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| Gov Lalong |
LALONG CREATES NEW CHIEFDOMS,
UPGRADES OTHERS.
FULL TEXT OF SPECIAL BROADCAST
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR
PLATEAU STATE.
P.M.B. 2069, Little Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State
www.plateaustategov.org
TEXT OF A SPECIAL BROADCAST BY HIS
EXCELLENCY, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, RT. HON. SIMON BAKO LALONG
TO THE CITIZENS OF PLATEAU STATE. TUESDAY 14TH AUGUST 2018.
Fellow
Citizens,
IT IS WITH A
DEEP SENSE OF HONOUR AND RESPONSIBILITY THAT I ADDRESS YOU TODAY ON ISSUES OF
GOVERNANCE AS THEY AFFECT THE WELFARE AND GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE.
I MUST
REITERATE THAT IN SPITE OF DAUNTING CHALLENGES, WE HAVE MADE REMARKABLE
PROGRESS IN THE DIFFERENT SECTORS. WE GIVE GOD THE GLORY FOR THE COOPERATION
AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE CITIZENS AND THE WORKING CLASS, WHO HAVE BEEN TOILING
DAILY TOWARDS ENSURING THAT WE REACH OUR DESTINATION AND DELIVER ON OUR
PROMISES.
IDEALS OF
THE RESCUE ADMINISTRATION.
YOU WILL
RECALL THAT IN MY INAUGURAL BROADCAST TO THE STATE ON 29TH MAY 2015, I MADE
FAR-REACHING AND FIRM COMMITMENTS ON STRATEGIC POLICY ISSUES TO BE IMPLEMENTED
IN LINE WITH THE YEARNINGS AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE CITIZENRY. OVER THE YEARS WE
HAVE TRIED TO CONSOLIDATE ON THE PEACE AND CONFIDENCE BUILDING PROCESSES, WHICH
ARE PANACEA FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT.
AS I EXPRESS
APPRECIATION FOR THE GENERAL CONCERNS AND IMMENSE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE
CITIZENS, I ASSURE THAT GOVERNMENT REMAIN COMMITTED TO THE FACT THAT ALL THOSE
UNFORTUNATELY DISPLACED SHALL BE RETURNED TO THEIR HOMES. I HAVE RECENTLY SET
UP A COMMITTEE ON THE RELOCATION, REINTEGRATION AND RESETTLEMENT OF INTERNALLY
DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPs) IN THE STATE. THE COMMITTEE HAS SINCE SWUNG INTO
ACTION, AND GOD WILLING, WE SHALL ACHIEVE OUR GOALS. I THEREFORE URGE ALL
CONCERNED TO COOPERATE WITH THEM AS THEY CARRY OUT THE ENORMOUS TASK.
UPDATE ON
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND INTERVENTIONS
SINCE THIS
ADMINISTRATION CAME ON BOARD IN MAY 2015, WE HAVE BEEN COMMITTED TO REVAMPING
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN SECTORS LIKE AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, HEALTH,
COMMERCE, ETC. THE 22 NEW RURAL ROAD PROJECTS INITIATED AND SPREAD ACROSS THE
17 LGAs OF THE STATE ARE ON-GOING. ALTHOUGH WORKS HAVE SLOWED DOWN DUE TO THE
RAINS AND OTHER CHALLENGES, THE CONTRACTORS HAVE SHOWN COMMITMENT TO RESUME
WORK IN EARNEST, WITH FURTHER DETERMINATION TO COMPLETE WORKS BEFORE THE END OF
THIS YEAR.
WE HAVE ALSO
CONTINUED TO TREMENDOUSLY BENEFIT FROM FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS IN KEY
AREAS OF INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMMES. YOU
WILL RECALL, DURING MR. PRESIDENTS 2 DAYS OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE STATE, WE MADE
SOME REQUESTS, WHICH WERE CLOSELY FOLLOWED UP. I AM PLEASED TO REPORT TO YOU
SOME POSITIVE RESULTS AS FOLLOWS:
APPROVAL FOR
REIMBURSEMENT OF OVER TWENTY BILLION NAIRA (N20,000,000,000) WE HAD COMMITTED
IN CONSTRUCTION OF VARIOUS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ROAD PROJECTS. WE ARE COMMITTED
TO PLOUGHING BACK THIS MONEY INTO PROJECTS AND SOCIAL SERVICE DELIVERY FOR THE
BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE IN LINE WITH OUR CAMPAIGN PROMISES.
THE FEDERAL
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL APPROVED THE SUM OF THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY-EIGHT BILLION,
FIVE HUNDRED MILLION NAIRA (N348,500,000,000) FOR THE DUALIZATION PROJECT OF
THE AKWANGA JOS BAUCHI - GOMBE ROADS. THE PROJECT IS BILLED
FOR IMMEDIATE COMMENCEMENT FROM THIS MONTH. FURTHERMORE, THE LONG-AWAITED 45
KILOMETERS BABAN LAMBA SHARAM ROAD HAS
BEEN AWARDED AT A COST OFN19.39 BILLION. THESE BENEFITS ALSO INCLUDE THE
ON-GOING CONSTRUCTION OF THE PANKSHIN-TAPSHIN-GAMBAR-SARAKAI-GINDIRI ROAD.
THE MANGU
DAM WATER PROJECT, COSTING NINE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SEVEN MILLION NAIRA
(N977,000,000) HAS HAD THE BALANCE OF THE CONTRACT SUM APPROVED FOR IMMEDIATE
COMPLETION WITHIN THIS FISCAL YEAR.
PLATEAU
STATE HAS ALSO BEEN LISTED AMONGST BENEFICIARIES OF THE TEN BILLION NAIRA
(N10,000,000,000) PRESIDENTIAL PALLIATIVE FUND FOR DISPLACED FARMING
COMMUNITIES, FOLLOWING VIOLENT ATTACKS AND CLASHES THAT HAVE LEFT US WITH LARGE
NUMBER OF IDPs.
IN THE
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR, THE APPROVAL FOR FUNDING SUPPORT FOR ENHANCED POTATO
PRODUCTION AND VALUE CHAIN PLACES THE STATE AT GREAT ADVANTAGE FOR THE
MUCH-NEEDED AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION.
OTHER
SPECIAL FUNDING SUPPORTS WILL COMPLEMENT OUR EFFORTS IN FAST-TRACKING THE
RETURN AND SETTLEMENT OF THE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES AS WELL AS ESTABLISHMENT OF
MOBILE POLICE OUTFITS IN CRISIS RIDDEN AREAS LIKE GASHISH.
WE REMAIN
ETERNALLY GRATEFUL TO MR. PRESIDENT FOR THE DUE CARE AND ATTENTION ACCORDED
BOTH THE CITIZENS AND STATE.
ELECTORAL
AND SUNDRY MATTERS
THIS
ADMINISTRATION REMAINS COMMITTED TO TACKLING ISSUES THAT TEND TO HINDER
PROGRESS. WE APPRECIATE THE CONCERNS AND ANXIETIES OVER THE DELAY IN CONDUCTING
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS. THE DELAY IS NOT DELIBERATE AS SECURITY ISSUES HAVE
HAMPERED OUR EFFORTS IN CARRYING OUT THE EXERCISE. HOWEVER, WITH RELATIVE PEACE
RETURNING TO THE STATE, WE ARE EXTENSIVELY CONSULTING WITH THE SECURITY AGENCIES;
AND AS SOON AS CLEARANCE IS GIVEN THE PLATEAU STATE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL
COMMISSION (PLASIEC) WOULD SWING INTO ACTION AND CONDUCT ELECTIONS.
GOVERNMENT
IS STILL MINDFUL OF THE ISSUE OF CLEARING THE BACKLOG OF NO WORK, NO PAY AND
APPRECIATE THE PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THOSE AFFECTED. WE ASSURE THAT
THIS WILL SOON BE CLEARED AS OUR REVENUE BASE IMPROVES; JUST AS GOVERNMENT
REMAINS COMMITTED TO PROMPT PAYMENT OF SALARIES AND PENSIONS.
CREATION OF
CHIEFDOMS, DISTRICTS AND VILLAGE AREAS
YOU WOULD RECALL
THAT ON ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE, WE PROMISED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF CREATION OF
CHIEFDOMS, DISTRICTS, VILLAGE AREAS AND REVIEW OF SALARIES AND WELFARE PACKAGES
FOR TRADITIONAL RULERS IN THE STATE. THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES THAT WERE
SET UP HAVE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED THEIR REPORTS TO GOVERNMENT, WHICH WERE IN
TURN CAREFULLY STUDIED.
WITH GREAT
REVERENCE TO THE TRUST BESTOWED ON US, WE RECOGNIZE THAT THE LONG-AWAITED
CREATION OF CHIEFDOMS, DISTRICTS AND VILLAGE AREAS PLACES HIGH PREMIUM ON THE
DESIRE OF GOVERNMENT TO UNITE THE PEOPLE UNDER ACCOUNTABLE TRADITIONAL
INSTITUTIONS. RATHER THAN REMAIN AMBIVALENT IN THE FACE OF CONTROVERSIES, IT IS
ONLY PROPER TO BE CONSCIOUS OF THE IMPERATIVE FOR CONTINUITY AND EMANCIPATION
TO FULFIL THE YEARNINGS OF THE PEOPLE.
ACCORDINGLY,
AS A DEBT OF HONOUR TO THE TEEMING POPULACE, GOVERNMENT HAS CONSIDERED AND
APPROVED THE CREATION, UPGRADING AND RESTORATION OF NEW CHIEFDOMS IN THE STATE.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXERCISE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
IN 2006,
SOME NEW CHIEFDOMS WERE CREATED AND GAZETTED BUT WERE SET ASIDE BY THE
IMMEDIATE PAST ADMINISTRATION, WITHOUT FOLLOWING DUE PROCESS AND APPROVAL OF
THE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. THESE CHIEFDOMS ARE HEREBY RESTORED.
TWO EXISTING
CHIEFDOMS HAVE BEEN UPGRADED FROM 2ND CLASS TO 1ST CLASS STATUS; NAMELY, THE
ATEN CHIEFDOM WITH HEADQUARTER IN GANAWURI, UNDER ATAR ATEN OF GANAWURI; AND
THE ANAGUTA CHIEFDOM IN JOS NORTH, WITH HEADQUARTER IN GWONG, UNDER UJAH
ANAGUTA.
THREE (3)
NEW CHIEFDOMS HAVE BEEN CREATED, NAMELY IBAAS IN BARKIN LADI, NGAS IN KANKE AND
BYAN IN LANGTANG SOUTH.
DETAIL
BREAKDOWN OF THE EXERCISE ACROSS THE 17 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
JOS SOUTH
LGA: The existing status quo of all
Chiefdoms in Berom land remain and under the Chairmanship of the GbongGwom Jos
with 1st Class Status.
JOS EAST
LGA: The existing status quo of all
Chiefdoms in Afizere land remain and under the Chairmanship of the AgwomIzere
with 1st Class Status.
JOS NORTH
LGA: The existing JOS IZERE CHIEFDOM with
Headquarter in KatonRikkos, under AdagwomIzere is now restored to 2nd Class
Status.
BARKIN LADI
LGA: A new Chiefdom, namely IBAAS
CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Ibaas, under DagwomIbaas is now created with 3rd
Class Status.
BASSA
LGA: The existing three Chiefdoms,
namely Rukuba, Pengana and Irigwe maintain their statuses, under the
Chairmanship of Utu Ugo Kithe, with 1st Class status.
BOKKOS LGA:
KULERE
CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Siken, under the SafKulere is restored to 2nd
Class Status.
MUSHERE
CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Ikgwahap, under MishkahamMushere is restored to
2nd Class Status.
KANAM
LGA: The existing two Chiefdoms, namely
Jhar and Bogghom maintain their status quo of 2nd Class, under the Chairmanship
of the Emir of Kanam Emirate with 1st Class Status.
KANKE
LGA: A new Chiefdom, namely NGAS
CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in KWALL, under NgolongKanke is now created with 2nd
Class Status.
LANGTANG
NORTH LGA: The existing Chiefdoms,
namely, TAROH and ZINNI maintain their status quo with 1st and 2nd Class Status
respectively, under the Chairmanship of PonzhiTaroh.
LANGTANG
SOUTH LGA: A new Chiefdom, namely, BYAN
CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Mabudi, under PonzhiByan is now created with 2nd
Class Status.
MANGU LGA:
PYEM
CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Gindiri, under the Sum Pyem maintains its 2nd
Class Status.
CHAKFEM
CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Chakfem, under MishkahamChakfem is restored to 3rd
Class Status.
JIPAL
CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Jipal, under Long Jipal is restored to 3rd Class
Status.
MIKANG LGA:
YOUM
CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Garkawa under the MuoYoum is restored to 2nd Class
from 3rd Class Status.
PIAPUNG
CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Piapung, under Long Piapung is upgraded to 3rd
Class Status.
KOENOEM
CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Lafidi, under Long Koenoem is restored to 3rd
Class Status.
PANKSHIN
LGA:
PANKSHIN
CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Lannang, under NgolongPankshin is restored to 2nd
Class Status.
MHISHIP
CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Chip, under Long Mhiship is restored to 2nd Class
Status.
MUPUN
CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Lankan, under MiskhomMupun is restored to 2nd
Class Status.
FIER
CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Fier under the WelaFier is restored to 3rd Class
Status.
TAL CHIEFDOM
with Headquarter in Tal, under Ngolong Tal is restored to 3rd Class Status.
KADUNG
CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Kadung under the ReidengMakadung is restored to
3rd Class Status.
PAI CHIEFDOM
with Headquarter in Pai under the NgolongPai is restored to 3rd Class Status.
QUAAN PAN
LGA:
The existing
KWO CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Kwande, under Long Kwo is now regraded on 2nd
Class Status.
The existing
NAMU CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Namu, under Long Jan is restored to 2nd Class
Status.
RIYOM LGA:
The existing
ATEN CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Ganawuri, under Atar Aten is now upgraded
from 2nd Class to 1st Class Status.
SHENDAM LGA:
The existing
DOROK CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in UngwanDadi, under Long Dorok is now upgraded
from 3rd Class to 2nd Class Status.
The existing
JAKTOE CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in DokanTofa, under Long Jaktoe is restored to
3rd Class Status.
The existing
DERTENG CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in GidanGaladima (Lunuwang), under Long
Derteng is restored to 3rd Class Status.
WASE LGA:
WASE EMIRATE
maintains its status and all the Chiefdoms in the LGA are under the
Chairmanship of the Emir of Wase with 1st Class Status.
The existing
BASHAR CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Bashar, under Rekna Bashar maintains its
2nd Class Status.
KADARKO
CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Kadarko, under PonzhiKadarko is restored to 2nd
Class Status.
MAVO
CHIEFDOM with Headquarter in Mavo, under AkuJukun is restored to 2nd Class
Status.
FELLOW
CITIZENS, THIS IS A CONTINUOUS EXERCISE WITH RESPECT TO BRINGING GOVERNANCE TO
THE GRASSROOTS ACROSS THE STATE. WE HOPE THAT THESE NEW CREATIONS, RESTORATION
AND REGRADING WILL BRING GREATER CONFIDENCE AND ASSURANCE TO THE CITIZENRY OF A
COLLECTIVE RESOLVE TO REMAIN UNITED AND PURSUE COMMON DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
FINALLY, AS
I SINCERELY APPRECIATE THE CITIZENS FOR THEIR POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS, LET US
CONTINUE TO WORK IN HARMONY FOR THE GREATER GOOD OF THE STATE. I ASSURE ALL
CITIZENS THAT WE WILL NOT WAVER IN OUR COMMITMENT TO THE PLATEAU AGENDA, HAVING
SWORN TO UPHOLD THE TENETS OF JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS IN THE DISCHARGE OF MY
CONSTITUTIONAL DUTIES.
Thank you
and God bless.
Rt. Hon. (Dr)
Simon BakoLalong
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