204 new cases of #COVID19 reported;
80-Kano
45-Lagos
12-Gombe
9-Bauchi
9-Sokoto
7-Borno
7-Edo
6-Rivers
6-Ogun
4-FCT
4-Akwa Ibom
4-Bayelsa
3-Kaduna
2-Oyo
2-Delta
2-Nasarawa
1-Ondo
1-Kebbi
11:50pm 30th April- 1932 confirmed cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria
Discharged: 319
Deaths: 58
As at April 30 2020, 34 states and the FCT have recorded at least one confirmed case of #COVID19
71% of all cases are from three states
#TakeResponsibility
HON MANJI B.D.GONTORI SALUTE WORKERS ON THE PLATEAU AND WORKERS THE WORLD OVER ON THE OCCASION OF WORKERS DAY CELEBRATION 2020……
Hon Manji Gontori felicitates with workers particularly on the plateau on this year’s workers day celebration.he said though workers all over the world are facing a difficult moment this year due to the global pandemic of covid-19,it’s sacrosanct that I salute your courage and resilience in the work place placing the state and nation on the path of growth and development .
In his words,Hon Gontori said”there is dignity in labour”so I encourage our workers to see their assignments as key in moving our land to greater height.he ask God to bless our workers as they key into the development of our society for the good of all.
No nation progress without its workforce,I salute the Governor Simon Bako Lalong administration in the payment of salaries of the workers up to date and urge the government to do more to ensure the workers needs are taken care of.he equally appreciate particularly,our health workers who are on the front line in the fight against covid-19,the good lord bless you and keep you in Jesus name.
Gontori pray that this dreaded disease covid-19 come to an end so that all workers shall go back to work.may God preserve us all and keep us safe.
Stay protected and stay safe.cheers.
Sign:
HON MANJI B.D.GONTORI
The National President, Mupun Cultural And Development Association, MUCDA,Chief Pedro Ardiyel Dafur,FCA has on behalf of the entire Mupun Nation congratulated its son,Mr Stephen Abednego Jings on his appointment as Commissioner Federal Character Commission, Abuja by President Muhammadu Buhari,GCFR.
This appointment has come to us as a people with great joy and gratitude to God almighty that a Plateau son and of the Mupun extraction has been found worthy for such an exalted office in Nigeria.
The place of Federal Character in the running of a country such as Nigeria is herculean because of our diverse and multicultural nature as a people as such care must be taken in choosing those to correct and guide in that respect.
The Mupun Nation has confidence in Stephen Abednego Jings to be a right choice for this onerous task in nation building as he had been tested in the different spheres of nation building both at Local,State,and National levels.
He was a seasoned administrator rising through the ranks under the Local Government System.
A one time Management Committee Chairman of Pankshin LGA.
Chairman,Association of Local Governments Of Nigeria, ALGON,Plateau State and Interim National Publicity Secretary, ALGON National Secretariat, Abuja.
In the words of the MUCDA President Chief Pedro Ardiyel Dafur, “The Mupun Nation sends you forth with prayers as an ambassador of the state first then the Mupun Nation to carry out this assignment with all the commitment it deserves and God will see you through”.
We thank Mr President for finding our son worthy of this recognition and also appreciate our dear Governor, Rt Hon. Dr. Simon Bako Lalong for his immense support and piloting the affairs of the state.
For Plateau people,we solicit your prayers as this is for us all to look into a brighter tomorrow.
May God bless and uplift you all.
CONGRATULATIONS.
KENZY NGUPAR
MUCDA
NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECRETARY
🔈 Existing total Lockdown relaxed from Thursday Midnight 30th April to Sunday 3rd April, 2020
🔈Total lockdown from Sunday Midnight to Thursday Midnight will apply from now henceforth with total lockdown being relaxed weekly from Thursday Midnight to Sunday Midnight (this shall be the new pattern henceforth until further notice).
🔈 Restocking period will be Midnight of every Thursday to Midnight of every Sunday.
🔈 All intra-state Borders will be closed from 4th April, 2020. No movement from one Local Government to another even when total lockdown is relaxed (Fridays to Sundays) except for those on essential services.
🔈 Farmers are advised to farm within their localities
🔈 Starting from 4th May, 2020, a citizens are required to use facemasks in public places in addition to observing all hygiene and social distancing
🔈Curfew from 8pm to 6am shall apply during relaxation of total lockdown (Thursday Midnights to Sunday Midnights) except for persons on essential services.
Following the expiration of the Plateau State PDP Ward Executives having served out their 4 years tenure, the Plateau State PDP today confirmed the Newly elected Ward Executives of the Party as approved by the Party’s National Secretariat.
This decision is to avoid leadership vacuum and ensure continuity.
The decision was made available to online reporters by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. John T. Akans, KSM.
Hon. Akans said “The leadership of the People’s Democratic party (PDP) Plateau state Chapter through its state Chairman Hon. Gwott Yakubu Chocho has received a communication of approved list of elected executive of wards and local government as approved by both electoral and appeal committees.”
The full statement reads:
PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY(PDP),20/2 YAKUBU GOWON WAY OPP NTA JOS.
PRESS STATEMENT.
THURSDAY 30th APRIL 2020.
The leadership of the People’s Democratic party (PDP) Plateau state Chapter through its state Chairman Hon. Gwott Yakubu Chocho has received a communication of approved list of elected executive of wards and local government as approved by both electoral and appeal committees.
Having received this, in line with the Party’s constitution considering the expiration of tenure of wards executive this day 30th April 2020, the state working committee in its online meeting has approved dissolution of the old wards executive and also approved the inauguration of the newly elected wards as approved by the national leadership of the party, by this approval the newly elected wards executive stand inaugurated as wards executive.
The party appreciates and commends the outgoing ward executives for providing a purposeful, responsible leadership to the party,while in office up to the end of their tenure, we implore the old executives to continue supporting the party in their various wards and polling units,as we continue to pilot the affairs of our party at the state level, we assure you all of our commitment, integrity and our desire zeal to serve you all and to as well lead you to victory come 2023.
We encourage the incoming executives, critical stakeholders and members of our great party across the state to remain calm and continue to work for the progress of the party in the spirit of reconciliation, members should equally note that all areas as identified by the report as inconclusive or no election will be taken care of in conjunction with the national leadership.
As opposition, the state executive members are committed in playing its role of oversight in checkmating government activities day by day making sure the best interest of the people is uphold.
Finally we call on all party faithfuls to continue supporting the directives and guidelines issued by Government as preventives measures against this dreaded COVID-19 by observing the social distancing and keeping ourselves hygienically clean even as we await further directives from the Governor.
Thank you all and God bless.
Signed.
John T Akans,ksm,fica, JP
State publicity secretary.
ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG, ON THE CONTINUATION OF TOTAL LOCKDOWN OVER COVID-19 PANDEMIC, HELD ON 30TH APRIL 2020.
1. Dear citizens of Plateau State, you will recall that I addressed you on Thursday 23rd April 2020 to update you about our efforts in curtailing the Corona Virus disease otherwise known as COVID-19.
2. In that address, I announced the relaxation of the total lockdown from Midnight of Thursday 23rd April 2020 to 12th Midnight of Sunday 26th April 2020 to enable people again re-stock their homes. Accordingly, the total lockdown resumed this Monday 27th April 2020.
3. As you are aware, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in Plateau State on 23rd April 2020. Immediately this development was conveyed, Government activated its response mechanisms to treat the patient who was already on isolation.
4. Thereafter, health officials began contact tracing towards halting further spread and infection. This has largely been carried out with 19 contacts traced and isolated while the index case remains in isolation for treatment and is in good condition.
5. Fortunately, the results of all the 19 contacts associated with the index case have been received and all of them are negative.
6. Regrettably, the Government discovered the unfortunate leakage of a test result conducted at the COVID-19 Laboratory of the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, which found its way to the social media.
7. This unprofessional conduct is being investigated thoroughly and anyone found culpable will be dealt with accordingly. We have equally reached out to the affected persons and their families to reassure them and mitigate the situation.
8. Having received report of a suspected case in Enugu State said to have travelled to Plateau recently, we have since identified the contacts associated with the person and 12 people who might have had contact with the index case have been put on isolation and their samples taken. Results are being awaited.
9. In addition to this, the results of other suspected cases are being awaited, while the results of 65 other suspected cases earlier sent for investigation were received today, which all returned negative.
10. Dear compatriots, with the COVID-19 index case confirmed in Plateau State, we certainly have to redouble our efforts at combating the pandemic by cutting off community transmission and blocking more imported cases.
11. The only way we can do this is to encourage and sustain preventive measures, which cannot succeed with stigmatization and discrimination. Like I have said repeatedly, Corona Virus is not a death sentence and scientific evidence suggests that there is high survival rate among those infected.
12. I appeal to citizens to avoid stigmatizing people who are either quarantined, suspected or confirmed to have the disease. While we take all necessary measure to remain safe, we must not subject people to psychological torture, which has devastating effects on their health and capable of discouraging future tests.
13. Further to the efforts at combating COVID-19, Government has taken the following decisions:
i. The total lockdown which resumed midnight Sunday April 26th 2020, shall be relaxed from Midnight of Thursday 30th April 2020 to Midnight of Sunday 3rd May 2020 to enable people again re-stock their homes. Thereafter, the total lockdown will resume on Monday 4th May 2020.
ii. This will henceforth be the pattern until further review. In order words, the period of restocking will last from Midnight of every Thursday to Midnight of every Sunday.
iii. In addition to the total lockdown which closed movement in and out of the State, and in order to curb community spread of COVID-19, Government has decided to close all intra-State borders with effect from 4th May 2020. Consequently, there shall be no movement from one Local Government to another even during the period when the total lockdown is relaxed, except for those on essential services as earlier enumerated.
iv. Farmers are strongly advised to farm within their localities and Local Government Areas to avoid breaking this order. These measures are necessary in order to curb community transmission of the disease and make contact tracing easier.
v. The profiling and return of Almajiris has commenced and shall continue until the last Almajiri is relocated. On 26th April 2020, the first batch of 279 Almajiris were evacuated. Out of this number, 243 were sent home to their States of Bauchi, Kano and Kaduna, while 36 were sent to their Local Governments in Wase and Kanam.
vi. Starting from 4th May 2020, all citizens shall be required to use facemasks in public places in addition to observing all hygiene and social distancing regulations.
vii. In line with the Mr. President’s pronouncement, there shall be overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am effective 4th May 202. Only people on essential duties are exempted from this directive.
14. Fellow compatriots, the Government remains fully aware of the collective hardship that this situation has brought upon us. No one, including those holding public offices are immune from these challenges. That is why we must exercise more patience and resilience as we work together to defeat this pandemic.
15. Already, the measures put in place to reduce the hardship among the most vulnerable have commenced with the distribution of palliatives to orphanages, people living with disabilities, and the elderly, which kicked off on Saturday 25th April. This exercise will continue with other groups up to all the Local Government Areas.
16. While Government is doing everything possible to expand the number of beneficiaries, members of the public, especially those who have the means are strongly encouraged to also initiate personal interventions by reaching out to the needy within their communities.
17. We should also avoid spreading fake rumours and unsubstantiated information about palliatives, which is capable of misleading the public and putting them under unnecessary tension at this very sensitive time. Those who are in this habit are hereby warned to desist, as they will be held responsible for their actions.
18. The Deputy Governor who chairs the palliative committee and his team are working assiduously to ensure that this distribution is carried out in a transparent, equitable and successful manner. I have confidence in their capacity to deliver and they need our support and prayers.
19. There will be no discrimination of any kind in this exercise. Nevertheless, members of the public are free to report any case of abuses directly to the Deputy Governor or myself for immediate action.
20. Government is also concerned about the impact of the Corona Virus pandemic on the education sector. That is why I directed the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board to commence the implementation of the UNICEF EDUCATION CAN NOT WAIT INTIATIVE (ECW) to enable our children learn at home.
21. At the moment, learning has started with Television and Radio lessons for children in Mathematics and English transmitted on the Plateau Radio Television Corporation from 9-11am weekdays. In addition, we have produced simplified study materials that are being distributed to children especially in rural areas that may not access Radio and Television services.
22. In addition, Government is partnering with U-LESSON Education, one of the new Education Technology Company in Nigeria founded by one of the illustrious sons of Plateau State, Mr. Sim Shagaya that will offer online science education to secondary school students.
23. Let me reiterate that the breaches in our inter-State borders remain a major challenge to our efforts at combating the virus. With the ban on non-essential inter-State passenger travel by the President, it has become imperative that more radical measures be put in place to curb illegal infiltrations of our borders.
24. We are strategizing and re-inforcing the borders especially illegal routes. It is important to warn that stiffer penalties and actions will be applied to violators no matter their Status.
25. Those who aid and abet this illegality, including Government functionaries should be ready to face the full wrath of the law. I also remind the public that all guidelines earlier issued remain in force as the mobile courts are on duty to try offenders.
26. Finally, I wish to register my appreciation to the entire citizens of the State who have shown tremendous understanding and commitment to supporting our administration in responding to the Corona Virus pandemic.
27. You have demonstrated that it is our battle which we must all fight together. God willing, we will surely win.
28. Thank you and may God bless Plateau State, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG
Executive Governor, Plateau State & Chairman,
Northern Governors Forum.
30th April 2020.
The tenure of the Ward elected Executives of PDP in Plateau State will come to an end today.
The Plateau State Chapter of the Party has put on hold the inauguration of the Newly Elected Executives in the State in compliance with the total lockdown directive in the State on account of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“The outcome of the Ward Congresses held on the 7th of March 2020 has received the approval of NWC/NEC. Details of the approval will be communicated to all LGA chapters via online platform later today” statement from the State Chapter said.
This was contained in a statement signed by the State Secretary of the Party, Hon. Emma Tuang and made available to Online Reporters as shown below:
To:
All LGA PDP CHAIRMEN.
EXPIRATION OF TENURE OF WARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES
Tenure of the Ward Executive Committees elected in April 2016 and sworn in on the 30th of April 2016 expires today and are hereby dissolved.
Signed
Hon. Emma Tuang
State Secretary
By Golok Nanmwa,Jos
Plateau Youth activist and philanthropist, Comrade Pius Hoomen through his Pius Hoomen Foundation has started the distribution of food items to the less privileged and aged in the state to help cushion the effect of the lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Distributing the food items in Jos , Hoomen said that the situation of things globally calls for assistance in whatever form to sustain the people.
He said that the initiative tagged the Covid 19 Emergency Response was inspired by the need to provide succour to the less privileged many of whom survive on daily earning from their work but can no longer work due to the stay at home policy.
“What we have done is our own way of touching the lives of the people directly.
He commended the proactive steps taken by the Governor of Plateau State Barrister Simon Lalong , to safeguard the lives of citizens of Plateau from the ravaging pandemic, saying that it was necessary for all to support the governor’s gesture by reaching out to the needy.
Items donated included bags of Rice , cartons of Spaghetti , Indomie ,bags of salt, among others.
Hoomen said that “This donation is to assist our people in Plateau to cushion the effects of Covid-19 which has led to a sit-at-home order that they are obeying as good citizens who are also passionate about their health.
Most of the beneficiaries who spoke at the occasion described Hoomen as God sent and thanked him for his efforts .
PRESS STATEMENT:
PLATEAU PDP WARD CONGRESSES AND PURPORTED SWEARING IN OF NEW WARD EXCOS.
The Plateau PDP Gubernatorial Candidate in the 2019 election and current leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in Plateau State, Lt. Gen (Rtd) Sen Jeremiah Timbut Useni, has come across a message reportedly issued by the Secretary of the party to all LGA Chairmen of the PDP.
In it, he notifies them “to inform all the newly elected Ward EXCOs in your LGA to be on standby for possible swearing in ceremonies on Thursday 30/04/05” (sic), and undertakes to communicate details of the plan “in due course.”
Senator Useni therefore wishes to make the following statements on this matter:
“I am not aware of such “swearing in” as is being contemplated. It has neither been officially brought to my notice as a critical stakeholder in PDP, and indeed Leader of the party in Plateau State, nor has it been discussed and agreed upon as the collective decision of the faithful, sacrificial and hardworking PDP stakeholders in the state.
“This is because the Ward Congress itself, and other congresses scheduled by the party had resulted in unresolved issues from across the State by party members.
“I am rather fully aware that such contentions have been documented and presented to the national secretariat of our great party for proper resolution by our leaders.
“I state unequivocally that there has been no official report by the Congress Committee or the Congress Appeal Committee on the congress itself.
“The question therefore is: who then are those who have been lined up for “swearing in” at the behest of the State Secretary?
“Even on the LG Congress, it was clear that the Plateau State Government had already announced a lockdown on the state to curtain the spread of the Coronavirus among our good people of Plateau. Their health should have been of greater concern to us as a responsible party than our craving for political offices.
“My dear and precious PDP leaders, Elders, stakeholders, members and supporters, the current action being contemplated will not bring the desired inclusiveness, reconciliation and unity of purpose sorely needed to prepare us for the next crucial battle ahead. We need each other. We must not insist on accelerating on a path that will lead us to more bumps and tempests.
“I call on you all to discountenance the notice by the office of the Secretary, and await further developments on concrete steps to ensure togetherness in the party by our national officials.”
“I further appeal to members and supporters of the PDP not to give room for the destabilisation of the very good achievements of the recent past, but to rather stay focused on rebuilding our relationships and channelling our resources toward bouncing back in 2023.”
Sen. Useni called on the people of Plateau to remain strong and courageous in the face of the challenges posed by COVID-19.
“It is a passing phase. Plateau people are alert, resilient and tough enough to overcome this challenge. We must come out of it stronger, healthier, and wiser.”
Yiljap Abraham
Media Consultant to
Lt. Gen (Rtd) Sen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni, DSS, Fwc, mni, CFR
April 29, 2020
GAGDI COMMISERATE WITH SOME COMMUNITIES OF KANAM LGA OVER THE DESTRUCTION CAUSED BY WINDSTORM.
The member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam federal constituency Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi received with deep pains the reported incidence of destruction caused by windstorm yester night to some areas of Dengi and Kazai communities of Kanam LGA.
It is heart touching, coming at the time when people are battling with the double edged problems of Corona virus pandemic and the consequent economic challenges associated with it .
He is extending his heart felt sympathy and concern to all those whose homes and properties were badly affected especially those around Unguwan Marafa new extension, Sabon Pegi, Low-cost and Kazai.
He as well commiserate with the entire people of the LGA, the leadership of the Council and Traditional institutions .
Rt. Hon Gagdi also called on Government at all levels as well as related agencies to intervene and come to the aid of those that are affected in order to cushion the effect of the destruction caused by the windstorm.
He prayed to God to prevent the reoccurrence of such not only in Kanam but across the country and all facet of humanity.
GAGDI MEDIA TEAM
MiddleBelt Reporters 