APC PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANT CHIBUIKE AMAECHI MEETS PLATEAU DELEGATES; RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT

Plateau State APC National delegates on Thursday 19th May 2022 hosted former Transport Minister and Presidential Aspirant Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi as he stormed the State in search of votes ahead of the National primaries.

Rt. Hon. Amaechi who was accompanied by a large delegation paid a courtesy visit to Governor Simon Bako Lalong at his residence at Rayfield Jos, before meeting with the delegates at the Victoria Gowon Hall of the New Government House.

Amaechi told the delegates that he was in the State to seek their support and mandate to fly the flag of the party in 2023 because he has the competence and capacity to tackle the challenges of the nation.

He referred the delegates to his records of service as two-term Speaker and Governor of Rivers State, Former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Minister of Transport and former Chairman, Conference of Speakers in Nigeria.

He said his relationship with Plateau State runs deep as he has worked with major stakeholders of the State over the years and promoted the interests of the State particularly during the administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong with whom he shares close friendship.

Amaechi assured the people of Plateau State that the security and development issues of the State will be given priority when he becomes President of Nigeria.

Governor Lalong while welcoming Rt. Hon. Amaechi said the State was ripe for him to harvest the investment he has made over the years especially the support and encouragement he gave during the registration of the APC in Plateau State as well as the hurdles it had to cross to dislodge a sitting Government in 2015. He also did same in 2019 when the APC was reelected.

Lalong said “Rt. Hon. Amaechi believed in us even when many did not have confidence in us and refused to support us. He stood by us and saw to our victory. Even at the Federal Executive Council, we always received the assistance of Amaechi who protected the interests of Plateau State because we had no voice from those that were supposed to represent us. In fact, I am one Governor in Nigeria that has not been lucky with Ministers in the last 7 years. We thank Rt. Hon. Amaechi who ensured that the Inland Container Depot, North Central HUB of the Shippers Council and the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line passing through Jos were approved”.

Chairman of the APC Hon. Rufus Bature said the coming of Rt. Hon. Amaechi to Plateau State was a mere formality because his good works have been registered in the minds of the people and delegates who are determined to give him their votes.

Former Minister of Aviation in Second Republic Chief Samuel Mafuyai, Former Member Plateau House of Assembly Alice Dimlong, and Algon Chairman Plateau State Hon. Alex Naantuam reiterated that the delegates will make good their commitment to deliver Amaechi during the Presidential primaries.

In a session conducted by the Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda, Majority leader of the House Hon. Naanlong Daniel moved a motion that the delegates adopt Rt. Hon. Amaechi as the aspirant to be supported by Plateau delegation. Hon. Baba Hassan seconded the motion which was unanimously carried.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
20th May 2022.

DR. NENTAWE YILWATDA STORMS NZEM BEROM; EXTOLS THE RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE BEROM PEOPLE ON THE PLATEAU

20.05.2022

Crowd of supporters thronged out to welcome Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda at the Rwang Pam Township stadium, venue of the 2022 Nzem Berom Cultural event, with a theme “Celebrating the Berom in politics”. The ICT Guru acknowledged the crowds by waving back before taking his seat.

Speaking at the event, the leading APC gubernatorial Aspirant on the Plateau, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, took time to highly score the uncommon unity of the Berom people which has translated into visible growth and development in education, agriculture and entrepreneurship. He promised to ensure this type of unity is broadly replicated across the over 50 ethnic groups on the Plateau, assuring that the State will witness prosperity when he is elected Governor in 2023.

Dr. Yilwatda solicited the support of Berom people in his quest to govern Plateau State, reiterating that the #GenerationNext Movement will revolutionize governance and usher in a new era of Security, Unity and Prosperity which are the most daring tripod of challenges confronting Plateau State.

Highlights of the event included various cultural display by different groups, donations into an endowment fund and goodwill messages from distinguished guests, including His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Simon Bako Lalong, Executive Governor of Plateau State.

#GenerationNext Media
#TheFutureIsNow
http://www.drnentawe.org

GOVERNOR LALONG INAUGURATES PLATEAU STATE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION; SIGNS VAAP ACT INTO LAW

Governor Simon Bako Lalong inaugurated Members of the Plateau State Judicial Service Commission with a charge for them to ensure that there is transparency, discipline and efficiency in the operations of the Judiciary in Plateau State.

Governor Lalong who inaugurated Chairman and members of the Commission at the New Government House Little Rayfield Jos said the body is saddled with the duty of advising the National Judicial Council on the Appointment and discipline of Judicial Officers including the Chief Judge; Grand Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal; President of the Customary Court of Appeal; Judges of the State High Court; as well as Khadis and Judges of the Sharia and Customary Courts of Appeal.

He said the Constitution powers them to also appoint, dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over the Registrars, Deputy Registrars of the Courts mentioned above as well as Magistrates, Judges and members of Area and Customary Courts. All other members of the Staff of the Judicial Service of Plateau State are expected to be supervised by this Commission.    

Lalong said “Because our people deserve justice and fairness in Temple of Justice, it goes without saying that every process and bureaucracy of the Judiciary must be occupied by qualified and competent persons who will ensure smooth operations of the system. Any break in the chain of the Judiciary will have negative consequences on the society. It is therefore expected that you will work hard to ensure that the right persons are appointed into any office while such persons are guided and supervised to operate within the guidelines of the Judiciary. The era of misconduct, corruption, indiscipline, unnecessary delay of cases and other infractions should be over as you come on board”.

Members of the Commission include the Chief Judge of Plateau State Hon. Justice David Mann (Chairman), Mrs. Zipporah Mang, (Member), Mr. Henry Lankwap (Member), Barr. Tony Agaga (Member), Barr. Stephen Abah (Member).

Meanwhile the Governor has signed into law the Violence Against Persons Act (VAPP) passed by the Plateau State House of Assembly.

The Governor said the signing of the law was very important because it will curb the menace of violence against women and children which is on the increase in the country. He said even men will receive protection against violence from the new law.

Lalong said the State Government will give all necessary support to the relevant agencies towards implementing the provisions of the VAAP Law in order to safeguard the safety of the citizens particularly the most vulnerable.

Giving the synopsis of the law, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Plateau State Chrysanthus Ahmadu said the VAAP law which is the domestication of the law passed by the National Assembly is very comprehensive and deals with all areas of violence and rights of the citizens particularly women and children who are mostly affected by cultural practices and harmful traditions.

He said it is a specialised piece of Legislation that seeks to prevent violence against persons (VAP), by prohibiting certain acts and prescribing penalties for violation. While some of the offences are known to our Criminal Statutes such as the Penal Code Law of Plateau State many of the violent acts against persons sought to be contained are new.

Among some of the major acts of violence against persons which the Law prohibits and which are to be found in Clauses 3 to 26 of the Bill are offences such as rape which upon conviction attracts the punishment of life imprisonment and a person who aids, abets or conceals an offender also commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for a minimum of 12 years imprisonment.

Gang Rape also attracts imprisonment for a minimum of 20 years without an option of fine as well as award appropriate compensation to the victim as it may deem fit in the circumstance. 

A marriage partner who forcefully evicts his/her partner from his/her home or refuses him/her access commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 2 years or to a fine of not less than N300,000 or to both such fine and imprisonment.          

Anyone who incites, aids, or abets another to commit the offence of forceful ejection such as relatives/in-laws who eject widows or persons with disability is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year or a fine of not less than N200,000 or both such fine and imprisonment.

On the Abandonment of spouse, children and other dependents – Clause 17(1) of the VAAP Law prescribes that any person who abandons a wife/husband, children or other dependents without any means of sustenance commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not less than three years or to fine of not less than N500,000 or to both.

The law also prohibits Spousal/Partner battery in Clause 20 which states that any person who stalks another commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not less than 2 years or a fine of not less than N500,000 or to both.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
19th May 2022

GOVERNOR LALONG APPROVES CREATION OF CHIEFDOMS/DISTRICTS

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has approved the creation of 268 Districts and Village Areas as well as 2 Chiefdoms. He also restored 3 others (2nd Class) as well as approved the grading of 5 others on 3rd Class Status.

The details released by the Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu indicate that the newly created Chiefdoms are Lamba Chiefdom in Wase Local Government (3rd class) and Menkaat Chiefdom in Shendam Local Government (3rd class).

Those restored are: Da-Gwom Rwei, Barkin Ladi LGA (2nd class); Da-Gwom Rwei (Gyel) Jos South LGA (2nd class); and Da-Gwom Rwei (Riyom) Riyom LGA (2nd class).

Those that have been graded are: Gwom Rwei Kabong, Jos North LGA (3rd class); Gwom Rwei Zawan, Jos South LGA (3rd class); Ponzhi Bwarat, Langtang North LGA (3rd class); Ponzhi Gani (Sa) 3rd class; and Ponzhi Tumwat, Langtang North LGA (3rd class).

The breakdown of the 268 Districts per Local Government Areas are as follows:

1. Barkin Ladi 17
2. Bassa 19
3. Bokkos 17
4. Jos East 10
5. Jos North 15
6. Jos South 14
7. Kanam 20
8. Kanke 11
9. Langtang North 16
10. Langtang South 7
11. Mangu 22
12. Mikang 10
13. Pankshin 23
14. Qua’an Pan 16
15. Riyom 12
16. Shendam 22
17. Wase 17

The Governor also approved the grading of old existing District Heads to Senior District Heads.

The approval for the Chiefdoms and Districts by the Governor follows the review of the Report on the Creation of Chiefdoms, Districts and Village Areas in Plateau State constituted on 20th October 2020 headed by Chief D.G. Fompun.

Details of the names of the new Districts and Village Areas will be released by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the State.

The Governor urges the citizens to see this development as part of the efforts by his Rescue Administration to increase inclusivity, unity, peace, harmony and development.

He advises against politicisation of the action and warns against any attempt by some persons to use it for creating acrimony division and disaffection.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
19th May 2022.

By Prince Sekat,Jos.

The Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) and the Highest decision making body of the Mwaghavul ethnic group known as Kapuk has endorsed Professor Sonni Tyoden as gubernatorial flag bearer on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). gathered that the decision to endorse Professor Tyoden was arrived at after series of meetings in Mangu.

Tyoden’s endorsement followed several engagements between the MDA and aspirants from the Local Government Area who indicated interest to contest on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

Freelance Reporters also gathered that Professor Tyoden’s endorsement was hinged on his pedigree, experience, competence and integrity as well as the sitting Deputy Governor of Plateau state.

The umbrella body of the Mwaghavul people took the decision to avoid fielding more than one aspirant to stand for Governorship election in the state.

When contacted separately, the officials of the two bodies said an official Statement will be issued in that regard.

Similar decision was taken on the gubernatorial Aspirants from other political parties from the Mwaghavul ethnic group on the Plateau.

2023 POLITICS: Aspirant, Hon Margif resigns from the APC

May 18 2022

Gubernatorial Aspirant in Plateau State North Central Nigeria, Chief Ambassador Yohana Margif has resigned from the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

Margif, announced his decision on Tuesday while addressing journalists in Jos the state capital but did not state his next line of action.

His decision was conveyed in a letter which was presented to the APC ward Chairman of Margif/ Kopmur Ward in Mushere, Bokkos LGA Which was also copied to the APC LG and state executives.

In the letter dated May 17, 2022 Ambassador Yohana Margif stated the collapse of internal democracy in the Plateau State APC, impunity and imposition of Unpopular Candidates as part of his reasons to leave.

According to the Philanthropist, the money he paid to APC for the purchase of forms should be used as his own part of donation to Foster the growth of democracy on the plateau, Nigeria and Africa and at large and not for the APC insisting that the bridge of APC to plateau state has broken and in total collapse.

Chief Margif’s announcement comes barely two days after the ruling APC had concluded it’s screening for Gubernatorial aspirants across the country.

Signed:

Chief Ambassador Yohana Margif,
Wazirin Mushere.

*Securing* *Plateau* *State* *is* *His* *Topmost* *Priority* .

Jane Addams, an influential American woman activist and first woman to receive Noble Peace Prize in 1931 once said;

” The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain untill it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life”.

Therefore, securing Plateau State remains a topmost priority on his development agenda.
.
In recent times, there have been many threats faced by Plateau State from both intrinsic and external factors. The man who possess all that is required to mitigate such challenges is here.

Nde David Victor Dimka fsi is a product of strategic level security/intelligence course as well as top level management expert with requisite skills to handle any emerging crisis in the State.

He is poised to contribute positively to the implementation of security policies and development of the State.

Inducted and awarded with the designation of Fellow of the Security Institutute (fsi) marks him out above the mire.

He is well equipped with the following knowledge and experience;

-Security and Intelligence
– Leadership and Management
-Policy and Strategy
-Conflict and Peace Building among others.

DVD is the Governor whose time has come.

Think DVD, Think Plateau!

#DVD Media.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commision has arrested the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris, over alleged mismanagement of N80billion, Freelance Reporters has learnt.

Sources said the arrest was made in Kano and he was currently being moved to Abuja.

The commission is expected to issue a statement shortly.

Details later….

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONDEMN MURDER OF DEBORAH SAMUEL; APPEAL FOR CALM AS THE LAW TAKES ITS COURSE

The Northern Governors Forum has condemned the murder of Deborah Samuel, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education Sokoto who was killed on allegation of blasphemy.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong in a statement said the Governors were concerned about the development which is clearly an extra-Judicial measure of addressing perceived infraction.

According to Governor Lalong, any attempt to adopt self-help in addressing grievances whether religious or otherwise, will only lead to further chaos that could threaten law and order as well as the general peace and security of the society.

While commisserating with the family of the victim, Lalong said the Northern Governors want security agencies to be allowed to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that the law takes its full course on anyone found wanting.

The Northern Governors also appealed for calm following reports of the hijack of a peaceful protest which later turned violent and led to the imposition of a curfew in Sokoto metropolis.

Governor Lalong also extended the support and commiserations of the Forum to Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State over the incident as well as praised his proactive efforts to restore normalcy.

They assured him of their solidarity and prayers in dealing with the matter as well as ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to forestall future occurrence in any part of the region and nation at large.

The Forum also reminds citizens of the region and Nigerians of the need to continue to show love, tolerance and respect for one another irrespective of faith, ethnicity or other affiliations.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
14th May 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG ATTENDS TAROK CULTURAL FESTIVAL “ILUM O’TAROK”; ASSURES OF COMPLETING PROJECTS IN TAROKLAND

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State on Saturday 14th May 2022 attended the annual cultural festival of the Tarok nation otherwise known as “Ilum O’Tarok” which took place at the Langtang Mini Stadium.

The Governor who was Special Guest of Honour at the event assured the people of Tarokland and the citizens of Plateau State that his administration will do its best to complete all ongoing projects.

According to the Governor, so much has been achieved in completing many abandoned projects inherited from the immediate past administration and others before it as well as new ones initiated.

He cited the General Hospital in Mabudi, Langtang South which was abandoned at foundation level but now completed and awaiting commissioning. The Langtang Water Treatment Plant built by Chief Solomon Lar which was moribund for many years was also reactivated and now providing portable water to the citizens.

Lalong said the Legacy Project in Shishi will also be completed soon while the Gazum Road, Langtang-Garkawa Road and Kadarko Road will also be done.

He commended the Tarok nation for sustaining the cultural fiesta saying:

” I am happy that the Ilum O’Tarok has taken the lead in this new vista of cultural renaissance in Plateau State. This is not surprising considering the patriotism and sense of pride with which all sons and daughters of Tarokland hold and display their culture and tradition wherever they find themselves. This is a good virtue that must be sustained. At an event like this, I must re-emphasise the need for continuous propagation and sustenance of our rich cultural heritage that is under threat by globalization. Many of our cultural practices are gradually being abandoned while our languages are fast disappearing by the day especially among our younger generation. This is a concern that I want the Tarok nation to take very seriously considering the fact that other tribes also face similar threats”.

On peace and security, he commended the Tarok nation for doing their best to maintain peace within their domain and by extension, the State in general. These efforts he said should be sustained as the State continues to confront criminals and crises merchants who are always looking for an opportunity to strike and cause havoc.

He also assured them that Government will support them towards having a substantive Ponzhi Tarok.

“As I once again condole the Tarok nation over the demise of the late Ponzhi Tarok, I wish to assure you that Government will not hesitate to ensure that a new Ponzhi is installed when the king makers and the traditional council conclude the process for the selection of a successor. My appeal as always is to ask that everything should be done according to laid down rules and the culture and tradition of the Tarok people. My administration has maintained its neutrality over appointment of Traditional Rulers and will not impose anyone on the people” he said.

Chairman of the Ngwang Ishi O’Tarok, Amb. Nanpon Sheni said the cultural festival provides an avenue for the sons and daughters of Tarokland to get in touch with their roots, culture and heritage as well as find ways of addressing critical challenges in education, infrastructure, water, health, economic prosperity among others.

He thanked Governor Lalong for his efforts in developing many parts of Tarokland and urged him to do more particularly in completing ongoing projects.

Royal Father of the day and Emir of Dass HRH Alh. Usman Bilyaminu Othman emphasised the need for peace, unity and harmony among the Tarok people as well as with its neighbours. He said the Tarok nation is known for hospitality, friendship and honesty which are attributes that have endeared them to many people around the world.

Chairman Langtang North Local Government Hon. Zulfa Rimven, Acting Chairman Tarok Joint Traditional Council HRH Nimnan Langnim, Algon Chairman Plateau State Hon. Alex Naantuam and other speakers praised Governor Lalong for working hard to sustain peace in Plateau State and spreading development across all Local Government Areas.

They promised to support him to continue to do more for the people even as they called upon the Tarok nation to play its part in the democratic process as they have done over the years with dignity, peace and candour.

The Governor later inspected ongoing construction work on Gazum Road.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the
Executive Governor of Plateau State.
14th May 2022