Former Governor of plateau state, Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye has been released from prison.
The senator has been pardon at the council of State meeting held at the presidential villa today 14th April,2023.
The meeting had in attendance of Ex Presidents which includes Gen. Yakubu Gowon,Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar and Dr. Good luck Ebele Jonathan in attendance.
The former Governor of plateau state was sentence for corruption related offense by Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) when he held sway as governor of the state.
However, the story is still sketchy as at time of filling this report.
“DEATH OF STATISTITIAN GENERAL, DR. SIMON HARRY A HUGE LOSS TO NIGERIA” – GOVERNOR LALONG
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has described as shocking and painful the death of the Statistician-General for the Federation, Dr. Simon Harry.
Governor Lalong while reacting to the death of Dr. Harry, said his demise is a huge loss to the nation considering the fact that he was one of those who shaped the National Bureau for Statistics (NBS) and saw to its reform and transformation before he was appointed to head the Agency in August 2021 by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Governor Lalong who had visited the deceased in hospital while he was undergoing medical treatment in Abuja, said the death of this illustrious son of Plateau and a patriotic Nigerian was a sad development which creates a vacuum not only to his family, but the State and nation at large.
While commiserating with his immediate family, friends and associates, Governor Lalong said although his exit is sorrowful, there is solace by the records of service and excellence he left behind which are evident in his diligence, passion and honesty which paved the way for him to rise through the ranks and become the number one Statistician in Nigeria until his death.
He urged all to accept his death as the will of God and pray for the repose of his soul, while working hard to uphold his good legacies and ensuring that his positive contributions to the society are sustained.
Lalong also appreciated President Buhari for trusting the deceased with the responsibility of superintending over the nation’s foremost statistics agency.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
GOVERNOR LALONG ORDERS SECURITY FORCES TO GO AFTER TERRORISTS WHO ATTACKED KANAM/WASE COMMUNITIES; COMMISERATES WITH VICTIMS
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has vowed to make it difficult for terrorists and other criminals to set their bases in any part of the State and use same to launch attacks on innocent citizens.
Governor Lalong while reacting to the terrorist attacks on some communities in Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas where many people were killed with houses and properties destroyed, condemned the irresponsible act and vowed that those behind it will be made to pay a heavy price.
Lalong who expressed deep regrets over the dastardly act said he has directed security forces to dominate the area after their initial response which put a stop to the carnage. He also charged them to go after the fleeing terrorists and ensure that they pay for their crimes.
According to the Governor, Plateau State will never be used as a safe haven for terrorists to set up camps and use same to wreak havoc on communities and innocent citizens in the State and elsewhere.
Governor Lalong said the State Security Council has adopted far reaching measures to strengthen all security measures and enhance the capacity of the security agencies to respond to all situations that cause a breach of the peace in any part of the State.
Lalong who sympathised with the communities affected, promised them justice as those behind the attacks will not be allowed to go without punishment. He also directed the State Emergency Management Agency and the Peace Building Agency to immediately visit the areas, assess the situation and provide relief as well as trauma management.
He said the State has already approached the Federal Government for collaboration to deal with the terrorists hibernating in the general area once and for all to enable people go about their legitimate businesses without molestation and harassment.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 11th April 2022.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONGRATULATE ALIKO DANGOTE AT 65
The Northern Governors Forum has rejoiced with business tycoon Alhaji Aliko Dangote as he marks his 65th birthday.
In a message on behalf of his colleagues, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong described Aliko Dangote as a source of pride to the Northern Region, Nigeria, Africa and the world at large as he has demonstrated uncommon industry, patriotism and business prowess throughout his life.
Lalong said the success of Dangote in the business world has impacted the lives of the citizens positively and contributed enormously to the economic growth of the country and continent at large.
He commended Dangote for maintaining his vision of industralising Nigeria and Africa as well as also ensuring that the nation’s economy is developed in line with the abundant human and natural endowments of Nigeria which are largely under utilised.
Governor Lalong said the Northern Governors are particularly excited about the role that Africa’s richest business man has played, and continues to play in creating jobs and fighting unemployment.
Lalong said the Forum cherishes the goodwill and solidarity that Dangote has extended to States individually and collectively through direct investments in the local economy as well as his philanthropic interventions to the indigent, particularly victims of crises in the region who are displaced or traumatised.
The Forum wishes Alhaji Dangote many more years of good health, God’s blessings and protection, urging him to continue to carry on with his landmark investment activities such as the refinery which is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum. 10th April 2022.
Mmember representing Pankshin, Kanam, Kanke (PKK ) in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has condemned without equivocation, the terrorist attacks on several communities in Kanam Local Government Area; Kukawa, Kyaram, Gyambau and Dungur among others, leaving in their wakes, the gory tales of human annihilation and destruction of valuables.
The lawmaker in a statement made available to newsmen said he was in Madina for lesser Hajj along with some of his colleagues when the news of the attack broke.
He commiserates with the families of those who lost their loved ones and prayed God almighty to forgive shortcomings of the victims and grant them everlasting rest.
The lawmaker, who chairs an Armed Forces Committee of the House says he swiftly contacted the Minister of Defence, Gen. Magashi (rtd), to request for immediate military presence in the affected communities and those bordering them in order to arrest the surging activities of bandits in communities within his Constituency.
Gagdi fumed at federal government’s negligence to provide security to Plateau communities, despite intelligent reports by the DSS, of the influx of bandits fleeing to Plateau and other neighbouring states over nine months before this attack was carried out.
According to him, the federal government, who has exclusive control of security apparatus in the country has woefully failed in its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property of Nigerians.
Gagdi expressed outrage at the devastating state of security in the country, positing that somebody has been negligent in the discharge of his duties to Nigerians, maintaing that it was high time the federal government owned up to their inability to discharge this sacrosanct duty it owes Nigerians.
Gagdi said he was going to cut short the lesser Hajj and return to the country in order to visit the affected communities to console victims of the attacks, provide relief materials, as well as to see for himself the extent of damages inflicted on the communities by the daredevil marauders.
He commended Governor Lalong for his swift response to the dastardly situation. Even though the governor has no direct control over the security operatives within the state, his swift intervention to reach out for security interventions in times of infractions has always been commendable, the lawmaker has said.
Gagdi raised the alarm for citizens within boundary communities, particularly in Wase and Kanam local government areas to be on the alert, as fleeing bandits from Zamfara and other North-West states are traced to be camping within the thick bushes in the mentioned local government areas.
GOVERNOR LALONG SALUTES ELDER STATESMAN AMB. YAHAYA KWANDE AT 93
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has sent warm felicitations to elder statesman Ambassador Yahaya Kwande on the occasion of his 93rd birthday.
Governor Lalong in a message congratulated the seasoned Administrator, Politician, Diplomat and philanthropist for his selfless service to Nigeria, Plateau State and humanity at large.
He described him as an accomplished personality who has made huge impact in the lives of the people at various times when he occupied various offices in the country.
The Governor said Ambassador Kwande has mentored many in public service, politics and humanitarian activities by his record of performance over the years where he has freely offered counsel, support and goodwill to those in power and others.
According to Governor Lalong, Ambassador Yahaya is one of the few elders that have demonstrated sufficient interest in the peace, progress and prosperity of Plateau State and Nigeria over the years, hence his willingness to advise and share his wealth of experience with the Government on key issues.
While wishing him many more years of God’s love, good health and prosperity, Governor Lalong urges him to continue to do his best to serve the State and the nation especially during difficult times when the wisdom and knowledge of elders comes into play.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 7th April 2022
Plateau Inter-Religious Youths Council on Wednesday appealed to Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik, owner of Kefiano Autos to contest the 2023 governorship election in Plateau State.
The council further said the business man has visionary leadership qualities and his philanthropic activities have impacted positively on citizens of Plateau State.
Chairman of Inter-Religious Youths Council, Plateau State, Nabal Dagin made this known while speaking with newsmen in Jos .
They said ” We the Plateau Interreligious Youth Council call on Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik to contest for the position of the Governor of Plateau State to improve our infrastructure, bring investments using his global network.
In their words ” We are appealing to all patriotic citizens and stakeholders in Plateau State to ensure the realization of Chief Kefas Kefiano Wungak Ropshik’s election as Governor of Plateau State in 2023.
” Being a man who God has raised from a humble background he understands the predicaments of the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable among us.”
The group described Ropshik as a man with human feelings who sponsored the medical treatment of over 59,000 poor people and 2,900 persons with complicated surgeries who could not afford the cost .
“He facilitated the release of 127 inmates from the Jos correctional facility who were languishing in jail for minor case or have been granted bail bit could not afford to pay fines. This intervention secured the release of these inmates who are now being productive in society.
“Kefas has brought succour to over 2,000 widows that have been direct beneficiaries of his food support programme in the 3 states of Plateau, Taraba and Benue where he was born.
He is explained that with the laudable intervention programmes carried out by Kefas, the Group has thrown it weight behind him and would put in place political structures for his emergence.
“We are calling on patriotic citizens of Plateau State to help us plead with Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik to come and contest for the Governor of Plateau State; having him as a governor will restore the hope and participation of intelligent young people in governance.
“This will boost the economy and peace of Plateau State as a leader with all sterling leadership qualities, highly knowledge of E-commerce, an ardent believer in global best practices, a peace builder, a unifier, a philanthropist and a lover of humanity.”
The council further called on citizens of the state to support the business man if he decides to contest the 2023 elections .
PLATEAU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL APPROVES RECONSTRUCTION OF JOS MAIN MARKET; CONDEMNS ATTACK IN BASSA
The Plateau State Executive Council has approved the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market burnt down many years ago.
The decision was reached by the Council at its weekly meeting presided over virtually by Governor Simon Lalong who is currently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates alongside other Governors to participate in the 11th Annual Investment Summit.
The approval was sequel to a memo submitted by Hon. Idris Gambo, the Commissioner for Urban Development who is supervising Ministry of Commerce and Industry to the Council with the proposal for a Public Private Partnership Joint Venture to be funded by Jaiz Bank Nigeria Plc.
Briefing newsmen after the Council meeting, Commissioner for Information and Communication Hon. Dan Manjang said the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market has been one of the priorities of the Lalong Rescue Administration which despite several attempts delayed because of conditions given by various prospective investors.
Manjang explained that the determination and resilience of Governor Simon Lalong to fulfill his campaign promise to the people by ensuring that the market is reconstructed has finally paid off with the agreement by Jaiz Bank Plc. to partner with the Plateau State Government in funding the project.
He said the project expected to be completed within the lifetime of this administration, is one of the many legacies the Governor wants to leave behind for the economic prosperity of the State.
Giving details of the PPP Joint Venture, Supervising Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Hon. Idris Gambo said the entire project will be funded by the bank with a total of 4,231 shops of different sizes expected to be constructed on 44 percent of the land totaling 7.4 hectres. He said the rest of the land space will provide for parking, banks, fire station, police station, administrative blocks and other facilities.
The Commissioner disclosed that the market wholly belongs to Plateau State Government and will be managed by the Jos Main Market Authority while the Investor will recover part of their investment from proceeds of the sale of the shops.
Gambo also said the Exco resolved that those who were displaced from the burnt market will be given the first option of acquiring the new shops which will be provided under a flexible payment plan to ensure that genuine traders and people of Plateau State are not left out.
It was also agreed that work on the adjourning roads from the Gangare axis will be intensified with a possibility for dualization to ensure that traffic congestion does not prevail when business activities resume in the market.
The estimated total cost for construction of the three phases of the market is 9.4 billion naira.
Jaiz bank has similar PPP projects in Kano, Kaduna and Niger States with some completed and others ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Exco has also approved a proposed Bill for the establishment of the Plateau State Independent Peace and Security Trust Fund to be sent to the State House of Assembly.
Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General Chrysanthus Ahmadu explained that the proposed Bill seeks to generate funds from the private sector, Government and other sources to support peace and security efforts in the State by training, equipping, motivating and insuring security personnel on security duties in the State, as well as supporting community policing structures and neighbourhood watch groups.
In another development, the State Executive Council has condemned the attacks in Jebbu Miango which left three persons death and others injured.
While consoling with those affected, it directs security agencies to redouble their efforts in arresting the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 30th March 2022.
GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES NEW APC LEADERSHIP; COMMENDS PARTY FAITHFUL FOR PEACEFUL EXERCISE
Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Venue/Site Servicing Committee of the just concluded All Progressives Congress National Convention, Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated the newly elected leadership of the party led by former Governor of Nasarawa State Sen. Abdullahi Adamu for their emergence.
Lalong while rejoicing with them over their election said the APC has proved all skeptics wrong by organising a very successful and rancour-free exercise that has put it in good position to continue to provide leadership to Nigeria in the years to come.
He expressed optimism that the new APC leadership under Senator Abdullahi Adamu will give the necessary direction and impetus to all organs and members of the party to play their roles in strategizing for the next phase of the party’s development strides.
According to Governor Lalong, “Senator Abdullahi Adamu brings into the job a basket full of vast political experience spanning many decades that will be very instrumental in stabilizing the party ahead of the 2023 general elections. With his experience, connections and ability to bring members together, our party will grow more united and stronger especially with robust reconciliation which the newly elected Chairman had started alongside other stakeholders of the party before the Convention”.
Lalong also appreciated the fatherly role that President Muhammadu Buhari played before and during the Convention which doused a lot of tension and guided members of the APC to put the general interest of the party above their personal ambitions.
This leadership demonstrated by the President according to Governor Lalong, ensured that the party did not tore the line of self destruction as envisaged by naysayers and some members of the opposition who predicted a chaotic convention and doom that could weaken the APC and reduce its political might.
Governor Lalong also commended the Caretaker and Extra ordinary Convention Planning Committee for its role in ensuring that the process went ahead irrespective of many challenges faced along the way.
He also thanked members of his committee who did excellently well in ensuring that the venue and site services were in top shape for the exercise which went without any challenge.
The Governor also used the opportunity to ask members of the APC family in Plateau State to remain united and work to consolidate on the gains recorded by the party over the years as it has all it takes to retain power and win all elections in the future.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 27th March 2022.
HAPPY 78th BIRTHDAY TO AN ASTUTE POLITICIAN, MENTOR AND QUINTESSENTIAL LEADER
Every man has a hero. My hero is the one who is fatherly, motivates, emancipates and inspires my political ambitions.Sen. Dr Da Jonah David Jang is the hero who I will live to emulate his legacies. An exemplary leader and astute politician, a nationalist who believes in oneness and indivisibility of Nigeria, a great patriot who served his fatherland meritoriously and passionately. A principled, honest, transparent, accountable, firm, hardworking and incorruptible man. Indeed, Da Jonah David Jang is a role model of good leadership. I wish Nigerian politicians would emulate the legacies of my hero. As you celebrate your 78th birthday, I wish you a year of bravery and more success. May Almighty God bless you with faith and courage.
Once more, congratulations and happy birthday to you sir.
Freelance Reporters 