The 45-year old, reported to be a student of Ekiti State University, replaces Bamidele Akpan.

The election was, on Thursday, disrupted by violence.

About 20 members of the association, who gathered at the old parade ground in Abuja for the convention, sustained wounds from gunshots and machete after thugs loyal to a factional coordinator of the association in Zone D (Southwest) began attacking delegates.

The thugs, numbering over 20, stormed the venue with dangerous weapons while accreditation of Students Union Government (SUG) Presidents under NANS Zone B and Zone D was in progress.

DSS operatives allegedly arrested the National Public Relations Officer of the association, Azeez Adeyemi, after guns and ammunition were found in a bus belonging to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY).
The security agency also arrested other occupiers of the bus who are students’ leaders from Ogun State.

Students (NANS) has elected Sunday Asefon as its new President amid chaos and violence that characterised its convention at the old parade ground, Abuja on Thursday.

Asefon, a civil servant with the Ekiti State Government, got 155 votes to defeat his closest rival, Olushola Oladoja, who scored 100 votes.

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG IS NOT WITHOLDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT SALARIES – PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT

In recent days, motorists plying some roads within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis in Plateau State have experienced disruptions arising from blockage of strategic roads within the metropolis resulting to inconveniences and untold hardships.
The blockage of the roads is being carried out by Local Government Workers and Primary School Teachers who are said to be demonstrating and demanding for the implementation of the new minimum wage for their members.
The Government of Plateau State under the leadership of His Excellency Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG concedes to the rights of the workers to demonstrate peacefully in line with constitutional provisions in demanding for their rights.
However, due to the disruption to normalcy and negative impact on the economy of the State as well as the tendency for the protests to be hijacked by hoodlums and criminals, it has become important for Government to put the records straight and lay the facts in the court of public opinion. This is more so when the demonstrators by their chants and pronouncement are vilifying, castigating and calling His Excellency the Governor unprintable names over a matter that is not directly within his purview, and inspite of his efforts to ensure amicable resolution.
In the first place, salaries, emoluments and allowances of Local Government staff and teachers are entirely the responsibility of the Local Government Councils that belong to a different tier of government. This has been reinforced with the implementation of autonomy to the Local Governments in the State in line with recent national developments. Therefore the Governor has no direct responsibility for implementation of the new minimum wage at the Local Government level nor does he possess any fiat to “direct” such payment. Chanting solidarity songs by the affected staff to the effect that “Lalong ka bamu hakin mu” translated (Lalong give us our wages) is highly misplaced and to the say the least mischievous.
Secondly, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has consistently remained a labour-friendly Governor comparable to non in the recent history of Plateau State since assuming office in 2015. He did not only pay 8 months’ salary arrears of State workers he inherited from the administration of Governor Jonah Jang, but also paid all withheld allowances under the “No-Work-No-Pay” rule. Today, workers can testify to the fact that he has never owed workers any salary since he took over. Rather, he has ensured that they get their alerts before the 25th of every month. Little wonder, the workers themselves named him “Governor Alert”. To now suggest that this same Governor is withholding the sweat of Local Government staff and teachers (who are being administered by a separate and autonomous tier of government) is most uncharitable and condemnable.
Let it be known that when the Plateau State Government began implementing the new minimum wage, the Governor was keen on ensuring that local government staff and teachers are also carried along hence his encouragement of the negotiation process for its implementation in that tier of government. Having noted the delay in concluding negotiations on the implementation of the new minimum wage at the local government level which affected the payment of October and November 2020 salaries, the Governor convened and chaired an emergency intervention meeting of relevant stakeholders on Thursday, 26th November 2020.
The meeting which was attended by the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and Principal Officers; Chairmen of the 17 Local Governments; and Members of the Joint Negotiating Council (Union and Government sides inclusive), resolved to set up a Technical Committee to ascertain the inflow/outflow of all the Local Governments and make appropriate recommendations that will accommodate the payment of the new minimum wage to the workers at the third tier of government.
While everyone (including Governor Lalong) was anxiously waiting for the outcome of this committee’s report, the State Government was inundated with threats of protests, disruptions, campaign of calumny, threats to lives and properties of some senior public servants and even politicization of what is purely a labour matter. This threat was eventually implemented when some of the affected workers embarked on street protests thereby disrupting movement and putting citizens and motorists into sever hardships.
Government recognizes the hardship of the workers and genuinely wants to see that the matter is quickly resolved as enumerated above. However, it is not unaware of the politicization of the issue by those who are bent on casting aspersions on the Rescue Administration and also smearing the excellent record of Governor Lalong in attending to the well-being of all workers and citizens. The desperation has gone to ridiculous levels with some even threatening to disrupt the scheduled bye-election for the Plateau South Senatorial District on Saturday 5th December 2020.
In the light of the above, Government wishes to appeal to the aggrieved workers to reconsider their actions and allow the Technical Committee conclude its work for further action. They should have a rethink and refrain from being used by politicians and other interests to embark of actions that are not only inimical to the State, but also injurious to their cause. Let them heed the voice of their leaders who are deeply involved in the negotiations and respect the appeal by the Chairman Joint Public Sector Negotiating Team for Plateau State Comrade James Diwa who issued a Press Statement dated 3rd December 2020 wherein he appealed for appealed for calm and suspect all protests as the Technical Committee is working to achieve its mandate.
It should be remembered that the State has been struggling with the impact of COVID-19 which has adversely affected the economic fortunes of the State and the nation as a whole. The recent ENDSARS protests and the attendant looting and destruction of public and private properties, as well as the disruption to economic activities also impact the State negatively. Only recently, the country again slipped into a recession thereby creating more uncertainty.
With all these challenges, the economy of the State is already fragile and cannot afford further denigration by the disruption of economic activities including blocking of strategic roads that constitute the economic live-wire of the State by local government staff and teachers who are assumed to be fighting for their welfare.
While the Government appeals to the protesting workers to show restraint, understanding and embrace peaceful means of ventilating their grievances, it wishes to assure law abiding citizens that it will not fold its arms and see the State being grounded by any individual or group under whatsoever guise. In as much as Government has the duty to listen and look into the plight of its workers, including local government staff (which it has continued to do), it also has the responsibility to protect other citizens who desire to engage in lawful businesses to earn their living. After all, government does not have the capacity to employ all citizens but relies on the private and informal sector to do that. Stopping people from accessing their destinations is therefore an unnecessary affront that should be avoided at all costs.

Dan Manjang
Commissioner for Information and Communication
Plateau State.
3rd December 2020.

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG IS NOT WITHOLDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT SALARIES – PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT

In recent days, motorists plying some roads within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis in Plateau State have experienced disruptions arising from blockage of strategic roads within the metropolis resulting to inconveniences and untold hardships.
The blockage of the roads is being carried out by Local Government Workers and Primary School Teachers who are said to be demonstrating and demanding for the implementation of the new minimum wage for their members.
The Government of Plateau State under the leadership of His Excellency Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG concedes to the rights of the workers to demonstrate peacefully in line with constitutional provisions in demanding for their rights.
However, due to the disruption to normalcy and negative impact on the economy of the State as well as the tendency for the protests to be hijacked by hoodlums and criminals, it has become important for Government to put the records straight and lay the facts in the court of public opinion. This is more so when the demonstrators by their chants and pronouncement are vilifying, castigating and calling His Excellency the Governor unprintable names over a matter that is not directly within his purview, and inspite of his efforts to ensure amicable resolution.
In the first place, salaries, emoluments and allowances of Local Government staff and teachers are entirely the responsibility of the Local Government Councils that belong to a different tier of government. This has been reinforced with the implementation of autonomy to the Local Governments in the State in line with recent national developments. Therefore the Governor has no direct responsibility for implementation of the new minimum wage at the Local Government level nor does he possess any fiat to “direct” such payment. Chanting solidarity songs by the affected staff to the effect that “Lalong ka bamu hakin mu” translated (Lalong give us our wages) is highly misplaced and to the say the least mischievous.
Secondly, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has consistently remained a labour-friendly Governor comparable to non in the recent history of Plateau State since assuming office in 2015. He did not only pay 8 months’ salary arrears of State workers he inherited from the administration of Governor Jonah Jang, but also paid all withheld allowances under the “No-Work-No-Pay” rule. Today, workers can testify to the fact that he has never owed workers any salary since he took over. Rather, he has ensured that they get their alerts before the 25th of every month. Little wonder, the workers themselves named him “Governor Alert”. To now suggest that this same Governor is withholding the sweat of Local Government staff and teachers (who are being administered by a separate and autonomous tier of government) is most uncharitable and condemnable.
Let it be known that when the Plateau State Government began implementing the new minimum wage, the Governor was keen on ensuring that local government staff and teachers are also carried along hence his encouragement of the negotiation process for its implementation in that tier of government. Having noted the delay in concluding negotiations on the implementation of the new minimum wage at the local government level which affected the payment of October and November 2020 salaries, the Governor convened and chaired an emergency intervention meeting of relevant stakeholders on Thursday, 26th November 2020.
The meeting which was attended by the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and Principal Officers; Chairmen of the 17 Local Governments; and Members of the Joint Negotiating Council (Union and Government sides inclusive), resolved to set up a Technical Committee to ascertain the inflow/outflow of all the Local Governments and make appropriate recommendations that will accommodate the payment of the new minimum wage to the workers at the third tier of government.
While everyone (including Governor Lalong) was anxiously waiting for the outcome of this committee’s report, the State Government was inundated with threats of protests, disruptions, campaign of calumny, threats to lives and properties of some senior public servants and even politicization of what is purely a labour matter. This threat was eventually implemented when some of the affected workers embarked on street protests thereby disrupting movement and putting citizens and motorists into sever hardships.
Government recognizes the hardship of the workers and genuinely wants to see that the matter is quickly resolved as enumerated above. However, it is not unaware of the politicization of the issue by those who are bent on casting aspersions on the Rescue Administration and also smearing the excellent record of Governor Lalong in attending to the well-being of all workers and citizens. The desperation has gone to ridiculous levels with some even threatening to disrupt the scheduled bye-election for the Plateau South Senatorial District on Saturday 5th December 2020.
In the light of the above, Government wishes to appeal to the aggrieved workers to reconsider their actions and allow the Technical Committee conclude its work for further action. They should have a rethink and refrain from being used by politicians and other interests to embark of actions that are not only inimical to the State, but also injurious to their cause. Let them heed the voice of their leaders who are deeply involved in the negotiations and respect the appeal by the Chairman Joint Public Sector Negotiating Team for Plateau State Comrade James Diwa who issued a Press Statement dated 3rd December 2020 wherein he appealed for appealed for calm and suspect all protests as the Technical Committee is working to achieve its mandate.
It should be remembered that the State has been struggling with the impact of COVID-19 which has adversely affected the economic fortunes of the State and the nation as a whole. The recent ENDSARS protests and the attendant looting and destruction of public and private properties, as well as the disruption to economic activities also impact the State negatively. Only recently, the country again slipped into a recession thereby creating more uncertainty.
With all these challenges, the economy of the State is already fragile and cannot afford further denigration by the disruption of economic activities including blocking of strategic roads that constitute the economic live-wire of the State by local government staff and teachers who are assumed to be fighting for their welfare.
While the Government appeals to the protesting workers to show restraint, understanding and embrace peaceful means of ventilating their grievances, it wishes to assure law abiding citizens that it will not fold its arms and see the State being grounded by any individual or group under whatsoever guise. In as much as Government has the duty to listen and look into the plight of its workers, including local government staff (which it has continued to do), it also has the responsibility to protect other citizens who desire to engage in lawful businesses to earn their living. After all, government does not have the capacity to employ all citizens but relies on the private and informal sector to do that. Stopping people from accessing their destinations is therefore an unnecessary affront that should be avoided at all costs.

Dan Manjang
Commissioner for Information and Communication
Plateau State.
3rd December 2020.

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG CONDOLES YAHAYA KWANDE OVER DEATH OF SON, ABDUL-NASEER

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says he received the news of the death of Abdul-Nasser, son of Elderstatesman Alhaji Yahaya Kwande with shock and sadness.

Lalong in a statement to commiserate with the death of Abdul-Naseer said the demise of the gentleman is definitely a huge loss to the Kwande family and the entire people of Plateau State considering his hardwork and dedication.

He said “as a Farm Manager, Abdul-Nasser chose to focus on the most critical occupation that is not only crucial to food security of our State and the nation, but also to job creation and economic prosperity”.

While praying God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest, Lalong called on Alhaji Yahaya Kwande and the entire family to be consoled by the fact that he lived a productive life where he contributed to the development of the State and nation at large.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
3rd December 2020.

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG COMMISERATES WITH NDE EZEKIEL GOMOS OVER LOSS OF WIFE, HAUWA.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has commiserated with former Secretary to the Government of Plateau State and the Chairman of the Plateau State Economic Advisory Council, Nde Ezekiel Gomos, OFR over the death of his wife Mrs. Hauwa Rena Gomos who died at the age of 58.

In a statement, Governor Lalong said he was distressed over the demise of Mrs. Gomos died when she was most needed by her family and the society at large.

Governor Lalong recalled that the late Mrs. Gomos contributed immensely to the development of Plateau State and Nigeria during her career as a teacher and later as land surveyor where she worked with the Federal Department of Surveys as Land Surveyor before resigning to go into private business.

While commiserating with Nde Gomos and members of his family over the loss, the Governor urged him to be strong at this difficult time and take solace in the fact that she lived a productive live and served with love and humility.

Lalong prayed God to grant her eternal rest and comfort the family.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
2nd December 2020.

The member representing Pankshin,Kanke, Kanam federal constituency Hon Yusuf Gagdi moved a motion on the urgent need to respond to the deliberate attempt by a member of the British House of Commons to rubbish the image of former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon Rtd. and it was seconded by Rep. Leke Abejide.

Rep. Gagdi stated that the utterance of the member of the British Parliament who leads the committee on foreign affairs alleged without substantiating his claims that former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon who is represented in the House by Rep. Gagdi had looted the central bank of Nigeria and transferred the same funds outside Nigeria. Rep. Gagdi wondered why a seasoned parliamentarian would utter such unsubstantiated claims possible of inciting violence in Nigeria. He called on the Speaker of the House to write to the speaker of the British Parliament and express the displeasure of the House at the libellous statement against the well respected Nigerian leader. He also called for a public apology from the parliamentarian who made the allegations. Rep. Gagdi also called for the invitation of the British High commissioner to Nigeria to explain to the House why the member of parliament has not retracted his statement despite repeated calls from well-meaning Nigerians. Rep. Gagdi expressed sadness at what he termed the deliberate aim of smearing the good reputation gained over the years by General Yakubu Gowon, and diminish the role of the elder statesman for all Nigerians.

Rep. Kingsley Chinda proposed an amendment to the prayer of the motion to urge the committee on inter-parliamentary relations and that on foreign affairs to investigate the issue as the statement emanated from the committee level and is not the official position of the entire British parliament.

The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila noted that the statement was indeed unfortunate as statements in parliament should be used as shields for the people and not as swords aiming to sow discord among nations and people. He affirmed that the resolution as made by the House will be conveyed to the British parliament accordingly.

The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.

Culled from the House Plenary Proceedings of Tuesday, 1-12-2020.

GAGDI MEDIA TEAM

THE GRACE OF THE LORD BE WITH YOU THIS MONTH

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. Revelation 22:21

Welcome to the first day and the last month of the year.
It has been said that the last pages of our Bible bend around to touch the first pages. It brings to full circle the one big story of God’s love and salvation of the world. In the beginning, God the King creates the world and proclaims it good, good, very good. “Good” is the most important word describing God and God’s world in the beginning.

But much that unfolds later in this story and in our world is not good. There is sinful rebellion, guilt, shame, corruption, violence, kidnapping, injustice, and disintegration. The world is broken, and we feel it in the depths of our souls. The world’s history and the daily news proclaim it unceasingly, the recent in Borno unabating.
But unceasing too in the Bible’s big story is something that transforms and redeems all this brokenness: GRACE

In the Bible, and the significance of this month is the King’s grace that gets the last word. Grace comes in the person and work of King Jesus born of virgin Mary. He is the one who is King of kings and Lord of lords. The first chapter of the Bible proclaims, “Good.” The last chapter proclaims what is greater still: “Grace.” Thus, God’s big story moves from GOOD to GRACE.
It was into the darkness, the gloomy world that God’s light appeared. In a world filled with chaos, one baby changed the atmosphere. Hope arrived in the form of Immanuel, God with us.
As you prepare to celebrate our Savior’s birth, spend this Advent season reflecting on the hope, peace, love, and joy that Jesus brought into the world. Our salvation is by GRACE.
Therefore I pray committing myself and you before the throne of God’s grace that whatever we face in terms of struggle, guilt, or sorrow, may the King’s grace gets the last word, gives us peace, hope and increase our faith to ONLY TRUST HIM.
Have a blessed beginning and journey through the blessed last month of the year.
 Come, every soul by sin oppressed, there’s mercy with the Lord, and He will surely give you rest by trusting in His word.
Refrain:
Only trust Him, only trust Him, only trust Him now;
He will save you, He will save you,
He will save you now.

Rev Dr. Soja Bewarang
Chairman COCIN Board of Trustees

Prince Sekat ,Jos



All Progressives Congress, APC in Plateau State has suspended its mega rally for the southern Senatorial Zone bye election earlier scheduled for Wednesday



Chairman of the party Letep Dabang in a statement made available to newsmen said the suspension of the mega rally became necessary as a result of the current mood of the entire nation on the recent massacre of innocent Nigerians on their rice farm in Maiduguri, Borno State by the Boko Haram Sect.



According to the statement, the APC as a responsible party joins the nation in mourning the departed souls and others that have being killed as a result of senseless acts of a few who do not mean well for the country.



While sympathising with the Governor, Prof Babagana Zullum and the people of Borneo State,the APC also condoles the Executive Governor Of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governors forum, Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong urging him to continue with his synergy with other Governors towards ensuring peace across the region.



Letep Dabang said while it is only the mega rally that has been suspended, other activities such as the door to door campaigns will continue so as to ensure victory for the party come Saturday

The All Progressives Congress (APC) said it will embark on fresh membership registration and revalidation from Saturday, December 12, 2020 to Saturday, January 9, 2021.

This was announced in a statement signed by the party’s National Caretaker Extraordinary/Convention Planning Committee and Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni.

The party in the statement said it has consulted with stakeholders including President Muhammadu Buhari on the exercise.

They also appealed to states, local governments, and ward leaders to take all the necessary steps to ensure a smooth and transparent registration exercise.

See below the full statement by the APC…

Commencement of APC Membership Registration and Revalidation

The APC National Caretaker Extraordinary/Convention Planning Committee has concluded arrangements for the commencement of membership registration and revalidation. Having consulted stakeholders, including His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, the APC membership registration and revalidation is scheduled to hold from Saturday, December 12, 2020, to Saturday, January 9, 2021.

All our members are hereby invited to revalidate their membership in their wards. Similarly, prospective members are also invited to take advantage of the membership registration process to join our party. The membership registration and revalidation will take place simultaneously in every Ward in the country. The process of distributing the membership registration and revalidation materials to all the States, Local Governments, and Wards will be concluded before December 12, 2020.

We, therefore, appeal to our States, Local Governments, and Wards leaders to take all the necessary steps to ensure a smooth and transparent registration exercise. We will continue to provide update of the process on regular basis.

May God continue to bless our democracy, our party and Nigeria!

SIGNED

His Excellency, Mai Mala Buni

Chairman, APC Caretaker Extraordinary/Convention Planning Committee

In a joint security operation between Vigilante group members, Operation Safe haven, DSS, and Nigeria police force in kanam local government yielded fruits with the arrest of following Kidnapping suspects and exhibits.

The kidnappers are as follows:

ABUBAKAR 37YRS
RABIU AMADU 35YRS AND
AKILU ZUBAIRU 32YRS

ITEMS RECOVERED FROM THE SUSPECTS WERE ONE AK 47 RIFLE,
ONE MAGAZINE AND 3 ROUNDS 7.62mm Special
1XBARRETA PISTOL AND MAGAZINE
CAMOUFLAGE UNIFORM,
9 SIM CARDS.