GOVERNOR LALONG, GOLFERS EMBRACE LOCAL FABRICS AT NAFEST 2020.
The 2020 National Festival of Arts and Culture set another record in Jos on Saturday 28th 2020 when golfers adorned native attires to play at the oldest golf club in Nigeria, Rayfield Golf Club-1913.
Governor Simon Lalong, Senator Satty Gogwim, DG NCDC, Chairman NBA Plateau State and the Captain Rayfield Golf Club all participated in the kitty.
Governor Lalong said NAFEST has provided another opportunity for Plateau State to demonstrate its hospitality and rich historical anticidents in arts, culture, entertainment and sports.
DG NCAC Otumba Segun Runsewe commended Governor Lalong for devoting his attention to cultural renaissance and promotion of peace which is attracting tourists from within and outside the country.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 28th November 2020
Plateau: Coalition applauds security agencies for smoking out cultists
*Hails Operation Safe Haven for living up to residents’ expectations
*Charges residents to report and support security agencies with useful information to clean state of crimes.
*Tasks Gov Lalong to continue to support security agencies to defeat criminals
*Insists on law by Plateau House of Assembly backing action against cultism
A peace advocacy and human rights group in Plateau State has applauded security agencies especially Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) for smoking out cultists terrorising the state,charging them to keep the pace to totally clean the state of criminal activities.
The group which expressed concern over the inglorious activities of cultists in Plateau State,thus causing residents sleepless nights, in recent times, particularly hailed the Commander of OPSH,Major General Chukwuemeka Okonkwo for his commitment to ensuring a safe Plateau for the residents.
In a statement, Monday,the group said it was elated that one week after voicing its feelings about the ugly situation with attendant call for the security agencies to go all out in arresting and prosecuting those involved in cult activities in the state,a good news came to it following the arrest of 27 cult gang members by the special military task force.
But the group operating under the umbrella of Coalition of Plateau State Civil Society for Peace and Human Right, in the statement signed by its National Coordinator,Dr Pam Pwajok and National Secretary,Mrs Hannah Golu,respectively, insisted that despite the breakthrough by the military task force, the need for a declaration of state of emergency by Governor to totally clean the state of cult and other criminal elements is still necessary.
On the other hand,the coalition insisted that its call to the Plateau State House of Assembly to immediately prioritize the treatment of the state anti cultism law by working towards its immediate passage for effective and efficient treatment of cult related cases in the state was still in force.
It tasked the governor to continue to provide necessary support to all the security agencies in the state to enable them prosecute the war against all criminal activities.
” We therefore want to finally appeal to Governor Simon Bako Lalong to continue to provide the necessary support to all the security agencies to enable them defeat this crime once and for all,”it said.
The group in the statement said:”It is with utmost humility and sense of patriotism that we wish to sincerely appreciate the Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Major General Chukwuemeka Okwonkwo,for what he is doing on the Plateau by cleaning the state of crimes and criminal activities.
” We are also elated for what other security agencies are doing in collaboration with OPSH,a special military task force set up for internal security in Plateau State, Southern Kaduna and Bauchi State, to clean the areas cultists, kidnappers and other criminals. The officers and men of OPSH have shown professionalism, bravery and rare commitment to duty,” this is really commendable.”
Regretting that,”Sometimes, last week,the activities of suspected cultists and kidnapping became heightened” which necessitated its statement voicing concerns, the coalition said it was happy that “to our greatest delight, Operation Safe Haven swung into action and arrested about 27 suspects with dangerous weapons.”
” Since then, the town has been very quiet to the glory of God,”it noted.
According to the coalition,”This response by the outfit all the time has restored the once lost confidence on the security agencies and we pray earnestly that the tempo is sustained so that we can have a peaceful Yuletide season and a decent society.”
” The kind of proactive measures we are seeing from the security agencies is one of its kind and as CSOs, we must commend public officers and organizations who have distinguished themselves and are leaving up to expectations,”it added.
The Coalition of Plateau State Civil Society for Peace and Human Right, said:”The massive arrests of these suspected cultists have really brought a lot of relief to the residents.”
“We call on the security agencies to sustain this onslaught against these criminals once and for all. On the other hand,we call on all residents to cooperate with the security agencies for effective results,” it charged.
Recall that the Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven,on Saturday, paraded 27 suspected cultists arrested after conducting series of raid operations on criminals and cultists hideouts in Jos, the state capital.
Parading the suspects at the Operation Safe Haven Headquarters in Jos, the Commander of the Task Force, Major General Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, said the suspects were arrested at various locations within the metropolis where the activities of cultists have been on the rise in recent times.
Those apprehended included six females and their associates from peoples and Tripple Hotels in Apata area, Westside, Rukuba road, Jenta Adamu and Jenta Mangoro areas.
Items recovered in the course of the raid included three locally fabricated pistols, knives, machetes and some ammunition.
Similarly,a number of drug barons were arrested but were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action
VICTIM SUPPORT FUND DONATES PALLIATIVES TO PLATEAU STATE
The Victim Support Fund (VSF) has donated palliatives to Plateau State Government. The palliatives were presented to Governor Simon Lalong at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment warehouse at the Rukuba Barracks Jos.
While recieving the items, Governor Lalong expressed appreciation to the Victims Support Fund for reaching out to vulnerable persons in the State through the presentation of the items.
He assured that the items will be distributed to the intended beneficiaries in line with the guidelines set by the donors.
Minister of Women Affairs Paullen Tallen also thanked the VSF for the donation which she said will go a long way to cushion the effect of the looting that took place in the State last month.
Chairperson of the Victim Support Fund Task Force on COVID-19 Mrs. Toyosi Akerele Ogunsuji, who made the presentation explained that the item are to be shared for members of the civil society and the Government on a 50/50 ratio.
Items received include. RICE 5,745 BAGS (10kg) BEANS 5,745 BAGS (10kg) MAIZE 5,745 BAGS (10kg) SALT 2KG 5,745 (10kg) GRAND SOYA OIL (4 LITRES) 5,745 NON SURGICAL MASKS 5,000 LATEX HANDS GLOVES 1,345 HAND SANITIZER 10,000 HAND SANITIZERS 15 of 4cl PPE 1,354 SURGICAL GOGLE 1,354 BOOTS 1,354
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 22nd November 2020.
In its bid to tackle the rising cultism and other criminal activities in Plateau State, the Special Taskforce codenamed Operation Safe Haven arrested 27 Criminal Elements (21 Males and 6 Females) in its night raid on criminal/cultists’ hideouts and dens in Jos Metropolis.
3 Pistols, knives, cutlass and hard substances were recovered from them. They were arrested from Peoples and Triple Hotels in Apata Area, Westside, Rukuba Road, Jenta Adamu, and Jenta Mangoro Area.
The Security Outfit also arrested a number of drug Barons who were handed over to NDLEA for further action.
While parading the Criminal elements, Operation Safe Haven reassured law abiding Citizens in Plateau State of its total commitment to having a crime free environment during the NAFEST starting 23rd to 28th November, 2020 and the Yuletide Season. OPSH said it shall remain resolute to its mandate of restoration and maintenance of peace in Plateau State.
The Outfit also assured the public that it will continue to get rid of kidnappers, Cultists and other criminally minded persons.
OPSH encouraged the public to continue to provide useful information on criminal to enable it carry out it duties effectively. The outfit said there is no hiding place for criminal elements in the State as they will continue to deal decisively with criminals. He urged the public to give security agencies the needed supports to make Plateau State peaceful, secured and safe.
Those arrested were involved in snatching phones, handbags as well as brutal killings Jos the Plateau State capital.
There has been high rate of cult related killings and other criminal activities.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has signed into law 2 bills passed by the Plateau State House of Assembly aimed at strengthening the economy of the State. The laws are:
Plateau State Revenue(Consolidated) Law 2020
Plateau State Debt Management Department (Amendment) law 2020
While signing the bills into law, the Governor explained that With the Consolidated Revenue Law in place Plateau State is set to ensure uniformity, certainty and concord in revenue collection through a single machinery coordinated by the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service.
He said with this development, the Government expects its revenue to grow as it blocks leakages and also ensures that all revenue collection is automated.
He said already, the State has engaged a reputable revenue firm to facilitate the harvesting of revenues from sources that have been neglected over the years. Another issue that the new law addresses is multiple taxation which has been a major concern for businesses and other tax payers.
The Governor appealed to the citizens of the State to cooperate with the relevant agencies in the implementation of the law because the revenue generated will be used to implement the projects and programs that are ongoing and those that will be initiated.
The Governor also explained that the amendment of the Debt Management Law was to make it function as a department in line with the Federal law while the tenure and functions of the DG have also been adjusted accordingly.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State 20th November 2020.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS GREET FORMER PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN @ 63
The Northern Governors Forum has sent warm felicitations to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on his 63rd birthday, November 20, 2020.
In a congratulatory message, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said the former President has continued to serve the country with zeal and commitment.
He said former President Jonathan is a true Democrat whose passion for the growth of democracy is reflected not only in his records while in office, but of his current engagements where he has travelled round the world to monitor elections and also engage with stakeholders.
The Governor also said saluted the former President’s patriotism and dedication to the unity, peace and development of Nigeria as well as offering counsel on various issues.
While wishing many more years of good health, peace and happiness, the Northern Governors asked him to remain focused on his life of service that has brought honour and goodwill to Nigeria.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum November 20th, 2020
ROLE OF TRADITIONAL RULERS: NORTHERN GOVERNORS INAUGURATE COMMITTEE.
In line with resolutions reached during its last engagement with traditional rulers and other stakeholders in Kaduna, the Northern States Governor’s Forum has inaugurated a Consultative Committee on the Roles of Traditional Rulers in Governance Architecture of Nigeria so as to explore ways that traditional rulers would have more involvement in governance. While inaugurating the Committee Chaired by the Emir of Lafiya, Alhaji Sidi Bage Muhammad I, in Lafiya, Nasarawa State, Chairman of the Northern States Governor’s Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said the establishment of the Committee is important considering the great role that traditional rulers play in mobilizing their communities and also maintain peace and security within their domains. He said though traditional rulers have continued to agitate for the inclusion of their roles in the Constitution, this has not yet realised, hence the decision of the Forum to make an effort towards achieving the desire as it will benefit the society. He said “the Traditional Rulers still command a high degree of legitimacy in the eyes of the people. As such, there remains the need to integrate the institution into the country’s contemporary governance system. That is why we believe that political and economic development would be more successful when rooted in widely shared institutional and cultural values which traditional authorities represent. Furthermore, assigning constitutional roles to the traditional institutions will not only be because they are the closest to the grassroots, but also because they are a permanent feature of Nigeria’s body polity. They can therefore contribute more robustly to the development of the society beyond the advisory roles they perform at the moment”. Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State in a remark said the nation stands to gain more if and when it captures the traditional institution in the governance architecture because they have a lot of experience and serve as the conscience of the people. He expressed confidence that the committee will come up with a comprehensive report that will enable the Governors to work with other stakeholders in ensuring that the matter is carried along in the next constitutional amendment. Responding on behalf of other members of the Committee, Emir of Lafiya, Alhaji Sidi Bage Muhammad I, said the committee will do its best to come up with recommendations that will bring an end to the long clamour for mire involvement of the traditional institution in governance just as it was obtained many years ago. The Emir who is a retired Judge of the Supreme Court assured that the 11-member Committee will consult widely and get the views of other critical stakeholders during it assignment. The terms of reference for the committee are: i. To review available Reports earlier submitted by previous committees, panels and commissions on roles of Traditional Rulers in Governance Architecture and advise the Northern States Governors’ Forum appropriately. (ii) To propose defined roles for the Traditional rulers particularly in the Governance Architecture of the Northern States and Nigeria. (iii) Any other recommendation to assist the Forum in pushing for defined roles and responsibilities in the Governance Architecture Nigeria and Northern States in particular. The Committee has 8 weeks to complete the assignment and submit its report.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum. 19th November 2020.
SPEAKER GAJABIAMILA VISITS GAGDI’S NEW ABUJA RESIDENCE, PLAYED SNOOKER TOGETHER.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, was yesterday at the newly constructed palacial residence of the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, to greet and encourage him at Diplomatic Zone, Abuja.
The Speaker whose joy knew no bounds and visibly elated by the achievements of Rt. Hon. Gagdi in the past one year in office, showered encomium on the PKK memeber for blazing the trail in legislative activism and achieving extraordinary feats, both personally and to his constituents, within the span of one and a half years in office.
He commended Gagdi for striking a perfect balance between people centered representation and his personal development, both intellectually and economically, and encouraged him to keep the flag flying.
The Hon. Speaker later played game of snooker with Gagdi in his pent house at the new residence, and prayed along with him and his family that God should fortify Gagdi His shield and bless everything he sets out to achieve.
According to the speaker, Gagdi is an epitome of loyalty and excellent representation whose contributions on the floor of the House and other official engagements are without blemish.
You will recall that the speaker was recently in the office of Rt Hon. Gagdi with some principal officers of the House to commemorate with him on his 40th birthday, where the speaker extolled the leadership qualities of the PKK representative and wished him well.
This is an indication that PKK has voted the right person with the midas touch, who is using his connections to advance the cause of his electorate.
The activities of Rt. Hon. Gagdi, so far, is excellent and without blemish. It is our sincere prayer that he sustains the tempo and bring uneven development to the people of Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency.
Cultism: CSO urges Lalong to urgently declare state of emergency
*Tasks security agencies to be ruthless with cultists
*Pledges total support to security agencies
*Appeals to residents to support security with information on cultist’s hideouts
*Seeks speedy passage of Plateau anti cultism law
A peace advocacy and human rights group in Plateau State has decried the unabated criminal activities associated with cultism in the state,calling on Governor Simon Lalong to urgently declare a state of emergency on the menace.
This was as it tasked the Plateau State House of Assembly to immediately prioritize the treatment of the state anti cultism law by working towards its immediate passage for effective and efficient treatment of cultism related cases in the state.
On the other hand,the group under the aegis of Coalition of Plateau State Civil Society for Peace and Human right tasked security agencies to be ruthless with cultists in the state,saying the change of approach had become imperative to end the ugly development.
In a press statement,Thursday,signed by its National Coordinator,Dr Pam Pwajok and National Secretary,Mrs Hannah Golu,respectively,the peace advocacy and human rights group said its positions followed its emergency meeting on the 18/11/2020 where it deliberated extensively on cult activities in the state.
The group, according to the statement,”condemned in the most strongest terms the barbaric senseless and inhuman killings of over 10 young men in a renewed activities of cultism within Jos Metropolis by rival cults within the space of one week.”
“This action is reprehensible and must not be allowed any place in the state,” it said.
“We call on the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong,to as a matter urgency, declare a state of emergency on cultism in Plateau,” it said,adding:” We appeal to Plateau State House of Assembly to speedily pass the anti cultism law for the state.”
The group further said:”While we task the governor to liaise with all security agencies to clamp down on this miscreants with every vigor, we urge the security agencies on the other hand to wield a very big stick on cultism with a view to defeating the menace once and for all.”
While commending security outfits in the state especially Operation Safe Haven for routing crimes and criminality,most especially the inglorious herders/farmers conflicts that once enveloped the state,it tasked the security agencies to be ruthless with cultists henceforth,saying it was the best approach to ending the menace just as it expressed confidence on them.
“We have confidence in the security agencies operating on the Plateau,especially Operation Safe Haven to deliver on this urgent and important task. We urge them to rise to the occasion the very way they handled the once incessant farmers/herdsmen conflicts and other heinous crimes within their mandate,” it said.
It added:”We kindly appeal to all the security agencies to collaborate and rescue Plateau citizens from this menace that is threatening the security and peace of the entire state.
“The activities of these cultists have gone out of hand in recent time and must be stopped by using maximum force if we want to achieve meaningful results.”
According to the group, ” For some obvious reasons, our judicial system is incapacitated and unable to give these criminals maximum punishment due to lack of sufficient evidence or adequate law to prosecute them hence security agencies need to rise up to this singular challenge of cultism bedeviling the state.”
It regretted that:”The activities of these cultists have led to the death of several productive young men from rival groups and even innocent persons who were caught in cross fire.”
“Available information to us indicate that these groups of cultists perpetuate all the dangerous crimes ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping and extortion while hiding under this deadly and evil association called cultism hence must be stopped once,” it claimed.
” We in the civil society and human rights organizations wish to pledge our total support and maximum cooperation to our security agencies in this fight to enable them sanitize our dear state before it becomes ungovernable.
“We stand by them and will provide valid information that will help them in prosecuting this war against cultism,” the group declared in the statement.
It tasked the governor to provide necessary support to all the security agencies in the state to enable them prosecute the war against all criminal activities in the state.
” We therefore want to finally appeal to Governor Simon Bako Lalong to provide the necessary support to all the security agencies to enable them defeat this crime once and for all,”it said.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM INAUGURATES COMMITTEE ON YOUTH AND CIVIL SOCIETY ENGAGEMENT
The Northern Governors Forum has inaugurated a Committee on Youth and Civil Society in order to enhance engagement towards tackling the challenges of the region.
While parforming the inauguration in Kaduna, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said the setting up of the committee became necessary so as to involve the youths and members of the civil society in the programmes that aim to resolve youth unemployment, illiteracy, crime, poverty among others.
Governor Lalong said the setting up of the Committee headed by the Emir of Zazzau Alh. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli follows the decision reached at the last Consultative Meeting of the Forum and members of the Northern Traditional Council and key stakeholders in Kaduna.
He said “We are well aware that youths form a bulk of the population of the region and the nation, and as such have a great role to play in the destiny of the country. Their voices must not only be heard, but their opinions and views should always be carried along in governance. Here in the Northern Region, the challenges facing the youths are enormous and very well known to us. These include unemployment, illiteracy, crime, drug abuse among others. As leaders, we must not only address these challenges, but also engage the youths in a manner that they own the process to make any initiative successful and long-lasting”.
The Governor emphasized that the assignment of the committee is very crucial in Forum’s agenda of changing the fortunes of Northern youths from despondency to hope, and from few opportunities to vast windows for self-realization and wealth creation.
In his response, Chairman of the Committee, Emir of Zazzau Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli assured that the committee will face its assignment with vigour and passion and also consult widely to arrive at a conclusion that will assist in finding lasting solution to youths restiveness in the region.
He commended the Northern Governors for conceiving the idea of the Committee which affirms the fact that sooner than later, the youths are going to be in the saddle of leadership.
The Committee which has 33 members drawn from the 19 northern states is expected to complete its assignment within 8 weeks.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman Northern Governors Forum. 18th November 2020.
Freelance Reporters 