By Peter Akpah A DAY AFTER SUPREME COURT ELECTION VERDICT, GOVERNOR LALONG VISITS MINISTER OF HUMANITARIAN AFAIRS, SEEKS ASSISTANCE FOR IDPS IN PLATEAU STATE.
Barely 24 hours after the Supreme Court affirmed his election as Governor of Plateau State, Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Tuesday 21st January 2020 paid a visit to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Faruk at the Ministry’s Headquarters at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja.
Governor Lalong told the Minister that he was in her office to seek the support of the Ministry in the rehabilitation and reintegration of Internally Displaced Persons in Plateau State who are being returned to their ancestral homes.
He said since the symbolic closure of all IDP camps in the State in December 2020, the State Government has been doing a lot to enable them rebuild their homes and start life again.
He said materials for reconstruction were provided to facilitate reconstruction of destroyed homesteads.
He said “we are committed to ensuring that the peace we have restored to Plateau is consolidated. Peace cannot be fully consolidated without taking care of those that were displaced and disoriented. We want to see that they are comfortable in their original abodes and have means of livelihood so that they can forget the trauma of the past as they heal”.
Lalong said the State Government cannot bear the huge financial cost of resettling the returnee IDPs hence the appeal for the assistance of the Federal Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
He said so far, the State has benefitted a lot from the Social Investment Programmes of the Federal Government and is also doing its best to provide empowerment opportunities for the youths in the State through the Plateau Small and Medium Enterprises Agency (PLASMIDA). This he said has contributed immensely to the restoration of peace as many youths are now engaged with less tendency for crime.
Responding, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Hajiya Sadiya Umar Faruk thanked Governor Lalong for making her Ministry the first port of call after his election victory which testifies to his passion for the less privileged and vulnerable persons in the society such as the IDPs who need special attention.
She said the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development will assist Plateau State in not only ensuring that IDPs are returned to their ancestral lands, but will also ensure that they are empowered and given opportunities to be productive and live with dignity.
She said “I am not surprised that Plateau State now enjoys peace because you are a man of peace and have always advocated harmonious living. You are my big brother and I will do everything possible to support you. Already, we have received your request which the Permanent Secretary is working on. Very soon, the team will come to Plateau State to ensure that we are on the same page”.
She commended the Governor for absorbing many youths into various social programmes and giving special attention to the persons living with disability in Plateau State by creating the Disability Rights Commission which is one of the first in the country.
“Very soon I am going to come looking for the Head of your Disability Commission to join us here at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to help us coordinate the aspects of people with disabilities in Nigeria. We have heard that he is doing a great job. Your Excellency, please start looking for a replacement” the Minister said.
The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Nuhu Abok Ayuba, Secretary to the Government Prof. Danladi Atu, Chairman of APC in Plateau State Letep Dabang and the Commissioner of Information Dan Manjang.Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Pleteau State.

By Peter Akpah A DAY AFTER SUPREME COURT ELECTION VERDICT, GOVERNOR LALONG VISITS MINISTER OF HUMANITARIAN AFAIRS, SEEKS ASSISTANCE FOR IDPS IN PLATEAU STATE.Barely 24 hours after the Supreme Court affirmed his election as Governor of Plateau State, Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Tuesday 21st January 2020 paid a visit to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Faruk at the Ministry’s Headquarters at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja.
Governor Lalong told the Minister that he was in her office to seek the support of the Ministry in the rehabilitation and reintegration of Internally Displaced Persons in Plateau State who are being returned to their ancestral homes.
He said since the symbolic closure of all IDP camps in the State in December 2020, the State Government has been doing a lot to enable them rebuild their homes and start life again.
He said materials for reconstruction were provided to facilitate reconstruction of destroyed homesteads.
He said “we are committed to ensuring that the peace we have restored to Plateau is consolidated. Peace cannot be fully consolidated without taking care of those that were displaced and disoriented. We want to see that they are comfortable in their original abodes and have means of livelihood so that they can forget the trauma of the past as they heal”.
Lalong said the State Government cannot bear the huge financial cost of resettling the returnee IDPs hence the appeal for the assistance of the Federal Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
He said so far, the State has benefitted a lot from the Social Investment Programmes of the Federal Government and is also doing its best to provide empowerment opportunities for the youths in the State through the Plateau Small and Medium Enterprises Agency (PLASMIDA). This he said has contributed immensely to the restoration of peace as many youths are now engaged with less tendency for crime.
Responding, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Hajiya Sadiya Umar Faruk thanked Governor Lalong for making her Ministry the first port of call after his election victory which testifies to his passion for the less privileged and vulnerable persons in the society such as the IDPs who need special attention.
She said the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development will assist Plateau State in not only ensuring that IDPs are returned to their ancestral lands, but will also ensure that they are empowered and given opportunities to be productive and live with dignity.
She said “I am not surprised that Plateau State now enjoys peace because you are a man of peace and have always advocated harmonious living. You are my big brother and I will do everything possible to support you. Already, we have received your request which the Permanent Secretary is working on. Very soon, the team will come to Plateau State to ensure that we are on the same page”.
She commended the Governor for absorbing many youths into various social programmes and giving special attention to the persons living with disability in Plateau State by creating the Disability Rights Commission which is one of the first in the country.
“Very soon I am going to come looking for the Head of your Disability Commission to join us here at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to help us coordinate the aspects of people with disabilities in Nigeria. We have heard that he is doing a great job. Your Excellency, please start looking for a replacement” the Minister said.
The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Nuhu Abok Ayuba, Secretary to the Government Prof. Danladi Atu, Chairman of APC in Plateau State Letep Dabang and the Commissioner of Information Dan Manjang.Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Pleteau State.

By Peter Akpah GOVERNOR LALONG REACTS TO VICTORY AT SUPREME COURT, SAYS ITS TIME FOR BUILDING ENDURING LEGACY FOR PLATEAU. Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong says the affirmation of his election victory by the supreme court has finally sealed and confirmed beyond further questioning the overwhelming mandate willingly bestowed on him by the good people of Plateau State.
The Governor while reacting to the supreme court judgement said all along he was never in doubt as to the validity of his mandate as he did not only campaign and engaged all stakeholders, but also delivered on his campaign promises during the first tenure which endeared the people to him.
He said “I again dedicate this victory to God and the people of Plateau State irrespective of their political, social, religious or ethnic affiliations. The highest court in the land has stamped the mandate I was given and this means that our administration is now clear of litigation distractions. The time now is for governance and actualisation of our next level agenda encapsulated in our 3 point vision of peace, security and good governance; Infrastructural development and sustainable economic rebirth”.
The Governor again repeated his call to the opposition to join hands with him in developing the State and pursuing projects and programs that will promote lasting legacies for the people.
He asked the people to intensify prayers for the peace and stability of the State which will enable rapid development to take place.
Lalong also thanked the judiciary for their impartiality and contribution to consolidating democracy in the State and Nigeria as a whole.Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
20th January 2020.

By Peter Akpah

GOVERNOR LALONG REACTS TO VICTORY AT SUPREME COURT, SAYS ITS TIME FOR BUILDING ENDURING LEGACY FOR PLATEAU.

Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong says the affirmation of his election victory by the supreme court has finally sealed and confirmed beyond further questioning the overwhelming mandate willingly bestowed on him by the good people of Plateau State.
The Governor while reacting to the supreme court judgement said all along he was never in doubt as to the validity of his mandate as he did not only campaign and engaged all stakeholders, but also delivered on his campaign promises during the first tenure which endeared the people to him.
He said “I again dedicate this victory to God and the people of Plateau State irrespective of their political, social, religious or ethnic affiliations. The highest court in the land has stamped the mandate I was given and this means that our administration is now clear of litigation distractions. The time now is for governance and actualisation of our next level agenda encapsulated in our 3 point vision of peace, security and good governance; Infrastructural development and sustainable economic rebirth”.
The Governor again repeated his call to the opposition to join hands with him in developing the State and pursuing projects and programs that will promote lasting legacies for the people.
He asked the people to intensify prayers for the peace and stability of the State which will enable rapid development to take place.
Lalong also thanked the judiciary for their impartiality and contribution to consolidating democracy in the State and Nigeria as a whole.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
20th January 2020.

By Peter Akpah

GOVERNOR LALONG REACTS TO VICTORY AT SUPREME COURT, SAYS ITS TIME FOR BUILDING ENDURING LEGACY FOR PLATEAU.

Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong says the affirmation of his election victory by the supreme court has finally sealed and confirmed beyond further questioning the overwhelming mandate willingly bestowed on him by the good people of Plateau State.
The Governor while reacting to the supreme court judgement said all along he was never in doubt as to the validity of his mandate as he did not only campaign and engaged all stakeholders, but also delivered on his campaign promises during the first tenure which endeared the people to him.

He said “I again dedicate this victory to God and the people of Plateau State irrespective of their political, social, religious or ethnic affiliations. The highest court in the land has stamped the mandate I was given and this means that our administration is now clear of litigation distractions. The time now is for governance and actualisation of our next level agenda encapsulated in our 3 point vision of peace, security and good governance; Infrastructural development and sustainable economic rebirth”.
The Governor again repeated his call to the opposition to join hands with him in developing the State and pursuing projects and programs that will promote lasting legacies for the people.
He asked the people to intensify prayers for the peace and stability of the State which will enable rapid development to take place.
Lalong also thanked the judiciary for their impartiality and contribution to consolidating democracy in the State and Nigeria as a whole.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
20th January 2020.

By Peter Akpah

THE RELEASE OF OUR ABDUCTED CONSTITUENT, JENNIFER UKAMBONG SAMUEL

On behalf of the entire peace loving people of Mangu/Bokkos Federal constituency, I wish to express my deep appreciations to all those who played various roles in facilitating the release of our dear daughter, Miss Jennifer Ukambong Samuel from Boko Haram captivity.

Jennifer was abducted with four others along Monguno-Maiduguri road on December 22, 2019 by Boko Haram, the day she was marking the 21st anniversary of her dear father’s demise.

We immediately started advocating for her rescue and yesterday January 15, 2020, at about 5pm, the joyful news came that she and her fellow hostages had regained freedom.

My joy and that of Jennifer’s family’s knows no bounds. I wish to salute the rare courage and bravery of our men in uniform for the sacrifice to protect our Nation from the hands of evil men, particularly the Armed Forces and the Department of State Services for facilitating this. I equally wish to appreciate the media, local and international non governmental organizations, the Church and all those who stood with us in the struggle that led to her release.

I wish to salute the rare steadfastness of her family especially her widowed mother, Mrs. Naomi Samuel who showed more courage and faith than any of us, praying ceaselessly for her release.

May I however hastily plead that the same energy be deployed to facilitate the release of others still being held hostage. Top among them is our dear Lilian Gyang, a 100Level student of the University of Maiduguri, from Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State, abducted on January 9, 2020.

Another Plateau indigene, Abdulhamid Bashir, Leah Sharibu, Grace Taku among others, the remaining Chibok schoolgirls also remain a huge concern. Government should intensify efforts to bring smiles on the faces of their families too.

Finally, the security and welfare of every citizen is a constitutional duty that must be pursued diligently. A lot has been done but more is still expected. Government should upgrade the capacity of our security outfits to detect and halt crime even before it is executed.

The world has gone digital. We cannot afford to lag behind. We must employ artificial intelligence, upgrade the equipment used by our troops and ensure adequate motivation for them to effectively fight terrorism and other violent crimes. The activities of saboteurs who consistently divert funds meant for their welfare and equipment, and/or leak operational secrets of our troops, thus exposing them to danger in the discharge of their duties must be dutifully checked as the nation marks the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
I urge us all to continue to pray for our country.
Thank you and God bless our dear nation Nigeria.

Hon. Engr. Solomon Bulus Maren, FNSE, FNICE, FITP,

Member Representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency, National Assembly, Abuja.

By Peter Akpah

THE RELEASE OF OUR ABDUCTED CONSTITUENT, JENNIFER UKAMBONG SAMUEL

On behalf of the entire peace loving people of Mangu/Bokkos Federal constituency, I wish to express my deep appreciations to all those who played various roles in facilitating the release of our dear daughter, Miss Jennifer Ukambong Samuel from Boko Haram captivity.

Jennifer was abducted with four others along Monguno-Maiduguri road on December 22, 2019 by Boko Haram, the day she was marking the 21st anniversary of her dear father’s demise.

We immediately started advocating for her rescue and yesterday January 15, 2020, at about 5pm, the joyful news came that she and her fellow hostages had regained freedom.

My joy and that of Jennifer’s family’s knows no bounds. I wish to salute the rare courage and bravery of our men in uniform for the sacrifice to protect our Nation from the hands of evil men, particularly the Armed Forces and the Department of State Services for facilitating this. I equally wish to appreciate the media, local and international non governmental organizations, the Church and all those who stood with us in the struggle that led to her release.

I wish to salute the rare steadfastness of her family especially her widowed mother, Mrs. Naomi Samuel who showed more courage and faith than any of us, praying ceaselessly for her release.

May I however hastily plead that the same energy be deployed to facilitate the release of others still being held hostage. Top among them is our dear Lilian Gyang, a 100Level student of the University of Maiduguri, from Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State, abducted on January 9, 2020.

Another Plateau indigene, Abdulhamid Bashir, Leah Sharibu, Grace Taku among others, the remaining Chibok schoolgirls also remain a huge concern. Government should intensify efforts to bring smiles on the faces of their families too.

Finally, the security and welfare of every citizen is a constitutional duty that must be pursued diligently. A lot has been done but more is still expected. Government should upgrade the capacity of our security outfits to detect and halt crime even before it is executed.

The world has gone digital. We cannot afford to lag behind. We must employ artificial intelligence, upgrade the equipment used by our troops and ensure adequate motivation for them to effectively fight terrorism and other violent crimes. The activities of saboteurs who consistently divert funds meant for their welfare and equipment, and/or leak operational secrets of our troops, thus exposing them to danger in the discharge of their duties must be dutifully checked as the nation marks the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
I urge us all to continue to pray for our country.
Thank you and God bless our dear nation Nigeria.

Hon. Engr. Solomon Bulus Maren, FNSE, FNICE, FITP,

Member Representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency, National Assembly, Abuja.

By Peter Akpah

By Peter Akpah

GOVERNOR LALONG REACTS ON RELEASE OF JENNIFER, PLATEAU NURSE KIDNAPPED BY BOKO HARAM

Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong commends security agencies particularly the Department of State Services for the rescue of five kidnapped aid workers by the Boko Haram terrorist group including Jennifer Ukambomg Samuel, a nurse from Plateau State.
Governor Lalong in a statement says he is excited at this development and thanks President Muhammadu Buhari for his support in ensuring that all those in captivity are set free while the terror group and other criminals are fished out and dealt with.
Lalong had given assurances to the family of Jennifer that the State Government will work with all necessary agencies to secure her release when he sent a delegation to the family led by commissioner of Budget and Planning Mr. Sylvester Wallangko.
The Governor says efforts to rescue other citizens of Plateau State still under Boko Haram captivity are ongoing and asked the family and people of Plateau State to continue to pray and support the Government and security agencies with useful information that will assist in their quick release.
He also says more security measures are being taken to tackle incidences of criminality and forstall attacks on innocent citizens.

By Peter Akpah

NORTHERN GOVERNORS FELICITATE WITH SENATE PRESIDENT, AHMAD LAWAN AT 61

Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has on behalf the 19 Governors and the entire people of the region congratulated Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan on his 61st birthday.
Governor Lalong in a message rejoiced with the Senate President for attaining the age of 61 and contributing immensely to the political development of the nation through his many years of service at the legislature and elsewhere.
“You are one of the shining examples of the North as you have lived a life of patriotism, and dedication promoting values of unity, peace and progress in your approach to crucial national issues particularly in the legislature. We are happy that you are leading the National Assembly with dignity, commitment and integrity putting national interests above all other considerations” he said.
Governor Lalong also expressed belief that Senator Lawan’s leadership of the ninth National Assembly will provide the much needed win-win synergy that is necessary for a harmonious relationship with the Executive and the Judiciary which will fast track in bringing the dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
He assured the Senate President of the continuous support of the Northern Governors Forum and the people of the region in ensuring that he provides the needed leadership that will enable him lead the national legislature to passing historic legislations that will make life easier for the Nigerians.
He wished Senator Lawan good health and God’s favour in the years ahead.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
January 12, 2020