A political pressure group operating under the ageis of One Voice for postive governance from Langtang North and South Federal Constituency of Plateau state have thrown their weight behind the Senatorial bid of Plateau state Governor Simon Bako Lalong to represent the people of Plateau South Senatorial district at National Assembly come 2023.
The group spokesman Nantim Ponlir in a statement in Jos on Thursday which was made available to Daily Independent said Governor Lalong has impacted positively on the lives of people of his state and deserve to be voted a Senator to represent Plateau South at the National Assembly in 2o23.
“we call on all lovers of peace to support him irrespective of party affiliation in order to benefit from his wealth of experience, they added. Governor Lalong is the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC in the forthcoming 2023 Plateau South Senatorial race.
The group spokesman added that Governor Lalong did excellently well when he was the Speaker of the Plateau state House of Assembly between 1999 and 2027 and currently doing well as Governor of his state.
” Làlong deserves to be given the opportunity to represent the zone in the National assembly”.
“Our Governor Simon Lalong is a friend of the masses irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliation .”
The group spokesman also stressed that if given the opportunity to be at the senate, Nigerians will benefit a lot from Lalong’s wealth of Political experience .
Pope Francis has offered Special Prayers for Nigeria during the 2022 special pilgrimage to Rome organized by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC.
The Special Prayers was offered by Pope Francis when Nigerian Pilgrims were granted audience by to the papal at the Vatican City.
The Pilgrims were led by his Grace, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, among other high profile personalities.
The Pontiff during the Nigerian Pilgrims visit received Nigerian flag from the pilgrims and prayed for peace and progress of Nigeria.
Pope Francis also prayed for those who lost their lives in the flood incident in Nigeria.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission Rev. Dr. Yakuba Pam described the audience with the pope as spiritually fulfilling, and Commended the good conduct of the pilgrims during the special pilgrimage to Rome in spite of the fact that there were some inadequacies, coupled with the fact the pilgrims were not able to visit Israel due to operational reasons.
The NCPC Boss assured the pilgrims especially the self-sponsored ones that the Commission would come up with a mechanism to accommodate them in the next pilgrimage exercise.
The President of the Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Israel Akanji who was one of the Pilgrims that met the Pope during the Papal audience stated that the visit was awesome and would have a special effect on Nigeria and her people.
According to him “the fact that the Pope prayed for Nigeria and her people signifies a new beginning for the country”.
In the same vein, the General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Barr. Daramola Bade affirmed that the Papal audience was the best thing that happened to the pilgrims.
He was specifically happy that he personally handed over the Nigerian flag to Pope Francis.
His words, “I will never forget this experience in my life”.
He further stated, “ I thank the NCPC for providing this veritable platform to be in the presence of his Holiness”, he said.
The Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Religion,(Christian) very Rev. Bukola Adeleke explained that the number of Holy sites visited during the special pilgrimage to Rome was worth the salt.
He said that the pilgrims visited the St. John Basilica, the Basilica of Mary as well as St. Peters Basilica all in Vatican among other important Holy sites visited. He commended the efforts of NCPC in putting this special pilgrimage together while hoping that future special pilgrimage to Rome should be improved upon by the Commission.
In his assessment of the 2022 Special Pilgrimage to Rome, the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Barrister Nestor Ezeme spoke on the Papal visit which he said was his first time ever to personally meet with his Holiness. He said he could not contain himself for joy for such a privilege of a life time.
He said he would encourage his other colleagues in other states to see the need to embark on a Special Pilgrimage to Rome with their pilgrims considering its attendant blessings.
On the quality of hotels where the pilgrims were accommodated, he lauded the NCPC for providing descent accommodation for the pilgrims.
He particularly thanked the NCPC Boss for making sure that the special Pilgrimage to Rome was a reality in spite of all odds.
About 112 pilgrims participated in the NCPC 2022 special pilgrimage to Rome, which were made up of self sponsored pilgrims, Lagos and Enugu Pilgrims as well as some high profile personalities which include both the Deputy Governor of Enugu and Nasarawa State as well as some first class traditional rulers..
Edward Pwajok, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former federal lawmaker and Commissioner for Justice in Plateau state has been named as the running mate to Labor Party governorship Candidate in Plateau state Dr Patrick Dakum.
Speaking at the unveiling of Edward Pwajok ( SAN)as Plateau LP Guber running mate ceremony in Jos . Governorship Candidate of the Party Dr Patrick Dakum Promised to revive Plateau state Economy to meet global Standard if he wins the 2023 governorship race in the state. . Dakum, a former Commissioner of Health in Plateau also promised to run an all-inclusive government if elected as Governor of his state.
”If elected in 2023 we will do things differently. We will lead with the fear of God, we will be accountable to the people and they will be happy with us'”
According to him, “We will lead a peoples -oriented government where nobody will be left behind in the scheme of things; our plans are basically centred around the people. ”With the current ranking, Plateau is very far behind in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), so we will revamp our economy to global standard.'”
Dakum added that”LP Government will tackle insecurity using modern approach and improve agriculture particularly farming,” he said.
Dakum also promised to prioritise the needs of the workers of the state through timely and regular payment of salaries and allowances, adding that he would ensure social justice for all.
The Plateau LP governorship candidate, added that he would improve the Human Development Index of his State and also hinted that he would do everything humanly possible to create conducive atmosphere for young people to thrive through skills development.
Earlier, Mrs Grace Zamfara, the chairperson of the party in the state, said that the party had become one of fastest growing political party in Africa, hence the need for the retreat to chart a way forward.
Represented by her Deputy, Pastor Mike Audu, Zamfara maintained that the party remains the only alternative that would salvage Nigeria from its current woes.
”With the growing hunger, insecurity, collapsing economy, falling standard of education and host of other challenges, Labour Party remains the only party that will salvage the situation.
”A new Nigeria is possible with Labour Party and it our hope that our labour will never be in vain,” she said.
Zamfara called on Nigerians to massively vote the party at all levels, insisting that it had the solution to the current challenges facing the nation.
The Party used the event to also organise leadership Retreat with a theme ”Plateau at a Crossroad; Labour Party the Only Option.
Senior Pastor aShekinah Global Ministries Rev Danjuma Byang has denied some news reports circulating on the social media that he admitted collecting millions of Naira as ‘transport money’ from Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress when the Northern Pentecostal Bishops hosted him in Abuja.
Rev Byang,in a statement in Jos on Tuesday made available to Oracle Reporters expressed shock that the the fetitious reports also alleged that he Rev Byang said Tinubu gave Archbishop John Praise Daniel N100 million, while other Bishops in attendance collected monies ranging from 50 million, 20 million and 10 million depending on their ranks!
I wish to put it on record that I did not write or say anything like that anywhere or to anyone!
“For avoidance of doubt, I did not say I regretted collecting any money from Tinubu! And I did not say any body collected any money from Tinubu! I did not collect any such money and I didn’t see anyone collecting it!” Byang stressed
According to Byang, the reports credited to him are tissues of lies from the enemies of the gospel, calculated to tarnish his reputation and that of the conveners of the meeting!
” Ultimately, it is a mischievous slander meant to create confusion among Christians and set brother against brother, and to destroy the Church’s resolve to unite and give Christians a sense of direction in the 2023 general elections!” Byang warned
According to him, ” As it has been explained by the conveners of the meeting, the meeting with Tinubu was meant to interface with him on the thorny issue of the day; the Muslim/Muslim ticket. It was to hear him out and also to express our concerns to him as Christians in the North about it. And this was wonderfully done during the meeting!”
He stressed that this type of interface is ongoing with different political candidates meeting with different groups and organizations.
” Therefore, this effort should have been applauded and appreciated by all! It is uncharitable to impute base motives to a meeting with a clear and honorable objective!”
Byang lamented that the mudslinging going on is not going to help Christians put up an impregnable and united front in their desire to salvage Nigeria from the precipice, where it is now hanging, advising that “We must stop name calling and put our heads together to move forward” Rev Byang advised.
Bishop Jonas Katung, President and founder of living stone Church Assembly on Friday that declared that Pentecostal Bishops from the Northern Nigeria should be Commended for taking the plight of Northern Christians before APC presidential candidate on his choice of Muslim-Running mate from North during their recent interface with Tinubu rather than being condemned by the likes of former Secretary to the federal government of the federation Babachir Lawal and group.Bishop Katung who stated this in an interview with Newsmen in Jos on Friday said the recent comments made by former secretary to the Federal Government,Baba Chir Lawal over their meeting with Tinubu was done out of mischief. According to him, Lawal’s description of the respected church leaders as fake Bishop’s was simply because the Bishops gave Lawal’s friend (Tinubu) turned enemy a chance to be heard. He said Lawals actions depicts how low he can go for his selfish ambition even if it means smearing God’s anointed servants.“Of course Baba Chir Lawal, who does not belong to the Pentecostal fold is in no way qualified to access who a Bishop is or question their call” -Bishop Katung. Bishop Katung said Lawal may have the right to disagree with the steps taken by the northern Pentecostal Bishop’s but he has no right to impugn their integrity or use uncouth language against them. He said while Babachir Lawal was busy chasing the vain things of this world, these men of God labored over the years to raise congregation of royal priesthoods for the kingdom. He advised Lawal to toe the part of caution as he pursues his selfish ambition and not to use the church to fight his personal battles. According to Bishop Katung, their meeting with Tinubu,APC presidential candidate was as a result of the controversy generated by the nomination of Senator Kashim Shettima as vice presidential candidate of the APC by Bola Ahmed Tinubu occasioning a Muslim-Muslim ticket by the APC for 2023 presidential election.Bishop Katung added that the choice of Shettima as running mate has brought about divergent voices across the polity especially within the Christian community which expressed disapproval of same . “As church leaders and concerned citizens,we as a group of Pentecostal Bishop’s from Northern Nigeria,the region which is most agrived by the same faith ticket decision of the APC, decided to engage with Bola Ahmed Tinubu the person who is at the center of the controversy to express the concerns and fears of the Christian community not only in Northern Nigeria but the country as a whole and to give him opportunity to explain his decision” .Katung said “As Arc Bishop John praise Aptly captures it at the interface ,this is in line with the biblical principle as contained in John 7:51 that no one should be condemned without first giving him a hearing,a principle that is also encapsulated in the constitution of our country” – Bishop Katung stressed .He said at the meeting with Tinubu , notable and respected church leaders including Arc Bishop John praise the national vice president of Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and Rev Danjuma byang all spoke to highlight the marginalization and injustice meted to Christians in the north over the years which has created mistrust in northern Christians over the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the APC.. According to Bishop Katung, they emphasised at the meeting that the interface was not in any way an endorsement of the same faith of the APC, adding that it is important to note that the church consist of members who belongs to different political parties and not being partisan. “Church must not portray a posture of antagonism to any political party without first having a full appreciation of their decisions and actions” – Bishop Katung.Katung said, the efforts of the church leaders to bring to the attention of the APC flag bearer the plight and fears Christians of northern Nigeria ought to be commended by all people of good will especially Christians .He added that it came to him as a shock that Babachir Lawal an eleventh hour Christian champion had the effrontery to describe these church leaders as fake Bishops in his ill motivated recent press statement.He questioned Babachir Lawal to know why it is now he has suddenly found his voice to speak for Christians in Nigeria?.According to Bishop Katung,it is on record that Lawal was secretary to the Federal Government under Buhari adminstration for about three years before he was unceremoniously relieved of the position for conduct not in Accord with Christian teachings and that it was during that time Christians suffered unimaginable marginalization in appointments in to offices by the government and Lawal did nothing to save the situation because he did not want to put his position to risk . He asked that Babachir Lawal should tell the whole people of the North the impact he made on the church while he was in office that qualifies him to become a champion of the Christian faith in northern Nigeria and Nigeria as a whole .Bishop Katung warned that Lawal should not be allowed to use the church to fight his selfish battles as he Lawal was never there for the church and cannot now speak for the church .
Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Plateau state under the umbrella of the Plateau for Atiku Group have described the statement credited to former governor Jonah Jang, asking the national Chairman of the party, Dr Iyiorchia Ayu to resign as his personal opinion and the group he represents
. Secretary to the group Professor Shedrach Best in a statement issued in Jos Thursday band made available to Oracle Reporters said , neither the Party nor the stakeholders authorised any such position, and that what the former Governor said was his personal opinion and that of the group he represents.
In a statement signed by the Protem Secretary of the group, Prof Shedrack Best, the group frowned at the former Governor’s penchant for making statements that are not in tune with those of other stakeholders of the Party in the state.
“Jang has been a member of Governor Nyesome Wike’s group which has been having a running battle with the National Chairman of the party since Wike lost the Presidential primaries to former vice president Atiku Abubakar”.
He added that former governor Sen Dr Jonah Jang has made remarks contrary to the position of the stakeholders and that its time they make clarifications.
According to him, “We dissociate ourselves from the position of the former governor. He did not speak for us neither did he for the party in the state. We stand by the Presidential candidate of the PDP”.
Professor Best said as loyal party men and women, they encourage peaceful resolution of the impasse and not actions from senior members of the Party that will fuel it out of proportion and therefore, stand by the National Chairman and their Presidential candidate .
“While we pray for an amicable resolution of the crisis for the party to take its bearing and prepare for victory, we are not happy that those who are in a position to offer constructive counsel and find solutions are adding to the crisis”.
The group called on the public to discountenance the statement of the former Governor saying,” Sen Jang alone cannot be the face of the party in the state, nor does he represent the correct stand on Atiku candidature and his acceptability in the state.
“He is not our spokesman and he cannot decide for us.” Plateau people are united behind Atiku Abubakar and will proudly participate in all organs and activities of the campaigns leading to the victory of the Candidate and the Party.”
However, Senator Jang Media aide Clinton Garuba in his reaction, told Oracle Reporters that as one of the founding fathers of People’s democratic Party, what his principal did was a call to ensure they put their house in order a head of the 2023 general elections.
Express Gratitude to Buhari For Granting Him and Nyame Presidential Pardon.
Audu Jos
Plateau Former Governor Joshua Chibi Dariye has challenged the people of his state to go all out to cast their votes for Candidates that can provide credible leadership, Victory and take them to promise Land during the 2023 general elections.
Senator Dariye stated this at a reception organized by his Political friends and we’ll wishers held at Landfield Rayfield Resort in Jos.
According to Dariye, . “If you have PVC then you are my friend. Very soon we are going to meet and see among the candidates who can lead us to victory and promise land. Is not about sentiment, it is not about my tribe, or my turn, it is about competence , capability, vision and strength.
According to him, “So, therefore, my prayers every time is that God would bring a man with a commitment for the poor, widow, downtrodden, neglected and in the area of development he will not choose between urban and rural area roads.”
Senator Dariye hinted that by the grace of God “we will fixed this country and Plateau all together”
Dariye used the event to express gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for granting him and Nyame presidential pardon .
Dariye also acknowledged the prayers of people of the state for his freedom, saying your prayers has been answered by God and I’m now free.
The former Senator also gives God the glory for preserving his life throughout his trial moment.
He said, “We are here to rejoice because this is the day that the Lord has made. First of all let me thank God for his mercy, and president Muhammadu Buhari who was so magnanimous and gracious in granting us this presidential pardon myself and Jolly Nyame.
“It is on this note that I am here to say I acknowledge all your prayers, collective solidarity and with the will of God.
Hundreds of Political associates and people of Plateau graced the event.
Delta South Senatorial District in Delta State, South South Nigeria, covers eight local governments: Bomadi, Burutu, Isoko North, Isoko South, Patani, Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West. The zone is predominantly an oil rich area of Delta State where the large chunk of the oil in the State is found thereby making this Senatorial District very strategic oil producing community. It is worthy to note that an illustrious son of this Senatorial District, a man who has paid his dues in the state had volunteered to hearken to the voice of his people to serve this Senatorial District in the new dispensation. Though a man of humble disposition, this quintessential homosaipen rose from nothing to something by dint of hardwork, resilience and by God’s grace and glory in his life. It is one thing to aspire to represent one,s people, it is another thing to be home and dry with the needs of the people for quality representation, because you cannot give what you don’t have. There must be genuine concern and compassion for the people, their challenges and expectations. Looking at the pedigree of Hon Diden Michael, popularly known as Ejele, you will agree with me that he is the right and best man to represent the good people of Delta South Senatorial District in the Hallowed chamber come June, 2023. His emergence in the primary election for the Senatorial seat of the Peoples Democratic party, PDP for the February 2023 Senatorial election conducted on May 23rd 2022 for Delta South Senatorial District was not by mere fluke, rather it was providential. Hon Diden Michael Ejele may not have been born with silver spoon in the mouth, but he worked tirelessly to stardom because he was focused and set his eyes on the ball. He is a man who loves his people dearly with all his heart; a sacrificial leader by all standards. Hon Ejele shares in the burden of his people, he understands and appreciates the plight of his people whom God had blessed immensely with rich natural resources, yet they are deprived the benefits of this God given endowment. He is ever determined to build an enduring legacy for the three ethnic nationalities of Delta South Zone by lifting many out of poverty. Hon Ejele,s versatility speaks volume of the rich experiences he had garnered over the years as a seasoned legislator, administrator and a faithful servant of God . He has been able to conveniently blend politics with the Ministry as an Evangelist of high repute. Hon Ejele without mincing words, has what it takes to lead Delta South Senatorial District to the promise land as he coasts to victory come February 25th, 2023. This sacrificial and selfless leader was elected into the Delta State House of Assembly in 2015, where he meritoriously served as the Deputy Chief Whip. Prior to that, he also served fantastically as Commissioner representing the Itsekiri nation on the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC. Afterwards, he later became the board Chairman of the special intervention agency in 2019. He also held sway as the Special Adviser to the then Governor of Delta State,Dr Emmanuel Udughan on Security matters. He brought his versed experience to bear as a grassroot mobilizer par excellence which resulted in the relative peace which is still being enjoyed in the state . He was able to turn DESOPADEC around with meaningful and impactful projects that would continue to stand the test of time in those communities where the projects are cited. It is on record that Hon Diden founded a political movement in Delta State alongside with some eminent Deltans known as the Delta Political Vanguard, DPV. Even the Delta State governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa attested to the invaluable role played by the DPV under the leadership of Hon Diden in the realization of his governorship ambition in 2015 as well as his re-election in 2019. Governor Okowa disclosed this in his congratulatory message to this worthy son of Delta State during his 57th birthday anniversary. Hon Diden is an ordained Evangelist, very conversant with the pulpit. He is the founder and General Overseer of Mega Praise Ministry International, with headquarters in Sapele , Delta State. The facts remains that Hon Diden has been a successful man in all ramifications despite all odds;he is an achiever and has fared well in all the appointments he held serving the state. He is a rare gem and his type is uncommon. He successfully served as a local government chairman, member Delta State House of Assembly, Commissioner DESOPADEC, Special Adviser on Security matters as well as Chairman DESOPADEC. These appointments placed him on a better stead as they afforded him the golden opportunity to touch lives and impact positively on the lives and well being of his people whom he hold in high esteem. His victory at the PDP primaries for Delta South Senatorial District is seen as the best that could happen to the good people of Delta South Zone.One thing is sure, Hon Ejele will certainly deliver on his campaign promises because he is tested and proven and above all, his love for his people knows no bounds. His style of politics is built in character, candour, love embedded with the fear of God. He knows where the shoes pinches and would stop at nothing to better the lives of his people at the upper legislative Chamber through robust representation. Finally, Hon Diden Michael, popularly known as Ejele is the man to beat; the right man for the job as Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District in the Hallowed chamber come June, 2023 by the grace of God.
The Threat By Plateau State government of No-Work-No Pay Against PLASU Union Members Is I’ll Advised-PLASU Union.
Attai Audu Jos
Academic staff union of universities (ASUU) Plateau State University Branch has described the threat by Plateau State government to Commence implementation of No- Work-No pay against it’s members as ill advised and counter Productive.
Chairman of the union and secretary in the persons of Dr Monday Hassan Zitta and comrade Deme S Bitrus respectfully in a press statement issued to newsmen after the union congress meeting held in Jos on Monday,said the union was in receipt of the government’s letter written to the branch and have deliberated on the I’ll advised directive given by the state government to apply no- work -no pay rule for members of the union.
They reminded the state government that the initial stands of ASUU was that the fate of education in the entire country must be critically addressed before issues at the branches are tackled
They also reminded the plateau state government that the national executive council of ASUU involving principal officers and members of the union made extra effort in giving attention to the negotiation in order to cover a gab so that students and lecturers will resume as soon other crucial issues that affects university education in the county are resolved.
According to them ” we wish to draw the attention of the state government that plateau state university can not thrive in isolation, it needs the support of the universities within and outside the county in the same way that all universities in the world collaborate with each other “
They also reminded the state government that during the negotiation, the representatives of the government were reminded that the issues at the national level affects all public universities in Nigeria and as such the strike by lecturers in plateau state university is the same strike that every lecturer in every public Nigerian university is embarking upon to ensure that no public university in Nigeria finds itself at a difficult end saying there is no Federal ASUU and no State ASUU.
” There is only one ASUU demanding that the government should act responsibly in ensuring quality education in the county.”
According to them, there are many challenges facing Plateau state university which are more than the challenges facing many public universities in Nigeria.
They argued that without the sacrifices made by ASUU, no department in the State university will come close to passing the accreditation tests and that the national university commission would have since closed down the institution .
“It is also significant to note that more than 90 percent of the structures in plateau State University were implemented by Tetfund or Needs assessment fund ( revitalizion)
According to them, the state government has not offered sponsorship for both local and international to any academic staff of the institution, as they have to rely on Tetfund, Needs assessment or their mega salaries to train themselves .
” It is therefore not only necessary but reasonable to work with the union that has over years long before the establishment of PLASU sustained and kept the Nigerian university education from deterioration like the public primary and secondary schools in the country.
They stressed that their congress is unanimously committed to the struggle.
.The Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused those against Governor Simon Làlong’s rebuilding of burnt Jos Ultra modern Market through a facility from Jaiz Bank as Politically motivated.
Spokesman of All Progressive Congress in Plateau state Sylvamus Namang in a press statement issued on Saturday and made available to Oracle Reporters, described the opposition to the decision of Governor Simon Bako Lalong to rebuild the market as politically motivated.
Namang in his statement stressed that the move and propaganda of those opposed to the decision of the current administration to rebuild the market are loaded with lies.
According to him, the position held by opponents of Lalong’s Government, is the height of mischief to the state and its people.
“It is important to note that, a lot of politically motivated propaganda were offloaded and circulated against the efforts of the Governor, where it was alleged that billions were spent to demolish the structure. This is false and the height of mischief!
The spokesman of the Plateau ruling party explained that, “The push for the economic growth of the State deserves the support of all discerning minds, stressing that they cannot continue to promote and elevate hatred as an ideology or achievement as the renegade Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) politicians, keep on doing.Namang alleged.
According to him, the state needs the intervention of true Patriots, Statesmen and Religious Leaders across the divide; to bring all disparate and divergent groups together, “as our strength lies in our diversity.”
He accused the PDP and its past Administration in the state and Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos, Member representing Jos-South/Jos East Federal Constituency of Plateau State, of Double Standard, owing to their protest and present suit against the signing of the MoU for the reconstruction of the Market.
Namang alleged that the Jos Main Market remains a cherished Heritage of Plateau People, which no one can take away, saying the market ought to have been rebuilt before now, if not for the misplaced priority of the immediate past administration.
“From available facts, all the Satellite Markets built at Kabong, Farin Gada, New Market and Katako are less than 50% occupied as the traders there have moved to Terminus, Ahmadu Bello Way, Murtala Muhammed Way, and all adjoining streets to the burnt down Market, which has led to frequent traffic gridlocks and environmental hazards.
” Traders operate in locations where they are better patronized and cannot be moved by fiat.”
“These Serial Fault finders’ opposition to the JAIZ Bank Funding initiative and the State Government’s decision to rebuild the market is purely politically motivated. Religion is only being ostensibly brought in as a mere smokescreen!
“The same JAIZ Bank has executed similar projects in nearly 100 % Christian States of Enugu and Rivers State without its people being Islamised, contrary to what is being widely canvassed by these deceptive opposition politicians in a 21st Century Plateau State.”
According to him, facts made available to the APC, reveal that, contrary to the allegation in the opposition camp that, the State Government was in breach of its own laws on Public Procurement, the arrangement with Jaiz Bank Plc is not covered under the Public Procurement Law, since the funding for the redevelopment is not coming from the public purse, but is a finance of the project by a Third Party.
“The scope of application procurement law we learnt is limited to the utilization of public funds to acquire goods and services.
“Regrettably, the outcome of this engagement with Jaiz Bank has been twisted, politicized and reported under the caption “Governor Lalong cedes Jos Main Market to Islamic Bank”
According to him, “This has unnecessarily provoked passions and negative emotions in our citizens and conveying the false narrative that, the state was parting with its cherished heritage to an “Islamic Bank”.
He stressed that while the Government respects the rights of its citizens to raise questions on every decision and make their observations and displeasure known, the Rescue Administration has allayed the fears being raised as nothing in the deal will work against the state. Rather, it is an opportunity to raise a Sleeping Giant once again- the famous Jos Main Market. A Market that has not added any value to the Government and its people since it was burnt down 21 years ago.
“A Market like the Jos Main Market that will engender economic activities and commercial intercourse amongst diverse groups is probably the most unifying institution a polarized state such as Plateau can wish for.
“What the APC in the state finds worrisome and disappointing is that despite the clarity in the terms of the proposals, politics has surreptitiously crept into this purely economic engagement and otherwise laudable project.
“Dishonest politicians, from the opposition, have for their convenience, given an religious colouration to the issue. Everybody, ranging from the Government to the Investor, the prospective Shop Owners, the Clerics and Plateau Citizens, have unfortunately become victims of the antics of these opportunists.
“The Truth is that the deliberately simulated and orchestrated outrage and resistance to the rebuilding of the Market is all about politics, rather than religion-often said to be the Opium of the Masses. These dishonest politicians in the pursuit of narrow political ends, at the slightest opportunity, never hesitate to exploit the divisive and combustible issue of religion to fool the people that they are the worthy protectors of “Plateau Heritage.”Namang stressed.
Oracle Reporters 