“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.

He is the way forward for Plateau State:

Dr.Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe is the way forward for Plateau State,this are the exact words Prince Rotdunna Sekat made when he visited the office of the Generation Next Youth Wing .

As part of the activities to mark and celebrate the International Youth Day which is celebrated August 12 with the theme ” Intergenerational Solidarity,Creating A World For All Ages” which fits in perfectly with the blue print of “Generation Next” and Dr.Nentawe Yilwada Goshwe,the powerful Youth Wing of NENTAWE THE ONLY WAY a group that has youths cutting across the State who are passionate about the development of Plateau State who want a positive change paid a visit to the Chairman of the Generation Next Youth Wing Hon. Donald Nimmak and their Excos at their office today August,12 ,2022,to discuss and chat the way forward for a better Plateau with Dr.Nenatwe Yilwatda Goshwe who has shown great patriotism and zeal to bring about a better Plateau for all.

Leading the Youth Wing of the NENTAWE THE ONLY WAY group, Prince Rotdunna Sekat a youth on the Plateau that has continue to show great commitment to the development of Plateau State did not hide his joy stating that Dr.Nentawe Yilwada Goshwe has proven over time that he is the best choice base on his track record and many things he has done impacting people and providing solutions all over the world in different capacities,therefore the group is there to partner with the Youth Wing of Generation Next to chat a way forward bringing new ideas and giving advice where necessary in order to promote the candidature of Dr.Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe and the Generation Next Youth Wing.

On his part Hon.Donald Nimmak responding, thanked the powerful delegation and reemphasize that the Youth Wing is open to all and open to more meaningful contributions and always eager to reach the grassroot as Generation Next is about the people,he further stated his delight over the visit which is remarkable and timely on the International Youth Day with a theme that fits in to the ideas of the captain of the ship in the person of Dr.Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe which must be sustain.

“NENTAWE THE ONLY WAY” is a group made up of well meaning people on the Plateau who has seen what many have not seen about Dr.Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe a personality that has Plateau at heart .

GOVERNOR LALONG VISITS CHIEF JOSHUA DARIYE & REV. JOLLY NYAME

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has led a top delegation from the State to visit former Governor Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye and former Governor of Taraba State Rev. Jolly Nyame to rejoice with them over their release from prison after being granted pardon by the President.

Governor Lalong alongside his wife, Mrs. Regina, National Assembly Members as well as Members of the State Executive Council first visited the residence of Chief Dariye to appreciate God for his release and encourage him and his family.

Lalong told Governor Dariye that the entire State received the news of his release with joy because they have been praying for him since his travails and encarceration happened.

He said so much prayer and appeal was made towards the pardon granted to him and thankfully, the President was magnanimous to accept to grant the pardon.

The Governor while appreciating President Muhammadu Buhari for giving Dariye another opportunity, said this is the time for Chief Dariye to reflect and forgive people that may have offended him as has been his practice during previous challenges.

He prayed God to continue to give him sound health even as he offers advise to the State while making available his vast knowledge for the good of the people.

Responding, Chief Dariye said he was full of appreciation to God for making his release possible and also using people like Governor Lalong and President Buhari to make his release possible.

He narrated his ordeal in prison and said it was a difficult moment but God saw him through and made him survive.

Dariye also debunked the rumour that he was running for Senate describing it as unfounded and untrue as he has not bought form or done anything to that effect.

He advised politicians in Plateau to unite and rally round the Governor in promoting the interest of the citizens saying governance is an opportunity for those in charge to do their best and leave posterity to judge their efforts as no one can finish the business of Government in a day.

Thereafter, the delegation visited the residence of former Taraba State Governor Rev. Jolly Nyame who also expressed deep appreciation for the role that Governor Simon Lalong played towards his pardon and release.

Nyame said he was highly encouraged by the love and care shown towards him and Dariye, saying the experience of the past will be put behind so that they forge forward.

Governor Lalong while congratulating him over his freedom said the entire people of Taraba and Plateau States are excited with their release because they share historical ties that have bonded them together over many years.

While urging Rev. Nyame to also forgive anyone that might have offended him in the course of his ordeal, Lalong said the act of forgiveness brings total healing and freedom.

Prayers were offered at both visits for the good health, protection and safety of the two former Governors.

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

FC MNJTF DECORATES TROOPS WITH OPERATION LAKE SANITY MEDALS
…Appreciates thier acts of gallantry.

The Force Commander (FC), Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Major General Abdul Khalifa Ibrahim has showered encomiums and extol the selfless sacrifices and contributions of the troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the ongoing onslaught against members of the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) and their Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) counterpart in Operation LAKE SANITY.

General Ibrahim made this known on Thursday, 11 August, 2022 at Headquarters 7 Division while decorating officers and troops with their medals. The Force Commander said the Operations conducted within the Lake Chad Basin by members of the Multinational Joint Task Force was supported by troops of Sector 1 and the Air Components of Operation HADIN KAI.

He said “We are here today to thank and appreciate the gallant officers and troops of Headquarters 7 Division and Sector 1 OPHK for participating in the operations along with Sector 1 MNJTF of Cameroon”. The collective efforts has brought about tremendous normalcy in Banki, Baga, Cross Kauwa in Nigeria, Baruwa in Niger, Litri in Chad and Kolumfata in Cameroon.

The Force Commander further said that things are picking up gradually within the general area of the Lake Chad Basin, refugees and internally displaced person’s have been resettled back to their ancestral homes, Schools that where hitherto closed are now open, commerce have commenced in those areas and we have continued to work acidously to ensure that the terrorists are completely wiped out.

During the parade troops of OPHK were decorated with their medals. While, earlier the Force Commander was briefed on the Operational successes recorded in the course of the concluded Operation LAKE SANITY from the Sector’s Area of Operation.

Some of the activities that marked the ceremony were the inspection of Quarter Guard, operational briefing, Presentation of medal, Press Briefing, courtesy visit by the FC MNJTF to the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, presentation of plaque and sourvenirs, signing of visitor’s book and group photograph.

Dignitaries at the occasion were the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Major General W Shaibu, the Chief of Staff Headquarters 7 Division, Formations and Units Commanders, Principal Staff Officers from Headquarters 7 Division, Staff Officers from Headquarters Multinational Joint Task Force, officers of Sector, troops as well as members of the Press.