“PLATEAU UNDER-REPRESENTED AT FEDERAL LEVEL”, FED. CHARACTER COMMISSIONER TELLS GOVERNOR LALONG.
The Federal Commissioner representing Plateau State at the Federal Character Commission Mr. Steve Jings has decried the low representation of Plateau State at the Federal civil service, urging that this needs to be immediately addressed.
Mr. Jings stated this when he led officials of the Commission from the State office on a courtesy visit to Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House Rayfield Jos.
He said there is poor representation of Plateau State in many Federal Government MDAs as some either have no Plateau indegenes or very few who are far and between. This he said is not fair to the State as it does not have a voice in such system and will eventually not share in the experiences that accrues from such service.
Jings said many factors are responsible including recruitment done without advertisements, inability of the recruiting MDAs to pass timely and relevant messages through relevant channels, and sometimes deliberate efforts to scheme the State out.
He also identified the lack of curiosity and struggle by applicants from the State to prospect, apply and follow the guidelines for such recruitments which makes it difficult to have them employed.
Mr. Jings also said the Commission is looking at the distribution of projects and programmes across the country in order to ensure that Federal Character is observed.
Governor Lalong said he was impressed by the efforts of the Federal Commissioner who has demonstrated capacity and has been very proactive since his appointment in trying to address such issues that leave the State shortchanged.
The Governor said though the State was grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Plateau sons and daughters into some Federal positions, the State still needs more because of its support for the Government and its performance during elections
On employment into Federal Government MDAs, Lalong said the State will no longer sit and watch its citizens being left out from Federal job opportunities as this is a right that accrues to every State.
He asked the Federal Commissioner to liaise with the Plateau representative at the Federal Civil Service Commission for the possibility of having some State civil servants moving to the Federal civil service for more experience and contributions to the nation.
The Governor however advised the citizens of the State to be ambitious and also put their efforts in applying for vacancies when they arise and also see moving out of Jos when they are given the opportunity as a step forward which will not only benefit the State, but the nation at the long run.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 6th May 2021.
A hospital owner in Plateau State identified as Bitrus Musa has been kidnapped by gunmen.
It was learnt that Musa who is the proprietor of G-Medicals at Tina Junction, Jos North Local Government Area of the state was kidnapped on Tuesday night in the neighbouring Furaka community in the same council area.
A resident of Furaka community, John Maxwell, who confirmed the incident told our correspondent in Jos on Wednesday that after the gunmen kidnapped the hospital owner, they moved to Eto Baba, another nearby community, and abducted a nursing mother identified simply as Pauline, leaving her baby behind.
He said the incident caused confusion in the affected communities, adding that the whereabouts of the two victims have remained unknown since they were abducted.
Maxwell said, “It was yesterday(Tuesday) around 8pm that the gunmen abducted the owner of the hospital and one woman at Eto Baba.
“Musa is the proprietor of G-medicals in Tina Junction but he shuttles between the hospital and Furaka community where he lives.
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“The gunmen trailed him to his house and abducted him. Thereafter, a nursing mother, who recently moved to a nearby Eto Baba community from Yan Trailer was also taken away by the gunmen who abandoned her little child.
“Her name is Paulina. Her husband was not in the house when the gunmen took her away. None of them has been seen since they were abducted. It’s very unfortunate.”
When contacted, the spokesman of the state Police Command, Ubah Ogaba, confirmed the abduction in Furaka community.
According to him, “Police operatives of the Command had an encounter with hoodlums at Maijuju Town in Fursum district of Jos East, where there was a shoot out and one of the hoodlums was shot dead while others escaped with bullet wounds.
“Intelligence report at our disposal revealed that a nurse was abducted at Furaka to treat the wounded hoodlums.
“Concerted efforts are on by the Police tactical and intelligent teams to rescue the victim and arrest the perpetrators.”
On behalf of my family and the good people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, I join the retinue of well-wishers and associates of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, (KSGG), the Executive Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum to felicitate with him on his 58th birthday anniversary.
His Excellency personifies humility, courage and compassion. His track record of excellence and peace-building is legendary. It is on this premise that Plateau State has regained its place as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
Your experience as a lawyer, two term head of the legislative arm in Plateau State, and now the Governor, has fused to give you a broad outlook to national issues and create harmonious interactions between the three arms of Government.
Plateau is rapidly developing under your Rescue Mission and we are proud of your achievements. I wish you God’s divine guidance, protection and good health as you devote yourself to the service of Plateau State, Nigeria and humanity at large.
Once again, happy birthday and more prosperous years ahead my dear BOSS and LEADER!
SIGNED: Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, (Dan Malikin Kanam), Member Representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Navy.
PLATEAU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CELEBRATES GOVERNOR LALONG @ 58
Members of the Plateau State Executive Council have showered praises on Governor Simon Bako Lalong, describing him as a leader who has demonstrated exceptional capacity to consider the interest of others above himself.
Led by the Deputy Governor of Plateau State Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, the members of EXCO were at the residence of the Governor in Rayfield to congratulate him over his 58th birthday.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Tyoden said the special occasion is another opportunity for Plateau and Nigeria to celebrate the Governor for his humility and service to humanity.
He said Governor Lalong is a gift to Plateau State and Nigeria as he has used every opportunity in public office to serve the people particularly the vulnerable and marginalised.
Tyoden said the Rescue Administration has achieved a lot especially in the areas of peace, infrastructural development, human capital development, tourism and agriculture.
The Governor while responding expressed appreciation to members of the State Executive Council and the entire people of Plateau State who have not only supported his administration, but also prayed for him to succeed.
He said he would not have been able to achieve anything in life or even as a Governor without the support and cooperation of the people.
Chaplain of the Government House Chapel and Bishop-elect of Lafiya Diocese Rev. Fr. David Ajang prayed for the Governor and his family.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 5th May 2021.
Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has been described as a perfect example of humility and loveliness.
Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State,Hon Letep Dabang in a congratulatory message on behalf of the party on the celebration of the Governor’s 58th birthday said his life has been that of a positive example to up coming generations.
Congratulating Lalong on his birthday Dabang said God has been faithful in the life of the Governor and his family and that has also manifested in the way he has continued to run the affairs of the state treating all as equal to the admiration of all.
He added that the APC in the state remains grateful to the Governor because of his leadership style praying God to open more doors of unending favors to him in his daily life.
Letep Dabang prayed God to grant Governor Lalong more years and good health as he steps into the next phase of his life and called on plateau people to continually pray for the him to lead the state aright.
NDE VICTOR DAVID DIMKA fsi, CELEBRATES GOVERNOR SIMON BAKO LALONG ON HIS BIRTHDAY:
As His Excellency, Governor Simon Bako Lalong and Chairman, Northern Governor’s Forum celebrates his 58th birthday today,the leader of the DVD Movement in Plateau State, Nde Victor David Dimka fsi joins millions of other Nigerians to felicitate with him.
“Our Governor has put his name on the sands of time having served as a Speaker of the State House of Assembly and now Executive Governor of our dear State. He has been able to stabilize the State since his assumption of office in 2015 and we all know that peace is the foundation for every development”, he said.
Nde Victor David Dimka fsi, wishes the Leader of the Rescue Administration more fruitful years ahead as he continues with his developmental strides.
Nde Victor David Dimka fsi, Commiserates with the Family of Da Timothawus Pwajok
Nde Victor David Dimka fsi has commiserated with the immediate family of Da Davou Timothawus Pwajok who passed on to the great beyond on April 27th, 2021.
He urges the family to put their trust in God as only Him can comfort them all.
“I am confident that our father is now resting at the bosom of our Lord”, he said.
While praying for the repose of his soul, the leader of the DVD Movement added that, “Da Davou Timothawus Pwajok will be remembered for his immeasurable contributions to humanity “.
SALUTE TO A VISIONARY LEADER AND BRIDGE BUILDER AT 58
On this joyous occasion of your 58th Birthday, I join your family and millions of other well-wishers across the length and breadth of the country to celebrate this landmark.
As you mark this milestone, we pray that God Almighty will endow you with the wisdom to sustain and consolidate on the peace and other remarkable achievements that you have recorded in Plateau State.
May God also strengthen you to continue to provide quality leadership for the Northern people in your capacity as Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and for Nigeria in general.
On behalf of Lady Victoria and my entire family, I wish you a glorious birthday celebration.
Signed
Sir Joseph N. Ari, KSM, KSS & Lady Victoria Ari, LSM
In the past six years, Plateau State under the leadership of Governor Simon Bako Lalong who clocks 58 today has been enthralled by purposeful driven governance, developmental projects under a serene and placid atmosphere. In all ramifications, his 58th birthday is a worthy and fulfilled milestone which should be commemorated with pomp and wide jubilations.
The reasons are instructive and obvious. For more than two decades in politics, Lalong has been playing active roles in the development of Plateau State. His stint in politics right from 1999 when he was elected into the Plateau State House of Assembly and later became the longest serving speaker in the State, up to 2015 when he was elected the Governor, have been trailed by amazing footprints and legacies.
Governor Lalong exudes uncommon attributes and leadership skills which include humility, discipline, forthrightness and tolerance. He abhors bigotry under any guise. His passion for peace has even been misunderstood by some as a weakness whlie the discerning praise him as a bridge builder and Apostle of peace. He took over Plateau State in 2015 when there were religious and ethnic tensions especially in Jos as a result of ethno-religious crises. But today as a result of his non-partisan and forthright approach to issues, the tension and apprehension has since been diffused and many of the old barriers dismantled.
To tame the orgy of violence inherited, Governor Lalong established Plateau Peace Building Agency to promote the culture of dialogue, forgiveness and conflict prevention that has gingered peace and harmonious coexistence among the diverse ethno-religious groups in the state. Presently, there is clear evidence that the situation has improved tremendously over the last five years with better community relations and less tension and fear. Plateau State is again the melting pot of Nigeria and the Home of Peace and Tourism.
It is strongly believed that at 58, Lalong’s leadership skills have similarities with those of the global acclaimed visionary leaders such as Nelson Madela who strongly believed in peace as a tool for development. Lalong has been exploring all plausible avenues to consolidate on the prevailing peace. Apart from supporting security agencies, Operation Rainbow, a hybrid force established by the state government was strengthened by his administration with a clear mandate for intelligence gathering and response to pave the way for community policing.
The Governor’s regular consultation with stakeholders in the state including members of the State House of Assembly has led to many positive developments. For instance, the passing of the anti-land grabbing law which criminalises forceful occupation of land by some unscrupulous elements, has since stemmed the tide of land grabbing in the state especially in the Northern zone of Plateau State.
To some people, an ideal leader looks like a superhero –strong and brimming with confidence. But humility holds greater power, albeit silently. Studies on humility in leadership have posited that humble leaders make the best leaders and easily disarm even their opponents. One of the virtues you cannot take away from Governor Lalong is humility. In spite of his position, his sense of humility is not only attractive but infectious. He treats everyone with respect regardless of their position, role or title, making him a quintessential leader who gives his all to a course he believes in.
The Governor has continued to demonstrate his affection for his people, task after task, no matter the cost. In spite of the economic crunch in the country, his administration since coming on board decided to complete all the abandoned projects inherited from his predecessors. Governor Lalong equally initiated and completed many projects with others still ongoing such as the mega projects dubbed “Lalong Legacy Project” which are mostly in health and educational sectors in the 17 local government areas of the state. The Governor recently assured of completing the projects when he said “Having inherited quite a number of abandoned project and completed many of them, I don’t intend to leave any project uncompleted. The legacy projects will be completed before the end of my tenure God willing.”
Governor Lalong’s Rescue Mission is fundamentally about service and fairness in distribution of scarce resources and development projects across the three geo-political zones of the State. Above all, his cognate experience and exposure as the longest serving Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly; Chairman, Conference of Speakers Executive; Lawyer and Activist; Community Development Specialist among others prepared him for governance early.
To set his administration apart from the previous ones, the 1990 law graduate of the prestigious Ahmadu Bell University Zaria created an ICT Agency christened “Plateau Information and Communication Technology Development Agency” PICTDA. He recently declared thus: “Our goal is that before we leave office, we would like to have most, if not all our governance processes driven by information and Communication technologies”.
The prevailing industrial harmony on the Plateau is as a result of cordial relationship with the state civil servants. In the past six years, workers have been receiving their entitlements as and when due. When it comes to payment of salaries, pension, gratuity and other emoluments, Governor Lalong stands out nationwide. This has earned him the indelible name of “Governor Alert” bestowed on him by no other than the state civil servants. The Governor recently told the civil servants that his administration was working towards acquiring land in all local government areas of the state to build affordable housing for them.
The vision of the governor to transform Plateau State into an industrial hub is manifested in the high number of MoUs his administration signed with both local and foreign partners to resuscitate moribund government owned industries such Jos International Brewery, BARC Farms, Highland bottling Company among other which have been lying comatose for a very long time.
Another main thrust of Governor Lalong’s administration is the provision of qualitative education for its citizenry. In the tertiary section, he injected life into the State owned University, Plateau State University Bokkos which was gasping for breath before his election as the governor of the State due to sheer neglect and reckless abandonment driven by politics. Apart from this, other tertiary institutions such Plateau State Polytechnic, College of Education Gindiri among other were also given a new lease of life.
It comes as no surprise that in the course of his service and purposeful leadership over the years, his colleagues in the 19 Northern States unanimously elected him to be their Chairman. Since his election, Lalong has been providing purposeful leadership, championing the cause of the North and intervening in critical national issues. Apart from this, Lalong had won several laurels, received commendations and got a pat on the back for excellent performance both at home and abroad.
Speakers at a launch of a book on Disaster and Conflict in Abuja recently showered accolades on Governor Lalong for his peace efforts that have restored confidence and mitigated human disasters associated with violence and conflicts in Plateau State. The Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Special Duties Senator George Akume at the occasion said Governor Lalong has proven to be one of the few examples of leaders in Nigeria who can be relied upon to galvanise people to live in peace and harmony in spite of their diversity and differences of faith, ethnic and political differences.
While felicitating with the governor on the occasion of his 58th birthday and wishing him many more years of selfless service to Nigeria and humanity, it goes without saying that this humble visionary achiever, peace Ambassador, dependable ally, compassionate personality and fearless intercessor is set for greater impact in Nigeria in the years ahead. For remaining steadfast and relentless in the pursuit of happiness for the entire people of Plateau State and the Northern region, he has demonstrated his love for country and capacity to devote his life for a better Nigeria.
As you deservedly celebrate this glorious day, may God Almighty who has richly prospered you and ordered your every step in this past half century, continue to bless you with good health, wisdome and knowledge to serve and fulfill the purpose for which you were created.
Congratulations to Governor Alert!
Makut Simon Macham, Ph.D, is the Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau.
The Bible tells us ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God’. In peacemaking, truth telling and truth seeking are honored, integrity is valued, and trust is given because it is earned, and is a refuge, a safe haven from the incivility and nastiness of conflict. And so Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State clock 58 years on May 5, Lalong’s modesty, nature and humility keeps him away from hugging the limelight unlike his more aggressive and socially astute contemporaries. Governor Lalong has been tirelessly interfacing with relevant individuals, groups and institutions towards restoring the legacies of the founding fathers of the North particularly the legacies of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto. Governor Lalong chairs the meeting of Northern Governors Forum in Kaduna. The election of Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State by his colleagues to succeed the former Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, to chair the Nigerian Northern States Governors Forum, did not come to many as a surprise. This is because he has demonstrated leadership that is forward looking and seeks to unite people and resolve conflicts while pursuing development. His strides in Plateau state that saw the restoration of peace and accelerated development provided a very good example for the entire Northern States to put their trust in him to lead them. He has liaised seamlessly with President Muhammadu Buhari and other institutions of the Federal Government in pushing the interests of the Northern Region and spearheaded the development of new blueprint for economic revival of the Northern Region. As Chairman Northern State’s Governors Forum, he has pushed for adoption of community policing by the Northern States, he also spearheaded the adoption and implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Programme by the Federal Government and Northern states. Simon Lalong coordinated the Response of the Northern States in the fight against COVID-19, lobbied for the payment of entitlements of employees of New Nigerian Newspapers and mediated in many disputes between various interests and groups in the North, he also facilitated timely intervention and reconciliation among parties on national issues towards restoring confidence and understanding and spearheaded the final return of Almajiri children to their states of origin. Gov. Lalong, through the Northern Governors Forum, further assures Nigerians of all ethnic, religious and political persuasions of their constitutional rights to pursue their legitimate businesses wherever they choose within the region and appeal to the people to resist any attempt to lure them into any act that can threaten the peace and tranquility of the region and the nation at large. He has incessantly called on citizens to shun and jettison divisive polices, rhetoric and body language so as to ensure sustainable peace in the country. For the record, Simon Lalong temporarily suspended legal practice to join the political bandwagon in 1998. Under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he successfully contested the seat of the member of the Plateau State House of Assembly representing his native Shendam Constituency. In October 2000, he became the speaker of the assembly, occupying that position till the year 2006, following a political storm within the House. The seven years he served as the Speaker of that assembly made him the longest serving speaker of the House in the history of Plateau State. During that period he was two times (2001–2002) elected as the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of the 36 states of Nigeria. In the year 2015, as the second tenure of the serving Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, neared its end, Lalong joined the contest to succeed Jang. This time, he did so under the All Progressive Congress (APC) political platform. His chances seemed narrow at the beginning, but the capricious nature of politics tipped the balance eventually, favoring him by a slim margin. He was sworn in as the new Governor of Plateau State on May 29, 2015. He was re-elected as the Governor of Plateau State on May 29, 2019. His swearing in 2015 as the 5th Executive Governor of Plateau State ushered in a new vista of hope and expectations considering the state of affairs in Plateau at that time. With a genuine need to change the narrative he remains one of those few modest Nigerian personalities quietly serving his country well and without fuss, in a country where the commonest rhetorical question revolves around self-recognition and self-propagation. In his first term, the Governor’s Rescue Mission operated under a 5-Pillar Policy Thrust, namely: Peace, Security and Good Governance; Human Capital Development and Social Welfare; Agriculture and Rural Development; Entrepreneurship and Industrialization; and Physical Infrastructure and Environment. After re-election in 2019, he streamlined the vision to Peace, Security and Good Governance; Infrastructural Development; and Sustainable Economic Rebirth. Venturing into partisan politics despite his enormous successes in profession and businesses had been largely informed by the desire to turn things around for his people. In 2019, the people of Plateau State were impressed with the first term performance and genuine efforts of the Lalong administration that they decided to overwhelmingly take the Rescue Mission to the Next Level by giving the Governor and his Deputy, another four years. Notwithstanding the fact that the Lalong administration inherited so many problems and amidst limited resources, high expectations and competing demands, the government settled down for business under the purposeful leadership of Governor Lalong. Lalong believes and sees politics as call to serve and not to be served. He has a strong view that power should be used for the transformation of the society and development of the people. His view for seeking power is consistent and relentless search for transformational ideas and policies that will transform the lives of the people. He has touched the lives of his people positively by bringing to them the dividends of democracy. A man who always thinks much about Nigeria and less of self, Simon Lalong tries as much as possible to impact his wealth, both physical and human, to touch lives. He has used all means available to him to help the needy, the State and the country at large. He does not discriminate based on religion, sex or tribe. A bridge builder and a grass root politician who has the capacity to build consensus in the political process and is viewed as a charismatic and strategic leader. No matter what detractors may want to say, Lalong is a gentleman to the core. His love for the masses is extraordinary, for he is a noble, detribalized and humane Nigerian who worked endlessly for the transition to democracy. Little wonder other opinions have described him as a behemoth bestriding the political landscape of Nigeria like a colossus. If within this short time as Governor he has etched indelible imprints in the sands of time to the admiration of his legion of fans and supporters, and become a voice to be reckoned with, then we can rest assured that the future would be greater. Lalong is convinced that service and passionate desire to positively affect lives are also party of the motivating factors for him joining politics. Love him or hate him, Simon Lalong has no doubt added colour and sophistication to the celebration of people of quality, achievement, distinction and honour. Thus, without an iota of doubt, we call on Nigerians to continue to pray for the leaders like Gov. Simon Lalong as they tackle the various challenges facing the nation.
Makut Simon Macham, PhD. is the Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
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