REPS PASSES ADMIRALTY UNIVERSITY ESTABLISHMENT BILL
The House of Representatives, today, passed the Admiralty University, Ibusa Establishment Bill into law. With this enactment, which awaits concurrence by the Senate, Nigeria can now boast of two military universities, the first being the Army University Biu, in Borno state.
Sponsor of the Bill and Chairman House Committee on Navy, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, while leading debate on the importance of the university posited that Admiralty University, which shall be run by the Nigerian Navy with fully accredited courses by the National Universities Commission, will offer wide range of courses relevant to admiralty sector, and produce engineers that would make up for the manpower deficit in relevant areas.
Prior to the unanimous voice vote that heralded passage of the bill, several contributors to the relevance of the Bill to the nation’s economy have voiced their support for the bill and commended sponsor of the bill for resilience in ensuring the idea comes to fruition.
Similarly, Federal Polytechnic, Nyak-Shendam Establishment Bill, sponsored by the member representing Panlshin/ Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, Rt Hon. Yusuf ADAMU GAGDI , has passed second reading today. When passed into law, the bill shall provide the legal framework for the institution, which was already established by executive fiat by the Buhari led administration on the request of His Excellency Rt Hon. Simon Bako Laong.
Gagdi who also led debate on the Federal Polytechnic Nyak-Shendam Establishment Bill, expressed optimism that the House shall pass the bill without unnecessary delay, so as to give the institution the full backing of the law in order to access funding through budgetary provisions.
Gagdi appreciated the support of his colleagues in the various bills he has sponsored so far, while assuring that the Senate will concur the Admiralty University Bill and that Mr President will assent to it, giving its importance to the Nigerian Navy in particular and the nation in general.
He averred that all the bills he has sponsored, which have been passed into law are of immeasurable relevance to the various sectors they are meant to relate.
LALONG LEGACY PROJECTS: PLATEAU EXCO APPROVES 26.6 BILLION FOR COMPLETION
Following the earlier termination of the contract for the construction of Legacy Projects by the Plateau Government, the State Executive Council has approved the award of contract for the completion of the projects at the sum of N26.6 billion.
The sum is for the completion projects and the engagement of a consultant to provide pre-contract services.
Briefing newsmen after the Council meeting, Commissioner for information and Communication Hon. Dan Manjang disclosed that the legacy projects are located across the 17 local Government Areas of the State.
They include the construction of 9 No model primary schools, 6 No model secondary schools and 6 No model hospitals with a completion period of 32 weeks.
He explained that the State Government had earlier secured 18 billion naira for funding the Lalong project which was still available for the work. He said the project was also rescoped downwards to N26.6 billion, adding that Council approved the sourcing of the shortfall of N8.6 billion.
He explained that Council approved for further funding to be raised from the capital market for furnishing and equipping of the projects.
The Commissioner said the Rescue Administration was determined to complete the projects as they form part of the legacies it wants to leave behind for the people of Plateau State who entrusted their mandate to Governor Simon Lalong.
He said already, some of the Legacy projects have come in handy for other uses such as Model Secondary School in Ny’ak Shendam Local Government Area which has been donated as temporary site for the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic N’yak.
He said others are being considered for the establishment of the Plateau State University Teaching hospital among others.
Manjang said the projects which are at various stages of completion will be commissioned within the tenure of this administration.
The Commissioner said the Executive Council also approved over N647 Million for the procurement of Water treatment chemicals awarded to Messrs Reliant Overseas Ltd.
He said “Council approved N647,480,000 for 100 MT of Aluminum Sulphide (Alum), 248 MT of hydrated lime and 1000 45 kg drums of Calcium Hypo chloride”.
He said Council received a report that the State has recorded two cases of Monkey Pox disease in Bassa and Shendam Local Government Areas, assuring that the Government is doing everything possible to ensure that the disease does not spread.
He urged citizens of Plateau State to imbibe good personal hygiene as well as take all preventive measures to nip the cases in the bud.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 15th June 2022.
GOVERNOR LALONG FELICITATES WITH PRESIDENT, COURT OF APPEAL JUSTICE DONGBAN AT 66
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated President, Court of Appeal Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem as she marks her 66th birthday.
Lalong in a congratulatory message said Justice Monica has continued to be a shining light in the Judiciary by providing sound leadership since assuming duty as the President of the second highest court in the land.
He commended her for upholding the virtues of integrity, honesty, diligence and fairness in the conduct of her official duties, urging her to sustain this posture in the years ahead as she serves the nation.
Lalong also acknowledged her passion for improving road safety in Nigeria which has seen her devote time and resources to collaborate with stakeholders in ensuring that motorists apply caution as well as observe traffic regulations.
The Governor wished her more years of happiness, good health and wisdom.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State 13th June 2022.
RT HON IDRIS MAJE AND I ARE NOT AT WAR- RT HON GAGDI
The attention of Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has been drawn to a trending New Media report on an alleged ‘beef’ between the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Idris Maje, and himself on different platforms.
The invention of this report is meant to cause disaffection between them, having failed in their attempts to dissuade Rt Hon Gagdi during the recent campaign for reelection in the primaries in May 2022 in Pankshin
Rather, if anything is going well for both of them, it is their resolute concern to unite their supporters and people to win their respective election come 2023.
While it is a known fact, that both representatives and the people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam and Wase have been on the best of terms, we are indeed taken aback by the evil machinations of some warped minds who are interested only in their belly and not what can be done to the people of the constituencies, state, and Nigeria.
We are constrained to issue this statement and to further reinforce their determination to give the best to their constituencies, state, and Nigeria, today and always.
Let us warn those trouble-making rumor-mongers and their cohorts that it is pointless dissipating their energies by causing dissatisfaction among these wonderful representatives who have already carved a niche in their legislative business and agenda.
Pharm Dagung Haruna Mizim, Senior Legislative Aide to Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, National Assembly, Abuja
The Plateau State Judiciary has received a boost with the swearing in of 4 new Judges of the State High Court and a Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal.
While performing the swearing in ceremony at the New Government House Little Rayfield Jos, Governor Lalong said their appointments are based on merit and in recognition of their excellent service to the State and Nigeria over the years.
He said going by their antecedents, he had no doubt that they will take the Judiciary to higher levels and enhance the cause of democracy, good governance and the rule of law.
Lalong said “Since your calling as Judicial Officers gives you the rare privilege of making decisions that affect the lives of the people and sometimes bordering on life and death situations, you must never take this assignment lightly or allow frivolous considerations to influence you. Consider this duty as a Public Trust given to you by God to represent him in the affairs of men. Endeavour to stay true to your Oath of Office and discharge your duties with the fear of God and without fear, favour, affection or ill-will. Failure to do so will not only erode your integrity, but also put the entire society on the path of chaos and anarchy. When people cannot get justice, they may be forced to resort to self-help and other unconventional means to resolve issues. This will not augur well for the well-being of the society”.
The Governor used the occasion to reassure the Judiciary of his personal support and that of the Executive Arm of Government as well as the Legislature towards making sure that they operate under a conducive environment. He said the new High Court Headquarters complex which is at the furnishing stage will soon be commissioned as well as the Multi-Door Courthouse which has also been completed.
The Governor also advised them to be wary of politicians that will like to induce them so as to get undue advantage ahead of the 2023 general elections.
“At times like this, there is high tendency for enormous pressure to be mounted on Judges by politicians who want to get undeserved advantage at all costs. I know you have the capacity to resist attempts to corrupt, confuse, intimidate or blackmail you towards participating in unethical conducts. Please stay focused on the oath you have taken and discharge your duties according to the laws of the land and the dictates of the legal profession”.
The Judges sworn in are Hon. Justice Ladi Agyer Madaki, Hon. Justice Elizabeth Angai, Hon. Justice Longden Jacob Danladi, Hon. Justice Dasplang Samchi and Khadi Yahaya Mohammed Kanam of the Sharia Court of Appeal.
Responding on behalf of the Judges, Hon. Justice Ladi Madaki said they will do their best to serve with equity, fairness and justice as well as ensure that they live according to the oath they have taken.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State. 13th June 2022.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONGRATULATE GEN. ABDULSALAMI ABUBAKAR @ 80
The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar on his 80th birthday.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong in a statement said the former Head of State is a man of integrity, patriotism, fairness and justice which have defined his public and private life.
Lalong said Gen. Abaubakar apart from serving the nation actively in the military, rose to the pinnacle becoming the head of State where he steered the ship of the State successfully and played a pivotal role in the democratic process by handing over to a civilian administration in 1999.
Governor Lalong also said that Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar has remained an strong advocate for the consolidation of democracy, accountability and good governance through his engagements under the National Peace Committee where he continues to interact with stakeholders and pursue democratic ideals.
The Governor also said the Northern Governors Forum has benefited from his fatherly role and wise counsel in addressing the challenges of the nation and those of the the region.
Lalong while wishing Gen. Abubakar many more years of good health, God’s grace and protection, urged him to continue to avail the nation and the Northern Region his reservoir of knowledge and experience.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governors Forum. 13th June 2022.
GAGDI’S THIRD ANNIVERSARY: NO NEED TO ROLL OUT DRUMS, OR BEAT HIS CHESTS, HE IS DETERMINED TO ADD ON THE MILESTONE
Ordinarily, anniversaries are meant to call friends, family members, and other well-wishers to celebrate. They are meant for deep soul searching and introspection.
While it is a known fact that ttoday most public officers may have had elaborate plans to call friends and family members to the celebration of the Democracy Day as well as the anniversary of their being in office, the Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi is ahead in his thoughts and thinking differently.
Much as he would have loved to gather his constituents in his office in Pankshin, Kanke or at Kanam, he has been in the last few weeks working on plans on how to make life better for them.
Any representative worth his price sleeps and wakes up on a daily basis with more plans and strategies than one on how he will realize the dream of better legislation and interventions for constituents’ lives.
Talking about interventions, the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency without sounding pretentious has had a fair share of mouth watering people-oriented activities.
Being the man that he is, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi is still not satisfied with all that he has done. He believes the myriads of what he has brought to his constituents, state and federal are a tip of the iceberg.
Truly, they are. Recall that during his tour of the constituency in April-May 2022, he spoke truthfully of what he plans to do should they place their trust in him to represent them in the 10th Assembly in Abuja.
All those construction works;; employment opportunities; youth and women empowerment; interventions in the education and health sectors; provision of credible palaces to royal fathers; electricity and provision of potable water to communities in the constituency are no mean feat.
These and many more are continuing; as such, no matter the lens anyone would prefer to use to gauge his contributions, Rt Hon Gagdi cannot be pushed aside and or ignore his contributions to the political and socio-economic development of the constituency.
Interestingly, he has been handed the baton for re-election. The people won’t be disappointed that they trusted him and are continuing.
WHY GOVERNOR LALONG IS THE BEST OPTION FOR TINUBU’S RUNNING MATE:
_A Rejoinder to Dasuki Nakande’s diatribe against Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong.
By Rt. Hon. Baba Akawu
In politics, nothing is shocking and impossible particularly when people are contesting for a position, working to achieve a set target or assiduously fighting over an interest. However, sometimes shocking things surface in politics when people vomit hatred for people they perceive as political enemies or are deceived to think they have come of age and can malign and pull down people they have no comparism with in terms of political accomplishments. That is the story of Dasuki Nakande, a former Minister of State who came up with a toxic concoction against Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong with a view to damaging him politically. His problem is that Lalong, whose name has been all over the country as likely choice for Vice President, should not be picked by Tinubu as running mate.
In the write up, Nakande completely lost his sense of reasoning to the point that he arrogated himself powers he does not possess of speaking for the Muslim Community in Jos as well as allocating himself fictitious votes that he gave APC standard bearer Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the just concluded Presidential primaries. In all his castigation of Governor Lalong, Dasuki who is obviously sponsored ended up shooting himself on the foot and rubbishing his claim of being from Plateau State and a member of the APC or its Elders Forum.
Dasuki’s first faulty claim was that Asiwaju Tinubu was not the choice of Governor Lalong, but rather of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi which made Governor Lalong to stop Tinubu from coming to Plateau to meet delegates. This is a blatant lie that he wants to feed the gullible with at all costs. Unknown to Dasuki, Governor Lalong has been in touch with Asiwaju throughout the period of consultations and indeed had face to face interactions with him on several occasions. Arrangements for the visit of Asiwaju to Plateau were made and finalized but due to tight schedule of the Jagaban, they kept changing and shifting until it was not feasible again. In all this, Asiwaju never told anyone (not even the weeping Dasuki) that Lalong stopped him from coming to meet Plateau delegates. One then wonders why he is crying more than the bereaved.
On the relationship between Rotimi Amaechi and Governor Lalong, the writer wasted precious time trying to establish their long standing relationship and fraternity which started many years ago when they were Speakers. Has Asiwaju told Nakande that he does not know their friendship or does not appreciate their loyalty to one another? Does he think Jagaban takes friendship and loyalty lightly or suffers traitors like him who will spew out venom against his Governor simply because of hatred or being sponsored by enemies of Plateau? On the contrary, Tinubu knows more about Lalong and Amaechi than Nakande and respects that relationship just as he would expect others to do to him. He has no grudges against Lalong or any other person including those who contested against him in the APC primaries. He has said this severally right from his victory speech at Eagle Square and has proven it by visiting most of those that contested against him. Dasuki will not hear about this and in his hatred, forgot that Lalong was neither an Aspirant nor a Delegate.
One also wonders where he came up with the falsehood that Lalong is claiming he worked for Tinubu. Where is the evidence of that claim? Rather, it is Nakande that should tell the world when, how and where he and others (Amos Gizo, Paullen Tallen, Alphonsus Komsol) gave votes to Tinubu in a Convention they were neither delegates nor part of stakeholders that prepared for the event. It is a miracle to hear that people who lost elections in the past and recently are claiming to be the ones dashing votes to Asiwaju at a national convention. Besides, aside from Hon. Komsol, these are people that have never won an election into any office. They have rather been fortunate to lobby and get appointments. Perhaps this is what they are cleverly positioning themselves for future appointments by deriding and castigating their Governor with the hope that Tinubu will appoint them when he wins. Must you pull down someone to grow? Who tells him that Lalong will not work for the victory of Tinubu and the APC in the general elections? Even those who contested and lost have pledged to work for the party, what more of Lalong who did not vie for the ticket?
Any right-thinking person will shade tears in disgust by the effrontery of Nakande to assert that Lalong should not be picked as Vice President running mate because he is not a leader who believes in justice and fairness and that he has not restored peace to Plateau State. He also claims that Lalong has not appointed many Muslims into his cabinet nor done projects in Hausa-Muslim Community. In short he accused Lalong of marginalizing and oppressing the Muslim Community in Jos. Haba Dasuki! Are you alright? Is it the same Lalong that is being vilified for allegedly “mortgaging Plateau to the Caliphate” or is it another Lalong we don’t know about?
To say that Lalong has marginalised any part of Plateau based on ethnicity or religion is the height of insensitivity and bigotry oozing from someone who has served at the Federal Executive Council. Contrary to these false assertions, the Hausa-Muslim community in Jos has never had it so good like under the Lalong Government where they are carried along in appointments, projects distribution and day to day running of Government. For the records, there are Muslim Commissioners in the State Cabinet; 2 Deputy Chiefs of Staff Government House (both Muslims); several heads of MDAs and Permanent Secretaries, Advisers and Special Assistants. If not for mischief, why has Dasuki never complained about this so-called marginalization until now that he senses that Governor Lalong is likely to be made the Running mate for Tinubu?
One is not surprised because Dasuki is an Abuja-based politician who has lost touch with home and does not know what is happening. He has mixed his hatred for Lalong with bitterness over his inability to win the APC ticket into the House of Representatives after several attempts or even secure Councillorship seat for his son. He also contested for the post of APC Party Secretary and lost woefully. Bringing Lalong into the recent bye election for Bassa/Jos North House of Representatives Constituency which some members of the APC worked against the party and gave victory to the PDP is very disheartening. Dasuki who participated in the anti-party activity is now the self-acclaimed “arrowhead” of protecting the APC at the Eagle Square during the Presidential Primaries where he was not close to the venue.
Again, Dasuki makes a caricature of himself when he claims that it is unpatriotic to begin to talk of religion or region as a selling point for leadership rather than merit. Ha! Is this not the same person using religion to claim Governor Lalong is marginalizing the “Hausa-Muslim Community”? Did he not allege that Lalong meddled in the Bassa/Jos North Reps elections to deny the “Hausa-Muslims” the chance to occupy the position? Why is he speaking from both sides of the mouth about merit and equity/justice? When it is convenient for him, he is and advocate for equity, fairness and justice. When he hears the news that same considerations could make Lalong the running mate for Asiwaju bola Tinubu, he recoils and embraces merit. But the good news is that Governor Lalong qualifies for not only the post of the VP, but even the President of Nigeria based on merit and equity, justice and fairness.
Lest Dasuki deceives the gullible and poisons the minds of right thinking Nigerians against Governor Simon Bako Lalong, let us educate him and his sponsors on why the APC Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will be coasting home to victory with Lalong as his running mate.
1. Lalong has never lost an election since 1999. He contested for House of Assembly and won. He was re-elected and served as Speaker for 7 years (the longest in the history of Plateau State).
2. He survived a complete Recall process defeating the Federal Might of Chief Obasanjo regime.
3. He is loyal to the core and does not betray people. He endured pressure, money and even went to jail for refusing to carry out sham impeachment of former Governor Dariye. Tinubu will need a loyal VP!
4. He is the Chairman of the 19 Northern Governors and the first Christian to hold that position (he did not campaign for it but was unanimously chosen by his colleagues).
5. He was the Chairman, Conference of Speakers of Houses of Assembly.
6. He is the current Chairman, Conference of Former Speakers of State Houses of Assembly of Nigeria (COFFSHA).
7. He is a humble, tolerant and God fearing leader who does not discriminate against anybody or group based on religion, ethnicity or other parochial sentiments.
8. He has served as Governor of Plateau State for 7 years.
9. He restored peace to Plateau State and brought back businesses and investments to the State.
10. He is the one who led the 13 APC Northern Governors to the President and APC Chairman to insist on power shift to the South despite the attempts by some interests to retain power in the North.
11. He has never campaigned to be Vice President and is not desperate.
12. He has worked hard for the APC and successfully led Campaigns that delivered victory for the party in Governorship elections such as Ondo State.
13. Of all the names being touted among Northern Christians, no one has his rich experience.
14. The North Central Region deserves such position in the interest of equity, justice and fairness as it has never held that office.
15. He has wide acceptability and respect in the whole Northern Region and other parts of the country.
16. He has won the APC ticket to contest for the Plateau South Senatorial Seat.
With these few points, I advise our Party’s flag bearer Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard the ranting of inconsequential people like Dasuki who cannot win a Councilor seat or deliver their polling unit, but trying to desperately look for cheap popularity and access to power by running down highly accomplished personalities like Governor Simon Bako Lalong whose popularity continues to soar. If the Dasuki and his cohorts are interested in becoming running mates to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, they should concentrate on pursuing that ambition and not make a mockery of themselves through frivolity. Leave Governor Simon Lalong alone please!
Rt. Hon. Baba Akawu former Deputy Majority Leader, Federal House of Representatives (1983) writes from Jos.
WHY GOVERNOR LALONG IS THE BEST OPTION FOR TINUBU’S RUNNING MATE:
_A Rejoinder to Dasuki Nakande’s diatribe against Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong.
By Rt. Hon. Baba Akawu
In politics, nothing is shocking and impossible particularly when people are contesting for a position, working to achieve a set target or assiduously fighting over an interest. However, sometimes shocking things surface in politics when people vomit hatred for people they perceive as political enemies or are deceived to think they have come of age and can malign and pull down people they have no comparism with in terms of political accomplishments. That is the story of Dasuki Nakande, a former Minister of State who came up with a toxic concoction against Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong with a view to damaging him politically. His problem is that Lalong, whose name has been all over the country as likely choice for Vice President, should not be picked by Tinubu as running mate.
In the write up, Nakande completely lost his sense of reasoning to the point that he arrogated himself powers he does not possess of speaking for the Muslim Community in Jos as well as allocating himself fictitious votes that he gave APC standard bearer Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the just concluded Presidential primaries. In all his castigation of Governor Lalong, Dasuki who is obviously sponsored ended up shooting himself on the foot and rubbishing his claim of being from Plateau State and a member of the APC or its Elders Forum.
Dasuki’s first faulty claim was that Asiwaju Tinubu was not the choice of Governor Lalong, but rather of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi which made Governor Lalong to stop Tinubu from coming to Plateau to meet delegates. This is a blatant lie that he wants to feed the gullible with at all costs. Unknown to Dasuki, Governor Lalong has been in touch with Asiwaju throughout the period of consultations and indeed had face to face interactions with him on several occasions. Arrangements for the visit of Asiwaju to Plateau were made and finalized but due to tight schedule of the Jagaban, they kept changing and shifting until it was not feasible again. In all this, Asiwaju never told anyone (not even the weeping Dasuki) that Lalong stopped him from coming to meet Plateau delegates. One then wonders why he is crying more than the bereaved.
On the relationship between Rotimi Amaechi and Governor Lalong, the writer wasted precious time trying to establish their long standing relationship and fraternity which started many years ago when they were Speakers. Has Asiwaju told Nakande that he does not know their friendship or does not appreciate their loyalty to one another? Does he think Jagaban takes friendship and loyalty lightly or suffers traitors like him who will spew out venom against his Governor simply because of hatred or being sponsored by enemies of Plateau? On the contrary, Tinubu knows more about Lalong and Amaechi than Nakande and respects that relationship just as he would expect others to do to him. He has no grudges against Lalong or any other person including those who contested against him in the APC primaries. He has said this severally right from his victory speech at Eagle Square and has proven it by visiting most of those that contested against him. Dasuki will not hear about this and in his hatred, forgot that Lalong was neither an Aspirant nor a Delegate.
One also wonders where he came up with the falsehood that Lalong is claiming he worked for Tinubu. Where is the evidence of that claim? Rather, it is Nakande that should tell the world when, how and where he and others (Amos Gizo, Paullen Tallen, Alphonsus Komsol) gave votes to Tinubu in a Convention they were neither delegates nor part of stakeholders that prepared for the event. It is a miracle to hear that people who lost elections in the past and recently are claiming to be the ones dashing votes to Asiwaju at a national convention. Besides, aside from Hon. Komsol, these are people that have never won an election into any office. They have rather been fortunate to lobby and get appointments. Perhaps this is what they are cleverly positioning themselves for future appointments by deriding and castigating their Governor with the hope that Tinubu will appoint them when he wins. Must you pull down someone to grow? Who tells him that Lalong will not work for the victory of Tinubu and the APC in the general elections? Even those who contested and lost have pledged to work for the party, what more of Lalong who did not vie for the ticket?
Any right-thinking person will shade tears in disgust by the effrontery of Nakande to assert that Lalong should not be picked as Vice President running mate because he is not a leader who believes in justice and fairness and that he has not restored peace to Plateau State. He also claims that Lalong has not appointed many Muslims into his cabinet nor done projects in Hausa-Muslim Community. In short he accused Lalong of marginalizing and oppressing the Muslim Community in Jos. Haba Dasuki! Are you alright? Is it the same Lalong that is being vilified for allegedly “mortgaging Plateau to the Caliphate” or is it another Lalong we don’t know about?
To say that Lalong has marginalised any part of Plateau based on ethnicity or religion is the height of insensitivity and bigotry oozing from someone who has served at the Federal Executive Council. Contrary to these false assertions, the Hausa-Muslim community in Jos has never had it so good like under the Lalong Government where they are carried along in appointments, projects distribution and day to day running of Government. For the records, there are Muslim Commissioners in the State Cabinet; 2 Deputy Chiefs of Staff Government House (both Muslims); several heads of MDAs and Permanent Secretaries, Advisers and Special Assistants. If not for mischief, why has Dasuki never complained about this so-called marginalization until now that he senses that Governor Lalong is likely to be made the Running mate for Tinubu?
One is not surprised because Dasuki is an Abuja-based politician who has lost touch with home and does not know what is happening. He has mixed his hatred for Lalong with bitterness over his inability to win the APC ticket into the House of Representatives after several attempts or even secure Councillorship seat for his son. He also contested for the post of APC Party Secretary and lost woefully. Bringing Lalong into the recent bye election for Bassa/Jos North House of Representatives Constituency which some members of the APC worked against the party and gave victory to the PDP is very disheartening. Dasuki who participated in the anti-party activity is now the self-acclaimed “arrowhead” of protecting the APC at the Eagle Square during the Presidential Primaries where he was not close to the venue.
Again, Dasuki makes a caricature of himself when he claims that it is unpatriotic to begin to talk of religion or region as a selling point for leadership rather than merit. Ha! Is this not the same person using religion to claim Governor Lalong is marginalizing the “Hausa-Muslim Community”? Did he not allege that Lalong meddled in the Bassa/Jos North Reps elections to deny the “Hausa-Muslims” the chance to occupy the position? Why is he speaking from both sides of the mouth about merit and equity/justice? When it is convenient for him, he is and advocate for equity, fairness and justice. When he hears the news that same considerations could make Lalong the running mate for Asiwaju bola Tinubu, he recoils and embraces merit. But the good news is that Governor Lalong qualifies for not only the post of the VP, but even the President of Nigeria based on merit and equity, justice and fairness.
Lest Dasuki deceives the gullible and poisons the minds of right thinking Nigerians against Governor Simon Bako Lalong, let us educate him and his sponsors on why the APC Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will be coasting home to victory with Lalong as his running mate.
1. Lalong has never lost an election since 1999. He contested for House of Assembly and won. He was re-elected and served as Speaker for 7 years (the longest in the history of Plateau State).
2. He survived a complete Recall process defeating the Federal Might of Chief Obasanjo regime.
3. He is loyal to the core and does not betray people. He endured pressure, money and even went to jail for refusing to carry out sham impeachment of former Governor Dariye. Tinubu will need a loyal VP!
4. He is the Chairman of the 19 Northern Governors and the first Christian to hold that position (he did not campaign for it but was unanimously chosen by his colleagues).
5. He was the Chairman, Conference of Speakers of Houses of Assembly.
6. He is the current Chairman, Conference of Former Speakers of State Houses of Assembly of Nigeria (COFFSHA).
7. He is a humble, tolerant and God fearing leader who does not discriminate against anybody or group based on religion, ethnicity or other parochial sentiments.
8. He has served as Governor of Plateau State for 7 years.
9. He restored peace to Plateau State and brought back businesses and investments to the State.
10. He is the one who led the 13 APC Northern Governors to the President and APC Chairman to insist on power shift to the South despite the attempts by some interests to retain power in the North.
11. He has never campaigned to be Vice President and is not desperate.
12. He has worked hard for the APC and successfully led Campaigns that delivered victory for the party in Governorship elections such as Ondo State.
13. Of all the names being touted among Northern Christians, no one has his rich experience.
14. The North Central Region deserves such position in the interest of equity, justice and fairness as it has never held that office.
15. He has wide acceptability and respect in the whole Northern Region and other parts of the country.
16. He has won the APC ticket to contest for the Plateau South Senatorial Seat.
With these few points, I advise our Party’s flag bearer Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard the ranting of inconsequential people like Dasuki who cannot win a Councilor seat or deliver their polling unit, but trying to desperately look for cheap popularity and access to power by running down highly accomplished personalities like Governor Simon Bako Lalong whose popularity continues to soar. If the Dasuki and his cohorts are interested in becoming running mates to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, they should concentrate on pursuing that ambition and not make a mockery of themselves through frivolity. Leave Governor Simon Lalong alone please!
Rt. Hon. Baba Akawu former Deputy Majority Leader, Federal House of Representatives (1983) writes from Jos.
*ALLEGED TROOPS SHOOTING AT UNARMED CITIZENS NOT TRUE*
Operation SAFE HAVEN has be en notified of a malicious falsehood peddled by one Jama Emmanuel, making the round in the social media. The writer alleged that the citizens were chasing bandits that came to attack Government Science Secondary School Kuru on Friday evening when troops of the Nigerian Army stop them. He also alleged that the troops shot at the unarmed citizens who were chasing the bandits.
While Operation SAFE HAVEN would have ignored this merchant of falsehood and disunity, considering his lack of credibility, it is however instructive to put the records in a proper perspective for the interest of not misleading peace lovers and unsuspecting members of the public.
It was on Friday 10 June 2022 at about 2000Hrs (8: 00pm) that troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN were informed of gunshots between Mararaban Jama’a and railway crossing by Kuru Science Secondary School along Jos – Abuja road in Riyom local government area of Plateau state. Troops immediately mobilized to the scene and on arrival, the people of the area said they don’t need the presence of the security agencies. The troops were asked to leave the area and they withdrew. It is therefore worrisome to allege that troops fired at unarmed citizens and if they did, what was the casualty figure? The report of troops firing at innocent citizens remains an elusive and mischievous figment of the writer intended to mislead, misinform and cause panic among the law abiding citizens of Plateau State. Hence it should be disregarded in its entirety.
We also urge members of the public to be wary of such mischief makers who are frustrated with the relative peace and gradual return of the state to its glory. Operation SAFE HAVEN is on cause and would not be distracted by the antics of vicious mischief makers whose stock in trade is to peddle unfounded rumors and cause panic
While appreciating law abiding citizens for providing timely information to the security agents, the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali call on all stakeholders to continue to be peace ambassadors as Operation SAFE HAVEN continue to intensify efforts in ensuring peace is fully restored on the Plateau. Security is everybody’s concern, when you see something strange, please report to the nearest security agents.
ISHAKU TAKWA Major Military Information Officer OPSH 11 June 2022
RT HON YUSUF ADAMU GAGDI: THREE YEARS OF MONUMENTAL ACHIEVEMENTS THAT WOWED EVERYONE
Social media were awashed with explicit expressions of joy and fulfilment by thousands of users; the entire Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal constituency and those resident in the constituency, jumped, and chanted songs of joy as Rep member, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, was inaugurated on June 11, 2019. Their joy knew no bounds, as they have so much faith in him, given that he has been tested and trusted in the proper legislative duties in his previous public positions. It is widely anticipated that his wealth of experience and laudable achievements as the then Deputy Speaker Plateau House of Assembly would be brought to bear in performing legislative functions. The good people of PKK believe that with his unrivaled passion and concern for the plight of the common man, PKK was about to witness a tremendous shared prosperity in all its ramifications having Gagdi as their member.
Aware of the high expectations on him and driven by the unquantifiable love he has for his people, Hon Gagdi immediately swung into action – a clear indication that he was in a hurry to take PKK to higher level of all round development.
Usually, members of the Green Chamber in Nigeria upon completion of three years in office are assessed by the people based on their blueprints, policies and achievements, or are expected to give an account of their stewardship within the theee years. While the good people of PKK expected little or nothing in the areas of infrastructural and human capital development three years in office, taking the constituency’s peculiar problem of leadership failure, Gagdi wowed everyone with his unprecedented achievements, ranging from security beef-up to infrastructural, employment and social/ human capital development within just three years in office.
How amazing! Within 3 years in office as the representative of PKK, Gagdi undertook over 100 projects, of which 50 are physical projects with the remaining 49 as capital-intensive programmes and policies. Over 100 projects in 3 three years? Yes, exactly! An unprecedentedly amazing achievement, right? That’s Gagdi for you! A man popularly dubbed “Workaholic Member”. Th don turned politician has shown clearly that his leadership places premium on the security of its citizenry, as it has ebulliently made several sustained efforts in tackling security challenges in the state. With 3 patrol vehicles and 6 motorcycles purchased and distributed to military, securing anti-robbery squad within the constituency among many other efforts has shown how focused and determined Gagdi is, on security matters.
Gagdi administration outstanding achievements or exploits in the area of education within the three year in office, is breathtaking. It is on record that within the three years in office, verifiable projects were undertsken across 3 LGAs. Over 10 projects are already completed with 10 ongoing in the education sector. Gagdi embarked on massive construction of blocks of classrooms and offices in schools. With his giant strides in education within the last three years, the member demonstrated that he is not oblivious of the fact that education is the key to scientific and technological advancement, the means to combat unemployment and the foundation of social equity. He remained the only legislator in Nigeria that refunded JAMB, WAEC and NECO registration fees to all students across his constituency, a gaint effort involving over 100 million naira.
Apart from his giant strides in education, the health sector has recorded huge transformation. The sector benefited physical projects in 3 LGAs out of which 5 are newly built primary healthcare centres with some few still ongoing.
Rural/ Urban Development, the dogged member, also clearly showed his committed resolve to build PKK of our dream, as he yet embarked on massive construction of befitting palaces, installed litany of electrification on notably rural communities across the LGAs.
Road construction and maintenance, Gagdi has constructed over 9.2 km road in Dengi, 9.7 km in Pankshin town aside numerous other road maintenance projects across the three LGAs of PKK federal constituency.
Despite the member’s great achievements in many areas like health, education, and rural/urban development, concerned with the plights of the people, Gagdi drilled solar powered boreholes, and constructed townhalls.
The commerce and industry sector is the backbone of the economy and its development. Hence, Gagdi supported constituents with soft interest free loan worth over 20 million from his purse and lobbied for loan through Central Bank of Nigeria to others. This is in addition to construction of a new modern market stalls in within the 3 LGAs. Agriculture, was greatly considered as fertilizers and fumigation pumps were distributed to farmers across the constituency.
Employment remained the key to independent of youths and lowering crimes in Nigeria. Gagdi has lobbied and influenced over 300 permanent and pensionable jobs to constituents in the military, para-military, government agencies, ministries and parastatals.
Empowerment, Gagdi has empowered constituents with over 100 cars and 800 motorcycles to make a good start in transportation sector aside capital to some constituents who are idled.
No matter the lens we use to look at Gagdi, we cannot ignore his contributions to the political and socio-economic development of the PKK. His monumental achievements will continue to reach the doorsteps of many households.
The Gagdi representation are massive successes, as the milestone of three years in office is attained. When the Administration breasts the tape in another four years, if PKK constituents give the second mandate, by the grace of God, the applause will be resounding, even from the worst of sceptics. Facts are undeniable, and always remain so. They are stubborn things.
Freelance Reporters 