Mr. Joseph Gobum Mukan has been appointed as the new commissioner of Police (CP) for Rivers state in the latest redeployment and posting by the police high command.
Force public Relations Officer, force headquarters, DCP Frank Mba, in a statement on Friday, said the former commissioner of Police, CP Dandaura Mustapha is redeployed to Force headquarters as CP provost.
He said: “The Inspector General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has ordered the posting and redeployment of the following Senior Police Officers to Command/Formation/Department indicated against their names: CP Dandaura Mustapha – CP Provost FHQ, Abuja, CP Joseph Gobum Mukan, psc(+) – CP Rivers Command and CP Musa Adze, fdc – CP Anti-Fraud Unit”.
The new commissioner of Police replaces CP Dandaura Mustapha, who is posted to the Force headquarters in Abuja as the CP provost.
Mba, who reiterated that the redeployment of the three affected seniors police officers is with immediate effect, said the IGP charged them to diligently and professionally discharge their duties in their new areas of responsibilities.
The attention of the Plateau State Youth Council has been called to a video that went viral on the internet on the interactive meeting between the House Committee on Federal Character and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Jos Nigeria. Having watched the interactive session several times and making a critical analysis of the discuss, the Plateau State Youth Council, which is the umbrella body of all youths on the Plateau irrespective of their political party, tribal extraction or religious beliefs wishes to;
1. Thank the House Committee on Federal Character for their tireless and relentless efforts in bringing sanity to our Federal Institutions and ensuring equity for all Nigerians irrespective of where they are coming from. However, the Council wishes to unequivocally call on the House Committee on Federal Character to request for the nominal roll of all Federal Universities in Nigeria and their employment status in the last five (5) years, and as well make an audit of the Human Resources of all Federal Universities and Institutions, so we can better appreciate this great job, and to dispel the thoughts that this is a witch hunt.
2. The Council noticed that the so-called interactive meeting did not meet the minimum acceptable standards. From the start to the finish, (assuming the meeting ended with the Vice Chancellor), the Vice Chancellor Professor Sabastian Seddi Maimako was not given the space and opportunity to defend himself. Rather, the House Committee on Federal Character came prepared with a mindset to embarrass, ridicule and intimidate the Vice Chancellor.
3. From the comments of the Vice Chancellor which the House Committee members where not keen to pay attention to, it is obvious that approvals were acquired and certificates of compliance have been obtained from the Federal Character Commission for these appointments. We have no doubt that given the opportunity, the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar would have given adequate explanations to these enquiries on the procedures on the employments carried for the period under review. However, supposed the University of Jos did not strictly adhered to Federal Character in employment as claimed by the House Committee on Federal Character, this should have been handled in a civil and holistic manner. Thus, the discourteous manner in which the Vice Chancellor was addressed is unprecedented, which leaves us with a bigger question.
4. We also wish to call the attention of the House Committee on Federal Character to the obvious fact that the Prestigious University of Jos is not the Federal University of Plateau people as claimed by a Hon member of the House Committee. The House Committee will not use the Office of the Vice Chancellor and that of the Registrar alone to make conclusions on such. Of the six (6) ranking members in the administration of the University of Jos, four (4) are not from Plateau State. The spread of principal officers in the University of Jos is one of the best in the country. Both Deputy Vice Chancellors, the Bursar and Librarian are not from Plateau State. The prearranged ambush on the person of the Vice Chancellor is a cheap blackmail, which should be condemned by all.
5. Additionally, it might also interest the House Committee on Federal Character to know that the University Council is constituted and inaugurated by the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria who also happens to be the Visitor of the University according to extant rule. The appointments of these Council members were strategically done to represent the geographical spread in the country. This same Council conducted the interviews of the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar. Your attention is therefore drawn to the fact that the appointments of these two principal Officers were both based on merit and not based on quarter system hence due procedure was strictly adhered to in the selection process.
6. The House Committee on Federal Character may wish to be reminded that Prof Sabastian Seddi Maimako has performed exceedingly well in infrastructural development in the history of the University of Jos and should be given the accolades that he deserves rather than dwelling on mundane issues thereby distracting him. They may do well by avoiding setting double standards in their investigation, and also applying selective justice. What happened at that meeting was a mere harassment and intimidation from people we elected and that too is unacceptable. Members of the House Committee on Federal Character should tell Nigerians what is obtainable in their states and stop making a mockery of proceedings.
7. The House Committee on Federal Character may also wish to be reminded that Federal Character is Federal Character. It should and must be applied universally. They should probably tell Plateau people how many Plateau sons and daughters have Federal appointments as compared to the north east and north west or south west. The selective amnesia displayed by the Honourable members is simply absurd. It portrays institutional blackmail and intimidation. The House Committee on Federal Character should first do a self-search and purge themselves of the constant accusations meted on them with respect to giving employment opportunities to their constituents.
8. The Council wishes to salute the composure, calmness and display of statesmanship by Prof Sabastian Seddi Maimako and the Registrar. The duo are true heroes and patriotic Nigerians who refused to be intimidated by the House Committee members. The Plateau State Youth Council stands with you at this moment. We are proud of your achievements which includes reclaiming lands that belong to the University of Jos that were illegally acquired and restoring hope in the University Community.
9. Until the House Committee on Federal Character takes the initiative of summoning all Federal Government Institutions and Universities, they should stop this dance of shame and excuse the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos from this unfortunate court where they served as both judge and jury in the matter. We remain law abiding citizens and will continue to support government policies and frown at government policies that are obnoxious. We also wish to call on our Representative in the House Committee on Federal Character to come out clear so we do not assume he is part of the ploy to bring our own down amidst this selective focus. We also called on our Representatives in the Federal House of Representatives to look at this matter closely, for an injury to one is an injury to all.
Dr Fabong Jemchang Yildam MBBS, FMCFM, PGPN CHAIRMAN PLATEAU STATE YOUTH COUNCIL
ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG, AT THE END OF ONE-WEEK TOTAL LOCKDOWN OVER COVID-19 PANDEMIC, HELD ON 15TH APRIL 2020. PROTOCOLS 1. My dear Compatriots, it is with gratitude to God that I address you once again over the Corona Virus Pandemic, which remains a global emergency to date. 2. You will recall that I addressed you on the 6th of April where I directed a total lockdown of the State effective 12 midnight of Thursday 9th April 2020 to 11pm of Wednesday 15th April 2020. 3. We are a few hours from the dateline of the total lockdown and it is necessary that I again address you for the next steps in continuation of Government efforts in curbing the pandemic. 4. Let me first commend the entire citizens of Plateau State for their patriotism and loyalty in adhering to the total restriction of movement order. 5. Apart from official field reports by members of the Task Force and the individual reports from members of the public, I personally went round to see things for myself where, I confirmed the high level of obedience and compliance to Government directive. 6. On behalf of the Government, I register my profound appreciation to all citizens for putting public interest and the well-being of our State above their personal comfort and enjoyment. 7. I also want to thank the law enforcement agencies such as the Police, Department of State Services, the Army, Civil Defence, Immigration, Customs, NDLEA, and the Correctional Services and their personnel for their commitment towards this emergency. 8. Members of the Vigilante Services, Neighbourhood Watch Groups, Community Associations, Traditional and Religious Leaders, Political Leaders as well as Leaders of thought played key roles towards the success of this exercise. 9. Very critical too are Leadership and Members of the State House of Assembly and the Judiciary as well as Local Government Chairmen who have played different roles in dealing with this menace. 10. We also appreciate members of the media for their continuous support and collaboration in dealing with this pandemic. Without your support, no one will know our efforts and the public will remain in the dark. 11. As impressive as the compliance is, there were few cases of violations across the State, which were promptly arrested and prosecuted by the mobile courts established across the three Senatorial districts. 12. Over 837 violators were tried and those convicted were made to pay fines while others were subjected to community service. I wish to register my displeasure on the reported cases of assault on some enforcement officials carrying out legitimate duties. Such acts will not be tolerated and those found guilty will be punished. 13. My dear citizens, during this one-week of total lockdown, we were able to successfully decontaminate the entire State beginning with the flag off in Jos-Bukuru Metropolis on the 10th of April. 14. The period also enabled us to quarantine the entire State and effectively monitor suspected cases, as well as curtail movement within and into our State thereby reducing high possibility of importing the disease from outside the State. 15. Despite all the challenges, I can confidently say that we largely succeeded. As at today, we have investigated 99 cases and currently isolated 23 persons who are being observed because they came in from other States with confirmed cases of the disease. Of the 23 persons isolated, none has so far shown any symptoms. 16. We are grateful to God that as at this moment, there is no confirmed case in the State. This is the more reason why we must not rest on our oars nor take anything for granted in blocking any loophole that can make us vulnerable. 17. I am happy to announce that the Testing Centre for Plateau State earlier envisaged has finally come to fruition, as the Bio-Safety Level 3 Grade 1 Laboratory at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, has been equipped and certified by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to begin outright test for COVID-19. 18. I was at the NVRI earlier today to inspect the laboratory and I must say that I am impressed with the standard of facilities and staff available. This centre, which has capacity to test over one thousand samples per day, will assist us test more people and serve other neigbouring States. 19. In addition to the purchase of ventilators, our homegrown innovator Engr. Jerry Mallo, who was earlier mandated to fabricate ventilators, has come up with a product, which is being tested by health experts for possible deployment as the need arises. 20. My dear citizens, Government appreciates the sacrifices you have continued to make since the outbreak of this pandemic and the measures taken to address it. We are not blind to the hardship and inconveniences this emergency has caused. 21. Accordingly, Government having constituted a committee headed by His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, has directed the immediate commencement of the distribution of palliatives to the most vulnerable and weak amongst us. 22. Let me clarify that these palliatives, which will in due course also be complemented by the Federal Government, are strictly for the needy. Already, about sixty one thousand, six hundred and sixteen (61,616) beneficiaries of the National Social Investment Programme under the N-Power, Poorest of the Poor and School Feeding Programme have been receiving their stipends based on President Buhari’s directive. 23. These are not people that should be looking forward to any other palliatives because they are already being taken care of. Similarly, workers who are receiving salaries as and when due should not expect to partake from the palliatives. Let us consider the truly vulnerable ones at this period. 24. From the one-week total, lockdown, we have learnt many lessons that will guide our next steps. One of the biggest lessons is the fact that we cannot quarantine hunger. Therefore, Government has taken the following decisions going forward. i. The total lockdown has been extended to 12 midnight of Thursday 23rd April 2020 to meet the medically stipulated quarantine period of 14 days. ii. However, beginning from 11pm tonight, Wednesday 15th April 2020, to 12 midnight of Sunday 19th April 2020, the total lockdown will be relaxed to enable people go out to restock their homes. iii. By implication, the earlier restriction prior to the total lockdown remain. For the avoidance of doubt, all other markets remain closed except those selling food items, pharmaceuticals and cooking gas. In addition, all illegal street trading, street hawking, and begging are prohibited. The illegal Sunday markets on Ahmadu Bello Way, Bukuru and environs remain banned. Social joints, Nightclubs, drinking parlours are to remain closed, while restaurants are advised to prepare take away for their customers to avoid crowding. iv. Motor parks are to capture and keep data including contacts of all inbound and outbound passengers as well as adhere strictly to social distancing and mass gathering prohibition order as well as hygiene regulations. v. Vehicles (Keke Napep, Cars and Buses) are to abide by restriction on the number of passenger to carry, which have been spelled out as 1, 4 and 6 respectively. vi. Places of worship are to strictly adhere to the 50 persons provision, while maintaining social distancing and hygiene regulations. The ban on all anniversaries and cultural festivals remains in force. vii. All entry and exit borders into the State will remain closed with greater reinforcement and CCTV surveillance to ensure total compliance. viii. Anybody who violates this border closure and comes into Plateau will be arrested, prosecuted and quarantined for 14 days until it is confirmed that he/she is free of the disease. ix. Farmers, particularly in the rural areas are exempted from the restrictions, as they are required to go to their farms now that the rains have started. However, they are to observe all guidelines for social distancing and hygiene. x. In addition to the exemption of essential workers earlier announced, producers of food such as bread, water and beverages are also exempted. xi. The mobile courts are to remain in place to try violators of Government directives. xii. To address cases of sharp practices, human rights violations and compromise by some security personnel, Government has set up a high-powered Independent Intelligence Monitoring Team, which will report directly to me. 25. Fellow citizens, these are difficult times for all of us and we must endure with resilience to come out strong. Our future is in our hands and how we abide by the advice of health experts and Government directives will determine our success. 26. Therefore, citizens must not see the actions of Government as punitive, but precautionary. Government is losing so much because of these restrictions while it is having to channel meagre resources to fighting this monster. Our best chance is prevention and we must all join hands together. 27. Let me again thank all stakeholders for supporting Government throughout this trying period. The Health personnel who have put their lives on the line also deserve special commendation. 28. We are also grateful to Management and staff of NESCO, Jos Electricity Distribution Company, Plateau State Water Board and Telecoms operators for doing their best to make life easier for our people. 29. We are indebted to all Corporate Organisations, and well-spirited individuals, the Embassy of China and many others for their financial and material support. 30. Government shall continue to monitor development and evaluate its strategies, which will inform further directives. We therefore count on your support and cooperation. 31. Finally and on a sad note, our hearts go out to the Family of one of the staff of ASTC, Mr. Fwangan Charles Gugin who died in a road traffic accident in the cause of decontamination duty. May his soul rest in peace. 32. God bless Plateau State, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 33. Thank you.
Rt. Hon. (Dr). Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG Executive Governor, Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum. 15th April 2020
ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG, AT THE END OF ONE-WEEK TOTAL LOCKDOWN OVER COVID-19 PANDEMIC, HELD ON 15TH APRIL 2020. PROTOCOLS 1. My dear Compatriots, it is with gratitude to God that I address you once again over the Corona Virus Pandemic, which remains a global emergency to date. 2. You will recall that I addressed you on the 6th of April where I directed a total lockdown of the State effective 12 midnight of Thursday 9th April 2020 to 11pm of Wednesday 15th April 2020. 3. We are a few hours from the dateline of the total lockdown and it is necessary that I again address you for the next steps in continuation of Government efforts in curbing the pandemic. 4. Let me first commend the entire citizens of Plateau State for their patriotism and loyalty in adhering to the total restriction of movement order. 5. Apart from official field reports by members of the Task Force and the individual reports from members of the public, I personally went round to see things for myself where, I confirmed the high level of obedience and compliance to Government directive. 6. On behalf of the Government, I register my profound appreciation to all citizens for putting public interest and the well-being of our State above their personal comfort and enjoyment. 7. I also want to thank the law enforcement agencies such as the Police, Department of State Services, the Army, Civil Defence, Immigration, Customs, NDLEA, and the Correctional Services and their personnel for their commitment towards this emergency. 8. Members of the Vigilante Services, Neighbourhood Watch Groups, Community Associations, Traditional and Religious Leaders, Political Leaders as well as Leaders of thought played key roles towards the success of this exercise. 9. Very critical too are Leadership and Members of the State House of Assembly and the Judiciary as well as Local Government Chairmen who have played different roles in dealing with this menace. 10. We also appreciate members of the media for their continuous support and collaboration in dealing with this pandemic. Without your support, no one will know our efforts and the public will remain in the dark. 11. As impressive as the compliance is, there were few cases of violations across the State, which were promptly arrested and prosecuted by the mobile courts established across the three Senatorial districts. 12. Over 837 violators were tried and those convicted were made to pay fines while others were subjected to community service. I wish to register my displeasure on the reported cases of assault on some enforcement officials carrying out legitimate duties. Such acts will not be tolerated and those found guilty will be punished. 13. My dear citizens, during this one-week of total lockdown, we were able to successfully decontaminate the entire State beginning with the flag off in Jos-Bukuru Metropolis on the 10th of April. 14. The period also enabled us to quarantine the entire State and effectively monitor suspected cases, as well as curtail movement within and into our State thereby reducing high possibility of importing the disease from outside the State. 15. Despite all the challenges, I can confidently say that we largely succeeded. As at today, we have investigated 99 cases and currently isolated 23 persons who are being observed because they came in from other States with confirmed cases of the disease. Of the 23 persons isolated, none has so far shown any symptoms. 16. We are grateful to God that as at this moment, there is no confirmed case in the State. This is the more reason why we must not rest on our oars nor take anything for granted in blocking any loophole that can make us vulnerable. 17. I am happy to announce that the Testing Centre for Plateau State earlier envisaged has finally come to fruition, as the Bio-Safety Level 3 Grade 1 Laboratory at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, has been equipped and certified by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to begin outright test for COVID-19. 18. I was at the NVRI earlier today to inspect the laboratory and I must say that I am impressed with the standard of facilities and staff available. This centre, which has capacity to test over one thousand samples per day, will assist us test more people and serve other neigbouring States. 19. In addition to the purchase of ventilators, our homegrown innovator Engr. Jerry Mallo, who was earlier mandated to fabricate ventilators, has come up with a product, which is being tested by health experts for possible deployment as the need arises. 20. My dear citizens, Government appreciates the sacrifices you have continued to make since the outbreak of this pandemic and the measures taken to address it. We are not blind to the hardship and inconveniences this emergency has caused. 21. Accordingly, Government having constituted a committee headed by His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, has directed the immediate commencement of the distribution of palliatives to the most vulnerable and weak amongst us. 22. Let me clarify that these palliatives, which will in due course also be complemented by the Federal Government, are strictly for the needy. Already, about sixty one thousand, six hundred and sixteen (61,616) beneficiaries of the National Social Investment Programme under the N-Power, Poorest of the Poor and School Feeding Programme have been receiving their stipends based on President Buhari’s directive. 23. These are not people that should be looking forward to any other palliatives because they are already being taken care of. Similarly, workers who are receiving salaries as and when due should not expect to partake from the palliatives. Let us consider the truly vulnerable ones at this period. 24. From the one-week total, lockdown, we have learnt many lessons that will guide our next steps. One of the biggest lessons is the fact that we cannot quarantine hunger. Therefore, Government has taken the following decisions going forward. i. The total lockdown has been extended to 12 midnight of Thursday 23rd April 2020 to meet the medically stipulated quarantine period of 14 days. ii. However, beginning from 11pm tonight, Wednesday 15th April 2020, to 12 midnight of Sunday 19th April 2020, the total lockdown will be relaxed to enable people go out to restock their homes. iii. By implication, the earlier restriction prior to the total lockdown remain. For the avoidance of doubt, all other markets remain closed except those selling food items, pharmaceuticals and cooking gas. In addition, all illegal street trading, street hawking, and begging are prohibited. The illegal Sunday markets on Ahmadu Bello Way, Bukuru and environs remain banned. Social joints, Nightclubs, drinking parlours are to remain closed, while restaurants are advised to prepare take away for their customers to avoid crowding. iv. Motor parks are to capture and keep data including contacts of all inbound and outbound passengers as well as adhere strictly to social distancing and mass gathering prohibition order as well as hygiene regulations. v. Vehicles (Keke Napep, Cars and Buses) are to abide by restriction on the number of passenger to carry, which have been spelled out as 1, 4 and 6 respectively. vi. Places of worship are to strictly adhere to the 50 persons provision, while maintaining social distancing and hygiene regulations. The ban on all anniversaries and cultural festivals remains in force. vii. All entry and exit borders into the State will remain closed with greater reinforcement and CCTV surveillance to ensure total compliance. viii. Anybody who violates this border closure and comes into Plateau will be arrested, prosecuted and quarantined for 14 days until it is confirmed that he/she is free of the disease. ix. Farmers, particularly in the rural areas are exempted from the restrictions, as they are required to go to their farms now that the rains have started. However, they are to observe all guidelines for social distancing and hygiene. x. In addition to the exemption of essential workers earlier announced, producers of food such as bread, water and beverages are also exempted. xi. The mobile courts are to remain in place to try violators of Government directives. xii. To address cases of sharp practices, human rights violations and compromise by some security personnel, Government has set up a high-powered Independent Intelligence Monitoring Team, which will report directly to me. 25. Fellow citizens, these are difficult times for all of us and we must endure with resilience to come out strong. Our future is in our hands and how we abide by the advice of health experts and Government directives will determine our success. 26. Therefore, citizens must not see the actions of Government as punitive, but precautionary. Government is losing so much because of these restrictions while it is having to channel meagre resources to fighting this monster. Our best chance is prevention and we must all join hands together. 27. Let me again thank all stakeholders for supporting Government throughout this trying period. The Health personnel who have put their lives on the line also deserve special commendation. 28. We are also grateful to Management and staff of NESCO, Jos Electricity Distribution Company, Plateau State Water Board and Telecoms operators for doing their best to make life easier for our people. 29. We are indebted to all Corporate Organisations, and well-spirited individuals, the Embassy of China and many others for their financial and material support. 30. Government shall continue to monitor development and evaluate its strategies, which will inform further directives. We therefore count on your support and cooperation. 31. Finally and on a sad note, our hearts go out to the Family of one of the staff of ASTC, Mr. Fwangan Charles Gugin who died in a road traffic accident in the cause of decontamination duty. May his soul rest in peace. 32. God bless Plateau State, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 33. Thank you.
Rt. Hon. (Dr). Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG Executive Governor, Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum. 15th April 2020
UNIVERSITY OF JOS VICE CHANCELLOR VS HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FEDERAL CHARACTER : MY TAKE
I am inundated with calls and messages regarding the viral video of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character investigation of the employment profile of University of Jos, and the need to wade into the impasse for the good of Plateau State.
Prior to the constitution of standing committees of the House of Representatives, I raised a motion for the investigation of employment into federal ministries, departments and agencies based on the concerns that employment into federal government offices favoured a particular region and religion as it particularly affected my constituency from plateau state.
Consequently, an adhoc committee headed by Reps Wale Oke was instituted to look into the matter and I was made a member of that adhoc committee.
We toured the 6 geopolitical zones and invited over over 800 federal government departments and agencies across the country.
When we were investigating the employment books of the university of Jos, the VC was represented by his DVC and I used the privilege of my membership of the committee to give University of Jos a soft landing and ensured that UJ was given a clean bill of health. This was done without asking for any Favour nor employment slots from the VC. This took place in Lafia, Nasarawa state where all the agencies from plateau state were summoned.
It is a know fact that federal establishment cited in any location in Nigeria, favours the host community in terms of employment. And university of Jos is not an exception. Therefore, however antagonistic the House Committee Chairman might have sounded in their interactions with the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, the employments so far given can hardly be reversed and all the universities across the country are thesame on this.
But we must be very careful how we ventilate our grievances, less we ruffle more feathers.
Those making assertions that the committee targeted University of Jos for ulterior motives are rather doing so out of sheer ignorance. The Vice Chancellor of Federal University Gusau was grilled by the same committee to the extent of literally shedding tears before the committee.
We have Prof. Angela Miri as VC of Federal University, Lokoja who had to defend barrage of petitions written against her.
The UJ VC could have gotten in touch with lawmakers from Plateau state to persuade their colleagues in the committee for a soft landing, but he didn’t do so.
I am still appealing to those making commentaries on social media regarding this issue to exercise restraint in their comments and opinions less we add salt to injuries. I am aware of procurement issues that started since the 8th assembly targeted at thesame VC university of jos and I have personally seek the intervention of MR speaker in that regard.
Although I am not the representative of plateau in the House Committee on Federal Character but the Committee and any other committees for that matter, has the full powers of the House of Representatives, and acts as the whole house in the various committees, as such, we should not irk the committee members to act ruthlessly in this matter as we are doing our best to resolve the issue.
The committee members have have access to the social media and can read our posts and comments. And we will not be there to defend the VC when the need will arise.
Whatever it was that the VC was subjected to is not new, and must have applied to other heads of government institutions that appeared before the committee. Let’s not trivialize the activities of the committee as a witch hunt against Plateau people. I personally spoke with the Rt Hon. Speaker on this matter and I have his assurance that our brother, the VC, is safe. We must let the sleeping dog lie. This is just an investigation into employment, let’s not invite more trouble for the VC on other aspects.
Thank you!
Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu GAGDI Dan Malikin Kanam/Dan Majen Jahr, Chairman Committee on Navy, member Reps Pankshi/Kànke/Kanam NASS Abuja.
COVID 19: PRESIDENT BUHARI LAUDS EU DONATION OF N21 BILLION
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja commended the European Union for donating the sum of N21 billion (50 million Euros) to support Nigeria’s efforts at controlling the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Receiving the EU delegation to the country, led by Ambassador Ketil Karlsen, President Buhari said the donation would go a long way in supporting Nigeria’s efforts at controlling and containing the virus to prevent community spread, as well as revitalise the national health care systems.
The President used the occasion to express sincere condolences of the Government and people of Nigeria to EU-member countries and families who lost their loved ones as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and communities impacted. We are confident from history that the resilience of Europe and our global collective will enable us to emerge stronger from this tragedy.
‘‘Although the EU is facing significant challenges due to this pandemic, I am indeed touched and grateful that the European Union still had the vision and foresight to remember its friends, partners and allies across the world,’’ he said.
The President also lauded EU on the recent launch of the “Team Europe” package to support countries in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences.
The President noted that the intervention, which is a collaboration between EU, its member states, and financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, would go a long way in ensuring the impact of this pandemic was controlled and contained.
‘‘Indeed, this brotherly support will save millions of lives. Nigeria, Africa and many beneficiary countries across the world will remain grateful for generations to come,’’ he said.
The President told the delegation that his administration had done a lot to date in the fight against COVID-19.
‘‘So far, the number of confirmed cases in Nigeria is 343. Our efforts as a Government have focused on controlling and containing the virus to prevent community spread.
‘‘I want to assure you that in this fight, Nigerians are united and by the grace of God and the continued support from our partners, we shall succeed,’’ he said.
In his remarks, Ambassador Karlsen described the donation, channelled through the UN COVID-19 basket fund as, so far, the largest single contribution to the response in Nigeria and the largest support that EU is providing anywhere outside Europe.
‘‘We heard your call for assistance and the EU has reacted swiftly as a demonstration of our true partnership,’’ he said.
The EU Ambassador congratulated the President for ‘‘a very powerful address to the nation last night’’, stressing ‘‘indeed the current situation is no joke and we wish to commend you for taking bold and necessary measures.’’
He also announced that the Union was mobilising other sources of funding, noting that they have already paid 1.2 million Euros to UNICEF, and goods purchased through that funding are expected in the country soon.
Femi Adesina Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) April 14, 2020
MiddleBelt Reporters 