Civil Servant Caught Collecting Salaries of 800 Ghost Workers, Monthly!
June 4,2021
Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Dan Manjang, has revealed that a civil servant in the state has been caught collecting salaries of 800 ghost workers, monthly.
Hon. Dan Manjang disclosed this to a Correspondent of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Hausa Version in Jos. Mr. Dan said the civil servant, whose names and identity were yet to be unveiled, will face panel with fair hearing. The Commissioner reiterated that the suspect will not go unpunished.
Recently, about 500 civil servants in the state were sacked for declarations of false certificate and retirement age.
During the reign of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the Federal Government of Nigeria introduced Treasury Single Account (TSA) at the federal level. TSA has blocked government wastages and channels through which public fund are being diverted.
Many state governments have emulated the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and it has helped them to uncover various channels through which state resources are being stolen.
Purported Turbaning of Sarkin Dadin Kowa Misleading and baseless – BECO, BYM Says The Berom Educational & Cultural Organization (BECO) and Berom Youth Moulders (BYM) Za’ang, Vyara-Diye, Giring and Dashonong of Za’ang District Jos South LGA, Plateau State said it has uncovered plans by some unscrupulous elements who are bent on creating a unrest and cause a threat to the peace and security of Twafwa (Dadin Kowa), Jos South LGA and the State at large by carrying out an illegal turbaning of one Alh. Ismai’il Muhammad Sani as the “Sarkin Dadin Kowa” (Community Leader).
The organizations described the publication through an invitation that has gone viral on social media platforms as misleading and urged the general public to ignore the same.
In a statement signed by Rwas Onesimus Datuhung, Rwas Emmanuel Dung Davou, Emmanuel Davou and Anthony Pam Philip, the group disclosed that Zawan ‘B’ where the area falls under has an existing Community leader in person of Rwas Joseph Stephen Rin.
The full text reads;
ATTENTION!
MISINFORMATION IN REFERENCE TO THE TURBANING CEREMONY OF ALH. ISMAI’IL MUHAMMAD SANI, AS COMMUNITY LEADER (SARKIN DADIN KOWA), JOS SOUTH L. G. A.
The attention of the BECO, BYM (Za’ang, Vyara-Diye, Giring and Dashonong, ZA’ANG District has been drawn to a purported invitation of a Turbaning ceremony of Alh. Isma’il Muhammad Sani on the 5th June, 2021 which has gone viral, thereby portraying a state of unrest, as the caption is misleading to the General public.
It is on this note that the above body wish to debunk such invitation.
For the avoidance of doubt, Dadin Kowa, which is also known as Twafwa is in Zawan B’ has a Community leader in person of Rwas Joseph Stephen Rin.
However, if a particular tribe deems it fit to have a tribal community leader, such a tribe can only follow due processes and consultations with the entire Traditional Council of that community (Zawan B’).
It became pertinent to note, that the Purported Invitation Ceremony of Sarkin Dadin Kowa is not only misleading, but one which can disrupt the fragile peaceful Coexistence of the people of Zawan Community, and Jos South as a whole, as a community can only permit a Tribal Leader, just like any other tribal leader in a community, but not a Traditional Leader.
We therefore call on the General public to dismiss such invitation, as it is misleading and misinforming.
Thank you and God bless.
Sign: BECO,BYM, (ZAWAN, DIYE, DASHONG and GIRING)
Rwas Onesimus Datuhung, Rwas Emmanuel Dung Davou, Emmanuel Davou and Anthony Pam Philip in that order
GOVERNOR LALONG FUMES OVER KILLING OF RETIRED AIG DEGA, DIRECTS ARREST OF KILLERS
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has expressed outrage over the killing of a Senior Special Assistant to Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom on Security AIG Christopher Dega (retd.) by unidentified armed men.
Governor Lalong in a reaction to the incident described it as unfortunate and totally appalling. He said the murder of the retired senior police officer who was reportedly shot dead by yet to be identified gunmen in Bukuru is condemnable and will not go unpunished.
Lalong said the incident though isolated, is another handiwork of crises merchants who want to rupture the substantial peace of Plateau State and create fear in the minds of the people.
He said “my heart goes out to the family of the deceased and to the Government and people of Benue State over this sad development. I have been in touch with the police and other security agencies in the State with a clear directive to swiftly arrest the perpetrators of this heinous crime and bring them to justice”.
Governor Lalong said the confirmation of arrest of some suspects by the Plateau State Police Command is an encouraging step, but more investigation must be carried out to get to the root of the matter by unraveling those behind this dastardly act, their motives and prevent future occurrence.
Lalong again appealed to the citizens of Plateau State to do more in being security conscious, gathering and passing relevant information to the security agencies as well as using the informal security architecture for necessary action in crime prevention and immediate response.
Governor Lalong sends his heartfelt condolences to his colleague Governor Samuel Ortom over the sad loss.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 2nd June 2021.
Police in Central Nigeria say they are investigating the murder of a senior security advisor in the State of Benue, Christopher Dega on Sunday.
Dega, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) was “trailed” and shot in an “isolated” restaurant in Jos, at about 8:30pm, Plateau Police Spokesperson, Gabriel Uba said.
“Three yet to be identified persons” killed Mr. Dega, a senior security advisor to Benue’s Governor Samuel Ortom, Mr. Uba said, Tuesday in a text message.
“On 31/05/2021 at about 2030hrs, AIG Christopher Dega (Rtd) was shot dead by three yet to be identified gunmen in an isolated restaurant at Bukuru, Jos.
“From the investigation so far, it appeared that he was trailed and shot. He arrived at Jos from Makurdi on the same date at about 1930hrs,” says Uba’s text.
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.
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
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