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Tag: Lalong

  • Ex-CDS Alex Badeh laid to rest amid tears

    It was a hectic Wednesday at the Nigerian Air Force Base’s Protestant Church and the National Military Cemetary, Abuja, as top military Officers gathered to pay their last respect to the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin and the three Service Chiefs, as well as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and two serving governors, were among those who joined others to find comforting words for grieving family of late Badeh.

    Air Chief Marshal Badeh’s the immediate family members, friends and relations could not hold their tears at the church and Cemetery.

    Their moods were punctuated by the unfolding events in the programme schedules of the burial ceremony.

    Some members of the immediate family were seen holding onto one another, wiping tears streaming down their faces.

    The Air Chief Marshal was killed on December 18, 2018, by suspected gunmen while returning from his farm located along Abuja-Keffi expressway.

    The sad event sent a shocking way across the length of the country, especially regarding the status of the victim and the hypertensive security situation.

    The funeral service was conducted at the Nigerian Air Force Base’s Protestant Church.

    The atmosphere at the cemetery became more emotional as the body of the late ex-CDS was interned.

    Shortly after the body of the late CDS was conveyed into the church in a casket wrapped in national colours, solemn hymns were rendered to set the mood for the service, which commenced at about 10: 09 am.

    No sooner had the late CDS’ daughter taken the Scripture reading from Job 14:1 – 6 than tributes were delivered by the deceased family.

    Read Also: Photos: Badeh buried in military cemetery in Abuja

    In a brief tribute on behalf of the family, the late Badeh’s son expressed regret his father was consumed by the same “violence” he abhorred in his lifetime.

    In an emotion-laden voice, he said: ” Dad, you were never one to show your true feelings when things are tough.

    “You always had a smile on your face even in adversity, you stood up for what you believed was right and tried to be fair.

    “You were deeply principled and pragmatic. You might have been a big brash bulk of a man but you moved through the world gracefully.

    “You abhorred violence but in the end it found you. You are loved and will never be forgotten”.

    Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said Badeh’s death must serve as a wake- up call to all and sundry to lend support to the fight against crime.

    Abubakar said the achievements Air Chief Marshal Badeh would remain a source of inspiration among military personnel

    “He is the 18 chief of Air staff and the 15th chief of Defence Staff. He was an astute airman who earned over 6000 flying hours during his flying career.

    “The death of this gentleman must steer the rest of us not only in the armed forces but indeed in Nigeria to rededicate ourselves in the service of our nation and people to deal decisively with crime and criminality.

    “I’m indeed deeply touched and saddened by the manner in which we lost such an accomplished general who attained the apex of his chosen career in the Nigerian Armed forces, the nation will remain grateful to you for service,” Abubakar said.

    Olonisakin noted that his immediate predecessor’s life was worth emulating.

    The ex-CDS was buried with full military honours amidst the traditional 21 gun salute and presentation of flags to his family.

    The laying of wreath was conducted at the Cemetary in the following order: Mr. Boss Mustapha (Secretary to the Government of the Federation); representative of the Minister of Defence, CDS, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai (Chief of Army Staff); Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Chief of Naval Staff); Mrs. Mary Badeh (deceased’s wife) as well as representative of Regular Course 21, Badeh’s course mates at the Nigerian Defence Academy.

    The Governors of Adamawa state, Mohammed Bindow and that of Plateau, Simon Lalong, as well as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State and some former governors of Adamawa state were among dignitaries that graced the occasion.

  • Lalong as God’s plan for Plateau

    As the campaigns continue to heat the polity, we must be careful about the choices we make because our options can be our albatross, as well as our Messiah. I say this for two reasons, one is because of the empty promises flying around like promissory notes and the other is the attempt to put a veil on the eyes of the electorates by politicians who are advancing causes they know too well they  cannot deliver on. I am from Plateau State, and as they say, charity must begin from home.
    I recall I asked myself a couple of questions when Simon Lalong came on-board as governor of the state, questions like, is this going to be different from others? Would Plateau experience peace and tranquillity, would workers have a reason to smile? Would Plateau experience any form of infrastructural upliftment? Would pensioners have a reason to smile? And many more that I can’t recollect.
    I also promised to keep a tab on the workings of government regarding the delivery of the dividends of democracy to the people of Plateau State that have seen and experienced the worst of governments since 1999. Indeed, Plateau had been unfortunate; my friends used to taunt me. But today, I am not sure anyone of them can tease me as regards governance in Plateau. And I say this with all sense of humility and sincerity of heart.
    To say Plateau has experienced a change would be an understatement. And to also say Governor Simon Lalong remains one of the best things that happened to Plateau would also be uncharitable. What would be charitable and most appropriate is to say Simon Lalong was God’s plan for Plateau state because of the remarkable improvements experienced in all aspects of life on the Plateau. From the prompt payment of salaries to clearing the backlog of pensions. Generally, governance was delivered at the doorsteps of the people.
    Anyone conversant with the happenings in Plateau under governor Simon Lalong would agree with me that God indeed heard the cries of the people when he delivered Simon Lalong to us as governor. It is incredible to state that despite the cash crunch that hit the country and the inability of most states to pay salaries, it was only Plateau state that was paying wages even before the end of the month. It felt like magic to many other governors on how Governor Simon Lalong was able to achieve such feat.
    If one takes an opinion survey of civil servants in the state to ascertain whether there has ever been a time salaries were delayed under Simon Lalong, the response would be an overwhelming no. That has never happened since Simon Lalong assumed leadership of the state. From what I gathered, the governor vowed that never again in the history of Plateau state, would workers be denied their wages given the fact that the state is mostly a civil servant state. And when you have the bulk of the people in the public service what is the rational thing to do? To ensure that salaries are paid as at when due.
    In my opinion, doing such would also have a multiplier effect on the economy of the state in the sense that there would be a movement within the ecosystem that would, in turn, generate activities that oil the wheels of progress, which is the case in Plateau state in the past three years of Simon Lalong.
    It would be tantamount to questioning God should the people of Plateau make the mistake of casting their votes for those that have been making empty promises. And the curious part is that these people that are making those empty promises were part of the rot experienced in Plateau state. The difference is that they only changed their clothing’s. Would the people of Plateau allow themselves to be so deceived?
    I am not sure the people of Plateau would want to trade Simon Lalong for anyone else. I am not sure the workers and pensioners have forgotten how God has used and still using Simon Lalong to better their lives through the numerous interventions in the state. Let me add this for free. It only takes a man that is upright and with the fear of God to do what Governor Simon Lalong is doing in Plateau state. He came on-board at a time that depression had enveloped the cloud and hopelessness was the order of the day. But undeterred he set out for impactful governance that has put the state on the path of glory once again.

    Read Also:Lalong: I deserve second term

    Governor Simon Lalong is an upright man with the fear of God, unlike past governors that ruled like they were gods themselves because how could one explain a situation where a governor can go to bed and sleep when the people that elected him are hungry and dying of starvation. These same people also divided the state along ethnic and religious lines. It was so bad in the Plateau that at some point some ethnic groups see themselves as superior to all other ethnic groups in the state. This was how unhealthy the atmosphere was in the Plateau before the coming of Simon Lalong. But all of these have indeed changed for better.
    There is now mutual respect amongst the various ethnicity in the state. There are no superior or inferior groups, so much so that it has translated to an improved relationship that has brought about lasting peace in the state. I will say this without fear, if not for the coming of Simon Lalong, I am not sure there would have still been a Plateau state because all the indices for disintegration were in place and it was just only a matter of time before its manifestation. Most of us residing in Plateau had perfected plans to move elsewhere with our families.
    Indeed, Plateau state has never had it this good before, there has been lots of infrastructural development across the state, despite the lean resources coming to the state. In my opinion, what people do not understand is that Governor Simon Lalong has been able to do all of these because he placed the interest of the people above his interest. And I am not sure people, including him, could dip their hands in government coffers to embezzle funds meant for the people. I make bold to say that embezzlement of government cannot be associated with the present administration of Simon Lalong, if that was the case, I doubt if he would have been able to pay salaries promptly, settle the backlog of pensions and pensions payment up to date in the state and many more.
    Like a messiah, he came to set the captives free. Today, Plateau state under Simon Lalong is an example of how to work for the people. I have assessed his administrative style using different parameters as a development expert, and the result of my assessment is the reason for this piece. Some could say that I am excited, some could also say I am elated. But I would say and I ecstatic with what is happening Plateau state. And I am not sure the good people of Plateau would want to leave the known for the unknown. That would be the height of ingratitude to God. Governor Simon Lalong is indeed Gods plan for Plateau state. This much the people know, and this much they are willing to go with as the elections approach.
    Pam is an advocate of the masses writing from Jos.

  • Lalong: I deserve second term

    Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has begun his re-election campaign in Jos, the capital. His media aide, Mark Longyen highlights his achievements and justification for his second term bid.

    Plateau State Governor  Simon Bako Lalong has kickeds off his campaign for re-election. Last Friday’s event, which witnessed a huge turnout in the history of electioneering campaigns, attracted dignitaries from all walks of life.  Prominent among them were the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, former Benue State Governor George Akume, and former Plateau State Deputy Governor Pauline Tallen, who represented the First Lady, A’isha Buhari. The Rwang Pam Stadium was filled to capacity.

    The event also witnessed the defection of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. The defectors included Ambassador Chris Giwa and Alhaji Abubakar Dashe, who were loyalists of PDP stalwart and former Governor Jonah Jang. With this development, the governor’s deft strategy is a political masterstroke which has paid off and succeeded in depleting the camp of the opposition. Lalong admitted this much when in his remark, saying that he had no opponent for the election since the main opposition candidate was not a man but merely a “Boy”.

    Lalong’s re-election bid is significant in so many ways. Nearly four years down the line since his assumption of office, he has fulfilled the promises he made during the 2014/2015 campaigns. Indeed, the crowd that thronged the stadium, which comprised enthusiastic APC supporters, artisans, the disabled community, civil servants, labor leaders, road transport workers, and other political parties, among others, was no doubt a clear indication of the people’s immense love and massive support for the governor. It is also an indication of what to expect in the forthcoming elections.

    It goes without saying that one good turn deserves another. This, therefore, follows that one good tenure deserves another. There is no denying the fact that Lalong’s scorecard in his first tenure, which cuts across all sectors is impressive. A second term is necessary so as to consolidate on the achievements.

    South African cleric and anti-Apartheid crusader, Bishop Desmond Tutu, had Lalong in mind when he said: “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world!” In less than four years, Lalong has done the best that he could for the people of the state. He has paid his political dues to gain the people’s goodwill, as well as warrant and guarantee for him another tenure of office.

    Lalong’s experience as the longest-serving Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly for about seven years from 2000-2006 had, by and large, evidently exposed him to the rudiments of politics and striking the needed balance to manage diverse group interests in the state.  He  brought this to bear on his governance style in the state. Lalongs’s inclusive style of governance that carries along all the ethnic nationalities domiciled within the state’s geographical confines coupled with his courageous deployment of the spirit of give and take, no doubt, paid off as this engendered peace and harmony among them.

    A very meticulous politician who knows his onions, the governor constantly and constructively engages with the federal government on all matters of interest to the people of the state. This culminated in the establishment of a Nigerian Airforce (NAF) 220 Base for Search and Rescue Operations in Kerang, Mangu Local Government Area, as well as the establishment of two Mobile Police Force Barracks at Longvel, Shendam LGA and Gashish, Barkin Ladi LGA to deal with isolated cases of insecurity in the state. This has also helped immensely in the recent return of many Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs spread across different camps in the state back to their ancestral homes, who were displaced as a result of crises.

    Also, disturbed by the litany of crises, which he inherited from the immediate past administration of the then ruling People’s Democratic Party, the governor established the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, PPBA, which provides a proactive platform for constant dialogues amongst the state’s heterogeneous communities and religious groups. The agency holds periodic consultative dialogue with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, women and youth groups. PPBA can be said to have succeeded to a large extent in dousing tensions and preventing conflicts among ethnic and religious communities, especially when viewed against the backdrop of the near failed state which Lalong inherited.

    Indeed, Lalong’s emergence as his party’s flag bearer in 2014, his subsequent election and ultimate inauguration as the fifth civilian governor of Plateau State on May, 29th 2015 had, no doubt, confounded political bookmakers and consigned the politics of godfatherism in the state to the dustbin of oblivion.

    From the beginning, not many a politician believed he was going to win the general elections of that year especially in Plateau State. This is because political god fatherism had overtime played a key role in elections of this nature. But as a child of destiny, nothing would stop this astute administrator, exemplary leader, goal getter and a peace loving governor from his destined victory.

    An important legacy of the Lalong administration in his first tenure is his exploits in the agricultural sector. Faced with dwindling oil revenue at the onset, and realizing the fact that agriculture is the mainstay of most of Plateau people, as well as the state’s economy, he turned to the sector for succor. The governor embraced the Federal Government’s Anchor Borrowers Scheme, which availed farmers of funds for massive food production and the economic empowerment of farmers. Through the governor’s benevolent efforts, the African Development Bank, AfFB, availed the state of a facility of about N3.38 bn for the massive production of Irish Potatoes under the Potato Value Chain. This would lead to the exportation of its finished products in the not-too-distant future. Also, government procured several tonnes of Fertilizer in the past four years and sold out to farmers at subsidised rates. The Governor also procured about 400 units of tractors in line with Government’s Tractorization Scheme aimed at availing farmers of farming implements so as boost food production in the state. Lalong further resuscitated the half-century old Panyam Fish Farm, Bokkos Fertilizer Blending Plant, accreditation of Garkawa College of Education and the provision of soft loans to farmers, which restored Plateau to its pride of place in agriculture. These were also deliberate efforts in line with his administration’s decision to divert the state’s economy from over dependence on dwindling oil revenue to agriculture as the mainstay of the state’s economy.

    Confronted with the challenges of the near total rot which he inherited in the Education Sector, Governor Lalong took the bull by the horns and in less than four years the result is a superlative turnaround in the sector. The performance of Plateau State at the annual WAEC/NECO examinations, which was hovering around 35th or 36th out of the 36 states in Nigeria, has been reversed with the state now coming 5th or 6th position nationally at the moment. This was made possible through the massive employment and training of teachers, construction of new classrooms, and a massive injection of funds. For instance, three schools, GSS Shendam, Government College Pankshin and GSS Riyom have all been converted to Model Schools with state-of-the-art facilities put in place or are being put in place. Recently over 4000 primary school teachers who were initially recruited on an adhoc basis, had their appointments confirmed and made permanent. The infrastructural deficit in the schools were tackled through construction and renovation of more classrooms. More than 500 classrooms were built and or renovated within his first three years in office alone!  The Plateau State University, Bokkos was given a new lease of life with the reconstitution of the Governing Council under the leadership of ex-INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega as Pro-Chancellor. 17 academic programmes of the institution were accredited, which in turn facilitated the mobilisation of 2 sets of graduands for the NYSC scheme in 2017, the first since its establishment. Other state tertiary institutions also received the desired attention. The regular intervention in the sector has made it to run smoothly without any interruption on grounds of non-payment of salaries, which usually give rise to industrial dispute.

    Lalong also addressed the issue of demoralised civil servants headlong on within his first tenure in office. With an inherited debt toll of over 220 billion Naira, and a civil service in dire straits, the Governor assembled an economic team with a clear mandate to think outside the box. The first reward was the first and second tranches of the salary bailout from the Federal Government, which he used to offset the backlog of civil servants’ unpaid salaries, pension/gratuity. This courageous deployment of about 20 billion Naira ignited the local economy and the reverberations were felt all over the state. This set the stage for a highly motivated civil service to key into the administration’s 5-Point Policy Thrust formulated to turn around the state. Thus, the journey for an endearing legacy of service delivery and delivering the dividends of democracy gained traction. The consistent payment of salaries up to date, and the prioritization of the general welfare of the workforce, engendered the multiplier effect of stimulating the local economy, thus endearing the governor to the electorate.

    Lalong further filled the vacant traditional stools in the State based on laid down law and gazettes with a view to strengthening the traditional institution and foster community based leadership. Over fifty communities cutting across all the local government areas benefited from this gesture. These include 1st class status Chiefs to district heads.

    Lalong  embarked on reviving moribund industries such as the Highland Bottling Company and the Jos Main Market. The reacquisition of the BARC Farms and resuscitation of Jos International Breweries, JIB, is being pursued with vigor.

    The Lalong administration also opened a new vista for economic development by unveiling the process to harness and develop the tourism sector. This was done against the backdrop of the state’s tourism rich tourism potential that have yet to be exploited. Government did this by stepping up the process to harness these opportunities with a view to boosting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) which dramatically increased from a paltry monthly N500 million at the inception of the Administration to about N1 billion today.

    Another landmark achievement is women and youth empowerment. As a panacea for addressing this challenge, the governor established the Small, Medium and Micro Finance Enterprises Agency, SMEDAN. Thousands of women and youths have been trained on entrepreneurship, financial literacy and skills acquisition. Starter-packs were distributed to participants to begin their businesses as each is linked to financial institutions in order to achieve an appreciable level of financial inclusion. The Governor’s Midas Touch and resolute commitment to the cause of the youth ensured that the state-owned Plateau United Football Club won the 2016/2017 Nigerian Premier league trophy.

    One cardinal policy of the Lalong administration which has differentiated it from past administrations was his decision to continue and complete all the projects which he inherited. Accordingly, critical infrastructures like roads inherited from the last administration have been completed, while new ones, particularly the Lalong Legacy Projects, were unveiled, ongoing and or completed.

    In spite of the challenge posed by the PDP, the task of stopping Lalong’s second term bid is indeed a Herculean one. With Lalong’s amazing legacies in less than four years in office, it is no surprise that his support base is swelling by the day.

  • PLASU VC hails Lalong over 2019 budget on education

    The Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has been commended for presenting an education-friendly 2019 budget proposal to the state house of assembly.

    The Vice-Chancellor Plateau State University, Bokkos , Professor Yohana Daniel Izam, noted that the budget size for education would take care of infrastructural deficit as well teacher’s welfare.

    He gave the commendation while speaking as a guest of honour in an end of year reception and thanksgiving prayer organized by the Jos East Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers.

    The event which took place at the Me and Mine event Centre in Fobur was attended by Teachers and Stakeholders in the  Local Government educational sector.

    The VC said the 2019 budget which had allocated over 15% of the capital budget to the provision of critical infrastructure in the education sector was commendable and in line with the agitations of stakeholders in the state over the years.

    Professor Izam called on stakeholders in the State to support the passage and implementation of the 2019 budget so as to further entrench the pivotal role played by the educational sector in driving development in any society.

    The Chairman of Jos East Local Government Hon. Ibrahim Agwom in his goodwill remarks congratulated the teachers for deeming it fit to unite in thanksgiving to God for a successful year and pledged the council’s increased support to the enhancement of teachers welfare in the local government in the new year.

  • Lalong secures release of 37 inmates in Plateau

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has secured the release of 37 prisoners serving various jail terms at the Shendam Prisons.

    Mr Luka Ayedoo, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Plateau Command of the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) made this known in a statement on Thursday in Jos.

    According to Ayedoo, the governor visited the prisons on Wednesday, being his first official duty for 2019.

    He said the governor was in company of Justice Yakubu Dakwak, the Chief Judge of the state and chairman of the state Criminal Justice Committee

    The PRO quoted the governor as saying “the visit was due to the alarming rate of youths in prisons which was negatively impacting on national development.’’

    Read Also: Army: our weapons superior to Boko Haram’s

    He said the governor promised continuous support to the command in order to improve condition of prison facilities in the state.

    Ayedoo explained that Lalong also provided welfare and other materials to the prisons and promised to do more for the inmates.

    The image maker said Mr. Daniel Odharo, the Controller of Prisons in the state commended the governor for supporting the command in the discharge of its statutory mandate.

    Odharo also reiterated the commitment of the Service toward improving the security situation in the state.

  • Lalong proposes N148b budget for 2019

    Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has proposed a budget estimate of N148 billion for the 2019 fiscal year.

    He described it as a Budget of Rescue and Infrastructural Growth.

    Of the total, recurrent expenditures is allocated N85 billion, representing 56 per cent of the estimates, while capital expenditures takes N63 billion, amounting to 43 per cent of the budget.

    Lalong announced this yesterday while presenting next year’s Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly in Jos, the state capital.

    He said: “We appropriately tagged the 2019 budget to emphasise our administration’s commitment to the principle of continuity in governance, policy and programme implementation as well as sustainability in socio-economic prosperity and infrastructural development.

    “In this budget, we shall be consolidating on the gains and achievements of this administration since the beginning of our Rescue Mission as a demonstration of our desire to leave a lasting legacy.”

    The 2019 budget proposal shows an increase of N2 billion over the outgoing year’s.

    The government allocated the lion’s share of the budget to Works and Transport ministry with N16 billion.

    At the presentation to the lawmakers, Lalong said: “While urging this honourable Assembly to diligently peruse and deliberate on the budget, I look forward to your cooperation in the speedy passing of the budget to enable us commence implementation and service delivery from onset of the new year.

    “I have no doubt that having demonstrated good team work and competence in legislative duties in almost four years of the existence of the Eighth Assembly, you will be more than willing to sacrifice time and efforts on this assignment for the good of the people of Plateau State.

    “I sincerely hope that in the spirit of transparency, due diligence and accountability, and with greater confidence, we will collectively double our efforts to surpass the achievements made in human and infrastructural development. We shall further be energised in contributing to repositioning the state for more enduring and progressive legacies.

    “While thanking you for your time, I wish to extend my best wishes for a Merry Christmas celebration and prosperous New Year in advance.”

  • Lalong presents 2019 budget of N148.7b to Assembly

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau on Monday presented the 2019 Budget of N148.7 billion to the State House of Assembly.

    Presenting the budget before the Assembly, Lalong said the appropriation bill was christened “Budget of Rescue and Infrastructural Growth”.

    According to him, the 2019 budget was increased by over N2.4 billion compared to the 2018 proposal.

    He said over N83.4 billion representing 56 per cent of the proposal would go for recurrent expenditures, while capital expenditures would gulp over N65.3 billion, representing 43.9 per cent.

    “Mr speaker, you will recall that last year I presented the 2018 budget of over N125.5 billion, and over N146.5 billion was passed by the House.

    “Today, I am here again to present the 2019 budget of over N148.7 billion,” he said.

    Read Also: Dankwambo presents N118.7bn budget for 2019

    He said the recurrent expenditures would cover personnel and overhead costs, while capital expenditures would take care of administrative cost, the economy, social sector, and law and justice, among others.

    The governor urged members of the assembly to give the budget proposal a speedy passage.

    In his response, Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Joshua Madaki, promised to ensure speedy passage of the bill, to enable quick development in the state.

    He, however, called on ministries, departments and agencies of the state to avail themselves when called to defend their various proposals.

  • Lalong, farmers seek ways of improving agric yields

    PLATEaU State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has urged farmers to take advantage  of the Federal Government’s policy to boost agricultural production and facilitate the diversification of the economy.

    Lalong stated this at the Northern Agricultural Summit in Jos.

    He lauded the theme of the summit which was: “Harnessing the successes of the agricultural sector in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State.” He said it will definitely contribute towards sustainable agricultural production, not just in the North but the nation at large.

    Lalong said: “The theme of this year’s summit is apt and timely, especially when viewed against the backdrop of our commitment to addressing the critical issues of food security and economic diversification and the commercialisation of agriculture in Northern Nigeria and Nigeria in general.

    “It is delightful to also note that this conference has in attendance the academia, including crop and livestock farmers and technocrats from the various ministries of agriculture in the north. This hopefully underscores the significance of the summit, with a very strong belief that the quality of discussions will continue to assist us in attaining our set objectives of national food production, security and poverty alleviation.

    “Since we assumed office in May 2015, we have spent considerable time and energy reviewing the challenges that had in the past prevented the emergence of Nigeria as the bread basket of Africa, given our enormous resources. The immediate answer was that majority of our farmers were small holders with average holdings of one hectare or less.

    “However, further probe into these revealed that our agriculture is characterised by some critical issues, such as subsistence farming methods; poorly fertile soils due to low fertiliser usage per hectare; inadequate access to the right quality farm input; low technology application; bad agronomy practices; poor road rural network and other vital infrastructure; high prevalence of crop and livestock diseases; and inadequate research and low uptake or utilisation of research results, and so on.

    “This list is by no means exhaustive, but it provided us with the scenario on ground of which Plateau State is not an exception. The next challenge for us then was how far we could go in an effort to address these critical issues. With due sense of modesty, let me state that within the over three years of being in office, we have re-modelled, supported and enhanced some of our crucial agricultural projects and programmes. Currently, we are sustaining this through harnessing agro-enterprises, where we possess near absolute comparative advantage and collaboration with individuals, firms, and agencies that are professionally reputable.

    “It is necessary for me to reel out some of our laudable achievements in the agricultural sector which includes the Potato Seedling Multiplication Project.

    ‘’In view of the recent increased incidence in potato blight disease,  farmers have continued to record decline in yields, government sought the assistance of the federal ministry of agriculture and rural development in procuring 10 metric tons of a blight resistant variety of potato called the Mirabella from the Republic of Germany.

    “The project has since been inaugurated in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area and foundation seeds distributed to farmers by the supervising consultant. The yield from the multiplication units have been sold to farmers for planting. The government had initially targeted 2,500 farmers and all have benefited from this improved variety.’’

  • Lalong, NBA seek free, fair general elections

    Plateau State Governor Dr. Simon Bako Lalong and the Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA) Jos Branch have called on lawyers to be at the forefront of deepening democracy and the rule of law in the forthcoming general elections.

    Lalong spoke at opening of the branch’s yearly Law Week with the theme “The role of lawyers in engendering free, fair, credible and acceptable elections in Nigeria” and 21st Justice Azaki Memorial Lectures, which held at the Millenium Conference Centre, Jos.

    The governor praised the topic for the Law week and lecture, saying that it was apt and timely, when viewed against the backdrop of the 2019 general elections.

    Lalong said: ‘’I am, therefore, of the strongest belief that this event will accord the members of the Jos Bar the opportunity to engage with one another in robust discourses bordering on professional stocktaking and review of members’ physical, intellectual, spiritual and social well-being. The robustness of the Jos Bar in the nation’s Judicial Sector has always been credible and well applauded. Indeed, from quality discussions in this kind of forum, solutions have been found to many national issues, and this week’s activities cannot be an exception. Lawyers, as social engineers, are burdened with the task of agenda-setting and giving direction to government for the common public good. And there is no better time than now to prove our mettle in this regard as the nation prepares to go into the general elections. You are, therefore, setting the agenda or framework for a flurry of judicial activities to take root, far beyond this legal year and lawyers yet unborn will reap from what you sow today.

    “Our administration shares the NBA’s earnest desire and commitment to see that the judiciary continues to play its key role in governance as constitutionally stipulated. It is in recognition of the importance of the judiciary that since we assumed office three years ago, and with the cooperation and support of many of you, we invested quantum resources in the judiciary and left no stone unturned towards ensuring that we reposition the judiciary to achieve the desired results. The government is not oblivious of the fact that though the resources invested in the judiciary are enormous, the gains as far as the future of our people is concerned, are uppermost on our minds. Thus, this administration will remain committed and focused on the course of supporting the judiciary, which to us is key to achieving the socio-political and economic development of the new Plateau State of our dreams.’’

    He continued: ‘’To this end, the government recently secured a property in Jos for the NBA to situate its secretariat. Also, work has reached an advanced stage for the completion of the new state High Court Complex. We also cleared the arrears of bursary to Plateau State indigenous law students, which we inherited and efforts are underway to pay another tranche of assistance to the students. These interventions are already beginning to yield the desired results with some of our students getting better results than ever before. Just recently, a female indigenous student bagged a First Class Degree in the Nigerian Law School. In a bid to provide the necessary mechanism for the settlement of investment and commercial disputes in Plateau State, we have signed into law, the Multi-Door Court House Bill 2017, in order to advance the practice of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the state. This was a deliberate step taken by us as part of the administration’s effort to create the necessary environment to attract investments and enable businesses thrive on the plateau. Upon the  Multi-Door Court House taking off, it is our vision to make Jos a regional hub for ADR practice and the settlement of investment disputes.’’

    “On the reforms in the sector, Lalong said: ”Our renewed zeal and zest in addressing the needed reforms in the Justice Sector made us to take the bull by the horns in an attempt to deeply entrench the Criminal Justice Administration. Accordingly, I have signed The Domestication of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2018 and the Plateau State Penal Code (amended Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, 2018).These new procedural framework guarantees the speedy trial of suspects within the state jurisdiction with stiffer sentences to serve as deterrent if found guilty.”

     

    In his welcome address, the Law Week Planning Committee Chiarman, Chief Garba Pwul (SAN), said: “The branch Law Week this year is unique because it is the first time the heads of all the three arms of government are members of the association. The state Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, is a lawyer; the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Joshua Madaki is a lawyer and the state Chief Judge Justice Yakubu G. Dakwak are proud members of the association. The association is indeed proud of them. With the trio in the privileged positions which God Almighty has put them for us in the state, what can we ask and not receive? Which door can we knock that will not be opened, or what can we seek that we will not find?

    “The theme of the Law Week is tandem with popular demand, not only of the lawyers, but also the public. It is also in consonance with the impeding events of the great significance as we are at the threshold of the general elections of 2019. Not only will the contests at different levels be keen and decisive, they will also constitute a memorable milestone in our democracy. The year 2019 marks two decades of uninterrupted democratic governance in our country – the longest single stretch since independence.

    “Doubtless, the role expected to be played by lawyers at ensuring that the preparations, the processes and the results are transparent and, therefore, credible and acceptable by the generality of Nigerians is by no means a mean one. Be assured that at the end of this great Law Week, we will be more than equipped to take our stance and discharge our professional responsibilities in our clients and the society,” Pwul stated.

    Chairman of NBA Jos branch, Mr. Bon S. Ngyou said: “This year’s Law Week is remarkable in many respects because it comes at a time our nation prepares for the general elections. The choice of the topic was our collective decision. In our collective quest for genuine and true democracy in our country, the foundation,  which is free and fair election is germane. As social engineers, lawyers have a very critical role to play in this venture.’’

    Highlight of the event was the launch of the branch’s Bar Journal, which Ngyou described as a way as the association’s way of boosting continuing legal education among young lawyers.

    The chairman of the occasion, Prof. David Longwap Wonang, urged lawyers to rise up to their calling. He said unless the rule of law takes pre-eminence in the country, there will no meaningful development.

    This session was chaired by Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, who was represented at the event by NBA former First Vice-President, Mr. Caleb Dajan; the keynote speech presented by Prof. Pandang Yamsat.

    The event also witnessed a football match between the NBA Jos branch  and  the state branch of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). NBA won by two goals.

     

     

  • Lalong seeks all-inclusive campaign council for APC

    Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has warned against appointing those he described as “Abuja politicians” to take charge of the President’s campaign.

    The governor, who spoke at a consultative meeting between the National Working Committee (NWC) and the party’s governorship candidates, said many Abuja based members struggling to be part of the campaign council had not visited their states in the last two years nor have they attended ward meetings. They are not in touch with the grassroots, he said.

    Lalong spoke just as APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole urged the candidates to assist the party in reconciliation by involving in their campaign those who contested against them.

    Lalong, who called for the immediate composition of the Presidential Campaign Council, lamented that only those who know Abuja will be appointed, warning: “Somebody may be a champion in Abuja but without base at the grass roots. The election will not be in Abuja. In some places, governors and candidates will labour up and down but by the end of the day, they will not have the opportunity to present those who helped them in achieving the victory.

    “This thing must be handled with emphasis because we have already started to see people raising structures. I have told them if you raise any structure in Abuja that is for Abuja  but if you raise the structure, come back home and identify the structure with the grass roots.

    “Some of them have never gone to their wards in the past two years and they don’t attend meetings at the ward level. What they are doing in Abuja is nothing other than to advise themselves.

    “That is why I am also of the opinion that the earlier you release the campaign council, the better. Some of the items we intend to build into our campaign slogan are also for the President. We have started hearing people saying that they will campaign for the President not the governor.

    “The party structure is one and if they are not going to campaign for the governor, don’t campaign with us. Raise another structure in Abuja and remain in  Abuja because if you come you are likely to dilute the message of the APC. The earlier we get the one from the national to build from the state assembly to the Presidency, otherwise there will be conflicts here and there.

    “The other parties have started their campaign. This meeting to me is very timely because we have been sitting down, waiting and wondering whether we can even start our campaign. We wanted to be sure that we have a meeting like this to confirm that we are very comfortable with our national executive to return and flag off our campaign from state assembly to Mr President.”

    Speaking on behalf of the other governors, Lalong said: “Let me apologise on behalf of my colleagues that are still on the way. Many of them said that they got the invitation late yesterday (Wednesday) and are on their way. This meeting is important because it is the first after our confirmation as candidates of the party. This is an opportunity to congratulate the party for a very wonderful exercise.

    “We all saw the challenges and how the chairman was harassed and messed up and down by some of us from morning till evening. But it is good that the chairman has bounced back and he is beginning to shine again a little.”

    Oshiomhole told the governorship candidates that their action or inaction could help the ongoing  process or aggravate it.

    He said: “I felt it is important to know who our governorship candidates are. In addition, I thought it would be helpful for the candidates themselves to also know one another. From our now, very limited experience, sometimes it is good to call somebody from another state to ask, how did you handle this matter in your state?

    “What is happening in your area is what is happening in my area and you will find out that that information sharing can, be helpful and taking advantage of the sitting governors who are also seeking reelection, you will also…

    “We appreciate that a lot has happened over the past couple of months particularly with primaries.

    “In many states, we didn’t have challenges because state organs to of the party recognises that they have to be neutral just as we have to try to do the same until the President becomes the official candidate. We were not able to refer to him as such because we preferred to be neutral until that formality was completed and he is now the candidate of our party.”

    “So, we all can now refer to him as our candidate and the vice president who is his running mate. This was what we expected the state organs to do, to remain neutral and in the process produce a candidate.”

    “In some states, some members of the executive were able to maintain some level of neutrality, in some other states it was not like that. If you had read the papers, you would have seen the state organ endorsing one candidate against the others.

    “So, we imagined that there could have been surprises, some suspension, etc but we thought that now, this period is over and we should be able to remind the governorship candidates and the state chairmen to recognise whether the person that emerged is your favourite or not; as a party, we all have responsibility to work wholeheartedly to deliver our candidates in the respective states.

    “We thought that a meeting like this would also afford the candidates the opportunity to seek clarifications on any matter that you think is important for you to know and what role you expect us to play and also to remind you that we have very little time left between now and middle of March when we will be expected to go to the polls.”

     

     

    “To be honest, l think that as candidates, each and everyone of you has one important role to play. Your actions could help the process of reconciliation and it could also deepen division. For example, in constituting your campaign organisation, if you find that there were those who wanted to be governor like you and who indeed have what it takes to be governor, but the system can only produce one candidate, l think it would be best for you to identify such persons and bring them close and integrate them into your campaign organisation or if possible ask them to head the campaign.

    “It would be helpful. No matter what anybody from outside who is helping you to reconcile with those who contested with you, your action would be far more potent in the process.” Niger state Governor Abubakar Sani Bello said one of the ways of addressing grievances of aspirants who lost out is to refund their money, saying “What we are doing in Niger State, which we feel can help in other states, is to refund the money they used in buying the forms.

    “The national chairman has already highlighted many issue but what I will do is to emphasise on two key areas. God has made it possible that we emerged candidates by defeating our opponents. What we should do is to extend hands of fellowship  to them and like the National Chairman said, make them part of your campaign council.

    “It will help to douse tension and give them and sense of belonging so that by God’s grace when we win in 2019, we must carry them along. The reconciliation committee set up is a good effort. But we should set up similar committees at the state level. What we are doing in Niger state which we feel can help in other states is to refund them money they used in buying the forms. It will help douse a lot of tension.”