By Peter Akpah

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has described the death of late Air Vice Marshal Paul Nungkopba Dimfwina as a very big loss to his family, Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.

Governor Lalong whose condolence message was delivered to the family by the Plateau State Liaison Officer in Abuja Mr. Pius Yenshi, said he recieved with shock the death of the dedicated airforce officer who untill his death was the Chief of Information and Communication Systems at the Nigerian Airforce Headquarters.

Lalong said though the death of the Senior Military Officer is a huge loss, the State and family are consoled by the records of his excellent service in the Nigerian Airforce having served and commanded many formations successfully.

He urged the widow of the deceased Mrs. Janet Paul Dimfwina and his children to accept the the situation as God’s will and continue to trust God to fulfill his will in their lives.

He assured the family that the State will not abandon them as their late father was a patriotic son of Plateau State who did his best to advance its cause and serve the nation.

The late Air Vice Marshal Paul Nunkopba was born on 28 April 1964 and hails from Kangke LGA of Plateau State. He was enlisted on 23 Sep 84 as a member of NDA 36 Regular Course.

He has been buried in Abuja.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
11th September 2020.

By Peter Akpah

GOVERNOR LALONG OPENS PLATEAU STATE ONE STOP INVESTMENT CENTRE.

The drive towards implementing the ease of doing business in Plateau State just got better as Governor Simon Bako Lalong commissioned the Plateau State One State Investment Centre( PS-OSIC) at beach road Jos on Wednesday 9th September 2020.

While commissiong the centre located at Beach Road Jos, Governor Simon Lalong said with this centre operational, investors will not have to cut through the bureaucratic bottlenecks that hinder easy establishment of businesses in Plateau State as all is now under one roof.

He said “By now, it is very clear to all that our Rescue Administration is matching words with action in ensuring that business activities on the Plateau blossom so as to create wealth and prosperity for our citizens. Since coming into office, we have continued to tackle one after the other, challenges that hamper economic activities in our State. The first one we paid attention to is insecurity which by the grace of God; the cooperation of the citizens; the support of security agencies; as well as other stakeholders, we have been able to achieve substantially”.

The Governor said the State Government established the One Stop Investment Centre (OSIC) as an investment mechanism where relevant government agencies are brought together to one location, coordinated and streamlined to provide efficient and transparent services to investors in the State.
He expressed the bope that the One Stop Investment Centre will reduce time and cost of securing business permits, and also enhance the application of legislation and regulations to support competition and business friendly policies.

Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Mr. Abe Aku explained that the One Stop Investment Centre, will be committed to continuous refinement of the processes for obtaining business permits and also improving the quality of regulations that impact the private sector.

He said because today’s world is driven by Information and Communication Technologies, the centre will deploy the most modern technologies and applications that may require less physical contacts thereby making it easier for investors to obtain solutions from every part of the world.

A representative of the German International Development Agency (GIZ) and Chairman of the Plateau Economic Advisory Council expressed hope that the Centre will showcase the business potentials of the State through effective and timely services.

By Peter Akpah

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Wednesday 2nd September 2020 received the outgoing General Officer Commanding, 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Gen. Nuhu Angbazo who paid him a farewell visit at the Government House Rayfield Jos.
General Angbazo appreciated the support of Governor Simon Lalong, the Government of Plateau State and that of the people for his successful tour of duty in the last 2 years.
He commended Governor Lalong for his efforts as restoring and sustaining peace in Plateau State which has attracted more development and investment.

Responding, Governor Lalong described the outgoing GOC as a professional and diligent officer who committed his time in tackling insecurity in his area of jurisdiction. He said the State will miss his services.
Also speaking, the Acting GOC Brigadier Gen. Musa Danmadami said he will follow in the footsteps of his predecessor in working with the Governments of the five States under the division to maintain peace and security.

General Nuhu Angbazo moves to the Army Headquarters as the Chief of Training and Operations.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.

2nd September 2020

By Peter Akpah

Ari should take Caution or Face the Wrath of God – PDA
A socio-cultural organization, the Pan Development Association (PDA) in Namu, Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, has said the Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Sir, Joseph Ari, should be cautioned to desist from what it alleged as causing disarray in the locality or face the wrath of God particularly for making efforts to enthrone a Goemai as chief of Namu.
In a strongly worded letter to the Executive Chairman of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council dated 26th August, 2020, PDA said it viewed the recent impeachment of the elected Executive Chairman of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council, Hon. Isaac K. Kwallu as a clear demonstration of a “hideous act” to install a Goemai as chief in the Pan land without dialogue with the people of Jepjan (Namu) which leaves them wondering whether the Goemai actually want to live in peace with Pan people.
They allege that they are victims of witch-hunt, using government machinery to forcefully coerce and suppress them, since the governor is their son.
“If not, what would explain the illegal impeachment of Hon. Isaac Kwallu and the immediate action taken by the present Chairman, Hon. Abdulmalik Haruna towards the installation of the Goemai chief of Jepjan, if he is not acting a script?” PDA queried.
The letter reads: “We implore the chairman and his godfathers, Sir Joseph Ari, Mr. Fabian Ntung and co., whose rejection by the Goemai or Kwande (Qua’an) leaves them rootless, hence Namu remains the only prostitute that will accommodate them as being claimed by their Alago, Ake and Gwandara brothers from Nasarawa State resident in Angwan Yashi to desist from their gluttonous acts so as to avoid the regrettable Afghanistan experience.
“Sir Joseph Ari, the Director-General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has enjoyed lucrative positions in Plateau State/Qua’an-Pan LGA despite his crisis of identity. Instead of harnessing resources to empower people for the better, he rather prefers to use such to fan and heighten the embers of crisis between the duo of Pan and Goemai so as to remain a political gladiator to those whose relevance exists in such realm. No wonder he openly boasts that he will spend his last penny to see that he installs his stooge as chief in Namu.
“So much to wonder is that he resides in Kwande and concentrates his energy in developing Kwande. As D-G, ITF, he renovated G.S.S. Kwande and supported in strong terms the renovation of the Catholic Church in Kwande, but little or none of such was done in Namu, yet he is behind all it takes for Namu (Jepjan) to burn. Why? He should be cautioned or face the wrath of God.”

Pan Development Association.
Namu (JEPJAN).
26th August, 2020

The Executive Chairman,
Qua’an-Pan LGC,
Ba’ap.

Dear Sir,

THE THREAT TO PEACE AND PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE OF NAMU
(JEPJAN)

1. Refer and attach.
2. A letter with the above title written to the Executive Governor of Plateau State on 6th January, 2020 stating our displeasure and fears with the way the State Government under the leadership of Governor Simon Bako Lalong is clandestinely acting a script on the installation of the Long Jan of Jepjan.
3. In the letter, we reminded the Governor on his campaign promises to the Pan nation with regards to the Namu saga. We equally reminded him of the mischievous activities of certain politicians, stakeholders and third parties whose activities do not mean well for the corporate existence of Namu (Jepjan).
4. Finally, we had assured him of our peaceful coexistence as a people and the need to adopt dialogue as a necessary prerequisite to attaining sustainable peace, but wondered why the same issue is being revisited without addressing the crux of it. Attached, is the letter containing detailed analysis for reference.
5. Furthermore, we are left with no choice but to view the recent impeachment of the elected Executive Chairman of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council, Hon. Isaac K. Kwallu as a clear demonstration of this hideous act which leaves us wondering if the Goemai actually want to live in peace with us (Pan people) or see us as victims of witchhunt, thereby using government machinery to forcefully coerce and suppress us, since the governor is their son. If not, prove to us why cut corners, avoiding engagement and dialogue, or rather what would explain the illegal impeachment of Hon. Isaac Kwallu and the immediate action taken by the present Chairman, Hon. Abdulmalik Haruna towards the installation of the Goemai chief Jepjan, if he is not acting a script?
6. We implore the chairman and his godfathers, Sir Joseph Ari, Mr. Fabian Ntung and co., whose rejection by the Goemai or Kwande (Qua’an) leaves them rootless, hence Namu remains the only prostitute that will accommodate them as being claimed by their Alago, Ake and Gwandara brothers from Nasarawa State resident in Angwan Yashi to desist from their gluttonous acts so as to avoid the regrettable Afghanistan experience.
7. Sir Joseph Ari, the Director-General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has enjoyed lucrative positions in Plateau State/Qua’an-Pan LGA despite his crisis of identity. Instead of harnessing resources to empower people for the better, he rather prefers to use such to fan and heighten the embers of crisis between the duo of Pan and Goemai so as to remain a political gladiator to those whose relevance exist in such realm. No wonder he openly boasts that he will spend his last penny to see that he installs his stooge as chief in Namu.
8. So much to wonder is that he resides in Kwande and concentrates his energy in developing Kwande. As D-G, ITF, he renovated G.S.S. Kwande and supported in strong terms the renovation of the Catholic Church in Kwande, but little or none of such was done in Namu, yet he is behind all it takes for Namu (Jepjan) to burn. Why? He should be cautioned or face the wrath of God.
9. Finally we wish adopt our suggestion in the letter written inter alia as attached, so as to avoid unforeseen circumstances.
   Attached are list of signatories, officials and Mai Angwas from the entire district and villages of Jepjan.

Pan Development Association.
Namu (JEPJAN).
6th January, 2020
The Executive Governor of Plateau Sate,
Government House,
Rayfield,
Jos.

Dear Sir,

THREAT TO PEACE AND THE PEAEFUL COEXISTENCE OF NAMU
(JEPJAN)
His Excellency, the Governor of Plateau State and the Chairman, Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Pilot of the Rescue Team on the Plateau.
We salute your noble personality and the entire jurisdiction you command. You may not be surprised receiving this humble piece from the dear Pan people of Jepjan who also believe in your shepherdhood of the entire people of Plateau State.
We are perturbed by the development which we found unpalatable to our ears, but we are less concerned because of the intermediary and interventionist role you have played on the Plateau for us to enjoy the relative peace we have since your assumption in office as the Executive Governor of the State. Regrettably, the Namu (Jepjan) crisis had come and gone leaving us with so much to wonder, that is scars in our minds.
Lives and properties which may never be reclaimed were lost and relationships broken, etc. What we are left with was how to mend the vacuum created as a result of the crises. Thanks to God that such is becoming history, peace is gradually being attained. However, we are concerned hearing that a committee was set up by your exalted office which secretly came to Jepjan (Namu) and sat with the Goemai section in Jepjan on the issue of the selection and installation of the Long Jan which is said to be a most achieved agenda of your administration.
We are entirely surprised by this development having gone through series of discussions, interventions and meditions by several NGOS, spirited individiauls and the Plateau State Government in order to broker peace and come to terms.
Sir, we need to remind you of your campaign promises in 2015 to the entire people of Pan. Having had our fears of the inability of fair play and justceie in the Namu matter, we voted you to office, when you sought for the attention of the Pan Development Association (PDA) nationwide and assured us to allay our fears; that your candidacy when voted into power will play an intermediary role in order to broker permanent peace between brothers that have lived together and had been intertwined for centuries. We held you in trust and assured our people to support you which we did wholeheartedly.
We wish also to remind His Excellency that on assumption to office, you set up a committee to be mediated by the Plateau Peace Building Agency |(PPBA) under the leadership of the D.G., Mr. Joseph Lengman. We are not aware if the committee has completed its task and submitted its report and whether or not our cultural leadership (Pan Development Association) and development association is properly abreast with the matter. Furthermore, in 2017, the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs handed the leadership of Mallam Dayyabu Garga, upon advise by the former Transition Committee Chairman, Mr. Joe Homsuk invited both P:an and Goemai in Jepjan and the mediatory body, the Plateau Youth Council (PYSC) in Namu. After painstaking deliberations, advised both parties to exercise restraint and collaborate for peaceful and acceptable leadership in Namu (Jepjan). This was welcome by all.
While patiently waiting, we were met with a surprise news mentioned inter alia. In this regard, we the entire Pan people viewed with high degree of suspicion and dishonesty. I hereby question the position of the Executive Governor to adjudicate fairly and just as being preached. We re therefore left with the wild imagination as perceived. Is it because Governor Lalong is Goemai and akin to the Goemai extraction of the Namu (Jepjan), and so an interested party? Or is there a clandestine move to lure us with a Trojan horse towards annihilation?
Therefore we wish to state clearly that:

1. His Excellency, you are the Executive Governor of Plateau State, bestowed with power on the entire people of Plateau State to play a fatherly role. We expect that to be replicated in your words and actions.
2. Be reminded that the crises in Namu (Jepjan) had claimed hundreds of lives and properties and any action towards that direction is nothing to be given a chance.
3. We are aware of the unscrupulous and trickery plans of some individuals we hold with high esteem in your government who have amassed wealth, not for the good of the people but to create disarray and trouble in the polity, aimed at discrediting your government by invoking devilish plans to disrupt the peace in Namu (Jepjan).People with such political expediency should be wary of.
4. We the Pan people are very much aware of the activities of non-Goemai who have lost their identity to savor their allegiance with the Goemai of Jepjan. Such people do not see any good in mending fences because their relevance will be ostracized. We are critical of the Alagos, the Gwandaras and the various people of Nasarawa State resident in Jepjan. Their activities do not connote peace at all.
5. We want to state clearly Sir, without fear of misconception or equivocation that Jepjan (Namu) town is an ancestory of our people. We are a people, non-colonial and non-hegemonistic, as such, we cannot venture into claiming another man’s land or properties, that is why even while we are in our numbers in the entire Goemai land farming and doing other businesses, we have not claimed, and not claim any land therein. Therefore, any infringement or claim of ours by whosoever will be resisted by all means.
6. The overrated statement being perpetrated that the crises in Namu (Jepjan) was on land claim and not chieftaincy is untrue. Beyond doubt, the chieftaincy in Namu was intolerant of the issue that led to the crises and incapable of owing to its responsibilities, as such does not deserve such honour. In that light, we wish to affirm that our land cannot be ruled by any foreigner. If you have lost your root, find it. You have discovered that you are one of us, you are welcome to dine with us through the necessary process of absorption.
7. We wish to affirm that we will resist any clandestine or trickery moves, subjection, oppression, suppression, coercion, betrayal and gratification of whatever kind to our stakeholders, traditional rulers, etc. as even the last man standing will defend this cause.
8. We also want to state that we are peaceful, law-abiding, reliable. Our doors are open for discussion, dialogue, etc. We shall continue to pursue peace, unity and the progress of our land. We call on the government to retract its steps and position, bring on board all measures and mans to amicably dialogue on this matter so that all contending issues will be laid to rest. Any consideration short of this is not healthy.
   Thanks.
   Yours faithfully,
   P.D.A.
   Jepjan (Namu) Branch.

By Peter Akpah

The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi
State over his election victory at the Supreme Court.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a congratulatory message to Governor Bello, said the victory is an affirmation of the mandate of Kogi people entrusted on him which he should work hard to justify.
He said “the Supreme Court judgment affirming your election victory gives you an opportunity to settle down to serve your people and fulfill their aspirations without any distraction. The people have already reposed their confidence in you and are looking up to you for the dividends of democracy”.
Lalong assured Governor Yahaya Bello that Governors of the 19 Northern States shall continue to avail him support in all ways possible to ensure that he succeeds.
He also called on the people of Kogi State to rally round the Governor and put behind political, religious and ethnic differences in order to create the right atmosphere for the Government to fulfill its mandate.
The Northern Governors also urged Governor Yahaya Bello to continue to play his part in the task of finding solutions to the challenges of the region and the nation at large.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
31st August 2020.

By Peter Akpah

Governor Simon Bako Lalong is confident that the All Progressives Congress will emerge victorious in the forthcoming Senate by-election for Plateau South Senatorial District coming up in October 2020.

Governor Lalong who addressed leaders of the party at an extraordinary zonal stakeholders meeting in Shendam said the party has continued to remain intact in the State as the APC Rescue administration under his leadership is steadily delivering on its campaign promises and rescuing various sectors of the economy.

He urged party members in the State to be united and work together towards a successful primaries that will produce the party’s candidate and eventually deliver at the main elections.

He said ” the APC is moving as a formidable force in the country and we continue to recieve people from other parties who want to join its fold. I advise all members to settle all their grievances at home and within the party structure to avoid distractions that could constitute setback to the party. We are all set for victory and we must remain focussed while working hard to make things easy. Let us always remember that the party is supreme and not allow our personal ambitions to jeopardise our collective victory”.

Governor Lalong also assured that ongoing legacy projects which were halted by COVID-19 will soon resume and be completed. Other projects and services he said will also continue in line with the aspirations and manifesto of the party.

Chairman of the APC in Plateau State, Chief Letep Dabang said the the party has five aspirants who have indicated interest to participate in the primaries that will produce the candidate for the senatoroal by-election.

He commended the members for their exemplary conduct and said the party will be fair to all and announced that other contestants have stepped down leaving the five to slug it out for the ticket.

A member of the House of Representatives representing Shendam/Quan Pan/Mikang Federal Constituency Hon. Komsol Longab assured that the zone will deliver the eventual candidate that emerges at the primaries during the main election.

The contestants under the APC seeking to replace late Senator Longjan at the red chamber are Prof. Nora Dadu’ut, Prof. Emmanuel Garba, Prof. Doknaan Sheni, Hon. Nanven Nimfel and Bar. Demian Shekarau.

Governor Lalong later paid a courtesy visit to the Long Gamai of Shendam, His Royal Highness Martins Shaldas III where he appreciated him for maintaining peace in his domain.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
29th August 2020.

By Peter Akpah

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its intervention in the repairs of collapsed bridges and other infrastructure on Federal Roads in the State.

Governor Lalong was speaking during an inspection of on-going work at the Sabon Gida bridge in Quaan pan Local Government Area Council, one of the Federal Roads affected in the State.

Lalong said he was delighted with the quick intervention of the Federal Government following his appeal to Mr. President and a personal visit to the Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola in Abuja where he sought for immediate intervention.

He said “I am very happy with the level of work on-going on this bridge in Sabon Gida which links Plateau and Nasarawa State from this axis. This unfortunate damage has caused untold hardships to our people where in some cases, bridges have collapsed and some portions washed away. When I took the cry to the Federal Government, they assured me that something will be done and I am here to witness it.”

Plateau State Commissioner for Works Mr. Pam Botmang said the State Ministry of Works has been working with the Federal Controller of Works in the State to ensure that the work is carried out seamlessly. He said the State has also provided palliative measures to ease movement while the Federal Government carries out major work.

The Federal Controller of Works Plateau State Engr. Usman Magin explained that some of the problems are associated with old infrastructure, increased rain and desilting which changed the water course leading to the damages. He said some of the old bridges will be replaced while others will be fixed.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
29th August 2020.

By Peter Akpah

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong and Chairman, Northern Governors has welcomed the re-election of Dr. Akinwumi Adesina as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

In a congratulatory message, Governor Lalong described the development as another testimony of the hardwork dedication and diligence of Dr. Adesina who has demonstrated to the world that the Nigerians have the capacity to deliver on any assignment.

Lalong said the re-election of Adesina despite attempts to discredit him and tarnish his reputation is a proof that he is honest and has the best interest of the continent at heart.

He said “we in Plateau State are very proud to be associated with the African Development Bank under the leadership of Dr. Adesina. Through counterpart funding assistance from the bank, we are revolutionizing potaton and assorted vegetables farming in Plateau and creating the value chain that has improved the capacity of our farmers to improve their production and also earn more. We are on the verge of consolidating our advantage as the major supplier of the commodity to West Africa”.

Governor Lalong wished Dr. Adesina a fruitful tenure and asked him to remain focused as he leads the bank towards contributing to the emancipation of the African continent.

In a similar development, Governor Simon Lalong says he is delighted with the appointment of Mr. James Lalu as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Disability Rights Commission by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Governor Lalong while reacting to the development said he was not surprised by the choice of Mr. James Lalu given his track record of achievements as the Chairman of the Plateau State Disability Commission where he performed creditably, which earned him recognition from within and outside the country.

He said ” I urge the Executive Secretary and entire management as well as the board of the Commission to devote their time and energies in serving the constituency of people living with disabilities who are more often than not forgotten and neglected. As pioneer managers of this Commission, you must serve the interest of all people living with one form of disability or the other, and ensure that you do justice to all, stand by the truth and be honest”.

He asked the Executive Secretary to surpass his achievements in Plateau State and also make the State proud in this national assignment.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
28th August 2020.

By Peter Akpah

The tudun wada development association in conjunction with concerned sabon gari mado community has expressed their dismay over the none chalant attitude of the government towards the sabon gari mado road spa to rukuba road and satellite market by the lalong lead rescue administration, according to the groups the contract of the tudun wada sabon gari mado community spa to Ekukumo to satellite market was awarded over 3years ago, they embraced the development as a welcome idea since the past administration neglected it in their 8 years of their administration but with what is happening now the project looks like an abandoned project.

The tudun wada development association in conjunction with concerned sabon gari mado community has expressed their dismay over the none chalant attitude of the government towards the sabon gari mado road spa to rukuba road and satellite market by the lalong lead rescue administration, according to the groups the contract of the tudun wada sabon gari mado community spa to Ekukumo to satellite market was awarded over 3years ago, they embraced the development as a welcome idea since the past administration neglected it in their 8 years of their administration but with what is happening now the project looks like an abandoned project.