Following a resolution between Government and Stakeholders at a meeting which took place on the 6th of August 2022, concerning the rebuilding of the burnt Jos Main Market where it was resolved that further consultations and sensitization should be carried out by stakeholders to members of their various communities, series of engagements, consultations and deliberations by stakeholders has followed suit.

Meanwhile stakeholders in Jos North have unanimously agreed and endorsed government’s decision to rebuild the burnt Jos main Market, the decision was made known today through a press conference held at the Lamounde Hotel, Jos.

In attendance were representatives of the various communities of Jos North which included the Afizere, Berom, Anaguta, Irigwe, Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba and South-South communities.

Making the presentation of report was Hon. Ibrahim Baba Hassan, member representing Jos North/North constituecy in the Plateau State House of Assembly, narrating he said, “this is the united voice of the people of Jos North and let no one from elsewhere come and claim otherwise.” Joining him in the presentation was the 20 elected councilors of Jos North, Chairman of Jos North LGC, Hon Shehu Bala, Former speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Peter Azi, elders of the indigenous tribes in Jos North amongst others.

Part of the endorsement report which included a fifteen point powerful resolution reads;

Considering the foregoing therefore, we the Stakeholders of Jos North after careful deliberations hereby agree and resolve as follows;

1. That we the People of Jos North are wholly and fully in support of the laudable move and effort of the administration to rebuild the Jos Main Market as this is the desire and collective aspiration of our people.We agree that the State Government’s efforts should be intensified towards rebuilding the market as the Market serves a symbol of Unity, a source of integration and a place for synergy for meaningful development. Rebuilding the market will further enhance and solidify the efforts towards enhancing trust, peace, unity and reintegration of our people.

2. We agree that rebuilding the market will further restore the lost beauty of the city centre thereby enhancing its tourism potentials. It will also boost the business environment for which Jos is known for.We the people of Jos North LGA see the market as a symbol of our sacrifice, heritage and material culture for the advancement of prosperity for our people and the State at large.

3. We are pained by the callous and grave disregard for our monumental contribution to the growth of the economy of the State by insensitive remarks suggesting that the market should not be rebuilt or that it should only be rebuilt at a different location other than Jos North. We totally and unequivocally reject and condemn such calls.

4. We agree that rebuilding of the market will bring sanity, discipline and organization to the environment thereby decreasing the incidence of health hazards and health insecurity in and around the city environs.

5. We strongly encourage the rebuilding of this edifice as we believe that it will reduce the rate of crime and criminality in the derelict structure. It will also avail employment opportunities for the vast citizens. Over 75% of the people of Jos North LGA rely on commerce as their means of livelihood, survival and progress.

6. Unlike most communities who rely on farming, we in Jos North have no farmlands due to the rapid urbanization and development that has come about over time. Government agencies and projects have been cited on all lands belonging to us. Hence, commerce is the major economic activity critical to our survival.

7. We further resolve that if the agitation against the rebuilding of the market continues, the agitators should be reminded that the property on which the market was built belongs to the people of Jos North LGA. Therefore, we shall appeal to His Excellency to consider restoring the land to its rightful owners (the people of Jos North LGA).

8. We shall immediately embark on rebuilding the market by every means available to us.

9. The Stakeholders therefore call on the Governor to carry on the rebuilding project. He should remain focused and deflect any distractions from his political traducers.We understand all issues surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding between the State Government and the potential Investors, the terms of the MOU has been clearly and expressly explained to us sufficiently, and we are in the full understanding of and we are abreast of the issues.

10. We understand also that this will bring about the rapid recovery of the economy of the State. We reiterate our support for the rebuilding of the Market at its present location and we urge His Excellency to give special attention to parking lots when rebuilding the market to ensure seamless traffic.

11. Attention should also be given to the provision of intense security in and around the market after completion. A state-of-the-art Fire Services Department should be provided for.

12. In this regard, We have constituted a powerful committee to mobilize and urge our people in Jos North LGA to part of the process in the rebuilding project of the market. They are encouraged to apply and own shops in the Market. 

13. This committee has been given three months to carry out this mandate. We further urge that the Executive Chairman of Jos North LGC, Hon. Shehu Bala Usman to inaugurate this committee within one week. 

14. We urge the Government to guarantee loans and access to working capital for the people of Jos North LGA who are the primary beneficiaries of the market.

15. We wish to acknowledge and immensely thank the Honourable Members of the Plateau State House of Assembly representing Jos North-North (Hon. Ibrahim Baba Hassan) and Jos North-West (Hon. Esther Dusu) respectively for honouring the aspirations and yearnings of their constituents by consulting them on this critical issue of immense importance. This is a true stewardship to their constituents.You both have demonstrated that the Voice of the People is the Voice of God. 

We owe you a lot of gratitude.

GOD BLESS THE PEOPLE OF JOS NORTH

GOD BLESS THE PEOPLE OF PLATEAU STATE

GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.

   

By Prince Sekat, Jos

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State has appointed Chief Latep Dabang as the Director General of its Gubernatorial Campaign.

The appointment was contained in a statement signed by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Hon. John Akans.

The statement said Chief Dabang was part of the 2022 Governorship Aspirants who sought the ticket of the party alongside Hon. Caleb Mutfwang who is now the party’s flag bearer.

The Director General will announce other appointments into the campaign structure as approved by the Party.

“The State Chairman, Hon. Christopher Adukuchili Hassan will inaugurate the campaign team in due course at the party’s Secretariat” he said.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONGRATULATE IBB @81

The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated former Military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida on his 81st birthday.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement said the former President remains an embodiment of patriotism, honour and service.

He described Gen. Babangida as a leader who has remained consistent in his desire for Nigeria to remain united, peaceful and progressive despite its challenges.

Lalong said the Northern Governors Forum appreciates his visionary service to the nation and in particular his interest in the development of the Northern Region through his interventions and wise counsel and engagement with leaders at various levels.

He said the legacies of Gen. Babangida’s leadership have continued to endure and remain a reference point to current and many young leaders.

The Forum according to Governor Lalong will continue to consult with the former President and draw from his wealth of knowledge and experience in tacking the challenges of the region and the nation at large.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
17th August 2022.

“YOUR APOLOGY HAS BEEN ACCEPTED” CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP OF JOS TELLS GOVERNOR LALONG AS 19TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY KICKS OFF IN JOS.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has reaffirmed his loyalty, commitment and faith in the Catholic Church as well as the desire to always be a good ambassador wherever he finds himself.

Governor Lalong was speaking at the 19th General Assembly of the Archdiocese of Jos held at the St. Louis Parish Jos with theme ‘‘The Eucharist our Strength Towards a Better Nigeria”.

Lalong who spoke about the importance of the Eucharist in his life said he continues to draw strength and inspiration from his relationship with God, as well as the teaching and upbringing he has received from the Catholic Church since childhood.

He therefore said the events of the past week relating to his utterance which generated controversy should not be used to judge his love, respect and loyalty to the Catholic Church which strongly teaches forgiveness, tolerance, compassion and repentance.

He said “When there is unity, love and continuity, we can do better and greater things for the Lord. May I appeal to my colleagues, my brothers and sisters in politics, to take a cue from the example displayed by the Catholic Church by closing ranks and seeing ourselves as God’s workers. That way, we can see Plateau State and Nigeria as God’s field and God’s building where we can all play our roles in fulfilling His purpose”.

Lalong also said his roots as a Catholic have shaped his thinking and enabled him to see governance as a duty to serve the people irrespective of their differences and affiliations. Love, justice, fairness and equity he said are his principal considerations at all times when decisions need to be taken, particularly difficult ones.

“We need this more than before in view of our elections coming up in 2023. I urge the Church to continue to pray for the success of the elections and also encourage the people to participate actively and peacefully. Staying away will only give room for the emergence of bad leaders that may not be suitable for the challenges of nation-building”.

He expressed the appreciation of his Government to the Archbishop and entire Catholic ArchDiocese of Jos for not only partnering with Government in several areas, but also offering encouragement, advices and prayers at all times.

Catholic Archbishop of Jos Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Ishaya Audu in his homily stressed the significance of the Eucharist which he said makes provision for Christians to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and work towards sacrificial service as well as being honest, diligent and kind.

Speaking on the apology tendered to the Catholic Church by Governor Lalong, the Archbishop said, “Your apology is accepted. As you know from our President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, has already accepted your apology and so it goes for all of us. We have accepted it and let be sincere”.

He said since the Church encourages its members to go into politics, the intention is for him to work at making a difference in his political endeavour in line with the mandate of the church to its members who are in politics.

While assuring him that the church will not disgrace him or allow him to fail, Archbishop Audu asked the Governor to advise the ruling party on the need for unity, national integration and carrying all segments of the country along which is the major concern being expressed by Christians on the Choice of the President and Vice Presidential Candidate.


Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
16th August 2022.

 

“Says Nentawe is best equipped for the job “.

By Golok Nanmwa,Jos

Pressure group operating under the aegis of Plateau Low land Youths For Good Governance ,has drummed support for the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC in the forthcoming 2023 elections Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, stressing that he has the best blue print .

The group in a press statement signed by its Secretary, Timchang Bolinan and made available to journalists on Monday in Jos stated that the group is confident that Nentawe would revamp critical sectors of Plateau if elected as Governor .

“To us a a group we call on the people of the state to support Dr Nentawe Yilwatda as he is best equipped for the Job .”

The statement further reads that Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda has assured citizens of his resolve to tackle insecurity, unite the people and boost the economy of the State if voted into office in 2023 and we strongly believe that he would fulfill his campaign promises if voted into office .

Dr. Yilwatda would provide leadership in Plateau State, he has analyzed the state and segment the problems ,as an expert in artificial intelligence, Yilwatda would deploy technology to combat crime .

“We are confident that he would ensure that Drones are deployed to rural communities in Plateau ,this would go a long way to tackle insecurity .

Also Nentawe would unite the people ,carry all citizens along in governance ,He would also address the State’s economy and ensure that 10% of the State IGR will be deployed to tackle poverty amongst vulnerable groups like the youths, women, and people living with disabilities .

The statement further added that “We have been watching several debates attended by most of the Governorship candidates of various political parties and then proudly say that Nentawe Yilwatda of the All Progressives Congress APC stands out and would revamp Plateau .

” Plateau needs someone who is glaringly honest and has identifiable pedigree like Dr Nentawe Yilwatda .”

“We equally want a governor who can inspire us to collectively pursue a common goal for our people and the development of our communities like Dr Nentawe Yilwatda

“We want a governor whose actions will inspire us to dream more, learn more, do more and achieve more for ourselves. “We want a governor who has the commitment and passion to truly serve his people and place their interest above his and all this qualities are found in Dr Nentawe Yilwatda “.

The group also added that Nentawe is that Candidate that has established a closer connection with the local government areas, he understands their problems and equally feel their pain.

“I elected he would work hard and provide our people with the suitable solutions to challenges facing them .”

“Dr Nentawe Yilwatda parades several postive attributes and we call on the people of the state to support him as his good agenda for the people are anchored on Agriculture,Critical infrastructural development, Economic, gender and youth empowerment as well as education and Security. “

“We call on the people of the state and to team up with us in order to deliver the former INEC REC who has the best interest of the people of the state at heart .”

GOVERNOR LALONG INSPECTS TINUBU CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS; MEETS ASIWAJU BOLA TINUBU

Plateau State Governor and Director General APC Presidential Campaign Council Simon Bako Lalong was at the Headquarters of the Tinubu Campaign Office to inspect the facility and meet some of the staff.

Lalong was received by the Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council Hon. James Faleke and Director of Administration Hadiza Bala Usman.

He was taken round the building and also ushered into his office.

Thereafter, he welcomed the APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who arrived the office. They went into a closed meeting.

The Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the APC Campaign DG and Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila also held another meeting with Speakers of State Houses of Assembly.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
13th August 2022

Delivering APC at all level is our priority,

The national chairman of APC National Youth Ambassadors today inaugurates APC national youth ambassadors national working committee NWC and State chairmen in Abuja.

Kabeeru who assured APC chairman through the national youth leader, Hon Dayo Israel that delivering APC is a top most priority in 2023, he reiterate the groups commitment in galvanizing support for the party’s candidates.

He says this they will achieve through the party vision and mission which is inline with the party national interest of mobilizing and promoting APC for good governance in the country.

Goodwill messages were said by Hon Bashir, former guber aspirant, Hon Adamu Garba, former Presidential aspirant, wife of deputy governor of Katsina State, Dr Tonye Okio and Hon Muhammed Liberia among host of others.

The all in a separate speeches wish the organization well as they discharge their duties, urged them to not only mobilize for the party but to pray for our leaders, they all pledge to support the organization whenever the need arises.

The Governorship Candidate of Labour Party in Plateau State, Amb. Yohanna Margif has welcome the recent change in leadership of the party in Plateau State which saw the removal of Grace Zamfara as the Chairman of the Party, describing that development as a Nobel one.

Comrade Mike Audu, New State Chairman Labour Party
Governorship Candidate, Chief Ambassador Dr. Yohanna Y.D Margif has also congratulated Comrade Mike Audu over his emergence as the new Chairman of the Labour Party in Plateau State.

This was contained in a statement Signed by his Campaign Director General Solomon Ndam, in Jos the Plateau State on Saturday 13th August 2022. The statement described Mike Audu’s Choice to replace the Former Chairman Grace Zamfara, as a step in the right direction considering his integrity, experience and leadership capacity.

According to the Plateau State Labour Party Governorship Standard bearer, Audu’ antecedents as a political leader and astute administrator will not doubt bring stability to the Party towards victory ahead of the 2023 Polls.

While appealing for calm amongst members of the Labour Party in Plateau State following recent happenings, Margif who reiterated that he is the authentic Governorship Standard bearer of the Labour Party in Plateau State Charged the new Chairman of the Party Mike Audu, to bring to bear his wealth of experience in Piloting the affairs of the Party with his Exco’s and be mindful Of disgruntled and Desperate politicians who are bent on causing confusion in the Plateau State chapter of the Labour Party.

The former Chairman of the Labour Party in Plateau State, Grace Zamfara, was reportedly sacked on Friday after a Vote of no Confidence was passed on her by 14 out of the 17 Local Government Chairmen of the Party in the state following series of petitions bothering on alleged financial misappropriation, anti Party activities and her involvement in the recent Purported and illegal kangaroo Governorship Primary election which took place at Ken’s Palace Hotel, allegedly owned by Former Governor of the state Joshua Dariye.

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT FLAYS BudgIT REPORT; DENIES OWING 6 MONTH’S SALARIES

Plateau State Government has described as misleading and untrue a report by BudgIT titled “2022 Nigerian Sub-National Salary Survey as at July 31st, 2022” wherein it categorised Plateau State under the “red colour” of its mapping with interpretation as one of the States owing salaries of between “6 months and above”.

The survey which BudgIT claims is the result of its field research, is not only very misleading and surprising, but a source of embarrassment to the Government.

While the Government awaits immediate retraction of the publication and an apology from the organisation, we wish to put the records straight on the issue of salary payments in Plateau State under the leadership of Governor Simon Bako Lalong.

As a matter of fact, Plateau workers have never had it good on the issue of salaries in a long time than under the Rescue Administration of Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong who upon assuming office, inherited 8 months unpaid salaries, pensions and other outstanding allowances due to the workers and retirees.

He immediately cleared the bag log and further directed that salaries and pensions should always be paid before 25th of every month which was implemented faithfully.

Because of his consistency in fulfillling this responsibility to the State’s workforce and pensioners, he was nicknamed “Governor Alert” while the Joint Labour Unions of Plateau State Tertiary Institutions honoured him with an award for consistent payment of salaries and improving the welfare of workers.

This prompt payment of salaries continued until sometime this year when the Federal Allocations accruing to all States ran into problems as a result of non-remittance of funds by the NNPC which made it difficult for them to meet their obligations including salaries.

Despite this general challenge which is not peculiar to Plateau alone, workers have received their salaries up till May 2022 while pensions have been paid up to July 2022.

The Government therefore wonders where BudgIT got its erroneous facts from to the extent of publishing it thereby misleading the public.

While the Government is not happy of owing workers salaries for June and July (2 months) as a against the “6 months and above” quoted by the organisation, it wishes to assure its workers that it will continue doing its best to clear the outstanding as soon as possible in tandem with the promise of Governor Lalong never to leave any salaries unpaid during his administration.

However, the Government wishes to caution BudgIT to always cross check its facts and conduct “thorough research” so as to avoid misleading the public, embarrassing the Government, and bringing itself into disrepute.

For now, the Government assumes that this is an innocent and legitimate error which will be corrected immediately, and not a politcal manipulation aimed at disparaging the Rescue Administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong as well as the good people and hardworking staff of the State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
12th August 2022.

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT FLAYS BudgIT REPORT; DENIES OWING 6 MONTH’S SALARIES

Plateau State Government has described as misleading and untrue a report by BudgIT titled “2022 Nigerian Sub-National Salary Survey as at July 31st, 2022” wherein it categorised Plateau State under the “red colour” of its mapping with interpretation as one of the States owing salaries of between “6 months and above”.

The survey which BudgIT claims is the result of its field research, is not only very misleading and surprising, but a source of embarrassment to the Government.

While the Government awaits immediate retraction of the publication and an apology from the organisation, we wish to put the records straight on the issue of salary payments in Plateau State under the leadership of Governor Simon Bako Lalong.

As a matter of fact, Plateau workers have never had it good on the issue of salaries in a long time than under the Rescue Administration of Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong who upon assuming office, inherited 8 months unpaid salaries, pensions and other outstanding allowances due to the workers and retirees.

He immediately cleared the bag log and further directed that salaries and pensions should always be paid before 25th of every month which was implemented faithfully.

Because of his consistency in fulfillling this responsibility to the State’s workforce and pensioners, he was nicknamed “Governor Alert” while the Joint Labour Unions of Plateau State Tertiary Institutions honoured him with an award for consistent payment of salaries and improving the welfare of workers.

This prompt payment of salaries continued until sometime this year when the Federal Allocations accruing to all States ran into problems as a result of non-remittance of funds by the NNPC which made it difficult for them to meet their obligations including salaries.

Despite this general challenge which is not peculiar to Plateau alone, workers have received their salaries up till May 2022 while pensions have been paid up to July 2022.

The Government therefore wonders where BudgIT got its erroneous facts from to the extent of publishing it thereby misleading the public.

While the Government is not happy of owing workers salaries for June and July (2 months) as a against the “6 months and above” quoted by the organisation, it wishes to assure its workers that it will continue doing its best to clear the outstanding as soon as possible in tandem with the promise of Governor Lalong never to leave any salaries unpaid during his administration.

However, the Government wishes to caution BudgIT to always cross check its facts and conduct “thorough research” so as to avoid misleading the public, embarrassing the Government, and bringing itself into disrepute.

For now, the Government assumes that this is an innocent and legitimate error which will be corrected immediately, and not a politcal manipulation aimed at disparaging the Rescue Administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong as well as the good people and hardworking staff of the State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
12th August 2022.