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Lalong’ Appeal To All Citizens of Plateau To Put The Interest of Peace & Stability of The State And Shun Personal, Religious & Political Sentiments.

By Peter Akpah

PLATEAU HOLDS SERVICE TO MARK DEMOCRACY DAY AND 5TH YEAR OF GOVERNOR LALONG’S TENURE.

It was a solemn but reflective moment for Christians in Plateau State as they held a church service to mark the 2020 Democracy Day and also commemorate the 5th year in office for the Rescue Administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong.
The service which was held at the Government House Chapel, Rayfield Jos under COVID-19 guidelines, was attended by Governor Simon Lalong, his wife Regina, as well as Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden, his wife and other top Government officials.
Governor Lalong in a remark, gave thanks to God for the opportunity to serve the people of Plateau State at this period of time and in the last five years where so much was done to stabilise the State and restore it to the the path of unity and progress.
He said “Let me use this opportunity to appreciate God for giving me and my Deputy, Prof. Sonni Tyoden the privilege to serve the people of Plateau State in the last five years. At the same time, we thank the people of the State for giving us their mandate during the 2015 and 2019 elections. We recognize that they had many choices among the many aspirants and candidates, but settled for our ticket and the APC. We cannot take this for granted as we are humbled by this responsibility bestowed upon us to work for the peace, progress and development of Plateau State”.
Lalong who promised to give the details of what his administration has been able to achieve during the address he will be making in the coming days to mark the 2020 democracy day, however said he remains determined to do his best in providing purposeful leadership that inspires confidence; supports peaceful coexistence; delivers basic services and infrastructure to the people; as well as leave behind lasting legacies for generations yet to come.
Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Rev. Fr. David Ajang challenged those in power to do all within their capacity to serve the people with integrity, justice and empathy particularly at this time when the world is contending with the Corona Virus.
He commended Governor Lalong and his team for touching the lives of the people of the State in the last five years despite many challenges.
Chief Judge of the State Justice Gyang Dakwak said Nigerians must continue to work for the strenthing of democratic tenets that are founded on the rule of law, justice, accountability and good governance.
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Plateau State Rev. Dr. Soja Bewarang in a goodwill message acknowledged the restoration of peace and confidence in the State due to proactive steps taken by the government of Simon Lalong and also called for more attention to first generation schools in the State which need rehabilitation.
APC Chairman Letep Dabang in a remark said the Governor has remained focussed in implementing the vision of the party by carrying everyone along in the State and embarking on projects that are people oriented.

Reps’ Simon Mwadkwon Donates 2 million To BEWDA & BYM.

By Peter Akpah

REP. SIMON MWADKWON, PH.D DONATES N2 MILLION TO BEWDA & BYM, LAUDS THEIR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS/CONTRIBUTIONS

The Member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency Plateau State, Rep. Simon Mwadkwon, Ph.D on Saturday 6th June, 2020 paid surprise visit to the leadership of the Berom Women Development Association (BEWDA) and Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM).

The essence of the visit was to interface with them and to have firsthand information about their activities.

In all the places visited, Dr. Simon Mwadkwon lauded the giant strides being down by the leaderships of the two groups. He commended their landmark achievements and contributions to the unity, prosperity and growth of the Berom Nation.

The Federal Lawmaker said Human Capital Development remains critical and priority to him.

“We are committed to building the capacity of the people and transforming the Federal Constituency through people-oriented projects and legislation”

“The first motion i raised in the 9th National Assembly was the humanitarian plights of the people which drew the attention of the Speaker to write to the relevant authorities for necessary intervention.” He said.

He lauded the efforts of BEWDA towards education and skills acquisition which he said is strategic to human development. Dr. Mwadkwon lauded their efforts aimed at promoting, projecting, protecting and sustaining the Berom culture and tradition urging them to continue on that path to ensure the culture doesn’t go into extinction.

The Legislator donated N1 million each to the two organisations and promised to do more when the need arises.

In her remark, BEWDA President Ngo Florence Jambol who was in company of other Executive Members lauded the visit of the Federal Lawmaker and commended his impressive legislative engagement describing him as a true and worthy Ambassador of the people. She said Women are peacemakers and as Mothers they are confronted with numerous challenges especially the resettlement of the displaced in the Federal Constituency and others. She said they want the humanitarian intervention accorded certain States such as Zamfara, Borno, Yobe etc to be extended to Plateau State which has suffered great violent crisis with many persons killed & displaced.
She posited that women and children are facing serious humanitarian challenges which need to be addressed to give them sense of belonging.

BYM-A President, Arc. Gabriel Sunday commended the Federal Lawmaker for being a voice to the people and prioritizing youth development.
He appreciated the Legislator for being supportive to the youths and called on him to continue with that gesture. He also lauded the humanitarian interventions of the Legislator to the people.

The Federal Lawmaker and his entourage were taken round the proposed 1000 capacity Auditorium being built by the BYM President and other Executives calling on the Federal Lawmaker to assist where necessary.

They assured him of prayers and support all the time to enable him excel and perform creditably well. The leadership who could not hide their joy lauded the donation of the Member and said it will go a long way to assisting them.

In the entourage of the Federal Lawmaker were his Senior Legislative Aide Jackson Daniel Dashwei, his Chief of Staff, Pharm. John Chun, Media Aide, Kim Victor and other Members of his Directorate.

Cmr. Friday Bako
Director, Media & Publicity to Rep. Simon Mwadkwon, Ph.D

Lalong Congratulates The newly Elected Leadership Of CAN.

By Peter Akpah

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES NEW PLATEAU CAN LEADERSHIP: TASKS THEM ON UNITY AND PEACE.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated the newly elected Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State Chapter Rev. Fr. Polycarb Lubo and other members of the Executive Council following their election on Saturday 6th June 2020.
In a congratulatory message, the Governor said the peaceful election where the new leadership emerged demonstrates the unity and oneness within the Church on the Plateau which should be sustained by the new CAN Executive.
He said “You should see your election as another affirmation of your calling in the Lord’s vineyard as you serve not only those of the Christian faith, but the society at large. You should always remember that the society today is in need of love, healing, truth and justice which our Lord Jesus Christ admonished us to offer especially at times like this. Use your new offices to propagate these and other tenets of Christianity”.
Lalong also advised the new CAN leadership to work towards closing the gaps among different denominations and reaching out to people of other faiths so as to build understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
He assured them that his administration will remain receptive to their counsel at any time, as well as count on their prayers for God’s guidance in the business of governance.
Lalong also thanked the outgoing CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Soja Bewarang and members of his EXCO for their support and prayers towards the success of the Rescue Administration.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
7th May 2020.

Breaking” Rev Father Polycap Lubo Emerges New CAN’ Chairman Plateau State.

By Peter Akpah

Rev Fr. Polycarp Lubo of Archdiocese of Jos and the parish prest of St Micheal Angul D, emerges as new CAN Chairman, Plateau State,in a keenly contested elections with 43 votes out of 79, while Rev Dr Stephen Dangana of the CPFN/PFN with 36 votes to emerge the Vice Chairman.

Rt.Rev (Bishop) Stanley Fube of the CCN Block emerged Secretary of CAN with 52 votes to Snr. Apostole Ewurum of OAIC Block to become the Assistant Secretary with 23 votes.

Rev Dr David Laje of the TEKAN/ECWA Block became the CAN Treasurer unopposed.
The newly elected officials of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Plateau State Chapter is to serve for four years for the first term.

The election which took place at EYN head quarters in jos was well attended by the Christian faithfuls and was free and fair Rev polycap Lubo who brief journalist after the election said he will work to unit the Christian faith and also the Muslims, and also support the government and he will stand as an inspiration to the government and Advice them on the right directions, and take every body along and move CAN to a greater heights, and he also said the church will follow all the relevant guideline put in place by NCDC and also call on government to support them mostly in the area of fumigation as NCDC required he said government assistance will really help to cushion the effects.

He also use the opportunity to thank the good people of plateau state and the whole entire Christian faith for the support and prayers, and all on all other individuals to come and support the CAN and let them put all hands on deck to move the association and unit Christians all over the world.

WHO Resumes Use Of Hydroxychloroquine In Fight Against COVID-19, PTF Affirms

By Peter Akpah

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has affirmed that the World Health Organization has resumed its use of Hydroxychloroquine in the fight against COVID-19.

This was confirmed by the Chairman of the Committee and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, during the PTF’s briefing.

The PTF Chairman warned however, that Nigerians must desist from rushing to buy the drug in a bid to self medicate.

Boss Mustapha also noted that overseeing the second phase of the ease of lockdown is a critical role which state governments must play diligently.

Mr Mustapha reminded the public on the need to comply with the guidelines for worship centers, insisting that compliance is very important at this time.

The Secretary General assured that the PTF will continue to monitor situations across the country and stressed that the committee will not hesitate to review its decisions if need be.

He urged members of the public to cooperate with the government and health authorities when it comes to contact tracing.

Edo, Ondo Elections: Falana Calls For Maximum Security To Douse Tension

By Peter Akpah

Mr Femi Falana

Human Rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Femi Falana, has called for maximum security in Edo and Ondo states.

Falana made this call on Wednesday during the Citizens’ Townhall on Voting Amidst COVID-19 ahead of the September 19 governorship elections in the two states.

He noted that the move is necessary in order to douse the tensions that may arise as campaigns will soon begin.

The senior lawyer argued that unlike the local council polls in Cross River and Benue States where the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) swept all the seats, the governorship elections on September 19 will draw opposition parties participating in the exercise.

“You had a Local Government election in Cross River State and Benue State last Saturday, the opposition did not participate because the opposition would have wasted its funds by participating.

“In Cross River State, for instance, the 18 Chairmanship seats were won by the PDP while the 196 Councillorship seats were won by the ruling party.

“Ditto for Benue where 23 chairmanship seats were won by the PDP and of course the 276 councillorship seats were won by the ruling party, but it is going to be different in Ondo and Edo states where you are talking of opposition political parties slugging it out with the ruling political party.

“So tensions will be high, you will need maximum security to guarantee law and order in both states and then monitor some of the political leaders in those two states,” he said.

Falana also predicted a low turnout of voters on the Election Day, asking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide facemasks to electorates who may not be able to afford it in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I Don’t Think INEC Should Provide Face Masks To All Voters – Professor Of Pol Science

By Peter Akpah

A Professor of political science, Adele Jinadu, has said that it is not feasible for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide face masks for all the voters in the upcoming Edo and Ondo state governorship elections.

Professor Jinadu said this on Wednesday, during a Citizens Townhall On Voting Amidst COVID-19.

“My point is not that INEC cannot provide but that we also as citizens have the responsibility to assist INEC in doing its work and making the elections take place.

“It is not feasible for INEC to provide masks for every voter. But there are activism groups all over the country who can assist in doing that as part of their own contribution to the electoral process,” he said.

His comments come days after the INEC boss, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said the commission is set to proceed with the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states despite the COVID-19.

According to Mahmoud, although the pandemic has disrupted activities globally, the PTF has now issued guidelines on protective measures for the gradual restoration of normalcy nationwide.

On that basis, he noted that the Commission recently released its own policy on conducting elections in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a document titled Voter’s Code of Conduct for Elections during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the INEC noted that wearing of facemasks at the Polling Units and all election centers is mandatory.

It, however, noted that voters should make provisions for their own face masks.

See the full list of guidelines below.

Giving a breakdown of the expected figures, the INEC boss said: “The Edo and Ondo Governorship elections, as well as the five Senatorial and four State Assembly bye-elections, are spread across nine states of the Federation involving a cumulative number of 62 Local Government Areas (LGAs); 687 Registration Areas (RAs); 9,149 Polling Units (PUs) and 6,454,950 registered voters.

“Put in the context of our sub-region, the number of registered voters for these off-season elections is equivalent to holding General Elections in Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone and Cape Verde put together,”.

I’ Won’t Interfere’ With The Choice of The Southern Senatorial Bye Election’ Lalong.

By Peter Akpah GOVERNOR LALONG IS A DEMOCRAT AND FATHER TO ALL – Manjang.Plateau State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Simon Lalong and Chairman, Nineteen Northern Governors Forum, is a democrat and father to all.
As such, he does not interfere or peddle influence in the democratic choice of citizens to favour a particular person or group of persons.
State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Dan Manjang made the declaration in a statement made available to news men in Jos where he absolved the Governor of allegedly “anointing” an aspirant for the up coming Plateau South Senatorial bye election.
Manjang said as a product and pillar of democracy, Lalong is conscious of the right of citizens in making free choices at all times.
He explained that the Governor never imposed himself on the electorate but faced them each time he contested elections.
The Commissioner stated that all aspirants for the bye election are free to woo APC delegates and members for the primary election, noting that anyone who emerges winner becomes the candidate of the party and that of the Governor.
Manjang dismissed those dragging Governor Lalong’s name into the mud with regards to the APC primary election for the Plateau South Senatorial District bye election as merchants of conflict who want to cause disharmony and disrupt the peace of the party.
The Commissioner said what should pre occupy genuine APC members now is a successful primary and to reclaim the Senate seat left vacant following the death of Senator Ignatius Longjan and not throwing tissues of disaffection against Governor Lalong.

APC” To Loss Bye Election Over UnResolved Differences.

By Peter Akpah

APC to lose in general election if the governor annoint the wrong candidate this was disclosed to sourcenews24 in Kwa and some parts of Quanpa’an as the senatorial bye election draws closer a party Stonewart Norbert D Lankwap popularly known as garkuwan PDP in kwande district, he said from the way the rulling party APC is going they are likely to make a mistake, Quanpa’an has a history of PDP and chief John Dafaan knows virtually all of them and he stand a better chance to give PDP a good fight if given the opportunity according to him, Norbert garkuwan PDP further said a critical analysis that them the PDP in kwande and Quanpa’an as a whole has more advantage if the governor annoint prof Nora Ladi Daduut that will make it easier for them, and as for him in PDP the man to bit is Rt Hon George Daika because he has structures virtually everywhere mostly in the southern zone.

He gave some analogy of choice of candidate should be the choice of the people because according to him imposition of candidates that is not people’s choice will be a suicide by the governor because politics of today has gone pass that the people will vote for who they want, he said PDP as a party suffered that in the 2015 general elections where PDP has the money and the security but people mandate at the end supersedes them all and that is what lead to APC winning and coming into pawer and APC is about to repeat the same kind of mistake PDP make, and he also talk about Isaac Kwallu that he is a young and vibrant politician but he is only popular in Quanpa’an and has a lots to gain in politics if only he will exercise patience and build himself and on like chief John Dafaan who is popular since during chief Joshua Chibi Dariye and former governor of plateau during the PDP, Norbert who said they have been interacting with some of the APC Stonewart in Quanpa’an has shown clearly that there is a crack in the APC, because in Quanpa’an alone APC brought so many candidates and rumours going round in Quanpa’an Shows the the current Chief of staff Noel Donjur is responsible for the candidate of Prof Nora Ladi Daduut, as she have a Goemai blood in her so Quanpa’an people will never support her and will rather prefer to give it to chief John Dafaan or Isaac Kwallu or any person in Quanpa’an and if otherwise give a Mikan person and so far in Mikan is only Rt Hon George Daika that has indicated interest, he further explain some laxity of the APC for not making a consultation he said politics should not be all about vendetta servitude, when differences are solved it helps the party to grow he pointed out the issue between the governor and Chief John Dafaan according to him till this moment he don’t know what is their problem but that is their Own Cup of tea because he is after PDP to win the bye election.

COVID-19: PTF submits recommendations on reopening of schools, places of worship.

By Peter Akpah

The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 on Sunday submitted parts of its recommendations on partial reopening of schools, places of worship and some additional businesses for possible consideration by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The chairman of the PTF, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, made this known to State House correspondents at the end of a closed door meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the PTF has no problem with state governments that ordered reopening of places of worship in view of the power given to the states to do so by the constitution, adding that the states are sub-nationals.

He said: “That’s part of what we have considered in its totality. We will await Mr President’s on that, once I receive his approval, going forward, to certain recommendations we have put in place, we will know how that would happen.

“The issue of easing up, you know we are in the first phase, we had an extension of two weeks for the first phase, the next phase should be the second phase and along with that will come in with a lot of recommendations, which we expect Mr President to consider.

“So, the issues of places of worship; the issues of schools; the issues of some certain businesses that were not opened hitherto are part of the packages that we have looked at.

“We have made the appropriate recommendations, but you know that Mr President is the only one that can take decisions in respect of that.

“In the framework, the states are sub-nationals, they have their own responsibilities too.

“So, it is in the exercise of those responsibilities that they had meetings with those religious bodies and agreed on the guidelines and protocols on how they open up, but in the framework of the national response we are taking that into consideration.’’

On whether Nigeria is winning the fight against COVID-19, considering the rate of infections, Mustapha said:

“We are winning. As a matter of fact, you juxtapose the rate of cases with our fatality rate, which is basically about three per cent, in other countries and other climes, it’s over 10 per cent.

“But the most important thing that you will realise, when we started this exercise, we had only five testing stations, now we’ve ramped it up to 28, without the expected increase in the number of deaths.

“We have gone beyond 60,000 now, that reflects in the number of confirmed cases

“We have not reached the peak yet and I won’t want to fool Nigerians by telling them that we are out of the woods. No, we are not out of the woods.

“As we even open up and accommodate more enterprises, because we are trying to have a balance between livelihoods and life, there’s a likelihood of increase in transmission in cases,’’ he said.

Mustapha assured that essential parts of the economy would continue opening up to boost socio-economic activities across the country.

“We have started, even in the first phase and the extension that came with it.

“Essential parts of the economy was opening up by way of allowing agricultural production, people that produce fertilizers.

“The oil and gas industry was never closed for one day and some aspects of the financial sector were opened.

“After we receive Mr President’s approval tonight or tomorrow morning, we will now know which segment of the economy he has allowed to open,’’ he further revealed.