GOV. LALONG INAUGURATES INTER-RELIGIOUS COUNCIL

 
SPEECH DELIVERED BY H.E. RT. HON. (DR.) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSSG, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE ON THE OCCASION OF THE COMMEMORATION OF “PLATEAU FORGIVENESS DAY” 2021 & INAUGURATION OF THE INTER-RELIGIOUS COUNCIL HELD AT THE VICTORIA GOWON HALL, NEW GOVERNMENT HOUSE LITTLE RAYFIELD JOS ON 8TH FEBRUARY 2021.

PROTOCOL

1. I am delighted to welcome you all to yet another historic day in our quest to foster a new future for our State as we solidify a new narrative that advances a new paradigm shift in addressing the numerous wrongs of the past. 

 

2. As a State emerging from the ashes of violence, our Rescue Administration decided to set aside February 7 of every year as Forgiveness Day. This day reminds us to imbibe and promote the culture of forgiveness as enunciated in the Holy Books. The cardinal objective of this day is to achieve enduring peace and harmony as opposed to hate, bitterness, resentment and vengeance which only leads to a vicious cycle of violence.

3. On Friday last week, our Muslim brothers and sisters converged on various mosques to pray and emphasize the need for forgiveness. Yesterday, Christian faithful also offered similar prayers in churches with the Catholic Arch Bishop of Jos His Grace Mathew Ishaya Audu celebrating a mass at the Saint Louis Church to commemorate the day.  

4. When we first commemorated this day in 2019, I submitted that if we imbibed forgiveness, it will eclipse and bury all the wrongs of the past and move us to a new dawn by restoring confidence in our future and ensuring that generations unborn do not repeat our mistakes.

 

5. Let me reiterate that the idea behind the Forgiveness Day is for us to reflect on where we have been; the human tragedy that befell us; the need to appreciate our present situation; and our resolve to craft the kind of a peaceful and secure society we desire. 

6. My administration clearly understands that many of our people have been hurt and could have also caused pain for others. Many cannot seem to erase the hurt from their mental hard drive and continue to harbour bitterness, resentment, and anger. 

7. The choice before us is to either continue in our anger thus spending the rest of our lives in pain and bitterness, or we can choose to be released, healed, and be set free. That is where forgiveness becomes inevitable.

8. Of course, propagating forgiveness in a society such as ours can be associated with misunderstandings and misconceptions. Definitions of forgiveness may differ depending on which divide one is standing. However, the outcome of forgiveness can easily unite people and benefit everyone.

 

9. Forgiveness does not connote weakness, tolerance for injustice or excusing evil. Forgiveness does not also mean that the act committed does not matter nor does it suggest that the offender should not bear the consequences of his actions. Indeed, such a person should be held accountable to serve as deterrence. 

10. At the risk of being misunderstood or even misrepresented, I am confident to tell you that forgiveness is not justice. While justice usually involves the acknowledgment of an evil deed, an apology, and some form of reward or punishment, forgiveness can take place regardless of whether justice is served or not.  

11. In the same vein, forgiveness does not automatically translate to trust. On the contrary, while forgiveness is something that should be freely given, trust however must be earned through consistent truth-telling and dialogue over a period of time. 

 

 

12. As a Governor who wishes to be remembered as a peacemaker long after I leave office, the approach of my administration is to pursue Restorative Justice side by side with Retributive Justice in order to right the wrongs of the past.

13. In this regard, we have taken several policy steps to mitigate the risk of a return to violent conflicts as well as tackle the growing wave of criminality in our State. Apart from setting up the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, we have strengthened Operation Rainbow and reviewed the criminal administration law.

14. Last year, I signed into law the Bill on Kidnapping, land grabbing, cultism and other related violent crimes to ensure that criminals are not left unpunished. Indeed, our determination to arrest and prosecute criminals and trouble makers in the state remains unwavering.  

15. The Plateau State Peace Building Agency on the other hand has been working assiduously to entrench the ideals of sustainable Peace through dialogue, advocacy and strategic engagements with a wide range of stakeholders at the State and community levels.

16. This is why the Plateau Peace Agency has held over 87 multi-level dialogue sessions and more than 40 outreaches across 17 Local Governments of the State in order to promote the culture of Peace among communities that had once fought each other.

17. Despite the efforts and modest successes recorded at stemming the tide of ethno-religious violence, Plateau State is still in dire need of healing. Our people have remained somewhat divided along ethno-religious or tribal lines due largely to the experiences of yesterday. Yet, we have a golden opportunity to open a new leaf by consolidating on the gains of our efforts within the last six years. 

18. While we cannot claim that all issues in the heart of the crises have been resolved, we have in our hands the tools that can help midwife the rebirth of a new and united Plateau that is at Peace with itself and neighbours.

 

 

 

19. The stakes are quite high and the need to work in concert through the forging of robust alliances has never been this urgent.  The age-old maxim says we either work together as a united front to win or we perish as fools. We have no reason to choose anything below peace.

20. That is why today we are inaugurating the reconstituted Plateau State Inter-religious Council, a body made up of highly respected religious leaders and experts in the field of conflict mediation and peace building. 

21. The inauguration of this non-partisan body is a further demonstration of our administration’s commitment to repairing the broken social fabric of our society through the provision of a structured platform for religious, community, youth and women leaders to play active roles in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between citizens regardless of ethnic and religious differences. 

 

 

22. It is expected that working closely with the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, the State Inter-religious Council will critically think through issues and build consensus on challenges that threaten freedom, tolerance and peace.

23. The Council will adopt a flexible and confidential format in which even controversial issues can be discussed; assumptions tested and ideas generated.  Through joint analysis and structured interfaith dialogue, voices from divergent communities can come up with new ideas and approaches that will help enhance resilience and social cohesion. 

24. In addition, I hope this platform provides a channel through which religious leaders can offer honest, non-partisan and informed counsel on critical matters and present their recommendations to government and other policy makers at all levels. 

 

 

 

 

 

25. I will like to thank the Chairman and Co-Chairman of the Inter-religious Council Rev. Prof. Pandang Yamsat, former COCIN President and His Royal Highness Alh. Sambo Mohammed III, Emir of Wase and Chairman JNI, Plateau State and other members for accepting to serve. All Members of the Council have been carefully chosen based on their track record of integrity, honesty, peace drive and patriotism. 

26. The State Inter-religious Council is to be guided by the following terms of reference:

1. Promote the culture of interfaith Dialogue as a viable mechanism for peaceful co-existence, understanding and religious tolerance in Plateau state.

2. To work with different faith communities and other organizations that work across faith lines to expand respect for religious pluralism and freedom of religion or belief in Plateau state.

3. To offer advisory services to the State Government on matters of religious practice.

4. To deliberate on reported cases of religious conflicts and proffer urgent solutions for government’s intervention.

5. To work closely with relevant agencies of government to improve social cohesion as well as promote the agenda of Peace on the Plateau through healing, forgiveness and reconciliation. 

27. The Interreligious Council will also play an Advisory Role to the Peace Building Agency while the Coordinating Secretariat is to be headed by the Director General of the Agency Mr. Joseph Lengmang alongside the following:

1. Barr. Auwal Abdullahi

2. Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam

3. Rev. Fr. Blaise Agwom

4. Hon. Ahmed Muhammad Nazif

28. My expectation is that through the work of this council, our citizens would learn to listen to each other, understand one another, forgive, tolerate and above all, have respect for the diverse religious and social beliefs that exist in our society. 

29. As I conclude, I am directing the Council to support the Peace Building Agency in finding a lasting solution to renewed herder-farmers clashes in some parts of the State such as Bassa where from last week till yesterday night, we have reports that people have been killed in attacks and reprisals. 

30. I have already directed security agencies to go after those behind the acts and bring them to justice. This must stop.

31. May God give us the grace to be our brother’s keepers, forgive and live in peace with one another.

[MEMBERS RISE TO BE INAUGURATED]

32. It is now my singular honour to inaugurate you as members of the Plateau State Inter-religious Council to the Glory of God and for the peace, unity and progress of Plateau State.

33.   God bless Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

 

Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG,

Executive Governor, Plateau State.

8th February 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG VOWS INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE & TRANSPARENCY AS HE INAUGURATES OGP STEERING COMMITTEE

Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has inaugurated the steering committee for the Open Government Partnership, popularly known as OGP. The Group has hundreds of members comprising of Government non-governmental jurisdictions in 78 countries.

This follows the admission of the State last year into the global organisation that promotes good governance working with reformers inside and outside of government to transform how government serves its citizens.

Governor Lalong who was represented at the inauguration by Secretary to the Government of Plateau State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu explained that the State was delighted to join the OGP which is an organization that brings together governments and civil society leaders to create more transparent, inclusive, and participatory government.

He said his Government continues to embrace all initiatives to promote prudence, transparency, accountability and people driven-resource management in order to give value to the lives of its citizens.

The Governor said apart from implementing the Treasury Single Account, the Government has ensured that government resources are saved through the Efficiency Unit. Others are the Project Monitoring and Result Delivery Unit (PMRDU), Bureau for Public Procurement, and compliance with State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS).

He said some of these qualities facilitated the admittance of Plateau State among the only two jurisdictions to be selected to join OGP in 2020. He reiterated his personal commitment to the rules and values of transparency, accountability and collaboration, conscious of the fact that the government is a product of collective citizens’ action.

“We hinged our participation in the OGP Local Programme on Five Thematic Areas that align with our Development Strategy, as follows: Citizens Engagement, Fiscal Transparency, Peace and Security, Gender and Open Contracting. We believe that our membership of the OGP will further enhance transparency in governance while facilitating constructive citizens’ engagement that will in turn transform our public service and accelerate economic development” he said.

Commissioner for Special Duties, Inter-Governmental Affairs & NGOs Hon. Irimiya Jerry Werr said having received this OGP membership, it is now time for Plateau State to justify the trust of the international community and match words with action.

The Steering Committee which is a Multi Stakeholder Forum, made up of fourteen persons, comprising seven government officials and six members of the Plateau State Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Forum, with the Focal Person serving as the Secretary. This Committee is co-chaired by Dr. John Jinung Co-Leader, Plateau State Civil Societies Forum while each of the five thematic areas has a Technical Working Group (TWG) co-chaired by the remaining members.

The membership of the Plateau State OGP Steering Committee is as follows:

 

S/N Role Government Non-Governmental Partner

1 Steering Committee Co-Chairs Hon. Irimiya Jerry Werr

Commissioner for Special Duties, Inter-Governmental Affairs & NGOs Dr. John Jinung

Co-Leader, Plateau State Civil Societies Forum

2 Fiscal Transparency Working Group Co-Chairs Hon. Sylvester Wallangko

Commissioner for Budget & Economic Planning Ms. Yop Rwang Pam

Reboot Design (Development Partners)

3 Gender Working Group Co-Chairs Mr. Haggai Gutap

Director-General, Plateau State Micro-Finance Dev Agency Mrs. Jessica Bankat

Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN)

4 Peace and Security Working Group Co-Chairs Mr. Joseph Lengman

Director-General, Plateau State Peace Building Agency Mr. Mugu Zaka Bako

Plateau Peace Practitioners Network

5 Citizens Participation Working Group Co-Chairs Mr. David Dasser

Director-General, Plateau State Information & Communication Technology Development Agency Mr. Manji Wilson

European Centre for Electoral Support

6 Open Contracting Working Group Co-Chairs Mr. Peter Dogo Yilkangha

Director-General, Plateau State Bureau for Public Procurement Prof. (Mrs) Patricia Lar

University of Jos

7 Point of Contact Persons (POC) Engr. David Jaafaru Wuyep

Chief Technical Advisor – PMRDO

Cmrd. Peter Gad Shamaki

Co-Leader, Plateau State Civil Societies Forum

 

The Terms of Reference of the Committee are as follows:

 

a. Drive the co-creation of the State OGP Action Plan 2021 – 2023;

 

b. Set up and manage Technical Working Groups for the Thematic Areas identified by the State;

 

c. Monitor the implementation of the Action Plan by the State Government for the fulfilment of the commitments made therein;

d. Engage with the OGP International Team for Independent Review Mechanism

 

e.  Engage with the OGP National Office whenever necessary; and

 

f. Carry out any other assignment directed to it for the promotion of the values of the OGP in the State

 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham

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

6th February 2021

 

Joint Union of Plateau State Owned Tertiary Institutions (JUPTI) New EXCO Inaugurated

 REMARKS BY H.E. RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE NEW EXCO AND AWARD BY THE JOINT UNION OF PLATEAU STATE OWNED TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS (JUPTI) HELD AT THE J.C DARIYE HALL, PLATEAU STATE POLYTECHNIC, JOS CAMPUS ON 5TH FEBRUARY 2021.

PROTOCOLS

1. It gives me immense pleasure to be here with you today and witness the inauguration of the newly elected Executives of the Joint Union of Plateau State Owned Tertiary Institutions (JUPTI). 

2. Similarly, I am deeply humbled that this body chose this occasion to honour me with an award for the modest efforts of my administration towards the welfare of workers in tertiary institutions owned by Plateau State.

3.  Let me therefore congratulate the new executives and members of this great union for ushering in a new leadership that will steer the ship of the body for the next dispensation. I wish you a very fruitful tenure and assure you of Government support and collaboration.

4. My dear workers, an occasion such as this provides the opportunity to highlight some of the efforts the Government is making in developing education in the State. You are witnesses to the passion that we have shown since coming into office to Rescue the Education Sector and the State as a whole.

5. I am of the deep conviction that unless we educate our citizens and enable them acquire the capacity to deploy their talents for empowerment, we cannot go anywhere as a State. An uneducated citizenry is not only difficult to govern, but even harder to mobilise for impact.

6. This explains why we have continued to give education the needed priority since we took office in 2015. From the primary, secondary to tertiary levels, we have made significant interventions that have repositioned our institutions for better performance.

7.  For instance, you will recall that when I came into office as Governor, the Plateau State University Bokkos was virtually shut down and comatose. Because of my passion for education and the fact that I was instrumental to passing the bill that established it while I was Speaker, we moved quickly to remove all barriers to ensure that the school reopens. 

8. Today, the University has blossomed and is fast growing. Not only did we ensure that the first ever Convocation Ceremony of the University was held in 2017 but followed up with preparation for the 3rd, 4th & 5th combined Convocation Ceremony of the University which was held virtually in August 2020 due to COVID-19.

9. Apart from ensuring the accreditation of over 14 courses, three new faculties have been approved including Law, Health Sciences and Environmental Science with the fourth, Agriculture soon to be introduced. 

 

10. While the State Government continues to approve funds for infrastructural development of the University, including remodeling of multi-purpose hall to serve as Law Auditorium as well as the construction of Teaching Hospital for the new faculty of health sciences in Shendam, we have successfully lobbied for various gigantic projects being executed by TetFund.

11. That is why I was taken aback when the Academic Staff Union of PLASU claimed that they were going on strike because the State Government does not have any project in the school. This is rather most unfortunate and to say the least incorrect, ridiculous and uncharitable.  

12. Besides trying to trivialize the matter and ridicule the Government and the University, the damage that such wild insinuation does on the prospects for future benefit from such funding is unimaginable.  While others are envying Plateau State for accessing such huge projects, some people who are direct beneficiaries are not showing appreciation.

13. In any case, I have since set up a 7-man Committee which is interfacing with ASUU to ensure that our children go back to school. I appeal again to the striking lecturers to show maturity and call off the strike as we look into their grievances.    

14. The Government is giving similar attention to other tertiary institutions owned by the State in terms of infrastructure, manpower and staff welfare. Whether it is Plateau State Polytechnic; Plateau State College of Health Technology Zawan; College of Education Gindiri; College of Arts, Science and Technology, Kurgwi; College of Agriculture Garkawa; College of Nursing & Midwifery Vom or others, the target is the same. 

15. This explains why the Lalong Legacy Projects are dominated by education and health institutions which are being developed to world-class standards. Because of the need to ensure that we get functional education, we have also decided to introduce two more Technical Colleges in Shendam and Pankshin as well as upgrade the one in Bukuru.

 

16. In terms of welfare, we have continued to demonstrate that we are a labour friendly Government which cares for its workers and will go to any length to make them confortable. The evidence is there for all to see except for those who are blinded by sentiments.

17. Should we talk about the consistency in payment of salaries and allowances; the new minimum wage; the payment of 8 months arrears inherited from the past administration; the payment of no-work-no-pay; recall of sacked primary school teachers; regular promotion of staff with benefits; scholarships or sponsorship for more trainings? These all attest to the fact that we want a better workforce that will drive development in the State.

18. Again our records have falsified the desperation to castigate our administration as uncaring and hostile to labour as we witnessed during the recent sponsored protests that were staged by persons said to be Local Government staff. Luckily, the Local Governments Councils which are now autonomous have done the needful to pay their employees the new minimum wage.

19. Above all, we have every reason to rejoice for the wonderful things that have happened to our State in recent days as far as education is concerned. Apart from the approval for the establishment of a Federal Polytechnic in Shendam, two more Universities have been approved. These are the Karl Kumm University Vom and ANAN University of Accountancy, Kwall. 

20. All along, the State Government supported the quest for the establishment of these Universities by providing and is also backing the establishment of another Catholic University that is proposed to be established in Rim, Riyom LGA.

21. All these go to demonstrate our determination to have an educated citizenry that will be able to address issues from informed perspectives and avoid the pitfalls that are associated with illiteracy and ignorance.

 

 

 

22. I charge the new Executive and members of JUPTI to use your unique and strategic positions to be a force for harmony and development of education in Plateau State. You should always encourage dialogue rather than confrontation in resolving labour disputes in order to engender industrial harmony in our citadels of learning.

23. My Government assures you that it will continue to do everything within its power to improve the welfare and well-being of workers both at the tertiary institutions and the State in general. We all know that the times are hard and the economy is down because of COVID-19. This means that we have to work together and manage the little resources available.

24. Already, I have exempted all tertiary institutions from contributing to the treasury single account which means that they keep all funds generated 100 percent to use for the development of the schools. I call on the managements of these institutions to be prudent and avoid mismanaging such funds as Government will not take any misconduct lightly.

25. Finally, I appeal to you to actively participate in ensuring that COVID-19 protocols are fully observed in all our tertiary institutions in Plateau State in order to make our campuses safe. We have to all participate to defeat this virus. 

26. Once more, I congratulate you and wish you a successful tenure.

27. God bless Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

 

Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG,

Executive Governor.

5th February, 2021.

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.