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 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
As you are being celebrated worldwide, having added another year, we join your family, friends and associates in celebrating a life of commitment and uncommon transformation you have invested in the lives of the people.
We are happy that God destined you to become a channel to change the course of the trajectory of the people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam and outside in more ways than one without looking back to count the cost involved.
We are aware of the many phases the constituency has passed through, but combined together; the last four years have been different. God has enabled you to be a source of blessing to individuals, families, groups, communities, state and federal level by changing lives and adding value to the development and progress of all.
Your forays into changing the landscape for the better has continued even when others think otherwise. We are thankful that despite negative insinuations, you have kept doing good, without looking back.
As a group assembled for a cause, we join others in rolling out the drums to celebrate you and to wish you more grace and good health to continue well in life’s journey.
But above all, we share in the thoughts of the majority of the people who are daily praying for your success in 2023, so as to continue the good work you have started.
GOVERNOR LALONG SADDENED BY DEMISE OF NGO LYDIA BOT-MANG. Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed shock and sadness over the death of wife of former Deputy Governor of Plateau State Her Excellency Ngo Lydia Bot-Mang. Governor Lalong said he received the news with immense sadness and sorrow considering the role she played in the development of her immediate community, Plateau State and Nigeria at large. He said as spouse of the former Deputy Governor of Plateau State Chief Michael Bot-Mang, Ngo Lydia supported her husband all through his professional and political career enabling him to succeed. The Governor said the deceased was a true mother who continued to offer wise counsel to his administration as well as carrying out community engagements, working with women and youth groups towards empowering them. Lalong also acknowledged her services to the nation as a trained nurse who gave a lot of succour to the sick particularly the underprivileged whom she spent her personal resources on at difficult moments. While commiserating with the entire Bot-Mang family and especially her son Hon. Pam Bot-Mang the immediate past Commissioner for Works Plateau State and APC Gubernatorial running mate, Lalong urged the family to accept her death as the will of God while celebrating her mentorship, sacrifices and love which will remain with them for a long time to come. Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 5th October 2022.
GOVERNOR LALONG WANTS MORE CHRISTIANS IN POLITICS, AS PAPAL KNIGHTS & MEDALISTS CONVERGE ON JOS
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako has called on Christians to actively participate in politics as a way of contributing to national development and adding value to governance in Nigeria.
Governor Lalong spoke while addressing the 14th Annual Conference of the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria holding in Jos.
Lalong said the theme of the Conference “Fratelli Tutti: Path for Credible Elections for Good Governance in Nigeria” is very appropriate as it will discuss issues about leadership recruitment and the delivery of good governance in Nigerian by the political class and bureaucrats.
He said “Many have suggested and rightly so, that Nigeria’s many challenges stem from poor leadership. However, a lot of people forget or do not realise that leadership does not begin and end with elections. It starts much earlier and continues afterwards. As someone who has been in politics most of my adult life, I can say without fear of contradiction that leadership recruitment begins with the consciousness of the society on what kind of leadership it desires. This determines the level of participation or otherwise of the citizens in the process that identifies, adopts and presents candidates for elections. Sadly, many of our brothers and sisters shy away from getting involved and would rather prefer to criticize, castigate and sometimes pull down those in office”.
Lalong said while he appreciates the fact that the Catholic Church has a robust platform for encouraging and pushing its members to participate in politics, so much still needs to be done within the entire Body of Christ in Nigeria to ensure that more Christians occupy decision-making offices.
“As children of light, we must be on the table of governance in order to stop darkness from taking a root and dominating. That is why I appeal to the Church to continue to create avenues for constant engagement with Christian politicians for proper articulation of its interests and evaluation” he said.
National President of the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists Rt. Hon. Dame Esther Uduehi said the body is made up of Catholics that have been honored by the Church for their contributions in the propagation of the gospel and for touching humanity in positive ways.
She raised concerns over the rising cases of religious intolerance, crime, terrorism and banditry which has not only affected the economic and social lives of the people, but restrained the freedom of people to practice their faith.
Dame Uduehi praised the signing of the new electoral law which she said will guarantee free, fair and credible elections where leaders who have the interest of the people at heart are elected.
Chairman of the occasion and Director General of the ITF Sir Joseph Ari said the conference provides an opportunity to further discuss how the Church and its members can contribute to the democratic process and also highlight the issues that pertain to propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
He said the Association has all it takes to support the Church in all its activities and also assist society to address very critical challenges impeding its growth.
Chairman of the Jos Province Retired Justice Pius Damulak said the Province was privileged to host the National Conference for the second time, urging the participants to proffer suggestions on the way forward towards ensuring that Nigeria conducts an election that meets the aspirations of the citizens.
While declaring open the Conference opened, Catholic Archbishop of Jos Most Rev Dr. Matthew Ishaya Audu represented by Monsignor Professor Cletus Gotan welcomed the Papal Knights and Medalists to Jos and said the meeting was timely especially going by the theme chosen.
He said what Nigeria needs was not religiosity but righteousness which is founded on love, truth, fairness, equity and selflessness.
He said the 2023 elections provides a room for citizens to freely choose their leaders based on informed positions and not sentiments or misinformation.
Earlier, a mass was held at the St. Louis Parish Jos to usher in the conference.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 4th November 2022.
It is no longer news that Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi spoke last last at Abuja PUSDUNG 2022 organized by the Abuja chapter of the Ngas Development Association.
Perhaps what may be new is the ‘dust’ allegedly raised and certainly not controversy generated. That being said, there is need for the re-education of any who has taken it to ridiculous levels in order to make a political capital out of it.
They have accused him without let of being a front and all manners of despicable, derrogatory innuendos, just so to limit his estimation in the eyes of the good people of the state and beyond.
Seeing that they have been boxed and reduced in stature by the nature and character of Gagdi’s ascendancy, they are doing all they can to dim the star in him; yet, in his meekness he has concluded thus: ‘I leave everyone who speak bad against me with Almighty God. We will all appear before God and on the day of judgement and HE will judge’.
The question we have repeatedly ask is: For how long would they continue to wallow in self destruction, knowing that the man has continued to move like a train, clearing and laying foundation of good things in PKK?
Now we know better what they would have preferred: Get elected, go to Abuja, do nothing, but return empty after four years of the mandate. But Gagdi is a man on a mission, no matter the inhibitions and wedges placed in his path; and thank God, PKK has reaped bountifully. The proof of a genuine man are in the quality of the kind of things he does to people.
We have failed to understand why Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has not been ‘arrested’ by now having been labeled as ‘thief’. They perhaps should let us know how much he has ‘stolen’ from either government or private tills.
He has said: “I am not a thief, I swear I am not! But few people that envy me and are politically uncomfortable with me are busy blackmailing me. But even if I steal, which I do not, it is better to steal and bring it back to your people”.
The All Progressives Party flag bearer of Plateau State, Dr. Nentawe Goshwe has remained a light and would have since parted ways with Gagdi if he was a bad politician, yet the tangent with which they both have touched and transformed lives are so nuanced, that they remain the best among others of what the state needs.
That God has anointed Dr Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe among others, particularly of Ngas extraction is indication that the party loves them. Today, there are proofs that there are others in the opposition PDP, who, because of the genuineness of what he will do in the state, they are ready to jump ship to honour Nentawe by voting for him in 2023.
To say that Gagdi is cantankerous, noisy, boisterous and arrogant is to miss the essence of the Dan Malikin Kanam. If speaking the truth without blinking is arrogance, pray, say when shall we expect such genuine men, who will stand out and speak for the causes of people?
We know that the election in 2023 for them is not a do or die affair; it will be won because if you check their trajectories, they are truthfully concerned about working to change Plateau State for good. The 2023 election will provide that lattitude for people like Nentawe and Gagdi among others.
Freelance Reporters 