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Tag: Lalong

  • Lalong: A political talisman to behold

    A rewarding leadership is visibly felt and it shadows endlessly wonder around the vicinity of its jurisdiction like a stubborn ghost. It meets you at home, in the office, on the farm, the road, garden or any other conceivable place.
    It generously donates happiness, wipes away tears and sorrows of the afflicted. The testimonies of its enduring impact, streams from the heart of voices of the ruled, irrespective of political camps, ethnic or religious affinities.
    Even birds of the air chirrup liberation songs and trees dance to its alluring breeze in nodding approvals. And freed captives sing songs of freedom on rooftops and around bonfire carnivals, as they erect tents in reverberating joyful rhythms.
    It has been the experience of the people of Plateau these past three years under the leadership of Governor Simon Bako Lalong, whose vision was aptly captured as “Rescue Mission”. He has not occupied the airwaves singing praises of his achievements or announcing or attempting to patch his conscience with failed promises.
    Rather, the beneficiaries of his stewardship yearn to catch a glimpse of his shadows, to no avail. He operates like a political talisman; less visible on the scene, but posts positive results in all the nooks and crannies of the state.
    The attention Gov. Lalong has accorded peace and security on the Plateau, tourism, the multi-ethnic and multi-religious components of the state and the dosage he administered on a comatose and asphyxiated economy are legacies which have remained reference points among states in the Middle Belt and beyond.
    Nigerians who visit Plateau state now, conduct business in a serene environment, unmolested and return back safely to their destinations are perplexed to infinitum at the sudden relief. In fairness, the violence and bloodletting on the Plateau lasted longer than expected.
    Quite shamefully, even most of the indigenes of the state migrated to other safer parts of the country. And the phobia of attacks by armed militia imposed a restriction on visits to country homes. Plateau, a state which prides itself with the epaulet, “Home of Peace and Tourism,” and favorite destination for tourists, morphed overnight into the most dreaded tourism destination in Nigeria. Government lost critical revenues and investment opportunities.
    The foresight of Gov. Lalong  in initiating the Plateau Peace Building Agency, (PPBA),chaired by when he took over the reins of power provided the needed antidote that has quelled the blaze on the Plateau. PPBA unfolded the “Plateau Roadmap To Peace,” a 5-year model peace action plan, which the Governor conscientiously and painstakingly supervised.
    It comprised the diverged interests in the state ranging from ethnic, religious, civil society organizations, conflict resolution experts, international donor agencies, security agencies,  Nongovernmental organizations, (NGOs), the media and the intellectual community.
    The peace action plan was faithfully adopted and implemented, as the PPBA, which is still waxing stronger, maintained 24-hour vigilance; identified budding crisis points and instantly resolved the contentions to the satisfaction of all  feuding parties. It has significantly impacted on peace and security on the Plateau as experienced today.
    With peace and security entrenched on the Plateau, private investors who hitherto abandoned their investments and the state, relocated back to the state and revived their businesses. The State Government also found conducive environment to address the industrial challenges of the state through direct investments or Public Private Partnership (PPP), with an eagle eye on economic diversification.
     As first step, the Governor invigorated the Plateau State Investment and Property Development Company (PIPC).  Its principal mandate was to cause the revival of all state-owned industries/companies which had gone extinct.
    And Gov. Lalong has resuscitated a number of them. These include;  the comatose Fertilizer Processing Plant, Bokkos, which is managed by Bejafta Fertilizer in partnership with the state government. Life has been injected in the Plateau Bottling Company at Barkin Ladi, also in partnership with Highland Bottling Company Ltd, 25 years after its closure.
    Also, Solbec Ltd  a foreign firm in partnership with the  state government has revived the Panyam Fish Farm, famed as West Africa’s largest fish farm, but shutdown decades ago.
    The Jos Main Market, razed in the heat of the Jos crisis 15 years ago is being revived under a  PPP arrangement. State-owned Plateau Hotel, Jos is undergoing repairs which are nearing  completion; just as  BARC FARMS, a state-owned enterprise sold 25 years has been reclaimed by the administration of Gov. Lalong. The Jos International Breweries, (JIB) is also on the path  of resuscitation.
    To add fillip to economic diversification, Gov. Lalong caused the approval of the Federal Executive Council for a N3.38 billion loan facility from the African Development Bank (ADB) in 2017. The loan has been disbursed to farmers in the state, who have massively cultivated Irish Potatoes in the State. And Plateau plans to process and begin the exportation of the commodity as finished products by 2019 to earn foreign exchange for the state. Thousands of youths have been gainfully employed through these industrial and agricultural initiatives.
    Indisputably, an appreciable percentage of the economy of Plateau state was serviced by  earnings from the tourism sector. But this vital source of revenue inflow into the state coffers was curtailed with the sustained violence on the Plateau as tourists and holiday makers avoided the state.
    With nearly 12 tourists sites adorning the landscapes of  the state, a peaceful Jos played host to local foreign tourists regularly. However, Lalong’s restoration of peace on the Plateau and the re-beautification of the tourists sites, visitors are once again back to the state to savor its treasures.
    The administration of Gov. Lalong is also in partnership with some Chinese companies in the bid to revive the Pandam Game Reserve.
    Additionally, the state State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality has brightened the Annual Cultural and Entertainment events and Tourisms, to reenact the dissipating image of tourism on the minds of tourists. The Plateau State carnival, road show and music fiesta have been rebranded and fast gaining national recognition competitively.
    An all-rounder in whatever vision he envisages, Gov. Lalong is now angling to promote tourism potentials of the state through tourism orientated sports. The Lamingo Golf Club’s tournament in Jos is already celebrated as well as the mountain hiking, high altitude sports and others within the realm of tourism sports  are being elevated to national and international prominence.
    Gov. Lalong sent a loud message to the globe about its desire to reclaim its famed tourism status when he hosted the 2018 Elective Annual General Meeting of the National Association Tour Operators (NATOP)  in Jos,  the Plateau State capital. Leaders and key players in the industry converged on the Plateau and experienced the prevailing serenity, peace and security.
    But where the Gov. Lalong has earned the loudest ovations and accolades is his dexterity in reuniting and managing the delicate and complex mix of the ethno-religious configurations of the state. In the past, mutual distrust among ethnicities strained cordiality, resulting into most of the violent eruptions on the Plateau.
    But the Governor has not only been able to excellently douse the tensions among the near 53 ethnic nationalities in the state, has cleverly managed the  differences in religious faiths. He outlawed segregation and marginalization, which often sparked suspicions and crisis. His government equitably patronizes all in appointments, contracts and other forms of government patronage. It has inevitably descended the feeling of belonging and contentment among various groups.
    In effect,  Gov. Simon Lalong  has demonstrated an enviable sense of leadership charm which has won and converted souls to the ideals of his  kingdom on the Plateau. He “Rescue Mission” in the state was timely and he has undeniably delivered on conceived redemptive assignment, as Plateau is once again a home to everybody.
    Every living soul on the Plateau – the indigenes and visitors alike are happy; and the tourists are happier, especially with the boom in real estate and hospitality business under his watch. The state economy is growing from strength to strength. Therefore, the loud voices resonating for the comeback of Gov. Simon Lalong in April 2019 streams from his beholding leadership manifestations.
    Angula is Managing Director of a leading News Portal, TheNigerian.

  • Lalong, 2019 and APC congresses

    Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State is fast emerging as a deft political leader and operator. Two significant situations which largely revolved around him in recent times attest to this.

    His party, the All Progressives Congress, APC held uniquely successful congresses in the state under his watch. The party’s local government congresses in the state were done peacefully and orderly in 15 out of the 17 local government areas of the state.

    The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Peter Azi, his colleague Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Baba Hassan and numerous appointees of Governor Simon Lalong, among other APC stakeholders supervised the exercise.

    Although the congresses were inconclusive in two local government areas of the state, Langtang North and Langtang South, the 80 percent success recorded is a laudable credit to the political machinery of Governor Lalong.

    Despite the disagreements in all the local government areas, parallel congresses were not held and no single violence erupted as was the case in several other states. The congresses have variously been described as being peaceful, credible and transparent.

    This, according to some observers, is a clear testimony to the fact that that the people of the state are still intact with the APC, and a pointer to the certainty that the party will win elections, come 2019.

    In Jos North the state capital, 27 positions of the Local Government executives were returned through affirmations being the contestants stand unopposed, based on consensus.

    However, the positions of Chairman and Secretary were contested and elections held peacefully in an orderly and creditable manner under the observations of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as national officers of the APC.

    In all the local governments where the congresses held, the process was generally described as free, fair and transparent, according to numerous eyewitness reports.

    The outcome of the congresses, according observers, signals the light for successful subsequent congresses at both the state and national levels.

    The development was described by a commentator as “an indication that our democracy is maturing with the people following the rules of election processes.”

    The commentator observed that the people of Plateau State deserve commendation for their orderliness and peaceful conduct during the congresses. He added that the state’s political leadership stands out for its maturity, transparency and attunement to the yearnings of the masses.

    The consistent payment of salaries by  Lalong’s rescue government is believed to have strengthened the economy of the state and endeared him to the masses. A former member of the House of Representatives and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lumumba Da’Adeh commented on this during a media interview: “Whenever salaries are paid, the economic activities in the state is heightened and by so doing people feel the positive impact while each time there is no salary for one to three months, as was the case with the previous government of PDP, everything virtually comes to a standstill. That was why the government decided to make payment of salaries a priority besides infrastructural development.

    “Plateau State is a core civil servants’ state. The economy of Plateau revolves around payment of salaries, so it is key to us, if it is not key to other states, it is key to us in Plateau that is why our governor has given it priority besides other infrastructural development. And that is why Governor Lalong and the APC will have a smooth ride politically come 2019.”

    The Five Pillar Policy of the Lalong Administration, the major peg of which is peace, is also generally believed to have impacted positively on the people of Plateau State. Da’Adeh stated: “Without peace can you have any progress and development? His administrative policies have direct bearing on the people, the governor has been able to sustain peace relatively in the state, despites the skirmishes here and there once in a while, people are being killed but government moves in that direction to take action immediately to stem them and he has done well in that regard. I know it very well that even in an atmosphere of absolute peace, there will always be disagreement, family, community and from different dimensions, it is a known fact that this government has done absolutely well in sustaining relative peace in the state.”

    The other situation in which Governor Lalong exhibited his political sagacity was at the national level when he was appointed to head a 10-member technical committee by his party, the APC, to resolve the controversy regarding the extension of the tenure of party officials.

    The technical committee successfully carried out its assignment and submitted its recommendations. The recommendations were accepted and implemented and the leadership logjam in the party became a thing of the past, as Lalong had projected while submitting the document to the party´s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, in Abuja.

    Lalong said: ´´The task appeared not easy when it was given to us, but with God on our side and the very wide consultations we made, we accomplished it. This report has solved most of the problems that we were thinking was within the APC, that is to tell you that there is democracy in the party.”

    Lalong added that in carrying out the assignment, the committee was guided by the party´s constitution and the 1999 Constitution of the country. The committee also looked at the minutes of the party´s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of Feb. 27 where the decision to extend the Odigie-Oyegun-led NWC and other party executives by one year starting from June was taken.”

    President Muhammadu Buhari, at another NEC meeting on March 27, opposed the tenure extension decision, saying it was illegal and unconstitutional. The president had explained that the decision was causing acrimony within the party, with some members not comfortable with the matter, dragging the party to court.

    Lalong reported: ´´We also looked at the passion and the commitment of the President towards keeping the party as one and at the end of the day, we made far-reaching recommendations. We noticed that there were different interests, which is quite usual when you have a party like this that is progressive.”

    Lalong added that the interests identified were genuine, and that the committee was able ´´to marry´´ all interests for the party to move forward.”

    Receiving the report, Chief Odigie-Oyegun commended the committee for the job. “Finally,” he said, “the recommendations in your report will lay to rest the ghost that has been hovering over the leadership of APC.´´

    And that exactly was what Lalong committee’s report has achieved – thus taking his political a notch higher.

  • Lalong pledges N10m for UNIJOS alumni centre

    Plateau State governor Simon Lalong has pledged N10 million on behalf of his government towards the construction of an alumni centre at the University of Jos (UNIJOS).

    Speaking at the foundation laying for an alumni centre at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), he also promised more funds towards the centre as well as for infrastructural development of the university.

    The centre, a project of the UNIJOS alumni association (UJAA) at the permanent site in Naraguta village would have a large auditorium, lecture hall and office accommodation.

    The UJAA president, Alhaji Idris Yakubu said the university’s alumni were to erect the structure as part of their contribution to its growth.

    The Director, Directorate of Alumni Relations, University of Jos, Mr Samuel Mwansat praised the association for initiating the project.

    He said, the association had attracted various interventions to the university in the past, including the N50 million ICT building at the Naraguta campus donated by Shell, and the renovation of Naraguta Block B Hostel and the students Centre carried out by Fidelity Bank.

    The Pro-Chancellor of the University, Prince Tony Momoh said the alumni centre was a huge project but could be achieved. He encouraged other alumni to contribute towards its completion.

    The UNIJOS Vice-Chancellor, Prof Seddi Maimako said in his speech that he was happy to welcome Lalong, who he said had never failed the university when called upon.

    Also speaking, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, an alumnus who was NANS President, said he was sure the project would be completed with the Governor present to lay its foundation.

    There was cultural display by the “Culture’s pride” cultural troupe, from the department of Theatre and Film Arts, University of Jos.

  • Lalong pledges continuous support to arts, culture

    Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has pledged his administration’s continuous support to arts and culture to boost tourism.

    The governor made the pledge yesterday while opening the Nigerian Universities Theatre Arts Festival (NUTAF) 2018 at the Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos.

    Lalong described hosting of festival as a vivid testimony that peace has returned to Plateau.

    He said: “NUTAF 2018 holding in Plateau is a great and vivid testimony that peace has returned to the state. Plateau is now on the threshold of progress as it looks towards achieving the desired economic growth and development.”

    The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Yakubu Dati, said the festival’s theme: “Building Bridges”, was apt to the state with its security challenges.

    Lalong, who hoped that new and great talents would be discovered at the festival, urged participating universities to visit the state’s tourism sites to create a lasting memory.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof Yohana Izam, thanked NUTAF’s Board of Trustees for making the university proud for being the first state university to host the festival.

    He noted that the festival has helped to build bridges across Nigeria with different universities doing the nation proud in relationship.

    Izam pledged the school’s commitment at building an indoor theatre for such a historic and memorable event.

  • Lalong inaugurates rural electricity project

    Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has said providing energy to the people is part of his administration’s policy to develop the rural areas.

    Lalong spoke yesterday in Demshin and Angwan Rina communities in Shendam Local Government Area when he inaugurated rural electrification projects.

    He said: “The strong effort of government in providing the dividends of democracy has brought smiles in the hearts of the people and reduced their hardship.

    “This inauguration is done in two phases – the solar mini grid and solar water heaters – which, when fully operational, will boost power supply across the state.

    Minister of Power, Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola, who was represented by the permanent secretary, said the Federal Government was doing its best to provide energy in the state.

    He noted that solar project is on in Kano, Abia, Sokoto, Plateau and Lagos states.

    Fashola urged the communities to take advantage of the project and called for more support from the people.

    German ambassador, represented by his deputy, Mary Honsand, said the project would create jobs.

  • Lalong thanks citizens on third anniversary

    Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has thanked the people for contributing to the return of peace on the Plateau.

    He urged them to continue to pray for its sustenance.

    Lalong thanked the people for their patience with him as the government has been unable to meet their needs due to paucity of funds.

    The governor spoke in a goodwill message at the third anniversary thanksgiving of the Rescue administration at the Government House Chapel in Rayfield, Jos.

    According to him, he needs to thank God for all his administration did in three years, and for sparing his life and providing him with good health.

    Lalong hailed the National Assembly members from the state for working for the state, irrespective of party differences.

    Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev. Soje Bewarang urged Christian faithful to live a life of gratitude.

    He enjoined them to continue to pray for the safety and release of Leah Sheribu and others in captivity.

    In his welcome address, Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Fr. David Ajang emphasised the importance of showing appreciation.

     

  • Lalong declares to contest 2019 election

    Plateau state governor, Simon Lalong has formally declared his intention to contest for a second term in office as the governor of the state.

    According to a statement signed by State commissioner for Information and Communication Yakubu Dati the governor made up His mind after much pressure from stakeholders in the state.

    The statement reads, “Governor Simon Lalong today yielded to pressure to declare his intention to contest the 2019 Governorship election. The declaration which attracted a standing ovation was made at the APC Stakeholders meeting held at Yelwa Club in Jos, Plateau State.

    “The meeting chaired by the APC Chairman, Latep Dabang had in attendace, the entire party leadership in the State, the Deputy Governor and members of the State Executive Council, Hon Speaker and members of the Plateau State House of Assembly as well as members of the National Assembly.

    “Speakers including Dame Pauline Tallen, former Deputy Governor, Arc Pam Dung Gyang , former Governorship aspirant, Mallam Samaila Makama, former Chairman, National Population Commission and several others paid glowing tributes to Governor Lalong for successfully steering the APC away from crisis following his Committee report which gave an amicable solution.

  • Varsity honours Plateau Governor Lalong, others

    The first private tertiary institution in Ondo State, Achievers University (AU), Owo, will tomorrow hold its 7th convocation.

    Eminent people, including Emeritus Professor David Ijalaye, who is the first Nigerian Professor of Law, Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, former Minister of State for Education and Member, House of Representatives, Aishatu Jibril Dukku and Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) will receive honorary degrees.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tunji Ibiyemi, said the event would coincide with the 10th year anniversary of the institution.

    He said the 10th year anniversary/convocation lecture titled: “Non-Oil Export: Panacea to Under Achievement of Nigeria’s Economic Potential’’, will be delivered by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Abubakar Abba Bello.

    Ibiyemi said 336 students would graduate, with 30 in first class, 206 in second class (upper), 111 in second class (lower) and 16 in third class.

    He said in 2017/2018 academic session, the National University Commission (NUC) granted the university approval to begin postgraduate programmes in Accounting, Business Administration and Computer Science.

    The Pro-Chancellor/Visitor, Dr Bode Ayorinde, said efforts were on to meet the vision of the institution.

     

     

  • Lalong: we’ll do a good job

    Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong yesterday asked for prayers from Nigerians and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for God’s intervention in the tenure elongation controversy.

    According to him, this will enable the party to take a decision that will be in its best interest.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the Technical Committee to study the President’s remarks during the last NEC meeting of the party, Lalong promised that the committee, which he chairs, would do a good job of what he described as a difficult assignment.

    The 10-member committee inaugurated by National Chairman John Odigie Oyegun was given four days to submit its report.

    Other members of the committee are Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo).

    Others are Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha, Senator Ben Uwajumogu, Hon. Kabiru Alana, Mr.Elisha Kira, Mr. CJN Dakar and the National Legal Adviser of the party, Muiz Banire (Secretary).

    Lalong told reporters that the committee was part of the decisions taken at the last meeting of the party NEC with the mandate to advice the party on the way forward.

    He said the President, as a concerned member of the party, raised issues and wanted them to find solution and is therefore eager to see the party find solution to the issue, expressing confidence that the President will be at peace with whatever is resolved by the party.

    Governor Aleredolu said “the issue at hand has nothing to do with tenure elongation. You as Journalists, are in a position to advice. By law, nobody can extend anybody’s tenure. So, it has nothing to do with tenure elongation and so, the use of that word is totally wrong.

    “There was no time at our NEC that we took a decision to have tenure to be elongated. There was a clear resolution of NEC to allow the existing committee act or work in acting capacity or as caretaker for something not over 12 months. So, it is not tenure elongation as their tenure will end as expected by law.

    What happen after their tenure ends that we are discussing now. It has never been the intention of APC to elongate anybody’s tenure”.

    Oyegun said”the issues that have been referred to you for resolution are strongly legal and at the same time impacted dramatically on the political consideration.

    “The terms of reference include to examine the President’s position as contained in his statement delivered at the NEC meeting of March 27, 2018 vis-a-vis the resolution of the NEC meeting of February 27, 2018 as well as assess all the information available and recommend a course of action consistent with the provision of the party’s constitution, the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria and all relevant laws.”

  • Group confirms Lalong’s projects

    ….laud Governor over prudent use of funds.
    Buhari commissioned projects undertaken by Lalong says CSOs
    ‎A civil society organisation, Coalition for Monitoring Good Governaance and Assessment in Nigeria  (COMGAN) has confirmed that the some of the projects commissioned by President Mohamadu Buharri, during his visit to Plateau State were some of the achievements of Governor Simon Lalong of the state since his assumption of office in 2015.

    The organisation lauded‎ Governor Lalong for the  prudent use of resources and also called on the Sports minister, Solomon Dalung, who is also from Plateau state to join in moving the state forward rather than pulling  it down.
    COMGAN is made up of independent CSOs across the country, which embarked on a tour of Plateau state for projects evaluation across the state with the intent of establishing for themselves the extent to which the state Governor, Simon Lalong has gone in delivering good governance to the people of the state or otherwise.
    Comrade Ikpa Isaac, the Executive Director and also National President of COMGAN‎, who addressed journalists in Abuja accused the Sports minister ‎of not being fair in his assessment of the achievements of the state government.
    “What we found on ground is that Governor Lalong’s administration has delivered on its mandate on various projects.
    “This is especially gratifying when the areas he has focused on are aspects that directly touch on the life and well-being of the people of the state.
    “Of particular interest is the boost in the agricultural output of Plateau state with produce from the state being readily found in other states of the country.
    “Our coalition scores Governor Lalong high in the areas of transparency and accountability, which he has adopted as standard to be followed by anyone connected to the government in that state.
    “Apparently, these zero tolerances for graft in government business is responsible for the quality of work done by the governor.
    “The projects executed under his watch are of world standard in testimony to how he has the interest of the state’s people in mind.
    “It is therefore shocking that there are people that have resorted to playing politics with the achievements that have been recorded in Plateau state by seeking to create the impression that there is nothing that has been done by the incumbent state government”.
    According to Ikpa, the unfair assessment of the state government by certain individual would have been ignored and “focus on our work of assessing the extent to which elected officers are able to deliver good governance to their constituents but for two reasons.
    “One, it is dangerous for highly placed persons to be unfair in their assessment about the performance of a government as done by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung.
    “Secondly, failing to expose the unfair comments and assessment about the performance of an elected officer may discourage others from delivering on their mandate”.
    COMGAN also said, “He has every right to seek political outcomes that suit his desire but his lack of fair assessment on what the state government has achieved is condemnable.
    ” In case he is not awake to the reality of what he has done, our coalition is telling Solomon Dalung, in clear terms, that his comments may threaten the peace of Plateau state and that of Nigeria as whole.
    “He would be held accountable for any breach of the peace arising from his attempt to provoke violence by instigating people.
    “In our opinion, the kind of people that will lie about a governor’s performance in office simply to score cheap political points are dangerous to the polity.
    ” It is on record that Dalung has remained embittered since failing to become Plateau state governor but even this is not enough justification to lie about what is happening in his state.
    “The claims made by Solomon Dalung do not only conflict with the realities on ground in Plateau state but also present his party, the APC, as running a corrupt government.
    “This is worrisome knowing that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has anti-corruption as one of its cardinal goals.
    “We hope President Buhari will take this as the final call to question Dalung’s place on his cabinet.