Rep. Bagos Lays Petition Against Fed. School of Lab. Science Jos for Breach of Federal Character on Employment

Rep. Bagos Lays Petition Against Fed. School of Lab. Science Jos for Breach of Federal Character on Employment
The Member representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency, Rep. Dachung Bagos today Rep. Dachung Bagos laid a petition from some complainants on the floor of the Federal House of Representatives against the Federal School of Lab Science, Jos on the breach of the tenets of federal character on employment in the Institution.

He frowned how indigenes of Plateau State are denied slots which constitutionally through the Federal Character system accrues to them.

Rep. Bagos wondered why Plateau State slots were given to other States, a situation he said must be properly tackled.

He vowed to follow up the matter until the right thing is done.

Below are Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Thursday, February 13th 2020, The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila presiding.

After leading the opening prayer, the Speaker went on to examine and approve the votes and proceedings for Wednesday, February 12th, 2020
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DEFECTION OF REP. MEMBERS

1. Rep. Kingsley Uju Chima’s (Imo) defection from Action Alliance (AA) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was announced by the Speaker
2. Also, Rep. Paschal Obi’s (Imo) defection from Action Alliance (AA) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was announced.
The two lawmakers cited intraparty division as a reason for their actions.

The Minority Leader, Rep. Godwin Elumelu raised a point of order on the defections being illegal as there was no division in the Action Alliance party to his knowledge.
The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila ruled him out of order as the letters of defection stated that there were intraparty crisis in the Action Alliance (AA)
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PETITIONS

1. Rep. Eta Edim laid 2 petitions on behalf of some complainants, the first is from a community contesting the unlawful attempt to confiscate houses on a land duly allocated to them and the second is from some personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on their unlawful dismissal, they craved the intervention of the House to resolve the issues.

2. Rep. Mayowa Samuel laid a petition from some complainants against Standard Alliance Insurance Plc who is attempting to frustrate their financial claims and entitlements.

3. Rep. Dachung Bagos laid a petition from some complainants against the Federal School of Lab Science, Jos on the breach of the tenets of federal character.

4. Rep. Nnam Obi Uchechuku laid a petition from the oil and gas landlords over gross breach of agreements between their association and the oil companies in their communities. They called on the House to ensure that the regulatory agency meant to oversee compliance on the implementation of the agreements does its job efficiently.

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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

1. Rep. Yakub Bello moved a motion on the need to checkmate the emergence of fake professors in Nigerian universities (both private and public universities) and it was seconded by Rep. Mohammed Ari Abdulmumin.
Rep. Bello called on the national university commission to withdraw the certification of universities condoning those individuals and ensure more vigilance in recruitments of lectures into the universities.
The motion was voted on and adopted.

2. Rep. Nnaji John moved a motion on the need to declare a state of emergency on the power sector and it was seconded by Rep. Abubakar Yalleman.
Rep. Nnaji expressed dismay that despite the enormous amount of investments and time taken to improve power supply to Nigerian homes and industries, no meaningful development can be pointed to, this he stated is highly unacceptable as the resultant difficulties is crippling to Nigerian businesses. Rep. Nnaji stated that this steady decline in power generation, transmission and distribution has led to the migration of many businesses out of Nigeria, especially since there are no clean and cheap alternatives to the existing power generating means from the government. He expressed worry that if nothing is done urgently, the socioeconomic consequences could be more dire, especially as the lack of engagement leads to joblessness, poverty and liability of the youth to be engaged in vices such as insurgency. Rep. Nnaji urged the President of Nigeria to declare a state of emergency on the power sector. He also called on the House Committee on Power to call for a public hearing on the ways to proffer solutions to the problem and to effectively carry out their oversight functions. He also stated that the Committees on Power and Legislative Compliance should ensure the prayers of the motion are adhered to.
Rep. Nicholas Ossai decried how the privatization procedure in the power sector went wrong. He stated that the distribution companies have failed to put the right measures in place to distribute the generated power to Nigerian homes and companies.
Rep. Olumide Osoba also called for a review of the privatization process to ascertain why the distribution companies are not investing into the sector as expected, for it to function optimally.
Rep. Chi Obidigwe blamed the moribund state of Nigerian industries that have led to mass unemployment due to inadequate and irregular power supply. He called on the Federal government to do everything possible to fix the power sector as the spiral effect while the advantage of an effective power sector is unquantifiable.
Rep. Olajide Olatunbosun stated that the steady depression in the power sector is worrisome and the full value chain of the generation, transmission and distribution channel should be looked into so that the problems can be effectively fixed. He called on the federal government to ensure funds invested in the sector are effectively utilized.
Rep. Sada Soli Jibia decried why the privatization of the power sector seems to have been done just to favour some people, he stated that this could be responsible for the fact that there seems to be no urgency in solving the resulting quagmire. While calling for the restoration of the transmission and distribution parts of the value chain, Jibia noted that the political will to take the needed actions on the power sector is most important. He urged Nigerians to be disciplined by not compromising the system so that Nigerian can enjoy the full benefits of regular power supply.
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu stated that the idea of the government that handled the privatization of the power sector was noble, but the implementation was disappointing. He also lamented the fact that States such as Lagos were not encouraged when they attempted to establish their own independent power systems. According to him, if the initiative of the States had been properly coordinated by the Federal government, it would have aided power generation in the country.
Rep. Elumelu called for the prosecution of everyone who benefited illegally from the privatization process at the expense of the Nigerian people.
The motion was voted on and adopted.
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PRESENTATION OF BILLS
1. Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, Delta State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB.642) (Senate) – First Reading.

2. Chartered Institute of Finance and Control of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB.680) (Rep. Gagdi Adamu Yusuf) – First Reading.

3. Electric Power Sector Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB.681) (Rep. Babajimi Benson) – First Reading.

4. National Icons, Symbols Legacy Agency Bill, 2020 (HB.682) (Rep. Babajimi Benson) – First Reading.

5. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (HB.683) (Rep. Micah Yohanna Jiba) – First Reading.

6. Nigerian Police Academy (Establishment, Etc.) Bill, 2020 (HB.684) (Rep. Gagdi Adamu Yusuf) – First Reading.

7. Nigerian Police Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2020 (HB.685) (Rep. Gagdi Adamu Yusuf) – First Reading.

8. Federal University of Education, Pankshin (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB.686) (Rep. Gagdi Adamu Yusuf) – First Reading.

9. Federal College of Forestry Management and Tourism, Idanre (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB.687) (Rep. Tajudeen Adeyemi Adefisoye) – First Reading.

10. Export (Prohibition) Act (Repeal) Bill, 2020 (HB.688) (Rep. Rimamnde Shawulu Kwewum) – First Reading.

11. Subsidiary Legislation (Monitoring and Control) Bill, 2020 (HB.689) (Rep. Frederick Y. Agbedi) – First Reading.

12. Chartered Institute of Cost Managers of Nigeria Bill, 2020 (HB.690) (Rep. Frederick Yietiemone Agbedi) – First Reading

13. Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB.691) (Rep. Frederick Yietiemone Agbedi) – First Reading.

14. Federal University of Agriculture, Patigi, Kwara State (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2020 (HB.692) (Rep. Ahmed Abubakar Ndakene) – First Reading.

15. Nigeria Sugar Technology Institute Bill, 2020 (HB.693) (Rep. Ahmed Abubakar Ndakene) – First Reading.

16. Federal College of Agriculture (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB.694) (Rep. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi) – First Reading.

17. Electoral Offences Tribunal (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB.695) (Rep. Francis Charles Uduyok) – First Reading.

18. Federal University of Science and Technology, Kosubosu, Kwara State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB.696) (Rep. Mohammed Omar Bio) – First Reading.

19. Federal Medical Centre, Toro, (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB.697) (Rep. Muda Lawal Umar) – First Reading.

20. Federal Polytechnic, Orozo (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2020 (HB.698) (Rep. Micah Yohanna Jiba) – First Reading.

21. National Agency for the Control of Cancer (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB.699) (Rep. Kolawole Lawal) – First Reading.

22. National Volunteer Services Agency Bill, 2020 (HB.700) (Hon. Bamidele Salam) – First Reading.

23. Social Security Bill, 2020 (HB.701) (Rep. Abbas Tajudeen) – First Reading.

24. Chartered Institute of Auctioneers of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (HB.702) (Rep. Sylvester Ogbaga) – First Reading.

25. Electric Power Sector Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB.703) (Rep. Ben Rollands Igbakpa) – First Reading.

26. Insurgency or Military Victim Stigmatization (Prohibition) Bill, 2020 (HB.704) (Rep. Ben Rollands Igbakpa) – First Reading.

27. Rural Areas Development Agency (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2020 (HB.705) (Rep. Ben Rollands Igbakpa) – First Reading.

28. State of the Nation Address Bill, 2020 (HB.706) (Rep. Ben Rollands Igbakpa) – First Reading.

29. Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Urban Development and Planning Commission (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2020 (HB.707) (Rep. Jimoh Abdulraheem Olajide and Rep. Aliyu Ibrahim Almustapha) – First Reading.

30. National Agency for Sickle Cell Disease and other Heritable Blood Disorder (Prevention and Treatment) Bill, 2020 (HB.708) (Rep. Bamidele Salam) – First Reading.

31. National Directorate of Employment Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB.709) (Rep. Bamidele Salam) – First Reading.

32. North West Development Commission Bill, 2020 (HB.710) (Rep. Aminu Suleiman and 78 Others – First Reading.

33. Federal Polytechnics Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB.711) (Rep. Aminu Suleiman) – First Reading.
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ORDERS OF THE DAY
BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. P17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Enact the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Bill to Regulate the Training and Practice of Pharmacy; and for Related Matters (HB. 334) – Third Reading.


Debate
Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno.
The Bill was voted on, approved for third reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was passed.

2. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University, Gashua and to make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration; and for Related Matters (HB.) – Third Reading.

Debate
Rep. Peter Akpatason moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno.
The Bill was voted on, approved for third reading, the Clerk read the long title and it was passed.


3. A Bill for an Act to Establish Chartered Institute of Trade and Investment to Provide for Investment, Indemnity Assurance Scheme, Trade and Investment Tribunal, Trade and Investment Registry Data Bank; and for Related Matters (HB. 154) (Rep. Ossai N. Ossai) – Second Reading.


Debate
Rep. Ossai moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Anayo Nwonu.
In leading the debate Rep. Ossai stated that the Bill is anchored on boosting the private sector, enterprise and indigenous investment in Nigeria. He stated that the proposed Institute will ensure professionalism and provide for jobs for a vibrant trade and investment sector. Rep. Ossai stated that such a system has been in operation in the United States of America (USA) which has resulted in the promotion of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), this should be implemented for the good of the Nigerian economy, he added.
The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Commerce.

4. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal Medical Centre, Oghara; and for Related Matters (HB. 573) (Rep. Ben Rollands Igbakpa) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Igbakpa moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Bitrus Laori.
Rep. Igbakpa in leading the debate stated that the establishment of the Centre would avail those in the region the opportunity to access the needed medical services at minimal costs, this he stated would boost the life expectancy and healthy socioeconomic activities of those in the region. The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.


5. A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal Polytechnic, Abi to Provide Full-Time Courses in Technology, Applied Sciences, Management and other Fields of Study and to make Provisions for the General Management of the Polytechnic; and for Related Matters (HB. 349) (Rep. Alex Egbona) – Second Reading.

Debate
Rep. Egbona moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Rep. Al-Mustapha Aliyu. Rep. Egbona stated that the Bill seeks to ensure uniformity as there is no federal institution in the region to cater to the educational needs of its inhabitants.
The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Tertiary Education.
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MOTIONS
6. Reconsideration of Outstanding Bills from the Preceding Assembly:
Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata:

(i) National Inland Waterways Authority Bill, 2019 (HB.173);
(ii) Nigerian Film Corporation Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2019 (HB. 324);
(iii) Firearms Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (HB. 327;
(iv) Dietitians Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2019 (HB. 515); and
(v) Nigerian Television Authority Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (HB. 517)

The House:
Notes that pursuant to Order Twelve (12), Rule 16 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, Bills passed by the preceding Assembly and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence for which no concurrence was made or negatived or passed by the Senate and forwarded to the House for which no concurrence was made or negatived or which were passed by the National Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent but for which assent or withholding thereof was not communicated before the end of the tenure of the Assembly, the House may resolve that such Bills, upon being re-gazetted or clean copies circulated, be re-considered in the Committee of the Whole without being commenced de-novo;

Also notes that the aforementioned Bills were passed by the preceding Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent but for which assent or withholding thereof was not communicated before the end of the tenure of the last Assembly;

Aware that the Bills were re-gazetted as HBs. 173, 324, 327, 515 and 517 and respectively read the first time;

Resolves to:
Commit the Bills to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.


Debate
Rep. Fulata moved the motion on the reconsideration of outstanding Bills from the preceding Assembly and it was seconded by Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
The motion was voted on, adopted and committed to the Committee of the Whole.

7. Need to Utilize Zobe Dam in Dustin-ma Local Government Area of Kastina State:
Rep. Arm’yau Abdulkadir:

The House:
Notes that one of the focal points of the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is to diversify the economy to agriculture which will improve Nigeria’s internally generated revenues, achieve food security, thereby motivating millions of Nigerians to go back to the farms;

Also notes that the anti-corruption drive of the Administration has put to a halt the exogenous leakages in the agricultural sector to encourage, empower and enhance locally made farm produce, thereby increasing the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) index and foreign exchange reserve to over $45 Billion in cash and bonds;

Aware that some of the successful programs introduced by the Administration are the Anchor Borrowers Program, the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative, the Youth Farm Lab and the Presidential Economic Diversification and Food Security Council;
Informed that Zobe Dam was constructed in 1972 under the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority with the purpose of achieving comprehensive and integrated rural development, such as the provision of irrigation facilities, flood control, domestic/industrial water supply and hydroelectricity;

Also informed that since the commissioning of the Dam in 1983, it has not been put to use for irrigation, water supply or power generation and even though it has the capacity of irrigating over 20,000 hectares of land, supplying 80 million litres of water daily and generating hydro-power that can supply the whole of Katsina State with electricity;

Aware that the dam also has the capacity of supplying water for the production of wheat, rice and vegetables that can meet domestic requirements of over 30% of Nigerians, but it has been abandoned, a development that can lead to its overflow which will cause serious flood to communities around the dam as had happened in the past;

Resolves to:
(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to award a contract for the establishment of ultramodern irrigation canals of the Dam and ensure full functionality and utilization of the Zobe Dam;

(ii) mandate the Committee on Water Resources to ensure implementation.


Debate
Rep. Abdulkadir moved the motion on the need to utilize Zobe dam in Dustin-ma Local Government area of Kastina State and it was seconded by Rep. Ali Taofeek.
As an infrastructure-related motion, it was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant committees of the House.

8. Rehabilitation of Damaged Infrastructure in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State:
Rep. Chinedu Emeke Martins:

The House:

Notes that residents of Egberemiri, Eziudo and Oboama Communities in Ezinihitte Local Government Area, Imo State are being devastated by gully erosion which is rapidly eating away their lands and means of livelihood;

Also notes that indigenes of the communities whose main occupation is farming are on the verge of losing their farmlands, properties and roads with each passing rainy season;

Worried that the gully erosion has adversely affected the movement of persons, as well as commercial activities within the communities;

Concerned that if urgent actions are not taken to address the menace caused by the erosion, residents of the communities will be displaced and their properties destroyed;

Resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Ecological Fund Office to embark on erosion and flood control works in the affected areas and other prone areas in Ezinihitte Local Government Area;

(ii) Mandate the Committees on Environment and Ecological Fund to ensure compliance.


Debate
Rep. Martins moved the motion on the need to rehabilitate the damaged infrastructure in Ezinihitte Mbaise local government area, Imo State and it was seconded by Rep. Abdullahi Ibrahim.
As an infrastructure-related motion, it was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant committees of the House.

9. Need to Investigate the Utilization of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund:
Rep. Shina Abiola Peller:

The House:

Notes that the Section 11 of the National Health Act which was enacted in 2014 provides that not less than 1% of Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the Federal Government be set aside as a grant to finance the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPE or the Fund) which commits the Federal Government to dedicating national resources to improving the lives of all citizens, especially, women and children, to access a high impact and highly cost-effective package of health services, thereby achieving health for all by strengthening institutions and increasing financing for essential health care services;

Also notes that the Basic Health Care Provision Fund will fund operational budgets for public primary health care facilities (1per ward), purchase an explicit set of high impact services for all Nigerians address underperformance at the primary care level by removing the barriers to health care;

Aware that the Program will enable Nigerians access services and will be delivered in 22 States, including the FCT in the first instance and will serve as a catalyst to facilitate complete overhaul of the Primary Health Care system in Nigeria;

Recalls that the operational manual of the Fund states that all program funds must be kept in a dedicated account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), consequently, the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and relevant State agencies have all opened accounts with the CBN;

Also aware that 50% of the total amount appropriated has so far been released from the 2018 budget for the program, similarly, the Global Financing Facility and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have contributed $20m and $2m grant respectively to the program with other donor agencies also showing interests;

Cognizant that over 30 States have formally expressed interests and facility assessments have been carried out, with the release of approximately 50% of the fund;

Worried that in spite of the laudable program and intent of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, the Primary Health Care system of the country is in shambles, infant mortality is on the increase, rate of death at childbirth is still very high in most rural communities and hardly would one find a functional Primary Health care facility in most Local Governments Areas much less the wards;

Further aware that the Global Facility Financing (GFF) has committed $20m while the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will commit up to $75m over the next 5 years and the Department for International Development (DFID) also committed 60m Pound Sterling to support the Program whose goal is to have one functional Primary Health Care (PHC) per political ward in Nigeria;

Resolves to:

Mandate the Committee on Healthcare Services to investigate the utilization of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative actions.

Debate
Rep. Peller moved the motion on the need to investigate the utilization of the basic healthcare provision fund and it was seconded by Rep. Mohammed Awal.
As an investigative motion, it was voted on, adopted and referred to the relevant committees of the House.

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CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS (HOUSE IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE) Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase presiding:

10. A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Education (Special) Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State to Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching Instruction and Training in Technology, Applied Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities and Management; and for Related Matters (HB. 169) (Rep. Magaji Da’u Aliyu) (Committee of the Whole: 9/10/2019).


Synopsis of the report:
Rep. Magaji stated that the Bill is critical to the wellbeing of people with special needs, a similar institute he stated, is in existence in Oyo State and there is the need to establish the same in Jigawa state to cater for individuals who desire the services in the area.

Summary of voting:
Clauses voted on and carried: 1-22
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HOUSE IN PLENARY
The House reverted to plenary and adopted its rulings and report in the Committee of the Whole

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Adjournment:
The House at 14:27 adjourned plenary till Tuesday, 18th, February 2020 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Deputy Leader of the House, Rep. Peter Akpatason and seconded by the Chief Whip Rep. Mohammed Tahir Monguno

Courtesy:
Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.

PRESS STATEMENT

“THOSE WHO CONVERTED OUR GRAZING RESERVES WERE BEHIND THE POLITICIZATION OF THE NATIONAL LIVESTOCK TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM” – GOVERNOR LALONG REVEALS AS PLATEAU STATE SIGNS MOU TO KICK START IMPLEMENTATION


Plateau State has began the process of implementing the National Livestock Transformation Program (NLTP) with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with two companies that will begin operations at the Wase and Kanam Grazing Reserves.
During the signing of the MOU at the Government House Rayfield-Jos, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong expressed delight that the initiative is gradually becoming a reality after the initial setbacks occasioned by misinformation, politicization and skepticism that drew unnecessary resistance.
He said through robust engagement, enlightenment and dialogue, the earlier fears were dispelled leading to the acceptance of the program by both farmers, pastoralists and businessmen.
He said “when the NLTP was initiated, it was erroneously misinterpreted by those who wanted to play politics and discredit it. I told my people that as their Governor, I can never bring anything that will cause them pain and poverty. Because I was in the NLTP Committee, I understood clearly that Plateau State will not only benefit from it, but will use it to create jobs and address the farmer herder attacks which almost destroyed the peace of our peace “.
“After the engagement with stakeholders, people embraced it because it is business. It has nothing to do with ethnicity, religion or tribe. Those who had taken over and converted for personal use most of the grazing reserves of the State were behind the incitement and lies alleging that we wanted to sell the State to one group or the other. When I threatened to retrieve all the shared grazing lands from them, they kept quiet and retreated. Of the 7 grazing reserves, the only ones still available are the Kanam and Wase reserves which we are going to use for this pilot phase” he explained.
He said the State which is among the five selected for the pilot phase will benefit from the 15 billion that has been earmarked, using a purely private sector led template.
Senior Special Assistant Assistant to the President on agriculture and coordinator of the NLTP Andrew Kwasari said the programme has a lot of benefits to the country as it is comprehensive enough to cover all those involved in the Livestock industry with value chain addition.
He commended the Governor of Plateau State for remaining focused despite distractions from various quarters, saying he will soon be praised and vindicated not only by his people, but even his critics.
The Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu signed on behalf of the State Government while representatives of Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Ltd. and Integrated Diaries signed for their companies.
The two companies are to develop infrastructure and facilitate the establishment of diary, meat, foliage and related companies that will cut across various livestock species. They will also facilitate human capacity development of the local citizens who are expected to drive the process.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Plateau State Prof. Sonni Tyoden who is the Chairman of the State Livestock Transformation Program (SLTP). A team of investors from Netherlands led by Klaas Struiksma, was also at the signing ceremony where they pledged to work with the government on strengthening the program and investing in the vast opportunities available in the Livestock sector. Prof. John Wade, Secretary of the SLTP later led the delegation on a visit to Kanam and Wase grazing reserves.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
13the February 2020.

THE GOLDEN FISH HAS NO HIDDEN PLACE.HON MANJI B D GONTORI IS A TREASURE TO PLATEAU PEOPLE,IT WAS HIS DESCRIPTION TODAY AT THE SEND OFF PRAYER OF THE DAUGHTER OF THE AGWOM IZERE(1ST CLASS CHIEF OF IZERE NATION)JOS EAST LGA.

When a man is good,he is everywhere.he identify with his people all the time not because he has an aspiration but because its his nature.
As Hon GONTORI storm the ground of the event as the chairman of the occasion,he was received amidst cheers from supporters and well wishers.Hon Gontori thank God for the gift of this special day in the life of a princess of IZERE nation.he was glad to witness the occasion .he told the mammoth crowd that gathered to celebrate with the royal home that marriage is ordained by God hence the fulfilment of the scriptures in the life of our sister today.as a politician ,he told the people that by 2023 God will do something new in our state.the people roar in joy,chanting Governor 2023″ sai Gontori”.it was a historic moment as the man of the people showered blessings on the bride to be(Princess Tabitha Ayong Isaac Azi)with gifts and donation to help her as she go into her matrimonial home.

God bless the people’s Governor Come 2023,Hon Manji B D Gontori.

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG MOURNS PLATEAU UNITED COACH

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed deep grief over the death of Assistant coach of the Plateau United Football Club of Jos who passed away on Wednesday 12th February 2020.
The Governor in a statement condoled with the family of the deceased, the management and players of Plateau United as well as fans of the club over the sad departure of the football tactician.
Lalong said ” late Coach Pele was a great pillar for the Plateau United an asset to the footballing community in the State and Nation at large. He dedicated his time and energy to grooming young talents and guiding them to stardom. Many of them are now flying high around the World”.
The Governor also noted the immense contributions of late coach Pele to the success of Plateau United particularly in its current form where it has remained on top of the Nigeria Professional Football League.
The Governor prayed God to grant the late coach eternal rest and comfort the family.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs
To the Governor of Plateau State.
13th February 2020

The Supreme Court has sacked the governor-elect of Bayelsa State, David Lyon, and his Deputy, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremieoyo.
A five-man panel of the apex court led by Justice Mary Peter-Odili ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to the All Progressives Congress’ candidate as the winners of the November 16, 2019 governorship election in the state.
The Apex Court ordered INEC to issue a fresh certificate of return to the candidate of the party with the next highest votes and with the required constitutional spread of votes in the results of the election, which are the Peoples Democratic Party.
Justice Ejembi Ekwo, who read the lead judgment made the orders after disqualifying the APC’s deputy governorship candidate, Degi-Eremienyo, as a candidate in the election.
The court upheld the November 12, 2019 judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja which had disqualified Degi-Eremienyo in the election for submitting forged certificates to INEC.
The court ruled that Mister Degi-Eremienyo’s disqualification had infected the joint ticket with which he and the governorship candidate, Lyon, ran for and won November 16, 2019.
The five-man panel further held that on the basis of that both candidates and their party, the APC ought to have abstained from participating in the election.

                   

DIRECTORATE
OF PRESS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS,

OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, PLATEAU
STATE

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

GOVERNOR LALONG EMERGES
DAILY INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR 2019

For his efforts at ensuring that peace returns to Plateau
State as well as sustaining the path of reconciliation, Plateau State Governor
Simon Bako Lalong has emerged as the Daily Independent Newspaper Governor of
the Year 2019.

This cheering news was communicated to the Governor in a
letter delivered by the Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Independent
Newspaper Mr. Steve Omanufeme during a visit to Government House, Rayfield-Jos
on Wednesday 12th February 2020.

While making the presentation, Steve Omanufeme explained that
the Selection Committee, which looked for many qualities such as the passion
for good governance and priority to the security of lives and property,
selected Governor Lalong after a vigorous scrutiny.

He said, “the committee resolved that the selection of the Governor
of the Year should consider security as a major issue because it is the primary
duty of every government as it forms the pillar on which other indices rest. Without
security, there will be no development and even what has been achieved will easily
be wiped out”.

Lalong according to the Managing Director, became an obvious
choice because he has been able to bring calm to Plateau State by pursuing the
path of peace and reconciliation while also fighting crime. This situation he acknowledges,
is gradually bringing back the old glory of Plateau State which is undoubtedly
the Home of Peace and Tourism.

The Editor-in-Chief explained that although the security
challenges in Plateau State have not been completely resolved, the initiatives
of Governor Lalong have proven to be effective in ensuring that violence is
curbed drastically through institutional development such as the establishment
of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, which is the first in the country and a
model that is being replicated.

Governor Lalong while accepting the Nomination described it
as a humbling experience considering the fact that his passion for peace is not
only a natural instinct, but a responsibility as the Chief Security of Plateau
State.

He said “I was surprised when I heard that you had selected
me for the Governor of the Year Award because I always do my work without
expecting praises or awards. I am always convinced that the search for peace is
the right thing to do because there is nothing we can ever achieve in an
atmosphere of violence and rancour. That is why I made peace my number one
priority since assuming office and by the grace of God, we have made a lot of
progress. We know that there is still more to be done hence our determination
to keep building institutions that will bring our people together so that we
can identify the trouble makers and criminals and deal with them appropriately”.

Lalong also told his guests that the State recently held a
stakeholders meeting and resolved to reinvigorate the Operation Rainbow
Security Outfit and commence the implementation of the Community Policing Initiative
enunciated by the Inspector General of Police.

He thanked the Daily Independent Newspaper for the honour and
promised to redouble his efforts in enduring that lasting peace returns to Plateau
State as well as the entire Northern Region because of his position as the
Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum.

The Awards are scheduled to hold in Lagos in March this year.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham

Director of Press & Public Affairs to the

Executive Governor of Plateau State

12th February 2020

                    

DIRECTORATE
OF PRESS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS,

OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, PLATEAU
STATE

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI TO COMMISSION
RYOM TRAUMA HOSPITAL, LEGACY PROJETCS – GOVERNOR SIMON LALONG

In fulfilment of his promise to complete inherited and
abandoned projects, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong was in Ryom Local
Government to inspect completion of work on the Ryom Trauma Hospital that was started
by Governor Joshua Dariye, but abandoned by the last administration of Governor
Jonah Jang.

Lalong who regretted that the project was abandoned for many years
despite the serious need for such medical facility in the area said his
administration decided to complete the hospital and equip it because of the
resolve to ensure that government resources are not wasted and the health challenges
of the people are addressed.

He said “the hospital which has virtually been completed will
make life easy for people in this area, and with the state-of-the art equipment
we have invested here, patients from far areas will be referred here when it is
open to the public. It is unfortunate that the last administration for reasons
best known to it decided to ignore this very important project, making people
to travel far distances for secondary medical care. This will change that now”.

The governor also hinted that President Muhammadu Buhari may
likely commission the Trauma Hospital and other Legacy Projects within the year
as a formal invitation will be extended to the to him soon.

Member representing Ryom Constituency in the Plateau House of
Assembly Timothy Dantong praised Governor Lalong for paying attention to the
completion of the Hospital and other projects irrespective of political considerations.

“The Governor has demonstrated that he is a true leader whose
main focus is development and the wellbeing of the people. We believe you when
you say that the time for politics has passed and it is time for governance. You
are matching your words with action and our people are very grateful and will
continue to support you” he said.

Chairman of Ryom Local Government Mafeng Gwallson who also
spoke about the projects cited in the local government described the Lalong Administration
as one that is fair, equitable and kind to the people of his local government.

The Governor also inspected ongoing work at the Government
Secondary School Ryom, which is one of the Legacy Projects being undertaken in
the State.

He was delighted that the work has gone far and urged the
contractor to increase the tempo so that work the work will be finished on
record time considering that the State is already preparing to seek President Buhari’s
consent to commission the projects when completed.

He received assurances that the work will be completed on
record time and with the highest quality.

Lalong also addressed students of the school and admonished
them to pay attention to their studies as the government decided to remodel the
school to turn around the learning environment in line with the new attempt to
make sure students acquire skills and entrepreneurial education for productivity.

“I am preparing you for greater challneges ahead. I am
determined to give you the relevant knowledge so that you can stand out when
you leave this place for higher laurels in and outside Nigeria. All you need to
do is to remain focused because lazy and uninterested students will not enjoy
what we are putting here. It is for the serious minded” the governor said.

Community leaders also appealed to the Governor to look at
the Plateau School of Home Economics located in the Local Government that has
been neglected.

 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs
to the Governor of Plateau State

12th February 2020.

 

 

 

BUHARI CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION MOURNS SENATOR LONGJAN.

The sudden death of the Senator Representing Plateau South Senatorial District in the National Assembly Abuja,His Excellency Distinguished Senator Ignatius Datong Longjan has been described as a devastating blow to Plateau state and Nigeria at large.

National Coordinator BCO Alhaji Dr Danladi Pasali said in a statement this morning in Jos that the sad news came with a great sense of shock to the people considering the enormous responsibility and place of the late Longjan in bringing Plateau to where it is today.

He said though death an inevitable end of all mortals,the death of the late elder statesman no doubt has send cold shivers down the hearts of the generality of Plateau people and said this is a time for the state to collectively pray for the repose of his soul and grant his immediate family,Plateau State and Nigeria the fortitude to hold on to this loss.

Pasali said the Late Senator who once served as a Deputy Governor in Plateau state and a career diplomat has written his goodwill and name on the sands of time that will be irreplaceable.

On the floor of the Senate, pasali said the Late Longjan was a rallying factor because of his wise counsel and has represented his people,the good people of southern senatorial zone with all sense of honesty,humility and love which came with his age and experience.

Pasali stands with the family, state and entire nation as they mourn the passing on of a great personality such as Longjan saying he has left a legacy for generations to learn from and only with that then we can continually strive to grow as one.

He prayed God to grant the soul of the late Senator Ignatius Datong Longjan rest at hia bosom and grant all the fortitude to stand with this kind of moment.

On behalf of I and my family, I sincerely celebrate with the President General of Ngas Development Association, Nde Engr. Gonen Gofwen on the occasion of your birthday.

Your dedication, determination, vision and all your sacrifice to have a knitted Ngas nation is worth commendation.

It is my ernest prayer that God will continue to bless and sustain you in all endeavours and add more fulfilling years to you.
Happy birthday sir.

Hon. Tamwakat Weli
Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality

The Chairman Riyom Local Government Hon. Mafeng Gwalson invited the Plateau state Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong to see with his eyes and inspect the newly constructed general Hospital Riyom.

The Hospital which is located on the Riyom main Road that leads to Abuja is about completion and it is brand new building with a furnished structure and modern machines.

The Governor applauded the Chairman for his efforts in bringing such a wonderful project and recommend him by saying”This is indeed one of the best projects in the whole of the Local Government in Plateau, and it shows that you are using the allocations given to LGs judiciously”Health facilities are very important and we need standard hospitals everywhere so as to ease the sufferings of all the residents of rural and urban areas, Lalong added.

The chairman responded with a glee on his face expressing how happy his people are for the support been given to them by the Government under the able leadership of the Rescue Team Leader, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong.