NIGERIAN GOVERNORS FORUM CONDOLE PLATEAU STATE OVER KANAM/WASE KILLINGS; DONATES 50 MILLION TO VICTIMS
Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Ekiti State Kayode Fayemi has condoled the Government and people of Plateau State over the recent murder of over 100 people by terrorists in Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas of the State.
Governor Fayemi who was at the Government House Rayfield Jos on behalf of the Forum, condemned the murder of the innocent citizens by the terrorists, saying that this was another attempt to destroy the efforts put in by the Lalong Rescue Administration to consolidate peace and security in the State.
Fayemi said the Governors Forum is outraged over the killings and will continue to do everything possible to support Governor Lalong to overcome the situation and deal with those who are bent on causing chaos in Plateau State which is a natural destination of choice to many.
He announced a donation of 50 million naira by the Nigerian Governors Forum to assist in meeting the needs of victims and supporting those who are displaced.
The NGF Chairman also condoled Governor Lalong over the death of Dr. Simon Harry, the Statistician General of the Federation who died recently and was buried on Friday.
Responding, Governor Lalong said he was delighted to receive the Chairman of the Governors Forum who has come on behalf of the other Governors to commiserate with the people and government of Plateau State.
He said the State was devastated by the incident which was sheer criminality and another desperate attempt by merchants of crises to take the State back to the dark days.
Lalong assured that the Government has beefed up security and also directed that all those involved are arrested and brought to justice.
He thanked the Forum for the donation and specifically commended Governor Fayemi for his leadership which is pragmatic, compassionate and focused.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 22nd April 2022.
GOVERNOR LALONG VISITS NEW TETFUND EXECUTIVE SECRETARY; CANVASSES MORE INTERVENTION IN PLATEAU TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS
Governor Simon Bako Lalong has visited the new Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund) Arch. Sunny Echono in Abuja with an assurance that the Plateau State Government will continue to engage the Fund in addressing critical challenges of educational institutions in the State.
Lalong who was at the TetFund to formally congratulate Arch. Echono over his new appointment, said he was not surprised by his appointment having done excellently well as the Federal Ministry of Education where he retired as Permanent Secretary.
He recalled the wonderful relationship existing between Plateau State and TetFund where the Fund carried out major interventions at the Plateau State University Bokkos, Plateau Polytechnic, College of Education Gindiri as well as Federal Institutions such as the University of Jos, Federal College of Education Pankshin among others.
According to the Governor, he was optimistic that the new ES will carry on with the good works of his predecessor Prof. Elias Bogoro who did a lot to improve the standard of infrastructure in many State and Federal Tertiary institutions in the country particularly in Plateau State and the North.
He called on Arch. Echono to be focused and ignore distractions from some groups and individuals who are calling for the scrapping of TetFund, saying such calls are unreasonable and uncalled for, giving the tremendous work the Fund has done in changing the face of education in the country.
Lalong assured him that as Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, he will work with his colleagues to ensure that the Fund does not only achieve its objectives across the nation, but get quality interventions in the North which is lagging behind educationally.
Responding, Arch. Echono said he was delighted to receive Governor Lalong who is the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of the State where he spent his early school and working life and still considers it his first home. He said he has received a lot of support from Governor Lalong over time and is happy that such collaboration will continue as he carries out his new assignment.
While assuring the Governor of the continues intervention of TetFund, Echono said the Fund is moving into other areas of intervention outside infrastructure by devoting resources to content development and supporting entrepreneurship education, as well as equipping education students with practical skills and knowledge to perform better.
He disclosed that President Buhari has already approved upward review of education tax from 2 to 2.5 percent which will enable the Fund cope with increasing demands by the old and new Tertiary institutions that are being established across the country.
Echono was also full of praise to Governor Lalong for his pursuit for peace and development which has restored Plateau to its pride of place as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 21st April 2022.
” I HAVE NOT ENDORSED ANY ASPIRANT” – GOVERNOR LALONG
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says he has not endorsed or anointed any candidate for Governorship or any political office in the forth coming general elections.
Governor Lalong who spoke while addressing an APC Stakeholders meeting in Jos, made the clarification over unconfirmed insinuations that he has anointed a successor and also endorsed other aspirants contesting for various offices.
Lalong said “I have not adopted or anointed any aspirant for Governor or any other office. While very suitable members of our party have indicated interest to vie for different offices, we are carrying out consultations with all key stakeholders to ensure that at the end of the day, the best persons emerge to fly our party’s flag. When such time comes, we will make it public and not hide it. I am praying that God will guide all of us to make a choice that is in the best interest of the people and our State and nation”.
Lalong also said the party will continue to encourage members to build consensus from the grassroots and build healthy competition among aspirants and thier supporters before, during and after the elections.
He said although all the aspirants will be given a level playing field to test their popularity and acceptance, at the end of the day the will of the majority will prevail while only one person will emerge for any office.
The Governor also cautioned against negative campaign and use of foul language by aspirants and thier supporters, saying such could end up being counter productive for the APC as the opposition will use it to discredit the party at the general elections.
On the dateline for public sevants and appointees seeking elections to resign, Lalong gave up till the end of this week for those yet to comply to do so in order not to fall foul of the new electoral law.
Lalong also thanked the APC members for their support and sacrifices particularly during the last bye elections which the party won one and lost one, urging that they should close ranks to ensure victory in the forthcoming bye elections for Bassa and Jos East State Constituencies.
He assured that the ongoing projects such as the British America Flyover, Legacy Projects and the Jos main market billed to commence soon will be completed before the end of this administration.
Also speaking, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Idris Wase charged members of the APC in Plateau State to come together and work in unity for the success of the party at the Local, State and national levels.
He admonished the party faithful to continue to support Governor Lalong who is the leader of APC in Plateau State particularly towards ensuring that a smooth succession plan is attained where APC will retain the Governorship and win more seats at the State and Federal Levels.
The Deputy Speaker advised all the aspirants for various offices not to be desperate as power comes from God alone.
Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda urged members of the party to close ranks and avoid divisive tendencies that will cost the party electoral victories.
Chairman of the APC in Plateau State Hon. Rufus Bature said the party has mapped out strategies for more electoral victories as well as reconciliation.
He also announced that the party office will soon move to Kalwa House from its present location where members will have more room for the party’s activities.
The ALGON and Elders Forum also gave goodwill messages where they assured of their continous loyalty to the party.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 18th April 2022
GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES MINISTER OF JUSTICE ABUBAKAR MALAMI, SAN AT 55
The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN on his 55th birthday.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong in a message of felicitation described Malami as a courageous and committed legal personality whose passion for the peace and progress of the nation has continued to guide his conduct.
Lalong said the Learned Senior Advocate has effectively managed the nation’s law and justice sector by introducing innovations that have improved justice delivery, strengthening independence of the Judiciary, and emphasizing the principle of separation of powers between the arms of Government.
Governor Lalong also acknowledged the efforts of the Minister of Justice towards consolidation of the rule of law, fight against corruption, terrorism and economic crimes in the country.
While wishing him good health, God’s blessings and divine protection, Lalong said the Forum appreciates the contributions of Malami to its efforts towards addressing the socio-economic challenges and improving the living standards of its people.
He urged him to continue to remain steadfast and committed to the implementation of Justice reform in the country.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum 19th April 2022.
Plateau state Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Monday denied anointing or endorsing any aspirant for the position of Governor or any other political office in the forthcoming general elections .
The Governor told an APC stakeholders meeting in Jos, Monday 18th April 2022 that the process for emergence of candidates will involve wide consultations.
Our correspondent reports that several aspirants are currently jostling to succeed Governor Simon Lalong
EASTER: GOVERNOR LALONG REJOICES WITH NIGERIANS; SAYS A GREATER FUTURE BECONS
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Christians for marking another Easter and urged Nigerians to use the period and reflect on peace, love and hope for a better Nigeria.
Governor Lalong in a message to mark the event said the Crucifixion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ which is at the centre of the Christian faith guarantees victory because despite the agony Jesus passed through, his sufferings brought emancipation and redemption to mankind.
He urged Nigerians to embrace the lessons of Christ’s sacrifice and teachings which speak of resilience, love, patience and determination to overcome evil and provide better situation.
According to him, the current security situation in the country as well as other challenges the nation is passing through call for determination and collaboration among all Nigerians to work together to defeat the forces of evil who are bent on causing pain and agony to the innocent citizens.
Lalong said just like Jesus overcame death and liberated mankind, Nigeria will overcome the current phase of insecurity and destruction that is being perpetrated by criminals who place little value of human life.
The Governor also calls for more prayers and support for the leadership to be able to provide visionary and purposeful leadership for the nation in the coming years so as to enable Nigerians realise their dreams.
Lalong calls on the people to be security conscious and report any suspicious movement of persons or activity to the security agencies in order to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 17th April 2022.
GOVERNOR LALONG VISITS KANAM AND WASE; ASKS FOR DEPLOYMENT OF MORE TROOPS TO BORDER AREAS TO CONFRONT TERRORISTS, AS HE COMMISERATES WITH VICTIMS.
Plateau State Governor on Friday 15th April 2022 visited Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas over the recent killing of over 100 persons by terrorists.
Lalong accompanied by his Deputy Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Secretary to Government Prof. Danladi Atu, Chief of Staff, members of his cabinet, as well as heads of security agencies including the General Officer Commanding 3 Armoured Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Commissioner of Police, said he was devastated by the senseless massacre of innocent villagers in the affected areas.
The Governor began his visit at the Palace of the Emir of Kanam, HRH Muhammdu Babangida Muazu where he condoled with him over the unfortunate development.
The Emir thanked the Governor for the visit and said that the people have been devastated over the mass killings which have no provocation or any justification because his people are peace loving and only pursuing their livelihoods, basically farming and trading.
He urged the government to do more by deploying security forces to the affected areas on a permanent basis as well as see to it that intelligence given to the security agencies is acted upon expeditiously.
The Governor later visited injured survivors recieving treatment at the Kanam General Hospital, Dengi where he sympathised with them and directed that all their medical expenses be settled by the Government.
Later at an interactive session with stakeholders at the Kanam Townhall Dengi, the Governor said he was in the area to get further briefing on the attacks and ascertain the situation of survivors.
He described the incident as regrettable and unfortunate, urging the people not to be dismayed as the Government is doing everything possible to arrest those behind the attacks and ensure that the sad incident does not occur again.
He said “those who committed this heinous crime may think that they have escaped but I can assure you that we will never allow them to go free no matter how long it takes. I am sure that God will also not allow them to go unpunished for taking the precious lives of others without reason”.
The Governor assured the people that the State is working with the Federal Government to find lasting solutions to insecurity on the Plateau, the North Central and entire Northern Region.
He disclosed that already, he has briefed President Muhammadu Buhari and appealed for a coordinated approach to tackling terrorist attacks in the North Central particularly at border areas and ungoverned spaces which have become operational bases for the terrorists who criss-cross communities causing damage to lives and properties.
Chairman of Kanam Local Government Hon. Dayyabu Garga described as horrific the killing of 106 people which he said has never been witnessed in the area known for its peace, abundant mineral and agricultural resources. He said they have remained traumatised and continue to deal with the unquantifiable losses and displacement of women and children.
Member representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency Yusuf Gagdi also thanked the Governor and the security forces for rising to the occasion to dominate the attacked areas which is gradually restoring hope to the people.
He also thanked the Governor for his efforts to mobilise humanitarian support and relief materials from both the State and Federal Governments as well as non governmental organisations.
Other speakers also thanked the Governor for the visit, but emphasised the fact that because Plateau State shares borders with Bauchi, Taraba and Gombe States along vast forest areas, it makes them vulnerable to attacks by criminals who operate with impunity because of the lack of permanent presence of security forces.
When the Governor visited Wase Local Government, he met with stakeholders at the Local Government secretariat where he again commissetared with them over the unfortunate development and assured them that the Government is taking steps to ensure that the terrorists are arrested and the area is made safe again.
He said the Government will not allow criminals to terrorise the people and stop them from farming and going about their legitimate businesses.
Chairman of Wase Local Government Area Dr. Ado Abubakar Buba told the Governor that vigilante groups have continued to work with Operation Rainbow and other security agencies to gather intelligence and provide first line if action against the terrorists and other criminals.
He appealed to the Government to sustain recent clearance operations which has tremendously helped to restore confidence, urging for the diligent prosecution of arrested suspects.
Speaking on behalf of the heads of security agencies, GOC 3rd Armoured Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven Maj. Gen. Ali also sympathised with the people and assured them of further deployment of troops to the general area in addition to coordinated response to address cross border attacks across the frontline states.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 15th April 2022.
Rep. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (APC-Plateau) has donated relief items and N2.5 million to victims of recent attacks in Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas of Plateau. Gagdi, representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency of the state, made the donation on Friday when he visited the affected communities. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen had on Sunday, April 10, stormed some communities in Kanam and Wase and killed some persons, injured scores and razed many houses. Gagdi said that the donation was to alleviate the sufferings of the displaced persons as a result of the ungodly activities of the criminals. The lawmaker said he had also donated 10 motorcycles to the communities to assist the local vigilantes in intelligence gathering. He called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to support the victims with relief materials. NAN reports that the items included 100 pieces of Six springs mattresses, 50 bags each of rice and maize, 400 pieces of clothing and 100 bundles of roofing sheets. (NAN)
The leader of the DVD Movement in Plateau State, Nde David Victor Dimka fsi has expressed shock over the sudden demise of the Statistician- General of tge Federation, Dr.Simon Harry.
The late Dr. Harry who is a very close friend of the governorship hopeful passed on yesterday after a brief illness.
“I have lost a friend and brother. One of the finest public servants from Plateau State who dedicated himself to service of this nation. Unfortunately he could not live long to give his best after being appointed by the President as Statistician -General of the country last year”, he said.
The DVD leader has therefore expressed his condolences to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Simon Bako Lalong, the people of Plateau State and Bassa LGA over the unfortunate development.
He prayed God to grant the deceased a peaceful rest.
It would be recalled that the deceased was appointed as Statiscian -General of the Federation by President Muhammadu Buhari after his predecessor, Dr. Yemi Kale, completed his second term tenure of five years on August 16th, 2021.
Dr. Harry was the Director, Corporate Planning and Technical Coordination Department of National Bureau of Ststistics (NBS) with almost three decades of statistical experience. He joined the erstwhile Federal Office of Statistics as Statistician 11 in 1992 and rose to the position of a substantive Director of Statistics in 2019.
GOVERNOR LALONG VISITS BASSA; VOWS TO CONFRONT THOSE WORKING AGANIST RESTORATION OF PEACE
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong along with some of his top officials were in Miango, Bassa Local Government Area on Thursday, 14th April 2022 to meet with the stakeholders over the recurring attacks in the area.
At the meeting attended by the Paramount ruler of Irigwe nation, HRH Bra Ngwe Rigwe Rev. Ronku Aka, community, youth and women representatives as well as political and religious leaders, Governor Lalong said his mission was to again condole with the people over the incessant killings and destruction of properties in the area which are a major setback to the progress of the entire state.
He commended the Irigwe people for their resilience, patience and efforts to live in peace with their neighbours despite the losses they have incurred overtime from attacks by criminal elements.
The Governor praised them for their positive attitude towards peace building which led them to signing a peace pact with the Fulani with whom they have lived together peacefully for a long time, until criminal elements came in to fan embers of hate, destruction and crises.
He said the Irigwe made the right decision to work together with the Fulani they know and have dwelt together peacefully over many years in order to isolate criminals who come in and try to exploit faultlines and cause chaos. This he said will assist both sides identify criminal elements who use ethnicity, religion and other excuses as a cover to perpetrate while leaving many innocent people in pains and agony.
He urged them to resist the incitement and provocation by criminal elements both external and internal who seek to stop the development of the area and the prosperity of the State, assuring them that Government will follow them and ensure that they are dealt with rudelessly.
According to the Governor, those who have continued to peddle falsehood that his administration does not like the Irigwe people are mischievous persons who want to politicise insecurity in orde to gain popularity through misinformation and fake news.
He reminded them that he has held several meetings with their leaders facilitated by the Peace Building Agency aimed at finding solutions to the recurring attacks in the area.
Lalong regretted the loss of lives and properties and the displacement of people promising that the Government will assist those displaced to get their shelter back as well as continued to provide relief materials and support to those whose lives have been interrupted by the attacks.
In his remarks, the Bra Ngwe Irigwe HRH Rev. Ronku Aka expressed gratitude to Governor Lalong for his commitment to restoring peace in Irigwe land despite the many setbacks experienced and attempt by some to discredit him.
He appealed to the Governor to use all his powers and ensure that anyone who breaches the terms of the agreement is dealt with according to the law so as to serve as a deterarnt to others because his people are tired of the unwarranted attacks and losses.
Chairman of the Irigwe Development Association Mr. Robert Dodo in his presentation said the security forces have done their best but still operate reactively rather than proactively.
He also asked the government to resolve the boundary adjustments within the area which is also a factor in the level of insecurity in the area.
Irigwe Youth Movement President Mr. Ezekiel Bini and the Woman leader Mrs. Caroline Gwendu asked for the quick passage of the Ranching Bill currently in the Plateau State House of Assembly in order to deal with the issue of open grazing that is at the centre of the attacks and displacement in the area.
He also appealed to the Government to empower the vigilante groups so as to enable them provide first line of defence and intelligence against any attack.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 14th April 2022.
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