SPEECH BY H.E. RT. HON. SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG AT THE SWEARING-IN OF THE NEW HEAD OF SERVICE AND PERMANENT SECRETARIES HELD AT THE NEW GOVERNMENT HOUSE, LITTLE RAYFIELD JOS ON 29TH MARCH 2021.
Protocols

1. It is another great day in the life of our State as we witness the opening of new chapters for the top echelon of the State Civil Service. As we swear into office the new Head of Service and 14 Permanent Secretaries, we are reminded that the task of building a better Plateau continues with zeal and vigour.
2. Let me therefore congratulate the new Head of Service Engr. Sunday Chong Hyat and the 14 Permanent Secretaries for this well-deserved elevation. Indeed you have been serving the State diligently and consistently over the years which has earned you these appointments. I also use this opportunity to congratulate the immediate past Head of Service Mr. Izam Azi, mni, for his meritorious service to the State and retiring without any blemish. I wish him a peaceful retirement.
3. For the appointees, you should be grateful for the grace of God in your lives and His benevolence that has kept you throughout the years. You may not have started your careers targeting for these appointments, but your steadfastness and sacrifices have enabled you to be recognized and be given this rare privilege. Like the Bible says in Proverbs 22:29 (Amplified Version), “When you see that a man is diligent in his work, he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before obscure men.”
4. The point being made here is the fact that your appointments were based on merit and the track record of performance. This does not suggest that your colleagues who were not privileged to be so appointed are not giving their best or are less qualified.
5. Again, the Bible in Ecclesiastes 9:11 tells us that “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all”. Just keep doing your best to serve the State and your time will also come to be elevated and celebrated.
6. It is for this reason that those of you appointed must consider your appointments as a great privilege to contribute your quota towards building a greater Plateau State. Indeed you should consider this elevation as a burden that you have to discharge with excellence and patriotism.
7. Your appointments are not opportunities to engage in self-aggrandizement, self-enrichment and pursuance of parochial interests. Rather, these responsibilities demand that you take your commitments to the next level by exhibiting high sense of duty and patriotism.
8. By this appointment, you are now the cream of the civil service and the custodians of its rich history and traditions. You are to set the examples for those under you to follow. As such, you need to uphold the civil service rules that guide policy formulation, implementation, and strategies as well as the conduct of government employees.
9. Having been in the system with this administration for the past 6 years, you must have been acquainted with the vision of the Rescue Administration and its 3-point policy framework which has been driving the progress of our State. Our administration has broadly been pursuing the restoration of peace, security and good governance; developing abandoned and new infrastructure; as well as charting a path for sustainable economic rebirth.
10. As we consolidate on the progress we have attained in the past six years, the administration expects you to galvanise the entire workforce and ensure that we complete the implementation of our programs and projects. Let me emphasize that the civil service is the driver of all government policies. You must therefore be on your toes in translating policies to action.
11. Apart from demonstrating absolute loyalty to the Government and the State, you must put in your best to see to the actualization of the 5-year strategic plan which is currently being implemented. Those of you who have not studied that document should get acquainted with it immediately.
12. I expect you to be above board in your conduct in order to assert yourselves and earn the confidence of those under you. You must play strategic roles as mentors and leaders and be able to punish indolence and reward excellence and loyalty. Do not celebrate nor promote mediocrity, laziness and non-performance.
13. I will also be watching you closely to ensure that you do not only supervise those under you, but will not hesitate to sanction any of you who fails to deliver his or her duties as expected. Let me warn you against promoting ethnicity, religion or politicising the civil service. Such actions will not be tolerated as the civil service is a professional calling which must remain so.
14. To further strengthen professionalism in the civil service, I have directed that henceforth, appointments to the position of Permanent Secretary shall be based on professional aptitude tests and examinations that are ICT-based. This will also cascade down to other levels as we move governance towards e-platforms that will improve efficiency, productivity and value.
15. I therefore urge all civil servants to take advantage of the opportunities provided by Government for training in ICT. In addition, I expect that civil servants will engage in self-development by enrolling in trainings to equip themselves with the latest knowledge in technology for easy application.
16. You should also shun all acts of corruption and compromise that further stifle the system and deny our people the dividends of democracy. Ensure that you work in line with the efforts of the Rescue Administration to manage public resources with transparency and accountability. We are doing everything possible to reduce the cost of governance and generate more revenue internally.
17. Like I submitted last Saturday while delivering the 11th Arewa House Lecture in Kaduna on Reducing the Cost of Governance, we must embrace prudence and adopt cost-cutting measures to save more funds that will be deployed in meeting the needs of our citizens. With commencement of the implementation of the new Revenue Law, we are confident that the income of the State will improve very soon to help us do more things for the people.
18. Until we reach that threshold, I admonish the appointees to be ready to make the necessary sacrifice because of the current economic realities that have been made worse by COVID-19.
19. Let me use this opportunity to reassure Plateau State civil servants of the commitment of my administration to continue to prioritise their welfare and well-being. Just like we have been consistent in the payment of salaries and other entitlements including the new minimum wage, we shall ensure that our workers are trained and retrained for better efficiency.
20. Having established the Plateau State Health Insurance Scheme, we are making arrangements to commence the Contributory Pension Scheme which will bring to an end the agony associated with payment of pension and gratuities of retirees. While we await the take-off of the scheme, the Government is currently in talks with financial institutions to facilitate the clearance of accumulated pension, gratuities and death benefits of retirees. All these are meant to alleviate the sufferings of our civil servants in service and retirement.
21. I challenge the new Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries to work hard and promote better industrial harmony between the Government and its employees. To this end, I have directed that a Permanent Secretary be designated to handle labour matters in the office of the Head of Service. Government believes that this will provide the desired focus and attention to labour matters and engender industrial harmony.
22. Finally, I call on our citizens, friends, relatives, school mates, professional colleagues and others to kindly pray and support these appointees. Do not add to their pressures or push them towards doing things that are unethical and capable of tarnishing their careers. They are not here to share money or award contracts. They are here to serve the people and finish their careers on a high note.
23. Once more I congratulate the appointees and wish you well. God bless Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong
Executive Governor of Plateau State.
29th March 2021.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has on Friday, March 26, 2021, arraigned Cecilia Osipitan and her company, PJO Ventures Limited before Justice I.E Ekwo of the federal High Court Abuja on a nine count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and conversion of funds to the tune of six billion Naira.

The alleged funds were said to be part of the money earmarked for payment of outstanding insurance premiums and claims of deceased and incapacitated staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

The defendant, allegedly received and converted the funds to personal use, between 2014 and 2016.

One of the charges against the defendants reads: “That you, Cecilia Osipitan being Managing Director of PJO Ventures Limited on or about the 18th day of December, 2014, , in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, took possession of the sum of N6, 000, 000, 000. 00 (Six billion Naira) only paid into PJO Ventures Limited’s Skye Bank Account No. 1771645235 from Bestworth Insurance Brokers Limited’s Skye Bank Account No. 1771645118, being funds earmarked for payment of outstanding Insurance premiums and claims of deceased and incapacitated staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) which sum you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit Criminal Breach of Trust and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2)(d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition as (Amended) Act, 2012 and punishable under section 15 (3) of the same Act.”

Upon the “not guilty” plea entered by defendant, the prosecuting counsel prayed the court to fix a date for trial.

However, Justice Ekwo granted bail to the defendant in the sum 200, 000, 000. 00 (Two Hundred Million) Naira with one surety in like sum. The surety must be a responsible citizen and owner of landed property which document shall be deposited with the Registry of the Court, after verification.

The defendant is also to deposit her international passport with the Court Registry and shall not travel out of the country without the approval of the Court.

Thereafter, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter till May 24, 25 and 26, 2021 for trial.

One person has been reported shot and hacked to death in the evening hours of Sunday 28th March at Gada Biu community in Jos the Plateau state.
Reporting the incident to newsmen, residents say around the hours of 7 to 8 pm, they heard gunshots and noticed a group of persons chasing after the deceased.
The chase was said to have started from the Gada Biu park Jos, after which the victim was then was shot.
The perpetrators went on to use stones to smash the victim’s head to ensure that their act was carried to the fullest.
The victim yet to be fully identified was said to be popularly known as ‘Animo’, a nickname for persons of Langtang descent.
The police were said to have later arrived at the scene afterwards and made away with the body of the victim.
You will recall that in a similar incident, a close-by community of Jenta Adamu, had no fewer than five people have been killed in February with the same reports of clashes by rival cult groups. 

GAGDI REPRESENTED BY CHAMZY BAKO GRACES LUTUK DAY AND DONATED 100K


Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi was ably represented by his aide Mr Chamzy Bako in Lutuk, a neighbouring community with Gugur but under Gazum District In Langtang North LGA.

The event which was the coronation of Engr. Hosea Wukwa as Ngwang gwang Lutuk, that is Garkuwan Lutuk (Shield) for his community service to the people. The district head appreciated him for the many MDGs projects he has lobbied to the community 8 years back, he said after this long while, they dimmed it fit to honour him for such efforts that ever since, they have not witnessed any govt project of any sort.

Rt Hon Gagdi who was the Chief Launcher spoke through Chamzy, appreciated the community for finding him worthy to share in their moments of joy despite not being from their federal constituency. He congratulated Hon Hosea on his Coronation and encouraged him to continue to live up to the expectations of the people of Lutuk, he charged the people of Lutuk to be peace loving and to be ambassadors of charity.

The RT Hon then donated the sum of 100k for the completion of the community’s 3 classroom blocks, Comr CHAMZY having been moved with the level of work also donated the sum of 5k to support his principal’s donation towards the community project.

The deputy Chairman of Kanke LGA, Hon Luka Venji who was also present at the event came in double capacity, he represented Hon Emma Lar, the Executive Chairman of KANKE LGA and also Nde Victor Dimka. He donated the sum of 50k as the support from Nde Victor Dimka while Prince Rotdunna Sekat who represented the Father of the day, Lt Col. SG Fwangje rtd donated the sum of 20k. Pastor Iliya Jibi donated 2 bags of cement, Barr Mweldi also made his contribution to see to the Success of the project.

Engr Hosea Wukwa promised to always be there for the people saying he is highly humbled and grateful for the recognition…

GOVERNOR LALONG DELIVERS 11TH AREWA LECTURE, CANVASSES FOR REDUCTION IN COST OF GOVERNANCE TO FUND DEVELOPMENT

Chairman of Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong says all tiers of Government in Nigeria must as a matter of urgency cut down on the high cost of Governance in order to fund critical areas of development that will address challenges of Nigerians.

Governor Lalong said this while delivering the 11th Annual Memorial Lecture in honour of late Sir Ahmadu Bello at the Arewa House, Kaduna.

Governor Lalong whose lecture was entitled “Reducing the Cost of Governance for Inclusive Growth and Youth Development in Post COVID-19 Northern Nigeria” said the high cost of governance has further increased the inability of the governments at all levels to meet the basic needs of the people.

He said factors such as corruption, insecurity, large number of Government appointees, high salaries, corruption, among others are among some of the factors that drive the high cost of governance in the country. He insisted that this must be addressed immediately to change the trajectory of growth in Nigeria and the North in particular.

Lalong said the high cost of governance has worsened the standard of living in the Northern part of the country which continues to battle with infrastructure deficit, poverty, illiteracy, culture of patronage laziness, diseases and insecurity.

He said the Northern Governors Forum has seriously examined the economic situation in the region and is working in unison to address the high cost of governance and other obstacles to development.

Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari who represented President Muhammadu Buhari said the Federal Government has continued to implement various cut-cutting measures to reduce the cost of governance and free resources for development.

He said so far, the results are positive and the Federal Government will work with State Governments including those of the Northern region in adopting measure that will reduce huge spending and wastages so that funds will be available for development.

Chairman of the occassion, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said the discourse is timely as the nation needs to prioritise its spending and get more resources towards addressing the problems of the common man.

The Lecture was attended by many dignitaries from across the country as well as Governors from the northern region.

Awards were bestowed on six former Governors of the Northern region who served meritoriouly and founded the Arewa House. Among them is former Governor of Benue Plateau State, late Joseph Gomwalk.

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

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES NDE JOSHUA WAKLEK @72

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated former Accountant General of Plateau State Nde Joshua Waklek, mni, as he marks 72 years.

The Governor in a message of felicitation described Nde Waklek who is also Wazirin Pankshin as an astute professional who continues to deploy his vast experience to the service of Plateau State, Nigeria and humanity having served in several capacities in the State including Permanent Secretary.

He said the elderstatesman carries with him a rich pedigree of patriotism, diligence and excellence that has characterised his life as a civil servant and even at retirement.

Lalong said as Chairman, Governing Council of Nigeria’s premier University, the University of Ibadan, Nde Waklek has proven to be a man of honour and integrity as he has brought stability to the institution, making it remain focused on research and learning.

As strong member of the Kaduna Polytechnic Alumni Association, he has equally demonstrated his passion for educational development, especially technical and skills building.

The Governor also said Nde Waklek who was one time President of the Ngas Development Association continues to show deep passion and commitment to the promotion and sustainance of the Ngas culture and tradition by mentoring the younger generation to appreciate their heritage.

Governor Lalong wished him well and prayed that God will continue to grant him good health, divine protection and wisdom as he remains humble and generous.

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

By Prince Sekat, Jos

Plateau State Gets New Head of Civil Service, Engr. Sunday Hyat, mni & 14 New Permanent Secretaries
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has approved the appointment of Engr. Sunday Hyat, mni the Permanent Secretary, General Administration in the office of the Head of Service as the New Head of Civil Service Plateau State.

This is to avoid administrative and leadership vacuum in the State Civil Service as the State Head of Civil Service, Mr. Izam Atang Azi, mni retires today having reached the mandatory retirement age of 60.

The Governor has also approved the appointment of 14 New Permanent Secretaries.

Details of the appointments are as seen below;

GOVERNOR LALONG APPOINTS NEW HEAD OF SERVICE/PERMANENT SECRETARIES.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has approved the appointment of Engr. Sunday Chong Hyat as the new Head of Service for the State.

This follows the retirement of the Head of Service, Mr. Izam Azi, mni, having attained the mandatory age of 60.

The new Head of Service Engr. Hyat was until his appointment, the Permanent Secretary, General Administration in the office of the Head of Service.

Engr. Sunday Chong Hyat, mni, was born on 3rd February 1963, in Ganawuri, Riyom Local Government Area. He attended Boys Secondary School Gindiri before proceeding to the Federal University of Technology Minna where he graduated with B. Eng. Civil Engineering. He has a Diploma Computer Application from the University of Jos.

He was one time Chairman, Nigeria Society of Engineers Jos branch, and later served as the Council Member representing North Central on the Board of COREN. He is a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers and is registered with the American Society of Civil Engineers.

An alumnus of the prestigious National Institute for policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, Engr. Hyat has been Permanent Secretary in various ministries including and Works, Lands, Survey and Town Planning.

Meanwhile Governor Lalong has expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Civil Service, Mr. Izam Azi for his patriotic and diligent service to the State.

Similarly, the Governor has approved the appointment of 14 new Permanent Secretaries in the State civil service.
Those appointed include:

Ishaya Turba
Istifanus John
Ibrahim Kam
Alfed Zaman Datoel
Jacob Bitrus Keng
Ambrose Danjuma Allaburah
Annastesia Dongjur
Jesse Nimyel Miri
Alexander Plangnan
Kande Gotom
Fanto John Nanghin
Selfa Dashe
Nanlop Gupiya
Sunday G. Biggs
The new Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries will be sworn in on Monday 29th March 2021.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
26th March 2021

By Prince Sekat,Jos 

National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting at the High Court of Justice West of Mines Jos in a petition filed by Rt. Hon. George Daika and the PDP against INEC, Prof Nora Daduut and the APC on Friday upheld the argument of Counsel for the Respondents in the matter and rejected the evidence of PW17 (Pam Gyang Davou).

This is the second time in less than one week that the petitioners have suffered setbacks in their attempts to prove their case before the Tribunal.

Recall that on Monday 21, March 2021, the Tribunal in its ruling on the competence or otherwise of PW16 (Moses Thomas Sule,  a.k.a BB), upheld the submissions of the Respondents’ Counsel that the said witness (on Subpoena) was incompetent to testify before the Tribunal.

Counsel for the Petitioners, S. (Oyawole) had on Thursday, sought to lead PW17 in evidence in Chief when Counsel for the Respondents (Ibrahim K. Bawa SAN, Pius A. Akubo SAN and Garba S. Pwul SAN), vehemently objected to the competence of the witness arguing that he was not listed on the list of witnesses by the Petitioners in their Petition.

In its ruling, the Tribunal found merit in the objections of the Respondents’ Counsel to the competence of Pam Gyang Davou as an unlisted witness and therefore held that he was not qualified to testify for the petitioners not withstanding the fact that his statement on oath was front loaded.

More Details later

PLATEAU TARGETS HIGHER REVENUES AS GOVERNOR LALONG INAUGURATES REVENUE COUNCIL/ PIRS GOVERNING BOARD.

Plateau State Government is aiming for higher internally generated revenue (IGR) as the State Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Thursday 25th March 2021 inaugurated the Plateau Revenue Council and Governing Board of the State Internal Revenue Service.

The Governor described the event as another milestone in the journey of the State towards improved revenue generation and self-sufficiency. He said the inauguration sets the tone for the full implementation of the new Plateau State (Consolidated) Revenue Law, also known as the Revenue Law 2020, which he assented to, in November 2020.

The Governor said “even before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, our administration has continued to make frantic efforts towards improving the revenue profile of the State by looking inwards for more internally generated revenue. Instructively, experts’ projections indicate that Plateau State has an internal revenue capacity of more than N5 Billion Naira per month. This explains why before the disruption caused by COVID-19, our administration was able to jerk up its Internally Generated Revenue from about six hundred million naira monthly in 2015 to about nine hundred million in 2019. This shows that the projection by experts is in the right direction and we can actually do far more than we have been doing if we put our house in order”.

The Governor explained that in line with his resolve to improve the revenue profile of the State, his administration engaged Compliance Professionals Plc. (CPP), a reputable tax consortium, to help steer the transformation of revenue administration across the State, including at Local Government levels.

This engagement led to the development and implementation of the plan to effectively transit from the current state to a harmonized internal revenue generation and collection system, thereby improving efficiency and effectiveness and significantly increasing bottom lines.

He charged the 18-man Revenue Council which he Chairs to ensure that it works within its terms of reference to ensure that the revenue of the State is inproved. The Council shall be responsible for Coordinating all revenue activities in the State; Making policies, regulations and guidelines on revenue matters; Setting up structures for whistle blowing; Reviewing revenue rates; As well as identifying other sources of funding for the state.

Similarly, the Governor inaugurated the Governing Board for the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service.

Lalong appealed to all citizens to cooperate with the new revenue drive as the State has a lot of projects to carry out but needs resources. The days of looking up to Abuja according to him are over because the national purse is also depleted.

The Governor assured that every kobo will not only be accounted for, but used for projects and programmes that have direct impact on lives of the people.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
25th March, 2021.

Prince Sekat,Jos



Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong on Thursday inaugurated the Plateau state revenue council and the Governing council of the state Internal Revenue Service .





Speaking at the occasion held at the New Government House in Jos ,Lalong said ,Today marks another milestone in our journey as a State, towards improved revenue generation and self-sufficiency. This event provides me an opportunity to set the tone for the full implementation of the new Plateau State (Consolidated) Revenue Law, also known as the Revenue Law 2020, which I expeditiously assented to, in November 2020.





He said that It is no longer news that there has been a remarkable decline in revenue allocation to States, from the Federation Account. This is primarily occasioned by the continuous fall in crude oil prices in the international market, and most recently, the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic which has ravaged the world for over a year now.



Lalong further said Even before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, our administration has continued to make frantic efforts towards improving the revenue profile of the State by looking inwards for more internally generated revenue. Instructively, experts’ projections indicate that Plateau State has an internal revenue capacity of more than N5 Billion Naira per month.





He said that This explains why before the disruption caused by COVID-19, our administration was able to jerk up its Internally Generated Revenue from about six hundred million naira monthly in 2015 to about nine hundred million in 2019. This shows that the projection by experts is in the right direction and we can actually do far more than we have been doing if we put our house in order.

5. Over the years, the decentralized operation of State MDAs and other revenue generating agencies have created structural and technical gaps, which reduce the efficiency and effectiveness of revenue generation and collection in the State.



Lalong further said In line with my firm resolve to address this challenge and improve the revenue profile of our dear State, my administration engaged Compliance Professionals Plc. (CPP), a reputable tax consortium, to help steer the transformation of revenue administration across the State, including at Local Government levels.



” Our engagement with CPP led to an in-depth assessment of the current state of the IGR environment in Plateau State and the dissection of the 2017 Revenue Law which gave birth to the new Plateau State (Consolidated) Revenue Law, also known as the Revenue Law 2020, which I signed into law at the close of 2020. I want to once again appreciate the Rt. Hon. Speaker and Honourable Members of the State House of Assembly for their thorough and expeditious passage of the bill. “



He said This journey has led to the development and implementation of the plan to effectively transit from the current state to a harmonized internal revenue generation and collection system, thereby improving efficiency and effectiveness and significantly increasing bottom lines.



“As a result of this, a new and viable template called Plateau State Revenue Generation Project has been developed by the CPP. This is expected to be a game changer because it seeks to completely rethink the way and manner in which revenues in the state are generated and ultimately make Plateau an example for other States to emulate.”



He further said” A very vital part of the project approach and organization is the Harmonized Revenue Administration Process Redesign (HRAPR). This approach seeks to Implement the right revenue administration process across all MDAs and LGCs, and ultimately across all main revenue lines with priority on areas of high revenue capture. The main aim is to ensure that changes in this project are institutionalized.”



Consequently, the project is broken down into series of goals or waves. The First Focus Wave which covers the period of February