CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF IN PLATEAU; SAYS CITIZENS MUST WORK WITH SECURITY FORCES TO RESTORE PEACE

The Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor has visited Plateau State to assess the security situation and interact with key stakeholders on how to ensure lasting peace in the State.

General Irabor on arrival paid a courtesy visit on Governor Simon Lalong at the new Government House Rayfield Jos where he explained that he was in the State as part of the mandate from President Muhammadu Buhari for the Armed Forces to do everything their schedule of duty to ensure that perpetrators are fished out and such attacks do not happen again.

During the stakeholders meeting held at the Victoria Gowon Hall, General Irabor said the meeting will afford him the opportunity to listen to the concerns and suggestions of all participants on the way forward.

He explained that the military can work to confront criminal elements working against the security of lives and properties, but real peace is only obtainable when the citizens make deliberate efforts to live with one another, adhere to norms, and laws as well as expose criminals amongst them.

The CDS also clarified the merging of the duties of Operation Safe Haven and the 3rd Armoured Division which he said was done to give the Commander wider latitude and resources to deploy whenever there is any emergency. He said it was a great advantage which must not be misconstrued.

He appealed to the people to cultivate trust with the Armed Forces and use all necessary channels to report any misconduct from the lowest to the highest level. He assured that no personnel will be allowed to go away with any act that runs contrary to the regulations of the Armed Forces.

Governor Simon Lalong while appreciating  President Muhammadu Buhari for his concern over the recent developments in the State, welcomed the CDS for his visit.

He said the situation has been stabilised but more work needs to be done both in terms of law enforcement and peace building.

The Governor reiterated that the people of Plateau State are peace loving and accommodating, and wish to have stability to pursue their living peacefully.

The meeting thereafter went into a closed door session.

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

PRESIDENT BUHARI APPROVES CABINET RESHUFFLE

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a reshuffle in the cabinet formed on August 21, 2019.

In a statement to cabinet members during the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday 1st September, President Buhari announced that Mohammed Sabo Nanono, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Engr. Sale Mamman, Minister of Power were leaving the cabinet.

In the same vein, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, Minister of Environment, was redeployed to assume office as the Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development, while Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, Minister of State, Works & Housing will now be the Minister of Power.

The President said the changes were sequel to the “tradition of subjecting our projects and programs implementation to independent and critical self-review” through sector reporting during Cabinet meetings and at retreats.

He added that “these significant review steps have helped to identify and strengthen weak areas, close gaps, build cohesion and synergy in governance, manage the economy and improve the delivery of public good to Nigerians.”

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 01, 2021

____________________________

The full text of the statement is reproduced below:

On Wednesday 21st August, 2019 the current Federal Executive Council was sworn-in after a rigorous retreat to bring returning and new members up to speed on the accomplishments, challenges and lessons drawn from my first term in Office and to emphasise the 9 priority areas of government for the second term.



2. Two years and some months into the second term, the tradition of subjecting our projects and programs implementation to independent and critical self-review has taken firm roots through sector Reporting during Cabinet meetings and at Retreats.



3. These significant review steps have helped to identify and strengthen weak areas, close gaps, build cohesion and synergy in governance, manage the economy and improve the delivery of public good to Nigerians.



4. I must commend this cabinet for demonstrating unparalleled resilience that helped the government to navigate the disruption to global systems and governance occasioned by the emergence of COVID-19 shortly after inauguration. The weekly Federal Executive Council meetings was not spared because the traditional mode was altered.



5. As we are all aware, change is the only factor that is constant in every human endeavour and as this administration approaches its critical phase in the second term, I have found it essential to reinvigorate this cabinet in a manner that will deepen its capacity to consolidate legacy achievements.



6. Accordingly, a few cabinet changes, marking the beginning of a continuous process, have been approved. They are as follows:



Ministers Leaving the Cabinet:



I. Mohammed Sabo Nanono, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and

II. Engr. Sale Mamman, Minister of Power.

Redeployment:

I. Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, Minister of Environment, to assume office as the Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development;

II. Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, Minister of State, Works & Housing assume office as the Minister of Power.

7. In due course, substantive nominations will be made to fill the consequential vacancies in accordance with the requirements of the constitution.

8. I have personally met with the departing members to thank them for their contributions to discussions in cabinet and the invaluable services rendered to the nation. Today, effectively marks their last participation in the Federal Executive Council deliberations and I wish them the best in all future endeavours.

9. Finally, I wish to reiterate once more, that this process shall be continuous.

10. I thank you all and May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

IRIGWE/FULANI LEADERS MEET AGAIN; AGREE TO SIGN PACT ON PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE

For the second time within two weeks, leaders of Irigwe land and fulani community met with Governor Simon Bako Lalong in an effort to find lasting solutions to the recurring violence in some areas of Bassa Local Government.

The meeting which was held at the Government House Rayfield Jos, had the representatives of the two sides under one roof who presented their positions on how best to achieve lasting peace and security in the area.

Both sides who had earlier met with the Governor separately, expressed readiness to forgive one another where they have suffered injustice in the past as well as come back together and coexist under a peaceful atmosphere.

They also agreed to further sit together and fine tune issues that are causing the conflict before they come up with a final document.

Governor Lalong after listening to them said while Government will do its part in ensuring that criminals are arrested and prosecuted, the responsibility of living in peace lies with the citizens who must come together and identify the criminals.

He assured them that he will be glad to go to Irigwe land and witness the signing of the agreement when it is fine tuned. The Government he said will play its part in implementing whatever pact is signed.

He directed the Peace Building Agency to follow up and midwife the process.

While that is being awaited, the Governor assured them that those affected and displaced will recieve palliatives from the State and Federal Government while other measures to assist them rebuild will further be strengthened.

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

IZERE NATION VISITS GOVERNOR LALONG OVER RECENT ATTACKS; COMMEND HIS EFFORTS AND WARN AGAINST POLITICISING INSECURITY.

Leaders of the Izere nation in Jos East Local Government, the home of the incumbent Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly were at the Government House in Rayfield Jos, on Tuesday 31st August 2021 for a solidarity visit to Governor Simon Bako Lalong over the recent attacks in some parts of the State.

Led by the Adagwom Izere, HRH Rev. Isaac Azi Wakili, serving and former political office holders, community leaders, former Minister of Transport, youth representatives and academicians from the Chiefdom, the delegation condoled the Governor and people of the State over the recent attacks that claimed lives and properties.

They said they were at the Government House to appreciate the efforts of the Governor in addressing the situation and restoring normalcy within a very short time. They praised the steps taken to de-escalate the situation and save lives.

Adagwom Izere told the Governor that the people of his kingdom remain solidly behind him because they know his efforts in promoting peace, reconciliation and tackling crimes which have ensured the return of relative peace to the State in the last six years.

He asked the Governor not to be deterred by the criticisms and vilification of those who want to use the tragedy for political gains, saying such actions are not healthy for the peace and progress of the State.

The Royal Father assured the Governor that the people of Izere nation remain great partners of the Rescue Administration and will not allow anybody to cause crises or take advantage of such developments to discredit the Government for political purposes.

Responding, Governor Lalong said the visit was reassuring and another affirmation that people of Izere nation and most citizens of the State are lovers of peace and supporters of the Rescue Administration which is working to build a safe, secure and inclusive society.

He thanked the Royal Father for always being proactive and supporting Government in its efforts to build a better Plateau.

Lalong said the actions of a few people from the Izere nation will not jeopardize the harmonious relationship that exists between him and the people of Izere land.

He thanked the delegation for choosing to stand with the progress of the entire State rather than be dragged into political games that seek to escalate the tensions and paint Government bad for political purposes, using the recent unfortunate attacks as a launch pad.

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

PLATEAU APC STAKEHOLDERS DENOUNCE RECENT ATTACKS; PASS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE ON GOVERNOR LALONG

APC Stakeholders in Plateau State have unanimously condemned the recent attacks in various areas of Bassa, Jos North, Jos South, Riyom, Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government where lives were lost and properties destroyed.

The meeting held at the Victoria Gowon Hall, Government House Rayfield Jos was presided over by the acting Chairman of the APC, Hon. Enock Fanmak.

The meeting condemned the recent attacks describing them as callous, unwarranted and barbaric. They said this has caused untold hardship to the people of the affected areas and entire State especially when curfew was imposed on three Local Government Areas.

While commiserating with the effected families, the APC stakeholders appealed to all citizens of Plateau State to rally round the Government and also encourage the Governor and security agencies to continue to work hard in arresting criminals and bringing them to justice.

They expressed disappointment over the attempt by some politicians in the State as well as other interests outside to fuel the crises in a bit to make personal gains from it. This they said amounted to a great disservice to the people of the State who want to live in peace and enjoy their lives.

Governor Lalong while addressing the party faithfuls thanked them for their support and loyalty which he said was a major source of encouragement for the Government during this trying moment.

He said the Government has taken measures to beef up security, follow up on dialogue, reconciliation and forgiveness, as well as make sure that those arrested for the attacks are prosecuted to serve as deterrence.

There after, the party went into a closed door session to discuss other party issues relating to the Local Government congresses coming up soon.

The meeting came up with various resolutions towards holding peaceful Local Government congresses and resolving all differences arising from the exercise.

The stakeholders also passed a vote of confidence on Governor Simon Bako Lalong for good leadership on the Plateau and his pursuit for peace and security. They commended the Governor for his doggedness in handling the recent security situation and restoring normalcy.

The motion was moved by Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Naanlong Daniel and seconded by Hon. Philip Dasun, House Committee on Information.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
31st August 2021.

FANI KAYODE PRAISES GOVERNOR LALONG; CALLS HIM A PEACE MAKER
Former Minister of Aviation Chief Femi Fani Kayode says Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State is an example of tolerance, peace, unity and forgiveness whose inclusive leadership style has set him apart as a national icon.
Chief Fani Kayode who is in the State to condole with the Government and people over the recent happenings which led to a breach of peace that has been cultivated by Governor Lalong over the last six years, said Plateau State is a melting point of the nation whose history of accommodation, tolerance hospitality and serenity is globally recognised.
He said the recent attacks by criminals must not be allowed to give the impression of hostility between people of Plateau State who have dwelt together in peace despite religious and ethnic peculiarities. They are therefore not in any battle with one another, but facing instigation from influencers outside the State.
Fani Kayode blamed the attacks on foreign assailants who are not only attacking Plateau State, but other parts of the country as well. He said they must be fished out and dealt with in order to stop them from destroying the nation, he said.
He encouraged Governor Lalong to continue with his efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and also deal with criminals who are killing and maiming innocent people.
Governor Lalong in a response said he was delighted with the visit of Chief Fani Kayode who has been going round the country preaching peace, unity and reconciliation.
He reaffirmed his determination to continue to run an inclusive Government that takes care of care of the interests of all citizens no matter their backgrounds. This he said is what gave the State its fame and fortune over the years and gabe it the recognition as the home for all.
The Governor appreciated all Nigerians that have expressed solidarity the State during this trying moment and also condemned the narratives that seemed to fuel anger, tensions, reprisals and instability.
He said despite this development, the State remains the destination of choice for many people from within and outside the country as it still embraces diversity and goodwill.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
31st August 2021

Group petitions EFCC, accuses Latep Dabang, suspended Plateau APC chairman of stealing N593 million Party funds

The suspended Caretaker Chairman of All Progressives Party in Plateau State, Latep Dabang, has been reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly stealing N593 million from the party.

The APC stakeholders made the report through a petition to the anti-graft agency, dated August 6.

It would be recalled that The Plateau chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had suspended  Letep Dabang for alleged anti-party activities, in a letter signed by Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, Secretary, Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee.

According to the petitioners, the embattled former chairman stole the money through arbitrary withdrawals of party funds.

“We want EFCC to commence immediate investigation into the alleged criminal financial mismanagement levelled against Latep Dabang for his seven years tenure of office from 2014 to 2021 for possible prosecution for financial crimes,” the petitioners stated.

“All the actions of the suspended Caretaker Chairman are contrary to the spirit of democratic ethos and value and social justice contract with the party faithfuls and this has a serious negative impact on the operations and credibility of the Party.”

When Mr Dabang was asked to comment on the allegations, he told our reporter on the telephone: “I am in a meeting. Please call me back.”

He did not respond to subsequent calls and text messages from the reporter.

Below is the full statement;

PETITION TO INVESTIGATE  LATEP DABANG OF MASSIVE CORRUPTION, FINANCIAL FRAUD AND ABUSE OF OFFICE AS ALL PROGRESSIVES PARTY

August, 6th, 2021

Executive Chairman
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
Abuja

We the Stakeholders of the All Progressives Party wish to forward to you for Investigation the many acts of Corruption Financial Fraud and sins of Latep Dabang, who was at the saddle at the All Progressives Party, Plateau State for past 7 years,”

Alleged Corrupt Practices

*Arbitrary withdrawals of Party funds from the accounts of the party at United Bank for Africa PLC  in Contravention of Procurement Laws and Extant Financial Rules and above his Financial Limits ,

• The Palliatives donated by Party faithfuls intended to assist Internally Displaced Persons  was converted to his personal use.
• Excessive increase in administrative operational expenses” extra budgetary expenditures on hotel accommodation and under disclosure of expenditures on hotel expenses, diversion of funds, amongst other.

Perpetrating a gigantic, unconstitutional accounting fraud, deliberately cooking the books to mislead the  State Executive committee.

Various expenditure incurred by the suspended chairman on behalf of the Party  for which a whopping N313 million naira was paid without supporting documents .

In all, at least a mind-boggling N200  million  of  the Party’s ’s financial transactions between 2018 and 2019 could not be traced, documented, or explained.

All the actions of the suspended Caretaker Chairman are contrary to the spirit of democratic ethos and value and social justice contract with the party faithfuls and this has a serious negative impact on the operations and credibility of the Party.”

We want EFCC to commence immediate investigation into the alleged criminal financial mismanagement levelled against Latep Dabang for his seven years tenure of office from 2014 to 2021 for possible prosecution for financial crimes.

This is submitted for urgent Investigation in National Interest

Best Regards

Chief  Daniel Chollom
Alh Mohammed  Maisauti
Comrade John Joshua

Cc. Maimala Buni, NationalChairman, Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee.
Cc. Rt Hon Simon Lalong, Governor of Plateau State
Cc. Rt Hon Idris Maje Wase, Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representatives
Cc. Dame Pauline Tallen, Hon Minister of Women Affairs, FRN
Cc. Transparency International
Cc. Chairman ICPC
Cc. Commissioner of Police, Plateau State
Cc. Directorate of State Services, Plateau State Command

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.

Full details later……

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.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

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.