Tallen mourn the passing away of Dogonyaro

MY CONDOLENCE ON THE DEATH OF LIEUTENANT JOSHUA NIMYET DONGOYARO.

I received with immense shock the news of the passing of a brother and a most patriotic Nigerian Lt. General Joshua Nimyet Dogonyaro at the age of 80.

I especially commiserate with his family at the loss of such a loving and devoted father to family and nation.

2. The late General was a very outstanding military officer whose dedication to the oath he swore to for the defence of Nigeria was uppermost in all his activities. 

3. It is on record that his exploits as a Commander of the ECOMOG troops in the 90s helped a great deal to stabilize the West African subregion and indeed the continent and spared it unnecessary bloodshed. 

4. As a daughter of Plateau State, I especially condole with my Governor, Barr.  Simon Bako Lalong, the Government and people of Plateau State on the loss of this  illustrious citizen whose contributions to the will development and fame of the State as great defenders of the Unity of the country will forever remain in our hearts. 

5. As family and friends grapple with the death of General Dogonyaro at this time, my prayer is that God Almighty will be a great Comforter to all who mourn and may the Lord repose his soul.

Signed.

Dame Pauline K. Tallen 

Minister of Women Affairs. OFR  KSG

13th May, 2021.

MAAPU accuses Idris Maje and Tallen of plots to destabilize the University of Jos

Movement for The Advancement and Protection of the University of Jos (MAAPU) has accused the Deputy Speaker National Assembly Rt Hon. Idris Maje and the Minister for Women Affairs Dame Pauline Tallen of conniving with external forces to circumvent the process for the selection of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos. 

Comrade Sati Tanko stated while responding to questions from media men, said a similar incident occurred during the appointment of the Rector for the Federal Polytechnic Shendam.

In the press conference which was presented by Comrade Sati Tanko in Jos read:

We crave the indulgence of the general public to give a vivid background of unfolding developments at the University.

For a University that has operated for over four decades with a turnover of hundreds of thousands of graduates to be turned into a ground for uncanny political grandstanding by certain centrifugal forces is rather a very sad commentary on our educational system.

We address you today to voice out our concern over negative developments at the University of Jos in recent times and the unfolding drama going on there, in respect of the selection of a new Vice-Chancellor.

You are aware that as a tradition, a process was put in place for a smooth transition as the tenure of the current Vice-Chancellor Professor Sebastian Seddi Maimako, is to elapse.

First, as mandated by Section 3 (2)a of the University's Act, advertisements were placed in some notable National Dailies for suitably qualified candidates to apply for the Vice-Chancellorship of the University between the periods of 23rd December 2020 to the 4th of February 2021.

Two, a Search Panel, in line with Section 3 (2) b of the Institution's Act, headed by Hon. Usman Lamido was set up by the University Governing Council, kick-starting the selection process. Sadly, tragedy struck on 1st February 2021 when the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Governing Council Hon. Prince Tony Momoh passed on. May his soul rest in peace.

Since nature abhors a vacuum, the Governing Council met to continue the process as stipulated by the University Act which spells out clearly that in the absence of the Chairman of Council, Members Present can select one of them to preside over a meeting when a quorum is formed. This was done and Dr Mrs Philomena Mutbam was elected to chair the meeting. The same Council met and selected a three-man Interview Panel with Dr Mrs Philomena Mutbam elected as its Chairman.

However, four days to the interview proper, a new twist was introduced into the exercise when the National Universities Commission (NUC) ordered the immediate suspension of the interview. Thereafter, the Council was invited to Abuja for a meeting with the NUC and the Federal Ministry of Education. The meeting was held and its outcome never faulted the process but said that since Dr Mrs Philomena Mutbam was not the Pro-Chancellor she cannot chair the interview session. What a travesty!  The meeting later agreed that the Hon. Minister of Education should convey the outcome of the meeting to the Visitor, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with the resolution to appeal that the Visitor should cause a letter to be issued to Dr Mrs Philomena Mutbam to complete the process within four days.

Gentleman of the Press as we speak to you now, nothing has been heard from either the Minister or NUC, thereby making us curious and suspicious of the powers that be, that an agenda to short-change the process and bring in a cohort as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos is unfolding.

We of the Movement for the Advancement and Protection of the University of Jos strongly feel that there is a deliberate attempt to stampede and cause confusion by some people who do not have the interest of the University and indeed Plateau State at heart.

Given the history of the University of Jos when the late J.D. Gomwalk, of blessed memory, toiled to bring it to bear, we are consternated that a group that has never seen anything good in the Plateau project is bending on truncating the progress that the University has achieved since its establishment. We refused to be intimidated by retrogressive forces that are ganged up against this progressive institution, we also know that some of our sons and daughters are in this conspiracy that is directed at the Indigenous academia in the University.

All the excuses given by the National University Commission and the Federal Ministry of Education in demonizing the Dr Philomena Mutbam Election Panel on the Vice Chancellor’s issue are lame and mere academic idiosyncrasy created to give credence to their plot to short change Plateau from its rightful position in the University. Or how can one justify this act of injustice when in the same vein, the University of Benin (UNIBEN) was able to elect a Vice-Chancellor without a sitting Pro-Chancellor?  We certainly find it funny that whenever any matter concerns Plateau, merchants of disharmony and crises would come in to play their satanic script. Enough is enough!

Conclusion

Having narrated the ordeal to which this University has been subjected, we are compelled to appeal to all men and women of conscience to rally round and condemn the current reprehensible acts that tend to undermine the great fortunes of this citadel of learning.

Finally, we call on the visitor of the University of Jos, the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) to quickly intervene in the ongoing drama at the University of Jos, as Plateau state has had its fair portion of the crisis that has bedevilled the nation. We trust that the President is a man of peace who cannot support a group that would want to upturn the process that has not been faulted by both the National University Commission and the Federal Ministry of Education as clearly shown in their meeting of 21st April 2021 with the University Governing Council.

All we want is justice, equity and fair play.

Thank you

Comrade Daniel Sati Tanko

Coordinator MAAPU

Breaking of Ramadan Fast: Jos North Council Boss Host Muslim and Christians

Walbe Orgak 

The Governor of Plateau State His Excellency Simon Lalong has praised the chairman Jos North Local Government Council Hon Shehu Bala Usman for bringing Christians and Muslims to eat and interact together.

Governor Lalong made the commendation last Friday at the council Secretariat during breaking of Ramadan fasting organize by the council chairman when some 

Lalong who was represented by the Deputy Governor Professor Sonni Tyoden reiterated that the country is passing through some critical moments therefore, the Ramadan season has offered Nigerians an opportunity to pray for the country. 

He said his administration will continue to encourage activities that will promote peaceful coexistence.

The Chairman of Jos North Local Government Hon Shehu Usman Bala Usman said bringing Muslims and Christians together to break the Ramadan fasting will help to foster peace and unity.

He noted that last year during the council organize Christmas carol of nine lesson and lightening which brought together Both Christians and Muslim communities.

Usman said all these is aim toward continually bringing people of different faith together to interact and socialize together, which will go a long way to foster peaceful coexistence.

In their goodwill messages Chairman Nigerian Christians Association Plateau State Chapter Reverend Father Polycarp Lubo, the Deputy Chief Imam Jos Centarl Mosque Sheik Ghazali Adams, Alhaji Sani Mudi of JNI and the Secretary to Plateau State Government Prof Danladi Atu, all eulogized the council chairman for his efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence   

The breaking of the Ramadan fasting witnesses a large turnout of Christians and Muslims as assorted dishes were served. 

PPA felicitates with Idi and Arlat on their birthdays

The executives of the Plateau Publishers Association, PPA, visited Hon. Usman Idi Bamaiyi, Commissioner of Environment, and the Chairman Plateau State Internal Revenue Service, PSIRS, Mr Arlet Dasoghot and celebrated their birthdays with them which coincided with that of the Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon Barr Simon Bako Lalong on May 5, 2021.

The PPA officials which visited Idi on May 5, 2021, and Arlat on May 6, 2021, presented custom-made Cards to them. 

At the office of the Commissioner of Environment, Chairman of the association, Mr Shabul Mazadu in the company of Chief Amb. Nanyah Andrew Daman, JP, Pastor Ossai Emi, Genius Nanfa and Orgak Walbe, eulogized the commendable achievements and friendly disposition of Idi to the mass media endeared him to the PPA members.

PPA chairman call to mind that as far back as 1994, he served as a Teacher in Palang Private School, Gindiri, where the Honourable Commissioner was the Head Teacher of the school.

Mazadu further poured encomium on him underscoring that birthdays are once in a year and worthy of celebration to appreciate God's grace and mercies for adding another year to the celebrant.

In his response, Hon. Idi, who was exceedingly thrilled by the surprise birthday gift could not hide his happiness, said "When we were at the Government House celebrating with His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr Simon Bako Lalong, I decided to do mine in a low key knowing fully well that we are birthday mates, unknown to me a very reputable association like this is planning a surprise birthday package for me; indeed, I am most grateful and happy."

He further stated, "I have never celebrated my birthday. Last year, my family surprised me, they wanted to celebrate my birthday for me, but I ran away. They waited patiently when I came back in the evening, they said now run if you can. So, I had to listen to them. The message they gave, frankly spoke volumes. Today, this reminded me, though, I am not at home for them to celebrate me, I am happy you took the place of my family.

I have been following the trends of the event of Plateau Publishers Association, PPA, the surrounding circumstances that led to the emergence of Shabul Mazadu as the Chairman of the association and I have been following your activities since you assumed leadership. From your vibrant leadership style, during your tenure, I can see the association soaring higher. The members stand to gain more."

The member of the Plateau State Executive Council further buttressed that, during the Media Parley with the Governor, the way and manner the PPA Chairman expressed his position about educational decay and the role of Grade II Teachers in the educational sector has further broadened the vision of all and sundry on the depth of his knowledge on better ways to uplift the standard of education in the state and equally projected the PPA in good light.

Idi reemphasized that the synergy between PPA and the Ministry of Environment would surely go a long way in projecting the ministry's activities in good light. It would be recalled that for quite some time, the ministry was without a permanent secretary and the Director of Administration had their limitations, it was their earnest prayer for a permanent secretary and they were posted. Anastasia Dongjur was posted to the ministry, a cynosure of all, a permanent secretary that all would want to work with.

Other staff of the Ministry present to spice up the day were; the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Anastasia Dongjur, Director General, Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency, some directors and staff of the Ministry.

At the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service, Mazadu applauded Arlet for his resourcefulness in tax administration that helps enormously in improving the economy of the state, which without robust internally generated revenue, there will only be scanty infrastructures in the state.

The PPA chairman further solicited more patronage and prayed for their respective good health, long life, prosperity and blissful years ahead.

The celebrant, Mr Dashe Dasoghot Arlat, the Executive Chairman of the Board appreciated the kind gesture and stressed that birthdays are gifts from God. The effective tax manager showers encomium on the leadership of the association.

In the company of Arlet were some directors of PSIRS.

LALONG AT 58

PLATEAU STATE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (PSIRS) FELICITATES WITH THE RESCUE CAPTAIN AT 58.

The Governing Board, Management and Staff of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) heartily felicitates with His Excellency Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong KSGG, Executive Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum as he clocks 58.

 Your Excellency, this occasion provides us yet another opportunity to celebrate your record of achievements as you continue to Rescue Plateau State from the many challenges that stood on the path of its socio-economic progress.

 

Since coming into office, you have strengthened the capacity of the PSIRS and other agencies of Government to harness the revenue potentials of the State in order to enable Government provide quality, timely and efficient services to the citizens.

 

Your prudent application of resources and penchant for transparency, accountability and fairness has further created confidence in our people to embrace the reforms in tax administration by paying their taxes.

With your visionary leadership, the three-pillar policy thrust of the Rescue Administration anchored on Peace, Security and good Governance; Physical Infrastructural Development; and Sustainable Economic Rebirth will surely take Plateau State to greater heights.

 

As you celebrate 58 years, we pray that God gives you more knowledge and wisdom to work take Plateau State to enviable heights.

Happy birthday Your Excellency.

 

Dashe Arlat Dasogot Fcti, Fcna

Executive Chairman, PSIRS

GOVERNOR LALONG PRAISED FOR PEACE BUILDING IN PLATEAU

 

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has been commended for his peace efforts that have restored confidence and mitigated human disasters associated with violence and conflicts in Plateau State.

Speakers at the launch of a book on Disaster and Conflict in Abuja described the Governor as a peacemaker who has become a shining example for de-escalating violence and creating sustainable platform for mutual understanding and dialogue.

The Book facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs and Special Duties examined the challenges of disasters that are generated from conflicts in Nigeria and how to mitigate them.

Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and Special Duties Sen. George Akume said Nigerians need to continue to foster peaceful coexistence as a way of preventing disasters that end up hurting development. He said Governor Lalong has proven to be one of the examples of leaders who can be relied upon to galvanize people to do the right thing by embracing one another.

Former Deputy Senate President Nasiru Mantu also said the search for peace in Nigeria cannot succeed without people respecting one another and realizing that God is the creator of all while differences in tribe, religion, geography and even orientations are matters that cannot be blamed on humanity as people never chose where to be born or the families to be born in.

He said this is why people must be able to accept one another as human beings and stop fighting. He said Governor Lalong has been able to achieve this by enabling people of various backgrounds to have a sense of belonging which has doused tensions and made peace possible in Plateau State.

Governor Lalong who praised the author of the book for conducting the research said peace remains his cardinal objective and as such, he will not relent in making sure that people work together to engender good relations.

He urged all Nigerians to support peaceful coexistence as conflicts do not only cause disasters, but leave a huge burden on development.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham

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

20th April 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES ECWA PRESIDENT ON RE-ELECTION/58TH BIRTHDAY.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated ECWA President, Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya over his re-election for another term as well as his appointment as the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Bingham University.

Governor Lalong in a congratulatory message described the re-election of Rev. Panya as well deserved, considering the purposeful leadership he has offered which enabled the Church to make more impact in the lives of its members and the society.

Lalong said the ECWA President's passion for revival has manifested in enhanced mission work leading to the winning of more souls, Church planting and expansion, entrepreneurship development and empowerment, as well as investments in health and education.

While urging him to consolidate on the achievements of the Church over the years, Governor assured him of the support and collaboration of the Plateau State Government towards the progress of the Church.

Similarly, the Governor has felicitated with the ECWA President on the occasion of his 58th birthday. He commended him for devoting his life to the service of humanity and mentoring the youth, praying God to continue to grant him good health, wisdom and protection.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham

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

21st April 2021.