“PLATEAU DEBT PROFILE: REPORT ATTRIBUTED TO ME IS FAKE” – PLATEAU ACCOUNTANT GENERAL.
My attention has been drawn to a report making the rounds on social media purporting that I granted an interview wherein I allegedly said that Plateau State spends 1billion naira monthly to service loans incured by the administration of former Governor Jonah Jang.
The said report also claimed that I said that the former Governor left a debt of 222 billion naira.
Without giving this fake report any undue attention, it is imperative for me to refute this fake and concocted story, lest my silence is taken for consent.
I wish to state categorically that I never granted any interview to anyone (journalist or otherwise) on the said subject matter, talk more of being quoted verbatim.
Members of the public will notice that this fabrication is clearly the work of mischief makers as there is no name of the author, or the place, time, and occasion where I allegedly granted the said interview.
I therefore urge right thinking Members of society especially the people of Plateau State to ignore the said report which is fake, untrue and an imagination of those who aim to bring myself and the Government that I serve into needless controversy and disrepute.
I advise those behind this mischief to desist from engaging in this falsehood because it will do them no good.
Cyril Tsenyil, Ph.D Accountant General, Plateau State. 16th June 2022.
THE LEGISLATURE IS LIKE A FINE WINE, THE OLDER THE MEMBER, THE BETTER.
A case of Hon. Na’anlong Gapyil Daniel of Mikang Constituency of Plateau State.
16th June. 2022..
BY S.S-MANI-WAZIRI
As we approach election year, diverse political interest have started playing up. Most of these interests are hardly altruistic but self serving and pecuniary.
Many hold on to uncodified collective gentleman’s political arrangements such as zoning, sharing of political power among blocs, chapters and so on, to advance their personal political pursuit.
Such people deliberately scorn the importance of mastery, experience and knowledge garnered over the years as a member of the legislative institution or any other critical component of government.
They refused to acknowledge the fact that the purpose for whatever political arrangements agreed between blocs, chapters etc, is to encourage even spread of dividends of democracy, rather than just mere power shift of superfluous and inconsequential significance.
They are willing to sacrificed experts for rookies even when the blind can see the overwhelming spread of influence, empowerment, sectoral development and infrastructural growth across all blocs by the incumbent who has become a legislative expert owing to years of experience, Which is Hon. Na’anlong Gapyil Daniel of Mikang Constituency.
The situation becomes more worrisome when such political myopism is carried to a non tenured political position such as the legislature. It is a settled constitutional matter in Nigeria and most developed democracies, that a legislator may return to the hallow chamber as many times as he wins election.
Unlike the President, Governors and their Deputies, who are constitutionally limited only to two tenures.
Events have however shown, that constituents benefit more as the lawmaker returns to the House/Chamber many times as he solidifies, gains deep experiences, contacts, control and juicy House position that will enable him to be well positioned and empower his constituents/constituency.
And this brought me to say that The Legislature is like an old wine that taste better. The older a legislator becomes, the better for the constituents. And that’s the case of Hon. Na’anlong Gapyil Daniel Majority Leader, Plateau State House of Assembly & Member Representing Mikang State Constituency.
IMAGINE THE STATE OF LAGOS…
Why would anyone ever imagine why the elders of Agege constituency in Lagos State did a strong worded communique that their son, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the incumbent Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, should be returned. Such act is statementing, a true show of love by the elders for their people.
There are replete of examples where constituencies that returned their performing members achieved more legislatively. The litany of such list spread even across the shores of this country.
For instance, in United States of America, Nancy Pelosi, A Member of the Democratic Party, who is the representative of California has remained a parliamentarian since 1987. Through experience and proficiency, she is the incumbent Speaker of United States of America House of Representative.
Back home in our Nigerian State of Enugu Rt. Hon. Edward Uchenna Ubosi, Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly and member representing Enugu East Urban Constituency, has been in the House since 2011. He was the Speaker in the last dispensation. Having experienced the enormous benefit of having a Speaker, his constituents rallied round him to ensure he returned to the House, when returned, he was elected again as Speaker to continue the good work he started, all these are to the benefit of the people of Enugu East Urban.
The same story goes for Cross River State.
The incumbent Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rr. Hon Eteng Jonah William who represents Yakurr 2 constituency, is already serving his third term. It is on record that he used his position as a Speaker to empower his people so much that they request his re-election.
What about Ibrahim Ingobere of Brass constituency, Bayelsa State? Like his Cross River’s counterpart, he is serving his 3rd term and has been enforced by his constituency for another term. This is owing to his sterling performance.
I can go on and on too
Rt. Hon. Yusuf Ibrahim, Speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly has done well for his people and has been serving his constituency since 2007.
Abdullahi Bawa Wuse of Tafa constituency Niger State has been a lawmaker since 2007.He has the support of his constituents to also seek for re-election.
These are constituents who truly understand the true meaning of
The older of a legislator in the hallow chamber the better”
It is important to mention that even at the National Assembly, constituencies with focus at the bigger picture allow performing Senators and House of Representatives members from their constituencies to return and continue.
For example, Distinguish Senator, David Mark, represented Benue South between 1999 and 2019 (20years). He became the Senate President of 6th and 7th Assembly. Record has it that what he attracted for his people within the period he was Senate President far outnumbered cumulatively what he got for his constituency and indeed his state, Benue, in all his years as a mere senator.
Also, Rt. Hon. Olufemi Hakeem Gbajabiamila, a lawyer, who is representing Surulere Federal Constituency, Lagos State, came to the House in 2003. He became the Speaker of the 9th House, of House of Representatives after 19 year. Today, the people of Surulere and the entire Lagos State can attest to the difference between a House member and A Speaker.
The list are so long with even Sen. Ahmed Lawan came to the red chamber in 2007, in 2019 he became President of the Senate.
Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, has been the Senator representing Enugu West District since 2003 till date. He became Deputy Senate President of the 8th House. While a Deputy Senate President, his people knew they had principal officer in the N/A.
Hon. Nicholas Mutu, 1999-2023 representing Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency of Delta State. He is foundly Called the Landlord of the House of Representatives since 1999. Eventually he occupied a juicy position with which he empowered thousands of his people. He became Chairman of House Committee on Niger Delta and which he recently won his primary election for yet another term in office which will serve him till 2027.
It is dangerous to hold on unconstitutional political arrangement such as zoning, to change the course of progress.
It is retrogressive and disastrous for upward bound people.
And coming back to our dear home Plateau State, the likes of Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Baba Hassan and Hon. Muhammad Nababa Abubakar {Balo} are also 4th and 3rd termer’s respectively, having been presented with 3 & 4 certificates of return by The Independent Electoral Commission {INEC}.
Why won’t Mikang Constituency get it right with Hon. Na’anlong Gapyil Daniel this time??
Better things awaits Us with Hon. Na’anlong Daniel in Mikang Comes 2023
MIKANG DESERVE HON. NA’ANLONG GAPYIL DANIEL TO REPRESENT THEM IN THE 10TH ASSEMBLY.
GOVERNOR LALONG GREETS ARCHITECT JOHN ALKALI AT 70
Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has extended warm greetings to former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Architect John Alkali on his 70th birthday.
Governor Lalong while celebrating the former Permanent Secretary described him as a thorough bred professional who distinguished himself in his career and rose to the pinnacle of the civil service.
He said Architect Alkali contributed a lot to the development of Plateau State and Nigeria at various times when he held positions of responsibility in the areas of public building, town planning and city management where he brought in innovations and ideas and worked with other stakeholders to actualize government initiatives.
Lalong also highlighted the contributions of Alkali to the growth of democracy particularly through his active participation at various times when he contested elections and assisted in building party structures.
While wishing him more years of God’s blessings, good health and divine protection, the Governor urged him to continue to be patriotic and selfless as he mentors the younger generation.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 15th June 2022
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.
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