NIGERIA @62: GOVERNOR LALONG SAYS A UNITED NIGERIA IS DESTINED FOR GREATNESS

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed optimism that Nigeria will achieve greatness despite its current challenges.

In a message to mark the 62nd Independence Anniversary of Nigeria, Lalong said a very prosperous Nigeria is possible if all citizens put aside their personal interests and work for the common good in a united manner.

He said “It is therefore important that we do not allow the challenges of the moment to stop us from highlighting and thanking God for the tremendous successes we have achieved over the years. In this regard, we pay special tribute to those who fought for our indigence, those who nurtured it and to all who are doing their best to sustain it. We should continue to do our best to ensure that the sacrifices of these men, women, youths, children and people of various backgrounds do not go in vain”.

Lalong said Nigeria is a great nation with abundant human and material resources comparable to only very few countries in the world and as such, there is the need to ensure that the resources of the nation are harvested and utilised efficiently for the good of all rather than for the benefit of a few.

He challenged those in power to always put the interest of the citizens first and shun any action that will dwindle hope, faith and patriotism among the followers, as it can lead to despondency and add to the problems militating against nation building.

While congratulating President Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians for commemorating another independence anniversary, Governor Lalong prayed that the forthcoming democratic transition will go smoothly and consolidate the nation’s achievements in civilian rule.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
1st October 2022.

GAGDI AIDES CONGRATULATE PRINCIPAL ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS MEMBER SECURITY COMMITTEE OF APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL

On behalf of the hundreds of loyal and dedicated subordinates of Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, member representing PKK and Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Navy, I warmly felicitate with our principal over his meritorious appointment as a member of the security committee of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

Your expertise in security and leadership of one of the armed forces committee of the House of Representatives must have informed your appointment into the committee. We are confident that your expertise will come handy in managing the security aspect of the APC Presidential Campaign.

While pledging our unflinching loyalty and support for you to excel in every assignment bestowed on you, we shall continue to put in our best in our various areas of responsibility in the affairs of PKK and every other engagements that pertains you. You can always count on our support and commitment to serve you and humanity diligently.

Congratulations and best wishes in the discharge of this added national assignment.

Signed:
Pharm. Mizim Haruna Dagung,
SLA to Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi,
Member representing PKK and Chairman House Committee on Navy.

The paramount ruler of Tal chiefdom, the Golong Tal, His Highness Nanleng Yusuf Gotus, in Pankshin local government area of Plateau State, has been kidnapped by gunmen.

Freelance Reporters gathered that the gunmen stormed the palace of the paramount ruler at about 1:00 am yesterday and took him away.

It was learnt that the kidnappers have contacted the palace, demanding N50 million in ransom.

Police spokesman Alfred Alabo confirmed the incident, saying the command had deployed security personnel to rescue the traditional ruler.

GOVERNOR LALONG CONDOLES DEPUTY SPEAKER IDRIS WASE OVER DEATH OF ELDER BROTHER, HRH ALH. ADAMU IDRIS, REKNA OF BASHAR CHIEFDOM.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has commiserated with Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase and the entire people of Bashar Chiefdom in Wase Local Government over the demise of his elder brother and Rekna of Bashar, HRH Alhaji Adamu Idris, Second Class traditional ruler who died at the age of 98.

Lalong while condoling with the people of the Bashar Chiefdom and the Deputy Speaker, said the death of the Royal Father who has been on the throne of his forefathers for 59 years is a great loss to the entire State.

He said during his long reign, the late monarch played a great role in maintaining peace within his domain and also contributing to the progress of Wase Local Government, Plateau State and Nigeria in general.

The Governor said Alhaji Adamu Idris was a man full of passion and compassion for his people and always demonstrated a sense of justice, fairness, honesty and love for education during his reign by encouraging the establishment of schools as well as cooperating with government to attract development to his area.

He said although the exit of the Royal Father is painful, he will continue to be remembered for the good legacies he left behind and the wonderful memories of unity, love and selflessness he demonstrated on many issues.

While urging the people of Bashar, the Deputy Speaker and entire family to accept his death as the will of God, Lalong urged them to continue to pray for God to forgive his sins and grant him eternal rest.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
26th September 2022.

Events organizers in Jos on Sunday were visited by yet another disappointment as singer Terry-G failed to show-up to an event after he was fully paid to perform in the Plateau State capital.was reported that the artist Terry-G was fully paid the agreed amount by event organizers, Oil Money Entertainment for a show, ‘Terry G live in Jos’.

Terry then made a confirmation video to validate his coming with a promise to be live on JayFm on Saturday and later called in the morning to say he was on his way to the airport.

The organiser’s pickup team drove to the airport to welcome him but to their greatest disappointment, Terry-G was not on the plane; after which it was alleged that he stopped picking his calls and neither did he return them.

Recall that singers such as Olamide and Davido did similar act by giving assurances of their coming, but failed to show up on the day of the event in Jos Plateau State.

One of the Frontline promoters of the event, MC Malangwa posted on his Facebook page

“After the organisers paid him,he made this video,he even called them this morning that he was on his way to the airport to board , the organisers drove to Jos airport to wait for his arrival, lo and behold,Terry G was not on the plane,he stopped picking calls and didn’t send any massage”.

“This is not the first time this is happening in Jos, after the massive publicity, the expenditure? Haba !”

NIGERIAN AMBASSADOR TO RUSSIA LAUDS GAGDI FOUNDATION, PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR GAGDI’S POLITICAL MOVEMENT

The Nigerian Ambassador to Russia, Prof. Abdullahi Shehu Yibaikwal, has lauded the establishment of the Gagdi Foundation, noting that it will serve as a veritable tool for a sustained fight against poverty and the provision of better living condition for the downtrodden.

He therefore commended the founder, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi for coming up with such a lofty idea, saying it will ameliorate the sufferings of the less privileged members of the society; beyond politics and religion.

Prof. Yibaikwal was at the corporate headquarters of the Foundation, along Yingi-Rayfield road in Jos, to felicitate with Gagdi for birthing a world class humanitarian organization that prioritizes uplifting humanity, irrespective of race or creed.

The diplomat disclosed that his first point of call on arriving Jos was to visit the corporate headquarters of Gagdi Foundation, to identify with the lofty ideals of the organization, where he pledged total support in whatever form, to help the it achieve its set objectives, as he was not disappointed by what he saw.

The Bogghom Prince declared total support for the reelection bid of Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi for a second term as the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and pledged to exhaust all his political influence to ensure that Gagdi emerges victorious in the forthcoming 2023 polls.

Prof. Abdullahi Shehu Yibaikwal maintained that Gagdi has surpassed all expectations of a performer in his first term in office, and the political exigencies of PKK has favoured his candidacy to clinch a return ticket to the National Assembly in 2023. He thereby called on all well meaning sons and daughters of PKK to support Gagdi, for a better representation of the constituency.

In his response, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi appreciated the august visitor, and the accolades showered on him, maintaining that such words humbled him and rekindled his passion to achieve the best results in whatever he sets his mind on.

Gagdi said he always has innermost peace anytime he puts smile on the face of any individual through humanitarian act, and such had spurred him to establish the Gagdi Foundation; as a separate arm to render humanitarian services outside his legislative functions of providing constituency projects to his constituents.

He said Gagdi Foundation is a vehicle through which he will reach out to humanity irrespective of religion, political or ethnic affiliations.

He promised to use the experience garnered in his first tenure to attract greater democracy dividends to PKK, if reelected in 2023, adding that political power comes from God alone, and always expressed through the will of the electorate at the polls.

GAGDI STRATEGIC MEDIA TEAM
September 23, 2022

GOVERNOR LALONG FELICITATES WITH ARCHBISHOP BENJAMIN KWASHI @ 67

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has sent warm felicitations to Rev. Dr. Benjamin Argak Kwashi, Anglican Bishop of Jos on the occasion of his 67th birthday.

Governor Lalong in a goodwill message rejoices with the highly revered clergyman on the special occasion of his 67th birthday describing it as a moment to give glory to God for sustaining him over the years.

Lalong acknowledges the resilience, faith and passion of Archbishop Kwashi in propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ and sharing God’s love to people of diverse backgrounds including the less privileged and the downtrodden.

He thanked God for giving Archbishop Kwashi the heart to respond to the needs of others through philanthropic activities as well as mentoring the youth by constant engagement, counselling and other special activities.

The Governor also thanks Archbishop Kwashi for constantly praying for the government as well as offering words of wisdom which have helped in enabling the administration fulfil its mandate to the people.

He wishes him long life, good health, God’s protection and happiness in the years ahead.

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

I personally have no problem with Clinton Garuba, who is doing his job, except that he dares to mention me by name as having lost an election and sulking from the loss. Did he need to go this personal? The press statement we issued was a group product and I was only an anchor, a position of trust bestowed on me by people united to work for Atiku as the PDP Presidential candidate.

Very true, I contested the Governorship position and lost at the primaries. I am proud to have offered myself to serve my beloved state Plateau. I had beautiful plans for my state and wanted to add value. This is my State. Whether I won or not is beside the point. Mutfwang emerged from the primaries and I am committed to working for his victory. Which one is Clinton’s stake in this matter except the obvious commercial interest he has always represented in my beloved state and his mistaken view that he understands Plateau politics better than some of us? God forbid.

Since Clinton has such a capacity to win elections, he should go ahead and contest the next Governorship elections in Plateau State and win! O, sorry, he cannot because he is not from our state. Let me, however, be gracious to him and request him to contest a ward election in Edo State and win, and then not sulk. Please go ahead.

For me, the problem is that Clinton is not from Plateau State, and he knows it. Where does he or his grandparents come from? Or is he now from Du and Jos South? Has Clinton not exploited this state enough?

I want to advise this Edo chap to stop nosing into Plateau affairs when it’s leaders and intellectuals are discussing their State. Or don’t we have the right to discuss as Plateau people again? Clinton cannot use our issues to continue to milk a certain family in the name of media advice. Having aspired to lead the state, I have a right to speak on every subject that affects Plateau State. Leadership has been bestowed on me naturally, and the likes of Clinton cannot quiten me. One mlion of his type cannot quite me.

I have been a Professor for 15 years. Where was Clinton 15 years ago? I have held a PhD from a top British University since 1996, 26 years ago. Where was Clinton in 1996, 26 years ago?

I am not an average Plateau citizen, I am among its best and brightest. Clinton should be advised to go to SPS Keffi, ABU Zaria, University of Bradford and where my feet have passes through, let him check my pedigree. I am simply not his match and he should be careful and show some respect whenever he chooses to talk about me. I dislike his going personal on me, or on any Plateau leader or son and daughter for that matter.

RE: PLATEAU PDP STAKEHOLDERS DISOWN JANG.

Our attention has been drawn to a publication purportedly issued by a certain unknown group dubbed Plateau for Atiku group and signed by its Protem Secretary Prof. Shedrack Best. The group in the said publication alleged that Plateau PDP stakeholders disowned Sen (Dr) Jonah David Jang for the asking the National Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu to resign;
Perhaps it is important to school the said group, which has appropriated to itself the noble position of stakeholders, which it indeed is not, of the dynamics of the politics of the PDP to which they are latter-day entrants. They may have been carried away by blind followership to know that Sen. Jang and the other founding fathers of the PDP built it on the principles of justice, equity and fairness and it is these principles that held the party to where it is today. Subverting the constitution of the party long-held tradition of inclusiveness is a sure way to derail the party from getting back to its winning ways.
Senator Jang and the real stakeholders in the party are not surprised that such a publication is authored by Prof. Shedrack Best who is still aggrieved and sulking over his loss in the recently held primaries of the PDP in Plateau State. He needs to let go of the bitterness against Jang as he is not responsible for his loss, the stakeholders decided then, the delegates voted for the aspirants and only one winner was supposed to emerge.
It is true that Senator Jang and other prominent members of the party have been with Governor Nyesom Wike in the fight to entrench truth, carry everyone along and give all members a sense of belonging but they have made it clear that it is for the purpose of moving the party forward and making it meet to win elections. Several calls have been made to the party to salvage the situation and resolve the issues arising from the outcome of the presidential primaries but it seems all call fell on deaf ears. Instead of reinforcing the call on the leadership of the party to do the right thing, it is unfortunate that the so-called unknown stakeholders are seeking for relevance by using the name of Senator Jang as a launching pad. They could go ahead with supporting former Vice President Atiku Abubaker without dragging Senator Jang into their journey to infamy.
Make no mistake about the fact that, Senator Jonah Jang do not have anything personal against His Excellency , Atiku Abubakar as those in this journey of infamy will recall that in 2019 , mobilized his personal resources in support of Atiku despite the fact funds made available for the campaigns was in an attempt to ridicule Jang sent to the wrong persons .
Former Governor Jang has decided to go with the group that believes in the truth and is not surprised that this group of “stakeholders” is not in agreement with the path he has chosen. He did not envisage that everyone will agree with him but he is working based on his conviction that the truth must be told in the interest of the party.
Every loyal party man or woman is indeed wishing for a peaceful resolution of the self-inflicted and avoidable internal crisis rocking the party and it is the belief of Jang that those who have the interest of the party at heart should insist that the right thing is done in order for the PDP to take its rightful place of pride as the only truly democratic party.
Senator Jang and others have made their call loud enough for anyone who wants to listen and the call still remains that in the interest of the party, Senator Iyorchia Ayu should resign as the national chairman of the PDP. That is the just, fair and equitable thing to do, to pave the way for resolution of the crisis and set the party on the path to winning the 2023 presidential elections.
 
Clinton Garuba
Media Consultant to Sen. Jonah David Jang

Former Plateau State Governor, Joshua Chibi Dariye has challenged the people of his state and the rest of Nigeria to go all out to cast their votes for candidates that can provide credible leadership, victory and take them to promise land during the 2023 general elections.

Senator Dariye stated this at a reception organized by his political friends and we’ll wishers at Landfield Rayfield Resort in Jos.

According to him, “If you have PVC then you are my friend. Very soon we are going to meet and see among the candidates who can lead us to victory and promise land. Is not about sentiment, it is not about my tribe or my turn, it is about competence, capability, vision and strength.


“So, therefore, my prayers every time is that God would bring a man with a commitment for the poor, widow, downtrodden, neglected and in the area of development he will not choose between urban and rural area roads.”

Senator Dariye hinted that by the grace of God “we will fix this country and Plateau all together”

Dariye used the event to express gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for granting him and Nyame a presidential pardon.

Dariye also acknowledged the prayers of the people of the state for his freedom, saying your prayers have been answered by God and I’m now free.

The former Senator also gives God the glory for preserving his life throughout his trial moment.


He said, “We are here to rejoice because this is the day that the Lord has made. First of all, let me thank God for his mercy and President Muhammadu Buhari who was so magnanimous and gracious in granting us this presidential pardon myself and Jolly Nyame.

“It is on this note that I am here to say I acknowledge all your prayers, collective solidarity and with the will of God.

Hundreds of political associates and people of Plateau graced the event