Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State on Sunday said that his adminstration would do everything possible to ensure that lasting peace is restored to the state .
Our correspondent reports that some communities in Bassa and Riyom Local government of the state, had come under attacks leading to the death of several persons and properties worth millions of naira destroyed about a week ago .
He further said that his happiest moment would come when peace returns to Plateau .
Lalong made this known in Jos while speaking at the dedication of four books written by Rev Dachollom Datiri ,the President of Church of Christ in Nations COCIN .
Governor Lalong further said he is very saddened by killings and sympathizes with those affected.
He called on people of the state to be vigilant and work with security operatives and government towards ending insecurity in the state .
In his words ” I sympathize with communities in Bassa ,Riyom and other councils which was recently attacked ,it is sad , we are working to ensure that lasting peace is restored in Plateau .”
He assured 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.
Lalong commended the COCIN President Prof Datiri for writing the books and for his fatherly advise at all times .
He said that Datiri has contributed a lot to the development of the state .
Major Gen Ibrahim Sallau Ali, Commander Opsh, and CAN Chairman Plateau Sate, Rev Policap Lubo. WHO IS THE GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING 3 DIVISION NIGERIAN ARMY?
Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army notes with concern a campaign a calumny against the person of Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army/Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN. The posts claimed that the GOC is from Miango community hence he is supporting the Fulanis against the Irigwes among other wild and unsubstantiated allegations.
Ordinarily, one should not bother responding to such malicious posts by faceless writers because of its manifest twisting of facts for selfish gains. However, as a professional soldier and a detribalised Nigerian who is passionate about the restoration of sustainable peace in Plateau state and beyond, the record would be put straight.
Major Gen Ibrahim Sallie Ali, Right With The Da Jacob Gyang Buba, Chairman of councils of chiefs and Emires plateau state, meddle and The DCP Emanuel Ado Deputy Commander Opsh, Left. Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali was born in Nasarawa, Kano Municipal Council of Kano State to family of Late Alhaji Sallau Ali and Late Hajia Aishatu Ibrahim (God rest their souls). He attended Lebanon Primary School Kano in 1974 and proceeded to Saint Thomas Secondary School Kano in 1980. Major General Ali attended the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna and completed his Cadet training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, United Kingdom.
Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali attended several military courses and served in different theatres of operation within and outside the country. The GOC survived gunshot wounds sustained in 2 separate operations in the past. He succeeded Brigadier General BA Muhammad as the 41st GOC 3 Division Nigerian Army and Major General DC Onyemulu as Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN on 12 and 13 July respectively.
Such a General that is lucky to be alive today certainly knows and appreciates the value of peace in any part of the country.
I therefore, urge the public to discountenance the smear campaign designed to distract the GOC and our gallant troops from discharging their legitimate duties of maintaining peace on the Plateau. We also urge the all law abiding citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that would help to curb criminality in the state.
Please disseminate to the public through your medium. Thank you for your usual cooperation.
ELI LAZARUS Major Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations
The Nigerian Supreme Court has affirmed that the leadership Governor Mai Mala Buni as Chairman, Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is legal and lawful.
The apex court also held that Mai Mala Buni’s position as Acting Chairman of the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee is not contrary to the provision of Section 183 of the CFRN as same is on a temporary basis which is not akin to Executive office or paid employment as envisaged by Section 183 of the CFRN.
There have been controversies and misinterpretations of the judgement over governor Mai Mala Buni headship of National Caretaker Committee of APC since the apex court recently delivered its judgement in favour of APC’s governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state and his challenger, Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the former’s nomination.
But in a full judgment of the Supreme Court extracted and a copy made available to newsmen by a member of the CECPC, Prof. Tahir Mamman SAN, the apex court held that “the law is and still remain that the provisions that govern sponsorship and nomination of candidates in an election are: Sections 31 and 87 of the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended.
“That there is no provisions in the Electoral Act prescribing any form for forwarding or submission of the sponsored candidate of a political party in an election.
“Sections 177 and 182 of the CFRN which make provisions for qualifications and disqualification of candidates for Governorship election are exhaustive and leave no room for any addition.
“That no other Law/Act can be relied upon to disqualify a candidate in an election save for the provisions of Section 182 of the CFRN.
That non-compliance with INEC directives (regulations, guidelines or manuals) for the purpose of election but which is not contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act shall not of itself be a ground in an election petition.
“Paragraph 17 (a) of the First Supplementary to Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections cannot be relied upon as ground to question the return of a candidate in an election.
“That sponsorship of a candidate in an election is that of the party and not the individual Officer of the party forwarding the name of the candidate.
“That the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party is empowered to create, elect and appoint Committees (including the instant CECPC) or any other committee it may deem necessary to act in any capacity.
“On the strength of all the above position of the Supreme Court in the instant case and other earlier decided cases cited in support, it is our opinion that the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) headed by Governor Mai Mala Buni is on firm ground to proceed with its mandate as given by the National Executive Committee of the APC.”
According to the extract of the judgment on the validity of Mai Mala Buni acting as a sitting Governor in the position of Chairman, Caretaker, Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the APC vis a vis the provisions of Section 183 of the CFRN and Articles, 13.3(vi) and 17(iv) of the Constitution of the APC 2014 (as amended) and the effect on the APC or the qualification of its candidates; the Supreme Court relied copiously on the Judgment of the Court of Appeal and agreed with same in resolving the issue.
It is believe that a dissenting judgment is not the judgment of the court and therefore is not binding. Indeed, the judgment of a Court is the majority judgment, which is the binding judgment: see the Supreme Court case of Orugbo V. Una (2002) 16 NWLR (Pt. 792) 175 SC, hence, the majority Judgment the lead of which was delivered by Honourable Justice Emmanuel Agim is the judgment of the Supreme Court in respect of the Appeal.
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.
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.
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
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