NORTHERN GOVERNORS MOURN LATE PRINCE TONY MOMOH

The Northern Governors Forum has commiserated with the people of Auchi Kingdom, Government and people of Edo State and the Nigerian media industry over the demise of Prince Tony Momoh who passed on at the age of 81.

In a statement, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said the death of Prince Tony Momoh is a great loss to the nation considering the impact he made in various aspects of Nigeria’s polity.

Lalong said Prince Momoh was a man of many parts who started as a teacher before making his mark as one of Nigeria’s versatile journalist, administrator, politician and lawyer.

He said the former Minister of Information and Culture was a giant in the Nigerian Media industry and played a great role in promoting freedom of the press as well as the opening up the media space which eventually culminated in deregulation that saw the emergence of many media outlets.

Governor Lalong also described him as a political strategist and mobiliser who at various times coalesced with politicians from across the country to push for improvement in the political process and governance in general. His emergence as the Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the role he played in the subsequent formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) according to the Governor accords him a special place in Nigerian’s political history.

Lalong also commended his leadership and achievements as Pro-Chancellor & Chairman of Council, University of Jos where he led a leap in the academic performance and general development of the institution which is now a leading University in Nigeria and Africa.

While praying God to grant his soul eternal rest, Governor Lalong asked his family to be consoled with his testimony of honesty, hardwork and patriotism.

GOV. LALONG CALLED FOR SYNERGY BETWEEN PAST AND SERVING LEGISLATORS

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says former members of the legislature have a great role to play in proffering solutions towards addressing the challenges of the nation and promoting national unity. 

Governor Lalong said this while addressing the meeting of former members of the Plateau State House of Assembly at the Government House Rayfield Jos Tuesday 2nd February 2021. 

 Lalong said the Forum of former legislators is necessary to harness their experiences and knowledge in handling some of the challenges that the State and nation is contending with. 

He said "as former members of the legislative arm of Government, we have to come together and discuss the progress of Plateau State. This is the moment for us to work across party lines which is a common practice in the floor of the house especially when it affects critical issues. We can also practice this even if we are no longer legislators".

The Governor said the former members of the legislature should always put the interest of the State above any other consideration as they champion the consolidation of peace and progress in Plateau State.

He called for synergy between past and serving legislators at both the State and Federal levels across party lines in the interest of State, citing the example the newly established Federal Polytechnic Shendam whose bill was initially spearheaded by Hon. Johnbull Shakarau, a former member of the Plateau State house of Assembly who later went to the House of Representatives and collaborated with other elected representatives to champion the cause. 

Acting Chairman of the Forum Hon. Maimako Bello congratulated Governor Lalong for his achievements especially his doggedness for the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic Shendam, thanks to the support of President Muhammadu Buhari who has continued to give the Governor a listening ear by acceding to many of his demands. 

Hon. Maimako Bello said the former legislators appreciate the Governor as he has paid attention to their welfare by settling their outstanding entitlements and reaching out to them at personal levels.

Other members also commended the Governor for his vision of completing inherited projects and also implementing new ones throughout the State. 

 

LALONG APPLAUDS PRESIDENT BUHARI OVER ESTABLISHMENT OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC SHENDAM

 

Governor Simon Bako Lalong is full of praises to President Muhammadu Buhari for his approval of the establishment of Federal Polytechnic Shendam, describing it as cheering news for citizens of the State and a catalyst for the development of the State and the nation.

Governor Lalong who received a letter from the Federal Ministry of Education conveying the approval of President Buhari for the establishment of the Polytechnic, said the gesture shows the love that the President has for Plateau State and the desire to ensure the technological development of the State and nation at large.

Lalong said “the establishment of Federal Polytechnic Shendam comes at a time when we are redefining education in Plateau State and focusing on technical education to give our youths skills that can help them use their talents to create jobs and solve day-to-day problems of the society. We are excited that this new institution will connect seamlessly with the new Technical Schools we are building in Pankshin, Shendam and the upgrade of the Technical School in Bukuru, all meant to move our students away from education that leaves them stranded after graduation”.

Governor Lalong also expressed delight that approval has also been given for the release of N2 Billion naira through the TETFund for the provision of core facilities towards the take-off of the school within the shortest possible time. He promised that the Plateau State Government will play its part by giving all necessary support for the commencement of the institution, assuring the host community will also be mobilised for support and collaboration.

He also thanked the leadership and members of the National Assembly especially those representing Plateau State who pushed for the passage of the bill for the establishment of the Polytechnic. Others are the Minister of Education Mallam Adamu Adamu, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Education Arc. Sonny Echono, and all those who in various ways supported the establishment of the Polytechnic.

It will be recalled that Governor Lalong recently visited President Muhammadu Buhari to appeal to him for intervention over various issues concerning Plateau State including funding for the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham

Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.

1st February 2021.

 

GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS APC NATIONAL REGISTRATION COMMITTEE FOR PLATEAU STATE, OPTIMISTIC OF MORE MEMBERS WILL JOIN PARTY.

The APC National registration and revalidation Committee for Plateau State has visited Governor Simon Bako Lalong to brief him on the preparations for conducting the exercise in the State.

Chairman of the Committee Hon. Musa Mahmood said the Committee is committed to conducting the exercise within the guidelines issued by the party and will supervise the conduct in all the local governments to ensure that the registration and revalidation is credible and hitch-free.

He commended the Governor and the State Caretaker Working Committee for being proactive and carrying out sensitization among members of the party, a situation that will enhance the smooth conduct of the exercise.

Governor Lalong welcomed the Committee to Plateau and assured that the APC family in the State was ready for the exercise as the members are eager to revalidate their membership and also welcome new members into their fold in order to ensure that the party continues to grow from strength to strength.

Lalong said “this is the time to demonstrate true loyalty and commitment to the party and to increase the fortunes of the APC going forward. There is not going to be manipulation and intimidation in this exercise as those who are found to be pursuing any agenda outside that of the party will not be allowed to succeed. We want more members and this is the time to open our doors and welcome everybody that wants to join the largest party in Nigeria”.

The Governor also assured that more members will join the party because of the performance of the APC led administration which has put the interests of Plateau people above parochial interests. This he explained was why apart from initiating various people oriented projects, his administration chose to complete inherited and abandoned projects rather than abandon them like in previous governments did with their predecessors.

He said just like the example set by the President, he will be going to his polling unit in Ajikamai, Shendam LGA to register, urging all government appointees to mobilise their people to also register and revalidate their membership, saying that anything short will cast doubt about their loyalty to the party.

 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham

Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State

1st February 2021.