Northern Governors Forum Congratulates Governor Fayemi @55

By Peter Akpah

NORTHERN STATES GOVERNOR’S FORUM CONGRATULATES NGF CHAIRMAN, GOVERNOR KAYODE FAYEMI AT 55

The Northern States Governor’s Forum has joined the family, friends, associates and entire people of Ekiti State in rejoicing with Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Governor John Olukayode Fayemi on the occasion of his 55th birthday. Governor
A statement from the Chairman of the Northern States Governor’s Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong, described the celebrant as an accomplished gentleman, technocrat, administrator and politician who has demonstrated trust, competence and patriotism in all his assignments.
Lalong said “Governor Fayemi has given his best to the nation and Ekiti State in particular by deploying his vast academic and social activism endowments in addressing critical challenges”.

He said the Nigerian Governors Forum under the leadership of Governor Fayemi has been responsible and responsive to the stability of the country because he has galvanised the kind of confidence and support required by the Buhari led administration to deliver on the mandate of Change.
While wishing him many more years of service to the nation and Ekiti people who reposed their confidence in him for the second time, the Northern Governors Forum chairman assured Fayemi of their continued support and solidarity as he leads the Nigerian Governors Forum and his people.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum
9th February 2010

Lalong Call For Forgiveness That Heals Wonds Brings Meaningful Relationship And Development For The State.

By Peter Akpah Today marks yet another significant step for Plateau State as we continue our journey towards peace, reconciliation and forgiveness in the quest to rebuild our State from the ashes of violence of the past.
As we mark the second annual Forgiveness Day, we are conscious of the efforts that have been put in to ensure that our people live in peace and harmony, as well as find a new narrative that does not only prevent conflict, but also encourage dialogue and reconciliation.
This Day should therefore enable us to think beyond our past and present agonies, to consider the fate of generations yet unborn who shall one day rise to celebrate us for taking the path of forgiveness and breaking the cycle of violence and bitterness.
This is not to suggest that people should pretend that bad things did not happen, or that people are still not living with the scars and losses that were recorded in the crises that engulfed our beloved State some years back.
What I believe and advocate is that we look to the future and rise from the ashes of disappointment, to a place where we are strong to take up the challenge of rebuilding our lives and living decently again.
On a day such as this therefore, I stand before you by the grace of God as the Governor and Chief Executive of Plateau State to on behalf of all the good people of our dear State, ask for forgiveness from everyone who has suffered one loss or the other.
The picture stares us in the face where we have children who lost parents, wives who lost husbands, parents who lost children, husbands who lost wives, relatives who lost loved one, friends who lost associates, as well as people who lost property and means of livelihood.
Though the losses are huge and unquantifiable, the one thing that the Day of Forgiveness should not make us loose is Hope. When we have hope, then God can heal our hearts and make us live productive, purposeful and happy lives once again with amazing results.
That is the path that our Rescue Administration has been working to encourage and strengthen through our style of governance which is all-inclusive. We believe that justice, fairness and equity will hasten the healing process of our beloved State.
Over the past four years, we have pursued policies that are tailored towards creating harmony and rebuilding confidence in our people, and reassuring them that they can live and pursue their legitimate businesses peacefully.
This has made many people who initially ran away because of crises to return, while new people (both foreigners and Nigerians) are coming in almost every day to make a living and settle in this serene, temperate and well-endowed State.
While we look forward with great expectations, we must also be on our guard, knowing fully that the State is still faced with some security challenges because of the activities of criminals.
We are still grieving over the shocking killings in Kulben, Mangu Local Government, and Kwatas in Bokkos Local Government where innocent lives were lost while others were injured and properties destroyed. We must support the security forces to fish out those criminals so they can be punished.
At the end of last year, we flagged off the permanent resettlement of IDPs to their ancestral lands and we are continuing. Last month, I met with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs in Abuja to solicit for more assistance to enable them settle back seamlessly to their ancestral lands.
These and more initiatives will definitely help us to re-build broken relationships, enhance resilience, resettle and reintegrate victims of conflict, so that they can forgive the past and reconcile with one another.
Let me at this point pay special tribute to members of the security agencies that have worked tirelessly to return peace to our State. Some have even paid the supreme price. On this solemn day, we cannot forget you. Indeed, we as a State also ask for forgiveness from members of your families.
May I also appreciate members of religious organisations, the civil society, humanitarian bodies, non-governmental organisations and well-spirited individuals and groups, who have done so much to bring succour and relief to victims through counseling and provision of jobs, items and so on. Plateau State cannot thank you enough.
I end my speech by referring all of us to two popular sayings that no one to my knowledge is yet to disprove. The first says “TO ERR IS HUMAN, AND TO FORGIVE IS DIVINE”.
The second is from the Lord’s Prayer that Jesus taught His disciples which says: “FORGIVE US OUR TRESSPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESSPASS AGAINST US”.
Plateau State is rising again, and the gates of violence, hatred, vengeance, fanatism, terrorism and bigotry shall never prevail against it.
Long live Plateau State, Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It is now my privilege to formally declare open the 2020 Forgiveness and Reconciliation Day in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Sultan of sokoto who is one of the guest also commended governor Lalong for his efforts of sustaining peace on the plateau and he call on other governors to emulate same, he also condemns the recent attacks on the state he also call on the security agencies to step up and get the perpetrators of such on human act, because both religion preaches peace and those who are against peace are the enemies of God, and without peace their won’t be any meaningful development the sultan also prayer for peaceful coexistence for the people of plateau and the nation at large

Northern Governors Forum Congratulates Emir of Zauzau on 45 Years on The Throne.

By Peter Akpah

NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM CONGRATULATES EMIR OF ZAUZAU ON 45 YEARS ON THE THRONE.

The Northern States Governor’s Forum has congratulated the Emir of Zauzau Alhaji Shehu Idris for attaining 45 years on the throne.
In a congratulatory message, Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong described the reign of Alhaji Idris as one that has brought peace, prosperity and stability to the Zauzau Emirate, Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.
Lalong said “In more than four decades of leadership, Alhaji Idris has displayed passion, compassion, courage and selflessness in ruling his people by paying close attention to their needs and responding appropriately. He has pursued justice, peaceful coexistence, tolerance and nation building in a manner that has made Zaria a home for all”.
The Northern Governors Forum also thanked the royal father for his support and wise counsel to various administrations in the country and in particular, to the Northern Governors Forum especially during difficult moments.
The Forum prayed God to grant him good health, more wisdom and courage to continue to rule his people and serve Nigeria.

Let’s Learn to Tolerate One Another For a Peaceful Coexistence For A Better Nigeria Lalong Charge Participants Of DA’AWAH

By Peter Akpah

I am honoured to be invited as Special Guest
Coexistence and Nation Building organised by the Da’awah Coordination Council of Nigeria (DCCN) here in our beautiful city of Jos

The theme of this Summit which is “Leadership and Good Governance: Bedrock for Peaceful Coexistence” is no doubt timely and relevant to the present racrosseality in our nation today.

Let me therefore commend the organisers for conceiving this all-important summit and choosing Plateau State as host. I am also excited by the calibre of participants that have been invited across faiths and diverse callings to discuss the concerns raised about peaceful coexistence of citizens through good governance and leadership.

No doubt, this is a topic that will continue to be on the front burner in our country until such a time when we get it right, and ensure that leaders serve according to terms of engagement and expectations of those they govern
and inadequate infrastructure across our country, certainly calls for

For us in Plateau State, the desire is to provide a leadership that inspires confidence, and motivates the people to work towards peaceful coexistence and development, has been our focus since the inception of our Rescue Administration in 2015

Many are aware that when we assumed office, Plateau State was devastated by crises that deeply divided the citizens along religious, ethnic and political lines as well as brought economic activities to an all-time low.

The first thing we did was to begin a process of healing and reconciliation through confidence building, driven by an inclusive governance style which facilitated peace-building and reduced mistrust among the people.
Our
positive results and today, many States have since come to learn from us seeing that our State is now regaining its status as the Home of Peace and Tourism.

While this is being consolidated, we are continuing our collaboration with security agencies in dealing with criminals and evil persons and groups that appear determined to cause havoc in our State, as witnessed in the last killings in Mangu and Bokkos Local Government areas.

As we discuss leadership and good governance, let us all remember that the duty of every good leader is to bridge the gap and reduce the factors that trigger mistrust, hatred and bigotry between different ethnic nationalities and religious adherents.

This can only be possible if there is genuine commitment to truth, justice and faithfulness to the oath of office and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, especially by those who are elected to serve everyone.

We must not always exploit the fault lines of politics, religion and ethnicity which can easily make us derail and create disharmony among the people. If we do justice to all irrespective of differences, there will be peace and progress. Anything contrary, will make us slide deeper into chaos.

Another area where leadership and good governance needs to be critically looked at, is the management of public resources in a prudent, accountable and equitable manner. This will facilitate the creation of jobs and economic opportunities as well as reducing crime.

This is exactly what we have been doing in Plateau State in the last four years where we have reduced wasteful spending, ensured transparency and created many jobs through the Plateau Small and Medium Enterprises Agency (PLASMEDA) and other agencies.

At the end of last year, the National Bureau of Statistics declared Plateau State as the second least corrupt State in the country. We intend to be number one in the next report by the Grace of God.

Before I end my remarks, let me use this forum to repeat my call to leaders of thought, religious, traditional and political leaders to avoid suing divisive and inciting language in their utterances.

Because many followers look up to us, let us preach love ad tolerance and not hatred. Through love, we can live together peacefully.

Government Will no Longer take Excuses of Unknown Gunmen Who Kill And Maim At Will, Lalong Charges Security Chiefs.

By Peter Akpah

PEACE AND SECURITY COMMUNITY DIALOGUE WITH THE THEME DOMESTICATION OF COMMUNITY POLICING IN PLATEAU STATE AND EXPLORING THE INDIGENOUS OPTIONS

It is with mixed feelings that I address you today at this Stakeholders Peace, Security and Community Dialogue, holding here at the Government House.

I say with mixed feelings because this in one type of stakeholders meeting that we were almost relegating to the dustbin of history considering how hard we have toiled to ensure the return of peace to our State since our coming into office.

Sadly, we are compelled to hold this meeting once again instead of ordinarily coming together to celebrate peaceful coexistence and prosperity of our land and its good people, as we were looking forward to during the forthcoming Forgiveness Day.
The unfortunate events of last month in Kulben, Kombun District in Mangu Local Government Area, as well as that of Kwatas in Bokkos Local Government which claimed over 30 precious lives of innocent citizens with many injured and properties destroyed, is most unfortunate and a bitter pill to swallow.
It is difficult to comprehend this carnage because the two events appear to be deliberately orchestrated to test the resolve of our administration in bringing back peace to the State and also undermining the security and safety of our people who are simply going about earning their livelihoods.
Like I said both during my visit to Kulben and during the meeting with Local Government Chairmen, Community leaders, Traditional Rulers and Ardos after the Kwatas killings, the dark days of pain, tears and sorrow will never be allowed to return to Plateau State again.

That is why I told the security agencies that the killers must be fished out at all costs because Government will no longer take excuses of “unknown gunmen” who kill and maim at will.
That is why we directed that the community leaders and Ardos be invited and questioned with a view to assisting the security agencies with information that will lead to the arrest of the killers. They are not ghosts.
I am happy that this directive has been acted upon, and sooner than later, those killers will be unmasked and brought before the law to answer for their crimes. While that is going on, we must look ahead and seek ways to forestall reoccurrence.

That is why I have convened this enlarged Peace and Security Dialogue with the theme “DOMESTICATION OF COMMUNITY POLICING IN PLATEAU STATE: EXPLORING INDEGINOUS OPTIONS” with a view to putting forward practical and proactive measures that will address these unacceptable attacks.

The dialogue seeks to explore ways towards undertaking a wholistic overview of the prevailing security challenges in the State, with specific reference to a community policing model that can better respond to public safety and security.

You will recall that the Inspector General of Police last month met with Governors of the North Central States in Lafia – Nasarawa State, for a Security Summit where we adopted Community Policing as a better tool to dealing with the security situation in our geo-political zone.

At today’s dialogue therefore, I expect that we shall engage in frank, open and solution-driven interaction that will enable us key into the Community Policing Model in dealing with our security situation more effectively.

Happily, we already have structures on ground which are in tandem with the Community Policing model such as the Operation Rainbow, Early warning System, Vigilante Volunteers and Community based Intelligence Volunteers.

Let us ask critical questions as to what we are doing right and what is not working, with a view to making it more effective for guaranteeing the security and safety of lives and property in Plateau State.

We should also examine what the conventional security agencies such as the Police, State Security Service, Operation Safe Haven, Civil Defence and related agencies are doing in securing lives and properties in the State.

What do we need to do in creating synergy between their work and that of the Community Policing structure in order to achieve better results?

Since virtually every relevant stakeholder is here today, I expect that the discussions will be honest, frank and capable of leading us to a safer Plateau State that thrives on respect for human lives, good neigbourliness, tolerance, justice and forgiveness.

With the array of resource persons invited to speak at this dialogue, I am optimistic that something good will come out at the end of the day.
Prof Dakas C.J Dakas who is one of the lead presenter highlighted some critical key points on the topic Domestication of community policing in plateau state he deal with some major points with tactical community policing he named some pillars that is structured to promote community policing to reduce crime,
1.Community partnership is the first points to start with to face the security challenges.
2. organizational transformation
3. Intelligence and information lead to proactive and save the situation
4. Founding is one of the mechanism that is very important for community policing and also arms to be given to individuals but how do you go about it and how do you get individual accountable for their actions and the welfare of the personnel are recruited, what are the operational frame work and rules of engagement
He also talk about the frame work for accountability.
The second lead presenter Dr Chris Kwaja who also spot out some points and talk about the growing population in the state, according to Dr Kwaja the population of the state is not by birth but by migration people come in without proper check, he also highlighted some critical points like early warning signs and must attacks there must be sign, people should take those sign very serious and if such steps are taken it will reduce the attacks.
The commandant operation safe haven maj Gen Agundu call on the government and the judiciary and the house of assemble for a law that will punish any community leader that is involved in any community attacks they should be jailed, and when such measures are put in place it reduces the insecurities and attacks witness in the state.
And his royal highness and chairman traditional council chiefs and emires Da Jacob Gyang Buba said they have resolved and are in support of the community policing as they have early submitted the stand and proposal on that, he also said the whole bulk on the work is with the traditional rulers.
And speaking unbehalf of the local government chairmen the chairman ALGON Hon Ezekiel Vulgap said they in the local government level are in full support of the community policing it help, as the recruitment process will be in the community and those in the community know the environment very well and as such will be able to checkmate all the area that the attackers will follow.

Government Will no Longer Take Excuses of Unknown Gunmen Who kill And Maim at Will Lalong Charge Security Chiefs.

By Peter Akpah

PEACE AND SECURITY COMMUNITY DIALOGUE WITH THE THEME DOMESTICATION OF COMMUNITY POLICING IN PLATEAU STATE AND EXPLORING THE INDIGENOUS OPTIONS
It is with mixed feelings that I address you today at this Stakeholders Peace, Security and Community Dialogue, holding here at the Government House.

I say with mixed feelings because this in one type of stakeholders meeting that we were almost relegating to the dustbin of history considering how hard we have toiled to ensure the return of peace to our State since our coming into office.

Sadly, we are compelled to hold this meeting once again instead of ordinarily coming together to celebrate peaceful coexistence and prosperity of our land and its good people, as we were looking forward to during the forthcoming Forgiveness Day.
The unfortunate events of last month in Kulben, Kombun District in Mangu Local Government Area, as well as that of Kwatas in Bokkos Local Government which claimed over 30 precious lives of innocent citizens with many injured and properties destroyed, is most unfortunate and a bitter pill to swallow.
It is difficult to comprehend this carnage because the two events appear to be deliberately orchestrated to test the resolve of our administration in bringing back peace to the State and also undermining the security and safety of our people who are simply going about earning their livelihoods.
Like I said both during my visit to Kulben and during the meeting with Local Government Chairmen, Community leaders, Traditional Rulers and Ardos after the Kwatas killings, the dark days of pain, tears and sorrow will never be allowed to return to Plateau State again.

That is why I told the security agencies that the killers must be fished out at all costs because Government will no longer take excuses of “unknown gunmen” who kill and maim at will.
That is why we directed that the community leaders and Ardos be invited and questioned with a view to assisting the security agencies with information that will lead to the arrest of the killers. They are not ghosts.

I am happy that this directive has been acted upon, and sooner than later, those killers will be unmasked and brought before the law to answer for their crimes. While that is going on, we must look ahead and seek ways to forestall reoccurrence.
That is why I have convened this enlarged Peace and Security Dialogue with the theme “DOMESTICATION OF COMMUNITY POLICING IN PLATEAU STATE: EXPLORING INDEGINOUS OPTIONS” with a view to putting forward practical and proactive measures that will address these unacceptable attacks.
The dialogue seeks to explore ways towards undertaking a wholistic overview of the prevailing security challenges in the State, with specific reference to a community policing model that can better respond to public safety and security.
You will recall that the Inspector General of Police last month met with Governors of the North Central States in Lafia – Nasarawa State, for a Security Summit where we adopted Community Policing as a better tool to dealing with the security situation in our geo-political zone.
At today’s dialogue therefore, I expect that we shall engage in frank, open and solution-driven interaction that will enable us key into the Community Policing Model in dealing with our security situation more effectively.
Happily, we already have structures on ground which are in tandem with the Community Policing model such as the Operation Rainbow, Early warning System, Vigilante Volunteers and Community based Intelligence Volunteers.
Let us ask critical questions as to what we are doing right and what is not working, with a view to making it more effective for guaranteeing the security and safety of lives and property in Plateau State.
We should also examine what the conventional security agencies such as the Police, State Security Service, Operation Safe Haven, Civil Defence and related agencies are doing in securing lives and properties in the State.

What do we need to do in creating synergy between their work and that of the Community Policing structure in order to achieve better results?
Since virtually every relevant stakeholder is here today, I expect that the discussions will be honest, frank and capable of leading us to a safer Plateau State that thrives on respect for human lives, good neigbourliness, tolerance, justice and forgiveness.
With the array of resource persons invited to speak at this dialogue, I am optimistic that something good will come out at the end of the day.
Prof Dakas C.J Dakas who is one of the lead presenter highlighted some critical key points on the topic Domestication of community policing in plateau state he deal with some major points with tactical community policing he named some pillars that is structured to promote community policing to reduce crime,
1.Community partnership is the first points to start with to face the security challenges.
2. organizational transformation
3. Intelligence and information lead to proactive and save the situation
4. Founding is one of the mechanism that is very important for community policing and also arms to be given to individuals but how do you go about it and how do you get individual accountable for their actions and the welfare of the personnel are recruited, what are the operational frame work and rules of engagement
He also talk about the frame work for accountability.
The second lead presenter Dr Chris Kwaja who also spot out some points and talk about the growing population in the state, according to Dr Kwaja the population of the state is not by birth but by migration people come in without proper check, he also highlighted some critical points like early warning signs and must attacks there must be sign, people should take those sign very serious and if such steps are taken it will reduce the attacks.
The commandant operation safe haven maj Gen Agundu call on the government and the judiciary and the house of assemble for a law that will punish any community leader that is involved in any community attacks they should be jailed, and when such measures are put in place it reduces the insecurities and attacks witness in the state.
And his royal highness and chairman traditional council chiefs and emires Da Jacob Gyang Buba said they have resolved and are in support of the community policing as they have early submitted the stand and proposal on that, he also said the whole bulk on the work is with the traditional rulers.
And speaking unbehalf of the local government chairmen the chairman ALGON Hon Ezekiel Vulgap said they in the local government level are in full support of the community policing it help, as the recruitment process will be in the community and those in the community know the environment very well and as such will be able to checkmate all the area that the attackers will follow.

Plateau State And CAN Petition God At 5th Plateau Prayer Day, Ask For God Invention Over The State

By Peter Akpah PLATEAU STATE PETITIONS GOD AT 5TH PLATEAU PRAYER DAYIn what could best be described as the presentation of its petition before God and intercession for peace, Christians in Plateau State on Monday 3rd February 2020 converged on the Government House Chapel in Jos for the 5th Plateau Prayer Day.
The annual event which was instituted by the administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong in conjunction with the Christian Association of Nigeria in the State is meant to celebrate the day of the creation of Plateau State with prayers and thanks to God.
At the event, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong described Plateau State as God’s creation whose destiny can never be changed especially by the work of evil persons and groups who have perpetrated acts of violence against innocent citizens in recent years.
The Governor said ” Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the theme of this Prayer Day which is “His Grace” taken from the book of First Corinthians 15:10, aptly captures the kind of favour we have enjoyed as a State from God over the years. From the ashes of crises that almost turned our State to a place of pain and sorrow, we have been gradually regaining our God-given Status as a Home of Peace and Tourism, and a preferred destination for investment even for those who had reasons to run away in the past.
Lalong regretted that despite the efforts put in to restore normalcy in the State, some criminals are bent on creating havoc and destruction.
“While we talk about the progress we have made over the years, the recent attacks in Kulben, Mangu Local Government and Kwatas in Bokkos Local Government areas where innocent citizens of our State were murdered in cold blood while properties and homes were destroyed leaves a sour taste in our mouths. Indeed it remains clear that the evil ones are not happy with the peace we currently enjoy, and appear determined to cause havoc to our State at all costs. That is why as a government, we are more than determined to prove to them that their ambition is futile as we can never allow them to succeed” he said.
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Plateau State Chapter Rev. Dr. Soja Bewarang said the theme of the 5th Prayer day which is “His Grace” was chosen to thank God for the State and ask for His grace in the face of difficulties that the State is passing through.
In his sermon, Bishop Tsav Timothy, Methodist Bishop of Jos said God’s divine grace is sufficient for his creation especially the people of Plateau State at difficult times like this when they have been traumatised by criminals.
He asked the people to learn from Paul who despite being a persecutor of the Church, turned out to be one of the greatest apostles who not only defended the Christian faith, but also preached the salvation of souls.
The Gwom Gwom Gwom Jos Jacob Gyang Buba called for more prayers and demonstration of love and forgiveness which is key to building peace and forgiveness.
The Prayer Day was attended by Anglican Bishop of Jos Benjamin Kwashi, Ecwa President Rev. Dr. Panya Baba, COCIN Vice President Rev. Dr. Obed Dashan, Chairman Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria Plateau State Dr. Stephen Dangana, Polycarp Lubo, CAN Secretary, Plateau State and other men of God who all prayed for unity in the Church and asked God to heal Plateau State and put to shame the merchants of evil who take joy in shedding blood over issues that could be resolved through dialogue and understanding.
Prayers were offered for the Governor and his cabinet, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the civil service, military and all the administrative structures of the country.

Plateau State And CAN Petition God At 5th Plateau Prayer Day, Ask For God Invention Over The State

By Peter Akpah


PLATEAU STATE PETITIONS GOD AT 5TH PLATEAU PRAYER DAY

In what could best be described as the presentation of its petition before God and intercession for peace, Christians in Plateau State on Monday 3rd February 2020 converged on the Government House Chapel in Jos for the 5th Plateau Prayer Day.

The annual event which was instituted by the administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong in conjunction with the Christian Association of Nigeria in the State is meant to celebrate the day of the creation of Plateau State with prayers and thanks to God.
At the event, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong described Plateau State as God’s creation whose destiny can never be changed especially by the work of evil persons and groups who have perpetrated acts of violence against innocent citizens in recent years.

The Governor said ” Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the theme of this Prayer Day which is “His Grace” taken from the book of First Corinthians 15:10, aptly captures the kind of favour we have enjoyed as a State from God over the years. From the ashes of crises that almost turned our State to a place of pain and sorrow, we have been gradually regaining our God-given Status as a Home of Peace and Tourism, and a preferred destination for investment even for those who had reasons to run away in the past.

Lalong regretted that despite the efforts put in to restore normalcy in the State, some criminals are bent on creating havoc and destruction.
“While we talk about the progress we have made over the years, the recent attacks in Kulben, Mangu Local Government and Kwatas in Bokkos Local Government areas where innocent citizens of our State were murdered in cold blood while properties and homes were destroyed leaves a sour taste in our mouths. Indeed it remains clear that the evil ones are not happy with the peace we currently enjoy, and appear determined to cause havoc to our State at all costs. That is why as a government, we are more than determined to prove to them that their ambition is futile as we can never allow them to succeed” he said.
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Plateau State Chapter Rev. Dr. Soja Bewarang said the theme of the 5th Prayer day which is “His Grace” was chosen to thank God for the State and ask for His grace in the face of difficulties that the State is passing through.
In his sermon, Bishop Tsav Timothy, Methodist Bishop of Jos said God’s divine grace is sufficient for his creation especially the people of Plateau State at difficult times like this when they have been traumatised by criminals.
He asked the people to learn from Paul who despite being a persecutor of the Church, turned out to be one of the greatest apostles who not only defended the Christian faith, but also preached the salvation of souls.
The Gwom Gwom Gwom Jos Jacob Gyang Buba called for more prayers and demonstration of love and forgiveness which is key to building peace and forgiveness.
The Prayer Day was attended by Anglican Bishop of Jos Benjamin Kwashi, Ecwa President Rev. Dr. Panya Baba, COCIN Vice President Rev. Dr. Obed Dashan, Chairman Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria Plateau State Dr. Stephen Dangana, Polycarp Lubo, CAN Secretary, Plateau State and other men of God who all prayed for unity in the Church and asked God to heal Plateau State and put to shame the merchants of evil who take joy in shedding blood over issues that could be resolved through dialogue and understanding.
Prayers were offered for the Governor and his cabinet, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the civil service, military and all the administrative structures of the country.

Governors Forum Pay Solidarity Visit To Governor Lalong Over Recent Killings In The State

By Peter Akpah

PLATEAU KILLINGS: NIGERIAN GOVERNORS FORUM PAY SOLIDARITY VISIT TO PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR.

Saddened by the recent killings in Kulben village of Mangu Local Government and Kwatas ward of Bokkos Local Government area of Plateau State, the Nigerian Governors Forum on Saturday, 1st February 2020 paid a solidarity visit to Governor Simon Bako Lalong to commiserate with him and the entire people of the State.
The delegation led by Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu included the Governor of Bauchi State Bala Mohammed and Jigawa State Governor Mohammed Badaru Mohammed who met Governor Lolong at Government House Rayfield Jos.
They condemned the killings and expressed their willingness to work with the Governor in ensuring that the peace being enjoyed in Plateau is never taken away by criminals.
According to Governor Bagudu ” we are here on behalf of the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Northern Governors Forum which you chair, to commiserate with you and the entire people of the State over this unfortunate incident. Plateau State has been enjoying peace under your purposeful leadership and we remember that in 2018, both President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo were in Plateau State and were pleased with the steps you adopted in ensuring that peace is back to Plateau. We are not happy with this recent development and that is why we are here to show you our support. Whatever you think we can do individually or collectively to support you, we shall do. At the moment, we support the steps you have taken to deal with the situation”.
Bagudu urged the people of Plateau State to rally round Governor Lalong whom he described as a man of peace and a visionary leader that has attracted goodwill of many across Nigeria hence his election as the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and a very strong member of the Nigerian Governors Forum.
While responding, Governor Lalong thanked his colleagues for the visit and solidarity which he said will help him deal with the situation.
He said “we had done a lot to ensure that people live in peace. We set up the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, we have the Operation Safe Haven, the Operation Rainbow, Early Warning Signals and also created avenues for dialogue and forgiveness. This recent development wants to take us back to the dark days, but we will never allow it. That is why I told the community leaders and ardos that they cannot say they dont know those who are causing trouble. They must assist the security agencies to fish them out or become suspects themselves, since it is their domain”.
Lalong expressed hope that the ongoing investigation by the security agencies will unravel those behind the killings and also lead to their prosecution, hoping that this will be the last of such ugly incidents in the State.

Let’s Unite And Work Together Useni, Jang Tasks PDP Members

By Peter Akpah

Let Us Unite and Work Together – Useni, Jang.

Senator Jeremiah Timbut Useni and Senator Jonah David Jang have spoken passionately of the need to work together to turn around the fortune of Plateau State for the better.

The two leaders met on Friday, January 31 2020, when Sen Jang paid a solidarity visit on Sen Useni in his residence. He was accompanied by three members of the House of Representatives – Hon Solomon Maren, Hon. Simon Mwadkon, Hon Bagos, a former Speaker of the House of Assembly Rt Hon Istifanus Mwansat, some current and former members of the House, former Commissioners, Special Advisers, Chief of Staff, Francis Bot, former Local Government Chairmen and many political appointees.

Sen. Jang said the visit was to acknowledge and appreciate the dogged fight put up by the PDP gubernatorial candidate from the tribunal right to the Supreme Court, saying if there were another court higher than the Supreme Court, he was sure Sen Useni would have approached it.
His told Useni, “Let us work together to build a formidable party in the state, and to prepare to take over power in 2023.”

Sen Jang asked that forgiveness is also needed where members have offended each other.

Responding, Senator Useni said he was happy to receive Sen. Jang and the team that came with him.

“Let us work together. Unless we join our hands, we will be wasting time. We must accept each other, believe im each other and work as a team, exchanging ideas to work for one common good in 2023.

“Yes, we have some problems. But there is no problem that cannot be solved. This is a very good meeting. We are all in PDP, and PDP is the party in Plateau State. The main thing we must emphasise is working together for the benefit of the party and Plateau.”

Afterwards, there was a prayer session led by Bishop-elect Margaret Inusa.

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