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.
Plateau State Needs Over 1,000 Additional Nurses for Effective Delivery of Healthcare Services – Plateau NANNM
The Plateau State Chapter of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) said the State need over 1,000 additional Nurses to perform optimally and deliver effective healthcare Service.
The Association decried the shortage of Nurses in the Health Facilities across the State. The group disclosed that over 500 Nurses have retired since 2012 without replacement and said that is adversely affecting service delivery a situation it described as pitiable.
Speaking during a Press Conference to mark the 2020 International Year of the Nurse and Midwife set aside by the World Health Assembly which held at Nurses Green House Yingi Jos, the Plateau State Chairman of the Association, Nrs Briskila D. Dabit while appreciating Gov. Simon Lalong for giving approval to Plateau State Specialist Hospital and Plateau State Hospitals Management Board to employ health Workers appealed to the State Government to expedite such action to employ reasonable number of Nurses to address the manpower deficit being experienced across the State. She said the situation at the Local Government Areas is pathetic saying Nurses and Midwives were last employed in 2006.
“As we strive hard twards l Universal Health Coverage by 2030, the world needs additional 9million Nurses to compliment those already working and the ones that will retire before then. As such we call on Government at all levels to give a waiver to health institutions to replace any health worker particularly Nurses that retire in other to mitigate the gross shortage of this workforce” She said.
Nrs Briskila said despite numerous challenges confronting Nurses, they have remain committed to their duties. She urged members to continue to be more professional and diligent in discharging their responsibilities.
Speaking at the occasion, Nrs Ezekiel Magmang, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee spoke on the critical roles played by the Health Workers and the need for greater attention for optimal service delivery.
Director Nursing Services Plateau State Ministry of Health, Nrs Ladi Davou Zuh commended Health Workers for their contributions to Nation building and improved health of the citizens. She urged them to discard all negative tendencies, be more united; professional and diligent in the discharge of their duties as they serve humanity.
The theme of the event is “Nursing a Voice to Lead, Nursing the World to health
The Association will hold a Public Lecture at Eliel Centre on Thursday 19th November, 2020.
PROGRESSIVE GOVERNORS COMMISERATE WITH PLATEAU STATE
Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Kebbi State Abubakar Atiku Bagudu on Tuesday 17th November 2020 led some Governors of the APC on a solidarity visit to Plateau State to commiserate with the Government over the looting and destruction of public and private properties by hoodlums who hijacked the ENDSARS protests.
Governor Bagudu who was accompanied by his colleagues from Yobe, Mai Mala Buni and Jigawa, Abubakar Badaru, said their visit was to express sympathy with Governor Lalong over the unfortunate events that led to the destruction of properties worth billions of naira.
He said though the protests were legitimate and supported, criminals hijacked the agitation to perpetrate crimes under the guise of searching for palliatives. He maintained that Governors did not hoard any palliatives as wrongly insinuated.
The Progressives Chairman said “we have the best interest of our youths at heart and believe that without empowering them, development will be difficult to achieve. That is why the APC Government right from the Federal to the States continue to roll out empowerment initiatives that will build the capacity of the youths and make them productive. We shall continue to engage and dialogue with them in enhancing their well-being so as to address restiveness”.
Responding, Governor Lalong thanked them for the solidarity and goodwill over the unfortunate incident. He said the destruction has taken the State back as some of the properties looted, vandalised and destroyed were sources of job creation and industrialisation.
He told the delegation that over 31 public and private properties were affected with losses estimated at over 75 billion naira which will be difficult to restore.
He said already, he has engaged the youths and other stakeholders after the incident to ensure that there is no repeat of such incident.
The Governors later proceeded to Lagos for a similar visit to Lagos State Government.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 18th November 2020.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS CELEBRATE PAULINE ALAO, WIFE OF FIRST CHIEF OF AIR STAFF AT 79
The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated Mrs. Pauline Alao, wife of Nigeria’s first Chief of Air Staff, Col. Shittu Alao who recently marked her 79th birthday.
In a congratulatory message, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong described Mrs. Alao as a woman of substance who has maintained high sense of responsibility and diligence in her career, mentoring not only her children but many in society.
Governor Lalong said Mrs. Alao has continued to devote her time and resources in assisting vulnerable persons in society particularly widows whom she has supported to start businesses and provide for their children.
He said “Mrs. Alao remains a shining example for the support she gave her late husband when during his career in the Armed Forces when he became the first Chief of Air Staff. Her commitment, loyalty and devotion has remained exemplary as she maintains her faith in the Nigerian project by continuing to emphasize unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence”.
While wishing her good health, God’s divine protection and wisdom, Governor Lalong urged her to continue to avail the nation her knowledge and counsel.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 17th November 2020.
It was a moment of pride for Governor Simon Lalong and the people of Plateau when he recieved Miss Sylvia Ulan Andrew, a citizen of Plateau State who emerged the best in the recently conducted WAEC examinations as she scored A1 in all the subjects she sat for during the last examinations.
Ulan who is from Bokkos LGA of the State is a student of Premier Academy, Lugbe Abuja. She is said to have a history of record-breaking having emerged overall best at national common entrance examinations which earned her a scholarship by the Shell Petroleum Company.
Governor Lalong congratulated her for the feat and said he was not surprised because of the abundant talents available in the State. He said the State will grant her scholarship to any University of her choice.
He praised her mother for raising her single-handedly since the death of her husband even before Ulan was born.
Plateau State Coordinator on SDGs Mr. Sam Damla who led the family to Government House Little Rayfield said the performance of the student again shows the potentials that the people of Plateau State possess which must be harnessed.
Ulan thanked the Governor for the reception and promised not to disappoint him and the people of Plateau State. She explained that her passion is to be a Chemical Engineer.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 17th November 2020.
MY REACTION ON THE PURPORTED PLAN OF RECALL – SENATOR HEZEKIAH AYUBA DIMKA
The Senate is one of the Chambers in Nigeria’s bicameral legislature, the National Assembly whose power to make laws is summarized in chapter one, section 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. The Constitution has vested in the National Assembly the power to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the Federation. The Assembly also has broad oversight functions and is therefore empowered to establish committees of its members to scrutinize bills and the conduct of government institutions and officials. The legislative role is fundamental because the will of the people is expressed through the laws and how effective they are implemented through governmental agencies, ministries and departments. This implies that the quality of the life of the people is bound to be affected reasonably by the nature and quality of the laws made and passed by the legislature.
Since commencement of legislative activities by the 9th Assembly one and a half years ago and in line with my Constitutional mandates, I have worked to push forth some initiatives/bills that appeal to the people of my constituency and Nigeria as a whole. My actions are refined in response to public sentiments aimed at improving the people’s values and specific welfare sectors manifesting my achievements which reflect my earlier stated legislative interests to include; education, security, agriculture, women and youth development. As a silent achiever, I have been identified as one of the few Senators the 9th Assembly relies upon to push its agenda and I am considered to be among the most active members of the Red Chamber. Against the background of my constitutional mandate, some of the bills I sponsored and presented on the floor of the Red chambers are as follows: Bill for the establishment of Federal University of Technology Kabwir (awaiting second reading) Bill for the establishment of the Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Kanam (a degree awarding institution) Bill for the upgrade of NDLEA Training Institute, Jos Aside the constitutional mandates of law making, other projects I proposed, which I believe would benefit the people and have a direct impact on the communities are listed bellow; Construction of motorised solar boreholes Construction of four numbers of three block class rooms Skills development and capacity training for youth and women Supply of tri-cycles (keke napep) and motors cycles for youth, provisions of grinding, water pumping and knap spraying machines Provision of rural electrification/construction of solar street lights Advocacy and sensitization on narcotic drugs and rehabilitation programmes I have remained committed to making sure that the aforementioned programmes are delivered to the people of my constituency and soon it shall be manifested as it has begun in phases. Pursuant to the resolve in my quest for a continued all-round improvement in the lives of the people of the Senatorial District, I ensured that other federal government projects that were initiated and are on-going in the zone enjoy continuous funding and supervision to facilitate their timely completion for the benefit of the people. There is no doubt that these projects when completed, will link various communities (inter & intra state) for the enhancement of socio-economic activities. More important, for an agrarian based economy and society, transportation, commerce and agriculture will enjoy a boost. Some of the identified on-going federal government projects of priority, concerned and central to my heart are as follows;
Construction of Pankshin-Tapshin-Gambar-Sara-Kal-Gindiri Road networks Construction of Panyam-Bokkos-Wamba-Wamse Road Networks General maintenance of Pankshin-Ballang-Nyelleng-Sara-Lere-Gindiri Road Networks Rehabilitation of Babban Lamba-Sharam Road Network Provision/installation of 500KVA transformer
As a show of commitment, I have commenced work in order to deliver on the constituency projects I earlier proposed for the benefit of the people of Plateau Central District. Work has advanced on the installation of solar street lights across Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam LGAs within the Central Senatorial District. In Pankshin LGA, casting work for the installation of the solar street light in the following communities was successful; ~Wokkos ~Lankan ~Ballang Kalep ~Ballang Shipang ~Deri ~Mudel ~Kadyis ~Nyelleng ~Gwabi ~Jivir
In a few days from now, these communities will begin to enjoy electricity. Similarly, the following communities in Kanam LGA were considered for same project and casting has already been concluded few days ago amidst a lot of cheers in the communities. These communities are; ~Tuttung-Tankwal Area ~Gwamlar-Khibogghom Area ~Kwalmiya-Khinpyi Area ~Dugub-Badawa Area ~Kantana-Kantana Area ~Kyaram-Garga Area
In Mangu LGA, transformers will soon be supplied for the extension of electricity in Mangu and Gindiri towns respectively. Same thing is to be done in Bokkos LGA. Next in line for such supplies is Dengi town as well as the extension of electricity to Kyamshegi and Jarmai towns.
Also, as the Distinguished Senator representing Plateau Central Senatorial District and Committee Chairman on Drugs and Narcotics in my quest to empower the constituents has scheduled an empowerment programme for 150 youth and women. The first phase of the empowerment is training and provision of grants for youth and women in livestock, potatoes and rice production in the central senatorial district. 30 constituents from each of the five LGAs (Kanam, Pankshin, Kanke, Mangu and Bokkos) would benefit from the training. The programme is slated to last for two days. Training will hold on Tuesday 17th to Wednesday 18th November, 2020 at Vel Sunset Resort in Pankshin. I have outlined series of constituency projects that would be executed in the days ahead.
The release of the budget is what has facilitated the above; it is hopeful that more shall follow soon. I have gone on to lobby for permanent and pensionable appointments to some youths with Federal government agencies, ministries and parastatals including higher institutions with a promise and strong will to do more. High consideration is equally given to other critical infrastructures like hospitals, schools, roads and portable water supply approved in the 2020 appropriation bill which is domiciled in the MDGs, ministries, agencies and parastatals. It is a promise that would be pursued and implemented via same governmental agencies with deserving seriousness. These are manifest indicators of actions that have commenced. More important is that they are ongoing and will continue in phases. Consequently, I am increasingly known as a trusted and stabilising force within the Plateau Central Senatorial District. A man whose ideologies are people centred, I am unassuming and target driven. My main focus is the wholistic development of the people and I remain committed to making sure that all the projects domiciled in the governmental agencies are delivered as promised and these should serve as a yardstick upon which I shall be assessed at the end of my four year stay at the Red Chambers. I believe that no reasonable opposition/in-house enemies would see an achievement driven man as I remain unshaken, perhaps that explains the current wave of so called “activist” restlessness.
PLOT TO RE-CALL ME AS DISTINGUISHED SENATOR This was anchored on the provision of section 69 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria (as amended) which gives the people rights and powers to recall any validly elected Senator on grounds of poor performance and gross miss use of office. According to the group used to put to the fore the issues allegedly given to them by the initiators of the re-call agenda, refer to themselves as Plateau Central Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Good Governance (PLACEYADAGG). For the record, this group is non-existent until recently when one of my legislative aides resigned which left a lot of questions begging for answers that are obvious. This unholy mission is indeed divinely incubated and directed towards an end.
It is not unusual for people to put on their lenses and look through the activities of government particularly regarding those representing them with the sole aim of identifying gaps and engaging the government on areas needing urgent attention. By implication, it means that criticism must be constructive because where there is negative or no criticism; democracy will be at a loss. One should not be saddened by criticism as it offers an opportunity to assess the truth, creates possibilities to avoid wandering off into the wrong direction, and prevents us from making mistakes. In other words, constructive criticism is democracy. Unfortunately, when destructive criticisms begin to surface particularly from those who are dear to our hearts and have worked closely with as important aides, it becomes a revelation of the inner lack in morality and insensibility to the yearnings of the people of central Plateau.
Given my sensitivities to the needs of youths of central Plateau, it can be safe to refer the so called Plateau Central Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Good Governance (PLACEYADAGG), a partisan group which emerges with the intent to be used as a willing tool in the hands of opposition and in-house enemies. This group noted that Plateau Central being the umbilical cord of Plateau politics has produced the likes of Senator Ibrahim Nasiru Mantu, Joshua Dariye and others. Well, I want to assume that Senator Satty Gogwim is the ‘others’ the group meant. Moving forward, I would like to assume that the members of this group are supposedly learned. Following these, are important questions for the youth group and the initiators of the recall agenda; what is the yardstick of measurement and score card in bold of Senator Dimka’s predecessors of which reference is being made as an objective basis? One expects at this critical time a listing of facts presented for any objective on looker. From 1999 to date Senators Nasiru Ibrahim Mantu (8years), Satty Gogwim (4years) and Joshua Chibi Dariye (circumcitially 8years) were there but reference only made of Nasiru Ibrahim Mantu and Joshua Chibi Dariye. How come no reference was made of Satty Gogwim? Was it by accident or by design of the sponsors? In any case, it speaks volumes of the intent of the sponsors. In just one and a half year in office, I have achieved so much and any objective observer should know that my predecessors who spent 8,4 and 8 years in such positions should have a different yardstick and basis upon which they should be assessed. In effect, I have more than two years to go within which more of my intentional projects shall benefit the people of Plateau Central Senatorial District.
The false and misleading impression presented to the public to the effect that I have been given constituency allowance funding for the aforementioned projects must be corrected. Categorically, it must be stated that these projects fall under various Ministries and MDAs and in the same manner their funding. As Senator I am following up to ensure that as soon as budgeted funds are released, such are appropriated accordingly.
Also, it is equally not true that I have been far from the people I represent, being a youth friendly and people-centred-Senator, I remain the only Senator who upon inauguration, quickly assembled a team of youths drawn from the five LGAs of Plateau Central Senatorial District to manage the office space I secured in Pankshin. This has been in use as the constituency office which serves as contact address for keeping in touch with the good people I represent, a place where the lawmaker can be contacted by his constituents to engage and relate with me, submit petitions for my attention and action, obtain feedback from me about my work in the legislature and draw my attention to community priorities which have been effective and functional too. This process re-affirms my belief in the saying that politics is essentially local and people-centred. I have been engaging the people of Plateau Central Senatorial District via this means and many other community engagements initiatives. This serves to dispel the arm-chair speculation by the actively partisan youth group who claimed that I had no visible contact and association with my constituent. Another show of ignorance by the partisan youth group is the claim that I have not sponsored any tangible bill or moved a motion of urgent pubic importance. Yet, the following bills were sponsored and presented by me in the Red Chamber. Bill for the establishment of Federal University of Technology Kabwir (awaiting second reading) Bill for the establishment of the Institute of Information and Communication Technology Kanam (a degree awarding institution) Bill for the upgrade of NDLEA Training Institute, Jos How could such an acclaimed puritanic “activist” fain this ignorance? In any case, these are pointers to the fact that it is a sponsored agenda and a confirmation of the proverb that says “when you see a child dancing all alone by the roadside, note that such a child is not mad but dancing to a rhythm or beat of the drums he is hearing from elsewhere. Put together, these serves as pointers to the fact that all is not well, but rather an orchestrated plot well calculated with 2023 in mind. Following these, let it be on record that we are very much aware of those behind the mobilisation of the so-called youth group. A meeting to that effect was held at Kanke and Pankshin with a plan to use FCE Pankshin students, it was allegedly masterminded by people whom in the past, held public office and I hope in due time, they shall present their score cards of performance since it is no longer news that among the two major masterminds, is a governorship and senatorial aspirants and therefore, the recall should serve as a score card template for all those aspiring to present themselves for examination and we are hoping this has set the stage for the future. Also, of great concern is the future of the members of the youth group who have decided to make themselves available to be used for such negative advocacies and I am certain that they constitute a minority among the great and hardworking youth of Central Plateau.
Fortunately, I have been up to the task of legislation and a supporter of the good people I represent in the Red Chambers. This implies that I remain committed, un-moved and undistracted as I continue to face the daunting task of law making; community advocacy and my people centred initiatives for the benefit of the people of central Plateau.
A CLARION CALL In a democracy, leaders are elected to lighten the burden of the people, give them freedom, choices and equity and ensure good governance and not to deceive them, burden them oppress them, render them hopeless, nothing should be done to undermine the tenets and values of democratic principles and practice. This is the call that I answered and in line with my legislative mandate, sponsored and presented some bills directed towards the end of empowerment for the people of my constituency, Plateau and Nigeria as a whole.
I am a man of immense talent, valour and tremendous courage. I play politics with commitment. Above all, I am a practical democrat. I believe that any leader that abandons the people he/she represents has abandoned the very essence of societal existence. I hold that people are the strength of the present and the youth are the blocks that build the future solidly and firmly too, without them the present is lost and the future compromised. Therefore, I pay a great deal of attention to the people and youth and see them as the critical drivers of Power, Politics, Enterprise and Security in Plateau Central Senatorial District.
Consequently, the assertion by certain divide of Plateau Central Senatorial District Youth under a partisan organisation referred to as Plateau Central Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Good Governance (PLACEYADAGG) that I am not performing beats the very essence of democratic morality. While we all know that their project is doomed, we are not unmindful of the fact that part of their aim is to discredit my person towards the future.
Chinua Achebe said, “One of the truest test of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised” I am under no illusion that even the most hard-core of my supporters who have worked with me closely can be distracted on the basis of greed, primordial sentiments and insatiable quest for power resulting to them being used and miss-used leading to the negative perception of the person you have worked with/for as not doing what they want as a person.
Let everyone involved in this agenda know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and wholistic development of the people of Plateau Central Senatorial District. Indeed, the measure of a man’s ability and intentions are therefore tested via his abilities to remain committed to the ideals which I swore to uphold. I understand the expectations of the people/institution which conferred me with the power and acts accordingly, and I have justified myself as worthy of that position. Hence, it is time to put away the harsh rhetoric, lower the temperature, see each other again, listen to one other in the interest of progress of the people whose mandates we carry upon our shoulders and swore to protect.
As we look forward in the future, we are full of optimism that the numerous projects that have been initiated and those that are ongoing would be pursued with vigour and utmost dedication in order to ensure that all necessary legislations and funds are appropriated and mobilised for the completion of these projects in the interest of the people of Central Plateau, the state and the country at large.
SENATOR HEZEKIAH AYUBA DIMKA, Senator Representing Plateau Central Zone, And Chairman Senate Committee On Drugs And Narcotics, Abuja
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