VIOLENT PROTEST: ZANGO KATAF STAKEHOLDERS SUE FOR PEACE, PLEADING OPERATION SAFE HAVEN TO REMAIN

Following the violent protest staged by women and misguided youths of Gon Gora Kataf in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State on 23 March 2021, the leadership of the community has visited the troops of OPSH in the area to tender their unreserved apologies for the misconduct.

The delegation included the community leaders, religious leaders, chairman of Zangon Kataf LGA, traditional rulers, youths and women leaders, retired permanent secretaries, and other eminent citizens of Zangon Kataf LGA.

Speaking during the reconciliation visit, the team leader and chairman Zangon Kataf LGA, Dr Eliaz Manza said they dissociated themselves and the whole community from the activities of the violent protesters, noting that troops presence was for their safety and security, stressing that OPSH is doing much towards bringing the lasting peace in Southern Kaduna in general and Zangon Kataf in particular.

The team leader assured that such violent act would never reoccur again, therefore pleaded that OPSH should remain in their locality. He further assured the operation of their support and cooperation towards achieving the lasting peace in the area.

IBRAHIM SHITTU
Major
Media Officer OPSH
25 March 2021

DR SIPAK SHASE’ET, fcvsn, PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO CHIEF LETEP DABANG

Dr Sipak Shase’et on a condolence visit to Chief Letep Dabang over the lost of his sister KIRNAN who sudden demise occurred last week

In a condolence message on behalf of my family, I personally regretted the fact that your younger sister dead came at a time you and the entire family need her.

Dr Sipak Shase’et expressing his sadness over her demise, urges the family to be comforted by the fact that she having lived a life of selfless service to the family and also a respected member of the family , has gone to take a deserved rest at the bossom of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dr Sipak in a serious and a friendly charts with Letep Dabang as longtime friends who has come a long way, further prays God to rest the soul of the late KIRNAN and give the family, the fortitude to bear this loss.

Sign Dr Sipak media team

By Prince Sekat, Jos

RE-TROOPS OF OPERATION SAFE HAVEN DID NOT KILL A WOMAN IN A PROTEST AT GON GORA


Women during the protest.
The attention of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) has been drawn to a video-cilp by Masky Media Television and Sahara Reporters online publication dated 24 March 2021, alleging that troops of OPSH were responsible for the killing of a woman in a protest recently staged by the women in Gon Gora of Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.

To set the record straight, on 5 March 2021 following a reported case of farmland destructions belonging to one Mr Ibrahim Amako by group of herders numbering 5, the Secretary to the District Head Gon Gora, Mr Ayuba Bungon intervened in the case where he facilitated the payment of the sum (N300,000:00) compensation to appease the victim.


The 8 Suspects arrested with arms inside the protesters by men of the operation safe haven.
At about 0655pm on 6 March 2021 while on routine patrol, troops of OPSH were informed that the Secretary and 5 herders were kidnapped by unknown persons suspected to be youths of Gora Village at Ungwan Masat along Gora – Zonkwa road in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State while returning from dispute resolution.

Troops in conjunction with other security agencies swiftly mobilized to the scene and successfully rescued the Secretary unhurt, while 2 out of the 5 victims were later escaped from their abductors. Efforts are ongoing to rescue other missing persons.

Own troops while exploiting the general area recovered one locally fabricated Assault Rifle, 4 Rounds of 7.62mm Special and a bag containing rings and charms.

In the same vein, on 22 March 2021, a group of women from Gon Gora Village in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State staged a peaceful protest at troops location in Gora village. The protesters expressed their displeasure over the constant killings of their people by suspected militias where people have deserted the village over fear of a possible reprisal attack following the kidnap incident on 21 March 2021.

The protesters were addressed by the Commander Sector 6 Colonel David Nwakonobi to sheath their swords and embrace peace. The protesters were later dispersed peacefully.

Relatedly, on 23 March 2021, at about 0545pm, troops of OPSH deployed at Gun Gora received a distress call of a violent protests by women and youths of Gon Gora, Bafai Gora and Sagwaza villages in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. The violent protest was believed to be sponsored by some aggrieved elites of Zagon Kataf.

Troops swiftly mobilized to the scene in order to restore normalcy to the area. Troops on arrival at the scene of the incident were however encountered by some youths in the midst of the female protesters firing and pelting dangerous object at the troops. In the ensuing pandemonium, one of the female protesters in close contact with troops was hit by a stray bullet from the youths, while an elderly man sustained a gunshot injury on his right hand.

Furthermore, the youths therefore barricaded the entry and exit routes likely to be reinforcement for the troops. The protesters thereafter demanded for the withdrawal of troops from the Gon Gora Community as the basis for their protest.

Consequently, troops of OPSH have apprehended 8 suspects involved in the violent protest and recovered one locally fabricated assault rifle and 3 cartridges from the suspects. The arrested suspects are currently in OPSH custody undergoing preliminary investigation. Also, the injured person is receiving treatment at Saint Louis Hospital Zonkwa, while corpse of the deceased has been deposited at the General Hospital morgue Zonkwa.

Normalcy has since returned in the general area while troops are maintaining vigilance to forestall any further breakdown of law and order.

OPSH wishes to state that its operations is conducted with strict adherence to rules of engagement, code of conduct and respect for the fundamental human rights. Therefore, use this opportunity to warn mischief makers to desist from fomenting troubles and violence in the Southern Kaduna and across its Joint Operational Areas, thereby soliciting for public support in discharging its mandate.

IBRAHIM SHITTU
Major
Media Officer OPSH
24 March 2021

NTDC TO PARTNER PLATEAU STATE ON TOURISM

The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Mr. Folorunsho Coker has assured the Plateau State Government that his agency will work with the State in harnessing the abundant tourist potentials in the State.

Mr. Coker was speaking when he visited Governor Simon Lalong at the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.

He said, Plateau State known as the Home of Peace and Tourism has both the natural and human advantage in terms of tourism and hospitality. All that is needed according to him are proactive and firm initiatives to tap into the endowments.

He praised Governor Simon Lalong for restoring peace in Plateau State which has again restored confidence in the citizens as well as reassured investors, tourist and other visitors to return to Plateau State for business and leisure.

Coker announced that the NTDC will carry out its intervention in one of the tourist sites in Plateau State, the Kurra Falls as it has made provisions in its 2021 budget. He also promised to ensure that Plateau State is rebranded and marketed on the national and international tourism platforms and calendars so as to reinforce and repackage the natural gifts of weather, people and alluring sites.

Governor Lalong while welcoming the DG NTDC and members of his entourage to Plateau State, said the State has continued to work towards developing its tourism assets which are key to the economic blueprint of the State.

He appreciated the gesture of the NTDC in developing Kurra Falls, one of its oldest and famous tourist sites, saying the Government has put a lot of emphasis in developing tourism as a major source of revenue.
He said the choice of Kurra Falls is very timely considering the recent visit of HYPADEC to the State where they are also going to intervene in various areas around the communities of the Falls which is the first place where hydropower was generated in Nigeria.

Lalong assured the NTDC Management that his doors were open for further collaboration in many areas that will assist in bringing more people to the various tourist attractions across Plateau State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
24th March 2021

NTDC TO PARTNER PLATEAU STATE ON TOURISM

The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Mr. Folorunsho Coker has assured the Plateau State Government that his agency will work with the State in harnessing the abundant tourist potentials in the State.

Mr. Coker was speaking when he visited Governor Simon Lalong at the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.

He said, Plateau State known as the Home of Peace and Tourism has both the natural and human advantage in terms of tourism and hospitality. All that is needed according to him are proactive and firm initiatives to tap into the endowments.

He praised Governor Simon Lalong for restoring peace in Plateau State which has again restored confidence in the citizens as well as reassured investors, tourist and other visitors to return to Plateau State for business and leisure.

Coker announced that the NTDC will carry out its intervention in one of the tourist sites in Plateau State, the Kurra Falls as it has made provisions in its 2021 budget. He also promised to ensure that Plateau State is rebranded and marketed on the national and international tourism platforms and calendars so as to reinforce and repackage the natural gifts of weather, people and alluring sites.

Governor Lalong while welcoming the DG NTDC and members of his entourage to Plateau State, said the State has continued to work towards developing its tourism assets which are key to the economic blueprint of the State.

He appreciated the gesture of the NTDC in developing Kurra Falls, one of its oldest and famous tourist sites, saying the Government has put a lot of emphasis in developing tourism as a major source of revenue.
He said the choice of Kurra Falls is very timely considering the recent visit of HYPADEC to the State where they are also going to intervene in various areas around the communities of the Falls which is the first place where hydropower was generated in Nigeria.

Lalong assured the NTDC Management that his doors were open for further collaboration in many areas that will assist in bringing more people to the various tourist attractions across Plateau State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
24th March 2021

PLATEAU APC FIRES BACK AT PDP FACTION OVER TERMINATION OF LEGACY PROJECT CONTRACT.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State is again compelled to respond to the nuisance of a Faction of the PDP in the State over a recent Statement issued by its Factional spokesperson, one John T. Akans who has raised some spurious, unsubstantiated and concocted Lies in furtherance of his Faction’s elusive search for relevance and in an attempt to bring the Government of Governor Simon Lalong into ridicule and disrepute.
In his usual empty, childish and incoherent rhetoric, the factional spokesperson alleged that “GOVERNOR LALONG TERMINATES N59 BILLION LEGACY PROJECT CONTRACTS OVER REFUSAL OF CONTRACTOR TO SHARE MONEY”. It is a tragedy that out of a lousy disposition and in a haste to smear the impeccable character of the Governor and to scandalise the present administration in the State, the so-called factional spokesman of the PDP forgot to get even the most basic facts -most of which are already out there in the public domain, right.
Despite claiming that his Faction of the PDP had documents at its disposal to buttress his baseless claims, the Factional spokesperson displayed crass ignorance on the genesis and current state of the Lalong Legacy Project. Little wonder, he was only interested in the so-called “whooping N59 Billion figure” for the initial Contract signed between the Plateau State Government and Bleneson Services Nigeria Limited.
It is curious that a so-called opposition Party will be sulking over the termination of the Contract of a non-performing entity instead of commending the Government for taking that bold and right step to amongst others: Save the Commonwealth of the People of Plateau State from plunder ; to ensure that the long suffering Sub-Contractors of Bleneson, (who are our own Citizens) many of whom have become bankrupt on account of deliberate non-payment for completed milestones, get some much needed reprieve; to ensure that critical Projects including Schools and Hospitals meant for the benefit of our people are completed on time. Indeed, this Faction of the PDP is shameless and clearly betrays what the PDP’s Philosophy was and is- sharing money and abandoning projects! A Leopard never changes its Skin ! It is clear that the so-called spokesman and other odiously corrupt characters like him that were prominent in the former wheeling and dealing PDP administration in the State continue to see themselves in the Governor and other functionaries of the present administration. They assume that Governance of the State is still being carried out in the dubious and despicable manner they carried on with “chopping, sharing and looting” while in power!
For the avoidance of doubt, and in order not to allow the PDP Faction mislead the good people of Plateau State and other well-meaning Nigerians with their toxic Propaganda, here are a few irrefutable facts about the Lalong Legacy Project and why the relationship with Bleneson Services Nigeria Limited was Terminated – a termination, by the way, that following due process as stipulated in the Contract.

1. Bleneson Services Nigeria Limited initially approached the Plateau State Government as an Investor with solid Financial Capacity to finance, execute and deliver the Lalong Legacy Projects and to be paid by monthly installments over a period of 25 years. In other words, Bleneson Services Nigeria Limited came to the State as an Investor and not a Contractor.
2. Having commenced, the Company was not forthcoming with adequate Funds to put into the Project as promised and it became apparent that the Company was relying on monthly deductions from the ISPO which was put in place by the State for the purpose of refinancing the Company. All efforts to ensure that it kept its part of the bargain failed even after series of engagements and appeals made to the Management of the Company.
3. To salvage the Project, the Plateau State Government decided to source money from the Capital Market through a Bond to fund its refinancing obligation to the Investor turned Contractor, with the State standing as Guarantor. About 15 billion was secured and kept in an interest yielding account held by the Trustees to ensure the Contractor got refinanced without fail.
4. The arrangement under the Contract was for the Contractor to put in his Funds, and be paid on Certificates after Valuation of work done. Government was soon to realise the incapacity of Bleneson Services Nigeria Limited, as the Investor it represented itself to be, to inject funds into the Project.
5. The foregoing notwithstanding, out of an uncommon determination to see to the successful delivery of Project, Government decided to still work with the Company for the continuation of the Project. However, this saw to the rescoping of the project from N59 Billion naira to N29 Billion naira in order to allow the Government carry on and complete the Project within the N30,000,000,000 borrowing Ceiling approved by the State House of Assembly. Bleneson Services Nigeria Limited was fully involved in the process and agreed to the reduction of the Project Scope from N59,000,000,000 to N29,000,000,000- the present scope of the Project. Contrary to the wild and irresponsible claim of the PDP factional Spokesman, a Government that wants to “Share money” with the Contractor, in the ignoble tradition left behind by the past PDP Administration, should have been increasing and not reducing the scope of the Project! Obviously, the actors in this PDP faction are biting their fingers wishing they were in power to declare a sharing bonanza of looting!
6. Rather than cooperate with the Plateau State Government to carry out the re-scoped Project, Bleneson Services Nigeria Limited began to drag its feet and employed various delay tactics to stall the progress of the Project. Again, the Government remained patient and gave the Company more time to do the needful. This only led to more foot- dragging and delays
7. After several written Complaints to the Contractor on the unacceptably slow pace of construction work at the Sites, Government was convinced that, since the rescoping of the Project -which, by the way, the Company vehemently resisted because “it was going to affect its expected Profits” -the Company had lost interested in carrying on with the Legacy Projects or completing them. Nowhere was that negative disposition more evident than in the manner the Company treated her Sub- Contractors who are our indigenes and Citizens and many of whom borrowed huge sums of money to sink into the Project in order to achieve their stipulated Milestones – a precondition for payment, but which the Company consistently failed to pay for, leading many into avoidable Financial ruin. No responsible Government, except perhaps one formed by Mr. Akans and the PDP will accept that Level of ill- treatment of its Citizens.
8. In the face of that reality and calamity, an Emergency Stakeholders Meeting was summoned by the Governor and held with Bleneson and the Sub-contractors late last year where the plight of the Sub- contractors was laid bare, with the Contractor promising to turn over a new Leaf. After several verbal and written engagements with the Managing Director of the Company failed to produce the desired change in attitude, leading to their failure to complete Phase 1 of the Project by 31st December 2020, as agreed, and because the Lalong administration does not have the luxury of time to continue with the game of Musical Chairs the Contractor was Playing with the Project, added to the grim reality that, at the present pace of work, the Project cannot be completed within the Lifespan of the present Administration, Government had to resort to the last option at its disposal, which is the termination of the contract with Messrs Bleneson Services Nigeria Limited.
   This was what led to the issuance of the termination Notice to the Contractor, whose cause the PDP Faction is now championing against the interest of the People of Plateau State. Perhaps rather than calling on Governor Lalong to explain to the people of Plateau State why the Contract was terminated, it is the factional spokesperson of the PDP that should go ahead to put his so-called documents on the Table for the People to peruse. Let the PDP Factional spokesperson give reasons beyond the payment he received for the hatchet Job he is now doing for the Contractor, why the Contract should not have been terminated by the State. And if one may ask, why is the PDP crying more than the bereaved and “taking medicine for someone else’s headache”? Since the Factional spokesperson says the Contractor has approached the Courts for redress, let him allow the Courts to handle the matter rather than mischievously trying to tarnish the image of the Government in the eyes of right thinking Citizens of the State.
   Just on Saturday 20th March 2021, Governor Simon Bako Lalong met with Journalists in Plateau State at the Victoria Gowon Auditorium, Government House Rayfield (one Project amongst many abandoned by the immediate past PDP Government but completed by the Lalong administration) where he assured the Media that the Legacy Projects will be completed within the next few Months. The Journalists had undertaken a Tour of the Lalong Legacy Projects last month during which they praised the Governor for conceiving the laudable projects which, according to them will change the face of Education and Health Care delivery in the State, but expressed concern at the speed of work in some places.
   While we await Mr. Akans and his Faction of the PDP to provide the Names and details of those who asked for Monies from the former Contractor, let the people of Plateau State remain at Peace that Governor Lalong, who has completed many Projects abandoned by his predecessors (including the rejected PDP) will not disappoint them by leaving any Legacy Project uncompleted.

Mallam Bashir Musa Sati
State Secretary, APC Plateau State.
23rd March 2021.

By Prince Sekat,Jos

Plateau State Government on Tuesday issued  a testimonial Certificate to the New Long Kwo of Kwo Chiefdom Miskom Fidelis Longtoe Attahiru1 .

Our correspondent reports that  Kwo Chiefdom in Quan’Pan Local Government Area of the  state had been without  a traditional ruler  for 33-years.

It was further  gathered that the Long Kwo stool of 2nd Class status became vacant in July 1988, following the demised of Miskoom Hoomkwap Sule II, the last occupant of the seat.

The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Hon. Sylvanus Dan-kano Tapgun while presenting the Certificate to the new Long Kwo a second Class status on behalf of the Plateau State Government said that the land of Kwo Chiefdom has been without substantive Monarch for long time .

 According to him, Government over the years deems it necessary for the stool to be occupied  by an incumbent, and the selection  exercise by the kingmakers went on smoothly without any rancor.

Tapgun call on the new Monarch to embrace all those who contested with him, as all of them are of the same lineage .

In his response  Miskoom Fidelis Longtoe Attahiru 1 the new Long Kwo of Kwo Chiefdom  commended Governor Simon Lalong for making it possible for this day to become a reality.

while advising  the people of Kwo Chiefdom to desist from selling and long lease of land stressing that God give the land to them to utilize it for the betterment of the people and the future of their children.

According to him, he will continue to interface with relevant Government agencies to ensure that Kwo as a farming communities get farming implements and inputs so that they can engage their youth who have been made idle for the past 33 years to contribute their quota to the development of the communities, State and the Federal Government food security initiatives .

He further  promised to build bridges of reconciliation and friendship with  neighbouring communities with a view to ensure harmonious co-existence among the people adding that no meaningful development will take place in an atmosphere of bitterness and rancour .

The new Long Kwo also said he hold in trust the mandate that was given to him  by the people stressing that there are 18 Princes that contested for the stool and will ensure he carry them along  in day to day running of  Chiefdom

Nde Victor David Dimka fsi Congratulates His Excellency , Governor Simon Bako Lalong on His Award by PPA .

The leader of the DVD Movement in Plateau State, nde Victor David Dimka fsi, has congratulated His Excellency, Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State on his recent Award for Sterling leadership and restoration and sustenance of peace in the State.

In a congratulatory message issued in Jos today, March 23, 2021, the former Comptroller of Customs said, “the award given to His Excellency by the Plateau Publishers Association (PPA) is timely and a testimony of the sacrifices and hard work made by the governor to ensure peaceful coexistence in the State. The governor has over the years demonstrated Sterling leadership qualities which have yielded good results for the State.”

According to him, peace is a cardinal foundation for developing any society and the governor was very proactive on that from the beginning of his tenure.

He therefore, expressed appreciation to the executive and members of the Plateau Publishers Association for identifying with the governor on this critical aspect of governance and urged them to continue with such progressive attitude towards building a democratic society in the State.
Signd :
DVD Media Team

GOVERNOR LALONG TO INAUGURATE REVENUE COUNCIL, REPLACES NOMINEE FOR SECRETARY TO PIRS BOARD

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has withdrawn the earlier appointment of Mrs. Peret Ayuba Yirvoms as Secretary to the Governing Board of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service.

In her place, the Governor has named Barr. Mrs. Rahila Olu-Silas as the new Secretary to the Governing Board.

Meanwhile, the Governor is scheduled to inuagurate the State Revenue Council and the Governing Board of of Plateau State Internal Revenue Service on Thursday 25th March 2021 at the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
23rd March 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG CONSTITUTES REVENUE COUNCIL & PIRS GOVERNING BOARD

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has approved the constitution of the State Revenue Council which is central to the implementation of the new harmonized Revenue Law.

The 18-member Council was approved pursuance to Section 32 (2) of the Plateau State Revenue (Consolidated) Law 2020, which provides for a State Revenue Council to be chaired by the Governor.

Members of the Council include Commissioners of Finance; Agriculture and Rural Development; Lands, Survey and Town Planning; Commerce and Industry; Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development; Tourism; Transport; Water Resources; Budget and Economic Planning; and Justice.

Others are the Chairman, Plateau State Internal Revenue Service; Chairman, State Traditional Council; Mr. Ibrahim Puri; Mr. Miyen Swomen; Dr. Nancy Katu Ogundimu (representing Civil Societies); Bashir Shuaibu Jibrin (representing the Informal Sector); while the Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Danladi Abok Atu is to serve as Secretary to the Council.

The Council which will soon be inaugurated shall be responsible for coordinating all revenue activities in the State; make policies, regulations and guidelines on revenue matters; set up structures for whistle blowing; review revenue rates; and identify other sources of funding for the State.

Similarly, the Governor has approved the composition of the Governing Board for the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service.

The Board has Mr. Arlat Dasogot Dashe as Chairman with the Secretary to the Government of the State and the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice as Members.

Other members are Mr. Ishaku Dauda (Southern Zone); Mr. B.S. Moltok (Central Zone); Mrs. Sarah Ishaya Afan (Northern Zone); and Mr. Peret Ayuba Yirvoms who will serve as Secretary to the Board.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
22nd March 2021.