ELECTION DAY 2023: GOVERNOR LALONG, FAMILY VOTE AT AJIKAMAI, OPTIMISTIC OF VICTORY
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong casted his vote at his polling unit in Ajikamai, Shendam Local Government Area with optimism that the APC will emerge victorious at the end of the day.
The Governor who is running for the Senatorial seat of Plateau South District was joined by his wife Mrs. Regina Lalong, his children and other household members.
Lalong who is the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council said he was highly impressed with the turn out of voters in various polling units he sighted on his way to vote as well as from reports he has been receiving across the State.
He said so far, the elections have been going on peacefully as there is no report available to him of any threat to the exercise in the State.
He commended the people of Plateau State for their enthusiasm and peaceful conduct which he said affirms their maturity in politics.
Fielding questions from journalists, the Governor urged the citizens to avoid anything that will cause breach of the peace throughout the voting process and when results are announced, saying INEC has assured of its neutrality and determination to ensure that votes count.
He said those who may be aggrieved should use legal channels to seek redress rather than instigate violence and destruction which does not help the nation.
Asked how he feels voting for himself as candidate for Senate, Lalong said “I am used to it and this is not the first time. I did so many years back as Member House of Assembly voted twice; during my Recall ordeal; as Governor twice and now as Senator by the grace of God. I am indebted to my people for their confidence in me and continuous support which I will never betray”.
Lalong further commended INEC officials security personnel, observers, party agents and the electorate in general for doing their best towards the success of the elections.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 25th February 2023.
GOVERNOR LALONG PRESENTS STAFF OF OFFICE TO REKNA OF BASHAR; ROUNDS OFF CAMPAIGN IN WASE, LANGTANG NORTH.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has tasked the traditional institution to sustain its role of maintaining peace and harmony within their domains particularly with the 2023 general elections around the corner.
Governor Lalong was speaking while presenting a Second Class Staff of office to the Rekna of Bashar in Wase Local Government His Royal Highness Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Isa.
The Governor said the traditional institution has continued to play the role of a stabilising force at all times especially during crucial national engagements such as the elections about to commence.
He said the traditional institution must not only continue to work with all segments of society for the success of the elections, but should also make the citizens know that they have a role to play in the democratic development of the country.
While congratulating His Royal Highness for ascending the throne of his fore fathers, he also appreciated the King Makers who did all that is required according to the customs and traditions of the Bashar Chiefdom to expeditiously select a successor to occupy the stool.
He said “While you discharge your duty diligently, I admonish you to be more proactive, carry your people along irrespective of creed, religion or any affiliation. Avoid tendencies that will make you a sectional leader thereby jeopardizing the sanctity of the revered stool which you are occupying in trust for your people”.
Lalong also urged him to carry everyone along and work with the Government to promote peace, development and harmony, advising him not get involved in politics but sensitise his people to participate in the political process and perform their civic duties.
On the forth coming elections, he said “For the people of Bashar and Wase Local Government in general, I want to thank you for always supporting us and voting for our party. That is why we have also reciprocated by giving you what you deserve. Let us continue this good partnership even as we head to the polls this Saturday to elect our next President, Senators and Members House of Representatives. I know you are aware that apart from Voting for your son Rt. Hon. Idris Wase for the House and myself as Senator, the big deal is to massively vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President. I have the confidence that you will do the needful this Saturday and during the elections for Governor and House of Assembly when my successor by the grace of God Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda and other candidates of our party will be massively elected. Please ensure that you conduct yourselves peacefully and shun any act that will jeorpadise the peace and progress of our State and country at large”.
Long Gamai of Gamailand HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III who spoke on behalf of Gbong Gwom Jos Da Jacob Gyang Buba used the opportunity to once again thank the Governor for paying special attention to the traditional institution since assuming office, describing him as a leader with passion for peace, security and harmony.
In a similar vein, Emir of Wase Alhaji Muhammadu Sambo Abubakar said since coming on board, Governor Lalong has paid greater attention to reviving and strengthening the traditional institution so that it can contribute meaningfully to the development of the State.
Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Idris Wase who is the brother of the new Rekna of Bashar thanked Governor Lalong for his sense of fairness, justice and equity which he said has been demonstrated in his non interference for selection of the Rekna and other traditional rulers across the State.
He recalled that Governor Lalong has so far created 285 new Districts, 36 Chiefdoms as well as restored 3 Chiefdoms scrapped by the previous administration.
Chairman, Wase Local Government as well as the Chairman, Bashar Development Association Zakari Muhammed Dalhatu said the presentation of staff of office to the new Rekna of Bashar again signifies the importance that Governor Lalong places on the yearning and aspirations of the people.
The Governor thereafter commissioned some projects executed by the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Rt Hon. Idris Wase. They include roads, schools, police divisional headquarters, electrification and bridges. They also inspected other ongoing projects still under construction.
Before returning to Jos, the Governor stopped over in Langtang to meet with APC stakeholders as part of the mobilisation for Saturday’s elections where he is vying for the seat of Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District.
He was at the Palace of the Ponzhi Tarok where he was received by the Ponzhi Zhini, Acting Chairman Tarok Traditional Council and his members.
Governor Lalong thanked the people of Langtang particularly the traditional council for standing by him since his days as Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly to his election as Governor.
Welcoming him to the Palace, Acting Chairman Tarok Traditional Council Ponzi Zhini said the council has deep appreciation and respect for Governor Lalong who has emancipated the Tarok nation by approving many graded chiefs and ensuring that progress and development comes to the land.
He prayed for him and wished him well saying because he is a child of grace who has used his position for uplifting others, there is light at the end of the tunnel for him.
At a stakeholders meeting later, the Governor once again thanked the people for supporting him and said he will continue to represent their interests when elected to the Senate where he has vast experience in legislation and representation. He said because Langtang is dear to him, he has decided to round off his Campaign in the area and assure them that voting for him, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, and other candidates of the APC is great investment that will yield many dividends.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 23rd February 2023.
It was meant to be a solidarity march by youth and women in honor of the people’s representative, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi and other APC candidates for the 2023 general elections.
As soon as the drums and solidarity songs started to beat on Ali Pada Junction on Jos Road, Dengi, it soon turned out to be a carnival of some sorts.
It was instructive, but by any stretch of imagination, the message was clear and loud: Beware, Gagdi is in charge of PKK. Those who are pretending to be territorial leaders had better beware; the Commander is in charge and has been proclaimed as such.
The women, youth, men and party leaders had converged on Dengi to deliver a message of hope and togetherness: This, in many ways is a sign of victory.
Gagdi knows it, his constituents know what it portends. The team is waiting for Saturday, February 25, 2023. Let the votes SPEAK for GAGDI.
His Excellency, Nigerian Ambassador to Russia, Professor Shehu abdullahi Yibaikwal today organized parley with youth groups, religion bodies, civil societies, cultural groups and other organized community of youth bodies ahead of violence free election come Saturday election where Nigerians will elect a new president.
The Nigerian Diplomat who spend most of his years in service to the country and united nation says that youths all over the world are the driving factor behind any peaceful society and progressive economy and so, that of Plateau state and Nigeria shouldn’t be any different. He says that the united nations have come up with policy that will liberate the youths and and make them economically relevant in the society.
Furthermore, Amb Yibaikwal urged the youths to shun violence of any sort, says that the blood of the youths doesn’t worth the aspiration of any politician and so, they should match to the poll in a peaceful manner without any fear or intimidation. He congratulate everyone and wished them a peaceful election comes Saturday.
Campaign council of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) for Jos North / Bassa Federal house of representatives race in the forthcoming polls Hon Ibrahim Baba Hassan, has denied negotiating by himself or through a proxy, with any person or group to step down his ambition to be elected as a lawmaker . Addressing newsmen in Jos on Wednesday, the Chairman of his Campaign council Alhaji Baba Gangan , said contrary to rumours making the rounds that our Candidate RT Hon Baba Hassan is no longer in the race ,our Candidate has continued his grass root campaign with an assurance of victory on Saturday.
” We are debunking the fake news making the rounds on social media that Our Candidate has stepped down ,Hon Baba Hassan is a candidate that was duly elected through a legitimate party primaries of the APC hence we have not had any correspondence from his party indicating his withdrawal from the race .”
” We believe that our Candidate Hon Baba Hassan has what it takes ahead of other candidates jostling for the position due to his experience and inclusiveness .”
“The Independent campaign council of Hon Baba Hassan calls on the electorate of Bassa / Jos North Federal constituency to come out en mass on Saturday to vote massively for Baba Hassan and other candidates under the APC .”
The Indigenous Concerned Youths of Jos North/Bassa federal Constituency kicked against the endorsement of HON MUHAMMAD GWANNI of PRP by SHEIKH SANI YAHAHA JINGIR.. In a Press Release issued in Jos after an emergency meeting today,the group said it’s no longer news that the famous cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaha Jingir,the leader of Izala sect in Nigeria made a pronouncement recently about him supporting the candidature of Hon Muhammad Gwanni aka Dan London who is presently the member representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency at the National Assembly. A lot of waters had gone the wrong path and it’s important for the general public to know some of the reasons why the cleric made such an uncalculated speech, according to the cleric,his reasons for the endorsement of HON MUHAMMAD GWANNI of PRP is that,he has on record that Ibrahim Baba Hassan doesn’t pay much attention on the Muslim Community in Jos North Bassa Federal Constituency rather he has been concentrating on the Christian Community which is a threat to Islam and Muslim in Jos North Bassa Federal Constituency. That his recent donations in Churches and his various assistance rendered to orphans and widows within the Christian Community is alarming, that Sheikh Sani Yahaha Jingir also notice that Hon Ibrahim Baba Hassan secured permanent and pensionable appointments to Christians more than Muslims in Jos North Bassa Federal Constituency hence the endorsement of HON MUHAMMAD GWANNI. According to our findings,we have it on good records that Sheikh Sani Yahaha Jingir said,if Babs is given a higher responsibility,he might do more to Christians than Muslims. It’s also a known fact that political appointees or elected officials make regular donations to religious organizations. Why is Baba Hassan’s Case different?, Does it mean that the Sheikh is calling for support to just one single side or religion,When humanity should come first rather than religion?
When contacted, the party (APC) said, Hon Ibrahim Baba Hassan is fully in the race for the house of representatives Jos/Bassa federal constituency and they urge their supporters to come out enmass and vote for Hon. Baba Hassan come 25/2/2023.
Member representing PKK Federal Constituency, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has just concluded a four-day tour of 36 Federal Wards.
There are a few takeaways from the tour. The lessons are instructive, as they send signals of hope and commitment to political office seekers in the land.
To have involved a large number of constituents does not show that one is wealthy or has the wherewithal to throw around. It shows that there is enough room for others to also participate in the process of electing their representative.
Visiting constituents constantly shows that they are valued. When one doesn’t, it is an indication that they do not matter to them; but only during elections. They are witnesses to such treatment by different politicians in the past.
Such representatives come and go, without impacting in the lives of the constituents. They are treated with levity, to the extent that, there is no genuine commitment to the people they seek to represent.
Consider this: Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, has, since 2019 been in a class of his own. He has shown that it is good to make things happen as the people mean a lot to him in the journey.
He has visited the 36 Federal Wards about 8 to 10 times minimum. It is no doubt a commitment to service, and of his responsibility to them.
Gagdi has continued to Do Good, and that is why they say, he who does well always sees good from the people. This truism, which is worthy of being copied, is replicated in the life of Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi.
There is genuineness to the struggle by Gagdi. By all intent and purposes, those involved in the struggle have been bitten by the same bug. Their commitment tells a story about the great effort put in by the people’s representative.
Perhaps, for good measure, his outings are a delight. Gagdi has never been a long ranger; he travels with his arsenals fully prepared to support causes of the people.
In all the ward headquarters, he would appreciate and tell the crowd why supporting Tinubu/Shettima, Nentawe, Diket, and Assembly members should be a priority.
What better sacrifice could there be by Gagdi than to get everyone involved in the struggle? Those who cherish the struggles Gagdi has been engaged in know that it is good he has done so much good as to reap there from.
It is the man who has sworn the seed for people and communities that will reap. ForGagdi, it is time to reap having sworn repeatedly in the lives of people.
This can only be so, knowing that Gagdi has always trusted in God!
Governor Simon Bako Lalong has approved the appointment of Prof. Benard Malau Matur as the Vice Chancellor of the Plateau State University Bokkos.
Prof. Matur whose appointment was approved following recommendation of the Governing Council of the University is to succeed Prof. Yohanna Izam whose tenure ends on Tuesday 21st February 2023.
Until his appointment, Prof. Benard Matur was the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, Plateau State.
He is a Professor of Public Health Entomology and Parasitology and has held several positions in the academia.
He was one time Deputy Vice Chancellor, Veritas University Abuja and had previously served as Dean, College of Sciences; Dean, Student Affairs; and Head of Department, Biological Sciences at the University of Abuja. He was also Head, Department of Remedial Studies at the University of Jos.
Governor Lalong while congratulating the new Vice Chancellor, used the opportunity to appreciate the outgoing Vice Chancellor Prof. Yohanna Izam for his meritorious service and pragmatic leadership which has lifted the standard of the University, making it one of the most sought after in the country and one of the best among its peers. He wishes him success in his future endeavours.
Meanwhile, the Governor in accordance with the Law passed by the Plateau State House of Assembly has approved the change of nomenclature and upgrading of the College of Arts, Science and Technology Kurgwi into Ignatius Longjan Polytechnic.
The bill for the Establishment of the Ignatious Longjan Polytechnic and for other matters connected takes effect from 2022, while the College of Arts, Science, Technology and Remedial Studies Kurgwi Law No. 20 of 2020 and amended Law of 2005 are hereby repealed.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 20th February 2023.
APC ASSURED OF MASSIVE VICTORY AS LALONG TAKES CAMPAIGN TO KINSMEN; SAYS VICTORY FOR TINUBU/SHETTIMA & APC CANDIDATES IMMINENT.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has taken his Campaign to represent the people of the Southern Senatorial Zone in the Senate to his kinsmen with an assurance that the APC will coast home to victory in all elections starting from the Presidential and national assembly on 25th February 2023.
The Governor while speaking at the Plateau Southern Zone Campaign rally in his stronghold of Shendam thanked the people for their support and collaboration over the years which has given him the confidence to serve not only the zone but the state and nation at large. He said in Southern Zone, he doesn’t have a record of contesting and loosing any election which clearly shows that Tinubu and all the candidates of the APC will win in the forthcoming elections.
The Governor said his administration has paid back the people of the Southern Zone for their consistent support by executing various projects in the area which are a far departure from the neglect that the previous administration meted out on them.
He enumerated many projects such as roads, water, schools, hospitals among others that have been carried out in the zone by both the State and Federal Governments under the APC.
Lalong assured them that when elected as Senator with Asiwaju as President and Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as Governor, the people of the zone will witness yet another round of bumper harvest of projects and programmes which have direct impact on their livelihoods.
He advised the people of the zone and the state to shun politicians who have nothing to offer but using religion and ethnicity to deceive the people in order to win.
He said his Rescue Administration has exposed such persons who also collaborate with some religious leaders to pretend that they are speaking for the people with the sole aim of deceit and propaganda.
Lalong prayed for the victory of Tinubu/Shettima, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, Chief John Dafaan, Rt. Hon Idris Wase and all APC candidates of the zone during the elections.
Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Idris Wase said the APC is a party of equity and justice with track record of performance which is evident from the collaboration between the Governor and APC Federal legislators to attract projects such as the Federal Medical Centre Wase, Federal Polytechnic Nyak, National Orthopedic Hospital, Jos, Nigerian Law School Jos Campus, Federal University of Education Pankshin among others.
Member Representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency Yusuf Gagdi expressed displeasure with what he described as disloyalty of some APC members who hold political appointments but have chosen to stay aloof from making tangible effort towards the success of APC.
He said he has gone round and seen all the developmental projects Governor Lalong has done in the southern zone and it will be devastating to find anyone from the Southern zone and Shendam who will not to vote for APC.
APC Gubernatorial candidate Dr Nentawe Yilwatda reiterated that the immediate task for the party is to elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President and Governor Lalong as Senator with other candidates of the party to the National Assembly on 25th February.
This he said will usher in a thunderous victory during the Governorship and State Assembly elections in March.
He highlighted the turn around of Lagos which is attributed to Tinubu and stated that Tinubu has chosen Plateau son, Governor Lalong his DG Campaign which shows that Tinubu has great love for the people of Plateau and will give them a prominent place in his Government.
At the rally, Decampees from NNPP were received led by the State Treasurer who said they were amongst the 6 people that were entrusted with the party but he and his people realized that the party was full of deceit. Other Decampees from PDP were also received.
Earlier, the Governor attended a thanksgiving mass and dedication of his campaign at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Shendam and also paid homage to the Long Gamai of Gamailand, HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III who gave him his royal blessings.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 18th February 2023.
