By Peter Akpah

1. It is with mixed feelings that I address you today at this event where a large cache of illicit narcotic drugs seized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) are being destroyed. My mixed feelings stem from the fact that while I share in the delight that these drugs were intercepted, the development underscores the danger that we face as a State.
2. Nevertheless, the people and Government of Plateau State are proud of the tireless efforts of officers and men of the Plateau State Command of the NDLEA for their diligence that resulted in the seizure of these illicit drugs.
3. The menace of illicit drug production, trafficking, distribution and consumption is not new to our country and indeed to our State. What has continued to raise concerns is the fact that despite concerted efforts by Government, Development Partners, Religious, Traditional and Civil society Organisations, this dangerous trend has continued to grow.

4. Today, many of the security challenges that we are confronted with such as kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, cultism, rape and other associated problems such as road accidents are associated with the illicit drug business.
5. This is why my administration considers this event very key to the progress and development of Plateau State, and is therefore committed to ensuring that the efforts of NDLEA are strengthened towards frustrating and halting the activities of drug peddlers.
6. With the collaboration of all security agencies and the citizens of the State, the Rescue Administration has worked assiduously to bring to an end recurring crises and criminal activities in this State. We remain committed to consolidating on the gains recorded in order to give our people the right environment to prosper.

7. I wish to again warn all miscreants and criminal elements that under my watch, Plateau State will remain a no-go-area for them as we shall not rest until we defeat them. We shall use all the resources and instruments available to us to deal decisively with anyone found threatening the peace of our people whether under the influence of drugs or otherwise.
8. I have been reliably informed that we are today destroying various drugs weighing over 16.697Kg which were seized by the NDLEA at various times in the State. They have equally succeeded in apprehending dangerous drug peddlers and their collaborators, some of whom have been tried and convicted and others still undergoing prosecution.
9. At this juncture, I wish to stress that the fight against illicit drugs and illicit substances is not the responsibility of the NDLEA alone but of all stakeholders. All of us must play our parts in bringing this menace to an end in order to save our present and future generations from destruction.
10. I am worried that despite all efforts, these drugs continuously find their way onto our streets, homes and society at large. This calls for more vigilance and proactive engagement of parents, guardians, community and traditional rulers in curbing this ugly trend.

11. Like I have always maintained, traditional, religious and community leaders have a very crucial role to play in ensuring the security of lives and property of the people of our State. I therefore expect them to rise to the occasion by exposing criminal elements within their communities to assist the government maintain peace.
12. I have directed the Commissioners of Secondary and Higher Education to ensure that they encourage and sustain sensitization and education of students against drug abuse and associated crimes. We need to work ahead by adopting preventive measures that will keep our children away from the damaging impact of drugs.

13. Using such approach, we shall not only save the lives of many, but also recruit ambassadors and advocates that will help propagate the campaign against this monster which is now threatening our collective existence. A stitch in time they say saves nine.
14. As for those who are addicted to drugs and have been adversely affected, Plateau State Government shall continue to work with the NDLEA and development partners towards ensuring the rehabilitation of victims. We cannot allow them to waste away because they have God-given endowments that can impact our society positively.
15. At this point, I wish to commend the synergy among security agencies in the State who have collaborated with the NDLEA for the successes we are celebrating today. I urge you to sustain this robust partnership particularly in Untelligence gathering and response.
16. This call also goes to all voluntary and non-governmental bodies who are always doing their part in assisting the law enforcement agencies with information and resources. This will help us have a peaceful, serene and happy society that we all desire.

17. Finally, let me appreciate the Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA for his doggedness in getting rid of drugs from our country. Plateau State remains grateful to this agency and its hard working officers and men for their sacrifices to the safety of all.
18. We assure you of our support and partnership always. Thank you for your attention and God bless you all.

Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong KSGG
Executive Governor, Plateau State &
Chairman, Northern Governor’s Forum

By Peter Akpah

By Peter Akpah

The Global Centre for Media and Human Empowerment (GCMHE) has expressed fears that Southern Kaduna maybe likely wipe away using government machinery. GCMHE, a non partisan, non religious but progressive front aimed at promoting a better society made its position known during a world press conference in Jos, the Plateau State capital on Thursday. Reading from the text, GCMHE Ag. Director- General, Charles Ejoh stated that the security situation in the country was getting worse daily adding that for that reason, it would not fold its hands and watch the nation plunged into a state of anarchy. The organization said it was more pained especially with the insecurity in Kaduna state because of its peculiarity. “Permit me to say that with the way events are going and with the pretentious approach of the Kaduna State governor, Mal. Nasir El-Rufai, we may wake up one day to discover that the entire Southern Kaduna has been wiped away using government machinery”.He said that the organization was tired of the different branding or colorization given to the Kaduna mayhem emphasising that what is being experience in Southern Kaduna is genocide (the systematic wiping of a people). The Ag. DG further stated recourse must be given to history on how Germany in the hands of Adolf Hitler systematically wiped out over 6 million Jews during the Holocaust. “The Holocaust that wiped away over six million Jews started like this. First, it was said that the anti – semitic Nazi German leader, Adolf Hitler’s hatred for the Jews was a major reason. According to Hitler, Jews were an inferior race, an alien threat to German racial purity and communism. Just like what we are experiencing in Southern Kaduna since the emergence of Governor Nasir El- Rufai the people of this region have known no peace, going by the words of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU).”Recall Hitler disguised under the cover of World War 11, with mass killing centers. This same diversionary strategy is what is being played in Kaduna as the governor is disguising under the cover that the bloodshed in Southern Kaduna is not different from the onslaught of bandits in other North-East, North-West states of Nigeria.”We are saying ‘enough is enough’ of this antics of Mal. El- Rufai as history will paint him in black as it is the end that counts. After all, Adolf Hitler died mysteriously through suicide”, Ejoh said.

Consequently, the organization gave the Kaduna state government 21days ultimatum to put up genuine steps to finally bring to an end the bloodshed in Southern Kaduna.”We are giving the Kaduna State government 21 days ultimatum to put up genuine steps to finally bring to an end to this bloodshed of unarmed people or else we shall take the next step as a group”

Effort to reach the Kaduna State Commissioner of Information before press time proved abortive.

By Peter Akpah

Following the impeachment of the suspended Chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Hon. Isaac Kwallu by the Legislative Arm of the LGA, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has sworn in the Deputy Chairman Hon. Abdulmalik Yusuf Haruna as substantive Executive Chairman.

At a brief ceremony at the New Government House Little Rayfield-Jos, Governor Lalong said the event was coming in rather unusual circumstances because of the impeachment of the former Chairman by members of the Legislative Arm who had accused him on various acts of misconduct.
He also recalled that the former Chairman was earlier suspended by the Plateau State House of Assembly.
Given this development and in line with extant laws, he said it became necessary to swear in the former Deputy Chairman, Hon. Abdulmalik Yusuf Haruna so as to ensure that there is no vacuum in the administration of the Local Government.
He charged the new Chairman to live up to the responsibility of running the Local Government and meeting the aspirations of the people.
He said “Remember that you are to serve the people honestly and diligently as the people are yearning for development at the grassroots. You are to hold this office in trust and to deliver good governance to the people of your Local Government with the fear of God”.
Governor Lalong charged the new Chairman to ensure that resources are utilised in line with the realities of Covid 19 where government funds have become scarce. He urged him to ensure prudence and give priority to programmes and projects that have direct impact on the lives of the people.
In a response, the new Chairman Hon. Yusuf Abdulmalik Usman said he considered his swearing in as an act of God, saying he was ready to work with all stakeholders particularly the Management Team and Members of the Legislative Arm as well as the traditional and security institutions.
He said “I will deploy my experience within the Local Government System to mobilise and reconcile all parties that may have been aggrieved because of the developments in the Local Government in recent times. I will also do my best to uplift the standard on living of the people in order to make them feel the impact of Government”.
He appealed to the people of Quan’pan to give him the support needed to work for the peace and prosperity of the Local Government Area.
The new Chairman who was born in 1969 is from Kurgwi in Quan’pan Local Government and has a Bachelors Degree in History from the Nasarawa State University Keffi. He was a Counselor representing Kurgwi West from 2004-2007.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the
Executive Governor, Plateau State.
5th August 2020

By Peter Akpah

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) wishes Nigerians Eid Mubarak as our Muslim faithfuls celebrate today.

We are first Nigerians before we became members of any religious body. Hence, the party urges all Nigerians to always tolerate one another irrespective of religious differences. Because it’s only in the atmosphere of peace that individuals can make steady progress.

The party also notes that the various problems in Nigeria are already making life difficult for citizens, then why must we add more avoidable problems to the ravaging issues in the country?

Therefore, the party advocates that we all use this occasion of Eid-el Kabir to reflect on peace, unity and progress as members of the various religious bodies willingly sue for peace and harmony, always remembering that as Nigerians, we are brothers and sisters.

Happy Eid-el Kabir celebration to all Nigerians.

SIGNED:
Rev. Emmanuel Olorunmagba,
Deputy National Publicity Secretary,
New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

By Peter Akpah

The attention of the Plateau State Government has been drawn to a purported invitation for the installation of one Alhaji Samaila Abdullahi as the Sarkin Kerana 4 in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area which is trending on the social media.

The said invitation is purported to originate from a non-existent Bukuru Emirate Council.

This is clearly the handwork of mischief makers and crisis merchants who are determined to instigate crisis and generate a breach of the peace that is currently prevailing in the State.

The Government of Plateau State views this action as another desperate attempt by enemies of the State to make nonsense of the effort of His Excellency Governor Simon Bako Lalong, which has succeeded in reuniting the people and engendering peaceful coexistence in the last five years.

For the avoidance of doubt, Government will not fold its arms to allow such mischief makers tamper with the peace of Jos South Local Government and the entire State by inciting people against one another.

The Jos South Local Government Management, traditional and community leaders as well as security agencies have already met and directed those behind this alleged turbaning to desist forthwith or face the wrath of the law.

The people of Bukuru, Jos South Local Government and the entire State are advised to go about their normal businesses and be vigilant to report any suspicious activity to the law enforcement agencies.

Security agencies are currently tracking those behind this mischief and will bring them to book immediately they are apprehended.

Once more the Governor of Plateau State urges its citizens to celebrate the Sallah holiday in a peaceful manner and observe all COVID-19 guidelines.

LET US CONTINUE TO THINK AND ACT PLATEAU.

By Peter Akpah

The attention of the authority of Jos South Local Government Council has been drawn to a malicious publication on a purported invitation letter making round most especially in the social media for the turbanning ceremony of a Sarki by some faceless group of persons in the name of Bukuru Emirate Council.

Council consider the action of the said persons or group as not only illegal but a deliberate attempt to test the will of the government and to truncate the peaceful tranquility the people have been enjoying thus far.

The relevant security agencies have been adequately directed to unmask those behind the publication for possible prosecution.

Council wishes to state categorically clear that there is nothing like emirate council in Jos South local government area and consequently enjoin citizens to disregard the said fake and malicious publication and go about their lawful business without fear or intimidation.

We wish our Muslim Ummah the best of the EID_KABIR celebration.

Signed
Hon Dachung Yohana Choji
Management Committee Chairman Jos South LGC

By Peter Akpah

Chief chinedu Okponwa the CEO of Jolex construction company and the entire staff Felicitates with the Muslim Ummah on the Occasion of Eid-el-kabir.*

Chief chinedu is felicitating with the Muslim Ummah and indeed, all Nigerians on this auspicious and spiritually impacting event.

Chief chinedu in his Sallah message said he is “calling on all Nigerians to imbibe the honest, sacrificial and exemplary qualities of Abraham who was willing to sacrifice his son to prove his faith in Almighty Allah” he said. He emphasized that Nigerians must make sacrifices for the development of the nation and shelve all acts capable of undermining the unity and patriotic culture of the Nigerian spirit of togetherness and to continue to support the government of Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong for the peaceful environment and good governance and also a project oriented governor, and also support the fight against covid-19 and also stay safe for a covid-19 free plateau and the nation at large.

He wishes all Muslims in Plateau State and Nigeria at large, a happy Eid-el-kabir and may your ibadah be accepted.

*Signed*
Chief chinedu Okponwa CEO jolex construction company.

By Peter Akpah

The Hon. Member representing Jos North/Bassa federal constituency in the National Assembly, Haruna Maitala has felicitated with Muslims and the entire people of his constituency on the occasion of this year Eid-el-Kabir Sallah celebration. Maitala stated that the celebration was a commemoration of Prophert Ibrahim’s life of sacrifice and obedience to Almighty God.
Consequently, the Hon. Member tasked clerics and parents on living in peace and harmony for a progressive country.
Hon. Maitala noted that to ensure and achieved religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among the different ethnic and religious groups in the country, clerics and parents must continue to embrace the virtue of sacrifice and strive towards building a peaceful society where all can live in harmony without resorting to violence.

Hon. Maitala particularly enjoined Muslim ummah in his constituency to strive hard to strengthen the bond of mutual understanding and respect followers of other religions. “We must make sacrifices to strengthen the ties between us as well as with followers of other religions by constant demonstration of righteous inclination through kindness, love, generosity, sincerity and forgiveness
“It is only by so doing that we would promote the ideals of Islam which in turn, would engendered peace and harmony, thus, ushering-in socio-economic development and transformation of our constituency and by extension, the state and the country at large”.

On the COVID-19 pandemic that has ravaged the world, Hon. Maitala advised constituents to take responsibility of their safety by ensuring strict adherence to safety protocol.

Joseph A. Adudu
Media Consultant to
Hon. Haruna Maitala
(Turakin Jere) member
representing Jos North/Bassa
Federal constituency in the
National Assembly
July 30, 2020

By Peter Akpah

Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Simon Bako Lalong has rejoiced with Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of another Eid-el-Kabir, urging them not to allow the impact of the Corona virus pandemic to demoralise their faith.
Lalong said this year’s celebration comes at a peculiar time when the world is working hard to tame the Corona virus pandemic which has altered the way of life of people across the world.
He said, “Although the Muslim faithful is marking this year’s Salah in unusual circumstances of restrictions, the essence of this spiritual event cannot be neglected. This is the time to demonstrate the virtues of peace, love, sacrifice and tolerance that are taught by the Prophet Mohammed”.
He urged the Muslim ummah to exercise patience with restrictions that have been imposed to curtail COVID-19 as the guidelines issued are meant to prevent the spread of the disease and protect the people.
Governor Lalong also reassured the people of Plateau State that his administration is taking proactive measures to ensure that the economy is boosted despite the the setbacks occasioned by the pandemic.
He urged the entire people of Plateau State to continue to live in peace with one another, and consolidate on the tranquility currently pervading the State, calling on them to report all suspicious activities to security agencies who have made elaborate plans to tackle crime and criminality during the festive period.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
30th July 2020.