PRESS STATEMENT
GOVERNOR LALONG VISITS ABU, KADPOLY, SAYS EDUCATION AND AGRICULTURE, THE PATH TO EMANCIPATING THE NORTH.
Ahead of the meeting of the Northern States Governor’s Forum scheduled for Kaduna, Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Forum, Simon Bako Lalong has visited the Ahmadu Bello University and the Kaduna Polytechnic as part of assessment of some legacies of the founding fathers of the Northern Region.
Governor Lalong who started the visit at the ABU Zaria was received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala and top management of the University.
Governor Lalong said the visit was a fact finding one which was at the instance of the Northern Governors Forum which is desirous of revitalizing the legacies of the founding fathers of the region and repositioning the economic fortunes of the region.
He said “The areas that can fastrack the emancipation of the North today are agri ulture, education and industrialisation. That is why we as Northern Governors Forum are meeting in Kaduna to discuss many issues concerning the region. We have to take major decisions on the future of the region as we work towards overcoming insecurity, poverty, illiteracy and unity. We have to revisit the ideas of Sir Ahmadu Bello and other founding fathers that set up major foundations for growth and development”.
He said ABU is one of the few legacies of the Northern Region still standing which must be sustained through active collaboration between the Northern States and the Federal Government. He promised to table the challenges of the Institution before his colleagues with assurance of action to be taken.
Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University Prof. Kabiru Bala said the visit of the Chairman, Northern Governor’s Forum is timely as it will assist the school address some of its challenges.
The Vice Chancellor later took the Governor to a tour of the Institute for Agricultural Research, National Agricultural Extension and Liaison Services, the Institute of Administration and the faculty of law where he obtained his first degree.
The Governor recieved a rousing welcome from staff and students and reunited with some of his lecturers.
Later on, the Governor visited the Kaduna Polytechnic, another legacy institution of the Northern Region where he was recieved by the Rector, Prof. Idris Mohammed Bugaje.
He said the institution was the foremost Polytechnic in Nigeria which has churned out top technicians who contributed to building the infrastructure of the region and Nigeria as a whole.
He assured that the Northern Governors Forum will do everything possible to revive the fortunes of the school as there is a huge skill gap not only in the region but the nation as a whole.
Rector of the Polytechnic Prof. Idris Bugaje deecried the lack of equipment in the school over the years which greatly limited the capacity of the school to keep pace with technological developments. He said the School lost some accreditations which are being gradually restored because of recent interventions.
He also told the Governor that the school has introduced courses in Railway Engineering, Gas technology and also trained quality assessors.
Governor Lalong later visited the Hassan Usman Katsina House and Arewa House in Kaduna.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
24th February 2021

PRESS RELEASE

STOP MAKING A STORM IN A TEA CUP, APC BERATES PLATEAU PDP OVER GOVERNOR LALONG’S COMMENTS.

The confused faction of the PDP in Plateau State is at it again! – making a storm in a tea cup over Governor Lalong’s comments during an interview on Channels TV on Tuesday 23rd February 2021 where he was alleged to have said that not only herdsmen carry arms.

Predictably, the ever crude factional spokesman of the moribund party in Plateau State John T. Akans came out smoking from all cylinders in an attempt to resurrect the evaporated fortunes of the rejected PDP which has since been rejected by the good people of Plateau.

Apart from his mumbled rambling in the uncoordinated Press Release, he was sighted on different social media platforms dissipating energy in trying to make maximum gains from the Governor’s appearance on the program. He viciously circulated a 34 seconds portion from the almost one hour interview with the hope to inflict massive damage on the Governor and the APC.

Alas, he succeeded hugely among the few, dispersed, gullible and disgruntled members of the faction of his party and a few other haters of Governor Lalong who derive pleasure in any venture that derides the Governor, and in their view capable of pulling him down using their usual score cards of religion, ethnicity and hate.

Sadly and very unfortunately, the total mission of the factional spokesman and his tattered faction failed woefully among majority of the people of the State and others around the world who are discerning, informed, intelligent and dispassionate in looking at issues from broad perspectives rather than the myopic tendencies of the dead PDP and remnant of its scattered flock.

For the benefit of those who did not watch the interview but relied on the propaganda extraction by Spokesman Akans and his team, here is what has generated sleepless nights for those the PDP want to brainwash.

“Today, we are now seeing the hazard of allowing people do open grazing here and there. But they (herders) also want solution; by the time you explain to them, they also want to stay in one place, they would also want to keep away from carrying AK-47. I’m not justifying anybody to carry AK-47 but don’t forget that in the course of our deliberations and investigations, it was not only Fulani herdsmen that were carrying AK-47, even farmers were carrying AK-47 to protect themselves. This is because of the failure of the security architecture which we must address immediately”

How this self-explanatory and patriotic comment has become a feast for the factional PDP opposition group beats the imagination because those who are objective cannot take just 34 seconds to analyse a one hour interview. Besides, the out-of-context voyage of the PDP does not hold water as they are inputing what the Governor never said.

For the benefit of the doubt, the Governor never encouraged or endorsed herdsmen bearing arms. Neither did he support any other group such as farmers, mechanics, kidnappers, politicians, cultists and other unauthorized persons in carrying AK-47 and other weapons. He merely cited the fact that because of the failure of security system, non-state actors including herders, farmers, etc are carrying arms, a situation that must be addressed quickly.

But the PDP faction twisted it to appeal to their isolated, gullible and disgruntled followers particularly on the social media by saying that Governor Lalong accused farmers of carrying arms. What an ingenious lie!

The question is, if the Governor wanted to make such direct accusation, will it be on TV? Is the PDP faction now the Chief security officer of the State? Do they have the intelligence report that the Governor has? Are they making excuses for people in possession of unlicensed arms? What point are they really trying to make? What is their goal?

Here is an advice to the moribund PDP faction:
1. Exploiting insecurity will never bring you back to power in Plateau State because the people measured your 16 years and found you wanting on all counts particularly on security.
2. Governor Lalong and the APC has succeeded in dymistifying your lies by restoring peace in the State, a situation that pains you dearly despite the fact that killings have drastically fallen to an all time low. He has succeeded where you failed woefully and you cannot stomach it.
3. The Governor’s main goal of discussion on the program was to talk about how the insecurity in the country can be tackled wholistically and not to justify any illegal arm bearer.
4. To resort to the use of uncouth language “taut, yesman” in reference to a Governor by a party which is desperate to occupy that office is most uncharitable and condemnable. Only a denigrated opposition party can go this low. Thankfully, they can only dream of the seat.
5. Latching on this fabricated storm by the PDP faction to again call for the Governor to resign is not only disingenuous, but a dead-on-arrival proposition to appeal to the fantacies and emotions of a failed party. Governors do not resign because of press releases please and certainly His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG, Executive Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum will not resign! He has a job to do and he is doing it with all his might. He is not perfect, but he is focused.

Finally, the APC wishes to again advise and warn the PDP and its myriad of factions to stop making wild and inciting statements that further divide and polarise the people. They should either key into the consolidation of peace, security and the search for unity in Plateau State and Nigeria championed by Governor Lalong or keep their peace.

Mallam Bashir Sati
APC State Secretary, Plateau State.
24th February 2021

By Golok Nanmwa ,Jos

Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong has expressed shock over the sudden death of Flight Lieutenant Henry Piyo who died in a plane crash on Sunday .

It could be recalled that one of the Nigerian Airforce aircraft, a Beechcraft KingAir B350i (NAF 201), crashed while returning to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja after reporting engine failure enroute Minna on Sunday morning .

Lalong in a condolence message he personally signed to the family of the deceased reads that I received with shock the sudden death of your son FLT Lt Henry Bitrus Piyo who died in the ill- fated air crash of the Nigerian Air Force reconnaissance aircraft king Air 350.

Indeed Plateau State and the nation has lost a vibrant, committed and dutiful officer who served the country throughout his career in the Nigeria Air Force with dignity ,courage and zeal..

This young gentleman who died in active service for the security of the nation will continue to be remembered as a hero and model for the youths who gave his life for the betterment of Nigeria.

While we mourn his sad demise,we have every reason to give glory to God for his life of sacrifice .As believers,we hope of being re-united in glory at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On behalf of my family, the people and government of Plateau State,and indeed the northern Governors forum, I offer my deep condolences to your entire family.
May God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort us all.

Lalong is a nationalist, his comments on farmers bearing arms is the bitter truth – Plateau group

By Prince Sekat,Jos

Group operating under the aegis of Plateau Regeneration group on Tuesday said that the comments attributed to Governor Simon Lalong during an interview on Channels TV, Sunrise Daily on Tuesday 23 February, 2021 where he bared his mind on security challenges bedevilling the nation particularly herdsmen bearing arms is nothing but the bitter truth .

In the said interview, the Governor was alleged to have said that not only herdsmen carry AK-47 as even some farmers also carry arms to protect themselves from the failure of the nation’s security architecture to protect them.

The Governor’s comments appear to have raised dust among social media users particularly on the Plateau with many quoting portions of the appearance to lash out at the Governor.

The group in a statement made available to newsmen and signed by Pam Datri the spokesman of the group in Jos said what Lalong said was nothing but the bitter truth .

“As a group we are solidly behind our Governor spoke the truth and nothing but the truth.

The statement reads that It is unfortunate that the comments of the Governor which were spoken in truth and in pursuance of lasting solution, were taken out of context by people who have pre-concieved motives and do not see beyond their noses. We are not surprised that the issues raised generated discourse unnecessarily.

“We want to state unequivocally that there is a proliferation of arms in the hands of non-state actors who are not from one tribe or religion. There is therefore nothing wrong if the Governor averred that not only herdsmen, but others carry arms illegally. Can the critics of the Governor swear that only herdsmen commit violent crimes with AK-47 and other weapons? Who are those involved in kidnapping, banditary, robberies, destruction of farms, attacks on villages, killing of innocent people, cattle rustling and cultism? Are they from one tribe or religion? The statistics from the security agencies speak differently as people of different backgrounds are involved in crime.”

We call on people of the state to support Governor Lalong instead of crucifiying him , Governor Lalong is nationalist who is determined to better Plateau and Nigeria .

Lalong is doing well as Governor and chairman of the Northern Governor’s forum ,lets continue to support him ,he added .

HERDSMEN BEARING ARMS: GROUP BACKS GOVERNOR LALONG, INSISTS CRIMINALITY HAS NEITHER TRIBE NOR RELIGION.

A Non-Governmental Group, Coalition For Truth, Justice and Peace has risen to the defence of Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG and Chairman, Northern States Governors Forum, over comments attributed to him during an interview on Channels TV, Sunrise Daily on Tuesday 23 February, 2021 where he bared his mind on security challenges bedevilling the nation particularly herdsmen bearing arms.

In the said interview, the Governor was alleged to have said that not only herdsmen carry AK-47 as even some farmers also carry arms to protect themselves from the failure of the nation’s security architecture to protect them.

The Governor’s comments appear to have raised dust among social media users particularly on the Plateau with many quoting portions of the appearance to lash out at the Governor.

However the Executive Director of the Coalition for Truth, Peace and Justice Comrade Ayuba Zion Garba in a statement said the group was solidly behind the Governor who according to them spoke the truth and nothing but the truth.

He said, “It is unfortunate that the comments of the Governor which were spoken in truth and in pursuance of lasting solution, were taken out of context by people who have pre-concieved motives and do not see beyond their noses. We are not surprised that the issues raised generated discourse unnecessarily. Notably is the fact that the Governor said that farmers, herders and other non-state actors carry AK 47 rifles which is a statement of fact, and which to him is a thing of concern. Pundits have however turned what His Excellency said to a commodity to gain cheap political capital.”

The group reiterated that His Excellency Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong is a lover of peace and calling him names by disperaging him and quoting him out of context does not change the facts on ground, because the fact is that criminality knows neither tribe nor religion.

“We want to state unequivocally that there is a proliferation of arms in the hands of non-state actors who are not from one tribe or religion. There is therefore nothing wrong if the Governor averred that not only herdsmen, but others carry arms illegally. Can the critics of the Governor swear that only herdsmen commit violent crimes with AK-47 and other weapons? Who are those involved in kidnapping, banditary, robberies, destruction of farms, attacks on villages, killing of innocent people, cattle rustling and cultism? Are they from one tribe or religion? The statistics from the security agencies speak differently as people of different backgrounds are involved in crime.”

While not supporting any crime and criminal conduct, denial of this fact amounts to treachery and a disservice to humanity in general. The concern so raised by His Excellency demands applause and support in order to rid our society of criminals rather than condemnation.
The tendency to own criminality has taken us decades backward and Governor Lalong is not ready to turn a blind eye from the truth because of cheap popularity.

The group asks those hyping the innocent but truthful comments of the Governor to calm down and allow common sense to prevail as not everything is politics and not all interventions of the Governor can be faulted by simple reason of sentiments and parochial interests.

Garba therefore uses the opportunity to call on all well‐meaning Nigerians to look at security issues dispassionately and curb it to the bearest minimum so that Nigeria can be salvaged.

WHY I REJECTED RUGA IN PLATEAU STATE – GOVERNOR LALONG

Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong has given reasons why he rejected the Rural Grazing Area Program, commonly referred to as RUGA from being implemented in Plateau State.

Lalong who was speaking on Channels TV programme Sunrise Daily in Jos said the RUGA intiative was a strange concept that came after the National Economic Council thoroughly debated, scrutinised and adopted the National Livestock Transformation Programme (NLTP) as a very comprehensive and inclusive idea to tackle herder-farmer clashes and other associated challenges.

He said because the RUGA initiative did not have the buy in of stakeholders and fell short of addressing the concerns of most Governors, it was not possible to embrace it. This he said further fueled the misconception over the NLTP which is neither for one ethnic group nor meant for land grabbing.

He said “I was one of the first Governors to kick against the RUGA program when it was introduced. To start with, the concept was literally sneaked in for reasons we did not understand. For me as Governor of Plateau State, I just heared that they have erected signposts in some sites within some local Governments. How can you earmark such a project without my knowledge and buy-in of the people in my State? I had no interest in it because it was far below the NLTP which was more robust and passed through series of engagements with critical stakeholders”.

Lalong also said Plateau State subscribed to the NLTP because of the fact that it will carry along many groups and individuals involved in Livestock business and its associated value chains. These include farmers, herders and other people involved in processing of meat and packaging. There is also a provision for other animals such as sheep goats, pigs, and others.

Lalong who said Plateau State was chosen as one of the pilot States having earmarked the Wase and Kanam Grazing reserves, reiterated that the implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Programme (NLTP) will go a long way is addressing many of the issues associated with the activities of herdsmen which have led to clashes with farmers and other crimes.

On the violence perpetrated by herdsmen who bear arms, the Governor condemned the act and called for strong measures to end this ugly trend. He lamented that there are many non-state actors who are in possession of arms, a situation that must be addressed.

He said “today, we are now seeing the hazard of allowing people do open grazing here and there. But they (herders) also want solution; by the time you explain to them, they also want to stay in one place, they would also want to keep away from carrying AK-47. I’m not justifying anybody to carry AK-47 but don’t forget that in the course of our deliberations and investigations, it was not only Fulani herdsmen that were carrying AK-47, even farmers were carrying AK-47.”

The Governor said in order to address the situation, deliberate efforts must be put in place to curtail the influx of light arms while other ways such as the NLTP must be embraced to take these people away from the old type of farming and then introduce them to the modern system.

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

 All ICT Companies In Plateau Must Be Annually Registered With PICTDA ……

Febuary 23,2021

All ICT Companies both hardware and software in Plateau State must now be annually registered with PICTDA before they can be allowed to do business with MDAs of Government.

In a circular communicated to all MDAs of the Government of Plateau State yesterday, the 22nd of February 2021. It was stated by the Plateau State ICT Development Agency quoting the Plateau State Revenue (Consolidation) Law, 2020 that all companies or vendors who intend to do business with any MDA of the Government of Plateau State must from now register and obtain clearance certificate from the Agency on an annual basis.

This is not the first time that the Plateau State ICT Development Agency has waded fully into the implementation of its policy. It started last year through the issuance of an IT clearance guidelines it communicated to all MDAs through the state Auditor General. In what seems like an update to the guideline, PICTDA is boosting its attempt in ensuring that the sector is regulated and value for money is derived by government. 

According to the Director General of the Plateau State ICT Development Agency, Mr. Daser David, “Two things that make sense to us is simply the fact that while we avoid duplication of projects, it is also in the best interest of the Plateau state technology ecosystem that local companies are protected and helped to achieve growth. The rescue administration through His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, is interested in this sector and is fully committed in exploiting the opportunities it promises our young people. It is against such political will that we are acting”.

In its communication to all MDAs,  its statement reads,  “In line with the Plateau State Revenue (Consolidation) Law, 2020 and the rescue administration’s drive towards raising its revenue and streamlining its processes for the purpose of coordination, it has become mandatory that ICT vendors both hardware and software must be registered and certified by PICTDA before they can engage with any MDA of the Government of Plateau State. while automation processes are really very vital for enabling a lot of government processes and in serving the citizens in a most appropriate way It is very vital that the Plateau State Information & Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA) as mandated by the act establishing it be notified and carried along in every automation endeavour of all MDAs of Government. The law establishes that every IT company must be registered with the Plateau State ICT Development Agency before it can do business with any MDA of Government. Given the aforementioned, any engagement by any MDA of Government with any IT Vendor  who is not registered and certified by PICTDA is a violation of the Plateau State Revenue (Consolidation) Law, 2020.”

The said memo has also been communicated to IT companies within Plateau State via email.

For more details on the new policy, contact pictda@plateaustate.gov.ng

Five of the seven persons killed in Sunday’s military aircraft crash in Abuja have been identified as personnel of the Nigerian AirForce,

The seven victims of the air crash were killed when the Beechcraft KingAir B350i Nigerian Air Force Intelligence Reconnaissance Aircraft, which they boarded in Abuja on a flight to Minna, Niger State, crashed a few minutes after it took off.

It was gathered that the aircraft’s pilot reported an engine failure at 10:39am and crashed on the final approach path of Abuja runway 22 at 10:48am.

Five of the seven persons listed to be aboard the ill-fated military aircraft include:

Flt. Lt. Gazama
Flt. Lt. Piyo
Flg. Offr. Okpara
FS Olawumi
ACM Johnson
Already, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has ordered immediate probe of the air accident.

SIX FEARED DEAD AS MILITARY JET CRASHES IN ABUJA
Six persons onboard a military aircraft have been feared killed after the plane crash landed in Abuja.
The six people comprised two crew members and four passengers.

The aircraft, a NAF201 B350, was said to be Minna, Niger State bound when it developed engine problem around 10:39am.

It was said to have crash landed at the final approach path of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport runway 22 around 10:48am and immediately gutted fire.

Confirming the crash, Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, tweeted: “A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute Minna.

It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any.”

At the time of this report, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) was yet to comment on the accident.

Amb Chris Giwa Revalidates APC membership.

By D’yong Mangut

Feb 21, 2021

There was massive jubilation on Sunday when former gubernatorial candidate, Amb (Dr) Chris Musa Giwa revalidated his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at his Hwak 1 unit located at Kuru B of Jos South Local Government Area.

Speaking shortly after the registration, Amb Giwa who was elated by the impressive turn up and number of people who have registered noted that the exercise offered the party an opportunity to consolidate, expand its membership base, and assess it’s acceptability among the citizenry.

Cross section of party faithfuls at Hwak 1 unit applauded Amb Chris Giwa stating that he is a philantropist who has rendered tremendous support to individuals, groups, and communities across the length and breadth of the state and that he is an asset to the party who has contributed to its fast growing membership base.

“He is a true model for the party and we are happy to have someone like him as a party member and our leader some of them said.”

Amb Giwa was accompained by his loving wife, Mrs Joy Chris Giwa Hon Jacob Pwakim, Hon Ayuba Jagaba, Hon Chris Dabang, Hon Birtus Kataiko, serving councillor of Kuru B ward and cross section of his supporters drawn from all parts of the state.