By Prince Sekat, Jos
The Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly Hon Abok Ayuba has been impeached.
Abok was impeached on Tuesday after a vote of no confidence by over 18 members members of the assembly.
Meanwhile Rt Hon. Yakubu Sanda has been elected Speaker by the members
More details to come
A group under the aegis of Youths Rights Against Corruption (YRAC) has submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Nuhu Abok Ayuba.
The group accused the Speaker of several allegations including abuse of office and financial misappropriation.
The group also demanded that the Speaker immediately steps down from his position pending the completion of investigation.
Executive Director, Youths Rights Against Corruption (YRAC), Comrade Abednego Musa, signed the petition titled “Petition Against Plateau State House of Assembly Speaker, Nuhu Abok Ayuba, On Gross Financial Misconduct, Criminal Breach Of Public Trust And Abuse Of Office”.
In the petition addressed to the Chairman of the anti-graft commission, the group said it was necessitated by popular demand and to avert continuous bleeding of public treasury.
“Further to a popular demand by some members of the public to our office, this petition is written to acquaint your agency with the gross financial misconduct and the abuse of office being perpetrated by the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Nuhu Abok Ayuba, for a thorough investigation so as to avert a further bleeding of the public treasury under his care and restore sanity in the functioning of the state’s legislative establishment.
“The Speaker’s desecration of his office for which a probe of his activities becomes necessary is in twofold: one, his financial recklessness and cornering of public funds through illegitimate means; and two, the corruption and compromise of laid down procedures and rules deliberately foisted on the workforce of the Assembly”.
The Rights group further stated that the Speaker is perfecting his schemes by abusing the autonomy granted the House of Assembly.
According to the group, some of the cases for which it is seeking the enquiry of the anti-graft commission includes:
“Use of fictitious companies as fronts for cornering supply of 50 trucks of Fertilizer contracts and fleecing of N375m (Three Hundred and seventy Five Million naira) public funds . A probe of the businesses of the House since his leadership should reveal how notoriously Abok has been breaching public trust by diverting contracts and projects into companies of his interest with the active connivance of the clerk of the House.
“Purchase of a bulletproof car at a market value of less than N100 Million (One Hundred Million Naira), and the inflation of its price to N300m.
“Apart from being inflated by a whooping 200%, the purchase of the vehicle was done in a questionable manner contrary to procurement acts. This constitutes a flagrant abuse of office and the exercise of privilege with impunity in a country where majority of the citizens live on less than a dollar a day.
“Payment of humongous allowances of N150m as Basic Travelling Allowances (BTA) for members of the Assembly with neither prior discussion with members nor official approval by the House. We have it on good authority that the members did not undertake such trips, which had no destination.
“Compromise of operational procedures, creation of an extra-legal hierarchy and privileging cronies at the expense of the system. This is by far the greatest calamity to befall the Plateau State House of Assembly under Abok’s watch. Regulatory procedures have been in most cases set aside with the connivance of the Clerk of the House with the ill-intent of carrying out governmental business for private gains and as a private concern.
The Speaker was also accused of collecting N500m laundered funds through a suspended Chairman of APC to recruit innocent House members to destabilise the State and make the state ungovernable through induced crisis. This explains why he is always rushing to the media to discredit the efforts of the State government in restoring peace for selfish gains. Little wonder he disappears when National leadership of CAN, JNI and the SGF including security chiefs visited the state.”
The Group said it would amount to breach of public trust if the allegations against the Plateau Speaker, is not investigated, adding that “such a man of questionable character cannot continue to act as Speaker to the Plateau State House of Assembly.”
However the Speaker described the allegations as false, describing it as the handiwork of mischief makers.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Bulus Atang, the Speaker said he would respond at the appropriate time to the allegations contained in the petition.
Source: Dailytrust
GOVERNOR LALONG ADDRESSES NIGERIAN ECONOMIC SUMMIT GROUP ON SECURITY
Governor Simon Bako has told the Nigerian Economic Summit Group that Plateau State remains a very suitable business and investment hub because the government has vigorously addressed some of the major security challenges by tackling their root causes.
Governor Lalong who spoke at a panel discussion on “Securing our Future: An Urgency for Now” at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, said though the security challenges in Plateau State have not been completely eradicated, there is substantial peace which has been nurtured through the Peace Building Agency and the Inter-Religous Council in the last six years.
Lalong said most of the negative narratives about insecurity is exaggerated and also instigated by people from outside the State in collaboration with those within the State who want to make economic or political gains through violence.
He said the State has addressed major issues that border on religion, injustice and ethnicity which are usually the triggers or faultlines exploited during any misunderstanding by groups or individuals. This he said has been done through dialogue, consultation and collaboration where threats to security are addressed before they reach violent dimensions.
In addition, Governor Lalong said the State has faced headlong acts of criminality through support to security agencies with equipment and other logistics for better response to security demands. He said the Operation Rainbow has also stepped in to work with vigilante and other community watch groups deal with the situation which has greatly improved.
He also advocated for a review of the revenue sharing formula and State police which must accommodate adequate funding, checks and balances and a very strong mechanism against abuse. This he said will enable the States properly respond to security challenges as and when due.
The Governor cited the recently organised Local Government elections conducted peacefully in Plateau State as an example of the dividends of peace and security which is being consolidated upon.
Lalong advised other States to replicate the Peace Building Agency which has proven to be very useful in addressing conflicts because it is backed by law.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
26th October 2021.
PLATEAU COUNCIL POLLS 2021: THAT MY SILENCE MAY NOT BE MISCONTRUED
Following the decisions of the courts that led to the exclusion of PDP in the Oct 2021 Council Polls in Plateau State, the propaganda was amplified that, “Bitrus Kaze have written the commission [PLASIEC] that they should not recognized the (Sen Ogbeha-led State) CTC, that they should not participate or observed the PDP primary election and that they should not issue nomination forms to the PDP candidates.” Without producing the letter, the State Legal Adviser Barr Bincen Jantur issued a public statement on 25th Oct 2021 stating that; “the pains PDP members are passing through emanated from the controversial deal between PLASIEC and Bitrus Kaze’ s letter.” My attention has just been drawn to another post this morning from Barr Jantur who is now saying it is a “lawyer that wrote to PLASIEC on behalf of Bitrus Kaze.” I could ignore the e-rats but when within a week, the State Legal Adviser repeatedly approaches the public space “on behalf of the party” with falsehood to smear me, then I should be able to say something.
The PDP Congresses 2020 in Plateau State were characterized by impunity; to eliminate opponents, nomination forms were purchased in bulk, carted away from the PDP State Secretariat and shared to cronies; other interested aspirants had to run to Abuja for the forms but some were still disqualified for not showing receipts for administrative charges which they were denied despite their willingness to pay; the individual who hijacked the forms became the Chairman State Congress Planning Committee, his members included the Campaign DG of his appointers who were also contestants; the 21st March 2020 LGA Congresses was postponed but hurriedly staged on 23rd March 2020 without the 21 days mandatory notice to INEC; party EXCOs emerged in many places where congresses never held; the LGA Congress Report and Congress Appeal Panel Report were forged; the Hon Choco-led CTC being contestants arrogated to themselves the powers of the Screening Committee/Screening Appeal Panel, the screening result was neither announced nor displayed in grave violation the 2020 Guidelines.
These acts of gross impunity triggered a plethora of complaints, which were ignored again in breach of the PDP constitution (Section 58(1.m) makes it an offence to neglect to treat such petitions). Amidst all these, Hon Choco, then the PDP State Chairman roared; “Anybody who does not accept the party decision should feel free to challenge the national body in court” (The Sun, 10th May 2020). On his part, Barr Jantur the State Legal Adviser urged aspirants to “wait for the outcome of their suit before plethora of courts” (Reality newspaper 6th Oct 2020).
If scapegoating Bitrus Kaze as Barr Jantur profusely seeks to do could assuage the potency of valid court decisions, the PDP would have participated in the 10th October LGA polls. As a lawyer, he knows that better. Bluntly put, impunity and total disregard of valid pronouncements by courts of competent jurisdictions did PDP incalculable damage. The PDP ignored our complaints and advised us to go court, conscious that we were in court the party enjoined us to wait for judgment and aware that we secured judgment the party publicly pledged to abide by the court judgment which it reluctantly did 8 months after damage had been done. The PDP may ignore its own members and get away with it but repeated disregard for the courts certainly has consequences. Unfortunately, innocent candidates of the PDP in the council polls, party faithful and indeed the wider Plateau electorates all suffered an absolutely avoidable electoral monologue.
GOVERNOR LALONG ATTENDS NBA NATIONAL CONFERENCE IN PORT HARCOURT
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong was among lawyers from all over the country partipating at the National Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association holding in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Governor Lalong was among top Government officials who joined host Governor, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State at the opening ceremony of the conference. Others include Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Chief Justice of Nigeria represented by Justice Mary Odili, Former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Governor of Bauchi State among others.
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto State Mathew Hassan Kuka delivered the keynote address in the conference whose them is “Take the Lead”.
The Governor later interacted with delegates from the NBA Plateau State who are attending the Conference where he commended them for strengthening the legal profession in the State and also contributing to the development of the State and the nation at large.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
25th October 2021.
GOVERNOR LALONG HONOURS LATE WIFE OF FORMER PLATEAU SPEAKER, GEORGE DAIKA AT 40TH DAY THANKSGIVING MASS
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has eulogised the late wife of former Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, Mrs. Ann George Daika, describing her as a woman with great attributes of patience, love, humility and fear of God.
Governor Lalong was speaking at the 40th day Thanksgiving Mass for the deceased held at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church Anguldi Bukuru.
Lalong said though her death is painful, her testimony remains very inspiring as affirmed by not only her husband and children, but to many people who benefited from her good heart and generosity.
He said as a former legislator, he is aware of the role that the late wife of the Speaker played in support of her husband in his political career particularly when he served his people at the House of Assembly as became Speaker, before proceeding later to the House of Representatives, representing Mikang, Shendam, Quan-pan Federal Constituency.
He urged the family to ensure that her legacies will continue to endure as she lived a godly life and served humanity.
In his homily, Parish Priest of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and CAN Chairman Plateau State Rev. Fr. Polycarb Lubo said death is inevitable and provides an opportunity for people to reflect on their lives and make necessary adjustments that will guarantee their eternity.
In his remarks, Former Speaker George Daika described his late wife as a pillar which carried the weight of the challenges he encountered in life. He said her death is a big loss, but her conduct was exemplary and she left a great legacy of love, service and sacrifice.
The 40th Thanksgiving Mass was attended by many former Speakers of the Plateau State Government and other guests.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
25th October 2021.
GOVERNOR LALONG EXCITED OVER APPOINTMENT OF MS. ROSE CHUNDUNG NDONG AS EXECUTIVE COMMISSIONER, NIGERIAN UPSTREAM REGULATORY COMMISSION
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Ms Rose Chundung Ndong over her appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari as the Executive Commissioner, Exploration and Acreage Management, Board of the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission.
Governor Lalong in a congratulatory message described the appointment of the illustrious daughter of Plateau State by the President as yet
another demonstration of his love for the people of Plateau State, as well as an affirmation of confidence in their capacity to deliver on critical national assignments.
Lalong while charging Rose Chundung to use the opportunity presented by this appointment to showcase her talent and experience in the exploitation of the nation’s oil and gas resources, he said the appointment is a challenge he believes she has been properly prepared for by her many years of service to the nation.
He recalled her early years of professional service as a geologist in Plateau State where she among others, served as the Provost, Nigerian Institute of Mining and Goesciences and Managing Director of the Nigeria Mining Corporation Jos, before moving on to other responsibilities at various Federal Government Agencies and abroad.
He also advised her to use the opportunity to ensure that the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari of ensuring the development of the nation’s petroleum and gas potentials across the nation is achieved in order to make the nation energy sufficient.
He reminded the appointee that the nation is in dire need of energy security and growth in the oil and gas industry which has been opened up with the recent unbundling of the sector with the passage and signing into law the Petroleum Industry Act.
He wished her a successful tenure and promised that the Government and people of Plateau State and indeed the North Central Zone will support her to ensure that she adds value to the sector.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
24th October 2021.
GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS UNIJOS PRO-CHANCELLOR, PROF. JEGA, ASSURES OF ENHANCED SECURITY.
Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has met the Pro-Chancellor University of Jos, Prof. Attahiru Jega with an assurance that the State Government is working on improved security and transportation for the staff and students of the University .
Prof. Jega, who is also the Chairman of the Governing Council, was on a courtesy visit to Simon Lalong at Govt. House Jos.
He said the students required improved security to thrive well in their academic activities, saying the school was vulnerable during the recent attacks in the state .
“We need continous support and improvement to ensure peace, stability and security within the University and environs for its growth and development,” he said.
Jega said that the university also needs
buses which would operate within the school, to minimise risk of insecurity students experience when patronising commercial transportation.
He said improving security in the institution would build the confidence of the students and staff of the school in their teaching and learning activities .
Jega applauded Gov Lalong for his efforts towards building lasting peace in the state and the success of the local Govt Polls, urging him to continue doing his best to ensure inclusiveness and harmony in the political terrains while pledging the council’s support .
In his remark, Governor Simon Lalong appreciated the Pro Chancellor for his contributions in improving education in Plateau, having also served as Pro Chancellor of the Plateau State University Bokkos.
He disclosed that strategies have already been mapped out to improve security in routes leading to the University and other parts of the State.
He said efforts are already been made to provide chartered buses for students , while commercial vehicles would be highly screened for registration to operate within the school, to ensure the safety of students and staff of the institution.
Lalong expressed confidence that the Pro Chancellor would extend his good works and exeperience in school administration and other responsibilities, for the development of the institution.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
21st October 2021.
GOVERNOR LALONG PRESENTS 2022 APPROPRIATION BILL OF 106 BILLION NAIRA TO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has presented a proposed 2022 budget of One Hundred and Six Billion, Eight Hundred and Seven Million, Two Hundred and Sixty-Seven Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty-Two Naira, Twelve kobo (106,807,267,642.12) to the House of Assembly.
While presenting the budget tagged “A BUDGET OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND CONSOLIDATION OF INCLUSIVE INFRASTRUCTURAL GROWTH 2” to the House, the Governor said the 2022 proposed Appropriation Bill is tailored towards the completion of on-going projects and activation of new that will impact the lives of the people.
He said the proposed 2022 budget estimate consists of Seventy-Six Billion, Two Hundred and Sixty-Three Million, Seven Hundred and One Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty-Four Naira, Sixty-Two kobo (76,263,701,644.62) only as recurrent expenditure representing 71.4% of the total budget. Thirty billion, five hundred and forty three million, five hundred and sixty five thousand, nine hundred and ninety seven naira, fifty kobo (30,543,565,997.50) only is earmarked as capital estimate representing 28.6% of the total budget.
This according to him indicates a decrease of Forty Billion, Seven Hundred and Thirty Million, Five Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Eight naira, Eighty-Eight kobo (40,730,552,208, 88) only on the 2021 total approved budget.
He explained that the budget will be funded from following sources:
i.Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): Twenty-Four Billion, One Hundred and Ninety Nine Million, Four Hundred and Seventy-Five Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty Two naira, Twelve Kobo (24,199,475,222.12) only.
ii. Statutory Revenue Allocation (SRA): Fifty-Five
Billion Naira (55,000,000,000.00) only.
iii. Aids and Grants: Three Billion, Nine Hundred and
Eighty-Two Million, Three Hundred and Thirty-Nine Thousand, Five Hundred and Eighty-Four naira (3, 982, 339, 584.00) only.
iv. Capital Development Fund (CDF): Three Billion, Six Hundred and Twenty-Five Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Six naira (3,625,452, 836.00) only.
v. Domestic Loans: The sum of Twenty Billion Naira (20,000,000,000.00) only.
Governor Lalong said “In addition to continuing work on completing on-going infrastructural projects across the three Senatorial Districts of the State, we intend to break ground on new ones. Among them is the construction of the British-American Junction Flyover and dualization to Lamingo Junction Roundabout. Similarly we shall carry out the design of Master Plan for some selected urban areas in Plateau State namely: (Heipang, Mangu and Shendam)”.
He said while the Government hopes to complete the building of High Court Complex Phase 1 in Jos, it shall also embark on the renovation of old High Court Complexes and 35 Magistrate Courts to provide conducive environment for the Judiciary to perform its duties.
“We shall also establish a Microfinance Development Fund to propel entrepreneurship and accelerate the growth of the Micro and Small Scale Industry in the State for job creation, youth empowerment and poverty reduction. I also wish to also re-assure this Honourable House and indeed the citizens of Plateau State, that the Legacy Projects will be completed and delivered as envisaged. Government is doing everything possible to ensure that the people enjoy the benefits of those projects” he said.
Lalong explained that the sharp drop in the total budget size compared to last year has become necessary because Government realized that each year’s budget deviation performance was on the increase as the annual Budgets were characterized by high deficit projections. This he said prompted the Government to reduce the deficit projections and “cut our coat according to our clothe” in the 2022 proposed budget.
The Governor said he hoped that the House will give the proposal necessary attention it deserves. While urging the honourable House to diligently peruse and deliberate on the budget, he said he looked forward to their cooperation in the speedy passage of the budget to enable the government commence implementation and service delivery from the onset of the new financial year.
In his response, Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Abok Nuhu Ayuba said the House will look at the budget critically and do justice to it in the interest of the citizens of the State.
He assured the Governor that the House will be thorough and also carry out its oversight functions while ensuring that the budget impacts the lives of the people positively.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
21st October 2021.
The Executive Chairman of Kanke Local Government Council Hon. Henry Gotip on Wednesday 20th October, 2021 paid an unscheduled visit to Tuwan Primary Health Care Clinic in Kabwir district of Kanke Local Government Area for an on-the-spot assessment of the condition of the clinic.
The Council Chairman in company of Team of Directors, Medical Doctors and Engineers were at the clinic to assess the state and standard of the Clinic to be ameliorated.
In his own words, the Executive Chairman, Hon Henry Jan Gotip stated he deemed “…it fit to pay an unscheduled visit to evaluate the condition of the Clinic. I am here to see things for myself, as you can see the team of Doctors and Engineers will assess the clinic and and bring up innuendo on how we can remodel and upgrade the facilities here to a standard Primary Health Care Clinic with modern facilities to serve as a referral center in the Local Government Area as a pilot scheme”. Adding that Doctors will asses the medical equipments and facilities and come up with suggestions while the team of Engineers will assess the structural aspect of the building, as the clinic structure appears dilapidated.
The Chairman stressed that the Tuwan Primary Health Care Center was chosen to be the first to be remodeled and Serve as a Referral Center to other Primary Health Care Clinics in Kanke Local Government Area. The hospital if fully upraded will have Medical Doctors that will attend to complicated cases that may arise within the locality and have modern testing facilities.
Recall that during the period of campaigns, the Council Chairman promised to remodel and upgrade one of the Primary Health Care center within the Local Government Area to a referral center with modern facilities and has kept to his word by matching words with action with this visit.
The Council Chairman in company of Team of Directors, Medical Doctors and Engineers were at the clinic to assess the state and standard of the Clinic to be ameliorated.
In his own words, the Executive Chairman, Hon Henry Jan Gotip stated he deemed “…it fit to pay an unscheduled visit to evaluate the condition of the Clinic. I am here to see things for myself, as you can see the team of Doctors and Engineers will assess the clinic and and bring up innuendo on how we can remodel and upgrade the facilities here to a standard Primary Health Care Clinic with modern facilities to serve as a referral center in the Local Government Area as a pilot scheme”. Adding that Doctors will asses the medical equipments and facilities and come up with suggestions while the team of Engineers will assess the structural aspect of the building, as the clinic structure appears dilapidated.
Executive Chairman Kanke LGA Hon Henry Jan Gotip at the Tuwan PHC
The Chairman stressed that the Tuwan Primary Health Care Center was chosen to be the first to be remodeled and Serve as a Referral Center to other Primary Health Care Clinics in Kanke Local Government Area. The hospital if fully upraded will have Medical Doctors that will attend to complicated cases that may arise within the locality and have modern testing facilities.
Recall that during the period of campaigns, the Council Chairman promised to remodel and upgrade one of the Primary Health Care center within the Local Government Area to a referral center with modern facilities and has kept to his word by matching words with action with this visit.
Freelance Reporters 