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Tag: Lalong

  • Lalong mourns ex-head of service, others

    Lalong mourns ex-head of service, others

    Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed sadness and shock over  those who lost their lives to the ugly incidents in the state.

    In a statement by his Press and  Public Affairs Director, Mr. Samuel, Emmanuel Nanle said the governor  “is saddened by the recent gory event that culminated in the killing of a one-time Head of Service, Da Moses Gwom, Corporal Chimezie Goodluck and one Rhoda Dauda by evil men, who do not mean well for humanity and the state.

    “This event is unfortunate and highly condemnable. The governor has, therefore, directed the security agencies in the state to swing into action to fish out the perpetrators of this heinous and dastardly act. He has also assured the people of the state that their safety remains a priority to government inspite of pockets of cases that seem to suggest the existence of reprisal attacks.

    “The  governor warned that government is concerned with the reoccurrence of isolated cases of unprovoked attacks and is resolved on fishing out the perpetrators of these acts of inhumanity, which he assured that the long arm of the law will soon catch up with.

    “The governor is further calling on all residents of neighborhoods that experienced violence during the dark decade of violent conflicts in the state not to rest on their oars in ensuring vigilance through neighborhood security watch and intensified efforts in building community cohesion.

    “The governor extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of all the deceased and prayed for the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Nanle said.

     

     

  • Hate speeches promote disunity, says Lalong

    Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has urged Nigerians help sustain Nigeria’s unity by avoiding hate speeches.

    He expressed displeasure with what he called negative and retrogressive statements capable of destabilising the country.

    According to him, citizens must rise against hate speech and divisive utterances in the national discourse.

    He called on Nigerians to sustain the country’s unity and promote the ideals of oneness as envisioned by the founding fathers.

    Lalong stated this in his message on Nigeria’s 57th Independence anniversary.

    The governor noted that the country has scaled so many hurdles and survived many challenges in its 57 years of existence through the bond of brotherhood.

    He prayed for sustainable peace and security in the country.

    Lalong, meanwhile, has urged the Acting Chief Judge of Plateau State, Justice Yakubu Gyang Dakwak, to help rid the judiciary of corruption.

    The governor, who spoke while swearing Dakwak in Jos, urged him to comply urgently with the Chief Justice of Nigeria’s directive on creation of special courts for corruption cases.

    He said: “I have no doubt in my mind that the rich resumé of Justice Dakwak, given his wealth of experience in legal practice and the delivery of justice garnered in his over 30 years on the Bench, will be brought to bear in the administration of Justice in the State.

    “At this crucial time of our nation’s fight against corruption and all forms of maladministration and misappropriation of our commonwealth and corporate patrimony, all eyes are on you to do the needful as you join hands with all stakeholders in the judiciary and justice delivery system in our nation to sanitize our nation.

    “The judiciary has been under public scrutiny, this is so because it represents the hope of the groaning masses for a redeemable future for posterity. A clean judiciary is the altar for the sanitisation of our country.

    “Punishment for crime, remedy for injuries and the enthronement of respect for the rule of law, are sure panaceas to the reign of impunity, abuse of public trust and anarchy that are fast eating up sanity in our public space.”

    Lalong also urged the Bar to support justice sector reforms.

    “Where reforms in laws, practice direction and rules of court are complied with to improve the administration of Justice, the nation will be the better for it.

    “I am sure my Lord the Acting Chief Judge will desire out of conviction and compulsion of duty, to join the league of anti-corruption campaigners in our Nation. This will be done as you work hard to give the State a first in implementing the charge of my Lord the Chief Justice of the Federation.

    “On our part as a government, we will continue to do our best to provide the necessary support and statutory requirement of office, to enable the Judiciary to function effectively.

    “While doing this, we will ensure that the independence of the judiciary remains sacrosanct, so that we validate the fact that our democracy is founded on the tenets of the rule of law and clear separation of powers, with each arm of government being a critical part of the whole.

    “You have a duty to help ‘kill corruption or else corruption will kill Nigeria’ like President Muhammadu Buhari will always say. You must begin from the judiciary and then proceed to deal with the Public.

    “You have the capacity to do this. You, therefore, only need to have the courage to do it. As you do it, you will be making your country’s honour precious and sacred,” Lalong said.

  • Lalong to collaborate with Fed Govt, private sector

    Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, has pledged the state’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government and private sector to complete reforms in the power sector.

    Lalong said this would improve the social wellbeing of residents of the state, and boost economic activities, including small and medium scale manufacturing, processing and retail.

    The governor, who spoke during council meeting in Jos, noted that the availability of electric power is sine qua non to any meaningful industrial development.

    “About three months ago, our indefatigable Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, was in Jos to open the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) clinic and one of the fundamental factors identified for the success of these enterprises is the availability of regular power supply.

    “A key policy thrust of our administration is infrastructural development, of which power supply is chief. My Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy delights in always saying to us that ‘energy makes things happen.’

    “Thus, the Plateau State Government is fully committed to working with the Federal Government and private sector investors in completing the reforms in the power sector that will lead us towards realising increased and stable power supply to our citizens in the urban and rural areas.

    “This will not only improve their social wellbeing, but will also enable them to engage in meaningful economic activities, such as small and medium scale manufacturing, processing and retail.

    “As a state, we are currently focused on maximising our economic potential in agriculture, solid minerals and tourism.

    “Good power supply will enable investors to add value to agricultural products from the farms, process the minerals from the mines, and also improve services at hospitality and tourism facilities.

  • Lalong tasks Fed Gov on abandoned power projects

    Plateau State governor, Simon Bako Lalong, has appealed to the federal government on the completion of abandoned power projects across the state so as to stimulate economic activities in the state.

    Lalong made the appeal at the closing ceremony of the week-long meeting of National Council on Power (NACOP) held at Crest Hotel and Garden Jos, Plateau State.

    According to Lalong, “A key policy thrust of our administration is infrastructural development, of which power supply is key. Thus, the Plateau State Government is fully committed to working with the federal government and private sector investors in completing the reforms in the power sector that will lead us towards realising increased and stable power supply to our citizens in the urban and rural areas. This will not only improve their social wellbeing, but will also enable them to engage in meaningful economic activities, such as small and medium scale manufacturing, processing and retail.”

    Lalong further stated that “as a state, we are currently focused on maximising our economic potential in agriculture, solid minerals and tourism.  Good power supply will enable investors to add value to agricultural products from the farms, process the minerals from the mines, and also improve services at hospitality and tourism facilities.”

  • Lalong: culprits in Bassa attacks ‘ll be punished

    Lalong: culprits in Bassa attacks ‘ll be punished

    plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has warned troublemakers, saying culprits in the Ancha Bassa Local Government attacks will be punished, to act as a deterrent to others.

    He spoke yesterday at the Government House, Jos while addressing Fulani communities under the aegis of Miyetti Allah and Irigwe people of Bassa Council.

    Lalong urged the people to shun violence.

    He said: “I advise citizens to live peacefully with one another.”

    The governor, who prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died, enjoined the indigenes to embrace peace.

    He urged security operatives to be on the alert.

    The Director-General, Peace Building Agency, Mr. Joseph Lengmang, condemned the incident, describing it as a setback.

    He said the meeting created an avenue for an honest interactive session, to find a solution to the Bassa skirmish.

    The Fulani spokesman, Muhammad Nura Abdullahi, who is the state chairman of Miyetti Allah and Sunday Abdul, president, Irigwe Development Association, decried the attack. They agreed to prevent a recurrence.

    The men hailed the government for its efforts to solve the crisis.

  • Lalong advocates transparency in welfare programme implementation

    Lalong advocates transparency in welfare programme implementation

    Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has called for transparency in the implementation of the Social Investment Programme (SIP).

    He praised the Federal Government for introducing it, saying its implementation must be devoid of corruption.

    Lalong said the programme proved the welfarist disposition of the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration.

    “We must take ownership of the process by transparently adhering to laid down procedures,” the governor said.

    He spoke during an interactive session with beneficiaries of the programme in Plateau State.

    Lalong said: “The introduction of the Federal Government Social Safety Nets with the highest single allocation in the budget, of N500billion for 2017, the first of its kind in Nigeria, is a statement of purpose that has proven the welfarist disposition of the Buhari administration.

    “Putting in place a policy on Social protection with focus on poverty reduction, assistance to the vulnerable persons, provision of startups, rural health care improvements and Agro-based economic development programmes are necessary triggers that will enhance the social wellbeing and economic self-reliance of the citizens of Nigeria, particularly those who are at the poverty stratum of our society.

    “Our administration on the Plateau, in line with our mission statement of repositioning the atate on the path of social and economic transformation, proactively keyed into the programme, which was flagged off by Mr. President in May, 2016.”

    The governor said the state was celebrating the implementation of SIP’s four components, namely the N-Power Programme, the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, the Social Support Programme for the poorest of the poor and the Government Enterprises and Empowerment programme.

    Lalong added: “Plateau State as a caring and people oriented government, has endeavoured to provide the environment for the effective implementation of all the components of the Social Investment Programme. On our part we are focusing on the recent partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to build the capacity of our youths and subsequently economically empower them.

    “The attention paid on the Anchor Borrowers Scheme which has a link with the Home Grown School Feeding Programme under SIP; improving primary health care services through renovations and upgrading of facilities, and rebuilding access roads which serve as links to the value chain in the area of agriculture.

    “The SIP is no doubt a connector between government and the citizens.  Through it, the citizens can feel the pulse of government as efforts are being made to make life better for all.

    “We must take ownership of the process by transparently adhering to laid down procedures. I am confident that by the end of this important intervention, Plateau and indeed Nigeria will be positively transformed.”

    The governor urged the beneficiaries to be committed to their duties so as to add value to the process.

    “I congratulate all the beneficiaries for being part of the team to actualise the manifesto of our great party, the All Progressive Congress (APC),” he added.

    Executive Assistant to the Governor/ Focal person of the programme, Dr. Hamza Sumaye  thanked the Governor and beneficiaries. She urged them to remain committed to the programme to ensure maximum results.

    She said: “I must at this point appreciate our leader as the main pilot of the process for providing the enabling environment within which SIP is implemented in plateau State. His commitment made it possible for the State to commence implementation of the four component s of SIP.”

  • How Lalong has changed Plateau, by aide

    How Lalong has changed Plateau, by aide

    In this interview with Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU in Lagos, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, Mark Longyen, speaks on his principal’s achievements in the last two years. 

    The governor’s critics have accused him of embarking on the completion of the projects he inherited from his predecessor, instead of initiating new projects. What is the rationale behind this decision?

    The governor on assumption of office met a litany of multi-billion naira projects, which were either abandoned  or uncompleted as you said. The governor from day one resolved to go ahead with such projects and complete them or go very far with them before embarking on new ones. This decision was made in the overall interest of the people against the backdrop of the fact that government is a continuum and also because the humongous public funds amounting to billions of naira which were sunk into them would be wasted if he neglected them. It was a very wise decision, especially in our own political clime where new leaders upon assumption of office avoid their predecessors’ projects like leprosy.

    How far has he gone in this regard?

    Most of the projects have been completed and commissioned, while others are either near completion or  ongoing. Specifically, the State Secretariat Flyover Bridge has been completed and commissioned.The Plateau State Geographical Information System (PLAGIS) has been completed and commissioned. The College of Health Technology Zawan Multimillion Naira e-Library has been completed and commissioned.The Plateau State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja has been completed, commissioned and occupied.

    Others are the General Hospitals in Riyom and Kanke, which have both been completed, while that of Mabudi, Langtang South LG is near completion.

    The Multibillion Naira Olympic Size Zaria Road Stadium is awaiting completion. The Plateau State University (PLASU) Bokkos, which was curiously abandoned by the last administration has been resuscitated. The Jos-Maza-Angware road is under completion. The Mangu-Gindiri-Lete road is under completion, among a panoply of other inherited projects that are at various stages of completion.

    Criticts are saying that there are no new projects being executed…

    That is part of the distractive and destructive opposition propaganda being bandied about by some sponsored jobless people in the Social Media. The falsehood is being spread by hired cyber hyenas posting nauseating balderdash on social media against the Lalong administration. Their mischievous aim is primarily to confuse, deceive and mislead the people and make us lose focus and fail like they did before being chased out of power in 2015. However, for the ever vigilant electorate, Governor Lalong’s messianic cum exemplary leadership, which borders on accountability and transparency as its watchword has endeared him to them.

    As a matter of fact, the governor’s achievements are so many and cut across all the key sectors of the state’s economy, which include agriculture, mining, tourism, education, commerce and industry, health, etc.

    For instance, government has awarded multi-billion Naira road contracts spread across the state’s three senatorial zones with a view to opening up the entire rural communities in all our 17 LGAs. Specifically, the Kalong Road Bridge in Shendam, the Rantya-Rafiki Road, the Angwan-Rogo Road network, the Tudun Wada-Kabong Road, the Miango Junction-State Low-Cost road, among many others that altogether cost almost N10 Billion are at various stages of completion. Go to Jos and see for yourself. The entire Jos metropolis has been turned imo a huge construction site with road construction equipment everywhere. In addition, about 16 new road projects have been earmarked for construction across the state and are already captured in the 2017 budget awaiting take-off.

    In the Education Sector, the Governor’s commitment to the sector is legendary as he gave it the topmost priority it deserves, culminating in the panoply of achievements that are manifest in all tertiary institutions down to secondary and primary schools at the cost of billions of Naira. Thus, the Plateau State University, Bokkos, which was established over 10 years ago without graduating a single set of students got government’s lifeline. Government built the physical infrastructures on campus, facilitated the accreditation of about 17 courses, while for the first time, convocation was held for its first two sets of students early this year.

    In the Health Sector, besides the inherited new General Hospital projects earlier mentioned, the state Primary Health Care Development Agency has fully taken off. The Governor recently commissioned the multi-million Naira Dialysis Centre of the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos, while the hospital is now slated for a complete turnaround.

    How is Plateau trying to diversify its economy under the administration?

    Yes, government has aggressively embarked on economic diversification with Agriculture as the driver and mainstay of the state’s economy, while other key sectors are in tow. That is why just last week, the Federal Executive Council approved the African Development Bank facility of N3.38 Billion for the massive cultivation of Irish Potatoes in Plateau State. The state accounts for about 95% of Nigeria’s potatoes production. Under the potatoes value chain, we will produce, process and export the commodity as finished products and earn huge foreign exchange. Government will provide a counterpart funding of just N595 million and over 100,000 families will benefit from this, over 60,000 jobs will be created and all our 17 LGs are expected to be beneficiaries. We are also into massive rice cultivation and very soon we will begin to export rice too as Plateau Rice is already around.

    The economic diversification drive has also made the governor to plunge into reviving virtually all the state-owned moribund industries that were hitherto abandoned by successive administrations. To achieve this, Government first of all resuscitated the Plateau State Investment and Property Development Company (PIPC) under the leadership of ex-SSG, Ezekiel Gomos and charged it with the task of reviving all our dead industries under Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangements with some private companies.

    Under the PPP arrangement with Bejafta, a private firm, the State Fertilizer Blending Company, Bokkos, has since been fully revived and is currently operating at optimal capacity. Also, a private firm, Hummer Drinks Ltd, has partnered the Plateau Bottling Company, which has now been revived 25 years after it was shut down. A private foreign firm, Solbec Ltd is also partnering with the government to revive the Panyam Fish Farm, which was once West Africa’s largest fish farm, established 60 years ago but closed business decades ago.

    The Jos Main Market, once West Africa’s major commercial hub but burned down 15 years ago during the Jos crises, is being revived under PPP with a London-based company. Renovation work on the state-owned Plateau Hotel, Jos, is near completion under PPP arrangement with a view to boosting Tourism and our IGR. Also, BARC FARMS, a state-owned enterprise sold 25 years ago is being repurchased from the owner for large scale agriculture, just as its parent company, the Jos International Breweries, JIB, is on the verge of being revived.

    Government is partnering the Chinese and Australian Governments in key money-spinning sectors like Mining and Agriculture. It has also engaged some Chinese companies to revive the  Pandam Game Reserve to boost Tourism, as well as the building of Housing Estates under PPP.

    Notably, it is on account of his exemplary leadership qualities worthy of worldwide acclaim and emulating that the Governor is scheduled to receive an international award to be bestowed on him later this month as The Nigerian Governor of the Year!

    Why has the governor refused to conduct council polls?

    The elections will be conducted anytime soon following the signing a few days ago by the Governor into Law of the amended harmonised Local Government and PLASIEC Laws, particularly the controversial provision with regards to the councils’ tenure that is now settled. What is being awaited right now is PLASIEC’s election timetable. I have just one question for the opposition elements who claim to be on ground and that the Governor is afraid of losing the election: If they are actually on ground, how come they lost all the recent rerun elections held in the state to the APC?

    Peace has finally returned to the crisis-ridden state after a decade-long violence. How did the governor do it?

    I believe the secret to the peace achieved is that the governor has applied his natural gift of a rare combination of political dexterity, goodwill, sincerity of purpose, as well as his experience, knowledge and understanding of the state’s complex configuration as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious cosmopolitan society to drive the peace process to where we are today. He banished discrimination and marginalisation and entrenched inclusive governance by giving political appointments to every group, including non-indigenous communities, and holds regular consultative stakeholders meetings thereby, carrying along everybody in the process. With barely two years now, Governor Lalong has positively changed Plateau State forever.

     

  • How to build strong democracy, by Lalong

    How to build strong democracy, by Lalong

    How can a solid foundation be laid for democracy and good governance? It is by building strong institutions through sound laws, says Plateau State Governor  Simon Bako Lalong.

    He spoke while  signing the Plateau State  Revenue Consolidation Law 2017 and the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission Law as Amended.

    Lalong said: “Since the inception of our rescue administration, I have ensured that we remained focused on putting in place legal instruments that will make for the establishment and operations of institutions which will enhance the political and socio-economic well being of our citizens.

    “The building of strong institutions through sound laws have remained undoubtedly one way through which the solid foundation upon which democratic practices such as citizens participation, respect for human rights and dignity, economic freedom, social welfare and the control of the Abuse of Power within a democratic space can be guaranteed.

    “It is with this consciousness in mind that we took time to identify flaws and areas of conflicts in the laws which have been amended and the new ones formulated to ensure we have instruments that have been enriched with the experiences of the past, present realities and expectations of future challenges to effectively conduct the business of government.

    “The Revenue consolidation law as outlined in the Synopsis presented, will chiefly provide for the reinforcement of the Revenue Collection System through a functional Administrative Structure and harmonization of the various rates, levies and taxes that are collected by ministries, departments and Agencies of Government, as well as by the Local Government Councils in Plateau.

    ‘’We have not left anyone in the state in doubt as to the precarious financial position of the State, and should we relent in capturing all State Revenue Sources while also blocking leakages, finding a means of providing for the several developmental needs of the State will remain an illusion, given the current State of economic challenge the country is going through.

    It is my expectation that with the Revenue Consolidation Law, the State Internal Revenue Service, all MDAs and Local Government Councils will ensure strict enforcement and collection of rates, levies and taxes due to state.

    “The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC)  and other related matter new law will not only regulate the conduct of elections, the structure and functions of local councils, but will also provide for the creation and administration of Development Areas, in keeping with the yearnings and aspiration of our people. With this law the ball has now been squarely placed in the court of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission, to execute her primary mandate in line with the provisions contained therein.

  • Lalong seeks unity, peace

    Lalong seeks unity, peace

    Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has called on Nigerians  to always engage in programmes and activities that unite the country, promote peace and add value to lives.

    Lalong made this statement in a speech he delivered as the guest of honour at this year’s Zumunta International Convention, specifically organised to address the challenges of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North held in Atlanta, USA.

    Lalong said: “Creating a value for the unity of Nigerian Northerners in Diaspora with this convention and other programmes of common interest is no doubt a clarion call to all stakeholders back home, that we have a valuable asset that we must nurture and continue to add value to for the benefit of generations yet unborn.

    “Northern Nigeria with her land mass, population, natural endowment, diverse ethnic groups and human resources, is blessed beyond the issues of religious and ethnic difference that have been manipulated and exploited by conflict merchants garbed in political and religious apparels.

    “Our shared values and strength in diversity as Northerners have accounted for the leadership we have provided and are still providing for our people. Further to this is the massive contribution of the region and her citizens to the socio-economic development of the nation. I must therefore be quick to commend all of you who are committed members of Zumunta Association for showcasing with your continuous fellowship and brotherhood, that Northern Nigeria remains an indivisible region of people committed to pursuing their common destiny in Unison, in our country Nigeria.

    “This Year’s symposium on Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs) with particular reference to Northern Nigeria, brings to heart a global concern demanding individual and collective action to nip in the bud. As we think globally we must act locally to address the issue at hand, so we can rank within global reckoning as people worthy of recognition and commendation.

    “The growing number of people who are forced to flee their Native home and land, to seek refuge in other safe havens within our country is alarming. While it is a matter of humanitarian concern to have refugees cross the borders of our country into Northern Nigeria on account of natural disasters and violent conflicts, it is senseless to have a situation where the growing numbers of Internally Displaced Persons in Northern Nigeria is on account of Communal Ethnic clashes and attacks by religious extremists” Lalong said.

  • Lalong: Nigeria’s unity not negotiable

    Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has urged Nigerians to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari’s recovery and for the country’s unity and peaceful coexistence.

    In a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Emmanuel Nanle, the governor said Nigeria’s unity was not negotiable.

    The statement reads: “Governor Lalong uges the Muslim faithful to reflect on the lessons learnt during the Ramadan period and on the significance of fasting as a religious obligation, urging them to allow its true meaning reflect deep on their lives and on the positive impact it will make on the lives of others.

    “He stressed that without the virtues of love and tolerance, religion would make no meaning and peace and stability would be elusive in the society.

    “The governor further called on all citizens in the state to live in harmony with one another and practice their religion in love, truth and in peace.

    “He also urged security agencies to work round the clock to ensure that the festivity is celebrated peacefully in the state. He also urged the Moslem Ummah to ensure the observance of law and order as always during the celebration so as not to infringe on the rights of others.

    “He wishes the Muslim Ummah a rewarding Eid-el Fitr celebration and a prosperous commencement of the month of Shawwal

    Meanwhile the governor entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Public Works (PW) an Irish-Nigerian construction company in Abuja, towards developing the state’s mineral potential.

    “PW an Irish-Nigerian construction company with over four decades of experience in civil works, large scale earth drilling works and mineral exploration activities in Nigeria and Africa,  will,  under the memorandum be deploring her expertise to harness the solid minerals of Plateau by establishing credible data and identifying the mineral potential of the state and its mining industry as a base for viable entrepreneurship and industrialisation of the sector,” the statement added.