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ADDRESS BY H.E. RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG TO THE CITIZENS OF PLATEAU STATE ON THE ENDSARS PROTESTS AND BREAKDOWN OF LAW AND ORDER IN JOS NORTH AND JOS SOUTH LGAs. 20TH OCTOBER 2020 My dear citizens of Plateau State. I am addressing you today on the recent developments in our State following the #ENDSARS protests that have been going on across the country and in some parts of the State. Government has watched closely these protests which are normal in a democracy that guarantees the rights of citizens to ventilate their grievances over any matter. However, it is rather unfortunate that in the past few days, the #ENDSARS protests which began as peacefully have gradually degenerated to the situation where hoodlums have attacked and molested innocent citizens who are going about their normal businesses. This development took a new turn on Tuesday 20th October 2020 when the protests led to the destruction of properties, cars and looting of business premises along the Ahmadu Bell

HILL STATIONS OPEN LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR PLATEAU STATE Staff of the Plateau State Government owned Hill Station Hotel have written a ‘Save Our Soul’, SOS, letter to the governor, RT Hon Solomon Lalong to pay their their thirty month’s salary arrears that the government is owing them. In the letter addressed to the governor, the workers said that their pensioners are being owed twelve months salary arrears while their retirement benefits were not computed since 2016. The letter signed by Comrade Andrew Ikpebe and Comrade Augustine Mark Ayikam, Principal Organizing Secretary, Plateau State Council and Chairman, Plateau and Bauchi State Council, National Union of Hotels and Personal Services Workers, NUHPSW, respectively added that contributory insurance scheme to pension administrators, medical allowances, and union dues are also not paid. The letter reads: Rt. Hon. Dr. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong The Executive Governor of Plateau State Your Excellency, OPEN LETTER TO THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR

REMARKS BY H.E. SIMON BAKO LALONG, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE JUDICIAL PANEL OF ENQUIRY ON POLICE BRUTALITY AND OTHER RELATED EXTRA JUDICIAL KILLINGS IN PLATEAU STATE HELD AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE LITTLE RAYFIELD JOS ON 19TH OCTOBER 2020. PROTOCOLS 1. It is with great delight that I address you today at this very important event which is the inauguration of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry on police brutality and other related extra judicial killings in Plateau State. 2. This very crucial event has become necessary because of the current developments in our nation occasioned by the ENDSARS movement which is a response to the complaints of alleged atrocities committed by some members of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria police against the citizens. 3. Let me first add my voice to the condemnation and genuine cry of the many Nigerians and indeed citizens of Plateau State who have suffered one form of humiliation, intimidation, harassment an

WE WILL NOT ALLOW THE COUNTRY TO BE THROWN INTO ANARCHY - LAI MOHAMMED The Federal Government has warned that it will not allow the country to be thrown into anarchy following the violence that has trailed the #EndSARS protests. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated this on Saturday when he featured on a late night Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) news programme, “Weekend File” The programme entitled, “EndSARS Protest: The Way Forward,” was monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja minister said Saturday’s assassination attempt on the Osun Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, while addressing the protesters was a clear confirmation that the protests had been hijacked by hoodlums and people with ulterior agenda. He noted that while the original conveners of the protests might have meant well,  it was obvious that they were no longer in control of the initiative. “Peaceful protest is an integral part of democracy and that is why the Federal Governme

IGP FILIES 20 GROUNDS OF APPEAL OVER POLICE ACT The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu has filed 20 fresh grounds of appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the judgement of the Court of Appeal which voided the Police Act, 2020 and his powers to recruit 10,000 constables. The fresh notice of appeal with 20 grounds of October 15, adding to an initial three grounds of appeal filed on October 2, was jointly filed by the IGP, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs against the Police Service Commission (PSC). The appellants, had through their lawyer, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN) originally asked the Supreme Court to order the stay of execution of the judgment of the Court of Appeal. The three-member panel of the Court of Appeal led by Justice Olabisi Ige had in their  judgment unanimously held that the that the Police Act is a breach of Paragraph 30 Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution which empowers the PSC to appoint persons int

The military operating under Ayem Kpatem 3, has arrested the second in command to Gana , the dreaded militia gang leader of Benue State, who was killed last month in an operation. He was arrested alongside 75 others yesterday. The Commander of the Four Special Forces Command of the Nigerian Army in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Brigadier General Maude Ali Gadzama, confirmed this to newsmen yesterday. According to Gen Gadzama, Mr Kumour Fachii, alias Commandant was arrested in his girlfriend’s house in Agbi village of Katsina Ala local government area of Benue State. According him, items recovered from the suspect includes arms and ammunition, three locally made rocket launchers, military uniforms, charms among others. “I called you guys here because some 36 days back when the dreaded Gana was paraded before you people here, I mentioned that some of his kingpins have been arrested while some of them are on the run and we are in pursuit of them. “This afternoon the gentle

FG Seeks More Powers To Seize, Freeze Stolen Funds, Assets The House of Representatives has received an Executive bill through a letter from  President Muhammadu Buhari  requesting that the Proceeds of Crime Bill 2020 be given expedited hearing and passage into law, given the importance of the bill in generating revenue for the country. In the letter, which the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila read during plenary yesterday, President Buhari explained that the Proceeds of Crime Bill is essential and critical in building an enduring and sustainable foundation for the fight against corruption, money laundering and illicit movement of stolen funds through banking system and across the Nigerian borders. Buhari further stated that the Bill will also improve the ability of law enforcement agencies to seize, freeze, and confiscate stolen assets in Nigeria white observing all related constitutional and human rights laws. He added that it will also address the problem o

REJOINDER- I AM NOT THE CAUSE OF THE SHOOTING. I write to correct a misgiving trending in the social media by some mischief makers who have cashed in on the End SARS protests to promote falsehood against His  Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Professor Sonni Tyoden.  I find these allegations demeaning to the personality of the Deputy Governor who is a promoter of peace and justice.  The allegations which include "Police Escort of the Deputy Governor shot a live bullet at a peaceful protest. #Jos Protest.....and the Deputy Governor just passed and ordered them to shoot" These statements are just imaginary. First, I want to make it very clear that His Excellency the Deputy Governor, Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden never had an encounter with End SARS Protesters in Jos, the Plateau  State capital. Second,  the Deputy Governor, Professor Sonni Tyoden was in his office as early as 10am Thursday morning where he had two separate virtual meetings until 3pm when he left the Old Governme

PLATEAU YOUTHS TO GOVERNMENT Shooting and firing tear gas at peaceful protesters in Jos is highly condemnable and unacceptable. Security chiefs and Heads of Government should call their men to order. Further harrashment or abuse of any Nigerians right to peacefully protest will not be tolerated. Such inappropriate actions is exactly why we are calling for an END TO POLICE BRUTALITY. #EndSARS #EndSWAT  #StopPoliceBrutality

I AM NOT THE CAUSE OF THE SHOOTING - PROF. SONNI TYODEN Plateau state Deputy Governor Professor Sonni Tyoden has denied shooting at the End SARS protesters in Jos the state capital . This was contained in a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor and made available to newsmen in Jos . The statement reads that i write to correct a misgiving trending in the social media by some mischief makers who have cashed in on the End SARS protests to promote falsehood against  the Deputy Governor, Professor Sonni Tyoden.   He said that I find these allegations demeaning to the personality of the Deputy Governor who is a promoter of peace and justice.  The allegations which include "Police Escort of the Deputy Governor shot a live bullet at  peaceful protest Protesters  is false . I want to make it very clear that His Excellency the Deputy Governor, Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden never had an encounter with End SARS Protesters in Jos, the Plateau  State capital

PLATEAU COUNCILORS DONATE PALLIATIVES TO TACKLE COVID-19  The Plateau State chapter of the Nigerian Councilors Forum, has donated some items to the State Government as part of its contribution at tackling the corona virus pandemic in the state. During the presentation to Governor Simon Lalong at the Government House, Little Rayfield Jos, Chairman of the forum, Mr. Silas Ishaya said the Forum was happy with the efforts and steps taken by the Government in combating the virus. He said the group has followed closely the initiatives of the Governor who is the Chairman of the Plateau State Task Force on Covid-19 from the initial stage till now when the situation is gradually easing down. Hon. Ishaya said the donation by the 325 councilors in the state was to complement Governor Lalong’s efforts as well as contribute to the State Endowment Initiative which has gone a long way in boosting the capacity of the State to handle the situation more effectively. According to him, the Forum is very h

PLATEAU GOVERNOR DIRECTS REOPENING OF SCHOOLS  Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has directed the re-opening of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the State from 30th October 2020. This follows the engagement with all stakeholders and setting up of mechanisms for observing COVID-19 protocols in all schools in the State.  By this directive, schools are to resume academic activities for 3rd term and ensure they operate within the guidelines issued by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 for the safety of students and teachers.  Already, various trainings and engagements have been held to orientate school principals and teachers on basic operational requirements. Similarly, the management of schools have been mandated to clean, fumigate and re-arrange the school environment preparatory to the resumption.  Meanwhile, all grade six students are to resume schools between 19th-23rd October to prepare for the First School Leaving Certificate and National Comm

The Nigeria Union Of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has elected Comrade Arandong Yohana Makwin, the Sarkin Yakin NULGE as its new President. Arandong was elected at the 9th Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees held at the Pankshin Youth Center. There was jubilation at the premises of the Youth Center by supporters of Arandong who expressed delight over his victory as the newly elected President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees Plateau state chapter. In his acceptance speech, the President elect, Comrade Arandong Yohana Makwin who scored 90 votes against his four opponents with nill, 05, 17 and 60 votes respectively, says the election was purely the grace of God. Arandong appreciated workers on the Plateau for the confidence reposed on him, promising that he will never betray the trust accorded him. He Stressed that the interest of workers shall be his number one priority. In his words, I want to assure all workers und

NAFEST TECHNICAL COMMITTEE VISITS GOVERNOR LALONG  Ahead of the National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) scheduled for November in Jos, Plateau State, Members of the Technical Committee for the event have visited Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House Little Rayfield to assure him that the whole country is being  mobilised for the festivity. Leading the delegation to the Government House, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture Otunba Segun Runsewe praised Governor Lalong for approving the hosting of the event in the State.  He said NAFEST 2020 will be a historic event because Plateau State is the Home of Peace and Tourism and has a rich cultural history that has been at the centre of national development in many ways. He said "Plateau State is an attraction to people within and outside Nigeria. By restoring peace to the State, you have increased the invitation for development and progress of the people. This is why tourism and culture can

STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION VISITS COMMISSIONER OF INFORMATION    Member Representing Pankshin North in the Plateau State House of Assembly and Chairman House Committee on Information Philip Dasun says more need to be done on the issues sourounding Information dissemination to the populace about the achivements, policies and progrmes of the Rescue Administration.      The lawmaker made the statement recently while on a familiarisation visit on the State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Dan Manjang at his office JD Gomwalk Secratariat, Jos.   He further stated that the basic reason why the Committee is in the Ministry is to discuss some basic fundamental responsibilities of the committee on Information,  adding that as Committee on Information they have the constitutional mandate to oversight the Ministry and the oversight is nothing but to ensure the needful is done in carrying out the stipulated activities of the Ministry and to ensure that whatever

The Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu has created a new unit to replace the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba said the new unit is named Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team. The unit, he said, will fill the gaps arising from the dissolution of the defunct SARS. Mba said recruitment has commenced for operatives of the new unit, stating “prospective members of this new team will also undergo psychological and medical examination to ascertain their fitness and eligibility for the new assignment. “They are to commence training at the different Police tactical training institutions nationwide, next week. “While personnel from the Police Commands in the South-East and the South-South will be trained at the Counter-Terrorism College, Nonwa-Tai, Rivers State, those from the Police Commands from the North and the South-West will be trained at the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende, Nasarawa State an

MEMBERS OF RIGWE YOUTH MOVEMENT (IYM) ELECTS NEW OFFICIALS... By Davidson Malison,Jos It was a beehive of activity today, Saturday October 10,2020 in Kwall district of Rigwe Chiefdom in Bassa LGA of Plateau State as illustrious sons and daughters of the nation under the umbrella of Irigwe Youth Movement (IYM) both at home and in diaspora conglomerated at Kwall Youth Development Association Hall to elect a new set of officials to pilot the affairs of the association for the next three years. The election which commenced in the early hours saw electorate trooped the venue to exercise their franchise with hopes that their candidates would smile to victory. Minutes before the commencement of the election, agents of contestants, security personnel, observers alongside others were thoroughly brieved by the electoral committee chairman and secretary on the materials to be used and the need to maintain a holistic process which was well accepted by all. In every exercise of this magnitude, chal