WITH LESS THAN A YEAR TO GO: PDP MOCKS, APC & GOV. LALONG, OVER RISING CORRUPTION IN PLATEAU STATE

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Plateau State chapter has reiterated that, with less than a year to go of the administration of Governor Simon Lalong the corruption profile of the state is on the rise.

The party in a press release, dated 20^th June, 2022, signed by John T Akans, (ksm Fcia JP), the State Publicity Secretary, also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Governor, of not being ashamed of the development.

“Even with less than a year to go, the administration of Governor Simon Lalong is shamelessly unperturbed about his rising corrupt profile because of the disdain the government has for Plateau people.

“Thick and conscienceless corruption and leadership failure has undoubtedly been the bane of Plateau State for the past 7 years with the people giving up on anything good coming in the next few months.

This is no longer news for the state”. The PDP release stated in part.

READ THE PDP PRESS RELEASE IN FULL BELOW:-

PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER 20 / 22 YAKUBU GOWON WAY OPP NTA JOS*

20TH DAY OF JUNE 2022

PRESS STATEMENT

OF GOVERNOR LALONG’S RISING CORRUPTION PROFILE AND INSENSITIVITY

Even with less than a year to go, the administration of Governor Simon Lalong is shamelessly unperturbed about his rising corrupt profile because of the disdain the government has for Plateau people.

Thick and conscienceless corruption and leadership failure has undoubtedly been the bane of Plateau State for the past 7 years with the people giving up on anything good coming in the next few months.

This is no longer news for the state.

But as a responsible political party, we cannot keep quite but must continue to update the people on the recklessness of the outgoing administration which we have been exposing.

The PDP has been on a tracker series to track the status of the countless corruption and  scandalous acts that Plateau people have witnessed under the Lalong’s led maladministration. Scandals which have occasioned huge financial losses to the State and robbed Plateau people of the development they deserve as promised them since 2015.

PDP is deeply worried about the fact that resources that should have gone into developmental projects in order to uplift the poor, are sadly going into private pockets of several selfish and greedy families, friends and officials of the government through graft and sleaze.

We want Plateau people to know how corrupt Governor Lalong and his APC are in the state for the past 7 years hence this revelation.

This is an update of the total and holistic recall of the numerous corruption scandals on the  Plateau, contrary to the rescue mission slogan.

First of all we have had cause to inform Plateau people of the fertilizer scandals of 2015 which the wooping sum of  *#11, 476,000,00* was spent just to supply *1250* bags of fertilizer, this was scandalously carried out by POPULAR FOODS LIMITED AND MBS MERCHANTS LIMITED on the 5th August 2015 farming season only, this transaction was under a dubious circumstances  with no single bag supplied to date.

Again a whooping sum of #4.5 Billion Naira was spent on luxury cars for the Governor and some few officials, this was done at the time pensioners and civil servants are being denied of their pay package.

#1.4 Billion Naira spent to purchase and install GPRS tracking device on 100 cars.

#500 Million Naira used for patching of 4 kilometer road through a direct Labour handle by a family member.

In Lalong’s first year in office #97 Billion Naira  (Ninety seven billion naira was just wasted without being accounted for.

In spite of these facts, Governor Lalong has been mounting a robust defense for mismanaging Plateau State funds through his Accountant General Mr Cyril Tsenyil who has also failed to give exact account of  the expenditure and the present debt incurred by the Governor for  the past 7 years in office. The AG cannot just debunk the #151 billion Domestic debt and $350 Dollars external without giving us the exact figure, let him come out clean if truly the state is free from this debt.

It is regrettable that Governor Lalong’s handling of corruption scandals smack of grand collusion and cover up of epic proportions. The fact that till date no one has explained to Plateau People why his so called legacy project which was awarded to BLENESON GROUP at the cost of #59 Billion Naira which was revoked by Governor Lalong under dubious, circumstances. He has up to this moment failed to tell Plateau people of these pungent corruption scandals, which has caused the state huge financial losses, bears Lalong out as the biggest enable and promoter of corruption.

Ironically this is a man and a party that rode on the back of an anti corruption campaign into office, promising not to tolerate or countenance same under his administration. However, after being elected into office, he has so much normalized corruption and made it very attractive to his party and government.  Lalong has so much defended and cleared his corrupt friends, family and appointees even when caught within and outside this country.

Today, there is no development going on across the seventeen local governments as a result of massive deductions from the local government account which has left the local government with backlog of four (4) to five (5) months unpaid  salaries and gratuities.

On the 9th of July 2015 was another scandal of vehicles for the Governor and the Deputy Governor by Kefiano Global concept Ltd at the cost of *#1,210,199,700,00* (one billion two hundred and ten million, one hundred and Ninety one thousand, even hundred naira).

From June 2015 to date Governor Simon Bako Lalong has scandalously squandered over #14.3 Billion on chartered flights also incurs debts of #151 Billion Domestic and $350 million dollars external without anything to show for this huge debt.

We will not also forget the Jos main market scandal which over #4billion wasted without sign of rebuilding the market with libelous style of contract of some roads in the state.

It is on this reason that our dear Governor has earned the accolade, of “The Chief Corrupt Clearing Agent” like similar other stinking corruption scandals Plateau people have witnessed under this government. The corruption clearing Agents, Governor Lalong has been under the delusion that by coming out to give flowering speeches about his fake performance even by re-awarding his so called legacy project at the cost of #29 billion as we speak now no one has been mobilized to same legacy site since the day he made the untruthful announcement of re -awarding the legacy project. Lalong has only succeeded in whitewashing his administration from the corruption tag that inextricably hangs on his neck like a medal, but that has failed and Plateau people now know him for who he really is.

Fellow Plateau patriots, it is worthy of note , that under PDP visionary  Leadership the State was so efficiently managed such that for the first time in the history of Plateau, 5 kilometre roads were constructed across the 17 local governments within 100 days in office , and the State was able to woo major international companies  on an open credit system, a situation that has helped to drive our economy through  agricultural advancement.

The PDP government improved the financial status of the State through prudent management. It is sad to note that today as a result of the thievery and plundering of the state resources in the last seven years , the once profitable and buoyant state and it’s assets under PDP which was attractive to several reputable companies, has been completely run down by the Lalong administration such that today the State has no strategic stock of its own and is virtually borrowing to pay workers salaries.

Even more bizarre and painful is the fact that, after running down state owned companies, properties and our revenue generating board through corruption and thievery, a Governor who preached against imposition of elected candidates has now increased and normalized margin in corruption, impunity and nepotism.

Governor Lalong’s actions for the past years at a time when the state is grappling with insecurity  leading to kidnapping and lost  of innocent lives, smack of insensitivity of the highest order. Lalong’s decision to punish the already impoverished Plateau citizens with more taxes for his corrupt acts and that of his errant appointees that brought Plateau to its knees is most insensitive and completely unacceptable.

There is no gainsaying the fact that Governor Lalong has flattered to deceive on his promise to fight corruption and protect the public purse. The endemic level of corruption in his government has caused the state huge financial losses for which he must be held accountable.

To this end the PDP is deeply worried, that state resources that have been diverted which could have gone into the provision of schools, roads ,health and other social amenities to ameliorate the plight of suffering Plateau people have been pocketed by a few greedy and corrupt officials and family of the Lalong’s government.

Little wonder this government has been likened as an Organized Crime Syndicate.

But the day of accountability for the most corrupt Governor in Nigeria is not far.

Signed

 John T Akans, ksm Fcia JP,

State Publicity Secretary,PDP Plateau State.

PLATEAU: RE: PDP’s 20TH JUNE, 2022, PRESS RELEASE: RECKLESS AND SHAMELESS—HON. NAMANG (APC SPOKESMAN)

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

The Spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Plateau State chapter has described the Press Release of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dated the 20^th of June, 2022, and titled: “Of Governor Lalong’s Rising Corruption Profile and Insensitivity”, as “Reckless and Shameless” as it is simply aimed at de-marketing the APC and Governor Simon Bako Lalong.

According to the Rejoinder signed by the APC Publicity Secretary, Hon.Sylvanus Namang, dated 24^th June, 2022, made available to REALITY, the APC would have ignored the display of rascalism and total disregard for decorum and its libelous nature, but “It is being compelled by the need of not allowing gullible minds to believe the lies told by the PDP many times could easily be passed for the truth”.

Hon. Namang added that, the press release is an indication however that, the PDP in the state is being hunted and haunted by its past.

“The social media space has in the past one week been awash with the usual fictitious scripts by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Plateau State.

“Its reckless and shameless releases are ostensibly aimed at de-marketing the ever focused and hardworking Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

“The APC would have ignored this display of rascalism and total disregard for decorum and libelous scripts by the party’s so- called image maker, who is unmindful of appending his signature on any garbage prepared for him by some paid commercial junk writers posing as journalists.

“However, the APC is compelled by the need of not allowing gullible minds to believe that lies told by the PDP many times could easily be passed for the truth.

“More importantly, the PDP in the state is being hunted and haunted by its past as demonstrated by its spurious and unsubstantiated allegations in its 20th June, Press Release, titled: “Of Governor Lalong’s Rising Corruption Profile and Insensitivity”.

“What it did wrongly and what it failed to do while in office for eight years and which the APC government since 2015 has been doing its best to correct has been a source of sleepless night for the PDP.

“Its grandstanding, which is boundless, should not be allowed to persist, as our people deserve the right to know the difference between fiction and realities hence, this response.

“Before then, the right thing would be that, the PDP should be more concerned with the issue of its shooting itself on the foot which led to its non-participation in the last local government election an issue which still dangles like the Sword of Damocles.

“We are watching keenly the  manipulation and all the desperate antics by the party to deceive the electoral umpire to believe that all is well with it even in the face of its multiple and ceaseless litigations which still put its fate on the edge.

“If the PDP is a responsible party, it should be concerned about putting its house in order rather than embarking on a journey in a wonderland”. The APC stated in part.

READ THE FULL APC RELEASE BELOW:-

24th June, 2022,

APC PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER,

KALWA HOUSE,

YAKUBU GOWON WAY,

JOS

 PLATEAU PDP: A PARTY HUNTED AND HAUNTED BY ITS SORDID PAST.

The social media space has in the past one week been awash with the usual fictitious scripts by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Plateau State.

Its reckless and shameless releases are ostensibly aimed at de-marketing the ever focused and hardworking Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The APC would have ignored this display of rascalism and total disregard for decorum and libelous scripts by the party’s so- called image maker, who is unmindful of appending his signature on any garbage prepared for him by some paid commercial junk writers posing as journalists.

However, the APC is compelled by the need of not allowing gullible minds to believe that lies told by the PDP many times could easily be passed for the truth.

More importantly, the PDP in the state is being hunted and haunted by its past as demonstrated by its spurious and unsubstantiated allegations in its 20th June, Press Release, titled: “Of Governor Lalong’s Rising Corruption Profile and Insensitivity”.

What it did wrongly and what it failed to do while in office for eight years and which the APC government since 2015 has been doing its best to correct has been a source of sleepless night for the PDP.

Its grandstanding, which is boundless, should not be allowed to persist as our people deserve the right to know the difference between fiction and realities hence, this response.

Before then, the right thing would be that, the PDP should be more concerned with the issue of its shooting itself on the foot which led to its non-participation in the last local government election an issue which still dangles like the Sword of Damocles.

We are watching keenly the  manipulation and all the desperate antics by the party to deceive the electoral umpire to believe that all is well with it even in the face of its multiple and ceaseless litigations which still put its fate on the edge.

If the PDP is a responsible party, it should be concerned about putting its house in order rather than embarking on a journey in a wonderland.

Now to the issues raised by the PDP, which we feel should be put in their proper perspective.

The PDP in Plateau state is notorious for quoting outrageous and unsubstantiated figures purportedly to blackmail the Government of the day.

First, it alleged that the APC Government in 2015 spent a whooping N11, 476, 000 000 on fertilizer, which was contracted on 5th August 2015 to POPULAR FOODS LIMITED AND MBS MERCHANTS LIMITED, which it claimed only 1250 bags an equivalent of two trucks were supplied!

In another twist, it stated that no single bag was supplied to date.

This is nothing, but a grand deception. This was supposed to be three months into the APC administration in the state whose monthly allocation hovered between N2billion.

How feasible could about five months revenue allocation to the state be spent on fertilizer purchase, only three months into its tenure as alleged by the spendthrift PDP government, which handed over only N96m to it?

For the records, the fertilizer expenditure and distribution to the end users in the state for the 2015 farming season and other seasons for that matter, were carried out in the most transparent manner.

MBS Merchants Limited was on 5th August 2015 awarded a contract for the supply of 300 trucks of fertilizer made up each of 150 trucks of  NPK and Urea at the unit cost of N6,250/bag totaling, N1,125 000 000.00 which it supplied.

POPULAR FOODS LIMITED  was awarded a contract for the supply of 350 trucks made up of 175 trucks of Urea and 175 trucks of NPK at the unit price of N6,250/ bag at the sum of N1, 312, 500, 000.00

The exercise was carried out by the state Ministry of Agriculture in a very transparent manner through ward heads and security agencies.

All transactions were carried out with Bank Guarantee by UBA. The store receipt vouchers, SRV are available for the lazy PDP, which thrives in frivolities or to anybody, who cares to verify.

This is against the haphazard and scandalous distribution system employed by the immediate PDP administration, which saw the commodity as an avenue for dishing out of patronage to its party members and cronies.

The clueless PDP also accused the APC Government of spending N4.5 Billion, more than two months allocation of the state on what it termed luxury cars for the Governor, his Deputy and some few officials in 2015.

This is a typical case of the PDP being haunted by its past. On being unceremoniously sent out of office, the PDP administration hurriedly carted away all vehicles in its possession without following due process.

Under the new APC Government, a contract was awarded to Kifiano Global Concepts, whose owner is now a defector to the PDP to supply official vehicles to the Governor, his Deputy, Principal Officers of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries at the cost of N1, 210, 199, 700. 00, in order to enable government functionaries perform their function.

The PDP equally alleged that, the newly inaugurated government expended N1.4 Billion on GPRS tracking device on 100 cars.

On 27th August, 2015, Organized Global Ventures was awarded the contract for the supply of tracking devices at the cost of Eight Million Naira (N8, 000 000.00) ONLY, after going through the Standard Procurement Process again, unlike under the past administration where their principal’s children operated car shades in a West African country and supplied all government vehicles without following due process.

Let them ask their present ‘big catch’, who supplied the vehicles the true position of that contract.

The PDP is irked by the zero potholes project of the Governor Simon Bako -led Rescue Administration. Under its watch, potholes took over the entire Jos and Bukuru metropolis, while over N50 Billion of over N70Billion it claimed it spent on road construction were concentrated in their principal’s domain where some of the  roads, which were nylon- tarred don’t have vehicles  plying them till date.

What Lalong’s administration did to address this inconvenience to motorists and the lopsidedness was the earmarking of N525, 675, 696. 00 for the rehabilitation of 24.4 km of roads by the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) under Direct Labour and not 4 km roads as alleged at N500 Million to a family member. The roads covered all parts of Jos and Bukuru metropolis.

We don’t blame the PDP, as it was and still is the party of family and friends, a subject which we reserve for future discourse.

The PDP assaulted the sensibilities of the very knowledgeable people of Plateau state when it alleged that, during Lalong’s first year in office, the Government wasted N97 Billion without being accounted for.

There can be no pulling of the wool across the eyes of discerning minds than this.

Under the last administration where oil sold for over $140 per barrel, financial recklessness was the order of the day.

Under the Lalong Rescue Administration, all necessary processes to block loopholes and leakages have been put in place.

Since 2015, the State Government has been publishing its financial statements to date hence, we advise the lazy PDP to go to the state’s website instead of the tissues of lies it feeds the public with.

It also accused the APC Government of its inability to give account of the state’s present Debt Profile in the last Seven (7) years. This is a crass demonstration of ignorance by the PDP, If not, it ought to know that, domestic or foreign debt repayment is a continuous exercise from one administration to the other.

The Government inherited a debt of N101 Billion, which it has been trying its best to settle.

The Government defrayed arrears of eight months’ salary and nine months’ pension/gratuity left by the preceding PDP administration.

The PDP in the State, as part of its being hunted and haunted by its past, left a legacy of nepotism, clannishness and squandermenia on its trail and would obviously frown at genuine legacies, which the current Government wants to leave.

The Lalong administration under the well conceived “Lalong Legacy” in 2018, awarded to Bleneson Services Nigeria Limited, contract for the construction of 8No. Primary schools, 6No. Secondary schools and 6No. Hospitals at the cost of N59,883, 614, 363.13.

On 24th August 2020, the Government decided to re-scope the project at the cost of N29, 999,998,626.97, due to the current economic realities.

The contract was terminated due to poor performance by the contractor.

It was re-awarded to United Integrated Ltd, on 17^th June 2022, at the cost of N 26,611  202,408.73, after a careful assessment and deduction of the work executed by the past contractor.

Instead of commending the government for the bold step it took in terminating the contract, the PDP is ironically blaming it.

This is curious as a contractor, who clearly defrauded the state would be defended by the opposition party.

We are aware that, some PDP members, who took part in the botched contract, are having sleepless nights because, they have nothing to ‘chop’ from again since the conduit pipe has been blocked.

Also and as earlier stated, the bottom line is that, the PDP is jolted, as the completion of the Lalong Legacy Projects will silence or dwarf everything they claimed to

have achieved during their wasteful eight years of mismanagement of our commonwealth.

Let them be rest assured that, the Legacy Projects would be completed in time under the new contractor and not a friend of some members of the PDP, who did everything to frustrate government’s efforts by taking money without delivering on its contractual obligation.

In order to rubbish or blackmail the Government, it also stated that no contractor has been mobilized to sites.

The Government, based on due process is still processing the work to enable the full and seamless take -off of the projects.

The re-awarded contract sum was computed at the market rates, taking into cognizance the current exchange rate.

The issue of the Governor spending N14.3 Billion on chartered flights is as mischievous as it is laughable. Perhaps the PDP is referring to what the immediate past governor under its watch expended on such chattered flights as it is common knowledge that, his family operated for the purpose of siphoning government resources chattered airline in faraway South Africa.

The truth is that, the Governor worked hard and brought the services of Max Airline to fly the Abuja –  Jos route, as a cost saving measure and to reduce the hardships of Plateau citizens, at a very affordable rate and which the Governor patronizes a lot till date.

The outrageous amount alleged by the PDP,  can purchase several aircrafts, which is never the priority of the APC Government in the state.

On the allegation of the rebuilding process of the Jos Main Market, which got burnt down in a very suspicious manner in 2002 and which former Governor Jang was never in support of its rebuilding, he refused to have anything to do with it except it was relocated to his community.

Now that the rebuilding contact is about to commence, the PDP has embarked on a wild goose chase with the fathomed allegation of N4 Billion being spent on the demolition of the wreckage.

The true position is that, on 4th February, 2019, the contract for the demolition/implosion of the burnt Jos Main Market, was awarded to MAMKO INVESTMENT AND ENGINEERING LTD at the cost of N1,188, 000 000. 00. After due process.

The MoU is about to be signed for the construction of one of the once most expansive and most beautiful markets in the West African sub region, which instead of receiving commendation from the PDP, it is surprisingly  condemning it.

When reconstructed, this once reputable edifice will revamp the economy of the state and boost the income of its citizens and residents thereof.

Again, the PDP is not comfortable with the mechanisms put in place by the Lalong Administration and would prefer, the old ways of doing things where leakages and other financial malfeasances were the order of the day.

The Lalong administration has put in place several machinery of ensuring checks and balances.

This is the first time in the history of Plateau state that, the Audited Financial Statement of the state  from 2015 till date has been published consistently online for both local and international audiences including, embassies of foreign governments, which have been commending the Governor Lalong’s administration.

Also, the Local Government Final Account for the year 2021 has been audited and is presently online, which again we refer the cantankerous PDP image makers to visit.

The Lalong Administration has also strengthened the Fiscal and Financial Policy by working very closely with the World Bank to achieve the State Fiscal, Transparency Accountability and Sustainability ( SFTAS) Program For Results.

The state budget has been refined which has earned it award by the World Bank.

Also, the State Accounting System has been tightened through the Federal Government’s policy on Treasury Single Account (TSA).

Other commendable policies embarked upon by the government include, the creation of Debt Management Arrears Framework,  Open Government Partnership (OGP), Efficiency Unit,  Passage of the Public Procurement Law and the constitution of the Liquidity Management Committee, among several others.

The PDP in the State, which swam in excess crude oil, Paris Club refunds in addition to other cheap funds, is blaming the State Government for borrowing money to pay salaries.

This is not peculiar to Plateau State as based on the current global economic meltdown. Many states including the Federal Government have recently resorted to borrowing to pay workers’ salaries.

With regards to Plateau State, the State Government inherited from the Jang administration, as earlier mentioned, a balance of a meager N96M in all Government Accounts in the midst of eight months backlog of salaries, which the present Government cleared in its first few months in office leading to the workers giving Governor Lalong the nomenclature of “Governor Alert”.

Regrettably, due to challenges being faced by the NNPC, the Government, which has been reputed for prompt payment of workers’ salaries, has challenges, which has led to delay which it is working in earnest to settle.

The Plateau State Government sees workers’ welfare as a priority.

Finally, the APC strongly advises the PDP to desist from its notoriety of spreading falsehood and play the role of an opposition party in the state with decorum.

The APC is amenable to genuine criticism instead of the destruction antics and distractions, which has become the bane of the ailing PDP in our beloved state.

Signed:

 Hon. Sylvanus Namang,

 APC State Publicity Secretary.

OPINION: TINUBU/LALONG TICKET: PUTTING THE COUNTRY FIRST

By: Yakubu Dati,

It is not for nothing that, Elder Godsday Orubebe’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is trending.

After working for the party for years, the former Minister is irked that, the party has failed to do the right thing at the right moment and said he had to leave due to the failure of the PDP to zone the Presidency to the Southern part of the country.

His action has generated interest on the political stratosphere because it is an indictment on the PDP for failing to uphold the time tested principles of equity and justice.

This is unlike the All Progressives Congress (APC), which got it right, as far as, equity and fairness to all is concerned.

This is why, the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Southerner has held the interest of genuine statesmen in Nigeria together, as the APC has demonstrated its capacity to make sacrifices for the well being of the nation (Nigeria).

NIGERIA

Being a Muslim has however thrown up another challenge to the APC and this has to do with the choice of a running mate for Tinubu and the need for religious balancing to give all a sense of belonging.

Proponents of Muslim/Muslim ticket, have dominated public discourse with the point that the Muslim North should be factored in since it holds the Vote-Bank.

But, those that toe this line of argument have not followed the dynamics of Nigeria’s political history to wit that, those standing elections are not only those on the ballot, but those behind them as well or put in another way, a political figure can be on the ballot without being the candidate of a party.

For instance, when President Muhammadu Buhari emerged as the Presidential candidate of the then opposition party (APC), he did not accept having a Muslim running mate, but agreed upon and accepted Tinubu’s nomination of Pastor Yemi Osinbajo, a Christian Southerner, to create a balance and avoid the inherent dangers that would go with a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Although Sen Tinubu was not on the ballot paper and ticket in 2015, he delivered the South West to the APC as if he was the one standing for the election.

LEFT-RIGHIT: SEN. TINUBU, GOV. LALONG

Similarly, President Buhari is not on the ticket for 2023, but his bankable 12 million votes, which comes mainly from the Muslim North are bound to follow his direction and that of his party like Tinubu was able to influence for the APC in 2015.

It is instructive to note that, in spite of his gargantuan followership, Buhari insisted on a Muslim/Christian ticket before winning the 2015 and 2019 elections.

Now that Tinubu is also faced with a similar situation, he is expected to ride on the doctrine of reciprocity and allow President Buhari to also present a Christian Vice Presidential (VP) candidate to him for APC to win the Presidential election come 2023.

Buhari’s support will hopefully bring the usual northern votes, just like Tinubu’s support for Osinbajo brought votes from the Southwest.

This being the case among the Christian aspirants been analyzed so far as running mate to Tinubu, the nominee that holds the Aces still remains, Rt. Honourable Simon Lalong, the Executive Governor of Plateau State and the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum (NGF).

As the only Christian APC Governor from the North, he has exhibited leadership as the first among equals.

The support he has enjoyed from the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) and his track record for promoting peaceful coexistence has also further distinguished him.

The Facts remain that, a Tinubu/Lalong ticket, will certainly bring regional and religious balance and ensure equity and justice in the country.

While his Chairmanship of the Northern Governors and Progressives Governors will attract the support of the Governors, his candidature will attract Christian votes from the northern and southern parts of Nigeria.

A Tinubu/Lalong ticket will stall the exodus to the Peter Obi/Labour Party frenzy, which is gaining traction.

Buhari demonstrated those virtues when he insisted on Muslim/Christian ticket in 2015.

Tinubu must demonstrate statesmanship by allowing a Muslim/Christian ticket in 2023.

This takes after the pattern in our recent history as a nation where Obasanjo paired with Atiku, Yaradua with Jonathan, President Jonathan with Sambo and now Buhari with Osinbajo, which took care of the regional and religious balancing.

With the support of President Muhammadu Buhari, Lalong will replicate the winning formula that Asiwaju brought to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in 2015, with the additional value of equity, justice and fairness.

As a Catholic and a Knight of Saint Gregory the Great (KSGG) bestowed on him by the Pope, there is the possibility that, pairing with Lalong will resonate with the predominantly Catholic South East and probably make the ticket become more appealing to the likes of Orubebe, who are demanding for fairness in the poor PDP game of choice.

ADVERTORIAL: ADMISSION INTO ALAMA NURSERY, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL, NOW ON!

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN QUALITY EDUCATION FOR YOUR CHILD/WARD? COME TO ALAMA NURSERY, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL!

FORMS ARE NOW ON SALE!

We offer Admission into the following classes:

*Daycare

*Creche

*Nursery

*Primary

*Secondary

COMPUTER SCIENCE LAB

FOR THE KIDS

Entrance Form: #2,000.00

Date: 25/06/2022

Time: 9:00am

Venue: School Hall

Signed:

 Sr. Theresa Dawa

ADMINISTRATOR

 

GOV. LALONG’S VP QUEST: PLATEAU APC CONCERN VANGUARD, WARNS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

A group under the aegis of PLATEAU APC CONCERN VANGUARD, within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State has warned the National Chairman of the APC, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, not to bow to the alleged quest of the Governor of Plateau State, Dr. Simon Bako Lalong for the Vice President slot of the party.

The group in a press statement signed by one Samson Pam, as Chairman and one Nicholas Jatau Fabia, as Secretary, dated 21/06/2022, and made available to REALITY claimed that, Governor Lalong should not be trusted to run the Presidential race alongside Sen. Asiwaju Tinubu in 2023 because, “Governor Lalong’s plays politics of betrayal”.

The group also in its press text, titled: “RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG WAS DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED, BUT TURNS AN EMPEROR” alleged that, the gubernatorial candidate of APC in Plateau State was imposed on the members of the Plateau State APC, while warning that, what had happened in Zamfara State may repeat itself within the party in Plateau State.

“As the Plateau APC Concern Vanguard, we want to remind you that, Governor Simon Lalong was mistakenly elected as the Governor of Plateau State, as a result of former Governor David Jonah Jang’s imposition of a right and best candidate on Plateau people at the wrong time. This governor Lalong seems to have forgotten too soon.

It is on record that, since the election of the Plateau State Governor into office, he has not conducted any free and fair election beside imposition of persons at all levels of elective and appointive offices in the state.

“Similarly, the selection of, Dr. Nentawe Yilwada, was purely a gross abuse of the APC guidelines, specifically to  mentioned the election or imposition of delegates up to the election of the gubernatorial candidate. This process from all political fronts was not done by Lalong. Why Not?

“Because Lalong said that, he has already purchased the ticket from the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party through the APC National Chairman by using his puppet, which he has successfully imposed on the Plateau people, as the Deputy National Secretary of the APC in the person of, Hon. Festus Fwantur.

“No wonder then that, the imposed APC gubernatorial candidate in the person of Dr. Natawe, was not issued any waver because he was an employee of INEC”. The press statement in part read.

READ THE TEXT IN FULL BELOW:-

HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG WAS DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED, BUT TURNS AN EMPEROR.

Gentlemen of the Press,

As the Plateau APC Concern Vanguard, we want to remind you that, Governor Simon Lalong was mistakenly elected as the Governor of Plateau State, as a result of former Governor David Jonah Jang’s imposition of a right and best candidate on Plateau people at the wrong time. This governor Lalong seems to have forgotten too soon.

It is on record that, since the election of the Plateau State Governor into office, he has not conducted any free and fair election beside imposition of persons at all levels of elective and appointive offices in the state.

Similarly, the selection of, Dr. Nentawe Yilwada, was purely a gross abuse of the APC guidelines, specifically to  mentioned the election or imposition of delegates up to the election of the gubernatorial candidate. This process from all political fronts was not done by Lalong. Why Not?

Because Lalong said that he has already purchased the ticket from the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party through the APC National Chairman by using his puppet, which he has successfully imposed on the Plateau people, as the Deputy National Secretary of the APC in the person of, Hon. Festus Fwantur.

No wonder then that, the imposed APC gubernatorial candidate in the person of Dr. Natawe, was not issued any waver because he was an employee of INEC.

Up till today, the 20/06/2022 that, Hon. Festus (Esq), through the Emperor purchased the APC Governorship Form there has not been a waver for, Dr. Nentawe.

Permit us to draw your attention and that of the APC Founding Fathers to the fact that, Lalong in his desperation to impose Dr. Nentawe upon Plateau people and APC, the National Stakeholders lied that, Nentawe was the endorsement of Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd). Just to earn him President Buhari’s adoption and sympathy.

It is on sound record with evidence that, when Dr. Nentawe was the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Benue state, he did send an INEC/ICT staff from Benue to Plateau to manipulate votes in the state that later favoured Lalong’s re-election in 2019.

It’s now clear that the said Dr. Nentawe, who by INEC’s Act was not suppose to contest any elected position until after some period of years, has been imposed on Plateau people to come and protect Lalong’s lootings and his assets at home and in Dubai from EFCC and ICPC.

We are of the knowledge that, Dr. Nentawe has already graciously agreed to cover the outgoing Governor’s mess.

It’s also on sound authority that, we want to state that Governor Lalong is not a respecter of the Procurement Act because all his transactions have been between him, his family, brothers and sisters, In-laws and close friends.

Gentlemen of the press, because of Lalong’s desperation for power and beside his being clownishly used as the 19 Northern Governor’s Chairman, everyone knows that, he is with Rotimi Ameachi and he did authoritatively directed the Plateau State “selected delegates”,  to vote  for his principal in the person of Ameachi at the APC Presidential Primary.

It was a democratic evil, when he also gave a directive that all his selected delegates should snapped their votes as a prove to earn him favour, while thinking Rotimi Ameachi will certainly emerged.

But, as the table turned around, he shamelessly dumped Ameachi and began to solicit for a running mate from Asiwaju Tinubu, whom he had earlier disowned.

To us, this is Governor Lalong’s hypocrisy of the highest order, added to his bad character and sad attitude of “Politics of Betrayal”.

Despite all the chances and opportunities given to him by the National Chairman of APC in the person of Sen. Abdullahi Adamu , Lalong was on a National Television, opposing the Adamu and his office, without consideration to his pedigre, position, age and position, and yet, he continuously claimed being loyal to Buhari and Abdullahi Adamu.

Who then is fooling who?

It’s now clear to all that, he who plays the piper dictates the tune.

Governor Lalong discredited his National Chairman earlier on the grounds of equity, fairness and justice and that, the Presidential slot should moved to the South, with Ameachi in mind, but as things unfold and changed during the Presidential Primary election and the APC settled for Sen. Tinubu, whom he detested, we are all therefore wondering with surprise, over his present interest.

More so, we are inquisitive to know, Sen. Tinubu did not come to Plateau state to canvass for votes from delegates in the first place, and why, despite the unhidden frustration meted on Sen. Tinubu’s campaign team, and with the help of the G-18 Plateau Gubernatorial Aspirants, Asiwaju was able to secure 26 votes from Plateau APC delegates without the Emperor’s knowledge?

As a Vanguard, we want Lalong to know that, he cannot take the glory of something he never supported and suddenly wants the moment to turn into an opportunity that will enable him seek for the position of the Vice President, as been agitated for by his Brothers, In-laws, Commissioners and Friends.

For ease of reference and in respect to the above submissions, we humbly refer you (Gentlemen of the Press) to, Hon. Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande (the former Minister of State for Information) Press Release on, “Why Tinubu should not pick governor Lalong as running Mate”.

We are using this opportunity therefore, to call on the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to come and rescue Plateau else, the Zamfara State sad episode will surely repeat itself on the Plateau.

Furthermore, we the APC Vanguard are  calling on the national body of the APC, to disregard  the notion of being bought over, as alleged by Lalong and Hon. Festus (Esq), but to come down and rescue APC on the Plateau for posterity sake.

In conclusion, the National Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, should watch his back regarding Lalong’s quest to be Vice President because that would make the office of the National Chairman in the North Central zone, insignificant, and of no importance.

Hence, we The Concern Vanguard of APC on the Plateau  are saying, we prefer the APC National Chairman seat than that of the Vice President especially to a self-centered  person   who only thinks of himself.

We equally advise the NWC to be more careful with Hon. Festus, who is planted to draw them down.

Watch out for the next episode.

Samson Pam.. Chairman

Nicholas Jatau Fabian…Secretary

 

GOV. LALONG’S VP QUEST: PLATEAU APC CONCERN VANGUARD, WARNS (READ UNEDITED PRESS TEXT)

By: Our Reporter,

1. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG WAS DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED, BUT TURNS AN EMPEROR.

Gentlemen of the Press,

As the Plateau APC Concern Vanguard, we want to remind you that, Governor Simon Lalong was mistakenly elected as the Governor of Plateau State, as a result of former Governor David Jonah Jang’s imposition of a right and best candidate on Plateau people at the wrong time. This governor Lalong seems to have forgotten too soon.

It is on record that, since the election of the Plateau State Governor into office, he has not conducted any free and fair election beside imposition of persons at all levels of elective and appointive offices in the state.

Similarly, the selection of, Dr. Nentawe Yilwada, was purely a gross abuse of the APC guidelines, specifically to  mentioned the election or imposition of delegates up to the election of the gubernatorial candidate. This process from all political fronts was not done by Lalong.

Why Not?

Because Lalong said that he has already purchased the ticket from the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party through the APC National Chairman by using his puppet, which he has successfully imposed on the Plateau people, as the Deputy National Secretary of the APC in the person of, Hon. Festus Fwantur.

No wonder then that, the imposed APC gubernatorial candidate in the person of Dr. Natawe, was not issue any waver because he was an employee of INEC.

Up till today, the 20/06/2022 that, Hon. Festus (Esq), through the Emperor purchased the APC Governorship Form there has not been a waver for, Dr. Nentawe.

Permit us to draw your attention and that of the APC Founding Fathers to the fact that, Lalong in his desperation to impose Dr. Nentawe upon Plateau people and APC, the National Stakeholders lied that, Nentawe was the endorsement of Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd). Just to earn him President Buhari’s adoption and sympathy.

It is on sound record with evidence that, when Dr. Nentawe was the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Benue state, he did send an INEC/ICT staff from Benue to Plateau to manipulate votes in the state that later favoured Lalong’s re-election in 2019.

It’s now clear that the said Dr. Nentawe, who by INEC’s Act was not suppose to contest any elected position until after some period of years, has been imposed on Plateau people to come and protect Lalong’s lootings and his assets at home and in Dubai from EFCC and ICPC.

We are of the knowledge that, Dr. Nentawe has already graciously agreed to cover the outgoing Governor’s mess.

It’s also on sound authority that, we want to state that Governor Lalong is not a respecter of the Procurement Act because all his transactions have been between him, his family, brothers and sisters, In-laws and close friends.

Gentlemen of the press, because of Lalong’s desperation for power and beside his being clownishly used as the 19 Northern Governor’s Chairman, everyone knows that, he is with Rotimi Ameachi and he did authoritatively directed the Plateau State “selected delegates”,  to vote  for his principal in the person of Ameachi at the APC Presidential Primary.

It was a democratic evil, when he also gave a directive that all his selected delegates should snapped their votes as a prove to earn him favour, while thinking Rotimi Ameachi will certainly emerged.

But, as the table turned around, he shamelessly dumped Ameachi and began to solicit for a running mate from Asiwaju Tinubu, whom he had earlier disowned.

To us, this is Governor Lalong’s hypocrisy of the highest order, added to his bad character and sad attitude of “Politics of Betrayal”.

Despite all the chances and opportunities given to him by the National Chairman of APC in the person of Sen. Abdullahi Adamu , Lalong was on a National Television, opposing the Adamu and his office, without consideration to his pedigre, position, age and position, and yet, he continuously claimed being loyal to Buhari and Abdullahi Adamu.

Who then is fooling who?

It’s now clear to all that, he who plays the piper dictates the tune.

Governor Lalong discredited his National Chairman earlier on the grounds of equity, fairness and justice and that, the Presidential slot should moved to the South, with Ameachi in mind, but as things unfold and changed during the Presidential Primary election and the APC settled for Sen. Tinubu, whom he detested, we are all therefore wondering with surprise, over his present interest.

More so, we are inquisitive to know, Sen. Tinubu did not come to Plateau state to canvass for votes from delegates in the first place, and why, despite the unhidden frustration meted on Sen. Tinubu’s campaign team, and with the help of the G-18 Plateau Gubernatorial Aspirants, Asiwaju was able to secure 26 votes from Plateau APC delegates without the Emperor’s knowledge?

As a Vanguard, we want Lalong to know that, he cannot take the glory of something he never supported and suddenly wants the moment to turn into an opportunity that will enable him seek for the position of the Vice President, as been agitated for by his Brothers, In-laws, Commissioners and Friends.

For ease of reference and in respect to the above submissions, we humbly refer you (Gentlemen of the Press) to, Hon. Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande (the former Minister of State for Information) Press Release on, “Why Tinubu should not pick governor Lalong as running Mate”.

We are using this opportunity therefore, to call on the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to come and rescue Plateau else, the Zamfara State sad episode will surely repeat itself on the Plateau.

Furthermore, we the APC Vanguard are  calling on the national body of the APC, to disregard  the notion of being bought over, as alleged by Lalong and Hon. Festus (Esq), but to come down and rescue APC on the Plateau for posterity sake.

In conclusion, the National Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, should watch his back regarding Lalong’s quest to be Vice President because that would make the office of the National Chairman in the North Central zone, insignificant, and of no importance.

Hence, we The Concern Vanguard of APC on the Plateau  are saying, we prefer the APC National Chairman seat than that of the Vice President especially to a self-centered  person   who only thinks of himself.

We equally advise the NWC to be more careful with Hon. Festus, who is planted to draw them down.

Watch out for the next episode.

Samson Pam.. Chairman

Nicholas Jatau Fabian…Secretary

 

JUST IN: THIEVES BROKE INTO THE OFFICE OF A RENOWNED LAWYER, F. O. SHUAIBU (ESQ), IN JOS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Report reaching REALITY this morning has it that, the office of a renowned Lawyer, F. O. Shuaibu (Esq), at Grey Garden in Jos, Plateau State, was broken into by thieves during the weekend (19/06/22 and 20/06/22).

REALITY gathered that, the thieves carted away with valuables such as, TV set, Power Generator, Rug Carpet, among many other valuables.

THE BROKEN DOOR

THE TV SPACE

When REALITY visited the office, it discovered that, the key to the door of the main office was destroyed, which enabled them have access to the office, while the center table glass in F. O. Shuaibu’s office was broken, among other items.

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Jos Branch, has urged its members, “to identify with the Counsel on this unfortunate situation and pray for God’s succor on him, his office and the entire Bar”.

MITIGATING COVID-19 IMPACTS ON GIRLS’ EDUCATION: WRAPA TAKES STEP IN PLATEAU STATE

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

In response to the growing threats and increasing illiteracy levels among girls in Plateau State, owing to COVID-19 negative impact on education, Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) with support from Malala Fund has commenced the project of Mitigating COVID-19 Impact on “Girls’ Education”.

WRAPA in Plateau State on the Project, “Mitigating COVID-19 Impact on Girls’ Education: Recovery and Resilience”, has commissioned a girl child education policy advisory group, composed of State and Non-State actors with the primary objective of developing content that would provide useful information to policy makers in Plateau State, and to guide the redesigning and effective implementation of a girl-child friendly educational policies that would ensure the re-enrollment of girls in Schools.

You would recall that, the Covid-19 pandemic forced most governments around the world to temporarily close educational institutions to contain the spread of the virus and girls, who have been saddled with the primary responsibilities at home, being exposed to sexual and gender based violence, early marriages, among other social ills, are left with slimmer opportunities of returning to school, as schools are gradually reopening globally, in Nigeria and especially in Plateau State.

As a step, REALITY gathered that, WRAPA advisory group in Plateau State would soon commence series of engagements in State, which would include, meetings and workshops that would help in the situational analysis of the current educational policies of the State.

The first in the series of expected engagements was the three (3) hours discussion held at the NUJ Press Center Hall in Jos, Plateau State, which drew a wide spectrum of critical education stakeholders including, the Plateau State Ministry of Education, Ministry of Justice, National Orientation Agency, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT),  Federal of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) the Traditional Council, Youth School Owners, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and Civil Society Organizations, notably, the Civil Society Coalition Action on Education For All (CSACEFA).

You would recall that, in 2017, Plateau State Government vowed to fully implement the Child’s Right Law (CRL), after becoming one of the first states in Nigeria to sign it into Law.

The State also became the first in Northern Nigeria, through the involvement of WRAPA, to gazette and eventually passed into Law, the Gender and Equal Opportunity Law.

This Law clearly provides for a 50% equal opportunity for girls to be enrolled in school.

 

PHOTONEWS: COMMONWEALTH CONNECTION PROJECT EVENT AT BOMAS ACADEMY JOS, PLATEAU STATE

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

BOMAS Academy has become one of the first (1^st) Schools in Plateau State, Nigeria that has introduced the subject of Climate Change into its School’s Curriculum.

The school has also taken it upon itself to also encourage the advocacy for a zero waste life style among its pupils.

The Head Teacher of BOMAS Academy, Bosede Obende, disclosed these to journalists, during the Commonwealth Connection Project event at the school premises.

See some pictures from the event below:-

BOSEDE OBENDE (HEAD TEACHER)

COMMONWEALTH CONNECTION PROJECT: AT BOMAS ACADEMY JOS, WE ENCOURAGE OUR PUPILS, ON ZERO WASTE LIFE, FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE— BOSEDE OBENDE (HEAD TEACHER)

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

BOMAS Academy has become one of the first (1^st) Schools in Plateau State, Nigeria that has introduced the subject of Climate Change into its School’s Curriculum.

The school has also taken it upon itself to also encourage the advocacy for a zero waste life style among its pupils.

The Head Teacher of BOMAS Academy, Bosede Obende, disclosed these to journalists, during the Commonwealth Connection Project event at the school premises.

She said, “Our students have also had to work on climate advocacy.

“We have taught our pupils on the need to waste less food, advocating a plant rich diet, consuming less energy and water. With this exposure, we know that ordinary citizens can participate in combating climate change”.

Speaking further on the Common Wealth Project and its importance to the pupils in the Academy, the Head Teaching, Bosede Obende, described the journey so far in her welcoming speech at the occasion as, “exciting”.

“Our journey culminating to this day has been an exciting and fulfilling one. Getting to participate in this Commonwealth Connections Project is something we will not forget in a hurry.

“At the start of this project, ten change makers were selected, with the consent and co operation of their parents, we have seen them taking their place in effecting changes in the school community.

“When we were approached, we never thought it was going to be like this. In building their strength and encouraging sports, our pupils started off with learning about what long distances races were all about, they were involved in marathon races, running around the school environment and our students are never ones  not take up a challenge.

BOOSEDE OBENDE (HEAD TEACHER)

“They have had fun learning Board Games and playing them. They have also learnt and worked on their skills playing the local games like Baram and Dara.

“A basketball, Baram and Dara tournaments were also organized, and our pupils got to play with the Red Eagles, a couple of youngsters.

“Our pupils overtime have learnt sportsmanship, and are now more confident at playing different sports.

“Our pupils’ love for the arts, have increased, and we have seen them work on their arts, seen a tremendous improvement in their drawings, writing and reciting poems, working with the local languages and on their presentations”.

Mr. Livinus Otteh

Adding his voice to the position presented by Bosede, the Commonwealth Creative Artist Nigeria, Mr. Livinus Otteh, told Journalists that the Project is a part of Commonwealth Games programme, popularly known as, Commonwealth Connection, which provides educational opportunities for young people in Schools across the Commonwealth, to learn together and develop deeper knowledge and understanding of the Commonwealth and its values. Thus, allowing young people to feel more ownership and ability to shape their communities.

It is of note that, Commonwealth Connection is funded by Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee and the British Council and that theme of this year is, “The earth, our home-working together for an adaptable and transformative ecosystem”.

According to Mr. Livinus Otteh, in his speech during the occasion, he explained that, this year’s theme aims at X-raying the cause of climate change, the impact of its devastation and the solutions thereof.

Bankole Afolabi, the Country Lead of the CWC Project

On her part, Bankole Afolabi, the Country Lead of the CWC Project, expressed excitement over the developments in BOMAS Academy.

Bankole said, “This project has five schools from Nigeria, and five countries from Sub-Sahara Africa. The criterion for choosing the host school is through an application to the British Council.

The project has two phases. The first is Arts and the second is sports”.

It is of note that Commonwealth Connections has been made possible through grant funding provided by the British Council and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Youth Programme.

This project forms part of wider programme of engagement activity led by Birmingham 2022, connecting children and young people between ages 5-25.

More facts related to this is that, in the UK, the Birmingham Education Partnership (BEP), is the lead delivery partner responsible for recruitment of UK schools.

SEE SOME PICTURES FROM THE EVENT BELOW:-