Sourcenews24/update.com

PLATEAU GOVERNMENT THREATENS LOCKDOWN DUE TO DISREGARD TO COVID-19 GUIDELINES.

By Peter Akpah

The Plateau State Government says it views with grave concern the rise in the rate of infection of the Corona virus in the State following the ease of lockdown exercise. This it says is essentially is due to the flagrant disregard to the laid down protocols as it affects this dreaded monster, by a sizeable population of the State.
The Government therefore warns that it will not hesitate to restore the lockdown earlier lifted by Governor Simon Bako Lalong as it views with dismay the non-compliance with regards to the wearing of face masks, social distancing, hand washing and the use of sanitizers.
Commissioner for Information and Communication Dan Manjang in a statement in Jos said Government has it on sound authority that some worship centres, markets, motor parks, commercial vehicles, tricycles (KEKE NAPEP) are at the forefront of this flagrant violation.
He said “in view of the foregoing therefore, Government hereby states categorically that such unbecoming attitude stimulates government to contemplate severe measures to address and arrest the situation. This could include among many, a total lockdown of the State, for a longer period, and the indefinite sealing of such premises who refuse to adhere to the guidelines”.
He reminded the citizens that Government by this announcement, wants the public to remember that there is an Executive Order duly signed by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG, Executive Governor of Plateau State, to prosecute violators before the law.
He said the Government does not want to be pushed to taking any decision that will further hurt the people and hereby appeals to all law abiding citizens of the state to obey the COVID-19 protocols as spelt out by the State in order to curtail the disease and save lives.

Dan Manjang,
Hon. Commissioner,
Information and Communication,
Plateau State.
22/6/2020

N-Power Batch C’ Portal To Open 26th June, Plateau State To Use Hybrid System For Enrollment Says Dr, Sumaye.

By Peter Akpah

Office Of the Executive Assistant to the Governor On Social Investment Programme,
Plateau State
22ND JUNE 2020

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE FOCAL PERSON/ EXECUTIVE
ASSISTANT TO THE GOVERNOR ON SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES
Following the announcement of the opening of Batch C NPower portal, scheduled from 26th June
2020, by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social
Development, it has become critical to enlighten the general public on the process..
We are all aware that the NPower programme commenced in 2016 with over 11,300 beneficiaries
of Batches A and B in Plateau State. In his Democracy Day broadcast on June 12, 2020 the
President commended the programme, noting that “our Social Investment Programme
has continued to be a model to other nations.” our Governor Simon Bako Lalong equally
makes similar commendation.
Batch C which will soon commence will provide opportunity for more youths to be
engaged. For this to happen, Batches A and B will exit by June and July ending
respectively. An exit plan with a focus on entrepreneurship has been put in place and
some of the beneficiaries already involved.
The public is assured that applications will be conducted using a hybrid system of
enrolment to ensure that all Nigerians are given an opportunity to participate, including
consideration for people with disability. Once the portal is opened, those that benefited
from previous NPower programmes should not apply.
The general public should note that the application is strictly online and people are
advised not to disclose their personal information to third party that may claim they are
compiling names. All applicants must personally engage with their portal all through the
process. Do not submit names to anybody for processing.
All stakeholders should support the process by providing internet facilities especially to
people in remote areas in order to increase the number of applicants in Plateau State. We
shall officially announce the authentic site and modalities for application soon.
Stay safe and avoid the spread of corona virus
Signed:
Dr Sumaye Hamza
Focal Person/Executive Assistant to the Governor-SIP

Northern Governors Meet, Take Measures To Tackle Insecurity In Region

By Peter Akpah

A photo of community attacked by bandits in Kaduna State.

Members of the Northern Governors Forum met on Thursday to review the security situation in the region.

The teleconference, which was presided over by the Chairman of the Forum and Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, held against the backdrop of recent attacks on communities in northern states by Boko Haram and bandits among other criminals.

During the meeting, the governors were concerned about the level of insecurity in the region and took some measures to address the situation.

Among other resolutions, they agreed to set up a standing committee on security in the North to foster synergy with security agencies in the enforcement of security measures in the region.

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, was named as the committee chairman with the Governors Zamfara and Gombe, Bello Matawalle and Muhammad Yahaya, as members.

Another committee headed by Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, with Governors of Adamawa, Niger, and Sokoto States – Ahmadu Fintiri, Abubakar Bello, and Aminu Tambuwal, as members, was set up on the consultation with traditional, religious and community leaders in the North.

According to a statement by the spokesperson for Governor Lalong who is also the Forum’s chairman, Dr Makut Macham, the consultative committee would ensure that there is wider involvement in tackling insecurity in the North.

The governors also resolved to engage local vigilantes, hunters, and community watch groups in the security architecture of the region, to enhance intelligence gathering, rapid response, and sustained surveillance.

They, therefore, called on the Federal Government to closely look into the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons regarding the cross-border movement of herders from other countries into Nigeria, particularly the North.

While commending the security forces for their efforts in tackling insecurity in the region, the governors called for increased synergy to enhance operations and assist in putting an end to the activities of bandits, insurgents, kidnappers and other criminals.

They also agreed to adopt dialogue where necessary while pursuing military measures in dealing with the various security challenges in the North.

On the recent attacks on communities, the governors sympathised with victims and appealed for calm by groups and those affected.

They assured the residents that the Forum, state governments, and the Federal Government were working together to bring the situation under control and address the humanitarian needs of the victims.

The governors asked the Federal Government to accelerate the Livestock Transformation Plan to assist in creating jobs for farmers and herders in the region and the country at large.

They commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his efforts to deal with the security situation in the country and the region.

:Tudun Wada, Mado Road Contract Not A Scam, Jolex construction company.

By Peter Akpah

The chairman CEO Jolex construction company chief Chinedu John K. Okponwa has praise and commended governor Simon Bako Lalong over the re-acquiring of the BARC FARM and redeeming the pride of the state according to him is a Loudable achievement and he has kept to the promise he made to the people of plateau state on assumption of office chief Chinedu make this known when some groups of journalist visited him in his office in jos over the issue of tudun wada mado road project that has so many speculations and controversy and seems abandoned by the state government.

The tudun wada community development association ably lead by Fedilis Ngwan has raised concerns over the way government neglected the project and causing more hardships to motorist and people leaving in the community this was what lead some team of journalist who where on the spot assessment to tudun wada on the invitation of the development association to see things for themselves, the people leaving in the community has accused governor of neglecting them because rumours has it that the governor said the people in Sabon gari mado and other parts of tudun wada did not vote for him so he will not complete the project, the team of journalist after the on the spot assessment interview various stakeholders and community leaders who has said similar thing of the governor’s negligence of the project by not providing funds to the contractor to finish the work, so the team of journalist went to visit the contractor handling the project which is JOLEX construction company and met with the CEO Chief chinedu to hear his own side of the story according to chief chinedu he said the governor has not neglected the project and the entire community but the simple reason is the state is running shot of cash and couple with the covid-19 pandemic it has stop virtually every thing in the state, Chief chinedu also siad if the government has neglected the community why then did they captured the project in the 2020 budget and allocating the sum of 200,00000 million naira to the project so is not true if someone said the government is not doing anything he said.

He further clear the air that governor Lalong has promised not to live any uncompleted projects and the governor has taken upon himself to complete all uncompleted projects left by the pass administeration and he promise to consolidate on his achievements and according to him in no time soon work will commence in full in the community, so the rumours going round that the contract is a scam by the state government is totally wrong and the public should disregard such and instead support the government in the good work they are doing.

Chief chinedu also said he is a man of reputation he had handle contracts in Adamawa, Bauchi, and in plateau and host of other state and he has not left any one uncompleted projects and the case of plateau won’t be different as governor Lalong is committed to the project he has awarded and they well definitely complete it by God grace he said, and he said part of the money given to him he paid some Compensation and did so much blast and good quality water way and some major bridges that the community has challenges with during rainning season and so many earthworks, and they have been filling some place that the rain affect and is causing them so much money but they have to do it to keep maintaining the road before any further work, and when he was asked if he has collected the 200,000000 million allocated to the project in the budget he said no but process to collect the money was already on the way before the issue of covid-19 came up and stopped so many things but he is confident that any moment the government will release the money for work to continue in all the areas as they have been doing little little work because of the raining season and the issue raised about the road to the governor’s in-law place he said is not intentional but is done because is a busy road and they decided to start from the tudun wada pack and is not because is the governor’s in-laws house that was done and the project won’t end there as people think once the mobilize them more all the remaining parts will be touch and more compensation will be paid to pave way for further work and expansion.

PLATEAU GOVERNMENT DECRIES NON-ADHERENCE TO COVID-19 GUIDELINES, TO COMMENCE STRICT ENFORCEMENT.

By Peter Akpah

Plateau State Government has decried the lack of adherence to guidelines for COVID-19 by most individuals and some organisations following the suspension of the lockdown order by Governor Simon Lalong on 11th June, 2020.

The Government notes the flagrant disregard for the compulsory use of face masks by all citizens outside their homes where many go about without any.

There is also high disregard to social distancing requirement in public places such as markets, shops, hotels, social centres, restaurants, public transport and some places of worship.

Some others have chosen to ignore the provision of water, soap and sanitizers in entrances to such public places thereby constituting greater risk to the citizens.

In addition, some people have also organised large gatherings and social gatherings in contravention of the directive of the Governor.

All this has led to an increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the State which as at Wednesday 17th June, 2020 stand at 180 persons.

Based on the above therefore, government hereby warns against non compliance to its directives. Monitoring teams have been put in place to monitor and enforce compliance. This takes immediate effect.

Anyone found to be violating the COVID-19 guidelines will be arrested and prosecuted while public places will be shut down and also prosecuted.

Government wishes to remind the citizens that COVID-19 is real and still without cure while community spread continues to be occurring.

All citizens must take personal responsibility for their health and the health of others.

Dan Manjang
Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communication.
17th June 2020.

Reps Query Home-grown School Feeding Programme

By Peter Akpah

The House of Representatives has queried the Federal Government’s home-grown school feeding programme.

The Special Adviser to the President on School Feeding Programme, Dotun Adebayo confirmed this on Wednesday.

Speaking before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, he said that states engage the schools and cooks while the Federal Government makes the payments.

The lawmakers are requesting the details of the cooks engaged, as well as the pupils.

In a similar situation some cross section people in jos have also called the home grown school feeding programme in plateau state as a scam and call on the house of assembly and the house of representatives to also investigate the programme as less children benefits from it and the food being given is very poor in diet, and at most times very limited numbers of pupils get the food and not as speculated.
An elderly man in plateau a season politician and a well known figure both in plateau and the National level who don’t want his name disclose has told some cross section of journalist that he is personally going to petition the programme in the state to the National Assembly according to him they have been in talks with some senators and house of reps members on how to go about it if the governor did not monitor the exercise himself by taking on the spot assessment without announcing of his coming he should take them by surprise and see things for himself he will be shocked because he has done his own investigation and have visited most of the schools and see things for himself and he was very disappointed according to him he has pictures of the foods and how the pupils are being served very poorly he also said virtually there are supposed to be a change of people handling it as he has expected that but the governor is adamant about it and it will cost the state at the long run he said.

BREAKING: Acting APC Chairman, Giadom Cancells Edo Governorship Screening

By Peter Akpah

President Buhari To Swear In Ministers August 21

The Acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Victor Giadom has cancelled the screening for the Edo State governorship primary.

Mr. Giadom explained that he has taken over based on a previous court order empowering him to do so.

According to him, he has the backing of the members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Meeting Between FG, Resident Doctors Ends In Deadlock

By peter Akpah

The meeting between the Federal Government delegation and the National Association of Resident Doctors on Tuesday ended in a deadlock.

The striking doctors refused to reconvene after a brief recess and their president, Dr Aliyu Sokomba, told Journalist that they are not ready to shift position until their demands are met.

However, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige insists that the meeting was successful, as most of the demands are being resolved

He later noted that the representatives of the striking doctors have informed them that their members do not agree with the resolutions from the meeting so far, and as such cannot call off the strike until some tangible evidence of commitment from the government is received.

Also speaking, the Minister of Health says the government has the obligation to protect the health of citizens, and since the doctors are not ready to resume, certain steps must be taken.

He also noted that a circular has been sent out to all government hospitals to open a register from Wednesday, to take note of doctors that will resume for work.

The register closes by 12:00 pm.

This comes days after the doctors embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike.

According to Sokomba, the union took the decision to go on strike as a result of the failed series of meetings between the doctors and the Federal Government in the last two weeks.

He said the meetings have failed to resolve the lingering industrial disputes which include the non-payment of special allowances for the resident doctors.

He also decried the deplorable state of hospitals and the lack of protective equipment for members of the union treating COVID-19 patients.

Dr Sokomba added that this has exposed many of their colleagues to coronavirus and resulted in the death of some of them.

Sen. Ajimobi To Serve As Acting APC National Chairman After Oshiomhole Suspension Verdict

By Peter Akpah

former Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday elevated Sen. Abiola Ajimobi to serve as its acting National Chairman after the Court of Appeal upheld the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole.

Sen. Ajimobi was the party’s Deputy National Chairman for the southern region and is a former Governor of Oyo state.

In a statement signed by party spokesman Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu late Tuesday, the APC said its National Working Committee (NWC) had been guided by the party’s legal department in line with the provisions its constitution.

“According to Section 14.2. (iii),of the APC constitution, the Deputy National Chairman, North/South ‘Shall act as the National Chairman in the absence of the National Chairman from his zone’,” the statement said.

The Court of Appeal, earlier on Tuesday, had upheld the suspension of erstwhile National Chairman, Oshiomhole, by an Abuja High Court.

Ruling on the interlocutory appeal filed by Comrade Oshiomhole, the appellate court upheld the decision of the Federal Capital Territory High Court delivered by Justice Danlami Senchi which in March ordered the suspension of Oshiomhole as well as restraining him from parading himself as the National Chairman of the party.

Read the full statement:

Sen. Abiola Ajimobi to Serve As APC Acting National Chairman

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has received the news indicating the Appeal Court has upheld the suspension of the Party’s National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole by an FCT High Court pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Guided by advice from the Party’s legal department in line with the provisions of Section 14.2. (iii) of the Party’s constitution, the Deputy National Chairman (South), Sen. Abiola Ajimobi will serve as the Party’s Acting National Chairman.

According to Section 14.2. (iii),of the APC constitution, the Deputy National Chairman, North/South “Shall act as the National Chairman in the absence of the National Chairman from his zone”.

SIGNED
Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)

Governor Lalong Re-acquire BARC FARM

By Peter Akpah

PLATEAU RE-ACTIVATES BARC FARM AS GOVERNOR LALONG FLAGS OFF

Plateau State has commenced its post-COVID-19 economic recovery plan with the re-acquistion of the Brewery Agro Research Company (BARC) Farms in Zallaki Village in Bassa Local Government.
To begin the process of making the moribund farm functional, Governor Simon Lalong and members of his cabinet visited the farm on Saturday 13th June 2020 to flag off the allocation of one thousand hectares to members of All Farmers Association, interested civil servants, pensioners, political office holders and members of the host community under a temporary arrangement.
Governor Lalong said the re-acquisition of BARC Farms was a very bold step to return the pride of Plateau State and create jobs by reviving commercial agriculture which the farm was reputed for.
He said, “In its days of glory, the farm was into cultivation of dry and irrigated crops such as grain, vegetable and tree crops; cattle ranches; poultry farms with parent and hatchery units; Piggery-rearing of pigs; Abattoir for poultry, pigs and cattle; as well as operated a big dam for fishery”.

He said so far, the Government has paid one billion naira for the re-acquisition of BARC Farm shares, representing about 70 percent of the total sum, and hoping to complete the balance before the end of the year.
He expressed hope that at the long run, the Farm which has potential for occupying over 30% to 40% share of the Agro-allied market in Nigeria, will leverage on its existing structures to cultivate crops that the State has comparative advantage in.

Commissioner for Agriculture Dr. Hosea Finangwai said Government was aware of the concerns about security and the deplorable road infrastructure leading to the farm and is already taking steps to address those fears to re-assure the farmers of their safety and investment.
Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Mr. Abe Mark Aku and the General Manager, Plateau Investments and Properties Company Mr. Chrys Yilzak adviced the people of Plateau State especially civil servants to support the Governor by embracing farming so as to create other sources of income particularly at this time when COVID-19 has greatly impacted the State’s resources.
The Governor also presented letters of offer, fertilisers and other other farm inputs before ploughing one of the plots.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State 13th June, 2020.