Attai Audu Jos.

Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Foundation of Germany said it has initiated result-oriented activities and a roadmap towards ending the famers-herders crises in North Central Nigeria.

The foundation stated this at a Roundtable Discussion on the Root Cause of Farmers Herders Crisis in North Central Nigeria organized by CHARIS Heathcare and Community Support Initiative; a non governmental organization based in Jos, which is concerned about supporting individuals, families and communities in distress through providence of evidence based psychosocial care and support achieving immediate and lasting change.

According to the foundation, understanding the root cause of the problem is key to ending the menace which has cost lots of lives and properties over the years.

A highlight of the event was the free distribution and review of a reference book capturing a research report on the root cause of farmers-herders crisis in North Central.

The research was funded by Rosa Luxemburg Stiffing Foundation, while two lecturers from the Department of Sociology, University of Jos. Dr Plangshak Musa Suchi (Ph.D) and Dr Sallek Yaks Musa (Ph.D) undertook the research.

According to the brochure, the study conducted 72 in-depth interviews with traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, representatives of local government authority, farmers, herders, security agencies and the civil society across selected affected communities in North Central states with a view to understanding the root cause of the farmers-herders crisis in the region.

The researchers findings revealed that the crisis was caused by multiple but interrelated socio-economic and political factors associated with the structure of the society and the character of the Nigerian state. And the immediate trigger of the crisis has often been the destruction of food crops by cattle and/or cattle rustling by criminal elements.

“Beyond these manifest causes, some deeper and more fundamental factors propelling the crisis were equally identified. Principal among these include scarcity of economic resources, especially arable land and fresh water, which some of the participants associated with explosion in human and animal population. There is also influx of herders and expansion of farming activities and cattle grazing.

“Others are socio-political marginalisation of ethnic and/or occupational groups especially the marginalisation of Fulani herders in the political affairs of some farming communities including discriminatory policies, deeply entrenched ethnic animosity between farming communities and the Fulani herders, which is further associated with cultural tension between the two parties, religious prejudice and sentiments between the predominantly Christian farmers and the Muslim Fulani dominated herders.

“Again, weak security and justice institutions which mostly manifests in poor handling of the cases of crop destruction by security and justice agencies across the communities, high level of unemployment and endemic poverty in the rural communities.

“In general, there is overwhelming evidence suggesting that the root cause of the farmers-herders crisis in North-Central Nigeria is therefore centred on the social structure of the Nigerian society and the inherent contradictions within the Nigerian state. Issues relating to blocking of cattle routes and encroachment on grazing lands by crop farmers, rampant destruction of food crops by herders, cattle rustling by criminals and violent attacks on farming communities, as well as scarcity of economic resources, are all facets of the farmers-herders crisis,” the book pointed out.

With respect to the roadmap to finding peace therefore, the researchers recommended that there is an urgent need for the Federal Government to address the underlying socio-economic and political factors associated with the crisis, such as historical legacies of injustice against minority ethnic groups in the region, inequality in access to economic and political resources between ethnic, religious, occupational, regional and gender groups and high rate of unemployment and poverty.

It also recommended that the corruption among the ruling elites; and weak security and justice institutions through good governance and policies that promote rapid reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced victims of the crisis.

“Furthermore, in implementing the livestock transformation plan as a step towards ending open grazing, the Federal Government in conjunction with the State Governments must first allay the fears of farming communities of possible land grabbing, occupation, and colonisation by Fulani herders.

“These harders must respect the customs and traditions of the host communities and protect their historical heritage. More crucially, as an immediate step towards resolving this crisis, the Federal Government must take pre-emptive steps to guarantee the security and safety of vulnerable communities from attacks and counter attacks that are associated with the farmers-herders crisis.

“One way this can be achieved is by designing a uniform structure for the organisation and delivery of community based policing across the entire region and the country at large,” it added.

In her remark at the event, Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung West Africa Office/Bureau Programme Manager, Angela Odah, said their decision to popularize the findings of the research is for the other stakeholders and experts to look at the implication of the research and take the necessary action.

She said the roundtable discussion was also to look at the crisis from mental health aspect and gender perspective of how women are affected, adding that this is an opportunity for Nigerians to realize that everyone is affected one way or another by the crisis and that the people are therefore stakeholders in building peace.

Facilitators at the event who also presented papers and partly reviewed the book were Henry Ajine Ojenya, a Clinical Psychologist and Programme Manager CHARIS Healthcare and Community Support Initiative, Jos and Aishatu Yusha’u Armiya’u,
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
Department of Psychiatry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University. Bauchi state.

100 persons were in attendance, including youth leaders, community leaders, traditional rulers, youths, community members, religious leaders, online community, academias, CSOs and the general public

Attai Audu Jos

A concerned Group of Muslim and Christian Youth Initiative of Nigeria have given their backing to Ambassador Yohanna Margif a Governorship Aspirants in Plateau State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress APC.

The Leaders of the group Comrade John Abok and Comrade Abubakar Suleman in a Press Statement made available to Oracle Reporters at the weekend in Jos , described Ambassador Margif as true leader who has demonstrated capacity to provide quality and purposeful leadership to the people of the state.

They Commended him for picking APC Governorship nomination form and successfully submitted same.

“we want to specially commend and congratulate our Leader Chief Ambassador Yohanna Margif for successfully purchasing the APC Governorship nomination form and expression of interest as well as returning same and we believe that this development has further confirmed to them that Margif is the Next Governor of Plateau state by God’s Grace”.

The group said they are ready to work and sell the aspiration of Margif across the length and breath of the 17 local government areas of Plateau State.

They called on the leadership of the ruling All Progressive Congress in Plateau to ensure that it’s Primaries are conducted under free and fair atmosphere without imposition of candidates.

Alleged N6.3bn fraud:Court rules in favour of Jang,second defendant ,in trial within trial at Jos High Court.

Attai Audu ,Jos

Justice Christy Dabup of the Plateau state High Court on Wednesday ruled that the disputed statements obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the ongoing trial involving a former Governor of Plateau state, Jonah Jang were not voluntary and therefore , can not be tendered as evidence in court .

Justice Dabup who gave the rulling on Wednesday at the conclusion of the trial-within-trial after taking arguments from lawyers to the parties rejected the EFCC claim that the statements were voluntary

Jang, who served as governor of Plateau state between 2007 and 2015, is standing trial alongside ,Yusuf Pam ,a former cashier in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government over an alleged misappropriation of public fund amounting to over N6.3bn

Before the ruling by the court on Wednesday , prosecution counsel, Rotimi Williams, SAN, had called a witness, Sunday Musa, to testify.

Musa, an investigator with the EFCC, had told the court how Yusuf Pam,the second defendant , withdrew cash running into millions of naira and handed over to the former governor.

He claimed that their investigation revealed that the money was part of the N2bn which the Central Bank of Nigeria gave to the state government as loan in 2015 for disbursement to medium and small scale enterprises but which was not done.

But when the EFCC counsel sought to tender the statements which the commission obtained from the second defendant, Pam, as exhibit through Musa, Pam’s counsel, S. Oyawole, raised an objection and argued that the said statements were obtained under duress from his client and therefore inadmissible in court

The development had prompted the court to order a trial-within-trial to determine whether the statements were voluntarily given

Delivering her judgement on Wednesday after arguments by both parties ,Justice Dabup said

“The court has considered all the arguments and evidences before it during the trial within trial .

“It is the duty of the prosecution to prove that the statements were made voluntarily

“For a confessional statement to be admitted in court ,it must
It must be proven to be voluntary.

“The Statements were not recorded or videoed

The prosecution witness admitted that none was present except the team of investigators when the confessional statements were obtained .The second defendant wanted his lawyers present but they did not oblige him

“Non compliance with administrative criminal justice will affect the admissibility of the confessional statements

“Court observed the demeanour of the witnesses

“Witnesses were evasive during the cross examination

“Slapping of the second defendant while making statements appears to be credible

“It appears to the court that the second defendant was more
or less guided to make his statements rather than being left alone to make his confessional statements . Therefore ,all issues are resolved in favour of the second defendant ”

The case which is ongoing is expected to continue tomorrow, Thursday,May 12,2022

Attai Audu Jos .

A group known as Plateau Unity Forum for Biggs(PUFFSB)has presented interest/nomination form to Mr. Sunday Garba Biggs, All Progressive Congress APC governorship aspirant and the Bigg things campaign organization in Mangu LGA of Plateau state.

Hon Sunday Biggs who is vying for the number one seat on the Plateau hails from Mangu LGA of Plateau State.The group obtained and presented a gubernatorial expression of interest/nomination forms to the former Permanent Secretary Government House Jos Sunday Garba Biggs, at the NUT Hall, Mangu LGA of Plateau state, with party stalwarts and State stakeholders in attendance.

Leader of Plateau Unity Forum for Sunday Biggs(PUFFSB) Arch Jonathan Mancha said at the event that the group saw the leadership qualities, overall acceptance of Biggs candidature by the people, coupled with his vast experience having served under three different past Governors, thus, gave them the pointer for them to adopt Sunday Biggs as their anointed candidate.

He described Sunday Biggs, the front line guber aspirant as a compassionate, loyal and sincere individual and so therefore believes in his ability to govern Plateau State.Sunday Biggs.

While responding Biggs expressed deep passion in turning the fortunes of Plateau State, adding that the support, love and benevolent gestures radiated towards him has been the driving force for his campaign.

He reassured his supporters that he would never disappoint them for trust repose on him.

Biggs dismissed the rumour that he was been sponsored by Plateau state Governor, Simon Bako Lalong aside from the support from his group.

According to him, at the age of 54, he has come of age to make decisions on his own, with the youths who he believes are solidly behind him.

The governorship aspirant used the occasion to visit the palace of the Mishkam Mwagavul, and was received by the Acting President Mangu Traditional council, HRH. Charles NATO Dakat, the Sum Pyem, and prayers were offered for Sunday Biggs and his campaign team.

However, at presentation of the forms to Sunday Biggs, groups, individuals and supporters also donated campaign vehicles, funds and other campaign materials .

Plateau 2023 – Sunday Biggs remains best aspirant – Support group

Attai Audu Jos.

A group operating under the aegis of Big Things Youth Support Network ( BSYN ) rooting for Hon Sunday Garba Biggs, a Permanent Secretary for the Governorship Race in Plateau state has described the aspirant as the best man for the Job .

In a statement jointly signed by Solomon Mancha the Convener of the group and
Rachel Nuhu ,the General Secretary and made available to Daily Independent,stressed that Sunday Biggs is just the man for the 2023 governorship seat because he possess the right quality and know-how.

He is quiet and calculative, a team player and the man of the people, His loyalty and love for Plateau is evident at all times.

The group further added that “Besides, he has charisma and he understand the dynamics of Plateau like no one else. This is not only due to his vast knowledge of the state but because he has served under three governors from the three senatorial zones of the state in different capacity.

They described Sunday Biggs as a compassionate, loyal and sincere individual who has the capacity to bring the required change that the Plateau people desire.

The statement reads in parts ” It could be recalled that the kick-start to the processes that will lead to the 2023 general elections are upon us and that the time has come again, when forces are aligning and re-aligning in a battle of wits, with a view to capture the highly coveted and prized ‘possessions’ of elective offices across the country, while having in mind, that whether those who emerge victorious would be people who genuinely care about the progress of this country and the welfare of its citizens .

” We call on Youths in the state to support this movement because our Plateau state has gone through a myriad of social challenges that has threatened the very social fabrics that hold us together as a people over the years, and as such we should not and must not allow our diversity in political allegiances be a source of rancour, enmity or hatred .”

“As a group we support and endorse the candidacy of Mr. Sunday Garba Biggs for the office of the Governor of Plateau State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

That Mr. Biggs being a technocrat who by sheer hard work and excellence rose through the ranks to the pinnacle of the civil service at a comparatively young age and who all through his career years has worked at close quarters with very many past and serving political and community leaders, understands better, the political dynamics of the state and is better equipped to manage all the contending political interests in the state while delivering quality leadership to the people .

“That having worked in the corridors of power as a civil servant several former and one serving Governor of plateau state in the last 23 years, Mr. Biggs knows and understands what made some of them succeed and some to fail and has thus garnered the requisite experiences to consolidate on their successes and to avoid their failures.

The group further added that while the crop of candidates vying for the office are good in their own rights, and constitute the best collection of aspirants we have ever had in Plateau State, Mr. Biggs represents the best chance we have at Uniting our people, achieving solidarity, developing our state and building a secure and safer Plateau for the good of our people and for the glory of God.

“We also wish to state, in clear and very categorical terms that despite and irrespective of the rumours going round town , we believe in and will continue to be confident in the commitment of the leadership of the APC both at the state and national level to provide a level playing ground to all contestants, until and unless we have reason to believe otherwise.

The group also added that ” We also wish to impress it upon the minds of all Plateau people that the race to little Rayfield Governmemt house is a family affair and thus a contest that must be conducted in brotherhood and in all circumstances , let us remember that the forces that bind us together are greater than those that tear us apart, as only then can we reposition Plateau State on the path of greatness , the group further added .

Attai Audu Jos.

The All Progressives Congress in Plateau State has declared that it has not thrown it’s weight any Governordhip Aspirant as their Party consensus candidate.

The State Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Slyvanus Namang told newsmen in Jos in an interview that the party in the state still maintains its position and assurance of Providing a level playing field for all the aspirants .

According to him, the APC on the Plateau strongly believes in the ideals of democracy which hinges on fairness, justice and fair play.

His words:” Our attention has been drawn to a press conference by some of our aspirants alleging imposition of a particular aspirant as gubernatorial flagbearer. As far as the APC on the Plateau is concerned, our position has not changed. Recently, two stakeholders’ meetings were held. In the recent one, the governor appealed to all the aspirants to ensure that they don’t go into the primary with a large number of aspirants.

” This was followed with a meeting by the party on the 25th of April 2022, presided over by the chairman Hon Rufus Bature with 12 aspirants in attendance. The chairman reiterated the party’s position that they should try as much as possible to dialogue among themselves and come up with a manageable number of aspirants which they all agreed to”

He further pointed out that the aspirants have been meeting and had also agreed to come up with a consensus candidate adding that the party will be comfortable with the idea to avoid rancour in the party.

” For the consensus to be the party’s position, it has to be with the consent and agreement of all the aspirants. There are 19 of them but 18 are saying they are ready to produce a consensus candidate.
What happens to the 19th person?, there’s the need for all the aspirants to have a common

front on this issue.

According to Namang, “This is a family issue, the governor is interested in handing over to another APC government comes 2023 and he will not like to do anything that will jeopardise this. There is still room for discussion and understanding on this issue.
it is wrong to conclude that the governor has endorsed one of the aspirants”

He further pointed out that the party’s position for a level playing field has not changed adding that it was on the strength of this that most of the 19 aspirants purchased nomination forms to contest for the primary.

“As far as APC on the Plateau is concerned there is no imposition of anybody on the rest of the aspirants. This is democracy there is the need to play by the rules and regulations” he said.

On the aspirants threatening to dump the party, he declared thus:” Nobody will build a house and destroy it with his hands. Let us sit down and address whatever issues at stake” he said.

Hon . Namang assured members of the party that the party through its dispute resolution mechanism would emerge stronger and there should be no cause for alarm of worry at all.

” As the ruling party, there is a lot of agitation and interest .The party would as a family, sort itself out in a manner that all interests would be accommodated as there is enough on the table for everyone ,” Namang stressed

Attai Audu Jos

The Chairman of the APC in Plateau State, Hon. Rufus Bature on behalf of the State Executive Committee of the party, Local Government and Ward Executive Committees and all members of his great party in Plateau state heartily joins Plateau citizens and Nigerians in rejoicing with His Excellency, Right Honourable Simon on Bako Lalong KSGG on the auspicious occasion of his 59th birthday.

“As you mark this great day in your life, the APC family in the state is confident that based on your impeccable trajectories and accomplishments in life, you are in the years ahead going to soar like the eagle.”

According to him, Lalong’s humility and total commitment to peace and justice has endeared him to Plateau people both at home and in the diaspora.

” Your Excellency, the good and peace-loving people of Plateau state would continue to appreciate you for the enthronement of enduring peece, stability and religious harmony in our dear state.”

Bature said as the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Lalong distinguished himself as a true and selfless leader who has worked tirelessly to ensure the peaceful coexistence and harmonious living of the entire people of the region in spite of their diversity.

,”:As you clock these 59 years on earth, it is our prayer and sincere wish that Almighty God would continue to bless you with good health, abundant grace and wisdom in the onerous task of governance and continous service to humanity.”He stressed

SIMON BAKO LALONG @ 59: REDIFINING GOVERNANCE THROUGH PATRIOTISM, VISION AND PEACE

By Makut Simon Macham

The story behind the political journey of Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, Executive Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern States Governors Forum cannot be fully comprehended without looking closely at his upbringing and early childhood which is a story of grass-to-grace fashioned in resilience, hardwork, humility, trustworthiness, team-spirit and forgiveness.

Those who know him from the glitter of the offices he has held including the current one as Governor may think of him as someone who has always been privileged or raised with a silver spoon. For others who have known him in the last 59 years, Simon Bako Lalong is a product of God’s grace and the determination of a man to use his gifts and talents to overcome all limitations around him.

Lalong has spoken severally of being raised in the then rural village of N’yak also known as Ajikamai in Shendam Local Government to poor parents who had little to offer him and his siblings for a bright future. To make matters worse, losing his father early in life meant that the burden of leadership fell on him prematurely being the first born.

Nevertheless, he took up the challenge and submitted himself to God and the discipline of his Uncle and benefactors who took him to Shendam where he continued his education and gradually blossomed amidst difficulties.

Through God’s help, he successfully passed through all levels of education to acquire a Law Degree from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University Zaria before being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991. This opened the doors of glory to him.

It is also important to point out the impact of education and the Church in the life of Simon Bako Lalong who tells everyone that the secret of his success and outlook in life is rooted in the Catholic Doctrines inculcated in him very early in life which have shaped his mind about people and service. Many testify to his easy going nature and capacity for love, forgiveness, honesty, compassion, self-control, humility among others which are enumerated in the Holy Bible as the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

This foundational attributes boosted by experience and exposures have continued to define him since he joined politics. Before seeking political office, Simon Bako Lalong demonstrated his passion for service through many youth, cultural and professional bodies. These include Assistant Secretary, Nigeria Bar Association, Plateau State Chapter; National President of Goemai Youth Movement; Youth Activist and one of the leaders within the Plateau Youth Council many years ago. These responsibilities espoused his competence and thus made it easy for the people to trust him with leadership when in 1999, he contested and won election into the Plateau State House of Assembly to represent Shendam Constituency. Within one year in the House, having served as Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary; Member, House Committee on Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Public Accounts/Petition and Agriculture, he emerged Speaker and successfully served for 7 years – the longest so far in the political history of the State.

Although his tenure as Speaker was not without challenges, Lalong displayed the earlier enumerated attributes of resilience, truth and justice when he held on strong in the face of political tyranny and Federal Might that saw him being illegally removed and his seat declared vacant.

Because he stood on truth and justice, his Recall from the House of Assembly failed woefully while his purported impeachment was upturned by the courts later. In the face of these challenges, his tenure as Speaker is praised for passing the Laws establishing Plateau State University, Bokkos (an institution he brought back to life after it was shut down by the Jang administration); College of Agriculture Garkawa; College of Arts, Science and Remedial Studies, Kurgwi; Bills on Creation of additional/new Chiefdoms, Districts and State Electoral Wards, as well as Bill on establishment of structures in Local Government Councils. As Speaker, he endeared himself to fellow Speakers across the 36 states in Nigeria and was elected twice as Chairman, Nigerian Conference of Speakers from 2001-2002. Today, he is the National Chairman, Conference of Former Speakers of State Houses of Assembly (COFSSHA).

Despite his travails and suffering as Speaker for refusing to carry out an illegal impeachment of the then Governor of Plateau State Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye, Governor Lalong maintained absolute calm and embraced his ordeal with equanimity, leaving vengeance to God rather than attempting to take his pound of flesh even when he eventually emerged Governor in 2015. Putting his foundational attributes of love, forgiveness, honesty, compassion, self-control, and humility to work, he faced Governance head-long rather than dissipating energy fighting perceived enemies.

Little wonder, from 2015 when he took over the as Governor of Plateau State, Lalong changed the trajectory of Governance by removing personal sentiments from public service. He decided to end the culture of personalizing public projects and abandoning people’s resources because of personal ego or political differences.

Despite taking over from a Government of a different political party, he vowed to complete all viable and useful projects that have direct impact on the people. This he has done with tremendous success with the completion of projects not only abandoned by former Governor Jonah Jang, but some dating as far back as the Government of Chief S.D. Lar.

Today, the Mararaban Jama’a – Secretariat Junction road abandoned at about 30 percent with less than one lane done, is fully completed and in use as one of the major dual carriage gateways to the State. The Secretariat Junction Flyover Bridge also inherited was equally completed and has been in use to the delight of motorists and citizens. Similarly, the Riyom General Hospital and Trauma Centre is completed and in use while the General Hospitals in Kwall, Kanke LGA and Mabudi, Langtang South LGA are also completed and will soon be put to use. The list goes on and on.

Having spent most part of his first tenure completing these inherited and abandoned projects, Governor Lalong continued the implementation of Rescue Mission anchored on Peace, Security and Good Governance; Infrastructural Development; and Sustainable Economic Rebirth. Many road projects within the Jos and Bukuru metropolis have been carried out with most of them rehabilitated, reconstructed or newly constructed. The metropolis is also electrified with solar street lights stretching close to 100 kilometres which have enhanced security, aesthetics and night life in the metropolis. The Plateau Judiciary is about taking possession of a brand new High Court Complex touted to the best in the country.

His sense of Justice, equity and fairness has pushed him to democratize infrastructural development by distributing projects across the 17 Local Government areas and always thinking of the grassroots. He has thus ensured that all Local Governments have water, road and other projects including the Lalong Legacy Projects which constitute of world standard Schools and Hospitals. These legacy projects when completed will redefine the face of education and health in Plateau State and ensure that the Legacy of the Rescue Administration lives on for many years to come. But for the legal impediments arising from the dispute between the Government and the former contractor, the Legacy Projects would have been commissioned already. However, the obstacle has already been crossed and the projects will be completed shortly.

Gradually, Governor Lalong is steadily but quietly fulfilling his campaign promises with the introduction of new projects which have dealt a huge blow to his critics who despite enjoying the many inherited and abandoned projects which he completed and others he initiated, prefer to wallow in self-deceit and political numbness just to discredit him. Early this year, he invited Former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon to flag-off the construction of the British-American Flyover and Dualisation to Lamingo Roundabout.

The quality and rapid progress of the work has been impressive and a tale of excitement among citizens. As for the famous Jos Main Market which was burnt down many years ago, the Governor’s determination to find funding has finally paid off with one of Nigeria’s financial Institution, Jaiz Bank agreeing to fund the project on a PPP arrangement. This project which will soon kick start promises to be on of Governor Lalong’s parting gift for the good people of Plateau State.

Without doubt, an area where Governor Lalong’s best has earned him accolades home and abroad is the area of peace and security which remains closest to his heart. His achievements in this area make him second to none in Nigeria as he has virtually erased the recent previous perception of Plateau as a crises-ridden State and a no-go-area. By establishing the Plateau Peace Building Agency and the Inter-Religious Council, Governor Lalong has diffused the ethno-religious sentiments that were hitherto used as trigger for strife and violence.

Little wonder, the State has not experienced ethno-religious crises in a long time except for criminal attacks on innocent citizens by terrorists who have tried unsuccessfully to use religion and generate the bias to instigate the peace loving people to carry arms against one another. This has led to the isolation of these criminals who strike on innocent citizens in the dark of the night killing, maiming, and destroying houses and properties such as in Bassa, Riyom and of recent Kanam, and Wase among others.

Yet, the Governor has remained resolute in strengthening the Operation Rainbow and supporting other security agencies such as the Police, Operation Safe Haven, DSS, Civil Defence and others in facing the criminals headlong. Last year alone, He purchased and distributed 50 patrol cars and 200 security motorcycles to security agencies. In addition, he has introduced Community Policing in conjunction with Vigilante and Neighbourhood Watch Groups and Traditional Institutions that provide intelligence to security agencies. Many were therefore not surprised when after many years, Local Government Elections were conducted in the 17 Local Government Areas of the State in September 2021 without any problems. In the past, attempts to conduct such elections in places such as Jos North became a trigger for violence and bloodshed.

The increased security and safety in Plateau State have resulted in the inflow of more investments into the State by new businessmen and those who had left the State reluctantly during the dark days. Today, the city is always full with people and hotels are almost always sold out.

Government, Private Sector, Professional Bodies and Non-Governmental Agencies are falling over one another to host major national and international conferences and AGMs in Jos. They find it very convenient as the Lalong Government successfully brought in Max Air to operate a flight to and from Abuja, the nation’s capital. The flight has been so successful that within a short time, the flights are almost always fully booked making it necessary for the airline to increase frequencies to almost daily. On the whole, the economy of the State has picked up and citizens are experiencing more prosperity through the establishment of SMEs.

Thanks to the creation of an enabling business environment, citizens and corporate organisations are more willing to pay their taxes while the Plateau State Inland Revenue Service has been restructured and with the help of a reputable tax firm now generates more money than before. This has given the Government an opportunity to not only continue its regular payment of salaries and pensions, but also carry out other obligations to contractors and other partners. Indeed, the Lalong Rescue Administration has demonstrated fidelity and prudence in utilization of public resources through the establishment of Efficiency Unit (EU), Liquidity Management Committee (LMC), Due Process Office, Project Monitoring and Result Delivery Office (PMRDO), implementation of the State Fiscal, Transparency Accountability and Sustainability Program (SFTAS) as well as being a member of the Open Government Partnership (OGP). Little wonder, the records of financial and fiscal discipline won Plateau State the Transparency and Accountability in Extractives at the 2020 OGP Local Innovation Awards held in Seoul, South Korea (1st in Africa). This is after it had won the Award as the second least Corrupt State in Nigeria by the National Bureau for Statistics (NBS).

Turning 59 years weeks before his 7th year in office, Governor Simon Bako Lalong shows his credentials as a man whose rise to public office is certainly not for self-aggrandizement, vain glorification and lucre, but for service that is stewed in humility, fairness, justice and love for the less privileged who like him, depend on God for upliftment and a better life. He remains a darling of Civil Servants who call him “Governor Alert” after seven years of consistent payment of their wages as and when due – a clear departure of what they experienced before his coming into office.

His democratic credentials and leadership position on the National Stage continue to blossom as he walks the talk when it comes to the rule of law and encouraging the growth of democracy. He remains the first Governor in Nigeria to implement full Autonomy for the Legislature and Judiciary as well as Local Governments. This is in addition to his leadership of the Northern Governors Forum and huge sacrifices for the building of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). With this background, it becomes more convincing that Simon Bako Lalong has a destiny with fate in the coming years particularly after the 2023 elections when his tenure ends as Governor of Plateau State. Already, groups are mounting uncommon pressure on him to go higher in the service of the nation with the Plateau Legacy Group purchasing the form for him to run for the Plateau South Senatorial District Seat. As the Chairman of the group and Member representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi succinctly puts it, “leaders like you should not do what they have done to Plateau people and retire home. You have done so much for Plateau State and Nigeria at large and that is why we have put our heads together to take the decision to buy the form for you to contest. You have so much to offer”.

On this special occasion of his 59th birthday, the prayer is for God to give Governor Simon Bako Lalong good health, more wisdom and courage to continuously operate in the will of God and stay true to the early teachings and training he got from the Bible which have taken him thus far.

Happy birthday Your Excellency!

Makut Simon Macham, Ph.D., is the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.

SIMON BAKO LALONG @ 59: REDIFINING GOVERNANCE THROUGH PATRIOTISM, VISION AND PEACE

By Makut Simon Macham

The story behind the political journey of Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, Executive Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern States Governors Forum cannot be fully comprehended without looking closely at his upbringing and early childhood which is a story of grass-to-grace fashioned in resilience, hardwork, humility, trustworthiness, team-spirit and forgiveness.

Those who know him from the glitter of the offices he has held including the current one as Governor may think of him as someone who has always been privileged or raised with a silver spoon. For others who have known him in the last 59 years, Simon Bako Lalong is a product of God’s grace and the determination of a man to use his gifts and talents to overcome all limitations around him.

Lalong has spoken severally of being raised in the then rural village of N’yak also known as Ajikamai in Shendam Local Government to poor parents who had little to offer him and his siblings for a bright future. To make matters worse, losing his father early in life meant that the burden of leadership fell on him prematurely being the first born.

Nevertheless, he took up the challenge and submitted himself to God and the discipline of his Uncle and benefactors who took him to Shendam where he continued his education and gradually blossomed amidst difficulties.

Through God’s help, he successfully passed through all levels of education to acquire a Law Degree from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University Zaria before being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991. This opened the doors of glory to him.

It is also important to point out the impact of education and the Church in the life of Simon Bako Lalong who tells everyone that the secret of his success and outlook in life is rooted in the Catholic Doctrines inculcated in him very early in life which have shaped his mind about people and service. Many testify to his easy going nature and capacity for love, forgiveness, honesty, compassion, self-control, humility among others which are enumerated in the Holy Bible as the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

This foundational attributes boosted by experience and exposures have continued to define him since he joined politics. Before seeking political office, Simon Bako Lalong demonstrated his passion for service through many youth, cultural and professional bodies. These include Assistant Secretary, Nigeria Bar Association, Plateau State Chapter; National President of Goemai Youth Movement; Youth Activist and one of the leaders within the Plateau Youth Council many years ago. These responsibilities espoused his competence and thus made it easy for the people to trust him with leadership when in 1999, he contested and won election into the Plateau State House of Assembly to represent Shendam Constituency. Within one year in the House, having served as Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary; Member, House Committee on Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Public Accounts/Petition and Agriculture, he emerged Speaker and successfully served for 7 years – the longest so far in the political history of the State.

Although his tenure as Speaker was not without challenges, Lalong displayed the earlier enumerated attributes of resilience, truth and justice when he held on strong in the face of political tyranny and Federal Might that saw him being illegally removed and his seat declared vacant.

Because he stood on truth and justice, his Recall from the House of Assembly failed woefully while his purported impeachment was upturned by the courts later. In the face of these challenges, his tenure as Speaker is praised for passing the Laws establishing Plateau State University, Bokkos (an institution he brought back to life after it was shut down by the Jang administration); College of Agriculture Garkawa; College of Arts, Science and Remedial Studies, Kurgwi; Bills on Creation of additional/new Chiefdoms, Districts and State Electoral Wards, as well as Bill on establishment of structures in Local Government Councils. As Speaker, he endeared himself to fellow Speakers across the 36 states in Nigeria and was elected twice as Chairman, Nigerian Conference of Speakers from 2001-2002. Today, he is the National Chairman, Conference of Former Speakers of State Houses of Assembly (COFSSHA).

Despite his travails and suffering as Speaker for refusing to carry out an illegal impeachment of the then Governor of Plateau State Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye, Governor Lalong maintained absolute calm and embraced his ordeal with equanimity, leaving vengeance to God rather than attempting to take his pound of flesh even when he eventually emerged Governor in 2015. Putting his foundational attributes of love, forgiveness, honesty, compassion, self-control, and humility to work, he faced Governance head-long rather than dissipating energy fighting perceived enemies.

Little wonder, from 2015 when he took over the as Governor of Plateau State, Lalong changed the trajectory of Governance by removing personal sentiments from public service. He decided to end the culture of personalizing public projects and abandoning people’s resources because of personal ego or political differences.

Despite taking over from a Government of a different political party, he vowed to complete all viable and useful projects that have direct impact on the people. This he has done with tremendous success with the completion of projects not only abandoned by former Governor Jonah Jang, but some dating as far back as the Government of Chief S.D. Lar.

Today, the Mararaban Jama’a – Secretariat Junction road abandoned at about 30 percent with less than one lane done, is fully completed and in use as one of the major dual carriage gateways to the State. The Secretariat Junction Flyover Bridge also inherited was equally completed and has been in use to the delight of motorists and citizens. Similarly, the Riyom General Hospital and Trauma Centre is completed and in use while the General Hospitals in Kwall, Kanke LGA and Mabudi, Langtang South LGA are also completed and will soon be put to use. The list goes on and on.

Having spent most part of his first tenure completing these inherited and abandoned projects, Governor Lalong continued the implementation of Rescue Mission anchored on Peace, Security and Good Governance; Infrastructural Development; and Sustainable Economic Rebirth. Many road projects within the Jos and Bukuru metropolis have been carried out with most of them rehabilitated, reconstructed or newly constructed. The metropolis is also electrified with solar street lights stretching close to 100 kilometres which have enhanced security, aesthetics and night life in the metropolis. The Plateau Judiciary is about taking possession of a brand new High Court Complex touted to the best in the country.

His sense of Justice, equity and fairness has pushed him to democratize infrastructural development by distributing projects across the 17 Local Government areas and always thinking of the grassroots. He has thus ensured that all Local Governments have water, road and other projects including the Lalong Legacy Projects which constitute of world standard Schools and Hospitals. These legacy projects when completed will redefine the face of education and health in Plateau State and ensure that the Legacy of the Rescue Administration lives on for many years to come. But for the legal impediments arising from the dispute between the Government and the former contractor, the Legacy Projects would have been commissioned already. However, the obstacle has already been crossed and the projects will be completed shortly.

Gradually, Governor Lalong is steadily but quietly fulfilling his campaign promises with the introduction of new projects which have dealt a huge blow to his critics who despite enjoying the many inherited and abandoned projects which he completed and others he initiated, prefer to wallow in self-deceit and political numbness just to discredit him. Early this year, he invited Former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon to flag-off the construction of the British-American Flyover and Dualisation to Lamingo Roundabout.

The quality and rapid progress of the work has been impressive and a tale of excitement among citizens. As for the famous Jos Main Market which was burnt down many years ago, the Governor’s determination to find funding has finally paid off with one of Nigeria’s financial Institution, Jaiz Bank agreeing to fund the project on a PPP arrangement. This project which will soon kick start promises to be on of Governor Lalong’s parting gift for the good people of Plateau State.

Without doubt, an area where Governor Lalong’s best has earned him accolades home and abroad is the area of peace and security which remains closest to his heart. His achievements in this area make him second to none in Nigeria as he has virtually erased the recent previous perception of Plateau as a crises-ridden State and a no-go-area. By establishing the Plateau Peace Building Agency and the Inter-Religious Council, Governor Lalong has diffused the ethno-religious sentiments that were hitherto used as trigger for strife and violence.

Little wonder, the State has not experienced ethno-religious crises in a long time except for criminal attacks on innocent citizens by terrorists who have tried unsuccessfully to use religion and generate the bias to instigate the peace loving people to carry arms against one another. This has led to the isolation of these criminals who strike on innocent citizens in the dark of the night killing, maiming, and destroying houses and properties such as in Bassa, Riyom and of recent Kanam, and Wase among others.

Yet, the Governor has remained resolute in strengthening the Operation Rainbow and supporting other security agencies such as the Police, Operation Safe Haven, DSS, Civil Defence and others in facing the criminals headlong. Last year alone, He purchased and distributed 50 patrol cars and 200 security motorcycles to security agencies. In addition, he has introduced Community Policing in conjunction with Vigilante and Neighbourhood Watch Groups and Traditional Institutions that provide intelligence to security agencies. Many were therefore not surprised when after many years, Local Government Elections were conducted in the 17 Local Government Areas of the State in September 2021 without any problems. In the past, attempts to conduct such elections in places such as Jos North became a trigger for violence and bloodshed.

The increased security and safety in Plateau State have resulted in the inflow of more investments into the State by new businessmen and those who had left the State reluctantly during the dark days. Today, the city is always full with people and hotels are almost always sold out.

Government, Private Sector, Professional Bodies and Non-Governmental Agencies are falling over one another to host major national and international conferences and AGMs in Jos. They find it very convenient as the Lalong Government successfully brought in Max Air to operate a flight to and from Abuja, the nation’s capital. The flight has been so successful that within a short time, the flights are almost always fully booked making it necessary for the airline to increase frequencies to almost daily. On the whole, the economy of the State has picked up and citizens are experiencing more prosperity through the establishment of SMEs.

Thanks to the creation of an enabling business environment, citizens and corporate organisations are more willing to pay their taxes while the Plateau State Inland Revenue Service has been restructured and with the help of a reputable tax firm now generates more money than before. This has given the Government an opportunity to not only continue its regular payment of salaries and pensions, but also carry out other obligations to contractors and other partners. Indeed, the Lalong Rescue Administration has demonstrated fidelity and prudence in utilization of public resources through the establishment of Efficiency Unit (EU), Liquidity Management Committee (LMC), Due Process Office, Project Monitoring and Result Delivery Office (PMRDO), implementation of the State Fiscal, Transparency Accountability and Sustainability Program (SFTAS) as well as being a member of the Open Government Partnership (OGP). Little wonder, the records of financial and fiscal discipline won Plateau State the Transparency and Accountability in Extractives at the 2020 OGP Local Innovation Awards held in Seoul, South Korea (1st in Africa). This is after it had won the Award as the second least Corrupt State in Nigeria by the National Bureau for Statistics (NBS).

Turning 59 years weeks before his 7th year in office, Governor Simon Bako Lalong shows his credentials as a man whose rise to public office is certainly not for self-aggrandizement, vain glorification and lucre, but for service that is stewed in humility, fairness, justice and love for the less privileged who like him, depend on God for upliftment and a better life. He remains a darling of Civil Servants who call him “Governor Alert” after seven years of consistent payment of their wages as and when due – a clear departure of what they experienced before his coming into office.

His democratic credentials and leadership position on the National Stage continue to blossom as he walks the talk when it comes to the rule of law and encouraging the growth of democracy. He remains the first Governor in Nigeria to implement full Autonomy for the Legislature and Judiciary as well as Local Governments. This is in addition to his leadership of the Northern Governors Forum and huge sacrifices for the building of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). With this background, it becomes more convincing that Simon Bako Lalong has a destiny with fate in the coming years particularly after the 2023 elections when his tenure ends as Governor of Plateau State. Already, groups are mounting uncommon pressure on him to go higher in the service of the nation with the Plateau Legacy Group purchasing the form for him to run for the Plateau South Senatorial District Seat. As the Chairman of the group and Member representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi succinctly puts it, “leaders like you should not do what they have done to Plateau people and retire home. You have done so much for Plateau State and Nigeria at large and that is why we have put our heads together to take the decision to buy the form for you to contest. You have so much to offer”.

On this special occasion of his 59th birthday, the prayer is for God to give Governor Simon Bako Lalong good health, more wisdom and courage to continuously operate in the will of God and stay true to the early teachings and training he got from the Bible which have taken him thus far.

Happy birthday Your Excellency!

Makut Simon Macham, Ph.D., is the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.

Attai Audu Jos

Plateau born auto business mogul
Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik on Monday formally declared his interest to contest for the position of the Governor of Plateau State come 2023 .

Addressing newsmen at Jos NUJ Press centre on Monday, Chief Ropshik said time has come to allow people like him with private sector back ground to lead the people of Plateau State.

According to him, he has what it takes in using his net work in business circle to bring investors to Plateau to better the lots of citizens of Plateau State.

Chief Ropshik disclosed that he has a lot to offer the people of his state to make them less dependent on government but to become self reliant as state civil servants salaries when paid can’t take them in running their homes for more than a week before they become broke.

Ropshik challenged his fellow Governorship Aspirants in his state to tell the people of Plateau what they have done all these years to better their lives that makes them now think they have what it takes to aspire to become the next governor of the state come 2023.

According to him, his people-centred philanthropic gestures have touched all facets of lives on the Plateau.

According to him, ” I Ropshik has what it takes to make Plateau a tourism hub through development of the state’s tourism potentials by replicating what he has seen and experienced in other parts of the world on the Plateau.

Chief Ropshik added as a businessman, he has done excellently well in providing humanitarian aid to his people on the Plateau, especially widows, orphans and the less privileged .

” As one of Nigeria’s most successful automobile merchants in a highly competitive industry, time has come for me to provide purposeful leadership for my people on the Plateau” Ropshik added.

He called on the PDP stakeholders in Plateau State to ensure the realization of his Governorship dream as the party primaries is slated for this month of May in the state.

He added that as some one whom God has raised from a humble background, he understands the predicaments of the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable among the people of his State and that if given the opportunity to become Plateau next governor, he would turn around the economic fortunes of the people on the Plateau.