Breaking: 16, not 8 members impeached Ex speaker Abok – Plateau APC Lawmakers
Breaking: 16,
Progressive members of the Plateau state House of Assembly on Thursday insisted that 16 members of the state house of assembly impeached the immediate past Speaker of the assembly Hon Abok Ayuba.



Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil, Majority leader, Plateau State House of Assembly who addressed newsmen in Jos said

it is imperative that we address newsmen and put the records straight in-view of the aftermath of the change of leadership in the Plateau State House of Assembly.



Flanked by twelve members of the house of assembly , Hon Naanlong said “We want to put it on record that due process was followed in the impeachment of the former Speaker Rt. Hon. Abok Ayuba, as provided in section 92, 2 (C) CFRN 1999 (As amended) that 16 out of the 24 members sign a resolution for his impeachment. This was complied with on the 28th October 2021.



He said that The public and members of the press should note that 17 members were present in the Chambers at the sitting on that day which is more than the required number that forms a Quorum in any legislative business of a State House of Assembly.



In his words “It is baseless and misleading to say that only eight numbers sign for the impeachment of the former Speaker, as been spread around in the social and mainstream media and by some individuals. The clerk of the House is in possession of the names of all members who were in the House on that day. Unfortunately, some members of the other side who were there and even addressed the press afterwards have been involved in misinforming the public. We want you to beware.



SOME REASONS WHY MEMBERS REMOVED THE FORMER SPEAKER



1. REFUSAL TO RECONVENE THE HOUSE



You will recalled that since August this year, the house was unable to meet to undertake it’s Legislative business, because the former Speaker refused to reconvene the House because he was asked to render account of his Financial activities in the house. Siince then, he closed the house and refused to allow us to consider many crucial bills still pending. In fact, three times the Governor approached the House to lay the 2022 appropriation bill but the former Speaker refused. It took a lot of pleading and begging for that to happen. Is it his father’s House or personal property?



Because of his inability to reconvene the house for Legislative business, Bills, Motions and matters of urgent Public importance that could have helped the people of the State, the State has suffered a serious setback which the new Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda is determined to correct.



2. DICTATORIAL TENDENCES.

Despite the passage of the Autonomy Law by the Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong who was the first to do so in the country because he was one of those who started the struggle for autonomy in 1999, the way and manner the Former Speaker ran the house was more or less like his personal business venture, taking unilateral decisions, as against the funds Management Law, which stipulated that, Principal Officers, and financial Management Committee need to take collective decisions in regards to approvals or any important decision and Financial Management. Because he violated that law and was called to give account, he started running away and using other members who probably benefited from his misconduct divide the House.



3. GROSS INCOMPETENCE

All these matters mentioned above constitute Gross Incompetence, high headedness and financial recklessness, in the management of the house affairs which cost the former Speaker his seat.



4. USING FAKE MACE AND HOLDING AN ILLEGAL SITTING OUTSIDE THE HOUSE



Soon after we impeached the former Speaker, he

went and constructed a fake maze to convene a kangaroo sitting at an event centre in Zawan. This worsened his already bad c

NORTHERN GOVERNORS GREET ELDERSTATESMAN, MAMMAN DAURA AT 82,

The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with elderstatesman, Mallam Mamman Daura as he clocks 82 years.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong described him as a statesman who has dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria and the growth of the region over the years in his professional career, and many years after retirement.

Governor Lalong lauded Mallam Mamman Daura’s record of achievements as a diligent public administrator, outstanding journalist, and editor of the New Nigerian Newspapers, saying he exhibited sound knowledge, responsibility, patriotism and experience in serving the society, while also mentoring many in the public and private sectors.

Lalong said Nigeria and the Northern region have benefitted enormously from his versatility and entrepreneurship which saw him venturing into the textile and banking industries at various times as well as playing various roles in others.

While praying God to grant him good health and protection, Lalong urged the elderstatesman to continue to avail the nation his fountain of knowledge, wisdom and experience, particularly in addressing some of the challenges Nigeria is passing through.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman Northern Governors Forum.
November 10th, 2021

PRESIDENT BUHARI LAUNCHES WHEAT FARMING IN PLATEAU; OPTIMISTIC OF ENDING WHEAT IMPORT SOON.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday 9th November 2021 flagged off the first ever rainfed commercial wheat cultivation in Nigeria at the Wheat Seed Multiplication Farm in Kwall, Bassa LGA of Plateau State with a charge to Nigerian farmers to embrace wheat farming and stop the import of the product which gulps over 2 billion dollars annually.

President Buhari who was represented by Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the launch noted that the Agricultural sector is one of the critical non-oil sectors which has made significant contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) accounting for a 22.35 and 23.78 per cent contribution to the overall GDP in the first and second quarters of 2021 respectively.

He said a key focus of his administration has been the deployment of mechanisms to ensure that agriculture thrives in Nigeria to significantly grow the economy and achieve maximum welfare for the citizens by ensuring food and energy security.

Buhari said Nigeria is on the path to actualizing sustainability in the production of rice, maize, cassava, soybean, groundnut, oil palm, cocoa and very soon the breakthrough in wheat cultivation in Nigeria will be accomplished.

He however lamented that Nigeria still spends humongous amounts of money on wheat import which is not acceptable because the country has the capacity to meet domestic consumption demands and also export.

He said “It is important to stress that Nigeria currently spends over $2 billion on the importation of wheat annually, one of the key contributors to the Nation’s huge foreign import bill. This is because millers have had to resort to importing wheat to meet the huge demand for wheat by-products. Wheat cultivation, similar to rice has the capacity to thrive in Nigeria due to the tropical climatic conditions. Currently, wheat is cultivated in many Northern states particularly in the dry season due to the high heat tolerance of the seed utilized by farmers”.

The President expressed excitement for the flag-off of the 2021/2022 dry season wheat farming noting that wheat can also be grown in the wet season in Plateau State as research also shows that it can be cultivated in other Plateaus in the country, namely, Gembu Plateau, Taraba State and Obudu Plateau, Cross River State. He urged these states to take advantage of this opportunity and key into the initiative.

The President commended the Central Bank of Nigeria, for using the Anchor Borrowers Programme not just in the Agric value chain, but in almost all sectors of the economy as shown in the recent launch of some transformative initiatives like the 100 for 100 policy for production and productivity.

CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele represented by Deputy Governor Edward Lamtek Adamu said in order to change the situation and leverage domestic production to bridge the demand-supply gap in the country, the Central Bank of Nigeria decided to add wheat to the list of focal commodities to be supported under the Bank’s agricultural intervention programmes.

He said improved seeds varieties of high yielding varieties from Mexico with potential average yield per hectare of 5-7 metric tons as against a range of 0.8-1.8 metric tons yield per hectare of those varieties previously cultivated have been acquired for distribution to farmers.

He also assured that the two-pronged approach of seed multiplication and grains production which has been adopted is expected to sustain the propagation of seeds and guarantee availability of high-yielding seeds to farmers.

The CBN Governor said “the event heralds the commencement of the Brown Revolution Journey, which is the first major wet season wheat production in Nigeria with about 700 hectares put under cultivation in Kwall, Kassa, Jol, Kafi Abu and Sop in Jos, Plateau State. While the short-term implication of this is the addition of about 2,000 metric tons of seeds to our national seed stock, the country can now potentially add 750,000 metric tons of wheat to the nation’s output annually through rain-fed wheat cultivation in Plateau, Mambila Plateau and Obudu Plateau. The CBN will not rest on its oars as we continue to work with our partners, Lake Chad Research Institute(LCRI), to expand the frontiers of wheat production in Nigeria to areas like northern Oyo, Kogi and Kwara states”.

Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda said the people of Plateau State welcome the initiative and will do everything possible to sustain it for the benefit of youths, women and men who are in need of jobs and resources to meet the daily needs of life.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Hosea Finangwai, Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba, President of Wheat Farmers Association, Salim Mohammed, and the DG Lake Chad Research Institute, all commended the initiative by the Federal Government and said the people need to own the process by ensuring that middlemen do not hikack the initiative for profit, leaving them to wallow in poverty.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
9th November 2021.

GAGDI ATTENDS GOSA 70TH ANNIVERSARY, DONATES #1MILLION

The member representing PKK in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, was at the 70th anniversary celebration of Gindiri Old Students Association (GOSA) as representative of the Speaker House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, were he made a personal cash donation of #1million and announced the speaker’s pledge to embark on a capital project for the school.

Gagdi who was at the occasion in company of his wife, Jemimah, a product of Gindiri Girls High School, said he is also a GOSA by association.

The occasion was graced by the Executive Governors of Plateau and Taraba states, former governor of Bauchi State, Adamu Muazu, Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Professor Suleiman Bogoro and several other dignitaries who added glamour to the event.

Gagdi was later in Dengi to grace the wedding reception of Emmanuel Bayero after which he visited many communities in the local government for condolences and courtesy visitations.

The lawmaker has since returned to Abuja to attend to the budget defense of the Nigerian Navy, as the National Assembly scrutinizes the 2022 budget earlier presented to it by Mr President.

Signed:
Gagdi Media Team

PDP stalwarts from Vwang District, Jos South LGA have passed a Vote of Confidence and endorsed Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos, Member Representing Jos South/ Jos East federal constituency for a second term in office.

The stalwarts who came in their numbers to visit the member at the Constituency Office located at Bukuru Express, Jos South LGA, appreciated the member for representing them at the National Assembly with not only sterling performances but with quality representation.


Leading the delegation, the
PDP stakeholders Chairman, Da Dauda Vwangdung, and other PDP Ward leaders of the district, took turns at commending the Member for his achievements so far.

They eulogized the member; and his team members for providing people oriented leadership. They thanked the member and prayed that he’d achieve greater heights and exploits in his future endeavors, continuing with the 2023 mandate.

Responding, Rep. Bagos thanked the PDP Stakeholders and ward leaders for reposing the confidence in him and promised not to betray the mandate graciously given to him.


Bagos who also hails from Vwang District, however, urged the leaders to pray and support him in discharging his duties with dexterity, morality, transparency and accountability.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

Late CP JD Gomwalk
The first military Governor of Benue-Plateau State Late Commissioner of Police, Joseph Deshi Gomwalk is to be granted State pardon before the end of 2021. This was revealed to Journalists on Saturday in Gindiri by Governor Simon Lalong on the occasion of 70th anniversary of Boys Secondary school (BSS) Gindiri Organized by the Gindiri Old Students Association (GOSA).

African Drum reports that Governor Lalong alongside his counterpart from Taraba State, Darius Ishaku commissioned series’of projects built by the Old Students Association of the school in continuation of the week long activities marking the event. As part of his responses to questions by journalists, Lalong highly commended mission schools for the role they have played over the years in keeping the standard of education high which he said had led to producing qualitative graduates who have made remarkable things and equally left indelible marks on the sands of time. Continuing, Gov. Lalong said, “Let me also tell you that the first Governor of Benue-Plateau State, Late JD Gomwalk who left invaluable and outstanding marks in the state, graduated from this Institution.

“I didn’t want to break the news that I have made a request and the President granted it and before the end of this year, JD Gomwalk would be granted State pardon and that pardon would be celebrated in this school.

“He was not only a student but an exceptional one because I understand he left the school as the overall best student.

“That also became a motivation to other students who came to the school after him because when you notice the record that he left, you would be prompted to strive to beat the record and that’s what I have noticed in Gindiri”.

Lalong Posited that in view of the economic crunch, if at all there was anything that could be done to assist mission schools was to give them grants so as to motivate them to continue to produce qualitative graduates. The Governor further hinted that it was as a result of the remarkable impact of mission schools in the State that led to the establishment of Legacy projects by his administration. “What we have done in Plateau State is to lay the legacy projects and by the time we complete these projects, you would appreciate what I am saying because we have copied everything from the mission schools and transformed it to public schools for the benefits of those that cannot afford to go to mission schools”, he said.


Gov. Lalong speaking to Journalists after commissioning of projects at BSS Gindiri on Saturday in continuation of the week long activities marking the 70 anniversary of the Institution. By his left is his counterpart from Taraba State Darius Ishaku and to his left is his Deputy, Prof. SG Tyoden.

Late JD Gomwalk (April 13, 1935 – May 25, 1976) was a Nigerian Police Commissioner and the first military Governor of Benue-Plateau after it was formed from part of Northern Region. He was executed due to his alleged connection to Bukar Sukar Dimka’s attempted C’oup against Murtala Mohammed’s Government.
Late Gomwalk, an Ngas by tribe, from Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State attended the BSS Gindiri where he graduated with distinctions in both academics and sports. He proceeded to the premier University of Ibadan and graduated with a degree in Zoology. He was Governor from 1967 until 1975 when the military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s regime was toppled in a C’oup d’etat. A visionary and pragmatic leader, Gomwalk started the Nigeria Standard Newspaper in 1972 which later turned out to be a voice not only for the State but the entire Middle Belt and also

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONGRATULATE EMIR OF ARGUNGU ON 25TH ANNIVERSARY ON THRONE

The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated the Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera on his 25th Anniversary on the throne.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a message of felicitation described the silver jubilee of the Royal Father as eventful and fruitful.

He said the Royal Father has shown tremendous passion for the development of his people particularly in the areas of education, health and economic prosperity through agriculture and entrepreneurship.

He commended him for working with the State Government on reviving the Argungu Fishing Festival which has brought back the historic culture of the Emirate.

Lalong said Alhaji Muhammad Mera since ascending the throne, has walked in the footsteps of his late father, the late Muhammad Mera who ruled for 36 years by doing justice to all manner of people and encouraging peaceful coexistence of people within his domain irrespective of their different backgrounds.

He said the Northern Governors Forum has benefited immensely from the wisdom and counsel of the Royal Father who has supported the Governors in working with the traditional institution to find solutions to the challenges bothering the region and the nation at large.

He wished him more years on the throne and prayed God to give him good health, wisdom and prosperity.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman Northern Governors Forum.
6th November 2021.

SPEAKER GBAJABIAMILA CELEBRATES GAGDI @ 41, DESCRIBES THE LAWMAKER AS QUINTESSENTIAL REPRESENTATIVE

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, today 5th November, 2021 led 28 other mebers of the House of Representatives to the residence of the member representing PKK, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, to celebrate him on his 41st birthday anniversary.

The Speaker described Hon. Gagdi as a quintessential representative who has been relentlessly vocal in his representation of the people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, adding inestimable value to the business of legislation in the green chamber.

Showering encomium on Gagdi for his sterling qualities that stands him out amongst his colleagues, the speaker prayed for longevity for the lawmaker and the enablement to continue to shoulder the ever growing needs of his electorates.

While appreciating the speaker and 28 lawmakers who showed up at his residence to identify with his family on the occasion of his birthday celebration, Gagdi said the love being showered on him by the speaker since he came to the House of Representatives in 2019, has transcended the bounds of a mere colleague and first among equals, but a bond has been established of a father and son relationship.

Gagdi was particularly grateful to the speaker for never failing to celebrate him on his birthday since there paths crossed in 2019. He said the speaker was in his office on 5th November, 2019 and 5th November, 2020 with beautiful birthday cakes to celebrate him, and today he led a delegation of colleagues to his residence to identify with his family; which fact has overwhelmed him.

Signed:
Gagdi Media Team

GOVERNOR LALONG LEADS 40 FORMER SPEAKERS TO HONOUR LATE FORMER CROSS RIVER SPEAKER, RT. HON. MIKE OGAR; REFUTES ALLEGATIONS OF ROLE IN PLATEAU ASSEMBLY CRISIS.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong who is the Chairman of Conference of Former Speakers of State Houses of Assembly (COFSSHA) has led over 40 former Speakers from across the country to Calabar, the Cross River State capital to honour their late colleague, Rt. Hon. Mike Ogar who presided over the Cross River State Assembly between 2000-2003.

Among those in attendance were former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transport Rt. Hon. Rotimi Ameachi, Former Governor of Cross River Donald Duke, and current Governor Ben Ayade, some National Assembly members among others.

Governor Lalong while paying tribute to the former Speaker described him as a man of peace and a political colossus who contributed immensely to the development of his State and the nation at large.

He said as a legislator, the deceased fought hard for the independence of the legislature and did a lot to initiate and consistently advocate for the autonomy that has today come into reality.

He said during the struggle for Autonomy, many of the former Speakers lost their seats and suffered personal damages and prosecution with others including himself unjustly detained on various occasions.

He said today, the labour of people like the late Mike Ogar have yielded fruits as Autonomy has finally become a reality in the country, especially after some of them emerged as Governors as well as other leaders at various levels of the nation’s political echelon to finish the process.

He used the opportunity to clear the air on happenings at the Plateau State House of Assembly which he said is a purely a legislative matter that should not be put on his neck or the Executive by politicians who want to benefit from the situation by associating with it at all costs.

He said “what is happening in the Plateau State House of Assembly is the dividends of autonomy in action where members are fully in charge of their affairs. Being one of those who struggled for autonomy and had the privilege of implementing it as the first Governor in Nigeria, I dont have the capacity to interfere with the House. To do so will amount to violating the law we have fought hard to bring to reality. However, the members have the right to hold their leadership accountable and demand for transparency. They can even change their leadership if they deem fit. That is what the members of the Plateau House demanded from the former Speaker Rt. Hon. Nuhu Abok who instead of providing answers of the huge monies collected by the legislature in the past six months since autonomy started, decided to start running helter-skelter recruiting sympathizers from ethnic, religious, political and civil society groups. This is a wrong thing to do because every problem of the House gets resolved on the floor of the House by the members especially now that they have full autonomy. No one should be blackmailed, including me”.

Lalong reiterated that autonomy is for the growth of the legislative institution and democracy, not for the presiding officers to corner resources for themselves. He warned that the Assemblies which have already started enjoying it must operate within the law so as to encourage other States who are yet to implement the law to do so.

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State said the former Speaker Mike Ogar was a man of immense humility and patience who never took his represention in Government for granted. He took very seriously the mandate of his people and served them with honesty, diligence and integrity.

While urging family, constituents, and the entire people of Cross River to be comforted by the testimony of the late Mike Ogar, he urged them to work hard and sustain his legacies which remain very visible and strong.

Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi also spoke glowingly about the deceased who he said was dogged intelligent and refined in his conduct both in and out of the chambers. He did a lot to stabilise the Legislative arm of Government and give it credibility.

Amaechi said the demise of the late Speaker creates a vacuum in the political scene in Cross River State and the nation as a whole. The onus according to the former Rivers Speaker and first  Chairman of the Conference of Former Speakers, lies with the members still living to do their best to improve democracy in the country

Former Governor of Cross River House of  Assembly Donald Duke said the late Mike Ogar was a team player who assisted in resolving many issues of governance in the legislature, and ensured that there was less friction between the arms of Government. Many bills were also passed while reforms were initiated to strengthen the institution.

Speaker of the Cross River House of Assembly Rt. Hon. William Eteng who presided over the valedictory session said the  Cross River House of Assembly was honoured to have the former Speakers, Governors and legislators to pay last respects to their senior colleague.

The former Speakers from Plateau State who accompanied Governor Lalong to the event include Isa Chungwom Song, George Daika, Emmanuel Goar, Istifanus Mwansat, Mike Dapianlong, John Clark Dabwan, Titus Alams, Peter Azi and Joshua Madaki.

After the valedictory session, the former Speakers paid a courtesy visit on Governor of Cross River State Ben Ayade at the Government House Calabar.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
5th November 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG LEADS FORMER SPEAKERS
TO CALABAR TO HONOUR LATE RT. HON. MIKE OGAR

The Conference of former Speakers of State Houses of Assembly led by its Chairman Governor Simon Lalong is in Calabar to pay last respects to former Speaker of the  Cross River State House of Assembly, late Rt. Hon. Mike Idoko Ogar.

Governor Lalong arrived Calabar in company of eight former Speakers of the Plateau State House of Assembly which include include Isa Chingwom Song, George Daika, Michael Dapianlong and Istifanus Mwansat. Others are John Clark Dabwan, Titus Alams, Peter Azi and Joshua Madaki.

On arrival in Calabar, Governor Simon Lalong and his delegation were welcomed by the Governor of Cross River State Ben Ayade at the Government House.

Governor Lalong recalled with nostalgia the commitment of the late former Speaker to the stability of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria.

He said the late Mike Ogar was one of those who championed the struggle for the autonomy of State legistures shortly after the begining of fourth republic in 1999. The struggle to ensure Independence of the legislature according to him was one of the major reasons the late law marker was impeached as Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly.

He said they came to celebrate the worthy  legacies of the deceased, pray and condole with condole his loved ones and entire people of the State.

Responding, Governor Ben Ayade said he had leveraged on the experience of the late former Speaker in providing quality leadership for his people, since he took over power in 2015.

Governor Ayade said the late Mike Ogar was one of those who advised him to join the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
4th November 2021.