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Lalong’ Assures Children of a Bright Future ” As They Celebrate Children day

By Peter Akpah

GOVERNOR LALONG CELEBRATES NIGERIAN CHILDREN, ASSURES THEM OF A BRIGHT FUTURE.

Plateau State Governor and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, Simon Bako Lalong has celebrated Nigerian children on the occasion of the 2020 Children’s Day.

Governor Lalong in a special message described children as the hope of Nigeria who deserve all the love and care available to prepare them for the future as they grow to take over the responsibility of leadership.

He said “Though this year’s children’s day is being marked in a low key manner owing to the Corona virus pandemic, the significance of the Children’s Day cannot be lost because they remain the heartbeat of our society and hold the key to our future. We must therefore continue to invest in their education, health and psychological development so as to prepare them for the task ahead “.

He said his Rescue Administration has continued to provide a better environment for Plateau Children by improving the quality of education and healthcare, as well as protecting them against all forms of abuse.

He also explained that the Government decided to put in place online, radio and television lessons to help children keep up with learning despite the closure of schools because of COVID-19.

Lalong also used the occasion to assure Nigerians that the decision to remove all Amajiri children from the streets and return them to their parents is borne out of the need to safeguard their future by integrating them back into the society where they can access education and proper care.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
27th May 2020.

No Man Can Stop Me From Returning As Edo Governor – Obaseki

By Peter Akpah

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki says he is confident of returning to power as the first man of the state because “power comes from God.”

The governor who disclosed this on Wednesday, in an interview noted that he is a man of peace, not a violent person.

“I am not a violent person. But I am confident that the way I got into power is the same way I will return.

“God gave me power. If he wants me to return I will continue. No man can stop me. Power comes from God,” he said.

Obaseki speaking concerning violence during election said he has always canvassed for peace and believes election should not lead to bloodshed.

The governor who also spoke concerning the political rift within his party the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, stated that he is not distracted, adding that his focus is on developing Edo State.

“We have always canvassed for peace. What are the issues in Edo and what are the issues that cannot be resolved in a democracy. Our concern is to use the resources of the people to develop the state.

“This shouldn’t lead to bloodshed. We will not accept to be cowed and intimidated because some people think that they can manipulate rules and cut corners,” he added.

When asked if it’s not the resources of the people of Edo State that was used for him to become the governor, Obaseki said, “I have friends with resources. I worked for eight years behind the scene before I became governor.

“So all that insinuations about using somebody’s resources…I became Governor on the platform of the party and I am grateful for it.”

He expressed confidence that the rule of law will prevail in the forthcoming Edo State election because he is sure that Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari believes in the rule of law and will allow things to be done openly.

Obaseki further noted that he is not in contest with anyone, stressing that he is confident of victory.

“It does not matter whether it is direct or indirect (primaries), I will win,” he said.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling APC, currently led by the National Chairman of the party and former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole had earlier on May 22 announced its decision to adopt direct primary for the coming governorship primaries in Edo State scheduled to hold on June 22.

NASS Cuts Short Holiday To Consider Revised Budget

By Peter Akpah

Federal lawmkers will have to suspend their recess and reconvene to consider the 2020 revised budget.

The clerk of the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori, made this announcement in a memo dated May 26, asking the lawmakers to resume sitting on the 28th of May.

Both chambers of the National Assembly had adjourned on the 19th of May till the 2nd of June to allow members celebrate Eid-El-Fitr.

The Federal Government had in April, cut down the 2020 budget by over N320 billion and proposed a new budget of N10.27 trillion against the N10.59 trillion passed by the National Assembly.

According to the government, this cut is based on the global economic realities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as recent crisis in the oil market.

Over 500 Ghost Projects Approved In 2019 Budget For NDDC – Acting MD

By Peter Akpah

President Buhari ordered a forensic audit of NDDC operations in 2019.

The acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Professor Kemebradikumo Pondei has alleged that the agency’s 2019 budget was padded with about 500 non-existing projects.

Professor Pondei, who spoke to journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, explained that a huge amount of money was appropriated for bogus projects.

He was reacting to allegations of corruption levelled against the Commission’s interim management committee.

Pondei, a Professor of Medicine at the Niger Delta University, was appointed by Buhari in February 2020.

In October 2019, President Buhari ordered a forensic audit of the operations of the NDDC.

Pondei is leading the President’s forensic audit.

“We discovered that after NDDC forwarded its budget to the national assembly committees on NDDC, what was sent back to the commission was no longer recognisable,” Pondei said.

“The 2019 budget was classically over padded, with almost 500 new projects inserted to it when it was sent back to us.

“We found out the budget appropriation was done in such a way that meaningful projects were allocated very little sums of money.

“It is unfortunate that the 2019 budget will expire on May 31 without any project executed in the region. It was passed two months to the end of its implementation period.”

Pondei also alleged that some members of the national assembly have put pressure on the agency not to submit certain files to forensic auditors.

Lalong Congratulates Rotimi Amaechi @55

By Peter Akpah

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR CONGRATULATES MINISTER OF TRANSPORT, ROTIMI AMAECHI @ 55.

Plateau State Governor and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, Simon Bako Lalong has rejoiced with the Minister of Transport Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on his 55th birthday.
Governor Lalong in a congratulatory message to the former Governor of Rivers State, described him as an achiever whose antecedents and achievements call for thanksgiving to God who has given him the privilege of service to Nigerians and humanity.
Lalong said, “I join all your friends, family, associates and well-wishers in rejoicing with you as you mark another year. No doubt, God has been favourable to you and given you the privilege to serve your immediate community and the people of Nigeria in various capacities over the years. You have not failed in discharging your responsibilities with honesty, diligence and passion thereby changing the lives of ordinary people”.
He also asked the celebrant to continue to remain resolute and principled in matters concerning the peace, progress and unity of Nigeria as he has demonstrated over the years.
“Right from the time you were Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly to when you became Governor, and now Minister of Transport, you have left no one in doubt that you are a stickler to excellence, due process and justice. You have therefore left indelible footprints behind you, and Nigerians are today witnessing a revolution in the Transport Industry particularly the Railway sector since you took over. I pray God to give you the grace to continue to assist Mr. President as he restores the sector to full operations” Lalong said.
While wishing him many more years of joy and happiness, Lalong asked the Minister to continue to give his best to the growth and sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy, especially given his contributions in the Ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) which he played a key role in its emergence, as well as victory at the polls in 2015 and 2019.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR,
Director of Press & Public Affairs to,
the Governor of Plateau State.
27th May 2020.

Delta Community Issues Quit Notice To Herdsmen

By Peter Akpah

Herdsmen resident in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State have been issued a seven-day ultimatum to vacate bushes they are residing in the council.

This is following an executive order given to them by the Local Government Chairman, Louis Ndukwe.

The executive order directs the herders to vacate the bushes within seven days or have their structures demolished.

Oshimili North local government plays host to a handful of Fulani herders. The local government Chairman, however notes that the decision to evict the herders is due to the increasing rate of kidnapping, killing, maiming among other crimes and security challenges.

“The ultimatum is a seven-day ultimatum. That doesn’t mean that some amendments or waivers would not be given. Or extension of time but the important thing to note is that we will come down heavily on defaulters.

“We have agreed with traditional rulers and stakeholders. We have informed the police and other security agencies.

“What we are saying is enough is enough. We don’t want to accommodate anybody in our bushes anymore. It’s about the security of our people.

“If you want to live in Oshimili Local Government, buy a piece of land and stop living in bushes,” the local government chairman told Channels Television.

Unsatisfied with this directive, the herders took to Benin-Asaba highway in protest.

The herders including men, women and children carried placards with various inscriptions insisting they are not criminals but law-abiding citizens who were born in Delta State.

Their spokesperson, Idris Abubakar, said they are legal occupants of Oshimili and they pay rents.

“The Federal Government should come to our aid so they can allow us stay as legal occupants. The government should come to our aid and halt the local Government Chairman from passing this so-called executive order.

“Whoever is living in any place is a legal occupant of that place. We have receipts that they gave to us. We pay tenancy each year,” Abubakar said.

The Local Government Chairman, Ndukwe, in response to the protesters insists that the plan is not to victimise any tribe or persons but to rid the bushes of criminals who have used the bushes to perpetrate crimes.

Sen’ Hezekiah Dimka” Pay’s Condolences Visit To Late Rinji Peter Bala Family .

By Peter Akpah

SENATOR HEZEKIAH DIMKA VISITS LATE RINJI PETER BALA FAMILY IN JOS.

Distinguished Senator Hezekiah Dimka visited the family of late Rinji Peter Bala who was shot by a security Operative in Jos some weeks ago.

Senator Dimka led a high powered delegation of his aides,acquaintances to meet with the family of his Slained Constituent.

When it happened,the Distinguished Senator called the father of the deceased twice to commiserate with the family and assured that He will be with the family in person when he arrives Jos after series of legislative duties amidst the Covid19 pandemic in Abuja.

“this death is very painful and unacceptable” Dimka re-echoes.

“I understand what the father is going through,some might not feel it the way I feel until it’s happens you.

I remember when I lost my son in an accident,the expererience was traumatic and devastating,it was only God that helped me pull through that experience”.

I am praying with the family and it’s is only God that can console you at this moment of grief, the Senator stated.

The Senator told the family how he has already got in contact with some lawyers show are willing to take up the case to support them in all proceedings as it has to be done within the ambience of the law.

While responding on behalf of the Family,Mr Peter Bala the father of the deceased appreciates the coming of the Senator and says the family has forgiven but justice must be done according to the law of the land to forestall future reoccurrence as he counts in the distinguished Senator who is a former top police boss to use his legislative might to see that Justice is seen to be done.

Prof SS Shikyil, Nde Lukolm Ngolong Gungji all spoke about the painful death during the condilence visit today.

Makut Alfred Mashat
SSA NEW MEDIA
To Distinguished Senator Hezekiah Dimka
Chairman,Senate House Committee On Drugs & Narcotics

Africa Day 2020: Buhari Says No Development Without Peace

By Peter Akpah

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for peace on the continent as a prerequisite for sustainable development.

In a message to African leaders to mark the ”Africa Day 2020,” commemorated by the African Union Commission in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), President Buhari said Africa has given the world a new hope by choosing the theme ”Silencing the Guns in the context of the COVID-19” for this year’s Africa Day.

He stressed the need for African leaders to ensure that every effort is made to ensure the success of silencing the guns on the continent, emphasizing the need to sensitize Africans about the inseparable connection between peace and development.

”Peace, security, unity and harmony are prerequisites for development in Africa,” the Nigerian leader said, urging citizens all over the continent to innovate on how ”Silencing the Guns” can be used to achieve peace and grow African economies.

He also urged regional economic groups, civil society organisations and the private sector in Africa to take full ownership of the theme of this year’s celebration to strengthen collaborative efforts among member-countries of the African Union.

Africa Day is observed annually on 25 May, to commemorate the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the precursor of the African Union, which was created on 25 May 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Plateau State National Assembly Caucus Donated To Covid-19 Fund.

By Peter Akpah

In what could be described as “putting aside political differences” for the progress of Plateau State, members of the National Assembly Caucus from the State were at the Government House, Rayfield in Jos to present their donation to Governor Simon Bako Lalong towards the fight against COVID-19.

The delegation which was led by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Idris Maje, donated an undisclosed sum of money to the Plateau State COVID-19 Trust Fund so as to assist Government deal with the pandemic.

The Deputy Speaker said the donation was in appreciation of the measures taken by the State Government so far in dealing with the pandemic through several measures.
He said “We have noted with delight some of the major steps you have taken to curtail the disease especially by restricting movements which has done a lot to limit the spread of the pandemic. We have seen you deploy technology in the borders to enforce the movement of people which largely limited importation of the disease”.
They asked the Governor to continue his initiatives which are aimed at saving the lives of the people and making sure Corona virus is defeated in Plateau State.

Governor Lalong who expressed appreciation for the gesture of the National Assembly Plateau Caucus said the donation again shows their patriotism and unity towards the progress of Plateau State.
Lalong said “Your presence here is a show of unity and solidarity for the good of our people. I have keenly followed what you have been doing individually for your constituents and other vulnerable people in the State. Nevertheless, you have deemed it necessary to contribute to the State COVID-19 Trust Fund. We are very grateful”.

He used the opportunity to also commend them for putting the interest of Plateau State high on the agenda of the National Assembly which has attracted a lot of goodwill from the Federal Government to the State. He also appreciated them for supporting President Muhammadu Buhari by passing quality legislations for the development of the country.
Lalong also used the opportunity to speak on the profiling and transfer of Almajiri children to their States of origin where he explained that the decision was taken by the entire Northern Governors in order to protect the children who were abandoned and became at risk of contacting COVID-19 and even spreading it.

He said “Although many are trying to politicise the matter, I can assure you that it is the best decision we have taken in the interest of these Almajiri children who for years have been suffering and left at the mercy of the streets. You will recall that the President’s wife, Her Excellency Aisha Buhari convened a summit at the Villa which was attended by the President, Sultan, Governors from the North and religious leaders. The decision was to stop the Almajiri system completely and we believe that we have the best chance to do so in order to improve the lives of these children and give them proper education and care”.
The Governor therefore appealed to the legislators to continue to support the Government in ensuring that the program succeeds despite the misinformation and improper tagging of economic migrants to the other parts of the country as “Almajiris” which he described as most unfortunate and improper.
The Governor in company of the National Assembly members later took possession of an ambulance, 2 ventilators, 10,000 surgical masks and other accessories donated to the State by NNPC/IPPG initiative.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
25th May, 2020.

Two Killed, 1,613 Households Razed As Fire Engulfs IDP Camp In Borno

By Peter Akpah

A file photo of the IDP camp gutted by fire in Borno State. Photo: Twitter-@NRC_Norway

About 1,613 houses at the Muna garage Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Maiduguri, have been gutted by fire.

Two persons who sustained severe burns died from their wounds.

Chairperson of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, Yabawa Kolo said the incidence happened on the eve of the Eid-El-Fitr.

Governor Babagana Zulum has visited the camp to ascertain the level of destruction caused by the fire.

Zulum said the incessant fire incidences in makeshift camps further underscores why camps should be completely closed down in the state.

The governor revealed that the federal government has approved the construction of ten thousand housing units across the state, withnthe affected population in mind.

He said the construction will commence immediately funds are released to bring an end to the idea of living in temporary shelters.

In the first quarter of this year alone, several IDP camps in Nganzai, Ngala, Mafa and Monguno local governments were gutted by fire as a result of the cluster settlement of the people.