Over 200 armed bandits were killed in a gun battle between Troops and members of the Joint Security Taskforce and bandits in the last four days in Niger State.
The state Commissioner for Local Government Chieftaincy Affairs and Internal Security, Mr. Emmanuel Umar, made this known while briefing newsmen in Minna.
Umar revealed that the leaders of the four groups that the Joint State Security Taskforce engaged in the crossfire include Ali Kawajo, Bello Janbros, Kachalla Halilu, and Bello Turji.
According to him, sixty motorcycles were recovered, uncertain numbers of cattle were also returned to their owners. He noted that the bandits were killed in the Kundu axis of Rafi and the Babanlaba axis of Mariga local governments and other parts of the state between Sunday and Wednesday.
The commissioner hinted that two security personnel lost their lives in the fight against the bandits but appreciated the gallant efforts of the Joint State Security Taskforce.
“DO NOT POLITICISE THE CIVIL SERVICE”, GOVERNOR LALONG WARNS NEW PERMANENT SECRETARIES AS HE ALSO SWEARS IN PRESIDENT CUSTOMARY COURT.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has warned civil servants against politicising the civil service as those who are found sabotaging Government activities due to political reasons will be shown the way out.
Governor Lalong gave the warning while swearing in the substantive President of the Plateau State Customary Court of Appeal Hon. Justice Blessing Lyop Dalyop and 11 new Permanent Secretaries.
The Governor while congratulating them over their appointments said the machinery of Governance needs not only competent, but honest and loyal staff who will support Government to implement its vision and programmes.
“Let me use this opportunity to again remind civil servants of the need to be loyal to Government and avoid all acts that are inimical to the smooth running of the affairs of the State. The civil service rules are very clear on responsibilities, privileges and expectations from all civil servants. Because we are in a political period, you should endeavour to conduct yourselves within the norms of the service and avoid being used by politicians to disrupt the smooth running of government business. We will not spare those who run contrary to the rules” he said.
Governor Lalong said he expects the new Permanent Secretaries to show leadership that is driven by excellence, capacity, discipline, fairness and honesty. He said because they are coming into these sensitive positions at a challenging time, they will be required to demonstrate innovation, creativity and resource management in the governance architecture of the State. The time for laxity, bureaucratic bottlenecks and sabotage are over.
He reminded them that the positions they hold are very important because the Rescue Administration is gradually winding down and there is a lot to be done between now and next year. According to him, this is the time for action and performance aa he is determined to complete on-going projects and programmes in line with our promise to leave Plateau better than he met it.
He commended the Head of Civil Service who in collaboration with the Plateau State Information Communication Technology Development Agency ensured the successful conduct of the ICT-based professional aptitude examination for the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries.
The Governor said he has further directed the Head of Service to work towards ensuring that all civil servants are fully trained in the use of ICT tools for all Government business because since Plateau State joined the Open Government Initiative (OGP), it has continued to receive local and international accolades for our prudence, transparency and all-inclusive approach to governance.
Lalong congratulated the President of the Customary Court of Appeal urging her to build on the legacies of her predecessors who did their best to ensure the dispensation of justice to the citizens. He said it is expected that she will use this privilege to take the Customary Court in Plateau State to the next level by identifying and takling challenges that impede the smooth administration of justice.
Lalong also cautioned the citizens against making unnecessary demands on the appointees through frivolous pressures that will distract them and push them to corruption and other unwholesome conduct.
Responding on behalf of all appointees, President of the Customary Court of Appeal Justice Blessing Lyop Dalyop assured the Governor that they will do their best to serve with honesty and diligence.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 1st March 2022.
GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES WINNERS OF PANKSHIN SOUTH STATE CONSTITUENCY & BASSA/JOS NORTH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY BYE-ELECTIONS
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated winners of the just concluded bye-elections for Pankshin South State Constituency, and Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency held on Saturday 26th February 2022.
Governor Lalong congratulated Chief Ezra Dakup of the APC who was declared winner of the Pankshin South State Constituency bye-election as well as Hon. Musa Agah of the PDP who was declared winner of the Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency seat.
Lalong commended the electorate for coming out to vote for their candidates of choice and conducting themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner which ensured that there was no breakdown of law and order throughout the process.
He also appreciated the Independent National Electoral Commission for conducting the exercise in a transparent manner and ensuring that all parties and candidates had a level playing ground to campaign and participate in the bye-lections.
The Governor is also happy with the role played by the security agencies who maintained neutrality and supported INEC and other stakeholders towards a successful conduct which again reinforces the dividends of the peace process that his Rescue Administration has toiled to build since coming to office.
For the newly elected members, the Governor said:
“Your election is a trust bestowed upon you by the people and shows the confidence they have in you. You should work hard to serve the people honestly and diligently irrespective of their affiliations of tribe, religion, political party and other considerations. Having been elected, the biggest focus should be on how to improve the lives of the people and work for a greater Plateau. With the elections over, it is now time for governance which requires unity, dedication and sacrifice”.
Lalong assured them of his support and cooperation in the discharge of their responsibilities, urging them to hit the ground running as soon as they are sworn in.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 27th February 2022
GOVERNOR LALONG ATTENDS MONTHLY FASTING AND PRAYER SESSION ; ADMONISHES PARENTS TO INCULCATE GODLY VIRTUES IN CHILDREN
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has asked Nigerian parents to inculcate godly virtues in their children as a way of halting the moral decay that is largely responsible for the breakdown of law and order in society today.
Governor Lalong spoke during the monthly fasting and prayer organised by the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Jos.
Lalong said because Nigerians are a religious people, they must work to entrench godliness through sustaining the teachings of the Bible and also inculcating same to younger generation who are the future of the nation.
He said “Let me also use this opportunity to urge all parents and guardians to teach their children the importance of fasting and prayer as well as putting their faith in God. Inculcating these values in them right from tender age which will go a long way in building their relationship with God and making them better citizens. Looking at the challenges we face today, we have to raise children that have the fear of God to be able to embrace good and shun evil”.
He commended the Chapel Leadership for sustaining the monthly session and said “Whenever we gather to fast and pray, we are not only standing before God to tender our lists of things we want him to do for us, but to also thank him for all that he has done for us overtime. The act of thanksgiving and appreciation enables him to listen to our petitions and further demonstrate his love towards us”.
He said because of the consitent prayer and fasting for the State, Plateau has continued to experience more peace despite the attempts by some criminals to cause chaos through.
“While we regret the losses recorded due to such unfortunate like the recent incidences involving attacks on miners in Yelwan Zangam and another along Jos-Jingir road, we are thankful to God that both attacks were quickly brought under control by security agencies and with no escalation. We should continue to pray that God will expose these criminals and give the security agencies the ability to apprehend all of them and bring them to justice. While they plan evil against the State, our prayer is that God will turn their evil plans into foolishness and make them not to succeed” he said.
Lalong admonished the citizens to continue to unite and love one another by also praying that the spirit of hatred, division and intolerance will be banished from amongst them. He reiterated his determination to strengthen the peace that has been built over the years and ensure that people go about their duties without any fear.
In a message, Chaplain of the Government House Jos, Rev. Fr. Godfrey Gopep urged the people to put their trust in God and not worry over any prevailing circumstance as the end will be victorious.
He read from the book of Matt 6:25 where he highlighted the assurances given by Jesus Christ to the effect that God will never abandon his people in any way. He said Gods promise of provision is not only guaranteed, but affirmed by the testimonies of past which many seem to forget whenever they are in difficulty.
Prayers were also offered for the smooth conduct of bye-elections for the Jos/Bassa House of Representatives seat as well as the Pankshin South State Constituency.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State 25th February 2022.
The Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Plateau state on Thursday in Jos, held the official flagging off of it’s Party’s “mega campaign rally for Jos North/Bassa federal constituency and Pankshin South State constituency bye-election,” set for this weekend.
Speaking at the flag-off campaign, the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, said the All Progressives Congress, APC is scared of getting the electoral act amendment bill signed into law because the party is afraid of losing the 2023 general elections.
He challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the bill immediately to position the nation on the path of having credible elections which are impossible to rig.
Also at the event received a former State Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Chief Letep Dabang, and others who decamped from their parties to the PDP. The state party chairman, Hon Chris Hassan stated that the PDP in the state was receiving a mass return of decampees numbering about 23000 persons across the state.
The National Chairman who presented the Party’s flags to the candidates standing for the bye-election as well as to representatives of the decampees, charged them to be united and ensure victory for the party starting from Saturday.
His words, “I am proud of Plateau as the home of PDP. This is the only serious party in the country, all others are contraptions. Under PDP, we saw development and unity but now, there is no development. I want to see the unity of leaders of PDP on the Plateau because this is home. If they are not united, if I have a problem, what will I do?
“I want everyone to work together and bring back all our members who were angry and left PDP. Plateau is the home of PDP, we must work together to return to power and save the country. I don’t want Plateau to be in opposition when we win the election at the federal… You must do the right thing, get your PVC, and vote. Our votes will count, that is why the APC doesn’t want electoral reforms. President Buhari must sign the electoral act immediately, that will make elections impossible to rig…”
Speaking on behalf of the decampees, Dabang, aka the masquerade, went into memory lane recalling how he was “a messenger,” running errands for the PDP as sent by the late Chief Solomon Lar, Professor Dakum Shown, Senators Ayu, and Jang, among others.
He apologized to Plateau people for playing an active role for them to accept the APC in the State saying, “I regret the confusion that we brought.”
Speaking on his role in bringing the APC in the State, he added, “… as the dodo, I am the one that tied the hyena, I know how we will loosen the hyena,” and assured the people, “I am not here to join any faction, we must be united to change the ugly change. What will make the masquerade to run from a place, be wise and run from such.”
Meanwhile, goodwill messages were received from dignitaries including the Party’s Chairman, Board Of Trustees Senator Walid, National Youth Leader, Mohammed Suleiman, Amb. Fidelis Tapgun, Senator Jonah Jang, Senator Jeremiah Useni, PDP Vice Chairman, North Central, Theophilus Dakashan among others.
Federal lawmaker representing Pankshin / Kanke and Kanam federal constituency in the house of representatives, Hon Yusuf Gagdi Babayo on Tuesday said he had concluded arrangements to carry out massive construction of motorized boreholes in the constituency.
A statement signed by Pharm Mizim Haruna Dagung, Senior Legislative Aide to the member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Navy reads that in keeping with our promise to drill at least one hand pump borehole each, in all the polling units in PKK and one solar powered borehole in each of the federal wards in the Constituency, we are pleased to announce to our constituents that the projects have commence on Monday .
The statement further added that as much as we are mindful of the naysaying by pessimists that the project will not see the light of the day, because of the delay in the commencement, we kept faith with the advice by professionals to tarry the project until a time when water level has gone deep, so as to be able to drill boreholes that would be sustainable and produce water all year round.
“We are aware that same pessimists would still criticize our work if we had gone ahead to drill the boreholes at the time we purchased the drilling equipment, and soon after the boreholes go dry because of ill timing; hence we remain resolute to give our constituents the best that will stand the test of time. “
Our township roads construction in Kanam LGA has been concluded and put to use, while that of Pankshin is ongoing.
The statement further added that “No fewer than 40 projects raging from clinics, classrooms blocks, townhall and palaces for our traditional rulers are going on simultaneously in different locations across PKK. Many more projects are in the pipeline, and sure to commence before we celebrate our three years in office by June, 2022. “
Gagdi called on every peace and progress loving members of the Constituency to keep faith with the All Progressives Congress APC .
A Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Plateau State, Hon (Chief) Maichibi Vwarji PhD has joined the race for the number one man in Plateau State and is set to contest for the gubernatorial seat come 2023.
According to sources close to the dogged politician and philanthropist, a formal declaration to join the race will come after 26th February bye-elections.
Hon. Vwarji is a former legislative aid to Senator Joshua Dariye who has been active in the political space in Plateau State since 1999.
Former minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe, Raymond Dabo and Evangelist Leo Sunday Jitung, was on Tuesday 22, February, 2022 sentence to three months imprisonment each, by a Federal High Court Jos Division.
The three, now ex convicts have been standing trial for the past four years on charges bordering on conspiracy and money laundering.
The sentence however, has an option of fine of One Million Naira (N1,000,000).
A cross section of citizens in Plateau state has called for the dissolution of the state’s Vehicle Inspection Office VIO.
Mr Chris Timur, a citizen of the state who spoke to our correspondent lamented what they termed indiscipline of the personnel, and their lack of respect for the public.
Another citizen who gave his name as Ben Tali lamented the rate at which the officials of the VIO disrespect the members of the public and play God.
It could be recalled that today Monday February 21st 2022 an overzealous Vehicle Inspection official who was trying to arrest the owner of the above truck at Hill station Junction in Jos North local government council of Plateau state, allegedly struggled with the steering of the truck leading to the accident although no life was lost in the accident, the driver of the Toyota corolla who was involved in the accident came out unhurt, Including his wife and kids who were returning from school.
Medical Practitioners under the two major unions of Doctors, Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) and the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Plateau State Specialist Hospital (PSSH) have recommenced the initially suspended strike action to press home some demands.
The unions hinted that resuming the strike action became pertinent on account of the inability of the State government to meet the agreement earlier reached by both parties.
ARD President Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Gogwan Bangs and his MDCAN Counterpart, Dr. Jonathan Bulus said the decision to resume the strike on Friday 18th February, 2022 was reached at the end of a crucial meeting held on same day the strike commenced at the Premises of the Plateau State Specialist Hospital after deliberations on the issues.
The meeting had in attendance Members of the two unions who deliberated substantially.
According to them, the issues under contention include:
1. Removal of Doctors from agreed Salary structure – the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) which ab initio Doctors in Plateau Specialist Hospital take home as salary only a percentage of what other Doctor were given in other tertiary teaching hospitals across the country, awaiting when fortunes of the State gets better.
This incomplete CONMESS salary structure as agreed upon for Doctors has been initially mutilated and eventually eliminated. Both unions are unclear about the present salary structure being implemented.
2. Ineffective method of payment of allowances (which forms a significant portion of their take home pay) Both unions are completely dissatisfied with the manner in which their allowances are being mutilated.
3. Failure of the government to remit in full dues deducted from their salary accounts to the respective bodies.
“We the members of both unions (ARD and MDCAN) have agreed that the suspended strike will now resume as total and indefinite!”
“Our earnest hope is that the government will rise up to their responsibility and address the issues itemized promptly to ensure that the strike called off” the Unions said.
It will be recalled that the unions on 23rd December, 2021 suspended the strike they started on 22rd December, 2021 which they said will resume without notice should negotiation fail.
Freelance Reporters 