PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT

PRESS STATEMENT ON NIGERIA’S 61ST INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

As Nigeria counts down to its 61st Independence Anniversary, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG, on behalf of himself, family and the good people of Plateau State, hereby felicitates with His Excellency, the President and the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, Nigerians and lovers of Nigeria on this forthcoming special event.

The celebration started with a Church service last Sunday 26th September, 2021 at the Government House Chapel, Rayfield at 10.00 a.m prompt. There will also be a Juma’at prayer tomorrow Friday, 1st October, 2021 at the Jos Central Mosque at 1.30 p.m.
At the same time there will be a march past and funfare by selected primary and secondary schools, and full parade by the security agencies at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium at 10.00 a.m.
His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG, Executive Governor of Plateau State will take the salute.
You are all invited to attend.

Happy 61st Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Dan Manjang,
Honourable Commissioner of Information and Communication,
Plateau State.
30/10/2021.

Hon.LilianMadaki-Dyel has called on People’s Democratic Party (PDP) newly elected State Executive Council to unite and ensure all hands are on deck for progress of Plateau bearing on minds how necessary and crucial political moment Nigeria is in currently.


In a statement of appreciation to supporters despite loosing the position she aspired for, Madaki said, “In the spirit of sportsmanship, and in my sincere heart of acknowledging the fact that, “a team is like a toolset, hence, not one tool can do all the jobs, but together it can” And therefore, the need and call for all hands been on deck for progress is necessary at this crucial political moment”.



Raising concern over the state of the Country’s affair, Lilian who is a former Councillor in Bokkos LGA, is a known female vibrant politician and an online media practitioner E.D Sawabiya, reiterate the need for PDP to work towards progress.

“Considering this fact, may I use this opportunity to also plea that, the newly sworn in EXCO should as a matter of urgency, identify areas of weaknesses and work on it towards gaining strength, and ensure that, hope is prefare over fear, unity over division, and reality over mire dreams. “Do not impose candidates in 2023 and the sky shall be our stepping stone” said Madaki.

The former Councillor thanked supporters for the overwhelmed support received.

“I Hon. Lilian Madaki Dyel ( SAWABIYA), from the bottom of my heart, wish to immensely express gratitute to you all my family, friends,supporters, community, and well washers for the kind prayers, support and unwavering wishes shown to us during the just concluded Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Plateau State’s Congress which I aspired for the position of State Assistant Youth Leader (Central Zone Youth Leader)” the female politician maintained.


The statement reads:

Appreciation!

We won, but TECHNICALITIES couldn’t allow delegates votes count.

I am still in PDP and I remain PDP head to toe.

In the spirit of sportsmanship, and in my sincere heart of acknowledging the fact that, “a team is like a toolset, hence, not one tool can do all the jobs, but together it can” And therefore, the need and call for all hands been on deck for progress is necessary at this crucial political moment.

I Hon. Lilian Madaki Dyel ( SAWABIYA), from the bottom of my heart, wish to immensely express gratitute to you all my family, friends,supporters, community, and well washers for the kind prayers, support and unwavering wishes shown to us during the just concluded Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Plateau State’s Congress which I aspired for the position of State Assistant Youth Leader (Central Zone Youth Leader).

Special thanks goes to the delegates who gave me their votes massively though technicalities couldn’t allow it count(invalid votes).

Let me use this opportunity to join Hon. Bitrus Kaze in also congratulating not only congratulating Hon. Chris Hassan for winning the chairmanship but the whole of those who were declared winners for various positions.

Special appreciation goes to all PDP members and the various unique women groups who rose up in support of my aspirations, God bless you richly, I sincerely appreciate the massive support across lines.

You made me felt most qualified!

On this note, i call on all my supporters to remain in PDP as 2023 is around the corner, and PDP is the only credible alternative for the restoration of Plateau known dignity.

Considering this fact, may I use this opportunity to also plea that, the newly sworn in EXCO should as a matter of urgency, identify areas of weaknesses and work on it towards gaining strength, and ensure that, hope is prefare over fear, unity over division, and reality over mire dreams. “Do not impose candidates in 2023 and the sky shall be our stepping stone”

Note: “It is only PDP itself that has the capacity to tear PDP apart” therefore, the need for collaborative support to salvage Plateau current situation becomes imperative and the ball is in PDP’s coat.

Our turn to either serve or return the ball to…..

United we stand.



LilianMadaki-Dyel

ARMY CHIEF FAROUK YAHAYA VISITS GOVERNOR LALONG

Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya has visited Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House Rayfield, assuring that the Nigerian Army will continue to work with the State in restoring peace and security to Plateau State.

General Yahaya said the efforts of the Governor in promoting peace in the State through non-kinetic means has been very valuable and key to engendering peaceful coexistence.

He also said the Army through Operation Safe Haven and the 3rd Armoured Division will not relent in its operational duties of dealing with criminal elements who are working against the peace of the State and country at large.

Farouk sympathised with the State over the recent attacks and assured that the military would not allow such occurrences again, saying the people need to continue to support the security agencies.

He thanked the Governor for supporting the Army structure in the State and also at the level of the Northern Governors Forum towards overcoming security challenges.

General Yahaya said the security challenges in the country will definitely be overcome with the support and collaboration of all citizens.

Governor Lalong while welcoming the Army Chief to Plateau State said he was delighted by the visit which is an opportunity for the Government to appreciate the efforts of the armed forces in tackling insecurity in the State especially in recent months.

He said though the challenges are yet to be overcome, the Army has made enermous progress in various parts of the country where bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other enemies of State have been dealt a heavy blow.

Lalong assured the Army Chief of the continued support of the Plateau State Government and the Northern Governors Forum to the army and other law enforcement agencies in addressing insecurity.

The Governor maintained that his Administration will continue to utilise the Peace Building Agency and other structures towards addressing conflicts and preventing violence.

A one minute silence was observed for late Gen. Abraham Luka Dusu, a course mate of the COAS who died recently.

The Chief of Army Staff had delivered a lecture at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
29th September 2021.

Breaking: A Jos High Court dismisses suit filed by PDP against PLASIEC, awards N2.5million against PDP.

September 29, 2021

Justice Yakubu Kunda of High Court 5 sitting in Jos has dismissed a suit filed before him by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the decision of the Plateau Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) to exclude it from participating in the scheduled October 9, 2021 local government council polls.

Delivering his judgement, Justice Kunda held that PLASIEC was legally right to have refused PDP nomination and expression of interest forms for the said election adding that the PDP instead of abiding by the judgement of SP Gang of November 20, 2020 to conduct state Congress, the party went ahead to evoke sections of its constitution to dissolved the state EXCO and constituted a caretaker committee which conducted its primaries that produced the candidates which PLASIEC refused to issue forms.

In the circumstances, the judge further held that all the steps and actions taken by the caretaker committee including the conduct of the said primary elections was null and void.
“The entire claims in the submission the claimant is hereby, dismissed”, said the judge.

The sum N2.5million damages awarded against the PDP

Details of the judgement later. Copied

RESOLUTIONS OF THE NORTHERN STATES GOVERNORS’ FORUM MEETING WITH NORTHERN STATES EMIRS AND
CHIEFS HELD ON MONDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER, 2021

The Northern States Governors’ Forum, in its continuous efforts to address the challenges bedeviling the Northern States convened an Emergency Meeting today Monday 27th September, 2021 at the Council Chamber Sir, Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna. The meeting was also attended by Chairmen of Northern States Traditional Council led by His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto.

2. The Forum discussed issues of Peace, Progress, Development and well-being of the Northern States. The Forum took stock of progress made in handling challenges of Banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and insurgency.

After extensive deliberations, the following resolutions were arrived at:-
1. The Forum reviewed security updates from the Region and observed the need for a sustained synergy and coordinated efforts between the Federal and Northern States Governments while noting success of recent measures. The meeting also noted with concern the constraint of the security services and urged the Armed Forces to embark on simultaneous operations and resolved to share the plans of the Frontline States come up with common with other Region; and assured of its readiness to work in synergy with the Federal Government of Nigeria in finding lasting solution to the current security challenges.





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2. The Forum appreciated the ongoing onslaught against banditry, kidnapping and Boko Haram especially in the North East and parts of North West and North Central States and encouraged the Armed forces and other security agencies to sustain the tempo to enable the security challenges be permanently addressed in the shortest time.

3. The Forum received updates on the Renewable / Solar Energy Project and NOTED that request for land for the project had been submitted and are being processed by the Northern States. The Committee had commenced negotiations in a public private arrangement and sovereign guarantees to ensure bankability of the project by multilateral financial organizations. The Forum called on States yet to process the request for allocation of land for the project to expedite action.

4. The meeting received updates on activities of some Committees constituted by the Northern States Governors’ Forum and NOTED that recommendations contained therein are being considered with a view to coming up with implementation strategies.

5. The Forum observed that some Northern States Governors had earlier expressed views for a power-shift to three Geo-Political Zone in the South with a view to promoting unity and peace in the Nation. Notwithstanding their comments, the Forum unanimously condemn the statement by the Southern Governors Forum that the Presidency must go to the South. The statement is quite contradictory with the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended that the elected President shall:-






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(a) score the majority votes;

(b) score at least 25% of the votes cast in 2/3 States of the Federation.

(c) In the case of run-up simple majority win the election.

6. The Northern State Governors Forum considered the on-going National debate on the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT). As responsible leaders while we are constraint by the fact that the matter is sub judice we however for the purposes of educating the public make the following observations:
(a) the judgement of the Federal high Court calls to question the constitutionality of VAT, withholding tax, education tax, Niger Delta Development Commission, National Information Technology Development Agency, 13% derivation, National Economic Development Council and many other currently levied and collected by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Federal Inlands Revenue Service.

(b) Rivers and Lagos State Government had enacted their own VAT laws and the Southern Governors Forum have expressed support for this course of action;

(c) VAT is being confused by these State Government as a sales tax. If every State enacted its own VAT Law, multiple taxation will result in increases of prices of goods and services and collapsed in interstate trade. VAT is not a production tax like excise, but terminal tax which is paid by the ultimate consumer;







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(d) Another confusion is ignoring observation above and its “overall effect”. The reason Lagos account for our 50% Vat collection is because most of the telecommunication companies, Banks, manufacturing and other trading activities have their headquarters in Lagos with the resultant and wrongful attribution of VAT

(e) Until and unless the Supreme Court pronounces judgement on the substantive matter between Rivers State and Federal Government, the matter is sub judice and Northern States Governors Forum would respect this.

7. The Traditional Rulers Councils appreciated the efforts made so far by the NSGF in addressing the key areas of challenges facing the Northern States, they expressed their willingness, solidarity and collaboration with the Governors’ in addressing these challenges particularly the issue of security. It was equally resolved that perpetrators of crimes should be dealt with irrespective of their status in the society.

8. The Forum decried the high level of conspiracies being perpetrated by some Judicial Officers in releasing / granting bail to arrested criminals. This attitude sabotages the fight against criminality, therefore, there the need to develop good and robust intelligence mechanism amongst States was identified as a panacea.









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9. The Forum calls on Agencies to leave up to their responsibility, Traditional rulers are to equally mobilize their various communities in checkmating the ugly trend of criminality in their domains.

10. The Forum NOTED the ugly trend in the spread of drugs and consumption amongst the teeming youth and therefore, calls on all levels of Governments and communities to raise to the occasion by stemming the tide.

11. The Forum also call the Federal Government to expedite action on the well establish National Livestock Transformation Programme as a spring board in transiting from the open grazing system as widely practice in the North


His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong KSGG,
Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum.

Beneficiary of the Code Plateau training initiated by the Director General, Plateau state Information and communication development Agency PICTDA Mr. David Daser has being of great impact to the development of the state and Nigeria at large through it’s programme.

Mr Pofi Abel Amos who is one of the beneficiary of the Code Plateau program initiated by PICTDA , also an indigene of Plateau State shared this testimony

“I started out learning to write code as self-thought, which was quite tasking and self-driven. A major challenge for me was not having a Laptop of my own which made me approach my father hoping he would help out by buying me one – but then he felt instead of buying me one, he would rather borrow me one, with the condition that within a given time frame, I would have saved up enough to buy my own. Hopefully, with my interest at heart, he felt it would make me focused.”

Pofi said “Since I joined the Code Plateau Community, the entire experience has been overwhelming, so much I had to suspend my NYSC service year till after the entire training, and I must say a big thanks to the Governor of Plateau State in the person of Barr. Simon Bako Lalong, to PICTDA, and the Chief Sorcerer himself Mr. Daser David for the inexhaustive support they have rendered to us all here at the community and to me personally for gifting me a new laptop to support my career in tech and also for securing me a Job at Abuja to resume alongside my NYSC service year”.

He also stated that “Code Plateau is such an opportunity for anyone who wants to start out in the tech world. It is quite challenging no doubt but then to anyone that might be in a similar situation, I would say don’t use your limitations as a reason to not take a bold step towards your dream. “

Bigwigs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State have accused the House of Assembly Speaker, Abok Nuhu Ayuba, of engaging in anti-party activities and that he is already working against the interest of his party, the APC.
The party bigwigs said since the recent crisis in the state, some forces, groups and individuals have begun instigating the speaker against his party and the government, and rather than joining hands with the authorities and his party, he is already towing a different line.
Speaking on their behalf after the APC bigwigs meeting, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, said they have gathered that the speaker is already in talk with another party and that he is planning to leave the APC, and that is why he is currently exhibiting his unexpected actions.
Zazzaga said for a while now the Speaker has not been attending the government and APC functions alike, and that he absence from such functions not only speak volumes but confirmed the information they gathered about the speaker planning to leave the party.
He said they are therefore asking the speaker to come forth and explain to the party the reason for his recent actions and clear the air on his secret affliction with another party, otherwise they will write to the party to sanction him.
According to him, they will reveal all their facts about the Speaker’s recent contrary activities as they have fully gathered their facts, but that they want the APC leadership to take it resolution on the Speaker first.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Zazzaga urged the Speaker to retrace his steps because he should not be doing things that clearly shown he is ‘biting the fingers that fed him’.
It would be recalled that the APC bigwigs few weeks back gave the speaker an ultimatum to tender public apology to the people of the state as well as the government over what they termed divisive activities and unhelpful utterances in the wake of the recent crisis that rocked parts of the state.

Former Commissioner of Works Plateau State and the immediate past Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Plateau North has emerged the State Chairman of PDP in Plateau in the State Congress which held on Saturday 25th September, 2021 at Langfield Leisure Park Hall Little Rayfield Jos Plateau State.

Hon. Chris Hassan pulled 1,526 votes, Rep. Bitrus Kaze scored 186 votes while Mrs Monica Gwom gathered 8 votes.

Capt. B. Y. Golen emerged State Deputy Chairman, Emmanuel Tuan State Secretary, Hon. Yakubu Gwott Chocho State Organizing Secretary, Hon. John Akans ksm State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Daniel Izang Azi State Financial Secretary, Angela Shinkur State Auditor, Hon. Davou Mang Vice Chairman Plateau North, Hon. Jeremiah Satmark Vice Chairman Plateau Central, Hon. Simon Domle Vice Chairman Plateau South, Hon. Jonathan Pwajok State Assistant Organizing Secretary North, Mrs Martina Dakur State Women Leader, Ngo Christy Nyam State Assistant Women Leader Plateau North, Barr. Binchen Jamtur State Legal Adviser, Barr. Pankshak Dakyen State Assistant Legal Adviser and others who we will update soon.

1,788 Delegates of the 1,819 total delegates were accredited and participated in the congresses.

OPENING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRMAN, NORTHER STATES GOVERNORS FORUM & GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG AT THE EMERGENCY MEETING OF THE FORUM AT THE SIR KASHIM IBRAHIM HOUSE, KADUNA 27TH SEPTEMBER 2021.
Protocols

1. My dear colleagues, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to welcome you once again to Kaduna, the headquarters of our region as we deliberate on issues relating to the peace, progress and development of our people and the nation at large. I believe that this meeting will afford us the opportunity to look into various issues closely.
2. I welcome most specially His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, Chairman of the Northern Council of Traditional Rulers, and other Royal Fathers for sparing time to attend this very important emergency meeting.
3. You will recall that we met here in February this year to look at a wide range of issues concerning the well-being of our people. The meeting held at this Chamber, was also attended by the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, and other Members of the National Assembly; the Chief of Staff to the President; Minister of Information and Culture; the Inspector General of Police; Director General States Security Service; Chairmen of the Northern States Traditional Rulers Council led by His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto amongst others.
4. After hours of exhaustive deliberations, we arrived at several resolutions bordering on improving security of our region; enhancing socio-economic prosperity of the people; addressing humanitarian challenges of internally displaced persons; building synergy with the Federal Government and our counterparts from other parts of the country among others.
5. This Forum also received various reports from the Committees we earlier constituted and resolved to look into the Reports for implementation, while awaiting the completion of work on others. Various presentations were also made by individuals and corporate organizations for the development of the Region which we all agreed to carefully examine.
6. Today’s meeting is essentially to get an update on the progress made so far on some of those items particularly on addressing insecurity which is still a major concern in the region. We shall therefore take stock of how far we have gone in tackling banditry, kidnapping and insurgency and also chart the way forward.
7. In addition, we shall also take a critical look at some new national issues that have emerged over the recent months and weeks with a view to coming up with a position of the region as well as adopting the best possible approach to ensuring that the interest of the region is protected and promoted. Key among them is the issue of Value Added Tax collection and the surrounding controversy.
8. As usual, I look forward to robust contributions from all members that will lead us to arrive at very meaningful conclusions that will impact positively on the fortunes of our people. Once again I welcome you to this meeting and look forward to successful deliberations.
9. Thank you and God bless the Northern Region and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong
Executive Governor of Plateau State &
Chairman, Northern States Governors Forum
27th September 2021.
Photos; Josiah Jenvulu

“DONT DE-MARKET NIGERIA”  GOVERNOR LALONG ADMONISHES NIGERIANS AT INDEPENDENCE CHURCH SERVICE

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has asked Nigerians not to allow the current challenges facing the nation to push them towards de-marketing the country or even advocating for its disintegration as the consequences will not only be uncertain, but unimaginable.

Lalong who was speaking at the inter-denominational Church service to mark the 61st Independence Anniversary at the Government House Chapel Rayfield Jos, said Nigeria still remains a great nation that will surmount its challenges to realise its potentials for greatness.

He said “While some may use the current travails that the nation is witnessing to cast a shadow of hopelessness and despondency, we should never allow the trials of today overshadow the many successes that our nation has witnessed in the past and the many good things that have continued to happen up till date. Many prophets of doom had prophesied that we shall not live to witness this year and some people representing both internal and external interests have also worked fruitlessly to fulfill this prophesy.”

Lalong said he was very sure that at the end of the day, Nigeria shall emerge very strong and prosperous, exceeding all expectations and putting behind all disappointments. All that is needed according to him is for Nigerians to work together in unity, tolerance, sincerity, loyalty and patriotism to ensure that the nation lives up to its God-given potentials.

He said “for far too long, we have focused on our differences and weaknesses, and trivialized or even ignored our strengths and prospects. We seem to dissipate so much energy on defining people based on their religion, tribe, ethnicity and even political orientation completely neglecting their capacities, gifts, talents and willingness to serve humanity. We have been blinded by such myopic considerations that we fail to see that God has a plan for creating us with diversity and yet making us dependent on one another”.

The Governor maintained that there is no great nation that has refused to embrace diversity, tolerance, excellence, good work ethics, and a national philosophy that is based on honesty, reward for hardwork and punishment for deviance.

Lalong insisted that Nigerians cannot embrace corruption, despise hardwork, shun the rule of law, champion nepotism and bigotry, act selfishly, oppress one another particularly the and vulnerable, and yet expect to build a great nation.

Great nations according to him have entrenched good governance, rule of law, tolerance, patriotism, social welfare, respect for human rights and zero tolerance to corruption and indiscipline – an example that Nigeria has no option than to follow if it must make head way.

Reading from the book of Jeremiah 27 and Luke 8:24-25 among other chapters, Deputy Chaplain of the Plateau State Government House Chapel, Rev. Ezekiel Dewan said Nigerians must avoid negative narratives as there is power in the tongue. He said those who give up at difficult times may not benefit from God’s intervention when it arrives as they may be too blind to recognize it.

He admonished Nigerians to pray for God’s mercy on Plateau State and Nigeria, as the Bible directs citizens to not only pray for their leaders, but also for the cities where they dwell. He also asked that there should be constant prayers for God to turn the wisdom of the wicked into foolishness and stop them from troubling Nigeria.

In separate goodwill messages, the Atah Ateng of Ganawuri (representing the State Traditonal Council), GOC 3rd Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven Maj. Gen. Ali, said though Nigeria is passing through difficulties of insecurity, poverty and disease among others, there is hope for the future as God is raising leaders who will unite all people, lead with the fear of God, and shun all forms of evil for nation development.

Special prayers were offered for the Government and the nation.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
26th September 2021.