DON’T PLAY POLITICS WITH PEOPLE’S LIVES: GROUP CHIDES HOUSE MEMBER FOR ACCUSING GOVERNOR LALONG OF SLEEPING

First, we will like to condemn in totality the barbaric and irresponsible attacks on the people of Bassa and Riyom Local Governments perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen who carried out what is a well planned and orchestrated ethnic cleansing of the Irigwe and Berom people.

We are worried that this wanton destruction of lives and property is coming at a time when the Government of Plateau State under the leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong is working assiduously to consolidate on the progress made in restoring peace in the State and bringing back confidence.

While the Governor has been up and doing, engaging and directing security agencies to do their job by going after these killers and arresting them, we were taken aback by the appearance of the Member Representing Bassa/Rukuba Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly Hon. Musa Agah in Jay FM on Tuesday 3rd August 2021, where he accused Governor Lalong of sleeping while the people were being killed.

In the video which has been trending on social media, the member claimed that they went to see Governor Simon Lalong and were told after one hour that he was sleeping. According to him, “quote me anywhere, it happened in my very presence, that is what we were told”.

In the carefully arranged video, another guest was seen gleefully responding by saying “can you imagine?” and the presenter sarcastically added: “He is sleeping! Honourable Governor Simon Lalong His Excellency was sleeping? That’s what you were told even not by him but at least those saddled with the responsibility to give you information, that is the information they passed to you”.

While we do not have any problems with Hon. Musa Agah going on radio to express his democratic rights of expression, we take exception to his desperate attempt to make political capital out of his people’s misfortune by disparaging the Governor and tarnishing his image in a choreographed appearance we have every reason to believe was sponsored.

We want the Member who has demonstrated a dis-Honourable attitude to answer the following germaine questions:

1. If truly he went to see the Governor, what was his mission and who exactly told him the Governor was asleep?
2. Why did he speak as if he had an appointment to see the Governor and was ignored? If he was given an appointment, what time was he given? Is he familiar with emergency protocols and did he exhaust them in his bid to see the Governor?
3. If he claimed he went there concerning the Bassa attacks, was he representing the House of Assembly or himself? Was he conveying a House Resolution? Is that the protocol of the House?
4. Assuming we are to believe that his story is true, what else did he do when he was told the Governor was sleeping? Did he move to see the Deputy Governor, SSG, Chief of Staff, Chairman Bassa LGA, Commissioner of Police,  DPO Bassa, GOC 3 Division, Commander Operation Safe Haven or any other person? Or were they all sleeping too?
5. What is the normal channel for communication between the House or its members with the Governor even in emergencies? Did he follow it?
6. If he could not see the Governor on the said occasion as he claims, did he try again since it was an emergency?
7. If not for political mischief and propaganda, why did he choose radio as his last option of meeting the Governor. Why did he not complain to any other person that could take up the matter or wake the Governor up?
8. Did he also announce on radio previously that he was going to see the Governor?
9. Is it a crime for the Governor to sleep? Does the Member stay awake for 24 hours?
10. What is his mission on this publicity stunt?

While we await his answers, we want to bring to the attention of discerning people that the bogus claims of Hon. Musa Agah are spurious and aimed at embarrassing His Excellency Governor Lalong with a view to casting him in a bad light and making gullible persons believe he is responsible for the attacks in Bassa and Riyom LGAs.

Let us remind the member that Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong to date remains the longest-serving Speaker of the Plateau House of Assembly who does not only revere the Institution and its members, but has demonstrated that he respects its leadership and aspirations. Little wonder, he was the first Governor to implement full Autonomy for the House throughout Nigeria.

Again, the Governor has never refused to see the Speaker or House Members whenever they seek his audience except when it is practically impossible. For the Member to now impute that he came to see the Governor without an appointment and was told that he was sleeping is therefore preposterous, mischievous and cheap political manoeuvring by someone who perhaps has nothing to tell his people.

The fundamental issues raised and 10 posers to the Lawmaker are sufficient to ridicule his bad intentions. He must provide answers to them. In addition, we wonder what he has done on his part as Representative of his Constituency.

a). Given the incessant crisis in the area, the past months/years, what proactive measures and peacebuilding strategies has he put in place and other ways forward?

b). Since the eruption of violence, what has he done as a political leader?

Running to Govt. House to see the Governor rather than being with his people to assuage their feelings is mere grandstanding and eye-service least expected of a Lawmaker! This is Shameful!!

That’s not how to get cheap popularity in a crisis. Indeed this is irresponsible behaviour that is condemnable.

As for Jay FM and its presenter Zoe Machunga, we are not surprised that the professional standards of journalism and broadcasting have been thrown to the dustbin on the altar of emotions and politics. The presenter continues to sustain her journey to unprofessionalism by handing over the public space to frustrated and disgruntled individuals to discredit their perceived enemies and castigate most especially the Lalong Administration. We advise her to fold her sleeves and fully get into the political ring instead of doing the dirty job of fighting perceived political opponents of her paymaster.

For a presenter to express surprise that someone like the Governor is sleeping not in his office, but at home when there was nothing pre-arranged to warrant otherwise, shows how sensational and shallow she can be. She failed to even simply ask the necessary questions to ascertain the dis-Honourable Members’ claims,  but rather joined the destructive train with excitement. If only she asked the 10 questions raised for the member above, she would have made him run out of the studios with his tail between his legs.

OUR DEMANDS

Based on the above, we demand the following:

1. An immediate retraction of the baseless claim by the House Member and a written apology to the Governor and people of Plateau State.
3. We need the Speaker of the House to look into this misconduct that is capable of tarnishing the good image of the House.
2. The caution of Jay FM by the National Broadcasting Commission to adhere to the broadcast code especially as it relates to balance, objectivity and fair hearing.

Should the member fail to apologise within 24 hours, we shall be left with no option other than to approach the Rt. Hon. Speaker and Leadership of the House to commence disciplinary action against him for bringing it to disrepute and pitching it against another arm of Government.

Finally, we urge the citizens of Plateau State to rise and support the Government to deal with a common enemy that is bent on disrupting the peace of the State. This is no time for politics, blame game and peddling lies and propaganda. It will only benefit the enemy whose main goal is to kill, steal and destroy. If people like the Member has nothing to offer in resolving the challenges of his constituency, then he has no right to distract a Governor that is very busy trying to find a solution to the persistent problem.

We all must build a greater Plateau and protect our Heritage by Thinking and Acting Plateau.


THE RESCUE MONITORING TEAM

Some Delegates from Jing Village Lankan Ward of Pankshin Local Government Area have accused Chief Maichibi Vwarji of not disbursing honorarium meant for some delegates of the Ward during the Plateau State 2018 APC Governorship Primaries which held on 31st September, 2018.

In a letter of petition dated 19th July, 2021 addressed to the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman Pankshin LGA titled “Petition Against Chief Maichibi Vwarji For Criminal Breach of Trust”, the delegates accused the APC Chieftain of diverting the sum of Two Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (N210,000) meant for them which he collected but has not been disbursed to them since 2018.

They said the issue was raised during the Executives and Stakeholders meeting of the Ward which held on 17th July, 2021 at Tambal Hills Resort Lankan.

They disclosed that the Deputy Chairman of the Party, Mr. Ezekiel Kakle had given a vivid narration of how the affected delegated reported the matter severally which he had also reported to the Ward Chairman of the Party, Mr. Christopher.

They went further to explain that the Chairman confirmed that the accused collected the said amount in the presence of Hon. Stephen Jings and Barr. Josiah Pyielshak for the seven affected delegates.
They alleged that both Hon. Jings and Barr. Pyielshak also confirmed that Chief Vwarji collected the funds to hand over to the affected delegates in Jing.

The affected Delegates were said to have met Chief Vwarji who they said accepted being in possession of the funds only for him to later disclose that it was meant for security.

They said having exhausted all available avenues for resolving the issue amicably in Jing which they said proved abortive and since Chief Vwarji has chosen to bring the issue to the public domain, they are bringing same to the Executives to carry out thorough investigation.

The affected delegates are Ezekiel Kakle, Yilka Lekner, Gloria Daakon, Simdi Kwar, Kopdi Neple, Dulkum Vilben and Henry Ali Dajim.

PLATEAU SECURITY COUNCIL ORDERS TROOPS TO DOMINATE VULNERABLE AREAS IN BASSA AND RIYOM LGAs AND ARREST ATTACKERS AT ALL COSTS.

After over three hours of deliberations behind closed doors, the Plateau State Security Council rose from its emergency meeting with a directive by Governor Simon Lalong to the security agencies in the State to take full control of all vulnerable in Bassa and Riyom LGAs and clear the attackers that have parpetrated mayhem within the areas.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, Commissioner of Police Edward Egbuka said the Governor after receiving full briefs from the various security organs in the State and after exhaustive review of the situation, gave marching orders to the Police, Operation Safe Haven, Nigerian Army, DSS, Civil Defence, NSCDC and other collaborating agencies to reinforce and contain the situation without further delay.

According to CP Egbuka, “The meeting basically reviewed the fallout of events within the last 48 hours where there were attacks specifically at Jebbu Miango. From our records as at Saturday night the 31st of July 2021, five people were killed while about 85 buildings were burnt. The next morning, the attacks still persisted. From intelligence, the attackers are militia brought from outside the State. The attacks continued in Tamburam, Riyom LGA where unfortunately twelve people were also killed and some houses destroyed and again at Maiyanga. We lost some security personnel at Maiyanga and Riyom”.

Egbuka said although security agencies have deployed men on the ground coping with the situation, the Governor has directed them to do everything possible to bring the situation under control within the next 48 hours and arrest all the perpetrators.

“This is the sound of warning to the people involved in perpetrating this violent acts. The leaders will be arrested. There are records of leaders that are on bail temporarily, and some of them have been fingered in this present attacks. Nobody will be spared. Human life is sacrosanct and nobody can take it at will. There is a Government in place and it will not accept lawlessness” the CP said.

He assured the citizens that the directives of the Government will be swiftly carried out as the security agencies will further strategise and reinforce to contain the situation, arrest the attackers and bring them to account.

The meeting also resolved to enhance engagement and collaboration with informal security groups such as the vigilante, community watch groups, hunters association and community leaders for enhanced intelligence gathering.

The Governor during the meeting again sympathised with the victims and also reiterated his directive for immediate assessment of the humanitarian needs and assistance to affected people by State Emergency Management Agency once the security agencies contain the situation. Further engagements will then follow by the Peace Building Agency.

The meeting chaired by the Governor was attended by the Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Secretary to Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu, Chief of Staff Noel Donjur, Chairman, Plateau Council of Traditional Rulers and Emirs, His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos, GOC 3rd Armoured Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Garrison Commander, Commander 551 NAF Station Jos, Coordinator Operation Rainbow, Director DSS, Commandant NSCDC, as well as Commanders of NDLEA, Immigration Service and Correctional Service. The Chairmen of Riyom and Bassa LGAs and the DG Peace Building Agency were also in attendance.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State,
3rd August 2021.

By Golok Nanmwa ,Jos 

As the 2023 general election draws closer a  Political think-tank, the PKK  Political Credibility Group  is again  throwing its weight behind  the Federal  House of Representatives  Member representing  Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke   constituency of Plateau State  Hon  Yusuf  Babayo Adamu  Gagdi  because of the good works he is doing for his constituency .

“As a group we call on people of the zone regardless of their tribes ,religion and political affiliation to support Yusuf  Babayo Adamu  Gagdi because of the good works he is doing in PKK “.

Coordinator  of the group Hon Gogop  George in a statement  made available to newsmen in Jos  on Monday further described Hon Gagdi   as a grassroot  mobilizer and bridge builder .

 “Hon  Yusuf  Babayo Adamu  Gagdi is a loyal party man , he has excellent presentation skills, Political knowledge, Bill sponsorship, Teamwork, Policy development, Political Campaigning, Analytical reasoning, Policy Negotiation and Leadership.” 

“His empowerment  programmes are scattered all over his zone for all to see “.

The group stressed that Gagdi deserves to be   re-elected  because of his giant strides in the socio-economic and infrastructural development of his constituency .

“,Yusuf  Babayo Adamu  Gagdi is an assent to the people of PKK and should be supported by all  to ensure that he wins his second term bid .”

I call on people of the zone regardless of their tribes ,religion and political affiliation to support Yusuf  Babayo Adamu  Gagdi because of the good works he is doing in PKK 

According to the group, Babayo is the most qualified candidate in PKK to lead the party to another election victory in 2023.

The group  stressed  that Reps Babayo Gagdi  has gathered several experience both at the state and legislative class to take PKK to greater heights .

“We appeal to the people of PKK to  think about development first as the zone stands to benefit more if Babayo is returned to the Federal house of representatives . “

Our correspondent reports that  Hon Yusuf Gagdi  is the Chairman House Committee on Navy .

GOVERNOR LALONG TASKS SECURITY AGENCIES TO STOP ATTACKS IN BASSA AND RIYOM LGAs; SUMMONS EMERGENCY SECURITY MEETING.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has tasked security agencies to take all necessary measures to stop the deteriorating security situation in Bassa and Riyom Local Government Areas which has led to the loss of lives and destruction of houses, properties and farmlands.

Governor Lalong has been in touch with all the heads of security agencies including the Police, Operation Safe Haven, Operation Rainbow, DSS, NSCDC and others with a clear mandate to move into the areas and apprehend perpetrators behind the wanton destruction of lives and properties, as well as restore normalcy to the affected areas.

He has also summoned an emergency Security Council Meeting today (2nd August, 2021) where he will receive further briefings and conduct detailed reviews to determine the next step of action.

The Governor is very saddened by the development and sympathizes with those affected. He assures that Government will engage all stakeholders in addressing the matter with a view to bringing an end to the unfortunate and unacceptable attacks on innocent citizens aimed at disrupting the peace of the affected areas and the State at large.

The Governor has in the meantime directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Peace Building Agency (PBA) to immediately deploy immediately to the affected communities to provide humanitarian assistance and sue for Peace.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
2nd August 2021

GOVERNOR LALONG PRAISES SMOOTH CONDUCT OF APC WARD CONGRESSES IN PLATEAU

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has commended members of the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State for their peaceful conduct and maturity during the Ward Congresses of the party’s held throughout the State.

Governor Lalong who went round some wards in Jos North Local Government alongside the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Idris Wase, Minister of Women Affairs Dame Pauline Tallen, Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, State Party officials and other political leaders, witnessed a peaceful exercise.

The Governor’s first point of visit was the Gangagare Ward where the elections were conducted through consensus and officials emerged by affirmation.

A similar scenario played out at the Ibrahim Katsina and Jos Jarawa Wards where the exercise also went smoothly without any rancour.

At each of the Wards, the elected party officials  pledged to work hard for the unity, progress and peace of the party, making sure that it does not only win elections, but provide quality leadership for the people. They affirmed their loyalty to all hierarchy of the party and to Governor Lalong as the leader of the party in the State.

Governor Lalong in a remark said he was delighted with the reports emanating from the 17 Local Government Areas of the State where the ward congress elections were conducted peacefully.

He said the fact that most wards reached consensus to elect their leaders showed that there is maturity, tolerance and understanding amongst members of the party irrespective of the various interests prevailing.

Lalong said the exemplary conduct of the APC members is a pointer to the fact that the party remains strong and will continue to wax stronger and also maintain its dominance of the political environment in Plateau State. He said it will ensure that the fortunes of the party continue to soar higher in forthcoming elections.

Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Idris Wase praised the leadership Governor who has brought the party together by insisting on fairness, justice and inclusivity. He urged the party members to rally round and take the party to the next level.

For those that might have any grievances, the Governor assured them that in the spirit of reconciliation and harmony, their concerns will be addressed through the party’s internal mechanisms.

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

PLATEAU EMBARKS ON MASSIVE REVENUE DRIVE AS GOVERNOR LALONG PAYS GROUND RENT TO FLAG OFF EXERCISE

Weeks after signing the newly passed Revenue Law and Property and Land Use Charge Law as well as the Plateau Geographic Information Systems Law, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has flagged off a high powered revenue drive with a target to raise the monthly revenue base of the State to about 3 to 5 billion monthly.

While flagging off the exercise at the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service Headquarters in Jos, the Governor Lalong said the revenue drive is aimed at changing the income of the State to pave way for funding more projects and programmes which are hampered currently because of lack of funds.

Lalong who paid the ground rent charges for his personal property, said he decided to lead by example in order to demonstrate to the citizens that nobody is above the law or will be left out in the process.
He said ” I am not asking the citizens to do as I SAY, but to do as I DO.  I am not only the Governor, but also Chairman of the Plateau State Revenue Council as stipulated by law. Like the saying goes, leaders lead from the front. Having personally demonstrated this level of civic responsibility as the number one citizen of the State, it means that there is nobody that will default. All of us are subject to the law and those who run against the law will bear the consequences. I therefore expect all citizens particularly political leaders (both elected and appointed) to line up behind me and do same. The time to show leadership has come”.

The Governor said he will not intervene on behalf of any tax defaulter ” I plead with every citizen particularly the “big men” to comply because I will not entertain anyone begging me to intervene when the law catches up with you. This is not about me or anyone, but about the law. It is because I do not want to beg anybody or be embarrassed that I am paying my own today” he said.  

He explained that he recently signed into law the Plateau State Revenue (Consolidation) Law; Plateau Property and Land Use Charge Law; Plateau Geographic Information Services Law amongst others aimed at giving legal backing to all revenue generating activities and improving the tax environment.

The Governor however warned against default as very soon, those wishing to access some services of the Plateau State Government shall be required to show evidence of payment of their taxes. This is very important because we cannot enjoy and claim rights and benefits without corresponding responsibility.

Executive Chairman of the PSIRS Dashe reaffirmed that the exercise which involves taxpayer sensitization; awareness creation; on-the-spot inspection of registration licenses and permits; is a continuous one that will be sustained. He called on all stakeholders to fulfill their civic responsibility of voluntarily paying all taxes, levies, fees and fines to grow our IGR.
According to him, after the period of sensitization and persuasion elapses, the Government shall begin enforcement and whoever fails to comply, will face the law.

After symbolic payment of his ground rent, the Governor and other top government officials paid visits to some business premises to sensitise them and seek their cooperation in the high powered revenue drive. These include First Bank, UBA and Onigbinde Stores all on the Ahmadu Bello Way Terminus. The organisations assured the Governor that they will do their best to ensure that the revenue drive succeeds.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
29th July 2021

PLATEAU GOVERNOR VISITS RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AGENCY, CANVASSES LIGHTING MORE COMMUNITIES

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has advocated for the lighting of more rural communities in the State through the deployment of Solar Mini Grid system.

Governor Lalong who visited the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in Abuja to meet with the Managing Director Engr. Ahmad Salihijo and his management team, commended the Agency for carrying out the 234 KWp Shemankar solar mini grid that has become a successful venture lighting up communities and improving the lives of the people.

He said his visit to the REA was to make another passionate appeal for a Solar Mini-Grid Deployment to Ajikamai, the community hosting the newly established Federal Polytechnic N’yak, Shendam LGA of Plateau State. According to him, as the new Polytechnic takes off, power is a major challenge because currently, the area is not connected to the national grid.

While appealing for urgent intervention, he said “Specifically, we shall appreciate if the REA program through the World Bank/Central Bank CARES initiative can be extended to the newly established Plateau State Energy Corporation as a means to enable the State government’s desire to deliver power to the Polytechnic and surrounding communities through the off-grid energy approach.”

Lalong said Plateau State energy sector is undergoing reforms with the establishment of the Plateau State Energy Corporation which is being positioned for synergy and policy implementation. He craved the assistance of REA in equipment supply and technical capacity building for the new Corporation.

He presented other requests to the Managing Director of the REA, urging the agency to partner with the Plateau State Government in expanding NESCO’S power generation capacity both in the existing hydro or exploring other renewables.

Responding, Managing Director REA Engr. Ahmad Salihijo appreciated the Governor for the visit and assured him that the agency will be captured under various programmes that are ongoing.

He cited the interventions that will soon be done in 3 markets in Jos namely: Building Materials, Rukuba Market and Katako. Other initiatives that the State is expected to benefit from are the Solar Power Naija program which has five communities. Others already implemented are the 5KW Health Centres project in five primary healthcare centres in the State under COVID-19.

Salihijo appealed to the Governor to nominate a State focal person that will liaise with the REA in carrying out some of the requests presented to the agency.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
28th July 2021.

PRESS STATEMENT

WASE EQUITY PROJECT CONGRATULATES THE PEOPLE OF PLATEAU, NORTH CENTRAL AND NEIGHBOURING STATES ON THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PASSAGE AND PRESIDENTIAL ASSENT OF THE BILL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF JOS ORTHOPAEDIC HOSPITAL.

27/7/2021

Wase equity project congratulates the people of Plateau, North central and the neighbouring States on passage by the National Assembly and the assent of the bill for the establishment of Jos orthopaedic hospital by President Muhammadu Buhari

The bill which was sponsored by our dynamic Deputy Speaker House of Representatives RT HON AHMED IDRIS WASE was signed into law on the 26th July, 2021 by Mr President at the presidential villa

We believe that this project will impact positively on the health needs of our people.

We wish to acknowledge the efforts of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, His Excellency, Rt Hon Ahmed Idris Wase who leveraged on his personal and official contacts to get the bill passed by the national assembly and subsequently ensured its assent into law by Mr President.

We appreciate Mr President for making this dream a reality despite the obvious financial difficulties government is passing through as a result of the negative effect of COVID-19 on the economy.

We are therefore, calling on Plateau, North Central Zone and Nigerian citizens to continue to support the Federal Government, as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) for ensuring more dividends of democracy.

Abubakar Muhammad Badu
Publicity secretary

GOVERNOR LALONG RECIEVES PLASU GOVERNING COUNCIL, ASSURES OF GREATER ATTENTION TO DEVELOPMENT

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has assured of greater commitment of his administration for the rapid development of the Plateau State University, Bokkos (PLASU).

The Governor who is the Visitor to the University, gave the reassurance when he recieved members of the new Governing Council for the University led by the Pro-Chancellor and Council Chairman, Monsignor Prof. Ibiora Ike during a courtesy visit to the Government House Rayfield Jos.

Lalong said the University has continued to grow rapidly after his Rescue Administration revived it on assuming office by making various interventions in academic reform and research, infrastructure, administration, staff welfare and higher student population. 

The Governor said the Government is aware of the challenges of the Institution and has been doing its best to meet them based on available resources. He said COVID-19 has affected the funds of the State, making it difficult to fulfill all commitments including the demands of ASUU.

He however assured the Council that the Government will do its best for the institution, hoping that revenues will rise soon to enable the Government attend to other outstanding issues. The Governor also said he will continue to lobby and make contacts at the Federal Government and through the private sector for interventions that will facilitate research and teaching in the University.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman PLASU Council, Monsignor Prof. Obiora Ike appreciated Governor Lalong for appointing him and other members of the Council, assuring that they will do their best to ensure that the University is taken to greater heights.

He said the council had held its inaugural meeting where some of the challenges of the Institution were highlighted. These according to him include staff welfare, more infrastructure, and other amenities to expand the scope of academic progress of the school.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
27th July 2021