PLATEAU GOVERNMENT WEEDS OUT 532 WORKERS OVER FALSIFIED RECORDS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRESS STATEMENT

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

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

GOVERNOR LALONG TAKES SECOND COVID-19 JAB

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is the first time the agitators acted violently

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

Nde Victor David Dimka fsi charges Women to spread Love and Stand Strong:

In his quest for the development of Women and the society,Nde Victor David Dimka fsi today 28th may 2021 attended the Women Wing Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) 6th Annual State Convention 2021 @ St Johns College Auditorium Jos, with the theme BREAK CAMP AND MOVE ,with text from Deuteronomy 1:6-8 ,from 27th-28th.

Addressing Women the Plateau State Coordinator for Women Wing Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) said it has been a challenging year but by the grace of God,God has helped women against all odds to stand firm,she further calls on women to realise who they are in Christ and to advance in all aspects of life be it spiritually, social,physically and politically in all spheres of life.

On his part addressing WOWICAN, Nde Victor David Dimka fsi said just as the theme of this State Convention “Break Camp And Move” women must break camp and move as women are everything in this world that we need,Women must spread love and above all stand strong.
He further added that God listens to the prayers of women,so he urge them to pray more and work hard and be vigilant.
In the choice of leaders he urge the women to chose people of integrity into power,check the antecedents and history of candidates as we move closer to electioneering year because for us to get a better society good people who have the political will to work must be voted into various positions of power.

The guest speaker Rev.Fedelis Barry reiterated that as Christians we are suppose to have an identity,we need women of integrity in every sphere of life,the situation of the Church today in Nigeria is liken to the biblical Israel where he charged everyone to be careful not to forget God,if you forget God it means you have substituted God for idols,many women and Christians have substituted faith with fear that is why we need women of Integrity,and a reason why some became confuse.

Again In a separate remark the representative of the First Lady and wife of the Executive Governor of Plateau State Mrs Regina Bako Lalong ably represented by the Commissioner For Women Affairs, Hon Rebecca Adar Sambo urge parents to take responsibility of their homes,taking charge and knowing what is happening in their homes and the society at large,that we must be security conscious at all times.

INSECURITY:Plateau Trains 3,000 Vigilante,Enfor
ce Ban on Motorcycle In Jos South & North LGA.
Plateau State Govt Set to Train and Engage 3,000 Vigilante Personnel to Complement Security Agencies’ Efforts in Curbing Insecurity
The Plateau State Government has concluded plans to train, equip and engage 3,000 Vigilante Personnel who will be deployed across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State to complement the efforts of the security agencies in tackling insecurity.
Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Danladi Atu said the decision became imperative on account of the inadequate security personnel to address the rising insecurity in the State.
Prof. Atu said security is everyone’s business and should not be seen as the exclusive responsibility of government.
He said the personnel will ensure intelligence gathering, rapid emergence response to security issues and ensure the security of lives and property of the citizens in the State.
Prof. Atu made these disclosures when he met with the Executives and Members of the Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association at the Old Government House Rayfield Jos, Plateau State.
He also hinted on the plan by the government of the State to ensure full enforcement of the earlier ban on motorcycle operation within Jos and Bukuru Metropolis as well as place ban on their operations in other Local Government Areas in the State beyond 8pm.
He said strategic security base will be established across the State to enforce compliance with the ban as well as ensure quick response strategy.
He assured of the State government commitment to demonstrate the political will to nip in the bud the insecurity bedeviling the State.
He said Bloggers are now an Institution hence the need to partner and collaborate with them to achieve greater peace in the State.
He admonished them to be peace builders even as they work together as partners in progress.
Prof. Atu urged the public to be more security conscious and monitor strange persons in their domains.
The Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Mr. Joseph Lengmang urged the Online Media Practitioners to be peace promoters and come up with robust ideas that will change the toxic narratives that are heightening tension in the State.
He lauded the roles being played by the group in peace building, promoting harmonious living and enhancing growth and development.
The Online Media Practitioners called on the government to demonstrate the political will and come up with sound measures and policies that will enhance a peaceful, safer and secured State as no prosperity can be achieved in a chaotic society.
They promised to share intelligence information for use by the appropriate authorities to prevent attacks.
They also urged government to equip local vigilante group and neighbourhood watch who are conversant with the terrain and can assist in preventing attacks and killings.
They also urged the Governor to convene a Stakeholders’ meeting where decisions that will enhance peace and security of the State will be reached and implemented.
The Online Media Practitioners called on government to give greater attention to equipping the Operation Rainbow and fund the Plateau Peace Building Agency for better results.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS MOURN VICTIMS OF NGASKI BOAT MISAHAP

Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong has on behalf of his colleagues sent condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate boat accident which claimed the lives of many passengers after it capsized in Ngaski Local Government of the State of Kebbi State.

Governor Lalong said the tragic event is deeply distressing as it happened when the victims were going about their daily activities to earn a living.

While praying God to grant the families of those affected by the unfortunate boat mishap the fortitude to bear the loss, Lalong urged relevant authorities to step up supervision and more vigorous monitoring of inland water transportation in the country so as to ensure that such incident does not occur again.

The boat, conveying passengers from Loko in Niger State to a market in Kebbi State, capsized in the Niger River

The Northern Governors assure their colleagues in Niger and Kebbi States of support and collaboration over the incident.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
28th May 2021