Governorship Candidate of the Plateau PDP in the 2019 election, Lt. Gen (Rtd) Sen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni, has instructed his legal team to prepare and proceed to the Supreme Court immediately to challenge Friday’s judgment of the Appeal Court which affirmed the decision of the lower tribunal. The decision was taken during a review meeting with the legal experts and General Useni. He praised them for holding strongly to the tenets of the profession and in bringing the issues in the petition to the forefront. He commended the lawyers for standing firmly on the side of the rule of law and democracy. Useni is determined that certain issues contained in the judgment must be straightened in the interest of justice, democracy and the future of Nigeria’s children. “Our cause is the right cause. We should not make the law look as if it is not important. Let the Supreme Court declare whether lying on oath is not against the law.” He described the judgment of the appellate court as a surprise, especially having dismissed the two Cross Appeals of the Cross Appellants as lacking in merit and an abuse of court process. Sen. Useni said he was also surprised that the judgment, delivered by Hon Justice O.A Otisi completely avoided making any pronouncement on an earlier judgment of the Supreme Court which reversed the decision of the Court of Appeal expunging the testimony of 21 of his witnesses. He thanked PDP officials, stakeholders, and supporters for standing strong and united all through the period the case lasted at both the tribunal and now the Court of Appeal. He assured that the mandate of the people of Plateau State to him and the PDP is sacrosanct and will still enjoy his support and commitment. The legal team, led by Chief Counsel, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, with Edward Pwajok, SAN, Benson Igbanoi, Sunny-Gabriel Odey, and many other legal experts is expected to lodge the appeal at the Supreme Court within two weeks. Yiljap Abraham Media Consultant to Lt Gen (Rtd) Jeremiah Timbut Useni, DSS, Fwc, mni, CFR November 29, 2019
On behalf of the Member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, we congratulate the Rescue Governor, Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong, the APC family and the entire people of Plateau state on the victory, at the Appeal Court, of our amiable Governor.
Your Excellency Sir, this landmark judgment is the victory for democracy and a confirmation of the mandate of the people given to you to continue with the good works you are doing in the State. It is also a proof beyond reasonable doubt that any further litigation action beyond the Court of Appeal will only be an exercise in futility.
We call on the Governor to shun his detractors and concentrate, as ever, on the task of delivering good governance to the people of the State. We also call on the opposition to join hands with the Governor, in the spirit of sportsmanship, by supporting his rescue mission for the progress and development of the state.
We pray that God will continue to give you more wisdom in piloting the affairs of the State.
Gagdi Media Team
For and on behalf of
Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi
(Danmalikin Kanam, Dan Majen Jahr)
NASS, Abuja
I Hon. Wokdung Adamu Abbas the Executive Chairman Of Kanam Local Government Council, On behalf of the Deputy Chairman, Legislative Leaders, The Chairman of the Kanam Traditional Council, Directors, Management, Staff of the Council, Party Stalwart and Good People of Kanam heartily Congratulate His Excellency, Governor Barr. Simon Bako Lalong, the Executive Governor of Plateau State on his resounding victory at the Court of Appeal Sitting in Jos today, Friday 29th November, 2019.
The judgment of the Appeal Court has reaffirmed that indeed power belongs to God and he gives power to whosoever he pleases, and he chooses for himself whom his bestows upon. Today has proven beyond doubts that the people of Plateau State believe in your dreams for this state and will support you towards acquilizing it.
We the people of Kanam Local Government will continue to support your tireless efforts in ensuring the Security of lives and properties and your overall positive, fruitful and developmental strides in providing democratic dividends to the Plateau People.
I also use this medium to call on our brothers and sisters in the Opposition to see this judgement as the will of the people and join hands together to build our dear state and as we have no other state we can call our own .
I have no doubt in my mind that you have laid a solid Foundation for industrial revolution in our state. It is also my prayer that God will continue to imbue you with more wisdom, grace and vision to serve our people and leave a positive legacy for generation to come
Your Excellency, my earnest prayers is that may God give you the strength, Grace and courage to paddle the Affairs of this State.
Once again, Congratulations Your Excellency.
Taru Salim A. Dugub. S.A On Media And Publicity to the Executive Chairman of Kanam LGC .
Plateau Youth activist Comrade Pius Hoomen ,on friday congratulated the state Governor Simon Lalong, over the court of appeal judgement which affirmed his Victory as the winner of the 2019 Governorship elections . Reacting to the judgment, Hommen in a statement made available to our correspondent said the Appeal Court verdict was a victory for democracy and the good people of the state, whom he said gave the APC -led government of Governor Lalong the mandate to lead the state and have continued to show tremendous goodwill and support to its noble vision in advancing good governance . “I am confident that Lalong ,s victory would continue to promote peace, harmony, tolerance, togetherness and to harness cultural, religious, and cooperation amongst the people for a greater Plateau State.” “His victory will ensure taking action, getting results and working for the people of Plateau State. Also ensuring people oriented projects and programmes that will impact on the lives of the people”. He added that, Lalong’s victory will build a robust economy that will attract investors and move the state to an enviable height of next level glory
Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has described his victory at the appeal court as yet another collective victory for the entire people of Plateau State and a validation of the will of the people in the 2019 governorship election. Governor Lalong in a statement by his Director of Press & Public Affairs Dr. Makut Simon Macham said he was not surprised by the court verdict as all the while, he has never doubted the validity of the people’s mandate reposed in him and the APC. Lalong said ” This is not a victory for me but for the entire people of Plateau State who have demonstrated faith in our Rescue Mission. Like I have repeatedly said, I am Governor for everyone irrespective of party, tribe, religious or any other affiliation. I am ready to carry everyone along” The Governor again called on the opposition and its candidate Gen. Jeremiah Usseni to join hands with him in moving the State forward. He called on all Plateau citizens to continue supporting the Rescue Administration towards leaving a lasting legacy for the State.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 29th November 2019.
ADDRESS BY RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE AT AN INTER-FAITH FAREWELL BANQUET IN HONOUR OF THE CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP OF ABUJA AND OUTGOING APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF JOS, HIS GRACE, ARCHBISHOP IGNATIUS AYAU KAIGAMA HELD AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE LITTLE RAYFIELD, JOS 27TH NOVEMBER 2019. PROTOCOLS May I begin by appreciating God Almighty and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for this opportunity to address you at this very significant event that evokes mixed feelings. I say mix feelings because it is a moment for celebration and at the same time a moment for painful goodbye to a man who is a father, friend, peace builder, reconciliator, and above all God’s servant. We are gathered here this day to bid farewell to His Grace, Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama who has been in Plateau State Shepherding God’s people in the Catholic Church for the past 19 years. Your Grace, from the day His Holiness Pope John Paul II appointed you as the Archbishop of Jos Diocese, you never looked back and indeed you buried yourself among the people of Plateau State serving not only the Catholic Church, but all denominations and other faiths. In the period spanning 19 years, one can safely say you have seen it all. This is more so when we add your years of journey to priesthood at the St. Augustine’s Seminary here in Jos. By all standards, you are Plateau and Plateau is you. We give God all the Glory. Your Grace, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, like many people in Plateau State and elsewhere, I was not surprised when the Holy Father, Pope Francis appointed you as the Coadjutor Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese. We believed then as we still do today, that it was through the leading of the Holy Spirit. In the many decades of tending to the Lord’s flock in the various appointments, Archbishop Kaigama has discharged his pastoral duties with excellence, compassion and passion. Indeed he has demonstrated the fact that he is a thorough-bread spiritual leader that is always interested in unifying all faiths and fostering reconciliation among people of different affiliations. On this, we in Plateau State can testify that we have tasted your compassion and confirm your genuine efforts to foster peace and build understanding among people of different religions, tribes and political persuasions. For the many years that our State was embroiled in widespread conflict that caused so much havoc, God used you in many ways towards halting the situation and reconciling people to the point that today, we have substantial peace in Plateau. We recall the great work you have been doing as the Founder of the Dialogue, Reconciliation, and Peace Centre as well as the Chairman of the Plateau State Inter-Religious Council for Peace and Harmony which you started with the late Emir of Wase, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi. The sacrifices of your years of toiling and perseverance have saved lives and rebuilt shattered hopes among many of our people. On the national stage, the Archbishop’s interreligious work as a founding member of Nigeria’s Interfaith Activity & Partnership for Peace has facilitated the creation of a credible and trusted platform for dialogue between people of different faiths as well as stemming tension between Christians and Muslims. Archbishop Kaigama has been fearless in standing up for the truth and for the Christian Faith in all the assignments he has been given either as President of the Nigerian Bishops Conference; President of the Episcopal Conference of West African Catholic Bishops or the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria. We can remember vividly the role you played in facilitating the enactment of the legislation to outlaw same-sex marriage in Nigeria despite the enormous pressure and blackmail mounted by some Western Governments using aid as a bait. The same energy you exerted against disproportionate emphasis on contraception is still fresh in our minds. These are just some of the few things we can mention that have endeared you to our hearts in Plateau State as you have consistently prayed for us and led the Catholic Faithful with dignity and the fear of God. All through our dark days, you never rested on your oars as a spiritual father whose mission is primarily to teach and preach the gospel, bring people to God and above all encourage people to love to one another. For me personally as Governor of Plateau State, you have been the shoulder to lean on when it seems there is no solution to very serious challenges. You have not only given me and my Administration a listening ear, but also prayed for me and given me Godly counsel. I am very grateful Your Grace. That is why I said earlier that this is a day of mixed feelings because if wishes were horses, we would appeal to the Vatican to allow you stay longer with us on the Plateau. But we cannot change the calling of God in your life and all we can do is to pray for you that you will achieve greater things than you did while with us here. We are deeply sure that while in Abuja, you use every privilege and opportunity to speak for Plateau State when the need arises. The work you have started here especially regarding peace and reconciliation will not die, rather, it will receive greater impetus. In our human frailty, we believe the experiences Your Grace has gathered over the years would equip you for the task ahead, and it is our earnest prayer that your next destination in the service of God will somewhere higher than where you are heading to. Your Grace, you have re-enforced in my heart an indelible virtue that will stay with me forever, which is to treat people with dignity and fairness irrespective of their differences. This you have told me severally including during my Election Victory Thanksgiving Service at COCIN Headquarters Church where you told me that my victory was not for one religion, denomination or tribe. This counsel has guided me thus far and has largely helped in the attainment of the peace we are enjoying today. My assurance to you and all is that I will not depart from this path as we continue to pursue our Rescue Agenda for Plateau State. I will like to use this opportunity to thank all spiritual fathers on the Plateau for their continued prayers and support to our administration. We are indeed grateful and will not let you down. Finally, let me appeal to our spiritual fathers across all religions to exercise great restrain in using the pulpit for politics and attack on government. Because of the huge responsibility you carry as God’s representatives, there are many ways you can reach government with observations, suggestions or criticisms without necessarily sounding inciting or misleading. Our doors are always open to receive constructive criticisms and we remain ready to explain our decisions and seek counsel on various issues, as well as make adjustments where we see reason. Let’s continue to work together in building a better Plateau for this generation and the next. We must at all times THINK PLATEAU AND ACT PLATEAU. I thank you for your attention and God bless you. Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong Executive Governor Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum. 27th November 2019.
President Muhammadu Buhari Our Corresponents President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday re – sent the $29 .96 bn 2016 -2018 external borrowing plan to the Senate for its consideration and approval . Buhari made the request a day after the International Monetary Fund warned Nigeria against rising debts . T he Debt Management Office has said out of Nigeria ’s total debt profile of N 25 .7 tn as of June 2019, external borrowing accounts for about 32 per cent while the 68 per cent is domestic . The President ’s financial plan was approved by the Federal Executive Council in August 2016 and sent to the 8 th Assembly in September 2016. The leadership of the federal parliament led by Senator Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara , invariably rejected the request in November 2016 . Buhari had asked the 8th Assembly to approve plans to borrow the amount abroad to fund infrastructure plans from 2016 to 2018 . The President of the Senate , Ahmad Lawan, who read the fresh request sent by Buhari during plenary , did not give details of the executive communication. In the letter , dated November 26 , 2019 , Buhari said the 8 th National Assembly approved only a part of the External Borrowing request forwarded to it in September 2016 . This , according to him, stalled the Federal Government ’s implementation of critical projects spanning across the mining , power , health , agricultural , water and educational sectors . The letter reads, “Pursuant to Section 21 and 27 of the Debt Management Office ( Establishment ) Act , I hereby request for Resolutions of the Senate to approve the Federal Government ’s 2016 – 2018 External Borrowing plan , as well as relevant projects under this plan . “Specifically , the Senate is invited to note that : While I had transmitted the 2016 -2018 External Borrowing Plan to the 8 th National Assembly in September , 2016, this plan was not approved in its entirety by the Legislature . “ Only the Federal Government ’s Emergency projects for the North East , ( Four ( 4 ) States ’ projects and one ( 1) China Exam Bank Assisted Railway Modernisation Projects for Lagos – Ibadan Segment ) were approved, out of a total of thirty -nine ( 39 ) projects. “The Outstanding projects in the plan that were not approved by the Legislature are , nevertheless , critical to the delivery of the Government ’s policies and programmes relating to power , mining , roads , agriculture , health , water and educational sectors . “These outstanding projects are well advanced in terms of their preparation , consistent with the 2016 Debt Sustainability Analysis undertaken by the Debt Management Office and were approved by the Federal Executive Council in August 2016 under the 2016 – 2018 External Borrowing Plan . “Accordingly, I have attached , for your kind consideration , relevant information from the Honourable Minister of Finance , Budget and National Planning the specific outstanding projects under the 2016 – 2018 External Borrowing plan for which legislative approval is currently sought . “I have also directed the Minister to make herself available to provide any additional information or clarification which you may require to facilitate prompt approval of the outstanding projects under this plan .” According to the President ’s letter, the total cost of implementing the projects is $29 .960 bn consisting of a Projects and Programme loan of $ 11 .274 bn . Others are, Special National Infrastructure Projects of $10 .686 bn , Euro Bonds of $ 4 .5bn and Federal Government Budget Support of $ 3. 5bn . The letter also revealed that the projects and programmes were selected after positive technical economic evaluation and presumed contribution to the socio -economic development of the country . The projects he said , would be implemented across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory . The President explained that it was necessary to resort to external borrowing to fund the financial gap required to address the huge infrastructural deficit in the country such as power , railway , road projects and assured lawmakers of its resolve to implement the projects in a financially sustainable manner . The President also admitted that the World Bank had provided the sum of $ 575 m for the purpose of reconstructing and rehabilitating the North East . He said the amount , which was outside the 2016- 2018 External Borrowing Plan had been earmarked for urgent implementation in the region. Some of the areas of intervention according to him are, Polio Eradication support and routine immunization project- ( $ 125 m ); Community and Social Development Project ( $ 75 m ) . Others are the Nigeria States Health Programme Investment project ( $ 125 m ); State Education Programme Investment Project ( $100 m ); Nigeria Youth Employment and Social Support Project ( $ 100 m ) and the Fadama III Project ( $ 50 m ) . The President therefore urged the Senate to immediately approve the $ 575 m grant by the World Bank to enable its immediate disbursement before further consideration and authorization of the 2016- 2018 borrowing plan . 9 th Senate will consider fresh request on merit – Spokesperson The Senate Spokesperson , Senator Godiya Akwashiki , told journalists on Thursday that the 9 th Senate would consider the fresh request from the President , purely on merit . He said the 8th Senate rejected the proposal because it lacked details then . He urged Nigerians to be patient with the parliament as details of the expenditure contained in the request would soon be made public. Akwashiki said , “The 8th Senate rejected the request because there was no details of what the President wants to use the money for . “Details would be provided along with this request and we will consider it on its merit . ” In spite of the Senate ’s assurance , groups , including the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the Employers ’ Consultative Association expressed concern about the FG’s borrowing plan . CSJ’ s lead director advises FG The Lead Director , Centre for Social Justice , Eze Onyekpere , said rather than continue to rely on borrowing to finance its activities, the Federal Government should adopt other sources of funding the infrastructure needs of the country He said , “The rising debt service of N 2. 45 tn appears to be crowding out expenditure in critical infrastructure and human development. “At the end of the day , if there is a shortfall in revenue, salaries and overheads will be drawn down , debts will be serviced whilst capital projects suffer . “At 23 . 74 per cent of overall expenditure , the debt service is high and it is higher than capital expenditure . When the Sinking Fund of N 296 bn is added to debt service , it comes up to N2 .746 tn which is 26 .61 per cent of the overall budget . On what could be done to check the high debt burden , he said , “The Federal Government should broaden the sources of revenue for budget and programme funding . Debt crisis imminent, chartered institute of finance warns The Registrar Chartered Institute of Finance and Control of Nigeria , Mr Godwin Eohoi , said that with the Federal Government spending about 20 per cent of its budget size servicing the country ’s debt , any further plan to increase the country ’s debt profile might result in a debt crisis. Also a former Director – General, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr Chijioke Ekechukwu , said the rising debt portended danger for the economy . On its part, the Nigeria Employers ’ Consultative Association expressed fear over the mounting debt burdens of the nation . FG ’ s borrowing not sustainable – NECA In an interview with one of our correspondents , the Director – General of NECA , Mr Timothy Olawale , stated that the figures released by the Debt Management Office earlier in the year showed that the Federal Government ’s domestic debt profile rose to N 15 .814 tn in September , 2018 from N 15 .629 tn in June , 2018 ( 1. 19 % increase ) . He said the “bourgeoning debt profile calls for concern as our appetite for debt skyrockets .” He added that “This trend , which is very disturbing , could have a negative effect on the developmental capacity of Nigeria despite government ’s financial managers ’ argument that the rate of increase is within a manageable limit. ” Olawale noted that while the effect of the increasing debt might not be immediate in totality , it could be catastrophic in the long term with a chunk of revenue consumed by debt servicing to the detriment of infrastructural development. He said , “This , sadly , is the current reality as a chunk of the 2020 budget would be used for debt servicing rather than developmental projects. This trend is not sustainable and could harm the nation on the long term .” Proposing a way out , he reiterated that “the federal and state governments , as a matter of urgency , must take deliberate steps aimed at cutting the cost of governance and recurrent expenditure . FG does not have enough to service debts – NESG On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the NESG, Mr ‘Laoye Jaiyeola, expressed concern over the amount being spent on debt service by the government . He said further borrowing should only be used to develop critical infrastructure , adding that the country was already spending so much on recurrent expenditure . He said , “You saw the current budget . We are spending too much to service debts . But that does not mean we should close our doors and sleep . Our concern is how do we generate more , and if in the short – term we have to borrow to generate more , let ’s do that . But we need to know what we are borrowing for . “If by this time , we are still borrowing and spending 80 per cent of our budget on recurrent expenditure and overheads , it means we are not serious . “When you are borrowing , make sure you are creating good roads , investing in education and health . Healthy people will bring about more money. So , it is a challenge. We don ’t have enough to service our debts but again , we have to see how we can grow.” According to Jaiyeola , government should borrow money to do what is right and make sure that the expenditure is not over – priced.
In his (Smg Kanam) company, one is constantly being reminded to live for others.
His passion for the growth and development of Kanam and its teeming youth is natural and beyond any form of estimation.
His political ideology hinges on integrity, uplifment of the downtrodden, providing genuine leadership that would change the situation and conditions of our people.
He has great passion for honesty, integrity, truthfulness, and the dignity of man and labour.
His is to inspire others. He always want to see him and what he stands for in others. He can sacrifice himself for the progress of others and that of our nation. Envy and jealousy are things he detest.
I have not seen a man who believes in destiny as him in recent time. If you complained to him about some things concerning him, his words always, Allah is aware of my situation and He alone is sufficient.
His dream is a greater Kanam LGA where tribe and creed would not and never be the basis upon which we play politics and the issue of development.
In his company, truly one learns to be humble, exemplary with humility in private and public life.
Oh Allah, have mercy on him. Grant him the apex of Your conform here and hereafter. I know if you ask him of conform, our mentor will always tell you the best of all comforts is that of mind.
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR
PLATEAU STATE.
P.M.B. 2069, Little Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State http://www.plateaustategov.ng
ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG AT THE FLAG-OFF OF “OPERATION ZERO POTHOLES” WITHIN JOS AND BUKURU METROPOLIS HELD AT CONSTITUTION HILL/MURTALA MOHAMMED JUNCTION ON WEDNESDAY 27TH NOVEMBER, 2019.
PROTOCOLS
We are here today to flag off the rehabilitation of township roads as part of infrastructural development of Plateau State in line with one of our three-point policy thrust.
By now, the citizens of our State and even visitors will attest to our commitment as a Rescue Administration to providing good roads, which are critical to development.
Thus, when we assumed office, we decided to complete about twenty-eight (28) abandoned road projects that we inherited from the last administration.
Through our interventions, Contractors mobilized back to site. However, while some of these roads have been completed and commissioned, others are still ongoing at speed that is not acceptable to us considering the funds we have committed.
Consequently, I have directed the Ministry of Works to issue strong warning to these erring contractors to return to site within 14 days or have their contracts determined and re-awarded to more committed contractors.
It is one thing to expend funds in building road infrastructure, while it is an entirely different ball game in getting good quality delivery and maintaining them for the benefit of the citizens.
Thus, despite our efforts, we have seen the wear and tear of our roads, which have caused hardship to motorists and commuters in many of our townships, particularly the Jos and Bukuru metropolis.
That is why while inaugurating Appointed Commissioners, I directed the Ministry of Works to implement zero tolerance to pot holes in the State to prevent them from further damage as well as enhance the convenience of motorists.
Today’s event, which is the flag off of “Operation Zero Potholes” within the Jos and Bukuru Metropolis therefore kick starts the implementation of this directive.
We intend to sustain this and ensure that it goes around the major townships in the 17 Local Government Areas of the State.
Since one of our 3 –point Policy Thrust is Physical Infrastructural Development, we don’t intend to only build infrastructure in the State, but shall continue working hard to maintain them.
We cannot afford to let these roads infrastructure decay to the point that they become a burden and threat to lives of our people.
Henceforth, we will make sure we arrest any road deterioration early in order to sustain the lifespan of our roads and other infrastructure.
In the coming years, government will not tolerate the culture of neglect and abuse of public infrastructure that have contributed to these levels of abysmal wear and tear we are today experiencing.
We have also noted with dismay the flagrant misuse and abuse of these critical infrastructure through illegal erection of road bumps. Government has also noticed using the roadway for mixing concrete, dumping of construction materials and most worrisome, stall trading on the roads.
These unfortunate abuses are prevalent on Ahmadu Bello Way, Terminus, Bauchi road, Kabong, Farin Gada, Kugiya in Bukuru to mention a few. No responsible Government will sit and watch this lawless behavior.
Consequently, I have directed with immediate effect, the constitution of a high-powered Special Task Force that will rid our roads of street traders, illegal road bumps, illegal motor parks and well as check indiscriminate parking of cars and trucks within our roadways, especially at Dadin Kowa and other areas.
On an auspicious occasion like this, let me mention that the solar street lights we have so far put in place are not only to beautify the metropolis but also guarantee security. These street lights no doubt caused a lot of money and are appreciated by the Citizens.
It is however unfortunate that reports reaching me indicate the destruction of some of the street lights by reckless drivers and some vandals.
Since these lights are installed to serve public good or interest, Let me again warn that henceforth, any road user that knocks down a street light, as well as vandals arrested will be made to pay the full cost of replacing it among other penalties the courts will hand down.
I call on members of the public to report to the relevant authorities, anyone who knocks down or attempts to vandalize these street lights so as to guard our collective assets. If you see something, say something!
Government is also aware of community efforts to intervene in maintaining some road infrastructure within their domains. We appreciate your efforts and assure you of support, especially if you properly and legitimately collaborate with the relevant agency.
Ladies and gentlemen, there is no doubt that the demands for roads and other physical infrastructure are huge and the resources not sufficient. However, I have promised that we shall utilize the little resources judiciously to get value for money.
Yesterday I laid before the State House of Assembly the 2020 Appropriation Bill, which among others, has provisions for road maintenance in the State.
I want to emphasize that the rehabilitation of roads and construction of new ones will be a continuous one. I expect the Ministry of Works to be proactive and create good relationship with the public for information gathering and feedback.
I strongly advise and call on the general public to have a change of orientation to public property. When we treat public property as nobody’s property, decay and abuse become inevitable and the society loses at the end.
Let us all continue to join hands in the Plateau Project as the Rescue Mission works towards a lasting legacy for our State.
Finally, and with great pleasure that i flag off this operation zero potholes and rehabilitation of township roads, let us all continue to Think Plateau and Act Plateau!
Despite the fact that many Nigerians called for the cancellation of the witchcraft conference, the two-day event organised by Prof. B.I.C Ijomah Centre for Policy Studies and Research, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, kicked off Tuesday. The theme of the conference was changed from the one announced earlier. The new theme was ”Dimensions of human behaviours,” while the one announced earlier was, “Witchcraft: meanings, factors and Practices.” The was changed following a directive from the authorities of the university and public outcry on the social media. In a remark, the Director of the centre, Prof. Egodi Uchendu, said that the casualty caused by social media and other platforms were engineered by people who set out to cause confusion on ordinary academic conference. “The casualty of this confusion went beyond being asked by UNN management to change the title but also the withdrawal of our keynote speaker, Prof. David Ker, 48 hours to the conference. “I am delighted that social media hype on the conference didn’t deter participants and organisers from attending the conference, which is completely academic,” Mr Uchendu said. Prof. Damian Opata, in his paper entitled, “The wealthy are no witches: Toward an epistemology and ideology of witchcraft among the Igbos of Nigeria,” said that people’s misconception about witchcraft inhibited the development of knowledge on the phenomenon. According to him, “the manner in which witchcraft is propagated and believed by some Nigerians has continued to kill the development of knowledge on the issue. “Some people have killed the initiative for creative indigenous thinking because of mere belief in witchcraft.” Mr Apata, who is a senior lecturer in the Department of English and Literary Studies, said that diviners and seers in the indigenous traditions many a time believed that witchcraft was the source of the problems of many people, who consult them. He said: “Pastors, prophets, seers in foreign religions, charismatic priests of variegated persuasions very frequently use perceived attacks by witches and wizards to put fear in the minds and hearts of their various congregations. “The truth is that for those who believe that witches and wizards exist, they exist for them and those who believe they do not exist, they do not exist. Mr Opata said that witchcraft could adequately be studied within the realm of cultural studies. He said, “What we are doing today is completely an academic conference, it is unfortunate that some people tried in social media to give it different interpretations.” He said that “the fact that opening prayer of the conference was conducted by a Catholic priest, the moderator of the event is a priest from Anglican Church and music was provided by UNN Christ Chapel Church choir, were an indication that there was nothing evil about the conference.” Also, Prof. Peter-Jazzy Eze, the Head of Department, Sociology and Anthropology, spoke on what he entitled, “Which witch? What Anthropology knows of the Adult Bugbear.” Mr Eze said that “witchcraft does not exist but only exists in the mind of the people who believe in it. “Science and technology have overtaken the superstitious believe of witchcraft, which has no practical proof. “Africa should drop the believe of witchcraft and embrace robust knowledge in science and technology that is very practical and verifiable. “If Africans can fully embrace science and technology, in the next 50 years, there will be nothing like superstitious belief in witchcraft.”
MiddleBelt Reporters 