Tag: Plateau State

  • “Plateau Has Put Its Dark Days Behind; Now A Flourishing State” Governor Lalong

    “Plateau Has Put Its Dark Days Behind; Now A Flourishing State” Governor Lalong

    Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says the State has put behind its dark days that were characterised by violence and destruction and is now coasting to prosperity, unity and peaceful coexistence as a result of the decisive actions taken by his administration to provide a platform for the citizens to drive the peace and reconciliation process.

    The Governor who spoke at the inter denominational Church Service to commemorate the 2023 Plateau Day of Forgiveness and Reconciliation held at the St. Monica’s Catholic Church Rantya Jos said the people have broken down the barriers to peaceful coexistence by engaging one another and uniting against crises merchants.

    He said the commemoration of the Plateau Day of Forgiveness and Reconciliation was instituted as part of the Plateau State Roadmap to Peace in order to restore, strengthen and deepen the peace and security of the State which was previously truncated before he came into office.

    “The Day of Forgiveness which was unveiled and launched by Mr. President in 2018 has since then been implemented by the Plateau Peace Building Agency which we established as the first in the country with the sole responsibility of coordinating and implementing all our efforts towards removing toxic narratives, crisis merchandizing, violence and tackling root causes of disharmony and intolerance. As a Government, we have been very conscious of the fact that the process of restoring peace and confidence among the people cannot succeed without forgiveness and reconciliation. Gladly, we have succeeded in bringing people who were considered foes at one time or another to dialogue, engage, and confront their fears and anxieties in an atmosphere of love, rather than suspicion and accusations”.

    The Governor explained that the Day of Forgiveness and Reconciliation which coincides with the date Plateau State was created, is not meant to trivialize or gloss over the trauma, pain and agony that many people experienced on account of the various crises that took lives and properties in the State. Rather, it is to appeal to their conscience and take people to the path of forgiving the past and looking ahead to the future that will be devoid of such ugly experiences.

    He urged the leadership of the Church to continue to advocate for peace and tolerance which will help build a better society where people can freely exercise their freedoms including the right to worship.

    Lalong said as a sign of his administration’s appreciation for the role that the Church in particular and faith-based organisations in general have continued to play in the development of Plateau State, he recently approved the return of 32 missionary schools to their original owners.

    He used the opportunity to clarify the insinuation being made by some people that some villages have been taken over by herdsmen in the State and that the Government has not done anything about it.

    He debunked the report and said that there is no report on his table that any village has been taken over. He said the Government took proactive steps to prevent such from happening by passing and signing into law the Anti-Land Grabbing law in 2020.

    “By this law, anyone whose land has been forcefully taken is expected to write to me, his traditional ruler, Local Government Chairman, elected representative or even approach the court directly for redress. So far, no one or any community has done so. Rather, some people sit here in their homes and elsewhere to engage in politics and blackmail. I want the world know that what we have been doing is to return displaced persons who fled their homes due to attacks back to their ancestral lands. For example, the site for the construction of a Police Mobile Barracks in Kakuruk, Gashish District Barkin Local Government has been handed over to the contractor who will start work immediately to provide security for the people to return to their lands. Another village, Jong Community in Ropp District of Barkin Ladi was returned to their abode last two months ago. Similarly, Shonong Community in Bachit District of Riyom Local Government has also been returned to their homes”. 

    Governor Lalong said anyone who has such complaint should write to the Government or go to court to protest such infraction if it happens promising that he will not spare anyone who tries to lay claim on any inch of Plateau State that does not belong to him.

    In his homily, Catholic Archbishop of Jos Most Rev. Ishaya Audu commended the Governor for instituting the Day of Forgiveness which he said reminds the citizens of the roles that they all played in one way or the other during events of the past which gives them the opportunity to make amends and ensure that it does not happen again.

    Citing scriptures from Matt 18: 29, James 2:13 and Matt 6:14, he said Christians are the Salt of the Earth and expected to pull down all barriers for peaceful coexistence, tolerance, good neighbourliness and mutual respect.

    He said Plateau remains a great State that attracts people from all over the world and has now began to witness the influx of people that seek opportunities for business, leisure and residence.

    Prayers were offered for God’s blessings upon Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Plateau Secures $50m French Grant to Expand Water Project

    Plateau Secures $50m French Grant to Expand Water Project

    The Plateau State Government has received $50 million- grants from the French Development Agency (AFD) to expand water project in the state.

    The Managing Director, Plateau State Water Board, Mrs Stella Buge revealed the figure while receiving a French delegation who were in the state yesterday to inspect water plants in Jos.

    Buge said with the fund, the corporation would extend more kilometres of water pipes to areas in the state that hitherto lacked water supply, thereby tackling the perennial challenges of water scarcity in the state.

    She said: “Today the AFD is here on a supervision mission of this project for the rehabilitation of infrastructure and extension of the distribution network. This project is to ensure improvement of water quality and supply to the people of Plateau.

    “The team of engineers have gone round and inspected the two water plants to be rehabilitated; the Yakubu Gowon dam and the Lamingo Dam.”

    Buge said the Yakubu Gowon dam phase one and two which were constructed in 1981 and 2001 respectively, with production capacity of 90 million gallons per day, would be rehabilitated and upgraded to increase water supply in the metropolis.

    She added that the Lamingo Water Treatment plant, which was commissioned in 1972 with a four million gallon capacity a day, would also be upgraded.

    The managing director commended the state government for the intervention in the water sector, particularly the Plateau State Urban Water Supply Project, which was being supported by AFD.

    The French engineers after the inspection said that the dams would undergo the replacement of low and high lift pumps and motors, as well as chemical pumps and motors.

    She said the filter valves, phase two lamella package, and 2MVA Phase 2 transformer would equally be replaced with evacuation of sedimentation tanks.

  • 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.

  • Press Statement On An Alleged Installation Of An Emirate In Yelwa, Shendam LGA 

    Press Statement On An Alleged Installation Of An Emirate In Yelwa, Shendam LGA 

    The attention of the Plateau State Government has been drawn to fake news circulating in some conventional and social media platforms alleging that there are plans by the State Government to establish an emirate council or install an emir in Yelwa, Shendam Local Government Area, leading to tension mounting in the area and culminating in criminal elements pelting some prime buildings in Shendam town including the palace of the Long Gamai and looting some shops.

    Government hereby states categorically and unequivocally that such stories are unfounded and should be disregarded while at the same time condemns such behavior in its entirety.

    The Government wishes to put in on record that there has never been any time that such idea was contemplated or even discussed. To say the least, this is the imagination and machination of mischief makers aimed at throwing the State into the dark old days thereby drawing the hands of the clock backwards and making nonsense of the peace we have achieved since the coming of the rescue administration ably led by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG.

    In the light of the foregoing therefore, Government hereby warns such mischief makers to desist from their evil intentions as it will not take it kindly with anyone found to mastermind such retrogressive tendencies. 

    His Excellency the Executive Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has already directed security agencies to go after those mischief makers and ensure that there is no escalation of the breakdown of law and order in the area, Shendam Local Government and Plateau State as a whole. 

    Government hereby beckons on the general public particularly residents of Shendam Local Government to be circumspect and go about their normal duties by disregarding such dangerous rumours and providing timely information to security agencies to enable them act swiftly.

    Government hereby advises the public to always cross check their facts from constituted authority and seek for dialogue rather taking the laws into their hands.

    ALWAYS THINK AND ACT PLATEAU.

    Dan Manjang, mnipr

    Honourable Commissioner of Information and Communication.

    Saturday, August 27, 2022.

  • Resist Pressure To Compromise The Judiciary Governor Lalong Charges New Chief Judge Of Plateau State

    Resist Pressure To Compromise The Judiciary Governor Lalong Charges New Chief Judge Of Plateau State

    Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has sworn in the substantive Chief Judge of Plateau State Hon. Justice David Gwong Mann with a charge for him to resist pressure from politicians and other vested interests to compromise the Judiciary.

    While performing the swearing in at the Victoria Gowon Hall, New Government House Little Rayfield Jos, Lalong said Hon. Justice David Gwong Mann has paid his dues in the Temple of Justice and through experience, talent and patriotism is by the grace of God elevated as the Chief Judge of the State.

    He said “While I congratulate you on this well-deserved appointment, may I also remind my Lord that this task is a daunting one which calls for total dedication and commitment for the peace, progress and stability of Plateau State and Nigeria at large. Having spent your public life within this sector, no one can lecture you on what the citizens expect from you as the Head of this very important Arm of Government”.

    He urged him not only see this elevation as call to duty, but also as a Trust given to him by God to represent him in the affairs of men. Staying true to his Oath of Office and discharging his duties with the fear of God and without fear, favour, affection or ill-will is therefore sacrosanct.

    Lalong said the new Chief Judge was coming into office when the State was operating Autonomy of the three Arms of Government including the Judiciary. He therfore urged him to take advantage of all the latitude that this autonomy provides to ensure that Judicial Staff are well trained while the day-to-day running of the courts is seamless.

    On Industrial harmony in the Judiciary, the Governor said “Only recently, the Judiciary Workers Union in Plateau State called off its Industrial Action which had paralyzed activities in all Courts and created untold hardship to many citizens who need one service or the other from the courts. While we put behind us this recent challenge, I urge you to do more to ensure that all matters that could lead to such action are addressed to forestall future strikes.You can count on the support of the Executive Arm of Government and the Legislature to work with you in helping you cultivate a cordial working relationship with the Staff. This is very necessary in order to consolidate on the efforts we have put in to reduce to the barest minimum all industrial disputes in the past 7 years”.

    Lalong also drew the attention of the new Chief Judge to the challenges with speedy dispensation of justice particularly as it involves some suspects that are arraigned for violent crimes including terrorism.

    “We have noticed that the longer such cases stay in the courts, the colder they become and the tendency to further impact on security and safety of not just witnesses, but of the citizens at large. Findings have shown that lack of conclusion of some of these cases on time has seemed to create an impression among criminals that they can carry out crimes and not be punished. It is our view that when such cases are dealt with expeditiously and those found guilty are punished, it will deter others hoping to engage in criminal acts” he said.

    He also reminded His Lordship that political activities are in top gear at the moment ahead of the general elections in 2023 and this is the time when enormous pressure will be mounted on Judges by politicians who want to achieve their aims at all costs.

    He advised him to beware of those who want to corrupt, confuse, intimidate or blackmail the Judiciary to do their bidding in order to win elections saying his is very capable of withstanding them and maintaining the sanctity of the Temple of Justice and the Legal profession.

    Responding, Justice Mann said he was grateful to God for the opportunity to serve and the privilege to be elevated to the position of Chief Judge of Plateau State.

    He promised to serve with integrity, honesty and justice as well as do his best to ensure that the rule of law is adhered to at all times.

    Justice Mann also said he was aware of the challenges in the Judiciary and appealed for support and collaboration from the Executive and Legislative Arms as well as the Justices and other Judicial Staff and professional bodies.

  • Nigerian Governors Forum Condole Plateau State Over Kanam/Wase Killings; Donates 50 Million To Victims

    Nigerian Governors Forum Condole Plateau State Over Kanam/Wase Killings; Donates 50 Million To Victims

    Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Ekiti State Kayode Fayemi has condoled the Government and people of Plateau State over the recent murder of over 100 people by terrorists in Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas of the State.

    Governor Fayemi who was at the Government House Rayfield Jos on behalf of the Forum, condemned the murder of the innocent citizens by the terrorists, saying that this was another attempt to destroy the efforts put in by the Lalong Rescue Administration to consolidate peace and security in the State.

    Fayemi said the Governors Forum is outraged over the killings and will continue to do everything possible to support Governor Lalong to overcome the situation and deal with those who are bent on causing chaos in Plateau State which is a natural destination of choice to many.

    He announced a donation of 50 million naira by the Nigerian Governors Forum to assist in meeting the needs of victims and supporting those who are displaced.

    The NGF Chairman also condoled Governor Lalong over the death of Dr. Simon Harry, the Statistician General of the Federation who died recently and was buried on Friday.

    Responding, Governor Lalong said he was delighted to receive the Chairman of the Governors Forum who has come on behalf of the other Governors to commiserate with the people and government of Plateau State.

    He said the State was devastated by the incident which was sheer criminality and another desperate attempt by merchants of crises to take the State back to the dark days.

    Lalong assured that the Government has beefed up security and also directed that all those involved are arrested and brought to justice.

    He thanked the Forum for the donation and specifically commended Governor Fayemi for his leadership which is pragmatic, compassionate and focused.

  • Six Kidnapped in Mamabilla Plateau

    Six Kidnapped in Mamabilla Plateau

    By Danzumi Ishaku, Jalingo.

    Six people have reportedly kidnapped by unknown gunmen on the top hill along Mayo Selbe and Maisamari in Sardauna Local Government Area Council.

    Speaking with our correspondent, the chairman of Sarduana local government council in Taraba state, Oliver Wubon said the incident occurred at the early hours of today Wednesday.

    Mr. Wubon said since the incident there was no information on whereabout the victims and no ransom was demanded by the kidnappers as the time of filing this report.

    The Sarduana Chairman disclosed that security meeting had been held comprising of the all security heads in the local government and strategize measures to curtail the menace.

    Mr. Wubon revealed that joint security patrol including the police, military, civil defence corps and the Air force are to conduct patrols on the road to ensure the safety of commuters.

    The Chairman however called on the people not to panic, but go about their lawful travels as strategic security measures have been taken.

    He therefore appealed to members of the public to be vigilante as well as give useful information to the security agents for immediate action.

    When contacted by our correspondent, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abdullahi Usman said he would contact the Gembu Divisional Police Officer and will get back to our correspondent.

    It could be recalled that two persons were kidnapped in Nguroje and Maisamari last mount, all in Sardauna Local Government Area of the statea

  • Alleged Fraud: Wike storms Plateau court in solidarity with Ex-Gov Jang

    Alleged Fraud: Wike storms Plateau court in solidarity with Ex-Gov Jang

    Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, stormed the Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos where a former Governor of the state, Jonah Jang is being arraigned.

    Jang is standing trial alongside Yusuf Pam, an ex-cashier in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the State, on alleged N6.3bn fraud charges brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    The two accused persons were first arraigned before Justice Daniel Longji in March 2018 on 17 counts bordering on criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds but they had since pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The case is currently before Justice Christy Dabup who started hearing on the matter afresh following the retirement of Justice Longji in December 2019, after hearing the matter 34 times.

    Wike, clad in a dark blue suit with a white shirt underneath, arrived the court premises at 9:50 am in company with other Peoples Democratic Party chieftains and moved straight to courtroom where the trial was already in progress.

    Counsel for Jang, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), told the judge that the Rivers State Governor was in the court to witness the trial of his client.

    Details later…

  • Governor Lalong Welcomes Senate Nod For Law School Campus In Plateau State

    Governor Lalong Welcomes Senate Nod For Law School Campus In Plateau State

    Governor Simon Bako Lalong has welcomed the decision of the Nigerian Senate to create a Campus of the Nigerian Law School in Plateau State as it passed the Bill amending the Legal Education Act to create 6 new campuses across the country.

    Lalong said the decision by the Senate is highly commendable as it will further strengthen the training of Nigerian legal professionals and reduce the challenges faced by law graduates in attending the Law School which is a prerequisite for call to the Bar.

    He said “I strongly commend the Senate for this decision and the choice of Plateau State as a host of one of the new campuses. This is a right choice considering the fact that Plateau has been a leading producer of lawyers in Nigeria with the University of Jos churning out many graduates who have gone ahead to make the nation proud in the Bench, the Bar and other sectors. Only recently, we finalised plans to establish a new Law Faculty at the Plateau State University Bokkos to expand the training of lawyers in the State and nation at large”.

    While expressing optimism that President Muhammadu Buhari will not hesitate to give his assent to the amended law, the Governor assured that Plateau State is ready to host the new Law School Campus as it is a home of learning supported by good weather, hospitable people and enough infrastructure to support the Institution.

    Lalong commended Senate President Dr. Ahmad Lawan, the leadership and entire members of the Senate; Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters; as well as the Sponsor of the Bill Senator Smart Adeyemi for doing the needful to pass the amendment creating the new Law School campuses.

    The Governor is also happy that the efforts of his administration in working assiduously to restore peace to the State are yielding positive results as Plateau is now substantially peaceful which has continued to attract not only investors and visitors, but Federal projects and Institutions.

    It could be recalled that the Federal Government last year approved the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak, Shendam; Karl Kumm University Vom; ANAN University Kwall; and most recently the Federal University of Education Pankshin.

  • Plateau State Government To Partner With Sightsavers For Enhanced Eye Health Program

    Plateau State Government To Partner With Sightsavers For Enhanced Eye Health Program

    Plateau State Government is to partner with Sightsavers, an international organisation in establishing a comprehensive eye health program throughout the State.

    Governor Simon Bako Lalong stated this while receiving the Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria and Ghana, Dr. Sunday Isiyaku at the Government House Jos.
    He said the partnership is based on his earlier visit to the United Kingdom where he interacted with the global leaders of the organisation and a subsequent request for the partnership which is aimed at addressing the challenges of eye health in Plateau State particularly in the rural areas.

    Lalong said one of his passions is to see that people who are living with disabilities in any form get assistance and reprieve through deliberate steps such as the one being taken in the partnership with Sightsavers.

    He thanked the team for the visit and assured them that the Plateau State Government was ready to play its part in the partnership by paying its counterpart funding and also making facilities and personnel available for training and actual operation.

    Earlier, Country Director Sightsavers Nigeria and Ghana Dr. Isiyaku said they were in Plateau on the directive of the global office which responded to the communication sent to it by the Governor for partnership.

    He said a three year partnership is being proposed and will support the establishment of a State owned comprehensive eye health program that is well coordinated, accessible, affordable and sustainable based on national policies and guidelines for the over 4 million people of Plateau State.

    Dr. Isiyaku said in 2021, a survey was carried out which showed that there was a significant gap in eye health in Plateau State which needs to be addressed immediately to save many citizens from going blind. This he said will involve manpower training, improvement of infrastructure and advocacy.

    The Country Director asked the Governor to approve health facilities in the Central and Southern Zones; commit to pay counterpart funds; fund budget lines for eye health; and work towards improving the human resource in the eye health sector.

    Head of the Christoffel Blinden Mission (CBM) also assured the Governor that they will partner together with Sightsavers to achieve the mission.