GOVERNOR LALONG INAUGURATES SENATORIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL; SAYS APC WILL WIN BIG.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong and APC Senatorial Candidate for Plateau South District has inaugurated his Campaign Council with great optimism that the APC will win convincinly in the forthcoming elections in the Zone as well as the entire State and country at large.

While performing the ceremony at the Campaign Office in Shendam, the Zonal Party Headquarters, Lalong said the APC has performed excellently in the zone since 2015 which will be consolidated in 2023.

He thanked the people of the Southern Zone for giving him an opportunity to serve them over the years.

“I do not take this opportunity lightly because it shows the trust and confidence you have in me. This has again reaffirmed the kind of support you have given me within the last 7 years as Governor of Plateau State. Such support has not only given me courage and confidence to serve the people of the State, but also attracted the attention of Northern Governors who made me their Chairman. Even the APC at the National Level and indeed our Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu have seen your goodwill and decided to appoint me the DG of the Presidential Campaign Council”.

Lalong said without them honouring him at home, no one outside will recognize him and even give him any assignment.

“However, it is very important that all our members work together to deliver not only the senatorial seat, but all the House of Assembly and House of Representatives candidates of our party. We have done it since 2015 and this coming election in 2023 shall not be different. This is because we have done our best to bring home the dividends of democracy to our people which are very evident and tangible” he said.

He used the opportunity to assure the people of the zone that as DG of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, the party will win the elections at all levels and retain power.

“Eventhough we shall sweep the votes for the Plateau South Senatorial Zone in the elections next year, let us also deliver all our candidates from the House of Assembly, Houses of Representatives as well as the Presidency. Our Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is an experienced politician with track records of achievements in all sectors. As his DG Campaign, I can assure you that under his Presidency, Plateau State and in particular the Southern Zone will benefit a lot. Let us not toy with this golden opportunity” he said.

APC State Chairman Hon. Rufus Bature represented by his Deputy, Zonal Chairman, Abdullahi Nyalun, Majority Leader of the Plateau State House of Assembly Naanlong Daniel, Shendam Local Government Chairman Alex Naantuam and other speakers said the candidacy of Governor Lalong is a blessing to the Southern Senatorial Zone and Plateau State at large as he has gathered a lot of experience that will be very valuable when he gets to the national assembly.

APC Gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda said Governor Lalong has earned his place at the national assembly by the virtue of his experience and performance which makes him suitable the position in the Red Chambers.

He applauded the Governor for taking Plateau to national politics and earning the confidence and trust of his colleagues to serve as Chairman Northern Governors Forum as well as being appointed as the Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council.

Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District Nora Daduut appreciated Governor Lalong for facilitating her going to the Senate and said she will also reciprocate by working hard to ensure his victory. She debunked insinuations that she was not in support of his candidacy, describing it as pure mischief.

The Governor presented 10 cars donated by his supporters to the Campaign Council which were received by the DG Campaign Council Hon. Nimfel Longvel with assurance that they will do their best to penetrate all nook and crannies of the Zone for total victory of the APC.

Earlier, the Governor had commissioned a model primary school structure built by the State Universal Basic Education Board in Shendam where he assured that his administration will continue to prioritise education.

Chairman of the SUBEB Board Prof. Mathew Sule said the school which used to operate morning and afternoon shifts will now operate one shift with the commissioning of more classrooms which were done because of the approval of the Governor.

He was also at the Palace of the Long Tel in Tunkus, Mikang Local Government area to commiserate with him over the death of his brother.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
24th November 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG EULOGISES WIFE OF FORMER PLATEAU DEPUTY GOVERNOR NGGWO LYDIA BOT-MANG

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has described the late wife of former Plateau State Deputy Governor Nggwo Lydia Kachallom Bot-Mang as a mother who dedicated her life to service of humanity and God.

Lalong said this at the Service of Songs for the late Nggwo Lydia Bot-Mang held at her residence in Zawan, Jos South Local Government Area.

The Governor said the deceased who was a professional nurse combined her training and heart of compassion and love to work for the interest of others particularly the less privileged in society.

He said she gave her very best to support widows, orphans, the poor and needy as well as people of her immediate community in various ways.

He praised her for supporting her late husband throughout his political and professional life enabling him to rise to the top and contribute to the development of Plateau State and Nigeria.

Her Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Timothy Dabot said she was a faithful woman who believed in God and supported the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ as well as developing physical structures of the Church.

He praised for her commitment to the Church and generosity as well as mentoring which has assisted many young ones to find the right path in life.

Her friends, colleagues, classmates and relations all reflected on her good attributes which they say will remain with them forever.

While responding on behalf of the family, son of the deceased and former Commissioner for Works Plateau State Pam Bot-Mang said mama was a woman who loved and disciplined her children while building their character.

Pam Bot-Mang who is also the APC Gubernatorial running mate said his mother never supported injustice in politics and always stood for the truth.

He said they will greatly miss her love and care but are consoled by her testimony of impact in the lives of other people across society.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
23rd November 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG MOURNS PLATEAU STATE LEGISLATOR, HON

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed shock over the death of Member Representing QuanPan North Constituency at the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Eric Dakogol who died on Monday 21st November 2022.

Governor Lalong says the death of the lawmaker is a huge loss to his immediate family, Plateau State and Nigeria at large as he was a true democrat and representative of his people.

He said Hon. Eric was selfless and committed to addressing challenges of his constituents both within and outside the Chambers of the House of Assembly and always sponsored and supported legislations that had direct impact on the lives of the citizens.

Lalong said the late Honourable Member displayed loyalty and confidence in his party and stood firm for democratic ideals throughout his legislative undertaking.

While commiserating with his family and members of his Constituency, the Governor said the late politician will be greatly missed because of his love, compassion and honesty.

Governor Lalong also extended his heartfelt sympathy to the Speaker and Members of the Plateau State House of Assembly over the sad incident and asked God to comfort the family and the Assembly.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
22nd November 2022.

Former Governor of Plateau State Chief Jonah Jang is now a serious liability on the PDP requiring urgent disciplinary action to save the party from inheriting the full wrath of the over agitated youths across Plateau State.

A Youth activist and member of the People’s Democratic Party in Plateau State Hon Emmanuel Macham said His Excellency has lost his status,relevance and respect as an elder statesman.

Macham said,He took charged of the party as the CEO and Grand Commander commanding all the regimented activities of the party including financial control after installing his stooges as party executives with the full support of the National headquarters of the party in Wadata Plaza led by Chief Uche Secondus and later Sen Ayoche Ayu in a surprise scenario.

He took advantage of the respect accorded him and the party apparatus at his disposal to lounge himself into a rebel leader leading Plateau State in an attempt to commit political coup against the parties only Presidential candidate Alh Atiku Abubakar.

Whatsoever that has attracted Sen Jonah Jang into the unholy alliance with the rebellious G5 Governors headed by Gov Wike is not beneficial to Plateau State and it’s citizens,leaders of Plateau State historically have never gone into any National alliance due to financial inducement,this scenario will surely pitch Plateau citizens against their northern leaders if care isn’t taking.

This attitude is highly condemnable,embarrassing and not the spirit of Plateau people and will never be exemplary to the upcoming generation Macham said’.

GOVERNOR LALONG CHARGES JUTH MANAGEMENT ON EXCELLENCE

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has tasked the new Chief Medical Director of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) to work assiduously in sustaining excellence in provision of quality healthcare services.

The Governor said this while receiving the management of the hospital led by the new Chief Medical Director of the Hospital Dr. Pokop Bupwatda at the New Government House Little Rayfield Jos.

He congratulated the new CMD on his appointment which he said was well deserved because of his record of service and diligence over the years.

Lalong assured the management of the support of his administration towards ensuring that the hospital operates effectively and with the best capacity to handle tertiary health issues of not only Plateau State citizens but the North Central and other parts of the country.

CMD JUTH Dr. Pokop Bupwatda said they were in the Governor’s office to appreciate him for the support recieved towards his appointment as well as the goodwill the hospital has enjoyed from the Federal Government through the efforts of the Governor.

He cited the approval of the National Orthopedic Hospital affiliated to the University of Jos and to be located in the Lalong Legacy Model Hospital Barkin Ladi as one of the many good things the Governor has done to improve the standard of the hospital.

Similarly, the CMD said the establishment of Centre for Cancer Research and Treatment at JUTH by the Federal Government would not have been possible without the intervention of the Governor.

He assured the Governor that under his administration, JUTH Management will work with the staff and other stakeholders to ensure that all is done to make the hospital effective, efficient and productive.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
22nd November 2022.

ATTACKS: GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS STAKEHOLDERS FROM BOKKOS; VOWS TO FISH OUT CRIMINALS

Following recent attacks in some villages of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State which led to the loss of lives and destruction of properties, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has met with stakeholders from the local government to find solutions to the problem.

While addressing the stakeholders which include traditional rulers, representatives of Ron and fulani, security agencies, youth leaders, local government officials and elders, the Governor said he was distraught by the sad development which was a major setback to the restoration of peace in Plateau State.

He sympathised with the people for the loss of lives and properties lost during the attacks and warned that the Government will do everything within its power to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Governor Lalong reiterated that nobody has the right to kill anyone or take the law into his hands to address any grievance or injustice whether relating to destruction of crops or killing of cows which are reported to be the main source of tension in the area.

The Governor said he has convened the stakeholders meeting to hear from all sides on how to address the spade of violence in the area that is a matter of concern the people and the Government. The submissions he said will assist the security agencies and government to further carry out thorough investigations.

Lalong said while the Government will play its part in ensuring that security prevails in Bokkos and entire State by going after criminals no matter their background, the people must be willing to expose criminals within them and also work together for peace and security.

The meeting later went into a closed door session where the Governor asked the stakeholders to speak freely and frankly to assist the Government find solutions to the immediate and remote causes of the attacks.

At the end of the closed door meeting, the Governor assured the stakeholders that their submissions will be acted upon while a committee will be set up comprising of representatives from Ron and Fulani communities who will work together and bring up any security threat for immediate action.

Chairman Bokkos Local Government Mr. Joseph Guluwa thanked the Governor for convening the meeting and said the people are resolved to unite and face criminals rather than allowing suspicion and mistrust destroy the hitherto cordial relationship that existed among them.


Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
21st November 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG ADVOCATES MORE TRAINING FOR SECURITY FORCES; RECEIVES ARMED FORCES COMMAND & STAFF COURSE PARTICIPANTS

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has again restated the need to increase the number of personnel of the Nigerian security forces as well as enhance their training and retraining to make them effective in tacking insecurity in the country.

The Governor said this when he received members of Senior Course 45 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji who paid him a Courtesy visit as part of their study tour to Plateau State.

Lalong said the Nigerian Security agencies have played a great role in addressing insecurity in the country but must be enhanced through training and retraining as well as more recruitment.

He said “The crimes we face today are different from what we faced in the past and thus require that we adopt new strategies that are relevant to the current dynamics. This means our armed forces must be trained and retrained always in addition to an increase in their numbers. We need to respond to the challenges of today with the strategy of the day”.

The Governor also told the participants that Plateau State has enjoyed the support of the Armed Forces in addressing insecurity which was a major setback to development of the State. He assured them of his support in ensuring a successful completion of their study tour.
Earlier, Director of Joint Studies Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Bindul said the team is one of the 8 going round selected States to carry out studies on the theme “Youth Unemployment and Internal Security”.

He said the 51 participants in the team comprise of various branches of the Armed Forces as well as others from Bangladesh, Malawi, Ghana, Congo Brazzaville and Tanzania.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
21st November 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG COMMISERATES WITH LAGOS STATE OVER LOSS OF HOUSE MEMBER

Plateau State Governor and Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council Simon Bako Lalong has commiserated with the people and Government of Lagos State over the demise of Late House of Assembly member, Hon. AbdulSobur Olawale who died in Jos shortly after attending the APC Presidential Campaign flag-off in Jos.

Governor Lalong who escorted the corpse of the deceased lawmaker to the Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang for onward movement to Lagos for burial said he was shocked over the death of the lawmaker who died shortly after attending the flag-off of the APC Presidential Campaign held at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium Jos.

The PCC DG expressed heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the immediate family, friends and associates of Late Hon. AbdulSobur Olawale (Omititi), his constituents and to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

Lalong said the death of the lawmaker is a huge blow to the Lagos State House of Assembly where he served the people of Mushin Constituency 2 with courage, determination and passion.

He said the commitment of the deceased lawmaker to the cause of the APC and the candidacy of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu ensured that he not only mobilised support for the party and the candidate, but also motivated him to come all the way to Jos to be part of the flag-off off of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign.

Lalong asked God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss and prayed that Almighty God to grant his soul eternal rest.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director, Press and Public Affairs to the
Governor of Plateau State and DG, APC Presidential Campaign Council
November 16, 2022

GOVERNOR LALONG ORDERS SECURITY FORCES TO APPREHEND TERRORISTS WHO ATTACKED MAIKATAKO VILLAGE

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has ordered security forces to go after terrorists who attacked Maikatako village in Bokkos Local Government Area leading to the death of 11 persons and others injured.

Governor Lalong who condemned the attack said the killers must be fished out and brought to justice for the dastardly act.

Lalong said the rising incidences of attacks and destruction of farm crops, livestock and other properties within the general Bokkos area is becoming worrisome and must be checked immediately.

While sympathising with the families of the victims, the Governor reiterated that his administration will not allow terrorists and bandits to take foothold in any part of the State as all security agencies have been directed to be firm and hard on any person or groups behind the criminal acts.

He again appealed to communities to always be security conscious and report any suspicious movements to the security agencies for immediate action particularly during the forthcoming yuletide season.

Meanwhile the Commander Operation Safe Haven and GOC 3rd Armoured Division Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Ali has paid an on the spot assessment to Maikatako village where he inspected the houses burnt and properties destroyed.

Having received briefing from the Sector Commander on the nature of the attack and efforts made to counter the terrorists, he commended the troops and the community vigilante for their quick intervention which prevented further losses.

Apart from ordering the deployment of more troops, the STF Commander directed the troops to pursue the fleeing terrorists and ensure that they are apprended in line with the directive of the Governor and President.

Gen. Ali also commiserated with the families of victims and the entire community, asking them not to take the law into their hands by engaging in reprisals. He assured them that the security forces will not relent in ensuring that the people get justice.

The Chairman Bokkos Local Government, Joseph Guluwa, Commissioner for Higher Education Prof. Barnard Matur, former Chairman Bokkos LGA Hon. Luka Makut were also at the community to sympathise with them.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
16th November 2022.

APC FLAGS-OFF PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN IN JOS

The APC has flagged off its Presidential Campaign in Jos Plateau State with confidence of winning the forth coming general elections and retaining power in 2023.

President Muhammadu Buhari who flagged off the campaign at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium Jos said the APC has all it takes to win the elections because of its performance and level of acceptance in the country.

He said the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Presidential Candidate in a free and fair contest shows that he is an acceptable candidate for the party and Nigerians. He therefore wants the party members to work hard and ensure that there is victory at all levels.

National Chairman of the APC Senator Abdullahi Adamu said the APC has no fear of any political party as it has done well under President Muhammadu Buhari who has turned around the fortunes of the nation in various sectors.

He said Asiwaju will build on the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari and ensure that Nigerians are provided with the best opportunities to thrive.

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in his remarks said serving Nigeria is what he has always done and when elected, he will do more to build the economy, provide jobs, power, security, agricultural production and processing as well as industrial revolution.

He challenged Nigerians to look carefully before they give their votes saying that some politicians have been making promises without any evidence of performance and experience to show.

He thanked Governor Lalong for leading the campaign as Director General and also hosting the flag-off which he described as successful.

In his remarks, Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said,
“You will recall that Plateau State in the past hosted such high level party events which eventually produced Presidents of Nigeria and other national leaders that played significant roles in the growth and sustenance of our democracy. On this occasion, we are at the threshold of making yet another history of producing another President in Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who will succeed our beloved President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 by the grace of God”.

He said the flag-off ceremony heralds the nationwide campaigns that will see the party traversing the nooks and crannies of Nigeria to mobilise, galvanise and propagate the Renewed Hope Agenda that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate Kashim Shettima are bringing to Nigerians. Already, there is great excitement and expectation over the prospects of an Asiwaju Government which promises to serve the people and carry them along just as Mr. President has done over the years.

Lalong while assuring that the APC will sweep the elections in Plateau State and across Nigeria explained that from the strategic engagements and Town Hall meetings held recently with various special interest groups, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the candidate of choice for Nigerians because of his vast experience in tacking problems, ability to listen and gather the best brains to get the job done without ethnic, religious or other sentiments. His records in Lagos State speak for themselves and his ability to network and carry along Nigerians of different backgrounds is unequalled.

Vice Presidential Candidate Senator Kashim Shettima, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Progressives Governors Forum Chairman Atiku Bagudu and other Governors in various goodwill messages assured that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all the candidates of the APC will emerge victorious.

The anchored their confidence on what they called the capacity of Asiwaju and the excellent performance of President Muhammadu Buhari.

APC Gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State Nentawe Yilwatda said hosting the flag-off in Plateau as well as the appointment of Governor Lalong as Director General has affirmed that the State is the home of APC.

He said the State will vote massively for Asiwaju and all candidates of the party because APC has brought a lot of democracy dividends to Plateau State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and DG, APC Presidential Campaign Council.
15th November 2022.