Plateau State Governor has again expressed deep sadness over the distressing video allegedly released by the Islamic State West Africa Province showing the purported execution of a student hostage from Plateau State, Mr. Ropvil Daciya Dalep. The Governor expressed outrage over the alleged murder of Daciya, 22, a student of Biology Education in University of Maiduguri who was said to have been abducted on Thursday January 9, 2020 near the Borno State capital. Governor Lalong in message reacting to the distressing video of Mr. Daciya’s alleged execution, described the heinous act as one that is aimed at provoking sentiments and leading to perceived hatred for people based on religion and origin. Lalong said the narrative of the terrorists must never be allowed to fester and cause disharmony among Nigerians as the doctrine of the infamous group is not only misplaced but clearly a merchandise of evil. Governor Lalong commiserated with the family of Daciya and assured them of the support of the State Government in this time of great distress. He said the notion being conveyed by the terrorists that Christians and citizens of Plateau State are being targeted is most unfortunate and must be condemned as it is another ploy by the group to legitimise their evil enterprise. He said the State Government will continue to work with security agencies and the Federal Government to ensure that those still under captivity are released while those behind this mayhem are brought to judgement.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State 22nd January 2020
The abduction and subsequent execution of Mr. Ropvil Daciya a Mupun son on his way to school, the University of Maiduguri by Boko Haram was greeted by widespread condemnation across different quarters. Apparently saddened by the cruel and barbaric development, Mr. Alfred Dapal has joined other concerned persons to condemn the brutal act and register his heartfelt condolences to the family of Daciya and the Mupun Nation as a whole. In a statement made available to journalists, Mr. Dapal described the killing as one tragedy too many, noting that it was wrong and senseless to spill blood and waste human lives for no justifiable reason. He sympathizes with the family and Mupun Nation over the loss of the young, promising student who was determined to actualize his dreams. Mr. Dapal further calls on government to be more resolute in nipping the unfortunate developments happening nowadays in the bud.
The Northern Governors Forum has condemned the alleged gruesome murder of Reverend Lawan Andimi, who was the Local Council Chapter Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and also a pastor with the Church of the Brethren (EYN) at the District Church Council of Michika Adamawa State by terrorist group. In a statement, Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong described the act as yet another sad tale of the inhuman activities of the terrorist group which is bent on unleashing sorrow in the hearts of Nigerians. While commiserating with the family of the late clergyman, the Church and people of Adamawa State, Lalong urged them not to allow the ugly incident affect their faith in God and love for humanity as the death of the late Clergyman cannot be a catalyst for hatred among Nigerians who are disgusted by the cruelty of the terrorist organisation. He said the Northern Governors Forum remains United in their support for security agencies to continue to rise up to not only terrorist groups, but all forms of criminality that seek to divide the country along ethnic, religious or political lines. Governor Lalong emphasized that the Northern Governors Forum stands shoulder to shoulder with the President Muhammadu Buhari as he rallies the world towards defeating terror groups and their sponsors as well as the purveyors of their bizarre ideology which propagates sorrow, hatred and pain on innocent persons in the name of religion and others claims.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum 22nd January 2020
The PLATEAU YOUTH COUNCIL is the umbrella body that coordinate the activities of youths in the entire State, it is a pressure group that advocates for the rights of the youths by demanding for them what is due theirs. The Youth council has been in existence for over four decades now giving birth to notable personalities that later took center stage in managing the affairs of the stage at large, no wonder some pundits see it as the depot for the training of potential leaders of the State.
The council has been surviving on the core principle of “ZONING” and “Micro ZONING” enshrined by it’s Constitution which serves equity to every part of the state e.i the equality of all component parts there by smaller LGAs in population and Landmass are given equal chances to contest for positions as the much bigger ones. It is by this clause that almost all LGAs have produced the most powerful positions just as they have produced the less lucrative ones.
The sacredness of zoning in the Youth council cannot be over emphasized, that is why this piece is to guide beginners on how to choose the positions that are available for them to go for. The status quo is that the positions are rotated according to the 3 senatorial districts of the State, from the north to the central and then the South repeatedly rotating after the completion of a cycle. Therefore, the incumbent positions in northern zone will automatically go to Central zone, those in central will go to southern zone and then those in the south transcends to the north.
The lead in forward is to give an overview of the system to guide my readers to the area if focus, my area if emphasis in this chapter is the Central zone. The zone boasts as the umblical cord of Plateau, hence my attempt to help in forecasting the Zoning Formula. The veterans, stakeholders sit and come up with the discrete zoning to various LGAs depending on superior argument and then the Zonal Coordinators will read out the formula after which it stands final as read.
The positions presently in central zone are: Mangu – Deputy Chairman, Bokkos – Treasurer, Pankshin – Ex Officio, Kanke – Zonal Coordinator, Kanam – Speaker.
The above positions are currently held by Plateau central and will be going to Plateau South in the fourth Coming election while the following positions held by the northern zone will be coming to the central: Secretary, Public Relations Officer, Director Of Socials, Deputy Speaker, Auditor.
The 5 LGAs in Plateau central will justle for the above positions which will be carefully scrutinized by the veterans after which the LGA which has the less influential position will take the most influential position in that order until all LGAs get their fair deal.
After listening to different arguments, different bids, I tried to weigh it to come up with the probable Zoning Formula as it is no Kepler physics once if one is familiar with the usual considerations, one can at will stipulate with certainty which LGA will get what.
I have sampled many opinions from different veterans, incumbent EXCO of the Youth council, stakeholders and came up with this probable Zoning.
Mangu to relinquish Secretary (Principle Position) and pick the Auditor, Bokkos to relinquish Treasurer (Principal Position) and take Deputy Speakership, Pankshin to surrender Ex Officio (Principal Position) and take Public Relations (Principal Position), Kanke to let go of Zonal Coordinator (Not Principal) for Secretary (Principal Position) Kanam to shed the Speakership (Principal Position) for Director of Socials.
NOTE; This is my personal opinion which are subject to debates but by and large, I gave the best possible arguments for each LGA which birthed the probable positions that each got. I thought I should share it, someone may find it useful.
I condemn in the strongest terms, the gruesome “execution“ by Boko Haram insurgents, of Daciya Ropvil Dalep, a native of Jing in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State and a Biology/Education student of University of Maiduguri.
Although the video could not open so that we can pictorially understand the nature he was executed, I am devastated by the excruciating lost of this promising young man, and more pathetically, in a gruesome manner one could not wish for his archenemy.
Daciya was abducted by Boko Haram on his way back to school about two weeks ago, without any information reaching his family as to his whereabouts, only for the video-picture showing his gruesome execution by the insurgents to be seen trending on social media.
This has, once again, brought to fore the nightmarish experience of people living in the insurgency ravaged Northeastern part of Nigeria, and the need for government to redouble her efforts to stamp out the irresponsible activities of this terrorist organization.
It is most despicable that despite the resources sunk in fighting the insurgency, the nefarious activities of the insurgents fester, and more precious lives continue to perish in a wanton manner.
This sad news is coming just when I am exploring both legislative and lobbying mechanisms to get the federal government negotiate the release of Bashir Abdulhamis, a native of Kanam LGA who has been in Boko Haram captivity since 4th December, 2019. Bashir is an adhoc staff of World Health Organization, ambushed by the insurgents in Gambu, while on his way to Maiduguri to take polio specimen for experimentation.
While I condole with the family of Daciya over this tragic lost, I want to assure the public that I shall present their case at the plenary of the National Assembly in order to bring to the notice of the authorities for further action.
I want to strongly advocate for more logistics and moral support to the security operatives fighting insurgency anywhere in Nigeria.
The determination of our security personnel to curb the dastardly activities of the insurgents is manifestly evident in the number of fallen heroes who died on the line of duty, fighting to secure the country.
Our prayers for them is sacrosanct in winning this war, but first and for most, equipping the Military with adequate weaponry to face the terrorists is of utmost importance.
Signed : Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, (Danmalikin Kanam and Danmajen Jahr) I Chair Nigerian Navy and I Represent Pankshin/Kànke/Kanam in National Assembly, Abuja.
Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Ms. Sadiya Faruk says she might appoint a head for the Ministry’s Disability Commission from Plateau State. The Chairman, Plateau State Disability Rights Commission is the main pick for the position, Faruk, Tuesday told the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong. “Very soon I am going to come looking for the Head of your Disability Commission to join us here at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to help us coordinate the aspects of people with disabilities in Nigeria. “We have heard that he is doing a great job. Your Excellency, please start looking for a replacement” the Minister said. The Minister’s team, Faruk said would equally be visiting the state soon, to solve humanitarian problems of internally displaced persons. She said, “The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development will assist Plateau State in not only ensuring that IDPs are returned to their ancestral lands, but will also ensure that they are empowered and given opportunities to be productive and live with dignity.” Governor Lalong had gone to the Minister barely 24 hours after the Supreme Court affirmed his reelection as Governor of Plateau State, to seek the support for the herdsmen attack victims. He said since the official closedown of all IDP camps in the State in December 2019, the State has rebuilt some of the IDPs’ destroyed homes, but was still faced with needs. He said, “we are committed to ensuring that the peace we have restored to Plateau is consolidated. “Peace cannot be fully consolidated without taking care of those that were displaced and disoriented. “We want to see that they are comfortable in their original abodes and have means of livelihood so that they can forget the trauma of the past as they heal. “However, the State Government cannot bear the huge financial cost of resettling the returning IDPs, hence the appeal for the assistance of the Federal Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.” The State according to the Governor has gained from the Social Investment Programme of the Federal Government and is also doing its best to provide empowerment opportunities for youths in the State through the Plateau Small and Medium Enterprises Agency (PLASMIDA) to restore peace. Supreme Court’s Election Judgment Meanwhile, Governor Simon Lalong has said with Monday’s affirmation of his election victory by the Supreme Court, his administration is “now clear of litigation distractions.” “The time now is for governance and actualisation of our next level agenda encapsulated in our 3 point vision of peace, security and good governance; Infrastructural development and sustainable economic rebirth,” said Lalong in a press statement through his Press and Public Affairs Director, Simon Macham The Governor called the opposition to join him to develop the State.
DIRECTORATE OF PRESS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS, OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, PLATEAU STATE
PRESS RELEASE
Barely 24 hours after the Supreme Court affirmed his election as Governor of Plateau State, Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Tuesday 21st January 2020 paid a visit to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Faruk at the Ministry’s Headquarters at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja. Governor Lalong told the Minister that he was in her office to seek the support of the Ministry in the rehabilitation and reintegration of Internally Displaced Persons in Plateau State who are being returned to their ancestral homes. He said since the symbolic closure of all IDP camps in the State in December 2020, the State Government has been doing a lot to enable them rebuild their homes and start life again. He said materials for reconstruction were provided to facilitate reconstruction of destroyed homesteads. He said “we are committed to ensuring that the peace we have restored to Plateau is consolidated. Peace cannot be fully consolidated without taking care of those that were displaced and disoriented. We want to see that they are comfortable in their original abodes and have means of livelihood so that they can forget the trauma of the past as they heal”. Lalong said the State Government cannot bear the huge financial cost of resettling the returnee IDPs hence the appeal for the assistance of the Federal Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. He said so far, the State has benefitted a lot from the Social Investment Programmes of the Federal Government and is also doing its best to provide empowerment opportunities for the youths in the State through the Plateau Small and Medium Enterprises Agency (PLASMIDA). This he said has contributed immensely to the restoration of peace as many youths are now engaged with less tendency for crime. Responding, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Hajiya Sadiya Umar Faruk thanked Governor Lalong for making her Ministry the first port of call after his election victory which testifies to his passion for the less privileged and vulnerable persons in the society such as the IDPs who need special attention. She said the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development will assist Plateau State in not only ensuring that IDPs are returned to their ancestral lands, but will also ensure that they are empowered and given opportunities to be productive and live with dignity. She said “I am not surprised that Plateau State now enjoys peace because you are a man of peace and have always advocated harmonious living. You are my big brother and I will do everything possible to support you. Already, we have received your request which the Permanent Secretary is working on. Very soon, the team will come to Plateau State to ensure that we are on the same page”. She commended the Governor for absorbing many youths into various social programmes and giving special attention to the persons living with disability in Plateau State by creating the Disability Rights Commission which is one of the first in the country. “Very soon I am going to come looking for the Head of your Disability Commission to join us here at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to help us coordinate the aspects of people with disabilities in Nigeria. We have heard that he is doing a great job. Your Excellency, please start looking for a replacement” the Minister said. The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Nuhu Abok Ayuba, Secretary to the Government Prof. Danladi Atu, Chairman of APC in Plateau State Letep Dabang and the Commissioner of Information Dan Manjang.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Pleteau State. 21st January 2020.
The Editorial Board, Management, Staff and Correspondents join millions of well wishers in felicitating with His Royal Majesty, Miskoom Martin Shaldas III,the Long Gamai of Gamai Nation on the auspicious occasion of your birthday. We pray our Lord Jesus Christ give you more strength, good health, long life and prosperity as you serve humanity to the best of your abilities. Have a swell and memorable birthday celebrations Your Majesty.
Boko Haram insurgents have killed Lawan Andimi, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Michika local government area of Adamawa state. Andimi was abducted early January when the insurgents attacked his village. A source who confirmed the incident to TheCable said Andimi was killed by his captors on Monday. Days after his abduction, the clergyman, in a video clip, asked Ahmadu Fintiri, governor of Adamawa, to rescue him. “I have never been discouraged, because all conditions that one finds himself …is in the hand of God. God who made them to take care of me. So, the summary of my speech; I am appealing to my colleagues, reverends, particularly my president, Reverend Joel Billy who is a strong man, a man of compassion and man of love. He can do all his best to speak to our governor, Umaru Jibrilla (Fintiri) and other necessary agents for my release here,” he had said. On Christmas eve, a faction of Boko Haram affiliated to the Islamic State, killed 11 Christian captives in Borno, and said the action was taken to avenge the deaths of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the late IS leader, and Abul-Hasan Al-Muhajir, its spokesman, who were killed in Syria in October. Four abducted aid workers of the Action Against Hunger, an international non-government organisation, were also killed by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) in December. The insurgents said the aid workers were killed because of the breakdown of talks with the federal government. It is not clear why Andimi was killed as his captors are a yet to take responsibility.
On behalf of my family and well wishers, I wish to heartily felicitate with the governor, government, and people of Plateau state over the victory recorded at the supreme court yesterday which further reaffirms the mandate and trust reposed in the Governor by the good and hospital people of Plateau stateObviously, all legal means have been exhausted by the opposition and by extension, distraction is over and it is time to consolidate on the mandate that has been reaffirmed by the highest court of the land I commend governor Lalong deeply for his magnanimity by extending a hand of fellowship to the opposition which by extension speaks volume of the plateau spirit that should be promoted by all I therefore, call on all Plateau people to put aside differences of whatever kind and rally round the governor for optimal performance Long live one united and indivisible Plateau
Chief Dr. Patrick Sunday Dakum CEO, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria.
MiddleBelt Reporters 