exist in the Plateau State civil service because of years of unemployment. With the setting up of the Nde John Gobak Committee on the Verification and Audit of Staff strength, we will address these issues once the committee completes its assignment and submits its report. Already, about 532 names have been removed from Government payroll after an investigation using the BVN system revealed inconsistencies in their records. Some had falsified their ages or tampered with their records. Others could not appear to answer queries on such records”

Lalong told the Permanent Secretaries that the State is today facing continuous decline in revenues from FAAC which makes it very necessary to generate more revenue internally to meet the yearnings of the people. This he said necessitated  priority spending on areas that will yield revenues in all MDAs as well as the blocking of leakages in the system.

He also reminded the Permanent Secretaries that Government business in Plateau State is now driven by ICT and as such, they must not only be proficient, but also mentor all civil servants in utilizing ICT for carrying out their day-to-day schedules.

Head of Service Plateau State, Engr.
Sunday Chong Hyat said the Policy Retreat became necessary because of the appointment of 14 new Permanent Secretaries and the fact that the last exercise was held in 2015.

He said as accounting officers of various MDAs, the Permanent Secretaries have been equipped with relevant knowledge to enforce discipline and good conduct in line with extant rules and regulations of the civil service.

Lead consultant, Mr. Ezekiel Gomos and the Head of Component, Policy and Strategy GIZ/SEDIN Mr. Akin Omoware  said the retreat provided a very strategic opportunity for Government to build the capacity of the top echelon of its workforce who will drive the reforms in the State and lead in programme implementation and project execution.

They advocated for more of such trainings to build workers capacity and enable the Government deliver on its mandate to the people.


Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the
Governor of Plateau State.
1st June, 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG ADVOCATES SAFEGUARDS AGAINST CONSTITUTIONAL ABUSES AS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON REVIEW OF 1999 CONSTITUTION SITS IN JOS.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has advocated for stiff penalties against anyone who is found guilty of abusing the constitution so as to protect its sanctity as the highest instrumental of power and make it the main driver of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Governor Lalong spoke while declaring open the Public Hearing organised by the House of Representatives Special Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution for the North Central Zone in Jos.

The Governor said the review of the 1999 constitution is a worthy cause that needs to  be supported by all Nigerians as it could impact positively on good governance and service delivery to its citizens.

He however observed that beyond amending the constitution, Nigerians must also take greater interest in how the constitution is implemented to avoid abuses that end up creating distortions and leading to agitations for more amendments.

Lalong said “My advice to the members of the National Assembly and indeed all Nigerians is to put in place strong safeguards in the new constitution to avoid the abuse of power. The situation where people flagrantly disobey, discard and ignore the provisions of the constitution should no longer be tolerated. We should ensure that those who temper with the provisions of the constitution are seriously punished. No matter how frequently we amend the constitution, there may not be any difference if we fail to subject ourselves to its provisions. As citizens, we are the guardians and defenders of the constitution who can either make it work or fail by our actions or inactions. Nigerians should wake up from their slumber and lethargy by ensuring that they employ all legitimate means to protect the constitution. The days of docility are far gone”.

The Governor said if and when the  constitution is reviewed, no one should be allowed to live above it and at the same time, no one should be put beneath it by those in power or anyone saddled with the privilege of implementing any part of it. The rule of law must prevail at all times to guarantee democratic rights, freedoms and responsibilities.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution and Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase said the Committee is conducting the exercise with an open mind and will collate all positions of Nigerians for further consideration by the National Assembly.

Representatives of Governors of Nasarawa and Benue States decribed the Public Hearing as a golden opportunity for all grievances to be ventilated and all thorny national issues thoroughly discussed to arrive at a people’s constitution.

The Governor had earlier received the members of the Committee who paid him a courtesy visit at the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
1st June 2021.

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG FELICITATES WITH DEPUTY SPEAKER IDRIS WASE @ 57
Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has sent warm felicitations to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase on the occasion of his 57th birthday.
Governor Lalong In a congratulatory message described the Deputy Speaker as a leader who has shown uncommon passion for the peace and progress of his constituency, Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.
He said the commitment of the Deputy Speaker to the growth of democracy particularly through the enactment of laws for the good governance of the nation is highly commendable. This he said has made him to remain dedicated, loyal and patriotic in his duty as a legislator who continues to serve the State and the nation with integrity and excellence.
Lalong also praised Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase for being a consummate politician who has attracted Federal projects and programmes to Plateau State and also influenced other benefits to the people of the State.
He urged him to continue to work for the good of his Constituents State and the nation even as he brings his long legislative experience as leads the 9th House of Representatives Special Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution.
Governor Lalong wishes Rt. Hon. Wase many more years of peace, good health and progress.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham,
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
1st June 2021

GOVERNOR LALONG TAKES SECOND COVID-19 JAB

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has recieved the second jab of the COVID-19 Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine with a call to citizens of the State to make themselves available for the exercise.

Governor Simon Lalong who recieved the vaccine at the Government House Rayfield alongside his wife Regina and other Government officials said the fears earlier expressed by some citizens on the safety of the vaccines have not been proved as so far, no adverse effect has been recorded among those who took the first dose.

After receiving the vaccine administered by his personal physician Dr. Benjamin Dashat, called on all those who took the first instalment to make themselves available for the second phase in order to complete the cycle.

For those who are yet to take the vaccine, the Governor advised them to jettison conspiracy theories as the vaccines have been scrutinised by regulatory authorities and adjudged to be safe.

The Governor used the opportunity to appreciate health workers who have done their best to respond to the pandemic with many of them paying the supreme prize.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
30th May 2021.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONDEMN KILLING OF AHMED GULAK/ KIDNAP OF STUDENTS IN NIGER STATE

The Northern Governors Forum has described the assassination of Former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Matters Ahmed Gulak as most unfortunate and totally condemnable.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong while reacting to the killing said the sad event is a criminal act that must be condemned in totality.

Lalong said the killing of Gulak must be seen as a criminal act and treated as such, warning against insinuations and politicization that could lead to further violence.

He said the report by the police that it has identified and engaged the suspected killers of the late politician should further be consolidated upon to enable security agencies forestall future occurrence.

Meanwhile the Northern Governors Forum has also expressed disgust over yet another abduction of innocent citizens across 3 local Government areas of Niger State including students and teachers of an Islamiya school.

Governor Lalong said this horrible situation needs to be brought to an end in order to give respite for the people to engage in their legitimate activities without molestation.

He reiterated the commitment of the Forum in working with the security agencies and the Federal Government in tacking the ugly level of insecurity in the region and the nation at large.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
30th May 2021.

There was tension on Saturday in Idi-Iroko in the Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State when some Yoruba Nation agitators  stormed the area in a bid to open the land border.

But, operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service manning the border areas repelled the attack.

The land border had been closed by the Federal Government since 2019 when it directed that all forms of importation be done through the seaports.

Our correspondent gathered that the agitators on Saturday invaded the border community and forced open all the gates at the international frontier.null

A viral video posted on social media showed a gun being snatched from an Immigration officer.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of  the Nigeria Customs Service Ogun 1 Area Command, Hammed Oloyede confirmed the incident .

This is the first time the agitators acted violently

“NIGERIA WILL OVERCOME ITS CHALLENGES” – GOVERNOR LALONG REAFFIRMS AT MONTHLY PRAYER AND FASTING
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says the current challenges facing the nation will be overcome when Nigerians pray and also work with resolve to remove all obstacles to peaceful coexistence, under development and productivity.
Governor Lalong was speaking during the monthly prayer and fasting session held at the Government House Chapel, Rayfield Jos.
Lalong who acknowledged that Nigeria is facing challenges of insecurity, unemployment illiteracy among others, said there is no need to despair because tough times do not last forever.
He said his experience as Governor of Plateau State in the past six years has proved that it is possible to turn around a bad situation to a better one when there is purposeful leadership that mobilises people across different divides.
He said “when we took over, there was so much agony and despondency because of crises and other suspicious interactions. We have so far done our best to restore peace but some crises merchants are bent on taking us back. We will never allow them because our prayer and commitment will defeat these evil people who thrive in creating chaos. The recent attacks in Dong and Kwi in Jos North and Riyom are very regrettable and we are on the trail of these killers. I urge the citizens to pray and also be vigilant to give us the information about criminals. We will deal with them”.
The Governor thanked the people of Plateau State for praying for his administration and giving him the needed support to record various achievements and improving the lives of the people.
Chaplain of the Government House Chapel Rev. Monsignor David Ajang who is the Bishop-elect for Lafia said the hope of the world is found in the Lord and people cannot work on the basis of their flesh.
He said dependence on God is always profitable as it guarantees victory over every difficult circumstance such as the one that Nigeria is undergoing.
He also announced that he was having his last assignment in the Chapel as he will soon be resuming office as the Bishop of Lafia Diocese.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
28th May 2021.