GAGDI 2023: WUS GAK, AS A NEW SLOGAN SURFACES ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
This is not the first time that a slogan would emerge on the campaign trail of the Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi for PKK 2023.
One which emerged only this week was when he paid a surprised visit to Tuwan in Kanke LGA on October 4, 2022; where his supporters urged him not to relent but to increase the tempo without ceasing.
Translated in Ngas- WUS GAK or in Hausa- WUTA KAWAI, his supporters meant for him not to backpedal; as the coast of the challenge needed more of such actions until he arrives at the National Assembly in 2023.
Being propelled by the people of his constituency, it is encouraging that their faith in him has never waned; rather, given his progressive and populist representation, they have continued to reap the good things that such has brought to the various communities of PKK.
To urge him not to relent is an excellent indication of trust and confidence in a man who has always meant well to the constituents.
Because it is in God that we always trust, WUS GAK, GAGDI! Let the fire 🔥 not cease!
“CHIEF S.D. LAR TAUGHT US POLITICS OF INCLUSION, PRINCIPLES AND BRIDGE-BUILDING” GOVERNOR LALONG.
President Muhammadu Buhari has described late Chief Solomon Daushep Lar, former Governor of Plateau State as a politician whose passion for the people remained paramount throughout his political journey.
The President who was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha unveiled the autobiography as well as the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation and Institute in honour of the late Political leader, said Lar remained committed to democratic ideals during his lifetime leaving behind worthy legacies that have endured.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong who was Chief Host of the event, disclosed that his preference for politics of inclusion and Bridge-building is a result of the mentoring he got from the first civilian Governor of Plateau State Chief Solomon Daushep Lar.
Lalong said like Baba Solomon Lar, he is not perturbed by criticism of his governance style which downplays exclusion, tribalism and religious bigotry.
He said “Personally, Chief Solomon Lar groomed me among many others in politicians and taught us so much about politics. One of the key things to highlight about Baba Lar are his politics of Principles; Inclusion; and Bridge-building. Although he stood by his principles in the opposition NPP, nevertheless he reached out and had friends across other political parties including the then ruling NPN and people from various parts of Nigeria. Some of his friends include people like Abubakar Rimi, Dr. Jim Nwobodo, Chief Bisi Akande among others”.
He recalled that In delivering service to the people, Baba Lar practiced and taught the principle of balance, inclusion, excellence and fairness. In his time, Plateau became home to people from all over Nigeria and foreigners because he never allowed ethnicity to becloud his search for capacity and excellence. He appointed non indigenes into very senior positions in Government because of their capacity. Among them is Justice Obi Okoye as Chief Judge of Plateau State and Mrs. Akinrinade, Commissioner of Finance. Mr. Chris Abashia, a Fulani man was his Special Adviser on Political Matters while in the Plateau State House of Assembly, an Urhobo man Chief Okporido was the Chief Whip.
This he said was the reason why he has adopted the philosophy of the late Political sage to ensure that Plateau State once again returns to its position as the Home of Peace and Tourism and a destination for all Nigerians and foreigners alike.
“Today, our Rescue Administration has continued to work hard to restore such legacies of Baba Lar in ensuring that Plateau State heals from wounds of its ugly past. Despite the criticism and attacks against me on appointments, rebuilding Jos Main Market, Peace Building and reconciliation among others, I have remained resolute because of the realization that even Chief Solomon Lar that we are eulogizing today faced such criticism over his decisions. However, posterity has vindicated him and he is now receiving accolades. My duty is to continue to appeal to our people and Nigerians not to politicise everything, but preach love, unity and peace”.
He said Baba Lar as he was fondly called, was a politician whose faith in God and belief in the tenets of democracy and freedom impacted his conduct at all times. Little wonder, he earned himself the name “Emancipator” because of his style of governance which endeared him to the grassroots in the then Plateau State that also included current Nasarawa State.
Chairman of the occasion and former President Goodluck Jonathan said Chief Solomon Daushep Lar was a great Nigerian who opened his arms to people from diverse backgrounds and also ensured that politics benefited people at the grassroots.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said the legacies of Chief Solomon Lar are numerous and worth celebrating for a political colossus of his calibre.
APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu and his PDP counterpart Senator Iyorchia Ayu said the event is coming at a time when political activities are in top gear in the country which brings an opportunity to reflect on the ideals he stood for and profusely defended, being one of those who played very important role in birthing the restoration of the democracy.
Widow of Chief Solomon Lar, Ambassador Mary Lar said she was highly elated by the honour done to her husband who stood for unity, love and selflessness throughout his political career.
She said the foundation and institute will vigorously pursue his ideals and also work towards ensuring that his mentoring legacy is sustained.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 6th October 2022.
DOKPAI ROAD: THE PEOPLE MATTER, INTERVENTIONS IN PKK BY RT HON GAGDI ARE CONTINUING
Ordinarily, at the venue of any wedding, political statements often don’t carry significant weight. Many are wont to think that they may be statements delivered on the spur of the moment.
However, while celebrating the marriage solemnization betwee Justin Dimka and Anne Suwa on October 1, 2022 at Kabwir in Kanke, the Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi did not only attend; but he made a statement that jolted a number of people, as well as reassure them of his good intentions towards the people as always.
Those who know him well are wont to believe that he is a man of character; he says it and ensures that it comes to pass.
Having provided a number of projects in most communities of PKK in the last three and half years, it is not surprising that the Gungji-Shiwer-Dokpai road has been brought up on the burner, as yet another addition.
That is a milestone for the constituency. It is also an addition to the many initiatives that have been executed by Gagdu since he he arrived at the Green Chamber three and a half years ago. It has been an experience celebrated by all who cherish anything good for the constituency.
These are just what to expect again during his second term come 2023. This, we can confirm because it is in God that we always trust.
GAGDI FELICITATES WITH CECILIA YILKORA ON HER APPOINTMENT AS COMMISSIONER FOR TOURISM
The reward for dedication and loyalty is manifest in the appointment of Hon. Cecilia Yilkorah as a member of the Plateau State Executive Council as the Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality.
Hon. Cecilia has been a steadfast party woman who has paid her dues in the growth of the All Progressives Congress, not only in her Kanke LGA, but the state in general through women mobilization and charitable activities.
It is on this premise that I join thousands of your well wishers to congratulate you on this milestone and wish you success in this tasking responsibility of nation building.
I never doubted your ability to deliver on this mandate,having worked closely with you as one of my most trusted aides in the past three years.
Like the aphorism, ‘a golden fish has no hiding place’, your sterling qualities are sparklingly astonishing. I pray this appointment serves as a springboard to greater responsibilities ahead.
Once more, congratulations!
Signed: Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, (Dan Malikin Kanam), Member Representing PKK and Chairman House Committee on Navy.
GOVERNOR LALONG PRAISES PLATEAU BORN POLICE OFFICER, CSP DANIEL ITSE FOR REJECTING 200 THOUSAND DOLLARS BRIBE
Governor Simon Bako Lalong has praised Plateau State born police officer CSP Daniel Itse Amah who was recently honoured by ICPC for rejecting $200,000 bribe from robbers.
CSP Daniel Itse Amah, an indigene of Jos East local government area of Plateau State, joined the Nigerian Police Force as a Cadet Inspector in 2002 and is currently serving as a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bompai Police Station in the Nasarawa local government area of Kano State.
He is said to have rejected the bribe in the course of investigating a robbery matter was which was reported to the Police Division in Kano State where he was the DPO.
Governor Lalong while congratulating the officer for his honesty and patriotism to reject the temptation to participate in corruption and conceal crime, said he has made his family, Plateau State and Nigeria proud by his actions.
Lalong said he was not surprised because the action of CSP Itse is in tandem with the Plateau spirit of diligence, honesty, patriotism and hardwork.
While urging him to keep the spirit and also continue to mentor others, the Governor said by this singular act, the career of the officer is very bright in his quest to serve the nation.
He also urges other officers and Nigerians in all sectors to emulate the exemplary conduct of CSP Itse which is one of the tonic that Nigeria requires to be transformed.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 6th October 2022.
DG APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL MEETS NATIONAL CHAIRMAN
After the meeting of the APC Presidential Campaign Council held on Tuesday at the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Headquarters Abuja, Director General and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong and the Progressives Governors Forum led by Governor Atiku Badugu led some members of the Council and Governors on a visit to the National Secretariat of the APC to meet with National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu and members of the NWC.
The Director General informed Senator Abdullahi Adamu that they were at the APC Headquarters to brief the NWC about their plans and activities as part of consultations with critical stakeholders.
He intimated him about the engagements that the PCC had with the Progressives Governors Forum and said everyone is being carried along to ensure that the APC conducts a robust campaign that will ensure its victory at the polls.
Senator Abdullahi Adamu welcomed the Director General and his team and assured them that the party leadership was ready to do its part in ensuring smooth campaigns for the victory of the Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other candidates of the party.
The meeting thereafter continued behind closed doors.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and DG, APC Presidential Campaign Council. 5th October 2022.
GOVERNOR LALONG SWEARS IN 7 NEW COMMISSIONERS; CARRIES OUT MINOR CABINET RESHUFFLE
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has sworn in 7 new Commissioners to replace those who resigned from his cabinet to pursue their political careers.
Governor Lalong who performed the ceremony at the Victoria Gowon Hall, New Government House Little Rayfield Jos, also announced a minor cabinet reshuffle.
Lalong who congratulated the new appointees said they were recognized and identified to serve the people of Plateau State because of their personal achievements, records of service, as well as the support to the APC-led Rescue Administration over the years. He said “you are coming on board at the twilight of this administration when we have just about 8 months to complete our mandate. Indeed, you are coming into office at the time that is most crucial as we tidy up our projects and programmes to complete the fulfillment of our campaign promises. This means that you have to hit the ground running and catch up fast to enable you effectively deliver. While we are continuing with ongoing projects and carrying out new initiatives, the largest attention of the Government at this time is devoted towards completion of projects which will be commissioned in the coming months. Already, we have many of them that are fully completed and others almost completed in various sectors ready for commissioning. I expect that you will liaise with the bureaucrats in your MDAs to ensure that you get acquainted with the progress so far”.
He charged the new Commissioners and most especially the old ones to do more in propagating the achievements of the administration through the media as well as community and social platforms.
Lalong said he has observed with dissatisfaction that those in charge of MDAs are not doing much in talking about the laudable programmes and projects of Government within their areas of jurisdiction. Some do not even defend the Government’s records in the face of desperate propaganda and attacks by the opposition to deceive the public that the APC Government has not done anything.
“This must change from now henceforth as we are facing elections where our records should give us an advantage during the campaigns. I shall be monitoring the propagation of our achievements by the MDAs more closely and also ascertain the passion, loyalty or commitment of each appointee to this administration. We have so many achievements to talk about and put the records straight about the successes of our Rescue Administration and indeed that of the APC at the Federal level. Because we are at the verge of another general election, your performance will impact the fortunes of the Government and the ruling party in the elections. I expect that you will give your best within this short time to prove the point that you were not appointed out of mere sentiments but because you have a lot of value to bring to the table. Let me reiterate that you were all chosen based on merit and on the strength of your records of selfless service and passion to improve the lives of the people”.
The Governor who used the opportunity to thank the former Commissioners who served diligently and gave their best towards the implementation of the vision and policies of the Rescue Administration, said he did not sack anyone as all of them resigned voluntarily with some of them deciding to join the APC campaigns for the 2023 General elections.
He also warned them on working against the interest of the APC and the people of the State.
“You should remember that you have been brought into Government at such crucial time to serve and not be served. This appointment is not a promotion to self-aggrandizement or a window for corruption, mismanagement or waste of public resources. Anyone found to be working against the public interest or at cross purposes with the mandate and vision of the Rescue Administration will be shown the way out. You must project our party the APC at all levels as anything short of that will not be accepted”.
Responding on behalf of those sworn in, Commissioner for Higher Education Prof. Barnard Matur thanked the Governor for finding them worthy to be appointed out of many qualified citizens of Plateau State.
He said they will put in their best to serve the people and ensure that the vision and mandate of the Lalong APC Rescue Administration is realised.
The new Commissioners are: 1. Prof. Barnerd Matur (Higher Education) 2. Hon. Peter Akujah Inbutuk (Physical Planning and Urban Planning) 3. Mrs. Cecilia Mermwakat Yilkorah (Culture, Hospitality and Tourism) 4. Chief Benjamin Zoyong Jang (Science and Technology) 5. Mr. Tehlkuk Naanlep Pingwai (Lands and Survey) 6. Hon. Elisha Bitrus Shehu (Environment) 7. Hon. Daniel Dung Dalyop (Youth and Sports)
In the cabinet reshuffle, Hon. Victor Lapan moves from Youth and Sports to Works while Hon. Gyang Musa moves from Science and Technology to Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs. Hon. Dan Hirkop moves from Higher Education to Budget and Planning. All others retain their portfolios.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State. 4th October 2022. Â Â
Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong is to swear in newly appointed Commissioners recently screened and confirmed by the Plateau State House of Assembly .
The event scheduled to hold at the Victoria Gowon Hall, New Government House Little Rayfield Jos will take place on Tuesday, 4th October 2022 by 10am.
All appointees and invited guests are to be seated before 10am.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 3rd October 2022.
GOVERNOR LALONG CELEBRATES PLATEAU APC CHAIRMAN HON. RUFUS BATURE @60; CHARGES HIM TO LEAD PARTY TO VICTORY IN 2023
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Chairman of the APC in the State Hon. Rufus Bature as he marks 60 years, describing him as a man of integrity, competence and reliability.
Lalong who attended a thanksgiving service to mark the event at COCIN Church Kufen, Barkin Ladi LGA, said the celebrant is an epitome of humility who has demonstrated capacity to work with people from all backgrounds particularly at the grassroots level.
The Governor said Hon. Rufus Bature who was one time Member of the Plateau State House of Assembly and Secretary to the Government of Plateau State among others, has exhibited high sense of patriotism and resilience in serving Plateau State and Nigeria over the years.
He said 60 years in the life of a man calls for celebrations particularly for someone who rose from a humble background to work hard and by God’s grace rose to political prominence.
He commended him for serving his family, community, and humanity with all his gifts, talents, and resources as well as ensuring that many indigent people are assisted while many children go to school.
Lalong asked Rufus Bature to continue to be a loyal, committed and kind person he has been over the years particularly through their political journey spanning many decades.
He said “We suffered with Rufus during our persecution by the Obasanjo government over our stance against State of Emergency in Plateau State and our refusal to illegally impeach former Governor Joshua Dariye. Our seats were declared vacant and we were rendered very poor but we stood together despite the inability of the Governor to take care of our families as agreed. After our travails and in the course of our ordeal we lost some of our colleagues. We are grateful to God that he saw our suffering and decided to reward us with the positions we hold today when we decided to join the APC. Rufus is a reliable and trustworthy person and that is why I appointed him the Secretary to the Government and he later contested and was elected Chairman of the APC in Plateau State. I know he will deliver our party to victory not only in the State but in the Presidential elections”. He regretted that despite their sacrifices some politicians are spreading false and toxic narratives against the Government alleging that Plateau heritage is being mortgaged by the APC, a situation he described as very unfortunate.
In his Sermon, guest preacher Rev. Gyang Pam, Provost, Gindiri Theological Seminary reading from Luke 12:13-21 cautioned people against paying attention to worldly acquisition that are temporary to the detriment of eternity.
He said no matter what anyone accumulates, he cannot take anything after death, but will rather have to account for his or her deeds before God.
Rev. Pam said the celebrant has continously done his best to look after the interest of others in the society particularly the underprivileged. He urged him to continue in this line of service to his people and humanity in general.
The celebrant, Hon. Rufus Bature said he was very grateful to God for creating and sustaining him over the past 60 years and lifting him up from a humble background to a place of note in society.
He recalled his struggle in life and thanked God for the good and bad times which he said helped in building him up to be able to take up higher responsibilities in Plateau State and the nation.
Bature specifically thanked Governor Simon Bako Lalong for his unrelenting friendship and commitment to service which he said attracted him to join the progressive movement in 2015 leading to his appointment as the first Secretary to the Government of Plateau State from Beromland.
He said Governor Lalong has also brought projects to his Constituency including the Legacy Project (Special Hospital) which has been designated as the site for the proposed Federal Orthopedic Hospital for the North Central Zone among others.
There were goodwill messages from CAN Chairman Plateau State Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, Chairman Barkin Ladi LGA, and Gwom Rwei Barkin Ladi, HRH Edward Gyang Bot who all appreciated Hon. Rufus Bature for his service to the community and the Church.
They advised the people to participate actively in the political process and shun all rhetoric that causes division and hate.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 2nd October 2022.
GOVERNOR LALONG REVIEWS INDEPENDENCE PARADE, CHARGES NIGERIANS TO STRENGTHEN DIVERSITY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State says harnessing the benefits of Nigeria’s diversity is key to eliminating most of the challenges besetting national development.
Governor Lalong who spoke shortly after reviewing the independence parade held at the Rwang Pam Township stadium Jos said Nigeria has made significant progress during its 62 years of existence as a sovereign Nation.
He said despite the challenges the nation has passed through, its citizens have remained resilient and continue to have faith in the unity of the country. What he said remained important was for Nigerians to do more in appreciating the diversity of the country as well as harness it for growth.
“Nigeria is a great nation with abundant human and material resources comparable to very few countries in the world. These blessings have passed through different attempts to harvest them for the good of the citizens who are diverse in ethnic, religious, social and political orientations. Our diversity which in itself is a major resource has also put demands on managing our endowments to the point that many question whether it is a blessing or a curse. However, we should never forget that Nigeria’s diversity is in its greatest strength and not its weakness. Therefore, we should devote more time, energy and resources on things that unite us than our differences of origin which in most cases we have no control over. We should equally devote more energy towards ensuring that people are treated fairly, justly and with dignity that is guaranteed by our constitution. Plateau State under our watch presents this template of managing diversity”.
Lalong who said he was addressing the State on Independence Celebration as Governor for the last time, described the event as very nostalgic for him and one that reminds him about the journey so far.
He said “Many of you will recall that when we came on board, we were confronted with many challenges that threw our State into a near state despondency and hopelessness.
From the high level of insecurity and unrelenting attacks on our people, to the huge months of unpaid salaries, pensions and arrears as well as abandoned projects littered across the State, we knew that the task was a huge one. However, I am happy to say that despite the many setbacks we were confronted with such as global crash in oil prices, criminal attacks, Covid-19 among others, we have been largely successful in restoring Plateau State to its status as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
He said his Rescue Administration can proudly boast of being one of the few across the country to vigorously pursue the completion of abandoned and inherited projects started by previous administrations including Government of a different political party. Rather than allow the common patrimony of Plateau people to rot away under the guise of political ego, he vowed to complete many of the abandoned projects inherited for the benefit of the people.
“While handling the inherited and abandoned projects, we also initiated many new projects with most of them completed, commissioned and put into use while others are on the verge of completion. Our administration believes that this approach is the best way to sustain development and defend the Plateau Heritage. In the coming months, we shall be commissioning some of the completed projects and others soon to be completed. Some of them include the New High Court Headquarters Complex, General Hospital Mabudi, General Hospital Kanke, Kalong-Angwan Dadi Bridge (the longest bridge in Plateau State), the Shendam Internal Road Networks, and the Potato Value Chain Processing Centres in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu. Work will soon resume on the Legacy Projects located across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State. Our commitment is to ensure that we complete ongoing projects before the end of this administration”.
On security, the Governor appreciated all citizens for their support and collaboration towards the restoration of peace and security in Plateau State over the years saying although total success in eliminating criminal attacks have not been achieved, the State has substantially overcome the wanton destruction of lives and properties through ethno-religious crises and other senseless attacks on the people.
On the forthcoming general elections, he said “Let me therefore use this opportunity to call on all politicians to put the general interest above their personal or party interests before, during and after the elections. We should never do anything that will jeorpadise, the peace, security and unity of Plateau State and Nigeria just to win elections. Without peace and stability, there will be neither democracy nor room for any politician to canvass for votes or aspire to lead. We must act with utmost responsibility and caution because despite political differences, we are all Plateau citizens and shall continue to remain brothers and sisters. Similarly, I urge the youths to shun all forms of actions that are inimical to conduct of peaceful elections such as thuggery and violence. Nobody should deceive you into believing that you are relevant or you can be made rich through violence. Think about your future and reject those who hide their children but recruit the children of others to carry out political violence on their behalf. Our administration has demonstrated that it is committed to providing opportunities for youths through empowerment and job creation. That is why I challenge you to take advantage of empowerment programmes rather than participating in political violence”.
He reassured all stakeholders that the Government under his watch will ensure that that the rights of citizens and political parties and their candidates to freely sell their manifestos and canvass for votes as enshrined in the law are protected.
However, he warned that those who want to use politics to cause chaos and disharmony will be confronted by the security agencies that are empowered to maintain law and order. Similarly, those who also want to cause trouble through fake news, hate speech, and incitement should be ready to face the law.
Commissioner for Information and Communication Hon. Dan Manjang in a remark appreciated the Governor for successfully hosting the event and also ensuring that there is peace and harmony in the State.
The parade also featured match past by the students of various schools while winners were given prizes.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 1st October 2022.
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