DIKET SATSO PLANG A POLITICIAN PER EXCELLENCE

DIKET SATSO PLANG A POLITICIAN PER EXCELLENCE

By Walbe Orgak

One of the utmost ingredients of the democratic system is that it gives the opportunity for people to determine their own affairs

Through qualitative representation and 2023 is providing us with yet another opportunity to choose credible leaders and one of such leaders is DIKET SATSO PLANG. 

HON. DIKET SATSO PLANG is an astute politician and a gentleman who has attained prominence
through sheer dent of hard work, resilience and forthrightness.

Diket Plang’s accomplishments in all ramifications are well deserved, looking at his past records and the monumental achievements within and outside the public life are commendable, his sternly immense attainment, unquestionable character and the uncommon passion for good governance he exhibited in his previous assignments have earned him the confidence of the people.

He is a gentleman of inestimable ingenuousness as he blends with both the high and the low in the society without selectivity. It is this unchanged resourceful spirit in him that steered him to continued seeking ways of serving humanity wherever he found himself.

Hon Diket Plang’s accomplishment as a member Plateau State House of Assembly representing Pankshin North Constituency, where he exhibited uncommon representation, thereby engraving his name on the annals of Plateau politics. His resilience passion of youth and community development is colossal.

Hon Diket Plang hails from Takkas Fer District of Pankshin Local Government Area and was born on 12^th November, 1966. Married to associate Professor Janet Punyir Plang-nee Mangvwat and they are blessed with children.

The young Diket has traversed in life through the absolute vigor of steadfastness’, assurance and optimism for a better future; he meandered through challenging terrains and harrowing rough edges of life to reach a limelight.

In order to prepare him to face the reality of this modern-day era, his parents sent him to LGED Primary School, Takkas in 1974 where he obtained his First school Leaving certificate in 1982 he then proceeded to the prestigious Boys Secondary Gindiri from 1980 to 1985 where he was drilled and molded in character and knowledge, having obtained his GCE and been equipped with the spirit of GOSA’s “light and Truth” he was ready to confront the academic world with alacrity and dexterity.

Gaining admission to study Applied Physics at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University of Technology, Bauchi was a dream come true for him and a delight for his parents and community; for to them Diket represents a potential future assured generation.

In order to catch up with the trend in the 21 century of academic opportunities in 2013 to 215 he enrolled in the National Open University for Post Graduate Diploma in Criminology and Peace Studies. As a man of resilient and unrelenting who always utilized any opportunity available to him, he is currently studying Post Graduate Diploma in Mining Engineering at the Nigerian Institutes of Mining and Geosciences Jos.

DIKET SATSO PLANG has consistently left an indelible mark in the sand of time where ever he found himself, he was the Head Boy of the Boys Secondary School Gindiri 1984/85 session, at the same time he was the President of the Fellowship of Christians Students, at ATBU he was the treasurer of the Plateau State Students Association between 1989 and 1991 and was also Chairman Gindiri Old Students Association ATBU Branch.

The young, astute DIKET SATSO PLANG’s early days when he graduated were indeed full of activities, in the spirit of paying back as an appreciation and not forgetting where he started; his first point of call was to offer himself to teach Mathematics and Physics at Boys Secondary School Gindiri in 1989, and then left to Alhassan Secondary School Sherada Kano, he later came back and taught at Lankuk Memorial Secondary School Pankshin and Government Secondary School Fer in 1993. During his National Youths Service Corp he was posted to Army Day Secondary School Bukavu Barrack Kano.

In order explore more horizons to develop himself to better the life of his people, he continued to explore all opportunities available to him, in 1996 he got employed and was posted as the Stationed Manager Kabo Air Limited, Aminu Kano International Airport, and Jeddah International Airport, Royal Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia.

As a gentleman of greater potential In between 1997 and 1998 he was branch manager, Unity Life, and Fire Insurance Lagos, and from 1998 to 2002 he was Educational Sales Representative North-West while working for West African Book Publishers limited Lagos.

Diket Plang’s tranquility in a moment of upheaval and travail knows no bounds, a meeting with him could be highly interesting; at least, he could entertain any discussion on any subject matter under the sun with a gentlemanly mien. But not when the discussion veers towards the issue of community or rural development. However, if by any chance these issues crop up one is likely to witness a change of countenance, a blend of gloom, and the desire to be given the opportunity to help in whatsoever ways; for his desires have always been we must do something to help.   

It was this blazing desire that pushed him to join politics and contested for the councillorship position in 1996 and was expressly returned elected by the people of Fer Ward; since then; like a mustard seed he continued to grow from strength to strength and “Diket Plang” became a household name and a reference point when people are talking about “dividends of democracy”.

Indeed a goldfish has no hidden place, Diket Plang’s accomplishment did not go unnoticed as he was appointed Chairman Pankshin Local Government Council in 2002 and in 2003 he was appointed Personal Assistant (PA) to the Executive Governor of Plateau State His Excellency, Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye. When it was time to appoint a credible person to oversee NAPEP activities in the state in 2004, President Olusegun Obasanjo found a worthy coordinator in the person of Diket Plang and when appointed he diligently served as NAPEP coordinator until 2007 when he was appointed as Commissioner of the Plateau State Executive Council.

From 2008 to 2011 he was appointed as Special Adviser on inter-governmental affairs of the Plateau state government.

Diket Plang once again in 2011 tested his popularity and acceptability he contested and was elected as member Plateau State House of Assembly Representing Pankshin North. Because of his credible contributions and soundness, he was appointed House Committee Chairman on Information and was a member several other committees such as Education, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Youth and Sport, Welfare and Appropriation.

Diket Plang is a recipient of several merit awards and recognitions from some reputable and notable organizations and institutions; such as Holy Cross Church Pankshin for his outstanding contribution to the development of Pankshin 2013, PADA-outstanding projects all over Pankshin District in 2013, POSA award for the up liftmen of Government Secondary School Pankshin 2013,  SUG Plateau state students Union most outstanding Legislator of the year 2012, MOFOYE award of Excellency-outstanding contribution to Health, Education and Environment to the people, Nigerian Society of Engineers Jos Branch Distinguished award for infrastructural Development on the Plateau among others.

Hon. Diket credentials in politics are colossal, he has been an advocate of community development; this principle makes him to participate in various developmental associations and groups where ever he found himself. His contact with a diverse group of people across the world, country, and states has exposed him to the realities in the rural areas in regards to developmental initiatives. This humble and industrious statesman and politician, has consistently utilized all opportunities available to him to impact on people around him. The experience he acquired makes him to believe that the essence of life is to render service to humanity to the best of his capability, over time this has been his guiding principles, and where ever he found himself he upholds a close contact with the people.

Diket Plang is very much aware of the significance of politics as the key to the socio-economic-political liberation of the people; hence, his decision to enthusiastically partake by seeking elective political office.

Diket Plang is a team player, community mobiliser and a philanthropist. With these sterling qualities and credentials trailing him, the Senate shall be his stepping stone, and he remains the best choice.

 

For the past ten years Diket Plang as the National Secretary Takkas Development Association has continued to tirelessly explore ways of addressing some of the challenging needs of his people.

Diket Plang appointment as a Board Member Plateau State University Bokkos has been described as a round peg in round holes considering his track records in providing excellence and ideal ideas on issues; certainly his appointment will make a difference. 

As 2023 approaches our society is in a insatiable search of a front-runner with demonstrated track records of humanity, philanthropist, leader who is selfless and would sacrifice all it takes to alleviates the suffering of the people, a trailblazer who would be the forthright vocal voice of the masses, a leaders who is conscientious, hardworking and patriotic and above all a leader who is a friend to all and a team player, a companion, a calm humbled and a gentleman- such a trailblazer is DIKET SATSO PLANG. 

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE INFRINGEMENTS ON MINORITY AND ETHNIC PEOPLES RIGHT, SECURITY AND RELIGION IN NIGERIA BY AREWA CHRISTIANS ASSOCIATION (ACIPA) JOS

TODAY THURSDAY 25^TH FEBRUARY 2021

1.      Ladies and gentle of the press; the fourth realm of the estate, hope of the oppressed and democracy, fellow Nigerians, it has become imperative that we present our position at this critical moment of our journey as a Nation.

2.      “Conscience is an open wound, only Truth can heal it” These are the exact words of Late Othman Danfodio (1804). Nigeria is on the precipice as a result of the handwork of few religious bigots and tribal chauvinist under different guise; some as politicians, others as clerics and others as monarchs.

We observe with dismay and nostalgia the unfortunate but avoidable circumstance that led to demonstrations, destructions, killings and imposition of curfew in Billiri, Gombe state by Governor MohammaduInuwaYahaya. Against all odds and advice from major stakeholders and prominent Nigerians, the governor chose the cheap side of religious bigotry and ethnic sentiment in despising and denying the Tangle people the right choice to their ancestral throne.

3.      On Monday 15^th February 2021, the nine (9) out of ten (10) kingmakers of the Tangle Royal stool voted. Dr. Musa Idris Mai Yamba was voted with five votes to become the new Mai Tangle elect. The other two contestants, AlhajiDanladiMaishanuMaidoki got two votes and Mallam Ahmed Magaji got two votes. Rather than doing the needful in accordance to the Gombe state chieftaincy law 2021 part VI number twenty (20) sub sections one (1), the governor travelled to Abuja and directed that AlhajiDanladiMaishanuMaidoki with two (2) votes out of the nine (9) be declared as the new Mai Tangle.

The above was the scenario that led to an earlier peaceful demonstration in Billiri before the breakdown of law and order.

4.      However, on Wednesday 17^th February 2021, the Tangle Intelligentsia movement promptly wrote the governor of Gombe state. Also, the Tangle community overseas wrote an open letter to the governor appealing that the wishes and desire of the Tangle ethnic people be upheld in accordance to their tradition, norms, rights and history. Unfortunately the governor reneged.

5.      Despite the provocation leading to the crises in Billiri being precipitated by Governor MuhammaduYahaya, he had the audacity to reel out his dictator’s riot act through a broadcast on Saturday 20^th February 2021.

It is unfortunate that the Governor a Fulani Muslim chose to arrogate to himself the right to impose a paramount traditional ruler to an ethnic people who are over 90% Christians. Item five (5) of the governors broadcast reads thus; “Let it be clear that it is within my power as governor to appoint any of three recommended candidates to become the new Mai Tangle” This is unfortunately the types of people we have as democrats in Nigeria!

6.      Apart from the immediate past Late Mai Tangle, Dr. Abdu Buba Mai Sheru II being one of the paramount rulers of a major Northern ethnic group and Chairman of the Northern Nigerian Christian Monarchs, he is also one of the grand patrons of the Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA).

7.      The Governor of Gombe State, AlhajiMohammaduInuwaYahaya should be held responsible for whatever happened in Billiri and Gombe State with regards to the enthronement of the new Mai Tangle. The Bible is clear on leaders as Parents not to provoke their children to wrath, (Ephesians 6:4) because there is consequence(s).

The infringement on minority righty, and ethnic nationalities with regards to territorial space, appointments, other constitutional rights and practice of religion as well as imposition of alien religious philosophy are unacceptable to Nigerians.

8.      While the A.P.C government distraughtly rode her way to power amidst questionable circumstance using the change security mantra, the reality on the ground experienced by Nigerians is different from the government propaganda and narrative.

The Kankara school children abduction in Katsina, the most recent Kagara school abduction in Niger state and the highly suspicious and questionable negotiation and settlements with public funds to Islamist criminals is no longer acceptable. These have come to confirm the obvious; a network of terrorists recycled as bandits or Fulani herdsmen with the agenda of empowering Islamist who do the dirty job for some clerics and Islamic government apologists.

9.      It is evident that there is a nexus between the terrorists, Fulani militia, the bandits and with some security personnel as well as politicians.

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the new service Chiefs know what to do unless if they are also going to play the ethnic or religious card to Nigerians while hiding under a smokescreen that have since been unveiled. While upholding the Islamic cleric sheik Mahmoud Gumi earlier, his diplomatic shuttle to the forests for a second time exposes the weakness of the security forces all led by  Muslims also rise more questions.

10.  The statement credited to Gumi that “attack on them (the terrorists/bandits) was carried out by Christian soldiers to cause division amongst them (Muslims)” is not only inciting but is culpable. Again the news on Hausa newspaper circulation to the effect that Sheik Ahmad Gumi said, “Boko Haram is a blessing to Muslims in Nigeria” is rather despicable.

We therefore, find it difficult to know where the respected Sheik Gumi belongs to. It is either he is loyal to Nigerian’s unity or sympathetic to criminal elements who are also Muslims.

The respected cleric should allow the military and other security outfits do their job in accordance to their oath and as recently directed by the Commander in Chief and confirmed by the new Chief of Army Staff.

11.  Cash settlement for terrorist, Fulani militia or bandits and prisoner swap for those abducted is unacceptable in view of this blown business and racketeering between politicians and criminals. Unless if there is double standard or complicity by government and the security operatives, this should seize forthwith.

12.  Just as the statement from Governor BalaAbdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi state encouraging Fulani herdsmen to carry guns is disheartening so is the statement of Bello Matawalle the Governor of Zamfara state that, “Not all bandits are criminals” appalling and disgusting. Perhaps the governor has another definition of banditry in his lexicon or state where sharia law was first introduced in Northern Nigeria. Unfortunately despite the introduction of Shria in Zamfara state like most Northern states, they have the highest illiteracy, poverty, criminal elements as well the highest mortality rate.

13.  The statement from Nigeria’s immediate Army Chief, General TukurBuratai that “The Army cannot defeat Boko Haram” leaves so much to be desired of him. Unfortunately, the Presidency nominated the former Army Chief and his likes who have failed to protect Nigerians as they swore allegiance to be ambassadors of Nigeria overseas.

However, we understood the perspectives of the former Army Chief from spiritual prism. In reality, governance and security in Nigeria from the mass of our spiritual security intelligence have been hijacked hence the statement from the former Army chief. In truth there is a correlation in the failure of the political class and the security as a result of the spiritual manifesting in the physical.

14.  The former service chiefs should be answering questions from an inquest committee, yet in a brazen disregard to their failure and an insult to Nigerians, this administration of President Buhari chose to nominate a breed of failed army officers to represent Nigeria and Nigerians overseas as Ambassadors.

It is obvious that the system that hide and protects criminals as senators after being governors or looters being governors and ministers will also protect failed service chiefs under diplomatic immunity as Ambassadors. It is obvious to Nigerians that the Kangaroos legislatures will eventually endorse the president’s nominees as they did while we were consulting to make this press statement. 

15.  Unless the drumbeats of war is sweet to those whose desire is to impose Islam on Nigeria, impoverish our common estate or dominate other Nigerians, they must terminate every form of infringement of ethnic minority rights and all forms of persecution against non-Muslims and as well as the imposition of sharia.

The legislative arm of government, executive and indeed the security architecture under Muslims should swallow their pride of intent, religious sentiments and ethnic jingoism to expunge every clause promoting Islam above our collective interest and Constitution.

16.  It is evident that for decades, imminently qualified northern Hausa Christians and northern Fulani Christians have deliberately been denied opportunity to serve Nigeria at both State and Federal levels.

Let it be on record that we are aware of the Islam in Africa organization (I.A.O) and the Abuja declaration of 1989 which was build up to the global Islam agenda of the Organization of Islamic Countries (O.I.C) conference in London in 1990.

The nepotistic and religiously biased appointments by the President and indeed the All Peoples Congress (A.P.C) with regards to the President’s recent key appointments further confirms the obvious. It is therefore, not a coincidence  that there are nine Northern Muslims as to the two southerners in the National Security Council.

17.   In line with our objective for a greater secured and prosperous Nigeria, we have commenced building an alliance with Hausa, Fulani, Northern ethnic nationalities. We call on the southern Nigerians to rise against this charade and impunity of corruption, marginalization, nepotism, bigotry, insecurity, persecution, injustice and oppression of the minorities.

18.  We stand for justice. It is a fact that amnesty for terrorist, bandits or any form of criminal elements deny their victims and citizens the right to justice. Both Islam and Christianity implore all to stand for justice. The holy Quran in surah An-Nisa  is clear on the subject of justice in chapter 135. Unless if President Buhari’s  A.P.C  government interprets  the Holy Quran and Hadith in compliance to the dictates and Jurisprudence of global jihadist, Boko Haram and the bandits,  the government should proscribe and deal decisively with Fulani Militia under any disguising name(s). It has been proven that negotiations, settlement and amnesty to terrorist and bandits have been a failure.

On all the occasions that the former Governor of Zamfara State AlhajiAbdulazizYari granted amnesty including sending bandits and criminal elements to mecca for holy pilgrimage, they have come back to be worse or transformed into some form of criminality at a different level of operation

19.  To compare the South West’s Odu’a People’s Congress (O.P.C) and the South-South and South East’s Niger Delta Defense Frontier, IPOP to either Boko Haram, Fulani militia or the northern bandits is an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians. What if the Christians, the middle belt or ethnic minorities front, initiate and arm their own criminal elements, bandits or terrorist?

To transfer money running into billions from the common wealth of a state or nation to terrorist or northern criminal elements as kidnap or negation ransom to northern Muslim criminal elements by this government, either at the State or Federal level is a criminal disservice to Nigerians that must be accounted for.

20.  The recent closure of Christian schools in Kwara State for disallowing Muslim girls to use hijab is not acceptable! Operating a dual Constitution cannot function in a democratic Nigeria hence the over-heating of the polity in view of the superiority by some adherents of Islam and islamization.

Unless the Nigerian Muslims and politicians are telling Nigerians that the Constitution is inferior to Sharia law, we must expunge the 1999 Constitution smuggled in by the fraudulent military government under retired General AbdulsalamiAbubakar in 1999. He did a great disservice by being part of Nigeria’s problem today.

Imposition of Sharia Laws and standards anywhere on Nigerians by deceit or default is unacceptable. Rather than Northern politicians focusing on the ravaging poverty, illiteracy and insecurity on the north, they chose the path of inglorious failure through religious bigotry and ethnic sentiments.

21.  The greatest shame of our generation in the north is that, despite more years of Northern Muslims clinging to power than Southern Christians from military to civil rule since 1976 the north continues to suffer worst as a result of corruption, religious sentiments and general gross failure in leadership.

22.   However, we have questions for the proponents of Sharia, Islamization and the perpetual control of power by the Northern Muslim politicians who saw power as their exclusive birth right:

1.      Since the introduction of Sharia in Zamfara state over ten years ago by Ahmed Sani Zamfara and the blind adoption of same by some Muslim governors through inducement of Arab Petro-dollars, how far have the north fared?

2.      Did Dubai, China, or Korea and other emerging economies greater than Nigeria achieved their fit as a result of sharia or any form of religious adherence?

3.      What will happen to the freedom and rights of Muslims and adherents of other faith should predominantly Christian states in the north like Plateau, Benue, Taraba or Southern states like Ebonyi, Cross rivers, Enugu or AkwaIbom just to mention a few chose to impose a Christian cannon law in addition to the Constitution of Nigeria?

23.   Todays emergence of ethnic and religious jingoist as politicians under fraud using religious clerics and regional tribal champions is unacceptable as we forge new alliances with true patriots for a greater, secured and united Nigeria.

We are therefore poised to change the narrative from now, 2023 and onwards by networking and mobilizing to elect credible leaders as the new breed of Nigerian leaders towards a prosperous secured, greater nation.

24.  In conclusion, we demand that the procedures of selection and appointment of monarchs and traditional rulers in accordance to their cultures, traditions and history should be legislated into the Constitution of Nigeria to avoid impunity and flagrant abuse by State Governors, the likes of Governor MohammaduInuwaYahaya of Gombe state. This will forestall imposition or deposition for religious or political reasons and will as well safeguard the ethic peculiarities of ethnic nationalities with regards to their identity, cultures, norms and traditions.

25.  Lastly, following Nigeria’s slide into being a failed state and on the precipice of anarchy, absence of social justice, the rule of law, denial of minority rights and freedom of practice of religion as well as persecution coupled with absence of institutions to check government abuse or to uphold the tenets of democracy we hereby make the following request;

a.       We kindly request that the United States Government through the appropriate process assign a special envoy to Nigeria with immediate effect to forestall a total break of law and order leading to war.

b.      We also call on the United Nations to assign a special rapporteur to review, monitor and report back with regards to human rights abuse, matters concerning minority and ethnic people’s rights, religious persecution and denial of other rights contrary to the United Nations charter.

c.       We commend the lifting of curfew in Gombe State from 24hrs to dusk to dawn by the Governor, AlhajiMohammeduYahaya. However, we put him on notice that should any harm befall the Mai Tangle elect, Dr. Musa Idris Mai Yamba, or further infringement on the right of the people to choose their paramount ruler, the governor will be held responsible in view of the information with regards the threat to the person of the Mai Tangle elect. The Federal Government and the international community should take note.

d.      We call on all true Nigerian patriots and nationalist of all faith, ethnic nationality and region to join us in building a new safe, united and prosperous Nigeria. 

God bless Nigeria and expose all evil and conspirators against our collective peace and security in Jesus name, Amen!

 

Rev. Luke Shehu

ACIPA Chairman

 

CC: President and Commander, Federal Republic of Nigeria

-          Executive Governor of Gombe State

-          Governor Simon Bako Lalong, Chairman Northern Governors Forum

-          Office of the National Security Adviser (O.N.S.A)

-          All Service Chiefs

-          All Legislatures

-          All Clerics: Muslims and Christians

-          National Director, D.S.S.S

-          Nigerian Christian Elders Forum

-          I.N.G.O’s and N.G.O’s

-          United Nations Secretary General

-          United States Secretary of State

-          United States Legislatures

-          British Parliament

-          African Union General Secretary

-          ECOWAS General Secretary

-          Common Wealth General Secretary

-          Governor Simon Bako Lalong, Chairman Northern Governors Forum 

-          Media Organizations.  

 

RESOLUTIONS OF NORTHERN STATES GOVERNORS’ FORUM MEETING WITH NORTHERN STATES EMIRS AND CHIEFS HELD ON THURSDAY 25TH FEBRUARY, 2021

 

1. The Northern States Governors Forum in its effort to address the challenges bedeviling the Region, held a meeting today Thursday 25th February, 2021 at the Council Chamber, Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna. The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Speaker and other Members of the National Assembly, the Chief of Staff to the President, Minister of Information and Culture, the Inspector General of Police, Director General States Security Service, Chairmen of the Northern States Traditional Rulers Council led by His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto amongst others.

After extensive deliberations, the following resolutions were arrived at:-

2. The Northern States Governors Forum resolved to work assiduously and jointly with the Federal Government in tackling the challenges of insecurity in the Country to create conducive atmosphere for socio-political economic growth and development of the Country.

3. The Forum reiterated its commitments to work in synergy with their Southern counterparts and appealed to their colleagues to extend their presence in the northern part of the country in order to enable harmonious and peaceful coexistence among citizens and other ethnic nationalities.

4. It was resolved that the Northern Governors Forum would partner with the traditional institutions, religious leaders and all relevant stakeholders in the entrenchment of communal harmony, peace and security of the region and the country at large.

5. The NSGF resolved to put more efforts in enhancing the security and safety of all schools within their domains and therefore, urged the Nigerian Security Agencies to collaborate with the various States Governments towards achieving this noble objective.

6. The Forum resolved to address all humanitarian challenges facing the internally displaced persons through provision of enabling facilities and re-integration back to their communities.

7. The Forum further resolved that all the States would work in synergy with the security agencies to address the intra and inter border porousity in order to arrest illicit / illegal border movement.

8. The Forum also resolved to address the menace of ‘Yan’Sakai’ (Volunteer Vigilante Service Providers) in some States through meaningful engagements and legislation.

9. The Forum reiterated its commitment towards inclusion of the rural dwellers especially farmers/herders through the provision of equitable opportunities for socio-economic and political participation both in public and private sectors.

10. The meeting resolved to collaborate with meaningful individuals and corporate organizations to invest in areas of Agriculture and Mining Industries in order to improve the economy of the Northern Region and Nigeria at large.

11. The Forum calls for due diligence in the execution of the Federal Government initiative in its economic sustainability plan wherein N700 billion Naira is earmarked for the project in order to address farming, animal husbandry and other agro-allied business. This effort will create jobs opportunities thereby creating wealth for our teaming population.

12. The Forum received various reports from the Committees constituted by the Northern States Governors’ Forum and resolved to look into the Report for possible implementation. Finally various presentations were also made by individuals and corporate organizations for the promotion of the Region.

His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong KSGG,

Chairman, Northern States Governors' Forum.

 

GIZ FOSTERS STRONGER TIES WITH PLATEAU STATE

 PRESS RELEASED

The German International Development Agency (GIZ) says it will continue to support Plateau State in capacity building that will facilitate the creation of more jobs and economic opportunities for citizens of the State. 

 The new GIZ-SEDIN Head of the Programmes in Nigeria Markus Wauschkulm gave the commitment when he visited Governor Simon Lalong at the New Government House Rayfield Jos on a familiarisation visit to the State. 

 He said the partnership between GIZ and Plateau State runs deep and has positively affected many people in various areas especially agriculture value chain development, peace building and job creation.

 Wauschkulm said the success of the programme in the country is very evident in Plateau State as many have been trained and given capacity to engage in economic activities that are generating income and tackling unemployment. 

 Governor Lalong appreciated the German Government for its intervention in Nigeria and Plateau State through its laudable initiatives of the Pro-poor Growth and Promotion of Employment in Nigeria-SEDIN.

 The Governor said the State Government has enjoyed support of GIZ in strengthening its agencies such as the Peace Building Agency, Plateau Small Interprises Development Agency (PLASMIDA), One-Stop Investment Centre, Project Monitoring and Result Delivery Unit among others. 

 Lalong said the State Government will continue to follow up on those who have been empowered through the support of the GIZ in order to ensure that they give others the value that they have obtained from the programme. 

 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

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

 

GOVERNOR LALONG DIRECTS SECURITY AGENCIES TO HALT KILLINGS IN BASSA VILLAGES.

 PRESS STATEMENT 

Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has frowned at recurring killings in some villages of Bassa Local Government Council, asking security agencies to do everything possible to put a stop to the situation. 

Governor Lalong while reacting to the recent killing of 4 persons following attacks on some villages in Kwall District of the Local Government, said the development was worrisome and intolerable. 

The Governor who had directed the Peace Building Agency to visit the area and get to the root of the killings, said the situation must be brought under control immediately to prevent further degeneration. 

He said "I want all those involved in these crimes to be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law. While this is going on, the machinery for dialogue, reconciliation and confidence building should be vigorously pursued by the Peace Building Agency with the support of the newly constituted Inter-faith Council. We will not tolerate any act that takes us back to the dark days of violence and destruction."

While commiserating with the families of those killed, the Governor said all citizens must be security conscious and avoid any conduct that will jeopardize peaceful coexistence of the area and the State. 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

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

15th February 2021