“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.

“APC WILL SWEEP PLATEAU LG ELECTIONS”, GOVERNOR LALONG BOASTS AS HE FLAGS OFF APC LOCAL GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGN

Ahead of the Local Government elections scheduled for 9th October 2021 in Plateau State, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has flagged off the campaign for the All Progressives Congress which is fielding candidates for the 17 Local Governments.

While flagging of the campaign at the Shendam mini stadium, Governor Lalong said the APC has done a lot for the development of the State and attained greater acceptance which will guarantee its total victory during the elections.

He said the APC has steadily deepened its roots in Plateau State through his Government’s people-driven projects and programmes that have encompassed every part of the State.

Lalong said the APC has been attractive to the citizens of the State because of equity, fairness and inclusivity which has enhanced the peace and tranquility prevailing in the State, until the recent attacks which were clearly orchestrated by enemies of the people.

Governor Lalong while presenting flags to the candidates urged them to go to the polls with  confidence as the people have seen and touched the performance of the APC which will spur them to choose the party during the ballot.

The Governor said “APC is the party of choice in Plateau State just as it is being embraced by people from other parties at the national level. I am very optimistic that we will sweep the elections because we don’t have opposition in Plateau State thanks to our performance. We have shown leadership that is centred on the peace and progress of the Plateau. We have completed projects that we inherited even from the other party because of their impact on the lives of the people. We also initiated and executed many of our own projects without concentrating on one section alone or showing preference for a particular group. That is the secret of our success and acceptability in Plateau State. The results will definitely manifest on 9th October when we sweep the polls”.

He urged members of the party and the entire people of the State to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the elections and not allow politicians cause a breach of the peace.

For the candidates, he asked them to carry along women and people living with disabilities in governance. Already he said, many of the local Government flag bearers have women as their Deputies.

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives Idris Wase said the party has grown in the State because of the leadership style of Governor Lalong which is based on fairness, rule of law and the pursuance of peace.

He maintained that the State has derived a lot of dividends of democracy through the administration of Governor Lalong who has effectively collaborated with President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government.

Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden urged the party faithfuls particularly the candidates to go into the elections with confidence and determination to serve the people. Similar confidence was given by the Deputy Speaker Plateau House of Assembly, Saleh Yipmong who said the party will emerge victorious.

Responding on behalf of the other flag bearers from the 17 Local Government areas, Miskoom Alex Naantuam of Shendam Local Government said they are ready to get down to business of mobilising the people at the grassroots in order to ensure victory.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
25th September 2021

CHRISTIAN PILGRIMS BOSS APPLAUDS GOVERNOR LALONG FOR TAMING RECENT VIOLENCE IN PLATEAU

The Executive Secretary of the Christian Pilgrims Commission, Rev. Yakubu Pam has applauded Governor Simon Lalong over his handling of the recent violence in Plateau State which restored calm and prevented the situation from getting out of hand.

Rev. Pam who visited Governor Lalong at the Government House Rayfield Jos with a team from the NCPC said they were in the State to appreciate the Governor for his contribution to the success of the pilgrimage to Jordan which was flagged off in Jos.

He said the Governor has shown remarkable leadership in pursuing peace and has done his best to empower the security agencies to deal with criminals who are bent on jeopardising the peace of the State and rubbishing the efforts of the Government.

The NCPC Executive Secretary said because of the measures taken by the Governor and based on his penchant for peaceful coexistence and proactive security measures, the situation did not escalate and those who carried out the various attacks are being fished out.

He said the Commission is very grateful to Governor Lalong for maintaining his passion for a successful pilgrimage which led to the historic take-off of the exercise to Jordan from Plateau State for the first time in the history of pilgrimage.

Responding, Governor Lalong said the visit by the Commission is encouraging and an affirmation of the support and collaboration of the Executive Secretary who has remained steadfast in promoting peace and ensuring the success of the Rescue Administration.

He said the recent events where attackers sought to put a dent on the efforts of the Government for selfish reasons has re-energised his resolve to deal with criminals and also ensure that the citizens carry out their activities without fear or molestation.

On the recent pilgrimage to Jordan, the Governor said the State will continue to support the NCPC because the prayers offered for the peace and progress of Nigeria have paid off and also put the enemies of peace to shame.

Prayers were offered for the State and the nation.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
25th September 2021.

A group under the auspices of The Plateau Youths Stakeholders for Peace, has called for the immediate arrest of the Honourable Member representing Langtang North/Langtang South Federal Constituency, Hon. Beni Lar for allegedly trying to instigate crisis in Plateau State.
The group in a statement signed by its Zonal Coordinator, Bar Nanzing Ndam, alleged that the Honourable Member is trying in so many ways to recruit more people into joining her bid to cause mayhem in the state and called on the security agencies to act fast before it is too late.
“We have uncovered plans by the Lawmaker to truncate the forthcoming Local Government elections in the state, unless the tenure of her Council Chairman, whose tenure elapses in October, is elongated to 2023. This obviously is to secure her re-election and consequent enthronement as Speaker of the House of Representatives.”
“During the recent crisis that truncated the unprecedented six years of relative peace in Jos, she heightened the sense of insecurity by providing 30 buses to mobilising and transporting students of the University of Jos out of their campuses, even when State Governors encouraged there wards to remain in school through subsidies allowances, following the restoration of peace by the Plateau State government.”
Bar Ndam who raised the alarm on Thursday , alleged that “part of her, plot
is the provision of mass fake Army, Police and NSCDC uniforms for use by thugs to perpetuate the mayhem and compromise genuine security agencies assigned to maintain peace in the communities. “
The group revealed that when her plan to discredit the state government failed, she forced the Chairman of Langtang North, Hon Ubandoma Laven, to issue a well publicised press statement, alleging that Boko Haram will invade Langtang through Wase Local Government, ostensibly to discredit her colleague, the Hon Member Representating Wase Constituency and the No. 6 citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Idris Ahmed Wase.
“For proper perspective, the Chairman who doubles as her Personal Assistant (PA) is the only opposition party chairman, owing to the magnanimity of Gov Simon Lalong who, against all odds, wanted to honour the memory of the elder statesman and the well respected icon of democracy and former Governor of Plateau State, the Late Solomon Lar, who by sheer providence, is the father of Hon Beni Lar.
“In a classical display of ingratitude and betrayal of trust, Hon Beni Lar recruited surrogates and unsuspecting State Assembly Members to lay credence to her insidious agenda.
“Already, we have credible intelligence that several have fallen prey to her machinations including Hon Nanbol Listic, representing Langtang North-Central in the Plateau State House of Assembly, who will address the in the coming days”
Bar Nanzing Ndam further vowed that “if the security agencies do not intervene, we will do anything to secure and protect our electorates in self defense in order to also stop her plans of mobilizing thugs to unleash mayhem on staff of The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission, (PLASIEC) and Bar Zulfa Rimven, the candidate of All Progressives Congress, and his supporters.
“We want to make it categorically clear that we will mobilise massively to repeal every evil plan to cause unnecessary crisis or attack in our communities if the security agencies whom she claims to have “settled” do not act” the group said.

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT WINS CASE AGAINST BLENNISON OVER LALONG LEGACY PROJECT.

A Jos High Court presided over by the Chief Judge of Plateau State, Hon.Justice Yakubu Gyang Dakwak, today, the 24th day of September, 2021, struck out a Suit instituted by Bleneson Services Limited against the Plateau State Government; Ministry of Finance Plateau State; STL TRUSTEES Limited and United Capital Trustees Limited.

The striking out of the Suit by the Court followed the success of the Notice of Preliminary Objection filed by Paschal Mammo Esq. Counsel to the Joint TRUSTEES to the Bond used to execute the Project, STL Trustees Ltd and United Capital Trustees Ltd, sued as 3rd and 4 th Defendants respectively in the Suit.

The Joint Trustees had challenged the Jurisdiction of the Court to entertain the Case, on the Ground that the Claimants failed to file the mandatory Pre- action Protocol meant to disclose on Oath, the step, if any, they took to settle the dispute before approaching the Court.

In it’s Ruling on the Application, the Court held that the failure to take those mandatory steps as required by the Rules of Court is a fundamental vice which robbed the Court of the Jurisdiction.The Court consequently struck out the Case.

It would be recalled that on 16th March, 2021, Bleneson Services Ltd instituted Suit No:PlD/J144/2021 seeking to restrain the Plateau State Government from Terminating its Contract with the Company for the construction of various School and Hospital Projects under the LALONG LEGACY PROJECTS.

The institution of the Suit by Bleneson Services Ltd was after the Service by the Government of Plateau State of a 30-day “Notice of Termination of Contract” on the Company on 9th March,2021, following the failure of the Company to deliver a Phase of the Project whose delivery, going by the Work Plan signed by the Parties, was 31st December, 2020 and the prospect that going by the slow pace of work by the Contractor, it was practically impossible for it to deliver the last of the Projects by 31st December,2021as agreed, with the projected earliest completion date being December, 2024.

The Plateau State Government had therefore issued the Notice of Termination in exercise of its right to do so as provided under the Contract, where there is a failure of performance by either Party.

Bleneson Services Ltd had, upon receipt of the Notice of Termination, without approaching any of the Defendants for Settlement, as required by the High Court of Plateau
State (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2020, rushed to Court to file the Suit.

With this development, the completion of the Lalong Legacy Projects in various parts of the State is in sight as Governor Simon Bako Lalong has consistently maintained that the projects will be completed before the end of his administration.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
24th September 2021.

PLATEAU STATE APC ELECTION FLAG OFF CAMPAIGN
The Central Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC, invites all party faithful and the general public to the flag-off of its 2021 Local Government elections campaign rally.
Date: Saturday, 25th Sept, 2021
Venue: Mini Stadium, Shendam
Time: 10am prompt
Signed
Publicity and Protocol Sub-Committee

The Church Has A Role In Re-educating our Youths: Lalongs Speaks At The 2nd Annual Conference Of Chaplains Of Government House In Jos.
Protocols.

It is with great delight to address this very important meeting which is the Second Annual Conference of the Chaplains of Government Houses holding here at the Government House Chapel, Rayfield – Jos.

On behalf of the Government and good people of Plateau State, I welcome you to our beautiful capital city of Jos for this very important spiritual exercise. Your choice of Plateau State to host this second edition of the meeting is no doubt appropriate because of the Status of Jos as Nigeria’s spiritual headquarters.


The people of the State especially the Christian community is no doubt happy that you are here to pray, fast and intercede for the State and the nation at large. That is why your choice of the Theme “Increase In His Peace” taken from the Book of Isaiah 9:7 is an appropriate and timely selection especially at this critical time when we need peace in our land.

As you may be aware, the nation has continued to battle with many challenges relating to insecurity, poverty and disease which are making life difficult for the citizens. Some of these challenges are made worse by the complexities of politics, corruption, intolerance and absence of the fear of God.

Only recently, Plateau State witnessed some disruption of peace and tranquility which our Rescue Administration has worked hard to cultivate in the last six years when attacks left many death and properties destroyed. Indeed we are pained by this setback and have worked hard to ensure that normalcy is restored within the shortest time.

Such effort is what has given you the confidence to host this meeting here in Jos which is another confirmation that Plateau remains the destination of choice for all citizens from within and outside Nigeria. Your coming here should therefore give us more energy to work in giving the proper perspective about happenings in our State.

My spiritual fathers, while I specially commend you for setting aside time to pray for our nation, I wish to remind you and indeed all religious leaders of the enormous responsibility that you carry in ensuring that our society moves forward. While you have the divine mandate to speak truth to the society and in particular to those in power, you should be mindful that such responsibility needs to be exercised with utmost caution and sincerity.


The situation where some religious leaders have resorted to propagation of hate speech and spread of fake information must be avoided for the interest of the peace and unity of the country. Religious leaders cannot afford to politicize the pulpit and make it a platform for attacks which end up weakening the Church and bringing the Body of Christ to disrepute.
Similarly, the clergy particularly those of you who serve as Chaplains in Government Houses must shun sycophancy and the attempt to bury the truth for monetary or other gains. This type of behaviour ends up putting the society in more danger because those in leadership positions are denied the truth that is needed to guide them in serving the people. At all times, Jesus Christ must be our model.

Let me also bring to your attention that the Church has a great role to play in educating and re-educating our people particularly the youths on the concept of love and sacrifice as taught by the Lord Jesus Christ. From the rhetoric we hear everyday, there is a huge dose of misinformation and brainwashing of our youths towards hatred rather than love and tolerance.

We must rise up and confront this negative development which is very disturbing especially when we see the level of wickedness and division among people of various denominations or faiths. We must teach our children love by profession and practicing love wherever we find ourselves. This we must do quickly to save our nation from disintegrating because of ethno-religious sentiments.

Although there are issues we need to address as Governments at various levels, the issue of justice, fairness, tolerance and peaceful coexistence cannot be achieved if religious leaders particularly Christians fail to show the light. As the Bible says, we are the Salt of the Earth, and as such we must not loose our taste no matter the provocations. That way, we will conquer hate with love and bring many into the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

That is why apart from setting up a Peace Building Agency, our administration has gone ahead to set up the Plateau State Inter-Religious Council which has equal representation of the top leadership of the two leading religions. We have deployed those structures towards facilitating dialogue, conflict resolution and addressing ethno-religious crises.

Recently when the National President of the CAN Rev. Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle and the President, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto led members of NIREC to Jos for consultations over the recent disturbances in our State, the position was reiterated that those who engage in using their positions as religious leaders to fan the embers of hate and division, will be arrested and prosecuted. That is our position in Plateau State.

Let me therefore assure you that our administration shall continue to do all within its power to support the Clergy to carry out its duties of leading the people to God and teaching them the path to righteousness. We urge you to continue to pray for the Government at these difficult times as well as be available to offer your counsel. Let me at this juncture also congratulate and thank Pastor Seyi Malomo, Chaplain, Aso Villa Chapel for this wonderful initiative and for his leadership of the body and support to government at all levels.

On this note, it is my pleasure and privilege to declare open the second Annual Conference of the Chaplains of Government Houses in the name of the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit.

God bless Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG
Executive Governor, Plateau State.
23rd September, 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG HARPS ON ROAD SAFETY CULTURE AMONG NIGERIANS

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has advocated for an intensification of the road safety culture among Nigerian road users particularly among those who drive or intend to drive.

Governor Lalong was speaking at the 10th anniversary of Kwapda’as Road Safety Demand (KRSD) Foundation a nonprofit organisation founded in honour of late Prince Kwapda’as Rangna’an Dongban, son of the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem.

Governor Lalong while commending the President of the Court of Appeal for establishing the Foundation, said she has used the painful story of the tragic death of her son in a motor accident, to raise awareness and education to halt further needless deaths on Nigerian roads.

He said the fact that many people are on the road without the requisite knowledge and experience of driving is very disturbing as many accidents occur because of recklessness and ignorance. Time he said had come when people must be conscious of the rules of safe driving and also promote it wether they are driving or not.

He stated that Plateau State has continued to work towards improving the safety and efficiency of public transport which is a major economic driver. A bill for the establishment of a transport management commission he said has been approved by the Plateau State Executive Council which is before the House of Assembly for legislative action.

Founder of KRSD Foundation, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem said for the past ten years, the foundation has made efforts to bring to the fore the needless sufferings and deaths that are foisted on innocent citizens due to the careless actions of drivers who either refuse to obey traffic regulations or fail to take care of their automobiles.

She said her story has served as a pivot for further highlighting the issue of road safety culture among Nigerians through the many programmes and engagements that have been organised at different levels.

Justice Dongban-Mensem thanked Governor Lalong and other stakeholders in and outside the country for supporting the foundation to carry out its vision for a more safe and secure road transportation.

FCT Minister Mohammed Bello, Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and other speakers advocated for stiffer penalties in enforcement of road traffic rules and regulations.

High point of the event was the presentation of awards and decoration of KRSD, Patrons and Special KRSD Marshals. Among those awarded was Governor Simon Bako Lalong.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
23rd September 2021.

LETEP DABANG EULOGISES PROF TYODEN ON HIS BIRTHDAY.

Today marks an additional privilege in your life to the glory of God and service to humanity which you have indeed distinguished yourself.

The name Professor Sonnie Gwanle Tyoden resonates in the academic as well as political space which you have made landmarks.

As you celebrate your birthday today I join you in thanking God for the favors that have come your way and the various positive touches you have made in the lives of our people.

May God continue to grant you strength,good health and wisdom in delivering sound leadership to the people for the development of our dear state.

On behalf of my family I wish you a very memorable birthday and many happy returns.

HON CHIEF LETEP M.DABANG AND FAMILY.

GOVERNOR LALONG SALUTES DEPUTY, PROF. TYODEN AT 71

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated his Deputy, Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden as he marks 71 years, describing him as an accomplished technocrat, academic, gentleman and politician.

Governor Lalong in a message of felicitation said Prof. Tyoden has exhibited high level of commitment, sacrifice and intellectual capacity in handling all responsibilities that have come his way over the years.

He said the Deputy Governor remains a strong pillar of support, wisdom and encouragement to the Rescue Adminstration which has continued to work hard in restoring the fortunes of Plateau State since coming into office in 2015.

Lalong said Prof. Tyoden has deployed his academic prowess and experience to governance which has added value to the programmes and projects of the administration and positively impacted the lives of the people.

While wishing him many more years of peace, good health and God’s protection, the Governor urged Prof. Tyoden to continue to serve the people with more zeal and also allow his wealth of experience rub off on the younger generation who he has mentored over the years.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
22nd September 2021.