Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: Governor Simon Lalong

  • Governor Lalong Orders Security Forces To Deal With Attackers Of Villages In Mangu/Bokkos

    Governor Lalong Orders Security Forces To Deal With Attackers Of Villages In Mangu/Bokkos

    Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has ordered security forces to go after those perpetrating violence around villages in Mangu and Bokkos Local Government areas which has resulted in destruction of properties and loss of lives.

    Governor Lalong who condemned the attacks on Murish, Kumbum District and Jwak Mai tumbi in Mangu and Marish in Bokkos LGA said the swift intervention of security agencies ensured that the situation did not escalate.

    However, he wants all those behind the attacks fished out and brought to justice without delay.

    He said the attacks are another attempt to reintroduce the era of violence and crises which have been largely contained due to Government’s huge investment in security, peace building and reconciliation.

    While commiserating with those who lost their lives and properties, the Governor directed the Peace Building Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency to immediately reach out to the victims with support.

  • Governor Lalong Orders Security Forces To Apprehend Terrorists Who Attacked Maikatako Village

    Governor Lalong Orders Security Forces To Apprehend Terrorists Who Attacked Maikatako Village

    Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has ordered security forces to go after terrorists who attacked Maikatako village in Bokkos Local Government Area leading to the death of 11 persons and others injured. 

    Governor Lalong who condemned the attack said the killers must be fished out and brought to justice for the dastardly act.

    Lalong said the rising incidences of attacks and destruction of farm crops, livestock and other properties within the general Bokkos area is becoming worrisome and must be checked immediately. 

    While sympathising with the families of the victims, the Governor reiterated that his administration will not allow terrorists and bandits to take foothold in any part of the State as all security agencies have been directed to be firm and hard on any person or groups behind the criminal acts.

    He again appealed to communities to always be security conscious and report any suspicious movements to the security agencies for immediate action particularly during the forthcoming yuletide season.

    Meanwhile the Commander Operation Safe Haven and GOC 3rd Armoured Division Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Ali has paid an on the spot assessment to Maikatako village where he inspected the houses burnt and properties destroyed. 

    Having received briefing from the Sector Commander on the nature of the attack and efforts made to counter the terrorists, he commended the troops and the community vigilante for their quick intervention which prevented further losses. 

    Apart from ordering the deployment of more troops, the STF Commander directed the troops to pursue the fleeing terrorists and ensure that they are apprended in line with the directive of the Governor and President. 

    Gen. Ali also commiserated with the families of victims and the entire community, asking them not to take the law into their hands by engaging in reprisals. He assured them that the security forces will not relent in ensuring that the people get justice.

    The Chairman Bokkos Local Government, Joseph Guluwa, Commissioner for Higher Education Prof. Barnard Matur, former Chairman Bokkos LGA Hon. Luka Makut were also at the community to sympathise with them.

  • Governor Lalong Wants More Christians In Politics, As Papal Knights & Medalists Converge In Jos

    Governor Lalong Wants More Christians In Politics, As Papal Knights & Medalists Converge In Jos

    Plateau State Governor Simon Bako has called on Christians to actively participate in politics as a way of contributing to national development and adding value to governance in Nigeria. 

    Governor Lalong spoke while addressing the 14th Annual Conference of the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria holding in Jos. 

    Lalong said the theme of the Conference “Fratelli Tutti: Path for Credible Elections for Good Governance in Nigeria” is very appropriate as it will discuss issues about leadership recruitment and the delivery of good governance in Nigerian by the political class and bureaucrats. 

    He said “Many have suggested and rightly so, that Nigeria’s many challenges stem from poor leadership. However, a lot of people forget or do not realise that leadership does not begin and end with elections. It starts much earlier and continues afterwards. As someone who has been in politics most of my adult life, I can say without fear of contradiction that leadership recruitment begins with the consciousness of the society on what kind of leadership it desires. This determines the level of participation or otherwise of the citizens in the process that identifies, adopts and presents candidates for elections. Sadly, many of our brothers and sisters shy away from getting involved and would rather prefer to criticize, castigate and sometimes pull down those in office”.

    Lalong said while he appreciates the fact that the Catholic Church has a robust platform for encouraging and pushing its members to participate in politics, so much still needs to be done within the entire Body of Christ in Nigeria to ensure that more Christians occupy decision-making offices. 

    “As children of light, we must be on the table of governance in order to stop darkness from taking a root and dominating. That is why I appeal to the Church to continue to create avenues for constant engagement with Christian politicians for proper articulation of its interests and evaluation” he said. 

    National President of the  Association of Papal Knights and Medalists Rt. Hon. Dame Esther Uduehi said the body is made up of Catholics that have been honored by the Church for their contributions in the propagation of the gospel and for touching humanity in positive ways.

    She raised concerns over the rising cases of religious intolerance, crime, terrorism and banditry which has not only affected the economic and social lives of the people, but restrained the freedom of people to practice their faith. 

    Dame Uduehi praised the signing of the new electoral law which she said will guarantee free, fair and credible elections where leaders who have the interest of the people at heart are elected. 

    Chairman of the occasion and Director General of the ITF Sir Joseph Ari said the conference provides an opportunity to further discuss how the Church and its members can contribute to the democratic process and also highlight the issues that pertain to propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

    He said the Association has all it takes to support the Church in all its activities and also assist society to address very critical challenges impeding its growth. 

    Chairman of the Jos Province Retired Justice Pius Damulak said the Province was privileged to host the National Conference for the second time, urging the participants to proffer suggestions on the way forward towards ensuring that Nigeria conducts an election that meets the aspirations of the citizens. 

    While declaring open the Conference opened, Catholic Archbishop of Jos Most Rev Dr. Matthew Ishaya Audu represented by Monsignor Professor Cletus Gotan welcomed the Papal Knights and Medalists to Jos and said the meeting was timely especially going by the theme chosen. 

    He said what Nigeria needs was not religiosity but righteousness which is founded on love, truth, fairness, equity and selflessness. 

    He said the 2023 elections provides a room for citizens to freely choose their leaders based on informed positions and not sentiments or misinformation. 

    Earlier, a mass was held at the St. Louis Parish Jos to usher in the conference. 

  • “We Will Deliver Victory For Asiwaju”, Governor Lalong, DG APC Presidential Campaign Council Declares

    “We Will Deliver Victory For Asiwaju”, Governor Lalong, DG APC Presidential Campaign Council Declares

    Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong has disclosed that the APC will run a clean campaign based on issues rather than propaganda and falsehood.

    Lalong who was speaking during official inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council and unveiling of the Action Plan by President Muhammadu Buhari said the APC is poised for victory and will therefore not be distracted by toxic campaigns no matter the provocation.

    The DG said the PCC is elated by the zeal and desire of party members across the nation and the diaspora to serve in one position or the other during the campaigns, explaining that the PCC devised a strategy to ensure that everyone is captured across the various levels of the party structure.

    He said “with the blessings of Mr. President and the endorsement of the Party and our Candidate, we have chosen to carry out a bottom-up approach to the campaigns. In other words, members will work to deliver the party and its candidates from the unit to the national level and not the other way round. Therefore, we have carefully planned the structure to give roles to all members from the Unit, Ward, Local Government, State, Zonal, Regional and Federal Levels. That way, we are sure of not only getting everyone on board, but also able to easily track the roles played by each member in the campaign process. At the end of the day, we can conveniently address any challenge and even reward excellence while harvesting maximum votes. For the PCC, the days of people flying letters in Abuja while work suffers at the grassroots is over”.

    The Director General said the PCC was aware that the composition of the leadership and membership of the various Committees may not have satisfied the yearnings of everyone but everything possible has been done to come up with a list that captures virtually every interest. The structure adopted will give room for those whose names do not appear, to be given roles at the Regional, Zonal, State Local Government, Ward and Unit levels. That way, everyone is captured in the campaigns.

    “Our campaigns will therefore be issue-based and devoid of propaganda or falsehood. We shall tell the electorate what our party has done and also remind them of the enviable records set by our Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima during their previous assignments. They have demonstrated the capacity, experience, composure, exposure and acceptance to take Nigeria to greater heights from May 29th 2023”.

    National Chairman of the APC Abdullahi Adamu appealed to all party faithful to be committed to the task ahead and remain focused on the goal of ensuring that APC retains power at the Federal and State levels.

    He said since no army goes to war fragmented, the task ahead requires a lot of sacrifices by members of the PCC and the entire party structure. He urged them to put aside personal or sectional interests and focus on the important goal which is to win the elections with an unprecedented wide margin in the history of elections in Nigeria.

    In his remark, Vice Presidential running mate Senator Kashim Shettima said the APC remains the party with the best intentions for uniting and developing Nigeria into a great nation that meets up its potentials.

    APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu while speaking on his plans for Nigeria said he brings hope and renewal as he will give the nation the leadership that will focus on assembling the best minds and giving them the support and direction to confront the challenges of the country head on.

    In unveiling his manifesto entitled “Renewed Hope”, the APC Presidential Candidate said President Muhammadu Buhari has done a lot to take Nigeria higher in areas such as education, security, agriculture, infrastructure among others.

    These he said will recieve a boost whenever he comes on board as he will tackle insecurity frontally by ensuring that no part of Nigeria is threatened by bandits and other criminals.

    Asiwaju said he will work hard to unite Nigeria and ensure that justice, equity and fairness prevails irrespective of the faith, tribe, religion and other considerations of the citizens.

    He thanked APC supporters and Nigerians for their overwhelming show of love and support demonstrated towards him since he emerged the party’s Candidate.

    President Muhammadu Buhari while inaugurating the Council said he was happy to be at the forefront of the campaign as the future of Nigeria is safer with the APC.

    He said the 2023 General elections is as important as the one that brought the party to power in 2015 hence the need for party members to work hard in ensuring that the APC wins at all levels.

    He described Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a visionary leader whose political journey has been full of success and turnaround just as it was recorded in Lagos during his government and in the subsequent administrations of his successors.

    While congratulating the party members and candidates of the party at various levels, the President commended the spirit of unity and oneness demonstrated by other aspirants who donated their structures and other facilities to those who emerged as candidates.

  • Plateau State Governor Greets Gbong Gwom Jos @71

    Plateau State Governor Greets Gbong Gwom Jos @71

    Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has sent warm greetings to Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs His Royal Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba on his 71st birthday.

    Governor Lalong rejoices with the monarch and appreciates his role in promoting peace, diversity and the culture of the State and its people.

    He says as Member of the Plateau State Security Council, the Gbong Gwom Jos has brought enermous experience and wise counsel from his background as former Comptroller General of Customs in assisting the State deal with many security challenges.

    Lalong says the Royal Father has equally used his position as one of the key figures within the Northern Traditional Council to reach out and synergise with his counterparts in other parts of the country towards promoting peace, security, good governance and harmony.

    He wishes him good health, long life and God’s protection as he continues to serve the people and work for the good of humanity.

  • Tinubu, Shettima, Lalong Visit APC National Secretariat 

    Tinubu, Shettima, Lalong Visit APC National Secretariat 

    Presidential Candidate of the APC Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima and Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong on Wednesday 7th September 2022 visited the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja to meet with the National Working Committee.

    While welcoming the team to the national headquarters, APC National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu said the visit of the Presidential Candidate of the party was an important one because it provides the opportunity to discuss issues that will ensure the success of the party in the 2023 elections. 

    Speaking at the meeting with the APC National Working Committee, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said he was at the National Secretariat to formally appreciate the party leadership for the successful organisation of the convention where he emerged Candidate. 

    He said apart from coming to appreciate the party hierarchy for their role in organising a successful convention,  he was also at the Secretariat to interact with the officials on the role of members ahead of the lifting of the ban on campaign by INEC. 

    He said the engagement was to fine-tune and also submit the proposal of the Presidential Campaign Council to the party leadership. 

    Asiwaju commended the DG of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong, the Secretary of the Council, Hon. James Faleke and others for working assiduously to lay the foundation for the progress of the project. 

    Asiwaju Tinubu also debunked the insinuations that there is an argument between him and the National Chairman, Senator Adamu. He said they have come a long way and were Governors together who have also by God’s arrangement been put together on this project. 

    He assured that irrespective of such insinuations, there is no lie that can distort them from fulfilling the dream of making Nigeria a progressive nation.

    The meeting later went into a closed door session. 

  • Gov Lalong Apologises to Catholic Bishops for Dragging Pope into Nigerian Politics

    Gov Lalong Apologises to Catholic Bishops for Dragging Pope into Nigerian Politics

    Plateau state Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong, on Friday, tendered apologies to the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) over his unguarded remarks about the Holy Father, Pope Francis, in which he dragged the name of the Catholic Pontiff into the murky waters of APC politics of Muslim-Muslim ticket.

    In a letter signed by him, Lalong admitted that it was an error on his part to have linked the Pope with Nigeria’s politics, and begged for forgiveness and understanding from the Catholic Church through the Bishops’ conference.

    In the letter addressed to President of Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, titled ‘Letter of Apology’ and dated August 12, 2022, Lalong restated his commitment to the Catholic faith, and promised to continue to uphold the banner of the Christian faith in public life.

    The letter reads; “I have followed with some shock and deep regret, the reactions that have trailed my appointment as the Director-General of the Campaign Council for the Presidential Candidates of our party, the All Progressive Congress(APC), Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Ibrahim Shettima.

    “The appointment, understandably was received with mixed reactions across the Christian community who genuinely feel aggrieved by the decision of our party to settle for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

    “While many people commended me for the appointment and saw it as a way of remaining within the system to fight for our own interests, others cast aspersions on it on the grounds that our faith had been insulted and denigrated.

    “In the course of this, many of my opponents turned the issue into a political weapon with some spreading rumours and questioning the integrity of my credentials as a Catholic and a Papal Knight.

    “In trying to make my case, I have granted interviews to justify why I believe that the appointment did not in any way undermine my commitment to the Catholic Church.

    “During the week, in the course of defending myself, I had cause to make reference to my credentials as a Catholic and a Papal Knight. In the process, I made reference to the Holy Father.

    “I now realise that this was an error on my part and has caused some level of concern and even embarrassment to many, especially the Members of the family of Papal Knights to which I belong.

    “I now understand that I may have overreached myself in the course of trying to defend my personal decision in accepting this appointment and thus, the reference to the Holy Father was not intended as an act of disrespect to his exalted and revered office.

    “Your Grace, by this written letter, I wish to tender my unreserved apologies and ask for their understanding and forgiveness from my brothers in the Catholic faith and, through you, the entire members of the Bishops’ Conference, our Fathers and our Leaders.

    “My commitment to the Catholic faith to which I belong remains unreserved and undiluted. I will continue to uphold the banner of my faith in public life as I have done over the years.

    “You may recall, Your Grace that in the last five or so years, I have been at the forefront of facilitating our dialogue as politicians with you our fathers in the faith. I remain committed to this and pray that you will continue to encourage us as we ascend the slippery slope of politics.”

    The Governor also solicited for “episcopal blessings.”

  • Governor Lalong Approves Creation Of Chiefdoms/Districts

    Governor Lalong Approves Creation Of Chiefdoms/Districts

    Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has approved the creation of 268 Districts and Village Areas as well as 2 Chiefdoms. He also restored 3 others (2nd Class) as well as approved the grading of 5 others on 3rd Class Status.

    The details released by the Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu indicate that the newly created Chiefdoms are Lamba Chiefdom in Wase Local Government (3rd class) and Menkaat Chiefdom in Shendam Local Government (3rd class).

    Those restored are: Da-Gwom Rwei, Barkin Ladi LGA (2nd class); Da-Gwom Rwei (Gyel) Jos South LGA (2nd class); and Da-Gwom Rwei (Riyom) Riyom LGA (2nd class).

    Those that have been graded are: Gwom Rwei Kabong, Jos North LGA (3rd class); Gwom Rwei Zawan, Jos South LGA (3rd class); Ponzhi Bwarat, Langtang North LGA (3rd class); Ponzhi Gani (Sa) 3rd class; and Ponzhi Tumwat, Langtang North LGA (3rd class).

    The breakdown of the 268 Districts per Local Government Areas are as follows:
    1. Barkin Ladi 17
    2. Bassa 19
    3. Bokkos 17
    4. Jos East 10
    5. Jos North 15
    6. Jos South 14
    7. Kanam 20
    8. Kanke 11
    9. Langtang North 16
    10. Langtang South 7
    11. Mangu 22
    12. Mikang 10
    13. Pankshin 23
    14. Qua’an Pan 16
    15. Riyom 12
    16. Shendam 22
    17. Wase 17

    The Governor also approved the grading of old existing District Heads to Senior District Heads.

    The approval for the Chiefdoms and Districts by the Governor follows the review of the Report on the Creation of Chiefdoms, Districts and Village Areas in Plateau State constituted on 20th October 2020 headed by Chief D.G. Fompun.

    Details of the names of the new Districts and Village Areas will be released by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the State.

    The Governor urges the citizens to see this development as part of the efforts by his Rescue Administration to increase inclusivity, unity, peace, harmony and development.

    He advises against politicisation of the action and warns against any attempt by some persons to use it for creating acrimony division and disaffection.

  • Governor Lalong, Others At Dubai Investment Meeting 2022

    Governor Lalong, Others At Dubai Investment Meeting 2022

    Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong is among the Nigerian Governors attending the 2022 Annual Investment Summit (AIM) 2022 holding at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, United Arab Emirates.

    Alongside Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Kayode Fayemi, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Kwara among others, Governor Lalong attended the official opening of the event where focus was on Investment in Sustainable Innovation for a thriving future.

    Speakers at the event including President of Tartazan, Vice President of Colombia, UNECA President and others, spoke about creating investment opportunities in technology, energy, mining, environment, education, agriculture, tourism and hospitality among others targeting the vulnerable and women.

    They emphasized the need for expanding opportunities for more citizens of the world particularly in developing countries where infrastructure, education and funding has denied many the opportunities for inclusion in tapping from the vast economic opportunities available within their immediate environment.

    Governor Lalong and his colleagues thereafter visited the exhibition stands where already, various States including Plateau have started displaying some of their products and opportunities for investors.

    Governors present at the opening ceremony visited the booths where Plateau State received commendation for the level of display and packaging of information for prospective investors in key areas of comparative advantage in the State.

    On hand to provide details to visitors to the Plateau State pavilion were the Chairman, Plateau State Economic Advisory Council, Nde Ezekiel Gomos, MD PIPC Mr. Chrysogonus Yilzak, and DG of the Plateau State Public Private Partnership Agency Mr. Felix Rwang-Dung

    Governor Lalong is due to make a presentation to investors from various parts of the world who are attending the Summit on Wednesday as well as meet with representatives of Government and private sectors to discuss areas of investment in Plateau State.

    The presentation is expected to focus on key areas of Agriculture, Tourism and Mining which are focal areas for the economic blueprint of the State

    He will be supported by the Commissioners of Agriculture Dr. Hosea Finangwai, Tourism, Mrs. Tamwakat Welli and that of Mining and Minerals Development, Hon. Jude Dakur.

  • Gen. Gowon Unveils Redesigned Oldest Golf Course In Nigeria, Applauds Lalong For Sustaining Peace

    Gen. Gowon Unveils Redesigned Oldest Golf Course In Nigeria, Applauds Lalong For Sustaining Peace

    Former Nigerian Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon has unveiled the redesigned oldest golf course in Nigeria, Rayfield 1913 which is now a green.

    Gen. Gowon while performing the event at the Rayfield golf course in Jos said he was happy that the game of golf is progressing in Plateau State and Nigeria at large with attendant benefits.

    He praised Governor Lalong for his passion for the game and also redeveloping the Rayfield golf course which is now comparable to any standard course in Nigeria.

    Gowon said the influx of visitors and investors into the State would not have been possible without the restoration of peace which Governor Lalong has worked hard to build over the years.

    He called on the citizens of Plateau State Nigerians at large to do everything possible to live with one another in peace and respect the sanctity of life at all times.

    While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces for their gallantry in dealing with criminals across the country, Gowon said he was pained to see how a few people and groups have chosen to terrorise the citizens. He urged Nigerians to expose criminals and expose them by supporting the security agencies to deal with them.

    Governor Lalong while appreciating Gen. Gowon for honouring the State to unveil the redesigned golf course, said Rayfield has a historic reputation that needs to be cherished and developed into an economic potential in sports.

    Lalong said his efforts in fostering peace and working against criminals and crisis merchants has gradually paid off with more and more people confidently coming into the State.

    He said the Government will also work on the Laminga golf to making it a green.

    Gen. Gowon and Governor Lalong later perfomed symbolic shots to commemorate the event. They were joined by Deputy Governor of Edo State Philip Shuaibu, Amanayabo of Twon Brass in Bayelsa State King Alfred Diete-Spiff, HRH, Agwam Atyap in Kaduna State and the Captain of the Rayfield golf club.

    Governor Lalong also sponsored Hole 13 which was named after his mother, Tiopsan.