GOVERNOR LALONG ORDERS SECURITY FORCES TO APPREHEND ATTACKERS OF KUBAT VILLAGE IN MANGU LGA
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong woke up Tuesday 16th May 2023 to distressing news of an overnight attack on Kubat Village in Mangu Local Government where some persons including women and children were reportedly killed.
Governor Lalong who is seriously disturbed about the sad development has immediately directed security forces to pursue the attackers and ensure they are arrested.
He describes this as yet another attempt by crises merchants and criminals to return the State to the dark days of pain and agony, vowing that the Government will stop at nothing to ensure that those behind this scheme are dealt with mercilessly.
While condemning the act, the Governor commiserates with the victims and assures that the murderers will not be allowed to go unpunished as this is an act that can neither be tolerated or excused no matter the motivation.
The Governor has equally directed the State Emergency Management Agency and the Peace Building Agency to visit the area and ascertain the humanitarian need so as to bring succour to the affected while thorough investigation is being carried out.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 16th May 2023.
The election tribunal sitting in Jos , plateau state capital has adjourned Governship, National and State House of Assembly Inaugural sitting and Pre-Hearing to 25th May 2023 .
Monday 15th May, 2023 was earlier slated for the tribunal official Inaugural sitting and Pre-Hearing.
When the court resumed sitting, Paius Akubo (SAN) moved an oral application for the tribunal to adjourned the official Inaugural Sitting and Pre-Hearing of the tribunal which suppose to have kicked start today 15th May, 2023 for more 10 days.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)who is speaking on behalf of the inner bar said , the oral application is imperative to enable all the parties involved to effects their respective service to avoid any hiccup when the tribunal sitting officially commence , and parties will start the excuses of not serves or not yet been served.
Akubo further add that as it stands right now , even most of the cases are not reap to be entertained by the tribunal in line with the law . However stressed that with the oral application for adjournment for more 7-10 days will help to solve some teething problems that may likely come up from non service and reception of service.
And maintained that when the application for adjournment scales through, depending the over riding discretion of the honourable tribunal ,and more 7-10 days added for Inaugural Sitting and Pre-Hearing ,some of the case would have been reap for determination subsequently the other as sittings progress.
After due consultations, the tribunal adjourned the official Inaugural Sitting and Pre-Hearing to 25th May,2023.
It would be recalled that the 2023 election tribunal which is expected to commence sitting in the state capital has received the total number of 17 Elections petitions raging from Governship, House of Representatives,Senate and State House of Assembly.
In the last couple of weeks, there has been intense politicking about who will become the Senate President and Speaker, House of Representatives as well as other principal officers when both chambers are inaugurated. Senators and Reps members have, since winning their election on February 25, 2023 indicated interest to vie for the number three and four positions in the land.
That of the Senate may not have been problematic, as it was sure that the south was going to be the sole beneficiary. It was where it was going to be zoned to in the south that became contestable, as the South East zone was hoping it be considered for the plum job. The powers that be after the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with the National Working Committee of the party ‘recommended’ Godswill Akpabio and Jibrin Barau for the two top positions in the senate.
It is no longer news that the Muslim-Muslim ticket is responsible for the present arrangement in the Senate. Whether it is welcomed is yet to be tested, but recall that former Zamfara State Governor Abdul’Aziz Abubakar Yari now Senator-elect has since made headline challenging everyone who cares to know that he would go ahead with the senate presidency bid.
His reason: The senate presidency contest was the senators’ business backed by the 1999 constitution to choose their leaders within themselves and not based on instruction from anyone. What is going to happen that day, it is going to happen based on the instructions of the constitution and not anyone’.
The press statement by the Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka on May 8, 2023 confirmed that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has zoned the position of the Speaker to the North West and Deputy Speaker to the South East. The party endorsed Tajudeen Abbas representing Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State for Speaker and Benjamin Kalu representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State as Deputy Speaker.
He was quoted as saying the recommendation were results of ‘wide consultations’ received by the party. It is true; every one of the aspirants has the right to contest for the office; but ‘does it not also exude a serious discomfort that the aspirants to the speakership were not consulted, approached and effectively engaged before the purported zoning formula?’ The party’s preferences may snowball into a conflagration in the House of Representatives, if not handled with caution and tact.
That ‘recommendation’ for both chambers did not go down well with majority of the aspirants who were ignominiously treated and Nigerians who read meanings in the choice. Knowing that the atmosphere in the field was already tense, coming with a list of favourite candidates was an idea that should have been buried long before it was mooted; considering what happened in 2015, when the party just smarting from its hard won victory over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) angled for the outgoing Speaker, Femi Hakeem Gbajabiamila; they realized too late as Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara swept the carpet off their feet and became Speaker.
The history against such ‘manipulation’ of the interest and wishes of House members is replete with stories of rejection of imposition. Whether it was in 1999 or in 2003, the same trend overshadowed the selection process of the Speaker. It continued during 2007 when the choice of PDP NWC Patricia Ette was rejected for Demiji Bankole; so also was the case of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. Don’t forget that it happened in the case of Yakubu Dogara and Femi Gbajabiamila in 2015. The power of the members forced the NWC of the APC to accept Femi Gbajabiamila against Ahmed Idris Wase in 2019.
The barrage of threats that followed soon after indicated that the All Progressives Congress has a crisis to contend with; as a group the group, G7; made up of all aspirants for the leadership of House in the 10th National Assembly have since rejected the party’s consensus candidates for positions of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Even before that was made public, Alliance for True Democracy in Nigeria (ATDN) through its coordinator, Hon Inalegwu Ejembi Adaje expressed displeasure and disappointment for the choice of Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu, noting that ‘if democracy must survive in Nigeria, people must make choice’.
He argued that the North West has been the most favoured (as if it is the only part of the North) since 1999 having produced four Speakers in the persons of Ghali Umar Na’Abbas, Salisu Buhari, Aminu Bello Masari and Aminu Tambuwal, while in the case of the North Central, it was yet to produce an occupant; he therefore wondered if that cannot be described as injustice.
He singled out Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi whose contributions on the floor of the House has made him a history maker, and therefore cannot be ignored by the party and his colleagues. For equity and justice, would the party ignore a man, who in his first three years did not just sponsor numerous bills and motions, but out of those, six of them have since received the assent of Mr. President with consequences for the development of the country and giving young men and women a livelihood.
Can Gagdi then be said to be in the same class with Tajudeen Abbas, who is hyped and credited to sponsoring about 78 bills, but are yet to even get to the gates of Aso Rock to receive presidential accent? At that, many Nigerians are questioning why the North Central zone, though crucial for the survival of the party cannot be rewarded with the position of the Speaker. Political pundits are quick to point accusing fingers at Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, who had openly said he was not angling to become Chief of Staff to Mr. President.
The question to ask is, why has the North West been iniquitously zoned the position of Deputy Senate President in the person Jibrin Barau from Kano State? Furthermore, is there equity and justice in the land for the North Central zone to be completely ignored as all zones have been ‘allocated’ one principal office position? They wondered why the North West will take two juicy positions at the expense of the North Central. Their argument is that the party chairman is from this zone.
The duo of the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase and Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa in separate statements said they were against the arrangement as announced by the party on May 8, 2023. They insisted they would go ahead with their campaigns for the speakership no matter the position by the party. So also is Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, whose proclivity for justice has further revealed what they would do if the party does not right the wrongs.
Lending their voice on the development, Plateau Elders have insisted on a candidate from the state for the speakership, saying that is the path of equity and justice, even as the two frontline aspirants vying for the position from the North Central geopolitical zone are from the state; each of which ‘possesses unassailable credentials’.
They argued that apart from the resourcefulness of the Plateau aspirants, it is in the interest of fairness and justice that the state be given the opportunity to lead the House. How better said, considering that it aligns with the mood of the struggle for justice in the land.
If anything, the addition of the voice of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on the impasse vindicates the position of the G7, which is made up of Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Hon Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, Rt Hon Ahmed Idris Wase, Hon Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Hon Sada Soli Jibiya, Hon Maraim Odinaka Onuoha and Hon Aminu Sani Jaji.
Ina terse statement by Akeredolu, who is chairman, South West Governors’ Forum noted that ‘aside the unpretentious ambiquity in the purported statement issued by the leadership of the APC, the contents, intentions and motives of the zoning formula represent early steps aimed at attempts to cabin the hard-earned Presidency for our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu by a few individuals with eyes on Aso Rock Power Buttons’.
For him and indeed most Nigerians, ‘it is trite, that, it stands logic on the head that one geo-political zone, Northwest in this regard, will be favoured with two presiding officers positions out of four while the North Central suffers the consequences for its innocence and shrewd loyalty of having none.’
As it is canvassed by G7, ‘it is an insidious permutation that North East will be deprived in the face of the unsavoury generosity dispensed through two slots to a particular geo-political zone. It is self-repudiating for one to argue therefore, that the Speaker of the House of Representatives cannot also emerge from the North East.
‘Therefore, the move to zone the National Assembly leadership positions on the behest of interested personalities with perceived closeness to the President-elect manifestly lays the dangerous foundation of distrust, needless suspicion even as it structures nothing but combination of booby traps. We must avoid all these.
’Many Nigerians have displayed their aversion against the position of the party, considering the party’s stand it is possible not to come clean as opposition group, Greater Majority is not relenting in its push to surprise the ruling party if it is unaware of its vulnerability in the current dispensation. The opposition parties have a combined numerical majority in the House, which they intend to use.
Speaking the minds of Nigerians in a statement which he titled: ‘10th Assembly: Do not expect us to be loyal if present zoning arrangement stands, G7 Speakership candidates tell APC’ and released on May 10, 2023 after their meeting with the APC NWC same day.
Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Ggadi was emphatic and vowed to oppose any attempts by outside forces to impose a leadership on the 10th House of Representatives, describing the zoning formula as ‘unworkable arrangement that reinforces injustice and enhances inequity’; the formula won’t be acceptable.
Said Gagdi, ‘when we elect our leaders, all of you will not be there; it is we and our conscience and the covenant of the people of Nigeria that will be in the hallowed chamber. So, it is better, it is not late, let the wrongs be righted. Unless this is done, sir, our party should not hope that our loyalty will be guaranteed at the detriment of justice, peace and fairness. We will respect justice, unity and equity in the chamber, but only if your instruction is in line with the principle of this party. Sir, do not hope that we have come here to succumb to any instruction and directive given to us’.
That was candid enough, Gagdi asked rather rhetorically, ‘do we want unity, to say that the Deputy Senate President should go to the North West and the Speaker should go to the North West when in the true sense of the word, in the presidential election, North Central known to have majority number of Christians and the religious and tribal affiliations attributed to 2023 elections, yet North Central resisted the temptation, delivered four states to the President-elect, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu; delivered 11 senators. The North West delivered 10 with two states and North East 1 state with 10 senators and the zone that has performed like this for Mr. President will be relegated to have party chairman and perhaps as they insinuate, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; positions that the president or whosever can scream at them and they have no locus to speak for the people for the people of North Central.’
The last of what has been heard is that APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu has admitted they didn’t consult adequately on zoning of NASS leadership positions. What does it portend? It means that the struggle has made its impact for justice to be served on North Central zone.
The provost, Plateau State College of Nursing and Widwifery Vom, Mr. Bako Danlami Sambo today held a meeting with the students of the institution to mark the end of the Management scheduled meetings with Stakeholders of the institution. The meetings were held in the two campuses of the College.
In his speech,Mr. Danlami advised the students to invest their youthful energies in rewarding ventures, be security conscious, portray good morals, shun violence obey all guiding school laws, and called for good time management as a crucial factor in ensuring successful academic life.
He implored them to be of good conduct, be good representatives of the institution and to channel their suggestions and complains to the appropriate authorities.
On their part, the Deputy Provost,Registrar, Bursar and Librarian of the institution also urged the students to be focused on their goals and not misuse the opportunity of being admitted noting that the institution has provided a good learning environment and apparatus for them to achieve their goals.
Today’s meeting climaxed with the commissioning of a well dug by the Director of the School of Midwifery Vom. She revealed that the move was also geared at complementing the efforts of College management in the task of providing potable water for students in the institution.
Audu Bappidak Sambo. Public Relations and Protocol Officer (CONMVOM)
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has continued the installation of more traditional rulers with the coronation and presentation of staff of office to two upgraded Chiefs in Jos South Local Government Area, their Royal Highnesses Dagwom Rwey of Gyel, Jos South LGA, Da Nga Dangyang on 2nd Class And Gwom Rwey of Zawan, Da Christopher Mancha on 3rd Class.
At the event, the Governor said it was the fulfillment of his promise to ensure that he makes the dream of those who want to have their chiefdoms and districts come to pass according to the laws of the land.
He said being one of his last assignments, he was happy that the people of Gyel and Zawan can attest to the fact that when he made that promise to create Districts and Chiefdoms, it was not for political purposes but because of his genuine love to take governance to the grassroots and also ensure that all people in the state are liberated.
He said “As I have always emphasized, the Traditional Institution is so dear and vital to the survival of our cultural heritage as it forms the bedrock of our coexistence as a people that share common and unique identity. The continuous maintenance of the norms, traditions and the way things are done must be safeguarded in the greater interest of the people”.
Lalong reminded them that since coming on board, he had paid greater attention on reviving the Traditional Institution so that it can contribute meaningfully in the developmental strides of the government.
“Consequently, we created 285 Districts, restored 2 First Class; 6 Second class; and 10 Third Class Chiefdoms across the State. Despite my Government’s efforts to fill in the few vacant stools in the State, the lingering litigation among the Royal Class in some chiefdoms brought setback. It is unfortunate that as we leave office, some of these Chiefdoms remain vacant to the disadvantage of the citizens. Nevertheless, we will continue to do our best to persuade the parties to take necessary to resolve the issues. However, we shall maintain our position of non-interference in selection of Chiefs” he said.
Lalong described as unfortunate the fact that some persons feel threatened that others are aspiring to get Chiefdoms even after many years of complaining that they have been marginalised.
Chairman Jos South Local Government Mr. Gideon Dandereng praised Governor Lalong for being a man of his words and also ignoring the wishes of a few who kept suppressing the larger cries of the people to have their self determination.
He said the elevation of the Da Gwom Rwey Gyel to 2nd class having has been on the throne as a district head for 54 years is a legacy that Governor Lalong is leaving behind which he will be remembered for by generations to come.
Vice Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III, Long Gamai of Gamailand also thanked Governor Lalong for what he has done for the traditional institution through his humility, great foresight and uniting factor.
Representatives of the Zawan and Gyel Development Associations were also excited that the day they have long waited for has come to pass and the people are grateful for the Lalong Rescue Administration.
Responding, the Da Gwom Rwey Gyel Jos South Da Nga Dangyang said he was a fulfilled man and really blessed to witness this day which he thought will never come.
He thanked Governor Lalong who ignored those that had suppressed the upgrade for many years saying that his people are happy and would continue to work with the Government to maintain peace and security in their domain.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Hon. Sylvanus Tapgun urged the Royal Highnesses to work hard in ensuring that tolerance, openness, accommodation, fairness and justice is achieved under their reigns.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State. 11th May 2023
Normalcy has returned to Plateau State University Bokkos since three female students of the institution were harassed and attempted to be rapped by yet to be identified men who in the process; injured one of the girls. The fear that came with the incident, gribble the minds of the university community who have in the recent past, enjoyed relative calm on the campus. The Vice Chancellor Professor Malau Matur Bernard and his management team, alleys fears of the students by the commitment been expressed in engaging both the institution’s security and the conventional agencies towards restoring normalcy and enduring peace on the campus and off campus. In the VC’s word’s: ” we will not allow criminality to thrive in PLASU” During a dialogue with the institution’s management security heads and students Union leaders were advised to avoid unnecessary night movements, get whistle and be security conscious which is the best way of safeguarding themselves. Phone contacts were shared among students Union heads and the security heads for ease of contact during emergency situations. Professor Matur also made it clear that he will not allow any obstacle stand in way of the university’s academic calendar. John K. Agam Public Relations Officer, Plateau State University, Bokkos.
The Management of Plateau State University Bokkos has expressed shock and sadness over the attack on some three female students leaving off campus by yet to be identified hoodlums who were trying to rape them but could not succeed.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Malau Bernard Matur while addressing various heads of students unions in his office, urged students to go about their normal academic activities as the security agencies investigate the matter.
He called on staff and students to avoid taking laws in their hands. “Management will not allowed students to participate in any demonstration that will distort academic activities. Be calm as we fight criminality in our dear University.”
Commandant Sector 5, Operation Safe Haven Bokkos Local Government Area, Lieutenant Colonel T. T. Paave while speaking on behalf of other security agencies assured that base on information and collaboration from the university community, they will nip criminality at all cost.
As part of safety measures, students were advised to buy whistle as well as being vigilante by avoiding night movements.
It was gathered that the three female students of the university who leave off campus were said to have gone out to get firewood to complete cooking after exhausting their cooking gas.
On returning from fetching firewood that the three girls made some young men whom they earlier greeted and identified as Fulani, attempted to rape them but could not succeed due to the struggle and effort of the girls.
At the process, one of the girls sustained an injury while other girls ran for safety.
The two girls had been hospitalized and taking care of. The Vice Chancellor condemned the barbaric act and assured to protect staff and students both in campus and off campus.
After listening to variou issues presented by student union heads to include: their security safety, electricity, and portable water which the management promised to look into it.
Those who were present at the meeting were the Principal Management of institution, leadership of Student’s Union Government, National Association of Nigerian Students, National Association of University Students, National Association of Plateau State Students and Association of Nigerian Female Students.
The Vice Chancellor has earlier on addressed the entire students at the students Center, calling on them to remained calm and focus while the management in collaboration with the security agencies are committed in fighting criminality within and outside the university campus.
It is no longer news that Rt Hon Yususf Adamu Gagdi, House Committee Chairman on Navy has joined the fray to become the Speaker, House of Representatives for the 10th Assembly. He joins the race with several other aspirants to slug it out for the position.
Since he was re-elected for a second term to represent Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency during the February 25, 2023 National Assembly election; after which his constituents gave him the nod to go for the coveted office, he has left no one in doubt of his intentions.
It could be recalled that as soon as campaigns were rounded for the elections, the confidence that exuded from his camp was palpable, no wonder, the election that was being awaited was seen as fait accompli. Everything fell into place, as he convincingly won the contest; thus assuring his constituents that it was proper to pursue other higher interests.
It will be recalled that when Gagdi debuted in 2019, into the national parliament, he ‘quickly got involved in the internal politics at the time, aligned with the “progressives” camp and eventually became the chairman of Navy Committee, a committee ordinarily would not be given to a first timer. He did not disappoint the House; neither did he fail on the home front, as he gave a good account of his capability while he served’.
As soon as the consultations started, it was common knowledge that, he was one whose political adroitness would come to play in several ways. First, he needed the buy-in of a number of stakeholders both in the All Progressives Congress (APC), and in the other parties whose members were going to the National Assembly. The latest consultative visit was on Friday, May 5, 2023 to Governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State, where he had gone to share with him his thoughts about the aspiration for the speakership.
His visit to the President on April 30, 2023 was another master stroke and a show of a rounded approach to reaching out to all those who matter. If anything, it was a display of the people’s representative’s determination to achieve his goal.
The manner with which he undertook to visit state governors and other party leaders in states was instructive of a politician whose capacity at selling his candidature and how he has been able bring quality into the advocacy can be described as simply awesome in many respects.
Such approach shows the finest stuff with which he is imbued with over the years running; and it will be long as there are no signs of slowing down soon. As a result of his capacity to seek views and meet with personalities that matter either alone or in group, those he has met are indeed in awe of the tremendous quality of his commitment to the Nigerian project. Above all, he strongly brings to the struggle the ever present quality of commitment and industry associated with patriotic Nigerian youth.
It is what is now counting in his favour; for which he has already received accolades and several recommendations from the high and low in most parts of Nigeria. We have maintained, and it is not for fun, he is a history maker. For his industry and commitment and even more, he is the first legislator in the history of democracy in Nigeria to have had six of his private bills assented to by Mr. President.
All the bills are ones that can engender development as well as provide jobs for hundreds of thousands of young people in Nigeria. If reducing employment is anything to go by, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has become a recurring decimal in most families having taken off their children and given them jobs in as many organizations as have been possible. This is not to forget the numerous empowerment schemes tailored towards helping people in various fields that could set beneficiaries on the path of profitability and sustenance.
Already, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has made a promise: I want to be a Speaker for the Nigerian people. I don’t want to be a regional Speaker. God willing I will be a Speaker for the Nigerian people irrespective of tribe, religion. I will be saying that my primary responsibility is to add value to the people of the country.
‘The qualities that I will expect from the next Speaker are capacity, sincerity, honesty and commitment. I want to see a just Speaker, one that will protect the interest of the people of all the geopolitical formations in Nigeria irrespective of population and what have you’.
Such capacity and credibility can only be exhibited by one who knows his onions and is ready to give more of such service to the nation for a long time to come. It can be safely said that one of the reasons he got the nod for his second term is the amount of work he did for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency. It can be argued that no other representative has exhibited commitment in the provision of quality service as he has done in the last four years. Again, that in itself is another record being set by him for giving a good account of his capacity.
Throughout the length and breadth of the communities that make the federal constituency, a compendium of what is been executed are, without doubt eye-popping as they convey in detail the quality of representation they have been given by the man who, today is the top contender of the office of Speaker.
Having been close to the power block in the House in the last four years; for which he has given a good account of that relationship. It is safe to conclude that the ropes are familiar to him and would serve him well should he be given the levers of power by his colleagues on the day of proclamation in about 40 days to come. As things stand, Gagdi stands on the threshold as the next good thing to happen, despite mounting pressures by the Fred Agbedi’s Greater Majority, which is insisting on contesting the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker by opposition parties.
Realizing his reach, groups, individuals and civil society organizations have spoken variously why Gagdi is suitable for the position. There are also several groups or caucuses which have emerged in the House since the general elections were concluded in February 2023 daily consulting to arrive at satisfying all the sensibilities of the moment; which seek to unite all parts of the country together.
Interestingly, some of his colleagues have spoken widely about his capacity for the position. David Umar who will represent Kachia/Kagarko in Kaduna State in the 10th Assembly understands the trajectory of the man who is gunning to become Nigeria’s Speaker. Umar was quoted as saying: Nigeria’s young people represented the present and future Nigeria, but noted that the demographics of political leadership in the country do not represent this reality.
He asked further: What is the part of the youth in the political leadership calculation? Where is the place of the youth in our democracy? Is it only as legislative and media aides?
’The answer is made available by Hon David Umar almost immediately in favour of the top contender: Experience is not about years spent in parliament without results; it is about having the knowledge of how to use your office to better the lives of Nigerians as Gagdi has done’.
But above all, it is being argued that there are some lawmakers who were more experienced than Gagdi in parliamentary business, because he was going for his second term was not tenable. It is on record that he has surpassed those lawmakers in legislative functions in just four years of representation. What better evidence could there be other than the enormous capacity he has displayed with abundant results to boot in the House?
Gagdi’s intentions if he wins the race are well documented in a note he aptly titled: One Nation, Forward Together, he offers copiously what he wants to achieve: For the tenth National Assembly, beyond considerations and bills, motions and resolutions, our highest obligation will be to provide the arena necessary for the impassioned yet civil debates and constructive engagements required to answer this fundamental question’. That, ‘for us in Nigeria, the great unresolved question that continues to unsettle our republic that stands in the way of us reaching for the stars, is this-what does it mean to be a Nigerian?’
As recent as April 28, 2023, while inviting critical stakeholders and supporters to official campaign launch for the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives which was held yesterday at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Gagdi had stated: ‘The legislature has a strategic role in ensuring the success of our democracy. If we live up to this responsibility, we will retain the faith and confidence of Nigerian people in the democratic project, and we will have their support to embark on critical, long overdue reforms to the politics, governance and structure of our country. In this election as Speaker, I believe that my personal and political history, legislative experience, and achievements in office put me in good stead to meet and exceed the Nigerian people’s high expectations for this 10th House of Representatives.’
With the array of guests at the May 6, 2023 (yesterday’s event), which had Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State as special guest, it is instructive to state that a statement was made. The manifesto he presented speaks against the backdrop of a man who is well prepared to lead his colleagues during one of the most challenging periods of the country’s political history. Certainly as it has been stated, if ‘we must have a leadership that recognizes the importance of the moment’; such will ‘rise to the occasion as it demands’.
Even though the North Central zone has not yet been officially given the nod to produce the Speaker, however, the point has been canvassed: It is the only zone which had tasted the speakership position for just three months (October to December 1983). The fact that the All Progressives Congress was yet to be decided is not enough to stop aspirants from gaining the support of the members and indeed of Nigerians.
The North Central zone is indeed an asset in more ways than one for the ruling party. In the last eight years, the states have produced governors twice; and therefore nothing can be any better than to compensate the zone with a plum office as that of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Should it be zoned to North Central zone, the two major members that would slug it out are Ahmed Idris Wase and Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, who are both from Plateau State.
The names of the other gladiators have received mention variously. One thing is certain; for which he wants Nigerians to know: The tenth House of Representatives can be the engine room of innovation and transformative governance. It can be a legislature that reflects the best possibilities of nationhood, a place where men and women who believe in the worthy cause of Nigeria can, with character and courage, wisdom and humility confront our most significant national challenges’.
Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong has disclosed that Northern Governors of the APC supported power shift to the Southern part of Nigeria in order to promote the unity, peace and stability of Nigeria within the spirit of fairness, equity and justice which the late Premier of the Northern Region Sir Ahmadu Bello stood for.
Lalong was speaking at the 9th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture on Leadership and Good Governance held in Lafia, Nasarawa State. He said because the late Sardauna lived a life of accommodation, tolerance, justice and fairness, his legacies have endured long after his demise and continue to inspire leadership in the region and country at large.
“When I led my colleagues the Northern Governors to push for power shift to the south, it was not because we wanted Asiwaju to be President. Rather, we wanted to ensure that justice and fairness prevails in our nation for the unity, peace and harmony. That is what we believe our revered father of blessed memory Sir Ahmadu Bello would do in such circumstances. Fortunately, the party delegates chose Asiwaju who was eventually accepted by Nigerians as he was unanimously elected”.
Lalong urged all Nigerians, both in the North and across the country, to support President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he takes on the mantle of leadership. He said the North is an important stakeholder in the Nigerian project and its contributions towards his election cannot be over emphasized.
The Northern region needs serious attention in various sectors ranging from security, education, infrastructure, agriculture, economic revival and restoration of law and order in various areas that have been ravaged by insecurity.
“It is heartening to note that the Northern Governors Forum, under my leadership, has done a great deal of work on bringing our people together as one people with one a common destiny” he said.
Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule said it was a privilege for his state to host the very important event which reminds the region and the nation about the values that Sardauna lived and died for.
He said although there have been challenges in the country after the demise of Sir Ahmadu Bello, some progress has been made which can be built upon to make the Northern Region and Nigeria a better place.
Speaking on the topic “2023 Elections as Panacea for Search for Quality Leadership in Nigeria,” Kenyan Law Professor and pan Africanist Patrick Lumumba said the late Sardauna left behind several lessons for politicians which include his selflessness and sacrifice for the general good.
He said the question of unity and cohesion in Nigeria particularly after the 2023 general elections cannot be over emphasized because Nigeria plays a very key role in the stability of Africa being a giant in all ramifications.
Lumumba stressed that the sacrifices of founding fathers like Sardauna who paid the supreme price should not be left to go in vain but built upon for a greater Nigeria and Africa.
President Muhammadu Buhari in a message delivered by Chief of Staff Prof. Ibrahim Gambari said it is important that Nigerians devote more attention to recruiting quality leaders who are capable of steering the nation in the right direction.
He also said the process of elections should also be looked at and continously improved upon to ensure that those who serve the people have their mandate and also enjoy their support.
Emir of Lafia HRH Sidi Bage said the lecture series is an opportunity opportunity to reflect on the dreams of Sardauna but also a way of putting critical national and regional issues on the front burner.
He thanked Governor Lalong who as Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum worked hard to ensure that the Traditional Institution is given a place in the governance of Nigeria much as it was during the time of the Sardauna.
The next Sardauna Lecture is scheduled to take place in Maiduguri.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum. 6th May 2023.
It was a moment of jubilation and thanksgiving at the Government House, Rayfield Jos as family, friends and staff converged to rejoice with Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong who turned 60.
Governor Lalong accompanied by his wife Regina Lalong was ushered into the presence of enthusiastic guests and well wishers who came to congratulate him and wish him well.
Chaplain of the Government House Chapel Rev. Fr. Godfrey Gopep said the special day calls for thanksgiving and prayers to God for giving the Governor long life and good health particularly during his 8 year term as Governor.
He said the Governor has consistently relied on God and remained humble, compassionate and fair in running the affairs of the State.
While praying God to grant him many more years of good health, divine protection and God’s grace, the Chaplain said Lalong will continue to soar higher because of his total dependence on God and ability to carry people along.
Other speakers who include the Commissioner for Finance Dr. Mrs Regina Soemlat, Permanent Secretary Government House Administration Mrs. Mary Afan mni, Special Adviser on Job creation Hon. Samuel Kwampkur among others all eulogised the Governor and commended him for being a man of integrity and love which has seen him surmount many challenges of the State.
Wife of the Speaker House of Assembly Mrs. Yakson Sanda who proposed the toast also prayed God to continue to bless the Governor as he moves to higher responsibilities.
She said there is no doubt that he has done well to serve his people and give everyone a sense of belonging.
While supervising the cutting of the cake, the Permanent Secretary Government House Administration Mrs. Mary Afan explained that the cake was fashioned to depict the newly constructed British-American Flyover and Dualisation to Lamingo Junction Roundabout as a way of expressing appreciation to him for doing a lot of projects in the State.
Responding, Governor Lalong thanked God for his love and mercies saying the grace has been sufficient for him over the last 60 years.
He appreciated all who came to celebrate him as well as those who called or sent him messages of goodwill.
Lalong said the birthday is a special one for him because it reminds him of the support he has enjoyed from many people over the years as well as during his term as Governor which is about to end.
Meanwhile the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund Sir Joseph Ari has extended warm greetings to the Governor on the auspicious occasion of his 60th birthday.
The Director General in a message he personally signed said the humble beginnings of the Governor and his progress in life shows that God is with him.
He said the Governor has become a role model and source of motivation for the younger generation having become Speaker, Governor, Chairman Northern Governors Forum and Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council.
Despite these positions, Sir Ari noted that Lalong has remained humble, hardworking, committed and determined to make a difference in the lives of people he has had dealings with.
He wished him more years of God’s grace and wisdom.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 5th May 2023.
Freelance Reporters 