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Tag: Northern Governors

  • Northern Governors Congratulate Governor Sani Bello At 54

    Northern Governors Congratulate Governor Sani Bello At 54

    The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated Niger State Governor and Chairman of the North Central Governors Forum Abubakar Sani Bello on the occasion of his 54th birthday.

    In a message to congratulate him, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong described Governor Bello as a very active and supportive politician who has devoted significant attention to the development of his State, the region and nation as a whole.

    He said as the Chairman of the North Central Governors Forum, Governor Abubakar has demonstrated deep passion for the development of the region and continues to provide the needed leadership to his colleagues to be able to come together and tackle the challenges confronting the people.

    Governor Lalong said the Governor has also remained steadfast in deploying every available strategy and effort in ensuring that the insecurity confronting Niger State is addressed in order to enable the citizens pursue their livelihood without fear, harassment or intimidation.

    Lalong said despite the challenges, Governor Bello has continued to carry out developmental projects in various sectors and also galvanised the people to resist the schemes of those trying to cause instability in the State and the region as a whole.

    While wishing him many more years of God’s wisdom and good health, Governor Lalong admonished him to continue to put the interest of the people above every consideration as he has done over the years and also sustain his passion for the unity, peace, cohesion and stability of not only the Northern Region, but Nigeria as a whole.

    He assured him that the Northern Governors Forum will continue to support him as he serves the people of Niger State.

  • Northern Governors Felicitate With President Buhari At 79

    Northern Governors Felicitate With President Buhari At 79

    The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with President Muhammadu Buhari on his 79th birthday.
    Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong in a statement described the President as a man of integrity and leader with patriotic zeal to develop the nation and secure the future for the younger generation.

    Lalong said the President has in the last six years confronted very many challenging situations that sought to threaten the unity and peace of the country such as insecurity, poverty, corruption, poor infrastructure among others, with high successes.

    He said the President has remained a father to all by embracing all parts of the nation and ensuring that projects are distributed to all zones irrespective of political and other considerations, a situation which speaks volumes of his penchant for justice and fairness.

    Lalong said the Northern Governors Forum has enjoyed the support of Mr. President in dealing with challenges such as insecurity, poverty, illiteracy and disease which are being substantially contained due to the synergy between the States and the Federal Government.

    While wishing the President many more years of good health and wisdom, the Northern Governors urged him to remain steadfast and committed to giving his best in the service of the nation especially at this time when the Government is working hard to deal with several challenges.

  • Northern Governors Congratulate Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar At 75

    Northern Governors Congratulate Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar At 75

    The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on his 75th birthday.

    Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said the former Vice President is an accomplished politician, businessman and a philanthropist who has used his opportunities in life to serve the nation and assist people in need.

    He said the Forum recognises and appreciates his contributions to resolving some of the nation’s challenges including those peculiar to the northern region such as illiteracy, poverty, insecurity, unemployment and lack of unity.

    While wishing the elderstatesman many more years of peace and good health, the Forum urged him to continue to serve the people and also avail the region and Nigeria as a whole, his experience, wisdom and goodwill.

  • Northern Governors Greet Elder statesman, Mamman Daura At 82,

    Northern Governors Greet Elder statesman, Mamman Daura At 82,


    The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with elderstatesman, Mallam Mamman Daura as he clocks 82 years.

    Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong described him as a statesman who has dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria and the growth of the region over the years in his professional career, and many years after retirement.

    Governor Lalong lauded Mallam Mamman Daura’s record of achievements as a diligent public administrator, outstanding journalist, and editor of the New Nigerian Newspapers, saying he exhibited sound knowledge, responsibility, patriotism and experience in serving the society, while also mentoring many in the public and private sectors.

    Lalong said Nigeria and the Northern region have benefitted enormously from his versatility and entrepreneurship which saw him venturing into the textile and banking industries at various times as well as playing various roles in others.

    While praying God to grant him good health and protection, Lalong urged the elderstatesman to continue to avail the nation his fountain of knowledge, wisdom and experience, particularly in addressing some of the challenges Nigeria is passing through.

  • Northern Governors Congratulate Emir Of Argungu On 25th Anniversary On Throne

    Northern Governors Congratulate Emir Of Argungu On 25th Anniversary On Throne


     The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated the Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera on his 25th Anniversary on the throne.


     Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a message of felicitation described the silver jubilee of the Royal Father as eventful and fruitful.

    He said the Royal Father has shown tremendous passion for the development of his people particularly in the areas of education, health and economic prosperity through agriculture and entrepreneurship.
     He commended him for working with the State Government on reviving the Argungu Fishing Festival which has brought back the historic culture of the Emirate.

     Lalong said Alhaji Muhammad Mera since ascending the throne, has walked in the footsteps of his late father, the late Muhammad Mera who ruled for 36 years by doing justice to all manner of people and encouraging peaceful coexistence of people within his domain irrespective of their different backgrounds.

     He said the Northern Governors Forum has benefited immensely from the wisdom and counsel of the Royal Father who has supported the Governors in working with the traditional institution to find solutions to the challenges bothering the region and the nation at large.

     He wished him more years on the throne and prayed God to give him good health, wisdom and prosperity.

  • Northern Governors Celebrate Gen. Gowon At 87

    Northern Governors Celebrate Gen. Gowon At 87

    The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, as he marks his 87th birthday.

    In a congratulatory message, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong said the special day brings with it great joy for the life of a great personality who served the nation with uncommon loyalty, simplicity, fairness and courage particularly during trying moments.

    Lalong said the Forum is proud of General Gowon who in addition to his role of promoting peace and good governance around the world, remains a unifying factor and consistently mobilised prayers for the peace, progress and development of Nigeria.

    He said Gen. Gowon believes in the unity and diversity of Nigeria and has done all within his power to ensure that the nation remains a prosperous, indivisible and progressive environment for people to realise their potentials irrespective of their backgrounds.

    Lalong also appreciated the former Nigerian leader for standing up for the truth and supporting various governments through quality counsel and advocacy for social justice.

    He also commends the fomer Head of State for making it a duty to reach out to the less privileged in society through his Yakubu Gowon Foundation which has carried out several interventions particularly in healthcare delivery, peace building and other critical areas.

    While wishing him many more years of good health, peace and tranquility, Governor Lalong  urged him not to relent in offering his wisdom and experience at all times as the Northern Governors Forum and Nigeria at large rely on it for good governance.

  • Northern Governors Forum Mourn Aku Uka, Dr. Shekarau Angyau Masa Ibi, Kuvyo II

    Northern Governors Forum Mourn Aku Uka, Dr. Shekarau Angyau Masa Ibi, Kuvyo II

    The Northern Governors Forum has described as sad the demise of the Paramount and Supreme Ruler of the Jukun Race and Chairman, Taraba State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, Dr. Shekarau Angyu Masa Ibi, Kuvyo II CON who joined his ancestors at the age of 84.

    Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong who described the death of the Aku Uka as painful, said the Royal Father was a man of integrity and a uniting factor having led the Kwararafa Race for 45 Years.

    While condoling Governor Darius Ishaku and the entire people of Taraba State, Lalong said Dr. Shakarau did a lot to enhance the political, educational, social, economic and cultural lives of his people by initiating various programs and projects during his lifetime.

    He also provided leadership to the sons and daughters of Jukun race at home and abroad and mobilised them for various accomplishments in their areas of endeavour which rubbed off positively on the kingdom.

    Governor Lalong also praised the role played by the Royal Father in the affairs of the Northern Region and the nation where he contributed enormously within the Traditional System to advance solutions to many challenges of the region and the nation at large.

    Governor Lalong said the Northern Governors Forum will miss his wise counsel and passion for peace, harmony and development which he consistently advocated during his reign.

    He asked God to grant the Royal Father eternal rest and comfort the Jukun nation and the entire people of Taraba State.

  • Our Southern Counterparts Confusing VAT With Sales Tax – Northern Governors

    Our Southern Counterparts Confusing VAT With Sales Tax – Northern Governors

    Northern Governors, on Monday, said the position of their Southern counterpart on Value Added Tax (VAT) shows they are confusing it with sales tax.

    Southern governors started pushing for state collection of VAT after a high court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, held that the state government could collect VAT.

    Rotational presidency unconstitutional – Northern Governors reply Southern counterparts

    The matter is currently before the Supreme Court.

    Arising from an emergency meeting with traditional rulers on Monday, northern governors gave their stand on the VAT controversy.

    “If every State enacted its own VAT Law, multiple taxation will result in increases of prices of goods and services and collapse in interstate trade. VAT is not a production tax like excise, but terminal tax which is paid by the ultimate consumer.”

    “Another confusion is ignoring observation above and its ‘overall effect.’ The reason Lagos accounts for our 50% VAT collection is because most of the telecommunication companies, banks, manufacturing and other trading activities have their headquarters in Lagos, with the resultant and wrongful attribution of VAT.”

    He, however, said as responsible leaders, while the Forum is constrained by the fact that the matter is sub judice, it must, for the sake of educating the public, state that the judgement of the Port Harcourt Court calls to question the constitutionality of “VAT, withholding tax, education tax, Niger Delta Development Commission, National Information Technology Development Agency, 13% derivation, National Economic Development Council and many other currently levied and collected by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Federal Inlands Revenue Service.”

    He said though Rivers and Lagos State Government had enacted their own VAT laws, unless the Supreme Court pronounces judgement on the substantive matter between Rivers State and Federal Government, the matter is sub judice and Northern States Governors Forum would respect this.

  • Northern Governors, Traditional Rulers Meet In Kaduna Over VAT, Insecurity And Others

    Northern Governors, Traditional Rulers Meet In Kaduna Over VAT, Insecurity And Others

    The Northern Governors’ Forum and traditional rulers from the region are holding an emergency meeting in Kaduna State. 

    Top on the agenda at the meeting are issues relating to the Value Added Tax (VAT), insecurity and economic problems confronting the region.

    The meeting, which is taking place at the Executive Council Chamber of the Kaduna State Government House, is chaired by the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong. 

    Those in attendance include the governors of Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Borno, Nasarawa, Jigawa and Gombe.

    The governors of Niger, Kogi, Benue, Niger, Zamfara and Taraba states are represented by their deputies.

    The deputy governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja and others during the meeting.

    Also present are the Sultan of Sokoto and the Chairman of Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Abubakar Saad.

    The Shehu of Borno, the Emir of Zazzau, Nuhu Bamali, Estu Nupe, Emir of Kano and other royal fathers are also attending the meeting. 

    The governors and traditional rulers are expected to take a string of decisions during the meeting.

    In his remark, the host governor, Nasir El-Rufai said the northern region is facing severe economic and security challenges that require the convening of the emergency meeting between the governors and traditional rulers.

    According to El-Rufai, the forum will help chart a way forward to deal with these issues. 

    While highlighting the agenda for the meeting, the chairman of the forum, Simon Lalong, disclosed that the governors will take a common position on VAT collection and the surrounding controversies.

    Last month, the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt had in a judgement held that Rivers State has the power to collect VAT within its jurisdiction.

    However, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) challenged the judgement of the lower court at the Appeal Court.

    At the Court of Appeal, Lagos State also filed an application to be joined with Rivers State as co-defendant in the appeal filed by FIRS.

    After debates and deliberations, the Appeal Court ordered parties in the suit to maintain status quo pending the determination of the appeal.

  • Northern Governors Mourn Wife Of Late President Hadiza Shagari

    Northern Governors Mourn Wife Of Late President Hadiza Shagari

    The  Northern Governors Forum has sympathised with the family of former President Shehu Shagari over the death of his Widow, Hajiya Hadiza Shehu Shagari who died in Abuja on Thursday 12th August 2021. 

    In a statement, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong expressed deep sadness over the demise of the former First Lady who played a great role in the successes of her late husband and advanced the cause of women and children. 

    According to Governor Lalong, late Hajiya Hadiza Shagari was a humble woman who devoted significant attention to moral upbringing of not only her biological children and others she mentored, but also supported and promoted activities aimed at improving the nutrition, health and rights of women at all levels. 

    While asking God to grant her soul eternal rest, Lalong expressed the condolences of the Northern Governors to the Shagari family as well as Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and the entire people of Sokoto State.