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.
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 .
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