COMMANDANT GENERAL NIGERIA SECURITY AND CIVIL DEFENCE CORPS (NSCDC) VISITS PLATEAU STATE TO INSPECT THE NEW NSCDC COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE JOS, PAYS A COURTESY VISIT TO GOVERNOR LALONG, APPRECIATES THE STATE FOR THE EDIFICE GIVEN TO THE CORPS

The Executive Governor of Plateau State and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, His Excellency Rt Hon (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong CON, KSGG has received the Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi OFR, who was in the State for an inspection of the new NSCDC Command and Staff College Jos, located at Lamingo Shere Hills in Jos North Local Government Area of the State, which was given to the Corps by the Plateau State Government, a first of its kind in the country.

The Commandant General, after inspecting the facility, led top officers of the Corps to the Government House Rayfield Jos on a courtesy visit to Governor Simon Lalong.

Receiving the Commandant General on behalf of the Governor, the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS) Prof Danladi Abok Atu formally welcomed the CG and his team to Plateau State.

Prof Atu went on to say establishing the NSCDC Command and Staff College in Plateau State is one of the remarkable achievements of the Lalong-led administration to lobby for the establishment of federal institutions in the State. The SGS said the Governor was delighted when he received the news of the approval by the NSCDC to establish its Command and Staff College in Jos the Plateau State Capital.

Governor Lalong through the SGS then assured the Commandant General that the State Government will ensure a smooth take-off of the college and also prove a conducive learning environment for the officers and men who will be trained at the college.

Prof Atu also applauded A. A Audi who was his student at the Government Teachers’ College, Jengre in 1992, Prof Atu described him as a goal-getter and hard-working man which he said earned him his position as CG of the NSCDC, he then encouraged him to keep up with his performance and good service to the country.

Speaking earlier the Commandant General of the NSCDC said his visit to Plateau State was to inspect the facility for the Command and Staff College of the Corps and also to appreciate the Governor, Government, and people of Plateau State for the Edifice given to the NSCDC to use as their Staff College. Mr. Audi said he was impressed by the site of the college which he said the Corp will leverage on and make judicious use of the facility which would be a citadel of learning for officers and men of the corp while assuring the Government and people of the State that their presence in the Area will also enhance the Security of the community.

The CG then informed the Governor that a commandant of the college will soon be appointed after which academic activities will commence in the college by January next year.

Office of the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS) Plateau.

8th November 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG PRESENTS N139.3 BILLION NAIRA 2023 BUDGET ESTIMATES

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has presented a budget proposal of One Hundred and Thirty-Nine Billion, Three Hundred and Fifty-Seven Million, One Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eighty Naira, Thirty-Eight Kobo (N139,357,144,980.38) for the 2023 fiscal year.

Laying the Appropriation Bill before the Plateau State House of Assembly, the Governor said the budget consists of Seventy-Seven Billion, Six Hundred and Fifty Million, Six Hundred and Forty-Two Thousand, Thirty Naira, Eight-Five Kobo (N77,650,642,030.85) only as recurrent expenditure representing 55.72% of the total budget, and Sixty-One Billion, Seven Hundred and Six Million, Five Hundred and Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty-Nine Naira, Fifty-Three Kobo (N61,706,502,949.53) as capital component which represents 44.27% of the total budget.

He said the budget shows an increase of Thirty-Two Billion, Six Hundred and Forty-Nine Million, Eight Hundred and Seventy-Seven Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty-Eight Naira, Twenty-Six Kobo (N32,649,877,338.26) from the 2022 approved budget.

The Governor said the 2023 budget estimate tagged “Budget of Infrastructural Consolidation and Transition” will focus on completing major projects of the Rescue Administration and ensuring that government machinery continues to operate in a most efficient and productive manner.

He said “Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, you will recall that having completed many inherited and abandoned projects from previous administrations, this Government initiated many projects many which have been completed. Among them are the Legacy Projects comprising of world standard schools and hospitals spread across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State. Although the Legacy Project suffered a setback as result of the failure of the previous contractor to deliver the project within agreed timelines, I am happy to say that the project having been terminated has been re-awarded to a new contractor and advance payment made. The Contractor is to to complete the project for commissioning before the end of this administration”.

Other projects which are being completed and will soon be commissioned according to the Governor include the Plateau High Court of Justice Complex which is more than 95 percent completed and currently being furnished. Also, the British American Junction Flyover and Dualisation to Lamingo Road Junction will be completed and commissioned before the lifespan of this administration.

The General Hospital Mabudi, Langtang South Local Government and General Hospital Kwall, Kanke Local Government are equally being furnished and will soon be commissioned. Similarly, the completed Shendam internal roads and bridges as well as the Angwan Dadi – Kalong Bridge (being the longest bridge in Plateau State) will also be commissioned soon. Others include the Potato Value Chain Processing Centres in Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi, Riyom Water Works among others.

Lalong said the Rescue Administration will continue to operate under a prudent, accountable, and transparent manner in line with the commitment to give value for money and improve the lives of the citizens.

While urging the Assembly to give the proposed budget desired attention, the Governor said he has already directed all heads of MDAs to fully cooperate and make themselves available for the defence of the budget as well as provide necessary details that may be required.

In his speech, Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda said the House will give the budget all necessary attention in order to ensure its passage into law for the good of the citizens.

He added that the accelerated passage of the Budget after all the legislative process will also demonstrate their continued partnership with the executive in the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people.

Sanda advised heads of MDAs to cooperate with the House by appearing promptly to defend their estimates.

Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Idris Wase, Member Representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency Yusuf Gagdi, APC State Chairman Hon. Rufus Bature were among dignitaries that graced the budget presentation.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
11th November 2022.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

10th November, 2022.




Our challenge in the PDP is that we have not evolved into a formidable opposition party capable of wrestling power from the APC. We have been stagnant, revolving around some archaic political methods hoping that the street sentiment will work against the APC.

As faithful and dedicated party members who are desirous of seeing an end to our status as an opposition party, we will not close our eyes to see the party towing that path of failure consistently and feel relaxed about it. We have been drawing the attention of our party’s decision and policy makers in our closets and in the secrecy of our meetings but it seems they are not ready to heed to our advice thereby remaining adamant on a political style that is outdated.

We are left with no option but to make our concern public to draw the attention of some supporters and stakeholders who are not comfortable too with the modus of our campaign and engagement so that collectively our voices will be heard.

While the APC is very focused and has implored issue-based campaigns, the PDP is just clinging on the politics of sympathy solicitation.

If not, what values does it add to us as a party in this state that we will spend two days meeting in the house of our revered political chieftain and the only thing that we can come up with is the plans to destroy our billboards and blaming it on the APC.

And now that some of these plans have been executed, what electoral value has it added to our party? How can someone just wake up and decide to destroy his party billboards and materials to blame it on the ruling party and then assume that that’s the way to win an election in this era of sensitive voters? How about the economic implications of this undemocratic act we have inflicted on the party in the name of whipping sentiments.

For the love that we have for our party the PDP and her different aspirants contesting for different positions across Plateau State, we are bringing out this issue so that many voices will join us in calling our policy makers to retract from that old fashioned campaign method.

As young minds who are desirous of seeing that our party bounce back to power, this method of sympathy shopping won’t take us anywhere rather it will keep us fixed perpetually on that table of self-deceit.

A stitch in time saves nine. Let’s go back to the drawing board and stick to issues based campaign so that we will be able to deliver BCM, Atiku and others.

Signed
Nanchwat Jonathan

Tobias Jeremiah

For ; Reformed PDP Diehards

TINUBU, PCC MEET CAMPAIGN PATRONS AND ADVISERS

Presidential Candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima and the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Tuesday night met with Campaign Advisers and Patrons at the Campaign Headquarters in Abuja.

The Campaign Patrons and Advisers consist of former Governors, National Assembly Members, Ministers, accomplished politicians, and others former senior Government appointees.

Speaking at the event, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said the campaign patrons and advisers are politicians of repute who have done so much for the growth of democracy in Nigeria and have worked for the party.

He expressed delight that the patrons are fully behind him and his vision to give Nigeria a Renewed Hope by working with all Nigerians to make the nation better.

Tinubu reassured them that when elected, he will do his best to tap the experience, knowledge and skills of all Nigerians from different parts of the country in addressing the challenges of the nation.

Vice Presidential Candidate Senator Kashim Shettima said the wide acceptance of the Tinubu/Shettima ticket demonstrates that Nigerias are moving beyond the politics of ethnicity and religious sentiments to considering capacity and excellence.

DG APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong thanked the Campaign Patrons and Advisers for availing themselves to support the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign because of their conviction that he will do his best to carry all Nigerians along.

He said because of their experience and vast connections and followership, the PCC carved out a great opportunity for them to support the campaigns and ensure that it does not derail.

The DG said he was looking forward to having them in Jos for the flag-off of the campaigns which will herald the nationwide movement to engage the people.

APC National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu commended the PCC and the Candidate for coming up with the concept of harnessing the rich and enermous goodwill and potentials of great politicians in the APC.

In a goodwill message, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, said the APC is on its way to winning the elections with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima who are great Nigerians that have achieved a lot in their various political journeys.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and DG, APC Presidential Campaign Council.
9th November 2022.

PLATEAU EXCO APPROVES 139.3 BILLION 2023 BUDGET PROPOSAL TO BE SENT TO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

Plateau State Executive Council has approved a proposed budget estimate of N139.3 to be sent to the State House of Assembly for passage into law as 2023 appropriation.

The State Executive Council agreed on the budget proposal during an Executive Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Simon Bako Lalong.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, Commissioner for Information and Communication Hon. Dan Manjang said the proposed budget has a capital expenditure proposal of 61.7 billion naira and 77.6 as recurrent expenditure.

He said the budget which has an increase of about 37 percent over the 2022 approved budget will be transmitted to the House of Assembly for Legislative action on a date to be fixed.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning, Mr. Peter Lamba who stood in for Mr. Dan Hirkop, Commissioner for Budget and Planning said the increment was necessitated by the on-going recruitment and replacement of workers in the State.

Lamba said the increase also took note of of inflation, other indices and the need to ensure completion of critical projects.

The State Executive Council also expressed delight as Plateau hosts the flag-off of the APC Presidential Campaigns scheduled to take place on November 15th.

It also expressed shock over the demise of Her Excellency Ngo Lydia Bot-Mang, wife of the former Deputy Governor of Plateau State Chief Michael Bot-Mang who died recently as well as the former Chairman of Mangu Local Government Hon. Lawrence Danat.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
8th November 2022.

DG APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF KANNYWOOD INTO TINUBU/SHETTIMA CAMPAIGN

Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong has approved the inclusion of members of the Northern Based entertainment industry popularly known as Kannywood into the PCC as part of efforts to deepen the participation of creative Artistes from Northern Nigeria into the campaigns.

The approval follows the commitment of the APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu made to the group during his recent visit to Kano, organizied by Gov Abdullahi Ganduje where he met with top entertainers from Kannywood who put up a command performance and endored his candidature while promising to work for his success.

Tinubu had promised to ensure that they are given an opportunity to be part of the campaigns and also showcase their talents towards actualising his dream of becoming the President of Nigeria.

The PCC DG Governor Simon Lalong while conveying the approval charged the Group to bring to bear their large followership, appeal, and goodwill in selling the candidature of Asiwaju and his manifesto, Renewed Hope.

The Kannywood Group has Abdul Mahmud Amart as Director, Ismail Na’abba Afakallah as Deputy Director, and Sani Mu’azu as Secretary, with other leaders heading different divisions.


Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and DG APC Presidential Campaign Council.
8th October 2022

APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN FLAG-OFF: GOVERNOR LALONG INAUGURATES 40-MAN LOC

In preparation for the flag-off of the APC Presidential Campaigns scheduled to hold in Jos Plateau State on the 15th November 2022, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong and Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council has inaugurated a 40-man Local Organising Committee to make proper arrangements for the successful hosting if the event.

While inaugurating the Committee headed by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Idris Wase in Jos, Governor Lalong said Plateau State is not new to hosting this kind of event and indeed has a very excellent record of hosting Presidential Campaigns and party primaries that produced Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other eminent leaders.

He said because this is the first time that the APC is hosting such an event, the Committee is expected to put in everything possible to make the event successful and historic.

He said “This flag off of the APC Presidential Campaign is holding under my watch as the Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council. It is a great privilege and a golden opportunity for us to demonstrate that Plateau is a dominant force in APC and will set the pace towards the victory of our Presidential Candidate and others.
You have therefore been drafted into this Local Organising Committee to ensure that the groundwork is laid for the successful hosting of this very important event. Your selection is based on your capacity, loyalty, track record of service to the party and commitment to the success of the Rescue Administration”.

Governor Lalong said he had no doubt that with the calibre of persons in the Committee, they are going to put in their best to ensure that the State shows the APC that the choice of Plateau State as the flag-off venue and the appointment of the Governor as DG of the Presidential Campaign Council is not a mistake.

“I charge you to do everything possible to ensure that we have a very colourful, safe, secure, and memorable flag off. We are expecting high calibre guests starting from PCC Chairman His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR; our National Chairman Sen. Abdullahi Adamu; Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima; all APC Governors; National Assembly members as well as other distinguished leaders of our party from all over the country” he said.

He also tasked them to ensure that supporters are mobilised from all the 17 Local Governments to welcome guests with the highest form of hospitality, culture and other attractions and demonstrate to the Presidential Candidate that APC is rooted in Plateau State and his victory is guaranteed as well as well as that of gubernatorial candidates and other contestants.

Responding on behalf of the Committee members, Chairman and Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Idris Wase said they will hit the ground running to ensure that the assignment is carried out effectively.

He said Plateau is the home of APC and this will be demonstrated during the flag off, assuring that the committee will not disappoint the Governor, the party and people of the State.

APC Chairman Plateau State Hon. Rufus Bature charged the members to put in their best and make sure the flag-off becomes the pace setter for the party’s success at all levels of the elections.

Deputy Governor of Plateau State Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden is the Co-Chairman while Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu is the Secretary of the Committee.

Other prominent members of the Local Organising Committee are the gubernatorial candidate of the APC in Plateau state, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, who is the Presidential Campaign Council Cordinator in Plateau State is to serve as Deputy Chairman of the LOC, Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Yakubu Sanda and APC Chairman Hon. Rufus Bature.

Others are Hon. Yusufu Gagdi Member Representing Pankshin/ Kanam/ Kanke and Alohonsus Longap Komsol, Member Representing Shendam/Qua’an Pan/Mikang, Chief of Staff, some Honourable Commissioners, Special Advisers and some members of the State Working Committee of the APC Plateau State Chapter.

The 40-man Committee also has three Elders from the three Senatorial Districts of the state, Local Government Chairmen and representative of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS among others.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and DG, APC Presidential Campaign Council.
6th November 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG PROMISES TO RETURN MISSIONARY SCHOOLS AS PAPAL KNIGHTS AND MEDALISTS VISIT HIM

In concluding their 14th National Conference in Jos, the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria paid a courtesy visit on Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House Rayfield where they prayed for him and blessed him.

National President Dame Esther Uduehi praised the Governor for his commitment to service and doing his best to change the narrative in Plateau State since he assumed office which has made the State safe and attractive once again.

She said his Government has done a lot to improve the lives of the people through projects and programmes that are visible. She charged him to sustain this tempo in the coming months so as to leave an enduring legacy for the people.

Uduehi also appreciated his devotion to the Catholic Church and constant involvement in activities that relate to the propagation of the gospel.

Governor Lalong while thanking the Papal Knights and Medalists for their visit said it was heartwarming for Plateau State to host the Association which has done a lot to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and raise leaders who have made impact in different fields.

He said his Catholic faith remains his guiding principle that ensures he acts in ways that please God and uplift humanity.

He promised to return missionary schools to their founders as soon as the Committee set up to look into the matter submits its report.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
6th November 2022.

“SHUN PARTISAN POLITICS” GOVERNOR SIMON LALONG ADVISES TRADITIONAL RULERS AS MISHKAHAM MWAGAVUL GETS 1ST CLASS STAFF OF OFFICE

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has asked traditional rulers in Plateau State to shun partisan politics and concentrate on uniting the people and sustaining peace in their domains.

Lalong who spoke during the installation and presentation of first class staff of office to Da John Putmang Hirse as the new Mishkaham Mwagavul, Mangu Local Government warned traditional rulers to shun politicians who want to use them to create division, acrimony and violence in their domains for their selfish political interests.

The event which took place at the Mangu mini stadium had in attendance dignitaries from all over the country including APC Vice Presidential running mate Senator Kashim Shettima, Yobe State Governor Maimala Buni, APC Deputy National Chairman Sen. Abubakar Kyari and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase among others.

Lalong while congratulating the Miskaham Mwagavul for ascending the throne of his forefathers, said the new traditional traditional ruler has a very enviable record of service within his community, Plateau State and Nigeria which gives anticipation that he will excell in the onerous assignment.

He said “Let me advise His Royal Highness and all other traditional rulers to be careful of their conduct and utterances during the political season. You must remain apolitical and demonstrate that you are fathers to all. Resist every attempt by politicians to drag you into their scheming, maneuvering and desperation to get power using ethnicity, religion and other sentiments. Pray for them and admonish them to convince the people and play by the rules of the game. Anyone who chooses to leave his duty and dabble into politics will have himself to blame”.

The Governor said while his administration has no intention of imposing any traditional ruler on the people, it is worthy to say that the Government is disappointed that the efforts to fill some vacant stools in the State are being frustrated due to lingering litigations among the Royal Class. Nevertheless, he said he will continue to do his best to ensure that where vacant stools exist, necessary steps are taken to resolve the issues.

“I must remind you that although I have no part in the emergence of any traditional ruler, I have a duty and powers to remove anyone found to be working against the interest of the people or the State. Those who are privileged to occupy these positions must carry out their assignments based on trust and transparency. No traditional ruler should be a tyrant to his people to take sides with those who are working against the welfare and well-being of the people” he said.

The Mishkaham Mwaghavul Mwaghavul Da John Putmang Hirse in his acceptance speech said he was privileged and honoured to be enthroned as the ruler of his people who are known for hardwork, unity and peaceful coexistence.
He thanked the Governor for allowing the process of his emergence to be free and fair and for making sure the will of the king makers prevails.

In a goodwill message, APC Vice Presidential running mate Senator Kashim Shettima congratulated the Mishkaham Mwaghavul and said the Kanuri people share historical ties with the Mwaghavul people which is well documented and cherished.

He wished him well and assured him of the support and prayers of the people of Borno and Yobe States.

COCIN Vice President Rev. Dr. Timothy Nwan prayed for the new traditional ruler and committed his reign to God. Various District Heads, title holders as well as leaders of resident ethnic groups in the Chiefdom paid homage to the Miskaham Mwagavul.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the
Executive Governor, Plateau State.
5th November 2022.

APC NATIONAL YOUTH LEADER VISITS GOVERNOR LALONG

APC National Youth Leader Comrade Dayo Israel has visited the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House, Rayfield Jos.

The APC Youth Leader told Governor Lalong that he was in Jos as part of youth mobilisation for the APC towards success at the 2023 General elections.

He said during his visit, they had a several engagements with youth leaders from the 17 local government areas of Plateau State where they mapped out strategies for a robust and successful campaign.

Governor Lalong welcomed the youth leader and his team to Plateau State and assured him that the youths will play a great role in the campaigns for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima as well as other candidates of the party across the nation.

Lalong asked the youths to be ready to mobilise for the flag off of the APC Presidential Campaign billed to take place in Jos.

The National Youth Leader was accompanied by some officials from Abuja and Local Government coordinators from Plateau State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Director General APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State.
5th November 2022