RESPONSE TO THE THREATS RAISED BY HON. DANIEL DEM IN AN ATTEMPT TO RUN AWAY FROM THE REALITY
I, Hon. Timothy Dantong member representing Riyom Constituency will not be irresponsible to sit quite while destruction of the Exco of my party is being carried out which could lead to a great damage in our great party, the PDP.
I led the Concerned Youths who wrote and called for the suspension of Hon. Daniel Dem from the party based on the evidences before us that:
1. I believe that our Party, the PDP is well organized and well structured with proper channels of communications, that if need be for the party to send any important document from the National level to the State, they will not wait to send for just anyone who is available but will follow the appropriate channels of communication. For an interested party like Hon. Daniel Dem to be a recipient of such document clearly spelt out the motive behind such action.
2. Hon. Dem actually started implementing the content of the documents he claimed he did not know about before it reached the State Secretariat. I reported his intention days before the arrival of the said document (When we get to the court we should made available evidence).
3. He instigated the Youth Leader of Attakar Ward through one Danladi magaji, that I, Hon. Timothy Dantong is responsible for the change of his name as an Exco which Danladi Magaji testified during an Exco meeting and is recorded.
4. On the day Hon. Daniel Dem delivered those documents to the State Party Secretariat and without the State Working Committee Sitting to understand the document to make public the said change in the names of exco if its true, Hon. Dem and his boss substituted the chairman of Bum ward. Mr Mungu Ngyang with his former Personal Assistant (PA), Silas Luka during an empowerment program in the house of sen. ID Gyang. This was later found to be same in the document he brought to the State Secretariat.
Many more evidence and testimonies will be made available when we get to the court. You may please proceed as you chose to do so but we shall not in any way regret or make an attempt to withdraw our claims for the need to suspend such a member from the party. For your information I have forwarded a written letter to the party in this regard.
As to your claim for having supported my aspiration to my present position and others, I will reserve comments for another day not to be distracted from the main issue but I want you to know that I can’t in any way partner with anyone who chose the path of injustice for whatever reason.
Hon. Timothy Dantong Member representing Riyom Constituency PLHA
GOVERNOR LALONG CONDEMNS ATTACK ON MINERS AND COMMUTERS IN JOS; ORDERS ARREST OF PERPETRATORS
Governor Simon Bako Lalong has condemned in strong terms the attack on Miners in Yelwa Zangam general area of Jos North LGA in the early hours of Tuesday 15 February 2022 which left one person dead and others injured.
The Governor also condemned another attack on a commuter vehicle along road Jos-Jingir road where two persons were killed and others injured.
Governor Lalong who commended security forces for swiftly responding to the situation and restoring normalcy, directed them to go after the attackers and make sure all those behind the attacks are brought to justice.
The Governor also commiserated with the families of the victims and survivors, assuring them that Government will stop at nothing to ensure that those who carried out the dastardly acts are fished out and made to pay for their actions.
The Governor also reiterated his call to citizens to report any suspicious activity within their environment to the Police, Operation Safe Haven, Operation Rainbow, the Civil Defence, other law enforcement agencies, the traditional rulers or other community intelligence channels.
Meanwhile, the Governor has directed the Secretary to the Government of the State to coordinate the response and visit those injured and receiving treatment in the hospital to ensure they are receiving good care.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State 16 February 2022.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS FELICITATE WITH GOVERNOR ELRUFAI AT 62
The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with the Governor of Kaduna State Mallam Nasir El-rufai as he marks his 62nd birthday (16th February 2022).
In a message to felicitate with the Governor, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong described Mallam El-rufai as a patriotic Nigerian whose zeal for peace, progress and development has been evident in all his activities including the governance of Kaduna State since coming to office in 2015.
Lalong said Mallam El-rufai has made significant contributions to the development of the Northern Region and Nigeria at large by playing key roles in various assignments that have shaped policies in the country.
He acknowledged the doggedness of Governor El-rufai in confronting the security challenges in Kaduna State by remaining firm in dealing with criminals who have been terrorising innocent citizens in recent times.
Governor Lalong also appreciated Mallam El-rufai for not only providing suitable environment for the meetings of the Forum in Kaduna, but also making valuable contributions on various issues as well as heading critical committees set up by the Forum.
While wishing him more years of good health, God’s protection and wisdom, Lalong charged Governor El-rufai to sustain his efforts in bringing development to Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum. 16th February 2022.
*QUA’AN-PAN LGC SWEAR-IN SUPERVISORY COUNCILLOR FOR BUDGET AND PLANNING.* 11/2/2022
The Chairman Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council, Hon. Ernest Da’a have sworn-in the Supervisory Councillor for Budget and Planning, Bala Mohammed with a call on the appointee to be visionary and focus in discharging his responsibilities.
The Chairman who made this call during a brief ceremony in his office to mark the Oath taking of the new appointee, challenged him to bring in new ideas and innovations that will enhance productivity and build more confidence in the trust bestowed on the Council administration by the citizens.
Da’a while reiterating his administration’s commitment to deliver on its campaign promises pledged to give priority to staff welfares and salaries as well as provide quality health-care programmes, portable drinking water and improve the educational system of our younger generation.
Earlier while administering Oath of allegiance to the appointee, Oath Commissioner and Chief Magistrate of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area, Barr. Luther Fwangyil, advised that public office holders must be faithful in their service to humanity adding that Oath taking is a serious business that must be done with the fear of God.
Speaking separately in their goodwill messages, Leader of the Legislative Arm Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council, Hon. Jonah Dawar and the Deputy Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the area, Godfrey Dapun charged the appointee to brace up to the challenges that awaits him in his new office noting that to whom much is given, much is also expected.
In a remark, the newly sworn-in appointee and Supervisory Councillor for Budget and Planning, Bala Mohammed promised to take advantage of every opportunity available at his disposal to promote good governance, equity and justice adding that he will strive to strengthen grass root based politics in his community.
In a closing remark, Deputy Chairman of the Council, Hon. Helen Wapmuk thanked the Council Chairman and critical stakeholders of APC in the area for their pragmatic disposition in promoting all inclusiveness by appointing credible Party supporters into offices and call on the new appointee to shun every divisive tendencies that could jeopardize the chances of increasing the Party support base.
Signed: Opiah O. Valentine ANIPR Head of Information and Protocol, Qua’an-Pan LGC
UPDATE ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF INTERCHANGE (FLY OVER) AT BRITISH AMERICAN JUNCTION AND DUALIZATION FROM BRITISH AMERICAN JUNCTION TO LAMINGO JUNCTION ROUNDABOUT. (RELOCATION OF WATER AND POWER LINES)
We wish to sincerely thank and commend the general public particularly Residents, Business owners and road users for their patience, understanding and co-operation thus far on the diversions, road closures and construction activities ongoing around the British American Fly-over interchange.
It is on this note and in line with keeping the public abreast with the ongoing construction work that the Ministry of Works wishes to inform the public as follows:
The Plateau State Water Board in collaboration with the Mechanical dept of the Ministry of Works/Contractor are currently identifying and excavating the water pipes along the road alignment for relocation.
The Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) with the Electrical dept of the Ministry of Works will also commence relocation of power lines alomg the road corridor in the affected area under construction.
The Ministry/Contractor will commence some remedial works/patching of potholes on some already identified alternative routes to further ease the flow of traffic and enhance pleasurable motoring by road users.
We are aware that these operations particularly those involving the key Utility providers are bound to create some inconveniences to citizens living in the affected areas.
Government hereby assures that these operations will be carried out with minimal inconveniences and utmost care and will not last longer than neccessary.
While we regret the inconveniences that may arise from these operations, we continue to crave the maximum cooperation and understanding from the public to enable the Government and contractor to deliver on the project within stipulated period.
Government also urges the motoring public to continue to comply by avoiding the construction site and using alternative routes that have so far been provided.
ALWAYS THINK AND ACT PLATEAU
Engr. Alexander Plangnan, fnse Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Plateau State. Sunday 13th February, 2022.
The Northern Governors Forum has expressed sadness and shock over the death of the grandson of the late Premier of the Northern Region, Magajin Garin Sokoto, Alhaji Hassan Danbaba who died in Kaduna on Saturday.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a condolence message described the death of the Magajin Garin Sokoto as a great loss to the Sokoto Caliphate, Sokoto State, the Northern region and nation at large.
Lalong said the deceased was a highly respected traditional title holder who walked in the footsteps of his grandfather Sir Ahmadu Bello and used his influence to serve the people through every available opportunity.
He said Alhaji Danbaba devoted himself to the service of his people through humility, hardwork, generosity and forthrightness.
As an influential title holder in the Sokoto Caliphate, the deceased carried himself with dignity and candour, working with other leaders within the North and other parts of the country to find solutions to the many challenges of the nation. His role in reviving agriculture particularly rice farming has been widely acknowledged.
Lalong also conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the Northern Governors to his immediate family, the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, Governor Aminu Tambuwal, the Government and people of Sokoto State.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum. 13th February 2022
The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated Ekiti State Governor and Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) Dr. Kayode Fayemi on the occasion of his 57th birthday.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said the Northern Governors join the family, friends and associates of Governor Fayemi in this celebration because he has continued to work hard to promote the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria using his position as the leader of the entire Governors in the country.
Lalong said the Northern Governors Forum has found in Governor Feyemi a leader who is keen in building bridges and also passionate about development of all parts of the country particularly through harnessing the potentials of the various regional blocks.
He said Governor Fayemi has demonstrated commitment to finding solutions to the nation’s security challenges as well as shown readiness to always support actions that will assist the Northern region and other parts of the country deal with the problems militating against peace and progress.
Lalong also said the engagements of Governor Fayemi as NGF Chairman with the private sector, international organisations and the Federal Government among others, have led to some breakthroughs that have impacted the lives of people at various levels.
While wishing him many more years of peace, good health and happiness, Lalong urged him to continue to do his best in promoting the ideals of good governance, rule of law, and peaceful coexistence.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 9th February 2022.
GOVERNOR LALONG WELCOMES SENATE NOD FOR LAW SCHOOL CAMPUS IN PLATEAU STATE
Governor Simon Bako Lalong has welcomed the decision of the Nigerian Senate to create a Campus of the Nigerian Law School in Plateau State as it passed the Bill amending the Legal Education Act to create 6 new campuses across the country.
Lalong said the decision by the Senate is highly commendable as it will further strengthen the training of Nigerian legal professionals and reduce the challenges faced by law graduates in attending the Law School which is a prerequisite for call to the Bar.
He said “I strongly commend the Senate for this decision and the choice of Plateau State as a host of one of the new campuses. This is a right choice considering the fact that Plateau has been a leading producer of lawyers in Nigeria with the University of Jos churning out many graduates who have gone ahead to make the nation proud in the Bench, the Bar and other sectors. Only recently, we finalised plans to establish a new Law Faculty at the Plateau State University Bokkos to expand the training of lawyers in the State and nation at large”.
While expressing optimism that President Muhammadu Buhari will not hesitate to give his assent to the amended law, the Governor assured that Plateau State is ready to host the new Law School Campus as it is a home of learning supported by good weather, hospitable people and enough infrastructure to support the Institution.
Lalong commended Senate President Dr. Ahmad Lawan, the leadership and entire members of the Senate; Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters; as well as the Sponsor of the Bill Senator Smart Adeyemi for doing the needful to pass the amendment creating the new Law School campuses.
The Governor is also happy that the efforts of his administration in working assiduously to restore peace to the State are yielding positive results as Plateau is now substantially peaceful which has continued to attract not only investors and visitors, but Federal projects and Institutions.
It could be recalled that the Federal Government last year approved the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak, Shendam; Karl Kumm University Vom; ANAN University Kwall; and most recently the Federal University of Education Pankshin.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 9th January 2022.
No fewer than 20 gubernatorial aspirants on the platforms of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have indicated their interests to succeed the incumbent Governor of Plateau State, Mr Simon Lalong whose second term in office expires in 2023. The political temperature in the state is gradually being raised with anxiety coupled with delve political moves in various quarters, while aspirants have started traversing the state for consultations with various stakeholders.
The scheming to succeed the incumbent in the state is coming against the background of unique history in the state. It is obvious that since the inception of this dispensation in 1999, no incumbent government has been able to install a successor. As the second term of Governor Lalong is gradually coming to an end, political observers have been asking if the governor can break the jinx and successfully install his successor. Another puzzle is: who will be his anointed candidate among those who have indicated their interests so far?
Going down the memory lane, Senator Joshua Dariye, who governed the state from 1999 to 2007, could not hand over to the person of his choice on the platform of the PDP. Various interest groups ganged up to frustrate his plan in this regard. There was a huge opposition against him. The situation was so tensed he had to abandon the platform for another political party. Yet, he couldn’t make any head way. Senator Jonah Jang won the 2007 election.
Senator Jang had a good time in office as the governor of Plateau State with a solid political structure. His achievements while in the office are reverence points to date. But despite this, he failed to plant a successor.
His choice of the late Senator Gyang Pwajok as the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP did not go down well with certain stalwarts and members of his party who opposed his choice of successor from Plateau North which produced him.
For this reason, there was a huge and thick opposition against him. The party was fragmented, some notable members of PDP kicked against his succession plan. Before the election, some jettisoned PDP and openly worked against the candidate of the party, while a good chunk of others stayed back to sabotage the party within.
The ability of the late Senator Pwajok to govern the state was not in doubt. He was an intelligent young man and played a formidable role in Jonah Jang’s administration. But his albatross was being from the same local government with Jonah Jang. Governor Lalong attested to this when he openly declared that the wrong political calculation of Jang gave him victory while receiving his certificate of return at Hill Station Hotel in 2015.
Though there is no written agreement to back up zoning arrangement among the three senatorial zones in the state, it is sacrosanct and strictly adhered to. Currently, it is the turn of the central zone to produce the next governor, hence the reason no aspirant from both the North and South has shown interest.
Among the array of aspirants that have shown interest to contest the gubernatorial primary in APC, it is not yet apparent who Governor Lalong wants to support for the ticket of the party. Observers opine that the incumbent is being careful and trying to avoid the pitfall of his predecessors. His body language at the moment is causing hiccups while some members call it a pretentious posture.
Watchers of Plateau politics would want to see whether Governor Lalong would stand aloof and would also want to see whether he would throw his weight behind a private sector or a career politician or if he will allow the process to throw up the most popular candidate.
A former Nigeria Ambassador to Ukraine, Ambassador Ibrahim Kasai, said the governor is well-informed as a lawyer to know that imposition of a candidate might have undesirable effect on the party. “I know him very well he will not impose anyone on the state, his background would not allow him to do that,” he said.
In contrast to the Kasai’s position, a member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Yusuf Gagdi said that only the candidate that is chosen by the governor would be supported to succeed him in 2023.
He noted that the governor would consult widely with relevant stakeholders and bring out an acceptable candidate that would not be rejected by the APC as well as the people of the State.
Gagdi insisted the governor bringing a successor will ensure that “by the will of God that we have a governor that can determine and decide who succeeds him on the Plateau.”
A political analyst Dr Victor Danjuma said in Nigeria political context no governor or president will fold his arms and stand aloof over who succeeds him no matter how pious and democratic such a governor is.
“Governor Lalong holds the ace as far as APC in the state is concerned. He is in the full grip of the party. Those who could be considered as opponents within have been cut to size and some frustrated out of the party. He has the party in his palm, the bulk of delegates who will determine who pick the gubernatorial ticket are his cronies. So he has what it takes to determine who picks the ticket but who becomes the next governor of the state is a different ball game,” Danjuma said.
Another analyst who preferred to be anonymous declared this:” From the body language of Governor Lalong, especially over the recent political developments in the state, it is crystal clear that he will follow the tradition of other state governors in ensuring that his preferred candidate gets the party’s ticket.
“Let us be honest with ourselves. Who would not want him to prefer the person to take over from him? Who would not want a successor that would protect and consolidate his achievements? It is either he succeeds or is frustrated. Governor Lalong cannot be an exception in this regard. Moreover, there is an insinuation already that he is in support of this or that,” he said.
Though aspirants are trying to curry the favour of the governor for possible endorsement, a source close to the party told Sunday Tribune that there are aspirants and groups within the party working independently not minding the influence of the governor.
At the moment, those who have shown serious commitment and interest in the platform of APC are the Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) Dr Patrick Dakur; former Dean Faculty of Law University of Jos, Professor Dakas C J.Dakas (SAN); the deputy governor of the state, Professor Sonny Tyoden; Garuba Paul (SAN); Senator Hezekiah Dimka; a retired Assistant Controller of Customs, David Dimka; and former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue State, Nentawe Yilwatda, among others.
The question now is that who gets the nod of Governor Lalong for the gubernatorial ticket of APC? Sunday Tribune learnt that every one of the aspirants has notified the governor to contest for the primary and as well-received his blessing.
A source close to the governor disclosed that Lalong is determined to break the jinx by not only ensuring that a candidate of his choice emerges, but also that APC wins the 2023 governorship election in the state. He quickly dismissed the speculations in some quarters that the governor is standing aloof or planning to impose a candidate on the party.
“The governor is just being careful not to fall into the mistake of his predecessors. I can assure you that a strong candidate will emerge without much interference in the process,” said the source.
However, whoever picks the ticket will determine if the governor will be able to break the jinx or not. Sunday Tribune findings revealed that the wrong choice of candidate couple with poor performance have always robbed the previous incumbents of the chance to produce their successors.
A former chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Latep Dabang, and a former Majority Leader of the Plateau State House of Assemblyk Hon. Henry Yenkwap have defected from the ruling party APC to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State.
Also, a former chairman of Quanpan local government area, Hon. Isaac Kwalu, and a former member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Nanpon Tom and their supporters were recieved by the PDP during the Langtang Mega Rally 2022 tagged the ‘Great Movement’.
Dabang and Yenkwap also said they have moved to the PDP along with their numerous supporters.
Freelance Reporters 