“ERNEST SHONEKAN WAS A GIFT TO NIGERIA”; NORTHERN GOVERNORS

The Northern Governors Forum say former Head of the Interim National Government Chief Ernest Shonekan was a gift to Nigeria who played a crucial role of holding Nigeria together during one of its difficult moments.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement described the death of the elder statesman as a huge loss the entire country.

He said the late Shonekan was an accomplished technocrat who distinguished himself in the world of business rising to the peak, before being called upon to serve the nation as the head of the Interim National Government.

While commiserating with his family and the nation over this collosal loss, the Northern Governors said his legacies of patriotism, patience and tolerance will continue to endure.

The Northern Governors also want Nigerians to honour his memory by working together to build democracy and good governance.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Forum.

13th January 2021

GOVERNOR LALONG HONOURS NIGERIAN HEROES; URGES CITIZENS TO HONOUR THEIR SACRIFICES BY EMBRACING PEACE

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has paid tribute to Nigerian fallen heroes who have made sacrifices for the unity, peace and stability of Nigeria, urging all citizens to honour their courage by living in peace with one another and exposing criminals.

Lalong stated this during the laying of wreaths to commemorate the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the tomb of the unknown soldier, Joseph Gomwalk Secretariat, Jos.

Lalong who spoke with journalists after the event said Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies have made sacrifices to not only keep Nigeria one, but also ensure that its territorial integrity is kept intact.

The Governor said Nigeria has in recent years been confronted by internal security threats that are compounded by lack of harmony and tolerance among Nigerians which has further stretched the security architecture.

He also said unless Nigerians deliberately work towards building a peaceful society by respecting one another, obeying the rule of law and exposing criminals, the security challenges will not be resolved because the capacity of the security agencies will continue to be overstretched.

Lalong said the security agencies have continued to do their best to confront the challenges and must be supported by all Nigerians in order to motivate them to put in their best to make further sacrifices.

He also appealed to Nigerians to be generous towards the families of fallen heroes as well as retired soldiers who are battling with many health challenges and carrying responsibilities of dependants.

The Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda, Acting Chief Judge David Mann, GOC 3rd Amoured Division Gen. Ali and other dignitaries laid wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
15th January 2022.

NDE DAVID VICTOR DIMKA fsi COMMISERATE WITH THE IRIGWE NATION,BASSA LGA AND PLATEAU STATE OVER ANCHA KILLINGS

Nde Dimka Victor David fsi on behalf of his family and the DVD Movement commiserates with the families and people of Ancha Community, the Bra Ngwe Irigwe and the people of Irigwe Chiefdom of Bassa Local Government Area and indeed all the peace loving people of Plateau State on the very sad loss of 18 lives and property when gunmen attacked the Ancha Community recently.
“We had prayed that the New Year 2022 will usher in peaceful coexistence after the spate of attacks we witnessed in previous years, alas hatred still lurks in the hearts of these terrorists. Human life is sacred and must be considered as sacrosanct. We urge the security officers to track these killers and bring them to the book.
“We pray that God almighty will console those who have loved ones and may the Holy Spirit cause a change of heart and bring conversion to these terrorists. That which we cannot attain through peaceful means cannot be obtained by violence. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in perfect peace. Amen”

DVD Media Team

The Chairman of the Plateau State People’s Democratic Party, Chris Hassan has said if the former Chairman of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Hon. Latep Daban defects to the PDP, the party will receive him with open arms.

Chris Hassan said the former APC Chairman was in the PDP before joining the APC and nothing stops him from returning back to his former home.

The PDP Chairman stated this Thursday in Jos, during an interaction with newsmen.

Although he said it is still a rumour that the former APC Chairman is defecting to the PDP, but added that the party is waiting to receive him.

His words: “I have heard rumours that Latep Dabang wants to join the PDP. He is welcome. Was he not in the PDP before?. We formed this party with him and for whatever reason he left and went to the APC, but since he has seen a problem there, like the prodigal son, once he comes back we will accept him and his sins will be forgiven and will never be remembered again.

“He went there and saw that they are not the kind of people he will coexist with and he decided to come back. Should we stop him from returning home?.

“If you are the father of that prodigal son, will you stop him from coming back home?.

“Also, like others who wants to join him to return home, whatever sin they have committed will be forgiven and they will stand the chance like every other PDP member to contest for any position of their choice”, Hassan said.

It would be recalled that in June 2021, the National Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), of the APC, headed by Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, in a statement suspended Mr. Latep Dabang, alleging anti-party activities.

The statement revealed that the chairman’s suspension was contained in a document endorsed by a good number of members of the state executive committee, which has Governor Simon Lalong as a member; hence cannot be ignored.

TROOPS OF OPERATION SAFE HAVEN RESCUE
THREE KIDNAPPED STUDENTS OF PLATEAU STATE POLYTECHNIC

Three students of Plateau State Polytechnic kidnapped yesterday Wednesday 12 January 2022 have been rescued
unhammed by troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN deployed at Barikin Ladi.
The trooos deployed at Nding Sesut a remote community in Barikin Ladi noticed an unusual movement of persons during patrols. Troops immediately conducted cordon and search in the general area that led to rescue of the three students at an abandoned poultry farm. The victims have since been united with their families. Manhurt to apprehend the suspects is still on going.

While commending the vigilance and efforts of the troops, the commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali has commended the law abiding citizens who provided credible information to the security agencies. He reiterated his resolve to make Plateau state a difficult terrain for criminals to operate.

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

ISHAKU TAKWA
Military Information Officer OPSH
13 January 2022

Breaking: Plateau former APC chairman, ex-speakers, ex-LG chairmen, ex-commissioner,
A former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, Chief Letep Dabang and a large number of other aggrieved members of the ruling party in the state have resigned their membership of the party to join the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The group of aggrieved APC members took the decision to move en masse to the PDP at the end of a meeting held in Barkin-Ladi on Wednesday under the aegis of what they called “THE GREAT MOVEMENT.”

A statement issued on Thursday in Jos and signed by Engr. Manji Danladi, said that the meeting of the group which comprises of all the disenchanted members of the APC in the state, was chaired by Dabang.

It disclosed that over 150 representatives of the group’s men and women across the 17 local governments of Plateau State came together and brainstormed on the way forward.

“After an intensive deliberation, the group unanimously and unequivocally agreed to resign their membership of the ruling party, APC, and collapse into the PDP, where their future is certain and can be assured,” the statement said.

It named some of the prominent decampees as follows:

Chief Letep Dabang, the immediate past and pioneer chairman of the APC in Plateau State.

Hon. Peter Azi, former speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly (PLHA).

Hon. Joshua Madaki, former speaker Plateau State House of Assembly (PLHA).

Hon. Henry Yunkwap, former Majority Leader, Plateau State House of Assembly (PLHA).

Dr. Kuden Kamshak, former Commissioner of Healh, Plateau State.

Hon. Isaac Kwallu, former impeached Executive Chairman of Quanpan LGA.

Hon. Nicholas Vongsing, former Chairman, Langtang South LGA.

Chief Binkur Binkur, former Plateau State APC Assistant Secretary.

Alhaji Ustaz Ibrahim, former APC Financial Secretary, Plateau State.

Mr. Cletus Datong, former Deputy Chief of Staff, Plateau State Government House.

Mr. Alex Pam, former Plateau State APC Youth Leader.

Alhaji Alhassan Ayiki, former APC chairman, Bassa LGA.

Hon. Ajiji Pate, former APC Chairman, Jos East LGA.

Alhaji Kabiru Pakachi, former Plateau State APC Auditor.

GAGDI COMMISERATES WITH PLATEAU PEOPLE OVER BASSA KILLING

Yet again, we rose to the tragic news of the gruesome attack on Bassa community, resulting in the killing, in cold blood, of law abiding citizens of the state.

While I commiserate with the government and people of Plateau state over this tragic recurrent incidence, I condemn in totality the continues killing of Plateau people by bloodthirsty marauders who have found prey in innocent Plateau people.

I call on the security operatives to be proactive in securing the lives and property of Plateau people and Nigerians in general.

We are living in a perilous times when the sanctity of human lives mean nothing to this bloodsucking vampires, but we continue to trust in God that one day, they shall all meet their waterloo and serenity will return to the state like nothing has ever hampered the peace and tourism potentials our state is endowed with.

Once again, my sincere condolences goes to the people of Bassa in particular and Plateau state in general, while we pray God to enable our security apparatus to find a lasting solution to the security breach plaguing our country.

Signed:
Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi,
(Dan Malikin Kanam),
Member Representing PKK and Chairman House Committee on Navy.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS MOURN KADUNA FIRST CLASS MONARCH, AGWAM BAJJU, LATE MALLAM NUHU BATURE

The Northern Governors Forum has condoled with the people of Bajju Chiefdom and Kaduna State over the demise of the Agwam Bajju I, HRH, Late Mallam Nuhu Bature OON.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a message of commiseration described the demise of the late monarch as a huge loss to the people of Bajju Chiefdom, Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.

The Governor said the First Class traditional ruler was a peacemaker and unifier who did everything possible to support the peace initiatives that assisted in creating harmony, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic and religious groups in the Chiefdom and Kaduna State.

He said having fought doggedly for the emancipation of his people, the late Royal Father embraced everybody within his domain irrespective of religious, ethnic and political affiliations and continued to advocate peaceful coexistence amidst the security challenges that confronted Kaduna State at various times.

The Northern Governors Forum Chairman said the Royal Father was a man who believed in entrepreneurship and productivity which he did not only practice, but encouraged and mentored many youths to embrace, especially in agriculture and business.

Lalong said the late Agwam Bajju also played a key role in the efforts to strengthening the traditional institution in the Northern Region and the nation at large and make it more capable of contributing to the governance of the nation.

Governor Lalong asked the family and people of Bajju Chiefdom to accept his death as the will of God and sustain his legacies of love, hardwork, honesty and patriotism.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham,
Director of Press to the Governor of Plateau State &
Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
13th January 2022.

PIDAN commiserates with Mwaghavul nation, visits Sum Pyem

The Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives, PIDAN on Tuesday January 11, 2022 commiserated with the Mwaghavul nation following the transition to glory of their paramount ruler, HRH Da Nelson Andat Bakfur and expressed sympathy with the Sum Pyem of Gindiri HRH Charles Mato Dakat after his abduction and release by kidnapers.

The PIDAN team led by its President Prof Aboi Madaki, while in Kerang described the transition of Da Bakfur as a great loss not only to the Mwaghavul nation but to Plateau State and the nation in general.

The organization while urging the Mwaghavul nation to build on the legacies of the late monarch prayed for the seamless emergence of a successor.

At a separate visit to the Sum Pyem, Prof Madaki thanked God and expressed delight of the monarch’s safe return and commended his wisdom in handling the issue.

The PIDAN President called on the people of the state to unite in order to fight the menace of banditry.

Responding on behalf of the Mangu Traditional Council, the District Head of Pushit, His Highness Da Jiga Gupiya commended PIDAN saying that the visit has strengthen them.

The district head, who was in company of the District Heads of Mangu, HH John P. Hirse and Mangun, HH Job Ali Damiyal described the transition of Da Bakfur as a great loss, adding that the visit was a blessing and wished PIDAN more of God’s blessings.

Also speaking, the wife of the transited monarch, Mrs Monica Nelson Bakfur described her late husband as a man of God who dedicated his life to Christ.

The Sum Pyem described the visit of PIDAN as a tonic to him and extolled their contributions to the promotion of equity in governance in the state.

He thanked PIDAN for felicitating with him and prayed God to continue to guide them in taking decisions that would guide the state and the country at large.

PIDAN is the umbrella body of the 56 ethnic nationalities in the state.


Signed:
Stephen Sarki Musa
PIDAN PRO
12/01/22

NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM CONGRATULATES SENATE PRESIDENT @ 63

The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with Senate President Dr. Ahmad Lawan as he marks his 63rd birthday.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a congratulatory message described the Senate President as a legislator per excellence and a patriotic Nigerian who has deployed his vast experience in politics for the good of the nation.

Lalong said Senator Lawan has continued to provide purposeful leadership to the 9th Senate by ensuring that the business of law-making is carried out with the overall interest of the people of Nigeria.

He commended Senator Lawan for carrying along the entire Senate irrespective of party affiliations and also ensuring that the 9th National Assembly breaks the jinx with the passage of landmark legislations such as the PIA and the Electoral Act Amendment Bill among others.

Governor Lalong said the Northern Governors Forum has found a strong ally in the Senate President particularly in the area of appropriation for security, agriculture, education, job creation and others which are very important to the progress of the region and the nation as a whole.

While wishing him many more years of peace and good health, the Northern Governors Forum acknowledges urged him to remain steadfast in providing inclusive leadership that will assist the government deliver its mandate to the people.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum.
12th January 2022.