GOVERNOR LALONG CONDEMNS ATTACK ON SENATOR/JOURNALISTS IN NAMU; ORDERS SECURITY AGENCIES TO APPREHEND CULPRITS AND RESTORE ORDER.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed outrage over an attack on Senator representing Plateau South District, Prof. Nora Dadu’ut and some journalists which occured on Thursday 28th April after the commissioning of an ICT HUB constructed by the Senator as part of her Constituency Project in Namu, Quan Pan Local Government Area.
The attack which was said to be unrelated to the commissioning of the project was alleged to have been orchestrated by hoodlums who were said to have been angered by the arrest of a suspected wanted kidnap kingpin by security agencies, and thus decided to vent their anger on passers by and any innocent person they encountered.
This led to the burning of one of the security vehicles of the Senator, the damage of her official vehicle as well as the complete burning down of the NUJ Press bus which conveyed members of the Union to cover the event.
Governor Lalong while sympathising with the Senator and Members of the NUJ over the despicable act, directed security agencies to conduct thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that the culprits are fished out and brought to justice.
Lalong who praised the quick response of security forces who reinforced to contain the situation, restore calm and take charge of the general area, vowed that criminal elements will not be allowed room to operate in any part of the State under his watch.
He also commended the Chairman of Quan Pan Local Government for the imposition of a dusk to dawn curfew on Namu town to enable security agencies properly take charge of the situation to avoid further escalation and exploitation by crises merchants.
The Governor appeals to law abiding citizens of the area and the entire State to be vigilant and also beware of the antics of criminals and their sponsors who are desperate in orchestrating trouble for selfish gains.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 29th April 2022.
Nde David Victor Dimka wants to Bequeath a secured, prosperous and united state anchored under the fear of God
April 29 2922
This was made known during the Plateau Gubernatorial Aspirants Discuss with the Plateau Bloggers Association PLABOMA. Nde David Victor Dimka is from Kanke Local Government Area.
His vision, his agenda and purpose for running for the office of the governor of Plateau state is anchored on the need to see that the society progresses.
He said he is one of such people who want to add value to what governance should be. He said: “Plateau, just like any other state in Nigeria has problems. But these problems need someone with a vision to fix these problems.”
If given the chance, He said he will like to give the people a state that is secured, prosperous and united. That of of this should be anchored under the fear of God. That if this vision is put together, they will address the problems on the Plateau.
He wants to ensure that Plateau has that environment where every one feels safe and secured. That once you have a sense of security and unity, progress and development is assured. Security is key, and he wants to ensure that the chief security officers of our localities are given the mandate of securing their communities. People such as the local chiefs among other local leaders will be given all the support they need to secure their People.
As the captain, the people wherever they are from will be given a sense of belonging. That whoever they are, and wherever they are coming from, they will understand that they have a stake in building the state.
He has also promised to accommodate young people in his administration.
GOVERNOR LALONG BREAKS FAST WITH MUSLIM UMMAH; EXPRESSES DELIGHT OVER GROWING INTER-FAITH DIALOGUE IN PLATEAU STATE
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has hosted the Muslim Ummah in Plateau State to a breaking of fast as part of the Ramadan fasting period.
The dinner hosted at the Banquet Hall of the new Government House, Little Rayfield Jos had in attendance Muslim religious leaders and their Christian counterparts.
Lalong said the breaking of fast demonstrates the growing level of inter-faith dialogue among citizens of Plateau State.
He said “This evening, we are gathered here across faiths to demonstrate that though Ramadan is essentially a Muslim festival, other faiths also share in the solidarity and goodwill because of our common heritage within the Abrahamic faiths. Besides, we are all created by God. Only recently, we Christian marked Easter to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. During that celebration, many Christians reached out to their Muslims brothers and sisters and celebrated together to demonstrate the love of God and affirm the unity of mankind. We believe the same will apply as the Muslim Ummah concludes the Ramadan fast and engage in festivities marking the event. I am happy that through robust engagement, dialogue and inter-faith activities, adherents of the Christian and Muslim faiths particularly in Plateau State are closing ranks and getting back to the good old days of oneness”.
Governor Lalong reiterated that his administration has invested so much time and resources in restoring peace and security to Plateau State by tackling religious intolerance, fighting bigotry and injurious preaching by some leaders and followers of both faiths. Through the Peace Building Agency and Inter-Religious Council, such efforts have reduced to the barest minimum the potential for religious crises.
“All of us have a duty to teach our younger one the fear of God, faithfulness to our faiths, respect for one another, and protection of humanity from the dangers of evil. Let our devotion and reverence to God be evident in the way we treat others particularly those who are of different faiths from us. Since God is love, nobody who truly claims to love God should hate or do harm his neighbor” he said.
In his remarks, Emir of Kanam Alhaji Muhammadu Babangida Muazu commended Governor Lalong for sustaining his peace initiatives which have continued to give Plateau a new perception and acceptance among Nigerians and non Nigerians alike.
He appealed to the Governor to continue to build the structures for lasting peace particularly by installing traditional rulers whose stools are vacant especially within the central zone. This he said will make it easy for Government to be proactive in dealing with any threat to peace.
Member representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency Yusuf Gagdi called for more support to the Governor from the religious and community leaders as well as all citizens to enable him carry on with his pursuit for peace and harmony.
Gagdi said such support is necessary in order to deny merchants of crises the ability to foment trouble using religion.
Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu said the Governor’s gesture is part of his magnanimity and efforts to build religious harmony and encourage the citizens to respect one another irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.
National Secretary of JNI Dr. Khalid said the Muslim Ummah on the Plateau are delighted with the consolidation of achievements for a united, prosperous and peaceful Plateau State that accommodates all law-abiding citizens irrespective of their backgrounds under the leadership of Governor Lalong.
In his remarks, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo praised the event describing it as a mark of brotherly love which is within the teachings of the Bible and the Quran.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 28th April 2022.
Plateau Blogger and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) Setting the Agenda for a Better, Greater, Stronger, Secured, Safer and Prosperous Plateau
JOIN a scheduled Zoom meeting PLATEAU MEET YOUR ASPIRANT
Topic: PLATEAU 2023 GUBER ONLINE DISCUSS GUEST: Nde David Victor Dimka FSI (APC Guber Aspirant) Time: TODAY THURSDAY, Apr 28, 2022, by 08:00 PM West Central Africa
Meeting ID: 851 9189 8214 Passcode: 456372 One tap mobile +16465588656,,85191898214#,,,,456372# US (New York) +17207072699,,85191898214#,,,,456372# US (Denver)
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RE: GAGDI IS SET TO INSTALL NEXT GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE (Shabul Mazadu) It was funny reading an expression of chicken heartedness concocted as a writeup by a faceless person or group on Viewpoint, an online news medium dated 27th April, 2022, tagged ‘Gagdi is set to Install the Next Governor of Plateau”, thus; attempting to discredit Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, and whip out political hatred against him.
The writeup was merely and evidently born out of fear and malice.
Any person with tremendous achievements of Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, will surely intimidate political opponents without mentioning a word, because of the large presence of supporters and admirers won over by the feats which successful game of politics hinges on.
The writer of the article has clearly shown that politically, Gagdi is an intimidation to his ambition or that of his principal, that’s why they came up maliciously attempting to bewitch the state to form a negative opinion about him and to divert the minds of the electorates from his achievements to flimsy issues. This act is purely an act of cowardice. Chief Obafemi Awolowo said, “It is mean and cowardly, and an evidence of weakness and utter demerit, for any group of people to attempt to commend themselves to the public by the negative process of belittling and condemning others. Strong, courageous, resourceful and self-confident people are never afraid of rivals or competitors.” It is evident and a fact that individuals don’t impose on Plateau State who becomes the next Governor. A typical example is then Governor, Jonah David Jang.
Jang as a sitting governor had the resources, all the 17 local government councils chairmen, political appointees and strong backing from the presidency, but could not form the Governorship in 2015. How then can someone alleged that a person who is in the House of Reps, without even the logistics at his disposal as the case was with Jang, boast of installing the next Governor? This is laughable. Gagdi is not a daft but an intelligent person, because only intelligent people represent their constituents remarkably the way he is doing. His bills passed into laws shows intelligence, so, he cannot be this daft to make such a boast. He knows that the people decide who governs them, that’s why in many fora he advocated for people oriented projects, excellent governance and excellent representation too. On the issue of having a gubernatorial aspirant, Gagdi said that he has none, and that the one the party presents he will fully support. He said this on Sunday 24th April, 2022, in his office.
It shouldn’t be misconstrued, constitutionally and Electoral Act wise, Gagdi has the right to have his gubernatorial aspirant and sponsor him, but he denied himself that right waiting for the direction of his party.
The writer faulted Gagdi for being loyal to Governor Simon Lalong, when has loyalty to the Governor becomes a crime? Where in the constitution of the Federal Republic is it enshrined that a Federal Legislator should not be loyal to the governor? Let’s say it’s true, which is not, that Gagdi is lobbying the Governor to support his gubernatorial candidate, what is wrong with that? Will the writer not do same if he has a candidate? Will he sincerely tell us that he will not like the Governor to support his candidate? When has lobbying become a crime in politics? Hon. Benjamin Kalu, member representing Bende Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, confirms lobbying as part of the political game when explaining why some reforms brought by women were not considered in the constitution amendment. Is Seeking support for candidates from the electorates not lobbying? Is there a law that frowns at seeking support from the governor?
The clownish writer said, “Gagdi who in his foolishness thinks he is smart has gone ahead to create a group named; “Plateau Legacy Group” and had purchased both the nomination and expression of interest forms and by extention, endorsing Governor Lalong for Senate all in a bid to appease the Governor to make him (Governor Lalong) to endorse Gagdi’s Gubernatorial candidate.” Let’s say it’s true that he did that, when has creating groups in politics and purchasing forms for aspirants become foolishness? Is he saying that all those that bought forms for their preferred aspirants are fools? Except they don’t have the means, but supporters who are not willing to purchase forms for their aspirants have questionable loyalty and support. Is it wisdom not to have political groups? Which serious politician in Nigeria doesn’t have different groups of supporters? How can you be successful in politics without groups? If the writer has something against Governor Simon Lalong, and doesn’t see him as a hero, many don’t have anything against him and they see him as a hero.
There is nothing wrong with Gagdi picking forms for Lalong and asking him to contest the Senatorial election. There is nothing wrong in forming legacy group. Is Lalong not eligible to contest the Senate? Don’t people have the right to make him their choice? It’s unfortunate that the writer of the fairytale did not put into cognizance Gagdi’s constitutional rights as a citizen of Plateau and as a politician.
Gagdi is a bona fide indigene of Plateau State and has contributed his quota immensely to its peace, progress and prosperity. He has the right to contest for any position just like any eligible indigene would do. He has the right to support whoever he wants for Senate, House of Assembly, House of Reps, Governorship and for Presidency. He has the right to partake in installing the next Governor. In fact he has the right to contest the Governorship of Plateau State and the Presidency of Nigeria. If anyone says he doesn’t have the right to the aforementioned, let them produce the law depriving him of them.
Any game that Gagdi plays so long as it is within the ambit of the law, is legal.
He is not an underdog, and should not be biaslly projected as one that should play the second fiddle.
Everyone involved in politics have vested interest and aspiration which hinge on the mercy of the delegates of the political parties at party primaries and electorates at the secondary election polls. And instead of the writer embarking on calumnious campaign of smearing reputation of Gagdi, he should channel his energy in marketing himself or his principal. Chief Obafemi Awolowo said, “What our people want to know above all things else is not the defect or incapacity of this or that organization, but the plans and programmes which we have for improving their lots and the relative merits of such plans and programmes which could be put into execution…”
The member representing PKK and Chairman House Committee on Navy, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, has today kicked started his second term bid, by picking the APC nomination form for House of Representatives.
The lawmaker, who led members of Plateau Legacy Group to pick senatorial nomination form for Governor Lalong, also used the opportunity to pick his own form, and had the privilege of been handed the reps form by the APC National Secretary, Dr Mohammed Argungu, with the serial number Reps 0001; making him the first to pick the APC reps nomination form in Nigeria.
Gagdi was accompanied by some prominent members of his Constituency to pick the form, notable among whom are the Executive Chairman of Kanke Local Government Council, Comrade Saminu Maigoro amongst others.
Signed: Pharm. Mizim Haruna Dagung SLA to Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi.
PLATEAU LEGACY GROUP PURCHASES SENATE FORM FOR GOVERNOR LALONG; INSIST THAT HIS EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL
The Plateau Legacy Group, a political pressure group has purchased the APC Senatorial form for Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong to contest for the Plateau South Senatorial seat in the forth coming elections.
The group which was led by its Chairman and Member representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi disclosed this when they met the Governor at the Plateau Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
Gagdi said they have no option but to take the decision in order to persuade the Governor to run for the Senate seat in order to offer more services to the State and Nigeria large.
He said, “leaders like you should not do what they have done to Plateau people and retire home. You have done so much for Plateau State and Nigeria at large and that is why we have put our heads together to take the decision to buy the form for you to contest”.
The Federal Legislator told the Governor that the Plateau Legacy Group consists of a wide range of stakeholders including all elected Plateau representatives at the National and State Assemblies from the APC, all elected Local Government Chairmen under the APC, all Commissioners and some strategic appointees who are determined to assist the Governor to consolidate on the legacy of achievements.
He informed the Governor that although the National Secretariat has designated Zonal Officers to sell the forms to aspirants, the National Organising Secretary of the APC personally attended to them as a mark of honour to Governor Lalong who has contributed enormously to the success of the party. In addition the Legacy Group was given the privilege to purchase form No. 001 being the first Senatorial form to be acquired.
The Group said they will present the form to the Governor officially this week at an elaborate forum in Jos where all its members across the entire State as well as other supporters will be present.
Responding, Governor Lalong said he was surprised by the gesture of the Legacy Group coming when he had just started consultations.
While assuring them that he will heed their call for more service to the State, the Governor said he was pleased to note that so far, his service to the State is being keenly watched by people such as the Legacy Group who have taken it upon themselves to project him further.
The Governor said his passion has always been to leave Plateau State better than he met it and this has been largely achieved through the support of citizens and leaders from the Local to the Federal level including members of the Legacy Group.
He again reiterated that the Legacy Projects will be completed among other projects that are ongoing to give the State a better future.
Lalong also used the opportunity to thank President Buhari for his leadership and support to Plateau State in many areas which enabled the State to carry out several developmental projects.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 26th April 2022.
“RESIST PRESSURE TO COMPROMISE THE JUDICIARY” GOVERNOR LALONG CHARGES NEW CHIEF JUDGE OF PLATEAU STATE.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has sworn in the substantive Chief Judge of Plateau State Hon. Justice David Gwong Mann with a charge for him to resist pressure from politicians and other vested interests to compromise the Judiciary.
While performing the swearing in at the Victoria Gowon Hall, New Government House Little Rayfield Jos, Lalong said Hon. Justice David Gwong Mann has paid his dues in the Temple of Justice and through experience, talent and patriotism is by the grace of God elevated as the Chief Judge of the State.
He said “While I congratulate you on this well-deserved appointment, may I also remind my Lord that this task is a daunting one which calls for total dedication and commitment for the peace, progress and stability of Plateau State and Nigeria at large. Having spent your public life within this sector, no one can lecture you on what the citizens expect from you as the Head of this very important Arm of Government”.
He urged him not only see this elevation as call to duty, but also as a Trust given to him by God to represent him in the affairs of men. Staying true to his Oath of Office and discharging his duties with the fear of God and without fear, favour, affection or ill-will is therefore sacrosanct.
Lalong said the new Chief Judge was coming into office when the State was operating Autonomy of the three Arms of Government including the Judiciary. He therfore urged him to take advantage of all the latitude that this autonomy provides to ensure that Judicial Staff are well trained while the day-to-day running of the courts is seamless.
On Industrial harmony in the Judiciary, the Governor said “Only recently, the Judiciary Workers Union in Plateau State called off its Industrial Action which had paralyzed activities in all Courts and created untold hardship to many citizens who need one service or the other from the courts. While we put behind us this recent challenge, I urge you to do more to ensure that all matters that could lead to such action are addressed to forestall future strikes.You can count on the support of the Executive Arm of Government and the Legislature to work with you in helping you cultivate a cordial working relationship with the Staff. This is very necessary in order to consolidate on the efforts we have put in to reduce to the barest minimum all industrial disputes in the past 7 years”.
Lalong also drew the attention of the new Chief Judge to the challenges with speedy dispensation of justice particularly as it involves some suspects that are arraigned for violent crimes including terrorism.
“We have noticed that the longer such cases stay in the courts, the colder they become and the tendency to further impact on security and safety of not just witnesses, but of the citizens at large. Findings have shown that lack of conclusion of some of these cases on time has seemed to create an impression among criminals that they can carry out crimes and not be punished. It is our view that when such cases are dealt with expeditiously and those found guilty are punished, it will deter others hoping to engage in criminal acts” he said.
He also reminded His Lordship that political activities are in top gear at the moment ahead of the general elections in 2023 and this is the time when enormous pressure will be mounted on Judges by politicians who want to achieve their aims at all costs.
He advised him to beware of those who want to corrupt, confuse, intimidate or blackmail the Judiciary to do their bidding in order to win elections saying his is very capable of withstanding them and maintaining the sanctity of the Temple of Justice and the Legal profession.
Responding, Justice Mann said he was grateful to God for the opportunity to serve and the privilege to be elevated to the position of Chief Judge of Plateau State.
He promised to serve with integrity, honesty and justice as well as do his best to ensure that the rule of law is adhered to at all times.
Justice Mann also said he was aware of the challenges in the Judiciary and appealed for support and collaboration from the Executive and Legislative Arms as well as the Justices and other Judicial Staff and professional bodies.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
Group operating under the aegis of PKK Political Vanguard for Good Governance, ( PKKPVFG ) has lauded the member representing Pankshin ,Kanam ,Kanke federal Constituency in the house of representatives Hon Yusuf Gagdi for his outstanding representation of the people at the National Assembly.
The group further added that the incumbent Yusuf Gagdi has done a lot to bring the dividends of democracy to the people of the Zone adding that “since the inception of democratic representation in the district, they have fared better under the leadership of Hon Yusuf Gagdi .
“We would support the re election bid of Rep Yusuf Gagdi ,because he is one of the best thing that has happened to PKK ” ,the group further added .
President of the group Comrade Francis Longji Takop , in a statement issued on Monday after an emergency meeting at Kanke noted that the lawmaker’s representation of the people was outstanding and unequalled since creation of the zone .
The group averred that his unalloyed loyalty to the All Progressives Congress APC coupled with hard-work and faithfulness in the discharge of his legislative duties have endeared him to members of the group.
“We are calling for the re-election of Hon Yusuf Gagdi because of the good works he is doing and for him to gain ranking order in the National Assembly.”
As a group we therefore, enjoined all well meaning sons and daughters of PKK to join in the vanguard to re- elect Hon Yusuf Gagdi in 2023.
Takop reiterated that representation can come from any person in the district, as far as the person is giving the people of PKK robust representation, delivering good governance and associating well with the masses, who remain the bedrock of democracy.
He stated that the Rep Gagdi has continuously ameliorated the poor by providing boreholes, transformers, street lights, motorcycles cars ,building hospitals ,providing Jobs and more to cushion the effects of poverty in the area.
The lawmaker has done so well and would continue to do more ,he has attracted so many projects to the district and Plateau as a whole .They further added that ” The rep member Hon Yusuf Gagdi Babayo has done well and created an awareness that the dividends of democracy can reach everyone in his constituency irrespective of political or religious divide.
“We call on the people of PKK to give him another chance. I urge our political leaders to support Gagdi for the growth of the zone ” the statement further added .
They further added that ” The rep member Hon Yusuf Gagdi Babayo has done well and created an awareness that the dividends of democracy can reach everyone in his constituency irrespective of political or religious divide.
“We call on the people of PKK to give him another chance. I urge our political leaders to support Gagdi for the growth of the zone ” the statement further added .
★ Describes him as the best and most qualified candidate for the job.
A Group, Coalition of Plateau South Youths in Plateau State has called on Governor of the state His Excellency Rt. Hon Dr. Simon Bako Lalong to contest for the senatorial seat of the zone.
This decision was made known by the patriotic youths Senatorial Zone during a briefing held Yesterday at 24th 2022 in Jos the plateau state capital.
Speaking seperately, Mr Nkat Joseph Lakai from Mikang Local Government who is the President of the coalition of the Plateau south youths, Ibrahim Donglong from Qua’an-Pan, Tony Bako from Shendam and several others described the Governor as the best Governor ever produced by Plateau. They noted that the Governor has proven himself as a man who has the interest of his people at heart and as such, deserves higher positions/responsibilities.
They stated he has provided and delivered the much needed dividends of democracy to the people of Plateau.
Also lending their voices Mr. Stephen Sambo from Langtang South, Abubakar Muhammad from Wase, praised the Governor and urged him to continue with the good works he is doing.
“Governor lalong has brought the needed developments to our people in plateau south as such we are urging all well meaning of the zone to l support the governor”
The group also appreciate lalong for lobbying for federal institution to the zone, sitting of plateau University teaching hospital in the zone, legacy projects,roads network across the zone amond many laudable projects in the zone.
Freelance Reporters 