NORTHERN GOVERNORS GREET ELDERSTATESMAN COL. SANI BELLO AT 80
The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with elderstatesman Col. Sani Bello on his 80th birthday.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a message said Col. Bello who is the father of one of them, Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, has served Nigeria and continues to offer his wise counsel and vast knowledge for the development of the country.
He described him as a noble Nigerian who distinguished himself in his military career and discharged his duties diligently both as Military Administrator of old Kano State and one time Nigerian High Commissioner to Zimbabwe.
Lalong said Col. Bello remains an epitome of humility, honesty, hardwork and compassion where he continues to use his opportunities to impact the lives of less privileged members in society through his foundation and educational institutions.
While wishing him many more years of God’s blessings and protection, Governor Lalong urged the elderstatesman to continue to offer his wise counsel and vast experience to the Northern Governors Forum as they address the challenges facing the region.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governors Forum. 28th November 2022.
“TINUBU HAS NATIONAL ACCEPTANCE” LALONG TELLS LAGOSIANS AT APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN RALLY
Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong has told Lagosians that their son, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has national acceptance as the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Speaking at the APC Presidential Campaign Rally held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere Lagos, Governor Lalong said Nigerians are grateful to Lagos for giving them the best candidate who is the most suitable person to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2023 by the grace of God.
He said “His records of performance in Lagos stand him out as a good manager of people and resources who can make something out of even the most difficult situation. He has demonstrated that he can take Nigeria to greater heights through ideas and assembling the best brains. He is not a man who talks too much but his results cannot be hidden. Since he became Governor of Lagos State, the commercial capital of Nigeria has never been the same again. He did not only govern well, but handed over to people that he trained who have carried on with his legacies and also brought up more ideas. That is the hallmark of a leader who thinks about the next generation and not just today”.
The DG said Tinubu has over the years prepared for this moment by building bridges and reaching out to people from other parts of Nigeria which explains why everywhere you go in Nigeria today, it is Jagaban and others.
He maintained that from what happened at the flag-off in Jos to the mammoth crowds in Delta and Ebonyi States recently, it is very clear that Nigerians have decided to go with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima. Therefore, he reminded them that charity begins at home.
National Chairman of the APC Senator Abdullahi Adamu said the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the flag bearer of the party is a good omen for the party and Nigeria because he has good antecedents of capacity, justice, fairness and solution finding.
Chairman Progressives Governors Forum H.E Atiku Bagudu said the level of acceptance of Asiwaju across the nation clearly puts him ahead of others in the race to Aso Rock. He said Jagaban has done so much to support others at various levels and is also enjoying same support because of his passion for a better Nigeria.
Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila said Nigeria is waiting for the elections to give their votes to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose commitment to Nigeria is very prominent.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwoolu said the people of Lagos and the South West has released Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the whole of Nigeria and will give him all their votes so that the whole of the country will feel the impact of the man who knows the challenges of Nigeria and has strategically outlined an action plan to tackle them in his manifesto “Renewed Hope”.
In his remarks, APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu thanked the party faithful for coming out enmasse to demonstrate support and love to him and the APC, assuring that he will not let them down.
He said Nigeria needs people who are known for excellence and results not those who come with promises without record of performance.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to DG APC Presidential Campaign Council & Governor of Plateau State. 26th November 2022
GOVERNOR LALONG IMPRESSED WITH PROGRESS ON BRITISH-AMERICAN FLYOVER; CHARGES CONTRACTOR TO KEEP TO DELIVERY DATE
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says he is impressed with the pace and quality of work at the British-American Flyover construction and dualisation to Lamingo Roundabout Junction.
Governor Lalong who undertook a brief unscheduled visit to the site said the level of work is commendable as the contractor has been on site all the time carrying out the construction work.
He said he was happy with the quality of work which meets specifications and is very optimistic that with the commitment of the contractor, the project will be delivered on schedule.
Lalong who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Works Hon. Victor Lapan said the British-American Flyover is one of the many projects that President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to visit Plateau State to commission in the coming months.
Project Manager of the contractor, Craneburg Construction Company Ltd. Engr. Charbel told the Governor that the company was working assiduously to keep faith with the terms of the Contract and also ensure that the aspirations of the Rescue Administration are met.
He said both the staff and management of the Company are working round the clock to complete the Flyover and Dualisation as most of the critical infrastructure has been provided.
Plateau State Commisioner for Works Hon. Victor Lapan commended the Governor for his commitment to funding the project through the special financing arrangement that has removed the constraints of delays of payments for certificates of work done.
He said the Ministry and its technical staff have also been supervising the project to ensure that it is constructed with the best materials and according to global engineering standards.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 24th November 2022.
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.
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