PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR SWITCH FOUNDATION

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has commended the Support Women Initiatives to Transform Children (SWITCH) Foundation for its tremendous impact in touching the lives of many under-privileged women, children and young girls in Plateau State.

The Governor was speaking while recieving Mrs Zainab Tsok, Coordinator of SWITCH Foundation at the Government House Rayfield Jos during a courtesy visit.

Lalong was told that SWITCH Foundation which is the brainchild of Plateau First Lady Mrs. Regina Lalong, has continued to assist women with funding, training and facilities to enable them carry out businesses and farming which have yielded positive results.

Mrs. Tsok said thousands of women have been removed from poverty due to the empowerment given to them by SWITCH Foundation which has enabled them overcome the challenges of widowhood, health and social issues.

She said the girl child in Plateau State has also been given proper attention through ICT literacy, counselling and mentorship and other efforts of the SWITCH Foundation which target rural girls and youths throughout the State.

Zainab also stated that the Foundation has also carried out advocacy and rehabilitation of young persons affected by drugs with tremendous success where many have been returned to good standing in the society.

She however explained that the Foundation which is a nonprofit organisation has a lot of challenges of funding and will need the support of the Government and well spirited individuals to enable it carry out its mandate.

She thanked the Governor for his support so far and solicited for more collaboration and support in the next phase of its activities which require expansion, consolidation and the movement to a permanent facility.

Governor Lalong appreciated the efforts of the SWITCH Foundation which he said has greatly assisted Government to address the plight of the poor and vulnerable.

He promised to support the Foundation in every way possible and also directed relevant Government MDAs to engage with SWITCH with a view to ensuring that some of the challenges are addressed.

He commended the Founder, First Lady Regina Lalong for not only deploying her personal resources for the success of the Foundation, but also keying into the activities of the Future Assured Programme of Nigeria’s First Lady Aisha Buhari.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
26th January 2022.

Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku of Taraba State has approved the appointment of the New Aku Uka of Wukari, he is, Manu Ishaku Adda Ali, the 25th Aku Uka of Kwararafa Kingdom, following his selection by the four kingmakers and confirmation by the Kunvyi after consulting the oracles of the Jukunland.

The emergence of the 25th Aku Uka followed the transition of the 24th Aku Uka, His Majesty, Dr. Shekarau Angyu Masa-Ibi, Kuvyo II, CON on 8th October, 2021.

The new Aku Uka, who will be coronated traditionally on Friday, 28th January, 2022, is the son of the 23rd Aku Uka, Adda Ali Agbumanu V (1975-1976); he is from the Bama Ruling House.

Born on 24th March, 1946, he holds Higher National Diploma (HND) in Forestry in 1986 from the premier Federal College of Forestry, Jos, Plateau State.

He joined the civil service in 1965 and retired in the year 2000 as Chief Forest Superintendent, after 35 years of meritorious service.

After retirement from the civil service, the new Aku Uka engaged in community, religious and social activities, as well as special duty as member of task force on Forest Management in the State.

He has special interest in listening to news (both local and international), humanitarian service and environmental development.

Until his appointment, he was Chairman of Abiu Bauka, Jalingo Branch and that of the Kwararafa Ethnic Nationalities residing in Taraba State.

FED. POLYTECHNIC NY’AK, PLATEAU STATE TO ADMIT STUDENTS IN 2022 – GOVERNING COUNCIL CHAIRMAN

Chairman of the Governing Council for Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak, Shendam, Plateau State Engr. Sistus Ukelina Abetienbe has said that new students will be admitted by the end of the year 2022 as the Polytechnic takes off in the temporary site donated by the Plateau State Government.

The Chairman was speaking when Members of the Governing Council paid a courtesy visit to Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House, Little Rayfield as part of their working visit to the State.

He praised Governor Lalong for not only seeing to the establishment of the Polytechnic, but also making sure that the institution is granted large percel of land, very big and suitable temporary facility with quality infrastructure for take-off, planned provision for basic infrastructure such as power, water, and access road  to the permanent site among others.

Engr. Sistus said the institution was fortunate to have been established during the administration of Governor Lalong who is not only passionate about education, but very interested in partnering with the Federal Government to provide educational opportunities for his people.

He disclosed that the Institution will give strength to courses in areas that Plateau has strong advantage such as tourism, agriculture and mining among others.

Governor Lalong while welcoming the delegation said he was eager to ensure that the Polytechnic commences operations because so much efforts have  been put in by various stakeholders to bring the dream of the school to fruition.

He said that was why the Government did not hesitate to donate one of the Legacy Schools, the Model Secondary School Ny’ak, which has large infrastructure for the take off of the institution.

He expressed his determination to ensure that the Institution commences operations and develops to gives quality education to citizens of Plateau State and other Nigerians.

The Governor congratulated the Governing Council for their appointment, and again expressed appreciation to the President, Minister of Education and the National Assembly for approving the Institution, saying there is high hope that the Federal College of Education Pankshin will soon be upgraded to a University of Education once the President signs the bill before him into law.

Rector of the Polytechnic Dr. Mikaila Zakari Ya’u said the efforts of Governor Lalong has made the task of commencing academic activities of the school very seamless.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
25th January 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS FAMILY OF FIRST REPUBLIC POLITICIAN, CHIEF MICHAEL AUDU BUBA; SAYS HE DESERVES BETTER RECOGNITION.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has eulogised frontline First Republic politician, Chief Michael Audu Buba, Wazirin Shendam, who he said played a key role in the emergence of democracy in Nigeria and opened doors for many politicians in Plateau, the Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria.

Governor Lalong who was speaking when he met with some family members of the late politician at the Government House Rayfield Jos, said the late politician was yet to be accorded the honour deserving of his personally and political achievements.

He recalled that Chief Michael Buba, one of the closest associates of the late Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, was a member of the Northern House of Assembly where he became a Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources under the then Northern Region.

During the nation’s independence era, he was variously appointed as the Northern Region’s Minister of Trade and Industry, as well as the Minister for Social Welfare and Cooperatives where he served creditably.

Lalong said the late political heavyweight played a key role in launching the then Plateau State into the political landscape of the Northern Region and Nigeria, as well as fought for rights of the people.

He told the family that the Government will ensure that his labour and sacrifice do go unrecognised by ensuring that he is given proper honour in Plateau State, the Northern Region and Nigeria at large for the role he played in the democratic journey of the country.

He urged the family to sustain the legacies of their father and also participate in politics in order to influence the lives of people like their father did during his time on earth.

Responding, a son of the late politician, Musa Michael Buba said they were happy for the invitation by Governor Lalong who is also the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, saying they remain proud of what their father did to mentor many young politicians and technocrats who have become great people in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.

He said the family appreciates the goodwill of Governor who has decided to give their father proper recognition and honour, many years after his death.

Michael Audu Buba, a prominent member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in Plateau State, was also an official member of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) having served as the party’s regional secretary, Northern Region.

He was born in 1924, and hailed from Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau. He worked with the Lowland Native Authority as a Secretary and Councilor before he was elected into the Northern House of Assembly in 1951, and later became a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives in 1952.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
25th January 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE FIRST CLASS RULER, DA NELSON BAKFUR, MISHKAHAM MWAGAVUL

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has paid tribute to the late First Class Traditional Ruler in Mangu Local Government Area, the Mishkaham Mwagavul, HRH Da Nelson Bakfur who joined his ancestors at the age of 73.

Governor Lalong while speaking at a funeral service for the deceased traditional ruler held at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Kerang, said the Royal Father was man of peace who did a lot to promote peaceful coexistence and tolerance within his domain and in the entire State.

He said “Our father did his best and served with all his might and strength. He was a man who loved peace and did everything possible to encourage unity, love and tolerance among all citizens within and outside his domain, irrespective of their tribes, religion or political affiliations. He did not discriminate against people, but brought them together”.

The Governor Governor described him as a very reliable ally of Government particularly at difficult times when enemies of the State attempted to disrupt public peace. His proactive approach enabled Government to nip the situation in the bud and sustain security of lives and properties. Criminals had no hiding place within his domain as he mobilized his subjects to be vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in flushing them out.

While asking the family and the Mwagavul nation to bear the loss and sustain his legacies, Lalong said the late monarch will be remembered as a man of honour who paid very close attention to the economic prosperity of his people. Apart from being a farmer himself, he encouraged the people to also work hard and engage in farming and other business activities.

The Governor also appealed to the Mwagavul traditional Institution to unite and put the interest of the Chiefdom above personal gains particularly during the election of a successor, assuring that the Government will not interfere in the process in line with the stance of the Rescue Administration to allow justice and fairness to prevail.

Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman, Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs Da Jacob Gyang Buba, extolled the virtues of the late Royal Father, describing him as a very jovial, intelligent and constructive personality who made valuable contributions to the decisions of the Council.

He also appealed to the Mangu Traditional Council to avoid anything that will bring disharmony and hatred in the choice of a successor to the late monarch, urging them to abide by the laid down procedures spelled out in the Gazette.

COCIN President Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo said the late Mishkaham Mwagavul was a believer in Christ who supported the Church and also depended on God for wisdom during his reign.
He asked the family and sympathizers to always think about eternity in all their activities as death is inevitable and cannot be avoided by anyone no matter his status.

Widow of the deceased, Na Monica Bakfur, and his son, testified that their late father was a man of integrity, love and forgiveness who paid attention to his family as well as the people of the Chiefdom.

Several other speakers affirmed that the late monarch was a man who loved education and supported the establishment of schools within his domain by both Government and the private sector.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
24th January 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG RECIEVES STAFF AUDIT REPORT; VOWS TO REMOVE QUESTIONABLE CIVIL SERVANTS AND INJECT NEW ONES

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says his administration will not tolerate civil servants with questionable records and those who have falsified their data to remain in service or secure placement and promotions they dont deserve.

Governor Lalong was speaking at the Government House Rayfield Jos while recieving the report of the High Powered Committee on Staff Audit and Verification that was saddled with the task of auditing the State Civil Service.

Governor Lalong said the Committee was necessitated by the desire of Government to address some of the challenges that constituted barriers to service delivery, professionalism, accountability and transparency.

He said “among other things, Government was worried that despite the number of people exiting from the Service as a result of deaths, retirements, transfers, withdrawals etc., the State wage bill appeared to be constant and even increasing. In addition, Government was inundated with alleged cases of age falsification, record tampering, placements and other complaints that cast a negative image in the service and attempted to reduce the effectiveness and efficiency of the Civil Service.  This also restrained Government from conducting recruitment to inject fresh manpower into the system, resulting in a situation where the State Civil Service is confronted by loopholes and critical manpower shortages in various areas”.

While commending the Committee under the leadership of Nde John G Gobak, OFR, mni, for doing  a wonderful job, Governor Lalong directed the Standing Committee on White Paper to immediately swing into action and submit a Draft White Paper for Government’s consideration and swift implementation.

He said this will enable Government to resume  promotion as well as employment processes in the Service as soon as possible, and also assured civil servants that the report will not be used to witch hunt anyone and those who have questions to answer should be ready to answer them.

Chairman of the Committee Nde John Gobak said as a result of the autonomy granted to the Judiciary and Legislature, the Committee only screened staff under the direct purview of the Executive with a total number of 14,418 officers said to be in Service. Only 13,978 were authenticated indicating a difference of 440.  Out of the 13,978 staff verified, 709 staff either falsified or altered their age while 673 others were wrongly placed/promoted/converted. 66 ought to have retired prior to the inauguration of the Committee on 20th April, 2021.  17 cases were recommended for review by a Medical Board.

He said the Committee established that there is a manifest disconnect between the Salary Automation Unit in the Ministry of Finance and other important Offices of Government such as the Office of the Head of Civil Service and the Office of the State Auditor- General resulting in the Unit’s seeming overbearingness and or ability to function unchecked.

This he said resulted in some Staff still being paid salaries months after they had disengaged from the Service either by Death, Retirement, Transfer or Secondment due to failure to timely raise Variation Orders in that regard or collusion to circumvent the System and or outright acts of misconduct.

The Committee therefore recommended that Salary Automation Unit should have a Tripartite Supervisory Linkage among the Offices of the Head of Civil Service, State Auditor-General and the Accountant General who may either jointly endorse the Payment Mandates or ensure on a monthly basis, that what is paid is well vetted and genuine. That is, while the Office of the Head of Civil Service compiles, the Office of the Auditor General vets while the Office of the Accountant General pays.

It so said all approvals earlier granted some Staff to change their dates of birth be rescinded while all Employments/Placements/Conversions/Advancements done against the provisions of the Schemes of Service and other extant Circulars as captured in the Main Report be withdrawn.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the
Executive Governor of Plateau State,
21st January 2022.

2023: PDP’S DESPERADO POLITICALLY SPONSORED MEDIA PROPAGANDA AGAINST GOVERNOR LALONG AND APC UNCOVERED.

Ahead of the 2023 elections, it has been discovered that some desperate politicians who are threatened by the successes of the APC Rescue Administration in Plateau State, have resulted to deception, blackmail  and propaganda as their last resort to discredit the progressive administration of His Excellency Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG.

It is gathered that in the wake of their desperation and fear of losing elections, they have set other propaganda machinery covertly and also budgeted huge sums of money to embark on media campaign of calumny against the APC Government as well as damage the reputation and integrity of the Governor through peddling lies, fake news, misinformation and disinformation.

Available and concrete facts show that the infamous strategy is being championed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as they believe that this will revive their destroyed forunes and restore their candidates to winning elections again. They hope that this can only succeed when they bring down the Government of the day and the ruling Party the APC using lies, deceit and character assassination.

It is worthy to note that democracy has given everybody the freedom of association and speech but sadly, this has been hijacked by propagandists like the opposition party in Plateau State who are bent on doing everything mischievously misinform the people with a view to clinch to power by all means.

Instead of the opposition to go beyond fault-finding to give or invent a vision of their own on  how they intend to make Plateau State and the nation better, they are stuck with old tricks and wailing propaganda. All that they seem to give the public is destructive and disruptive actions coated with hate speeches, falsehood, adverse, comments and vitriolic attacks on Governor Lalong and his Rescue administration. This act if not checked poses danger to democracy in the State.

Although their plan is to use the mainstream media, bloggers and social platforms to perpetuate their evil acts, the Press on the Plateau must be commended for their act of selflessness, professionalism, diligence and unbiased stand on issues which has not allowed the opposition to use them to achieve their their selfish desires. We encourage them to remain independent, objective and faithful to facts.

We are also aware that some prominent politicians outside Plateau State have committed huge sums of money to members of the opposition parties to sponsor media war and propaganda against the Governor and the APC with the sole aim of bringing it down.

We strongly belief that the media on the Plateau who have been partners with the progressive government in the restoration of peace and good governance in State will not be distracted or induced with money by any group of people to carry out any evil propaganda against the State.

We also advise the PDP to concentrate on promoting its obscure and faded image and market its aspirants, rather than embarking on vicious disparagement of the APC government through baseless and empty write ups and press releases that serve no good than to disparage the State and expose its citizens to ridicule in the eye of the country and the world at large.

The people-centered ruling APC continues to question the PDP’s credibility and moral justification in planning such a humongous and expensive media propaganda when their sixteen (16) improvident years in power was characterised with a legacy of deep-seated insecurity, poor and equal welfare to our Civil servants, Pensioners and Plateau people.

Because of the shaky foundation upon which their party stands, they have in addition to planning this vitrolic media propaganda agenda, Possibly resorted to recruiting aggrieved, desperate and disgruntled APC members with the hope using them for mischief. Their thinking is that they would receive cheap popularityn cto revive their misfortunes. This will definitely fail just as they failed in using the Local Government strike, Endsars Protests, Abok impeachment saga and the attacks in some parts of the State to sway people to their side. Plateau people are wise and know that Governor Lalong and the APC mean well for them.

Already, the propaganda has failed woefully because some of the alleged ruling party “decampees” have since recanted and confessed that they were misled and exploited.  They reject being used and further re-assured the APC of their loyalty and commitments to the ideals of the party which has mechanisms for settling disputes.

Our conclusion is that what is giving the opposition sleepless night is the fact that they are aware that good governance has become one of the yardsticks for evaluating proficiency and efficiency, and Governor Simon Lalong administration has from every indication established that keeping a campaign promise is possible.

The Plateau people are admonished to continue supporting the administration of Lalong as he remains resilient and resolute in his approach to governance. He remains firm and focused on the pact with Plateau people and refuses to be intimidated nor be bullied by the enemies of peace and good governance, and no amount of campaign nor propaganda would take that from him. Plateau people are wiser and will not be deceived again.

Diket Plang
Special Adviser to the Governor of Plateau State.
21st January 2022.

TROOPS OF OPERATION SAFE HAVEN NEUTRALISE NOTORIOUS KIDNAP SYNDICATE ON THE PLATEAU….Recover arms and ammunition

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN acting on credible intelligence have bursted and neutralised a notorious Gang of kidnap syndicate on the plateau. The syndicate has been on the watchlist of Operation SAFE HAVEN and believed to have masterminded the recent kidnap incidences on the Plateau. The syndicate is also believed to have participated in the Jos prison jail break on 28 November 2021.

The syndicate met its waterloo when troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN tracked them to Gyero general area where they plan and carry out their nefarious activities. The kidnappers on sighting the troops opened fire. Our troops responded with superior fire power resulting in neutralisation of 3 notorious kidnappers.

Items recovered from the syndicate includes, one AK-47 Rifle, 2 AK-47 rifle magazines, 101 live rounds of 7. 62mm ammunition and one tricycle (Keke Napep). Other items recovered include one itel phone, one techno phone, 2 sharp knives and 2 military headwarmers.

While Commending the resilience of the troops for another successful operation, the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali, also warned kidnappers and perpetrators of evil to stay clear of Plateau State as he has restated his determination to make the state unbearable for all criminals to operate. General Ali further urged law abiding citizens to cooperate with security agencies and promptly report any suspicious movement in their area.

You are please requested to disseminate this information through your medium. Thank you for your usual cooperation

ISHAKU TAKWA
Major
Military Information Officer OPSH
21 January 2022

GOVERNOR LALONG PRAISES SECURITY AGENCIES FOR TURNING THE HEAT ON KIDNAPPERS IN PLATEAU STATE

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has commended security personnel in the State for rising up to occasion and thwarting the attempts by kidnappers to create fear among citizens.

Governor Lalong in a message said he was glad that the swift response of the security forces to distress calls of kidnap incidents led to the dislocation of their operations leading to rescue of some victims and arrest of suspects.

Lalong cited the rescue of the Gwom Rwey of Vwang District, Da Gyang Gutt Balak shortly after he was kidnapped and the arrest of some suspects as a good development that is worth sustaining.

A similar situation had also happened when three students of the Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi where rescued shortly after being kidnapped from the school in Heipang.

The wife of the Deputy Chief of Staff and a Medical Doctor among others were also rescued by security forces after being kidnapped and some suspects also arrested recently.

The Governor urged the security agencies which include the Police, DSS, Operation Safe Haven, Operation Rainbow, NSCDC, other paramilitary agencies and Vigilante Groups to sustain the heat on the criminals, assuring that the Government will do everything possible to continue to provide support for them to flush out kidnappers and other criminals from the State.

He also assured that he will not hesitate to sign the death warrant for any convicted kidnapper who is found guilty of the crime as the law against kidnapping signed last year stipulates the death penalty which is ready to be implemented.

Lalong also called on citizens of Plateau State to support the security agencies with intelligence that will enable them not only respond, but pre-empt the activities of criminals who are desperate to disrupt the peace of the State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
20th January 2022.

OPERATION SAFE HAVEN TRAINS CIVILIAN JOINT TASK FORCE IN SOUTHERN KADUNA

In a bid to curb the incessant banditry activities in southern kaduna, Operation SAFE HAVEN has today 19 January 2022 graduated 98 youths trained on surveillance and information gathering. The graduation ceremony which took place at Headquarters Sector 7 Kafanchan saw youths selected from all the communities and ethnic groups in southern Kaduna passed out in a colourful graduation ceremony.

Speaking to the graduands, the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali charged the youths to distance themselves from sentiment and discharge their duty without fear or favour. He stressed that the essence of the training is to ensure that the communities are protected against enemies of peace. General Ali also warned the youths not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs by some persons to achieve their selfish goals.

Speaking earlier, the Commander Sector 7, Operation SAFE HAVEN, Colonel Timothy Opurum noted that the training of the youths was necessary considering the importance of peace to development. He revealed that the team of the Joint Civilian Task Force comprised of youths selected from 7 major ethnic groups in Kafanchan, Kauru, Kaura and Jama’a Local Government Areas of southern part of Kaduna State.

Colonel Timothy stated that the trained youths would be deployed to various communities alongside security agencies. He added that presence of the Civilian Joint Task Force will aid the security agencies to fish out bad eggs who connive with bandits to perpetrate evil in the communities.

Highlight of the graduation ceremony was a match past parade and light combat demonstration by the graduands to the admiration of the Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN.

Please disseminate this information through your medium. Thank you for your usual cooperation.

ISHAKU TAKWA
Major
Military Information Officer OPSH
19 January 2022