HOPE REKINDLED FOR THE COMPLETION OF LEGACY PROJECTS AS PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT WINS CASE AGAINST BLENNISON

 A Jos High Court presided over by the Chief Judge of Plateau State, Hon. Justice
Yakubu Gyang Dakwak, today, the 24th day of September 2021, struck out a Suit instituted by  Bleneson Services Limited against the Plateau State Government; Ministry of Finance Plateau  State; STL TRUSTEES Limited and United Capital Trustees Limited.

The striking out of the Suit by the Court followed the success of the Notice of Preliminary Objection filed by Paschal Mammo Esq. Counsel to the Joint TRUSTEES to the Bond used to execute the Project, STL Trustees Ltd and United  Capital Trustees Ltd, sued as 3rd and 4th Defendants respectively in the Suit.

The Joint Trustees had challenged the jurisdiction of the Court to entertain the Case, on the Ground that the Claimants failed to file the mandatory Pre- action  Protocol meant to disclose on Oath, the step, if any, they took to settle the dispute before approaching the Court.

In it's Ruling on the Application,  the Court held that the failure to take those mandatory steps as required by the Rules of Court is a fundamental vice that robbed the Court of the Jurisdiction. The Court consequently struck out the Case.

It would be recalled that on 16th March 2021, Bleneson Services Ltd instituted Suit No:PlD/J144/2021 seeking to restrain the Plateau  State Government from Terminating its Contract with the  Company for the construction of various School and Hospital Projects under the LALONG LEGACY PROJECTS.

The institution of the Suit by Bleneson Services Ltd was after the Service by the Government of Plateau  State of a 30-day "Notice of Termination of Contract" on the Company on 9th March, 2021, following the failure of the Company to deliver a Phase of the Project whose delivery, going by the Work Plan signed by the Parties, was 31st December, 2020 and the prospect that going by the slow pace of work by the Contractor, it was practically impossible for it to deliver the last of the Projects by 31st December, 2021 as agreed, with the projected earliest completion date being December, 2024.

The Plateau State Government had therefore issued the Notice of Termination in the exercise of its right to do so as provided under the Contract, where there is a failure of performance by either Party.

Bleneson Services Ltd had, upon receipt of the Notice of Termination, without approaching any of the Defendants for Settlement, as required  by the High Court of Plateau 

State (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2020, rushed to Court to file the Suit.

With this development, the completion of the Lalong Legacy Projects in various parts of the State is in sight as Governor Simon Bako Lalong has consistently maintained that the projects will be completed before the end of his administration.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham

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

24th September 2021.

RUME EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION DONATES WRITING MATERIALS TO PUPILS.

 -ADVOCATED FOR OLD PUPILS ASSOCIATION

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mj all mj nu hi n just JJ. Jn. i.jnt   bbbbbbbnjj huh nj oh. the rural commjyunities, the Rume Educational Foundation has over the years reached out to indigent students in Mile 8 Fer Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Executing this year’s edition of the Rume’s Annual Educational Empowerment programme, the foundation distributed writing materials worth hundreds of thousands of naira, to the pupils of Local Education Authority Primary School Mile 8 Fer.

The leader of the foundation Raphael Rume said the idea of reaching out to primary school pupils was conceived last year during his Almata anniversary where they contributed immensely to the progress and development of the school, after some in-depth reflection, he asked, what have he done for the primary school he graduated from; the foundation of his educational attainment started from primary school, he added.

Raphael lamented that after carrying some research, he found out that some primary school pupils don’t go to school with writing materials, some will use one exercise book for all the subjects and some will simply reuse their elder’s sibling writing materials.

He said when he reflected on all these mind-boggling issues and coupled with the fact that almost all the secondary schools and higher institutions have class associations and alma mater who are passionately contributing to the development of their former schools why not do the same to the school that was responsible for the foundation of his educational attainment.

Raphael said there is no office either military, politics or government you can attain without primary certificates, therefore, it behoves on us all who graduated most especially from public schools to go back to form all pupils association or in the alternative help a pupil with just an exercise book; it will go along to way to transform our educational system.

Raphael said among the writing materials distributed were exercise books, pencils, biros, cleaners, and each student will get a book for each of the subjects offered.   

The Guest Speaker at the occasion Sunday Kaze noted that Primary education begins at around age 5 for the majority of Nigerians. Students spend six years in primary and graduate with a school-leaving certificate, and it is "free", "compulsory" and a right of every child.

He said proper education of the child is a basic tool for effective child upbringing and overall societal development.

He said the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2004 articulate the goals of primary education to among other things include the following: inculcate permanent literacy and numeracy, and ability to communicate effectively; lay a sound basis for scientific and reflective thinking; give citizenship education as a basis for effective participation in and contribution to the life of the society; mould the character and develop sound attitude and morals in the child; develop in the child the ability to adapt to the child’s changing environment; give the child opportunities for developing manipulative skills that will enable the child function effectively in the society within the limits of the child’s capacity, and provide the child with basic tools for further educational advancement.

The education Secretary Pankshin Local Government Council Mrs Julie Jwat who was accompanied by the Directors, supervisors and other staff expressed her deepest appreciation noting that the legacy of the late teacher Thomas H Rome lives, she added that this kind gesture will remain indelible in the hearts of the pupils, they will continue to tell the story in their homes.

She said the government will always give commendation to those who help schools in their communities.  

The Chairman FECODA Hon Edward Dankum Sunkur commended Raphael Rume for his philanthropic gesture; he urged Fer Sons and Daughters to key into this laudable initiative for the development of their nations, he said among these pupils are potentials engineers, scientists, educationists and future leaders.

The FECODA Chairman appealed to the government to increase the numbers of teachers in the Fer land to meet up with ever-increasing numbers of pupils.

Goodwill messages came from The Priest-in-Charge Saint Francis Pastoral Area, Reverend Father. Golit Williams, The PRO National Association of Fer Students, NAFES, the Chairman Parent Teachers Association Mr. Livinus Daniyor, The Mai Angwa, Dah James Bande, UBE Zonal Education Supervisor Mr. Mr. Stephen Zakka, The representative of parents Mrs. Amos Comfort and the representatives of former pupils of the LEA Mile 8 Madam Cecilia Elisha Turgak, both of them pour encomiums on Mr. Raphael Rume for the remarkable initiatives.

GOVERNOR LALONG SALUTES DEPUTY, PROF. TYODEN AT 71

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated his Deputy, Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden as he marks 71 years, describing him as an accomplished technocrat, academic, gentleman and politician. 

Governor Lalong in a message of felicitation said Prof. Tyoden has exhibited high level of commitment, sacrifice and intellectual capacity in handling all responsibilities that have come his way over the years. 

He said the Deputy Governor remains a strong pillar of support, wisdom and encouragement to the Rescue Adminstration which has continued to work hard in restoring the fortunes of Plateau State since coming into office in 2015. 

Lalong said Prof. Tyoden has deployed his academic prowess and experience to governance which has added value to the programmes and projects of the administration and positively impacted the lives of the people. 

While wishing him many more years of peace, good health and God's protection, the Governor urged Prof. Tyoden to continue to serve the people with more zeal and also allow his wealth of experience rub off on the younger generation who he has mentored over the years. 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

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

22nd September 2021.

PROF. C.J. DAKAS FELICITATES WITH PROF. TYODEN AT 71

On behalf of myself, family and associates, I write to express my sincere joy to the number two citizen of Plateau state, the Deputy Governor, Prof Sonny Gwanle Tyoden, on the occasion of your birthday.

This day of your birth is no doubt, quite a remarkable one that must be well celebrated by all especially myself and family considering your contribution to the development of humanity in different spheres of life and especially as you are currently serving the good people of Plateau state.

As you mark this day, I sincerely wish you the best, life can offer today and in the years ahead.

Please, accept my warmest congratulations to you on this auspicious day of your life, wishing you many more fruitful years ahead glorifying the Lord while serving humanity.

Happy birthday to you Sir.

Prof Dakas C. J Dakas SAN

UPDATE ON PLATEAU POLYTECHNIC PROTESTS; PLATEAU GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS KILLING OF STUDENT, ORDERS INVESTIGATION

PRESS RELEASE 

Recall that the Plateau State Government issued a Press Statement on Monday 20th September 2021 to throw more light on the protests by students of the Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi who blocked the main highway into the State from both the main campus and the Jos campus respectively. 

In the statement, background was given as to the reasons for the student protests which were triggered by an Industrial Action by the Polytechnic's unions to press home their demands despite the fact that exams were slated to start same day (20th September 2021). 

As at the time the last Press statement was issued which was shortly after the Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden met with the unions, school management and student union representatives to resolve the matter, there was no reported death as a result of the protests, apart from some students that were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. 

However, the Government has today regretably received the sad news from the Police of the death of one of the students who was said to have been hit by a stray bullet and taken to hospital for treatment but could not survive. 

This is a very sad development which the Government totally condemns and has therefore directed an immediate and thorough investigation to be conducted into the circumstances leading to the death of the student. 

While commiserating with the family of the deceased student, the Government assures that it will not spare anyone found culpable in the death of the student as it is determined to ensure that justice is done. 

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor has directed a Government delegation to visit the family of the deceased student to sympathise with them over the sad and unfortunate situation. 

Hon. Dan Manjang 

Commissioner for Information and Communication, Plateau State.

21st September 2021.

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE IMBROGLIO AT THE PLATEAU STATE POLYTECHNIC

Plateau State woke up to a mild drama that saw the staging of agitation by students over the refusal to conduct examinations for the academic staff's sake as a result of a strike to drive home labour demands. As a result, activities at the institution were disrupted.

This resulted in the blocking of the highway by students, resulting in disruption of traffic along the ever-busy road.

When security personnel moved in to persuade the students to vacate the road and restore normalcy, a clash ensued between the students and security personnel.

Contrary to news making the rounds in social media, no casualty has been recorded. However, some students sustained injuries and have been taken to the hospital and are responding to treatment.

At a meeting with labour leaders of the Polytechnic, Executives of the Student Union Government of the Institution, Management of the School and Government officials, led by His Excellency the Deputy Governor, Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, it was resolved that the lecturers should allow academic activities to continue while negotiations go on between the aggrieved unions and Government over the said demands.

The implication of this is that students will continue with their examinations according to plan.

While Government recognizes the right of both students and staff to press home their demands, it enjoins all and sundry to do so with all civility and in accordance with the rule of law.

Plateau State belongs to all citizens and as such the agitation for one's right should not deny the rights of others. Therefore, all must strive not to rupture the peaceful coexistence which has been built over the years, particularly in the face of recent developments.

ALWAYS THINK AND ACT PLATEAU.

 

Dan Manjang,

Honourable Commissioner of Information and Communication,

Plateau State.

Monday, September 20, 2021.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS MOURN OBADIAH MAILAFIYA

The Northern Governors Forum has described the death of former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Obadiah Mailafiya as a great loss to the nation as well as the entire  Northern region.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong said the death of Dr. Mailafiya is a sad development not only to his family, but to the nation because of his enormous contributions to the socio-economic pursuits of Nigeria.

Lalong described the late CBN Deputy Governor as a consummate financial expert and vibrant intellectual whose local and international reputation is highly acknowledged, having been sought and deployed for the benefit of Government and private entities around the world.

While commiserating with the family, Lalong said the legacies of Dr. Mailafiya will continue to be celebrated as he showed passion for development, emancipation, truth, justice and equity in all his interventions at various platforms.

He said such aspirations for a better Nigeria and the upliftment of the downtrodden motivated him to vie for the office of the President in 2019 which afforded him the opportunity to expose his vision for a better Nigeria.

Lalong extends the Forum's sympathies to Governor Nasir el-Rufai, the Government and people of Kaduna State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham

Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.

20th September 2021