PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT TO COLLABORATE WITH PPA ON INFORMATION DISSEMINATION

 

Plateau state Commissioner of Information and Communication Hon. Dan Manjang has said the Ministry will partner with Plateau Publishers Association (PPA) on information dissemination.

Hon Manjang stated this in his office at J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos, when the officials of the Plateau Publishers Association led by its chairman, Shabul Mazadu, paid him a courtesy called.

Mazadu emphasized the significance and benefits of engaging Plateau Publishers Association on information Dissemination, saying “It must be reiterate that our members own on-line media platforms, newspapers, magazines and other forms of news broadcast with wide circulation to the entire 17 LGA’s of Plateau State and the Nation at-large”

On the advantages and the need for Plateau State Government to patronize the PPA, Mazadu said it is sad that the laudable achievements of Governor Lalong are under reported, this has made some mischief’s’ makers in the state to peddle falsehood and misinformation which to a large extent projected the state in bad light thereby discourages prospective investors from coming to invest in the state.

Mazadu applauded the Plateau State Commissioner of information Hon. Dan Manjang for engaging the PPA on the activities of his ministry.

In his response, Hon. Manjang appreciated the PPA for the visit and promised to partner with the body on information dissemination of government's activities noting that the Lalong led Rescue Administration has achieved a lot both at the state and local government's levels.

He urged the publishers to continue with good work they are doing in supporting the government efforts in tackling the state challenges, saying Plateau State belong to all of us and we have a duty to bequeath a greater Plateau to our children, “our diversity should be our source of strength” he added

Among the PPA officials that visited the Ministry were the Chairman, Shabul Mazadu, Secretary, Daniel Bok, Publicity Secretary, Genius Nanfa, the Treasurer, Mrs. Helen Bok and the Auditor, Orgak Walbe.

GOV. LALONG HOLD STAKEHOLDERS MEETING:

“By that law, anyone convicted of kidnapping in Plateau State will be sentenced to death”
“Criminalize any denial of the existence of COVID 19 in the State, urged senior citizens to go for test”
“Grant full autonomy to Local Government”- all funds belonging to that tier of Government go straight to them”

True to type Governor Lalong has recorded another milestone in the history of Plateau state thus engraving his name on historical landscape of the state. His constant engagement of stakeholders in decisions making has proven that Governor Simon Lalong administration is an exemplar of good governance.

Governor Lalong has over the years, combined wisdom, humility and intelligence, in the task of administering a multifaceted State like the Plateau, thus changing the narrative in governance and thereby eliciting respects and confidence.

The Governor had on the 14^th January invited stakeholders to intimate and engaged them on discussion in seeking ways to curtail the second wave of COVID-19 and security issues held at the Victoria Gowon Hall, New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.

Welcoming stakeholders at the meeting Governor Lalong Said “I have invited you here again for us to rub minds on very important issues that border on the security and well-being of our people. I want to thank you for honouring this call which again demonstrates your commitment to the progress of Plateau State”

He said “As you may be aware, we are experiencing the second wave of the corona virus pandemic where there is a resurgence of cases across the nation including here on the Plateau. As a result of this, we are recording more daily cases in the State than previously. Sadly, we are also recording increasing number of deaths that is very worrisome. In the past weeks, we have seen some prominent persons in Plateau State and indeed across Nigeria die from COVID-19.

Lalong noted that mostly we hear of the big names but do not get to hear of the others involving people that are less prominent. This should give us serious concern because it means that the situation is bigger than what we seem to know.

He lamented that the most worrisome point here is that despite this situation, most citizens appear to be careless and reluctant to observe the COVID-19 protocols. In fact, many have abandoned and refused to observe simple protocols of wearing face masks, maintaining social distance and washing hands regularly.

Governor reiterated that this worries him a lot because this recklessness is further exposing more people to the virus and then increasing the casualty figures. While we have no intention of imposing another lockdown to avoid further damage to the economy, some members of the public are not helping us.

Lalong noted that as a government, we cannot fold our arms to witness people dying over a situation that is largely preventable. I hope we shall see a change of attitude going forward as we resume more vigorous level of enforcement of all the protocols.

He further warned that for those who are in denial and continue to misinform others that COVID-19 does not exist, I want to warn them to desist. I as the number one citizen of the State was a victim and God helped me to come out of it. I can tell you that it is not a joke and I do not wish even my enemies such experience.

He said that is why at the last State EXCO meeting, we decided to criminalize further denial of the disease in the State. In other words, if you deny the existence of the disease, keep your denial to yourself because if you are caught propagating it or instigating others to follow you, you will be arrested and prosecuted no matter how highly placed you might be.

Again, we have to re-strategize and embark on more education and sensitization particularly at the grassroots. The previous approach where we talk to stakeholders and expect them to take the message down seems to be less effective at the moment. Therefore, we are taking the message by directly engaging the people.

Governor Lalong said |I have directed that my Commissioners and other senior government officials go down and engage the people henceforth. We want to break the resistance and ensure that the people own the response. COVID-19 is a personal matter that affects people directly. They need to be involved”.

On the issue of vaccine, “I have already heard some people peddling conspiracy theories. I want to say that I will be the first to take the vaccine whenever it is available in Plateau State. Let us be careful of promoting unsubstantiated rumors”.

He noted that by the way, we are still hopeful that the drugs being developed by the Plateau State Medical Research Team which are currently undergoing clinical examination will pass the necessary approvals. This will also give us another option for prevention and treatment. At least, this is our own initiative and there is no conspiracy theory attached.

On the issues of security Governor Lalong said security remains the first priority of his administration. “We have continued to pay attention to the security of lives and property by adopting various measures to foster peaceful coexistence and also deal with crime and criminality”

He said the Government is working hard with the security agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the ugly incidences are tackled. Last month, I signed the Anti-kidnapping, Land grabbing, Cultism and Violence-related matters bill passed by the State House of Assembly into law. By that law, anyone convicted of kidnapping in Plateau State will be sentenced to death while cultism and other violent crimes attract various terms of imprisonment.

Also in December last year, we inaugurated 595 Community Police constables who were trained and deployed to the 17 Local Government Areas to assist law enforcement agencies, particularly the police in intelligence gathering and other security operations. Now that it has taken off, I expect to hear from you how best we can domesticate and own the initiative at the grassroots.

He said security is a collective responsibility, I charge you to assist the Government sensitise and mobilise all citizens to always be security conscious and take measures to protect their vicinity against criminals. Apart from exposing them, they should also embrace techniques to provide the first line of alarm and defence before security agencies respond.

“I have repeatedly said that I do not want to hear of any incidence of “unknown gunmen” terrorizing our people. We have to collaborate with the security agencies to ensure that we achieve this. They cannot do it alone. Now that we have community policing constables, we expect better security as we all support them to work.

“You may be aware of the recent alert by the Department of State Services of a threat to cause inter-religious violence by some criminal elements. We have to take this alert seriously and ensure that we report any suspicious activity to the security agencies. I also advise our people not to succumb to the divisive antics of such elements who exploit the fault lines of religion, ethnicity, politics and other sectional interests to create chaos”.

On the issue of the implementation of the new minimum wage for Local Government Employees. The Governor said I understand that they have concluded negotiations on modalities for implementation; I still need to make a few clarifications because of the misinterpretation and misinformation out there.

Those who want to be objective and say the truth know that I will be the last person to frustrate the implementation of the new minimum wage to Local Government employees having been one of the first and few Governors to agree on its implementation. Besides, I was part of the negotiation at the Federal level after which other tiers of Government were advised to go and negotiate with their employees.

He explained that following the prolonged clamour for financial autonomy of the Local Government system nationwide, the matter was finally resolved. As a result, I approved that Local Government autonomy in Plateau State should be implemented immediately. Therefore, all funds belonging to that tier of Government go straight to them. It is therefore the duty of the Local Governments to negotiate the new minimum wage with their employees based on their capacity to pay. This is the same thing that happened at the Federal and State levels.

I was therefore shocked that despite my intervention to ensure that the matter was quickly resolved through a Technical Committee, the workers embarked on protests which caused hardship to other citizens. They have also called me unprintable names forgetting that I have a soft spot for workers.

I do not need to repeat what I inherited as their salary arrears for 8 months, unpaid “no-work-no pay”, promotions of over 20 years, among others when I took over. All these they seem to have forgotten because of politics. Let me again put it on record that I am not holding local government salaries and no one should therefore call me names.

As this engagement unfolds, I expect to get feedback from you and have some of my Commissioners and relevant officers intervene where necessary.

 

No Nation developed without the active participation of women in Governance-TALLEN

                       ...DRUM UP SUPPORT FOR DADU'UT

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen drum support for the election of Professor Nora Dadu'ut at the Plateau South Senatorial by-election.

Tallen also commended the contribution of Beni Lar and other women at the National Assembly saying this goes to show that no nation develops without the active participation of women in governance.

The Minister stated these while playing host to the EXCO and Board of Trustees (BOT) of Plateau Publishers Association (PPA) led by its newly elected Chairman, Shabul Mazadu, publisher of The Beacon Newspaper who went on a courtesy call on the Minister at her residence in Jos.

Shabul, the PPA Chairman stated that the purpose of their visit was to eulogize the Minister for demonstrating great patriotism for her fatherland in the discharge of her responsibilities and her unrelenting determinations in the fight for women's rights, enthronement of Child Rights Act, war against rape and domestic violence against women and the domestication of Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, amongst other laudable accomplishments.

He said PPA is also very proud of her praiseworthy initiatives in the areas of women empowerment, provision of palliatives, determination for the actualization of girl-child education and combativeness against girl child marriage and many more are highly commendable achievements.

responding, Tallen appreciated the visit and equally praised the role of the Plateau Publishers on information disseminating and called on them to do more, as she appealed to men to always support women in all that they do.

 

 

PAAAVART Takes fight against rape to the nook and crannies of Plateau state

“Our communities are engulfed in a rape predicament”. Lady Vivien

“Women most especially the girl-child are under sieged from sex maniacs” Lady Vivien

“It is a nationwide phenomenon, and the time has come for all of us to pay it the solemn attention it deserves” Lady Vivien

President of the Peace Advancement, Action Against Violence And Rape Foundation (PAAAVARF) Lady Vivien Ebere Abara said, the rape is evil and destroys the lives of victims most especially the young girls.

Driving by the passion to curtail the menace, PAAAVARF took the sensitization campaigned to Rikkos, Utan, Apata, Mai Adiko, Zaramaganda, Kabong, Gada biu, Rukuba Road, Jenta Adamu, Jenta Mangoro, Jenta Makeri, including institution and organizations such as the Headquarters of the Nigerian Plateau State Police Command among others.

At the Headquarters of the Plateau State Police Command, the Commissioner of Police Edward Ebuka explained that the State Command has strengthened its investigation unit and they are committed to tackling the rising cases of rape, child molestation and other criminality.

Ebuka expressed that darkness has never overwhelmed light, therefore collaboration with NGOs such as Peace Advancement; Action Against Violence and Rape Foundation will help curtail the menace or eradicate it completely from the society.

Ever since PAAVART began the sensitization and awareness campaign, the communities visited are responding positively and with a renewed zeal to rise up and protect the girl-child as while as maintaining peaceful coexistence. As a result, So far alot of rape and defilement cases have being exposed and reported accordingly. Moreso, areas with high risk of rapists identified.

Abara promised not only to sustain the fight against rape, but seeks to partner with community-based organizations affiliated with the anti-rape movement that work to help victims of rape, sexual abuse, and sexual violence.

She said in line with the NGO aims and objectives PAAAVART provide a number of services, such as victim advocacy, crisis hotlines, community outreach, and education programs. As social movement organizations, they seek to change social beliefs and institutions, particularly in terms of how rape is understood by medical and legal entities and society at large.

Abara noted that Peace Advancement Action Against Violence And Rape Foundation is a Non-Governmental Organization founded to promote peace amongst Individuals, Communities, Societies and the Global World.

She said the initiative was birthed due to the incessant destructive of lives and properties through Violence, and to promote peace through the creation of violence free clubs in schools as a way to “Catch them young” and teach them the Non-Violence approach which is purely pacific Peace approach and also promote dialogue in the society which is the greatest weapon to peace advancement.

To sensitize the society especially women and girls on the need to speak up in the case of Gender Based Violence e.g. domestic violence, awareness campaign on the ills of all sort of domestic violence and abuse which have left many with permanent disabilities and dire situations and in serious cases, death.

PAAAVART seek to promote activities aimed at educative and protecting the Vulnerable, young adults and under aged against Sexual Harassment, Assault, Abuse, Rape and exposing acts that lead to them.

To promote awareness/sensitization on drug abuse and substance use by youths which is the main vice leading to violence and Rape, Interventions, campaigns on protecting the youth from being used as agents of violence.

To promote and implement human right law on the rights of children for child labor, and human trafficking.

Lady Abara noted that PAAVART is involved in training of community leaders, youths, women and men groups who serve as peer educators in their communities, conducting outreaches to churches, mosques and villages with comprehensive education on Gender Based Violence, peace, sexual harassment and the use of psychoactive substances.

The trainees also train more people who join the team of (PAAAVARF) volunteers and hold discussion forums. PAAAVARF  has a variety of behavior change and communication (BCC) materials on Gender Based Violence and Peace, drug abuse and other related issues in English, Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo languages which are distributed among beneficiaries.

Care and Support for Rape Survivors and the Most Vulnerable: PAAAVARF is committed to increasing the ability of rape survivor’s and most vulnerable people by improving their livelihood and reducing their vulnerability in target communities, through income generating activities. 

This is promoted by helping target beneficiaries to have increased knowledge on entrepreneurship and vocational skills through training and microcredit loans.

 

  Israel, UAE Strike Historic Deal to Normalise Relations

Benjamin Netanyahu and Prince Mohammed Al Nahyan brokered the agreement with US help

Israel and the United Arab Emirates have reached a deal to normalise relations, with Israel agreeing to suspend its controversial plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.

In a surprise statement by US President Donald Trump, who helped broker it, the countries called the accord "historic" and a breakthrough toward peace.

Until now Israel has had no diplomatic relations with Gulf Arab countries.

But shared worries over Iran have led to unofficial contacts between them.

Palestinian leaders were reportedly taken by surprise. A spokesman for President Mahmoud Abbas said the deal amounted to "treason", and the Palestinian ambassador to the UAE was being recalled.

President Trump called the deal between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed Al Nahyan "a truly historic moment". It marks only the third Israel-Arab peace deal since Israel's declaration of independence in 1948, after Egypt and Jordan.

"Now that the ice has been broken I expect more Arab and Muslim countries will follow the United Arab Emirates," he told reporters in the Oval Office, saying there would be a signing ceremony at the White House in the coming weeks.

Earlier, in response to a President Trump's tweeted announcement, Mr Netanyahu wrote in Hebrew: "Historic day."

A foreign policy victory?

In a TV address Mr Netanyahu said he had "delayed" West Bank annexation plans, but those plans remain "on the table". Annexation would make some West Bank areas officially part of Israel.

"There is no change in my plan to apply our sovereignty to Judea and Samaria [West Bank] in full co-ordination with the US. I'm committed to it. That hasn't changed. I remind you that I was the one who put the issue of sovereignty over Judea and Samaria on the table. This issue remains on the table," he said.

Mr Netanyahu said Israel would co-operate with the UAE in developing a coronavirus vaccine, in energy, water, environmental protection and many other fields.

Analysts say the deal could mean a foreign policy victory for President Trump, who will seek re-election in November, and give a personal boost to Prime Minister Netanyahu, who is on trial for alleged corruption.

Both leaders have seen their approval ratings drop because of their response to the coronavirus pandemic. And in Israel, some on the right who want to annex the West Bank expressed anger over the announcement.

 

The UAE's ambassador to the US, Yousef Al Otaiba, said the deal with Israel was "a win for diplomacy and for the region", adding: "It is a significant advance in Arab-Israeli relations that lowers tensions and creates new energy for positive change".

Senior Trump adviser Jared Kushner said he did not think Israel would move ahead with any annexation before discussing it first with the US. He said he expected to see interactions "very quickly" between Israel and the UAE.

Egypt signed a deal with Israel in 1979, and Jordan in 1994. Mauritania also established diplomatic ties with Israel in 1999, but froze the deal in 2009.

A significant step - but questions remain

The establishment of full diplomatic relations; the exchange of embassies; and normal trade ties between Israel and the UAE is a significant diplomatic step forward. But inevitably it raises questions. Will the full promise of this agreement be realised? And might other Gulf countries follow a similar path?

It is also important to see what it is not. This is far from the comprehensive peace plan to resolve the Palestinian question that President Trump has long promoted. However, there are short-term benefits for all sides.

The White House was first off the mark in announcing the deal; it is perhaps a small diplomatic feather in President Trump's cap at a time when his re-election prospects are looking more difficult.

For Israel's embattled Prime Minister Netanyahu, it gets him off a hook of his own making; his much-vaunted promise to annex key parts of the occupied West Bank. This has proved undeliverable, not least due to US ambivalence and significant international opposition. Mr Netanyahu may see this "peace initiative" with the UAE as something that could bolster his chances if he precipitates a further Israeli general election.

For the UAE, it is harder to say precisely what the immediate benefits are, though its relations with Washington will be strengthened and the deal with Israel may yield significant economic, security and scientific benefits.

Overall this is an agreement that potentially could offer both more and less than might first appear. And as far as the Palestinians are concerned, it is hard to see this news creating anything other than frustration, that they have once again been pushed to the sidelines.

What has been agreed?

In the coming weeks delegations from Israel and the UAE will meet to sign bilateral deals regarding investment, tourism, direct flights, security, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, culture, the environment, the establishment of reciprocal embassies, and other areas of mutual benefit.

"Opening direct ties between two of the Middle East's most dynamic societies and advanced economies will transform the region by spurring economic growth, enhancing technological innovation, and forging closer people-to-people relations," the joint statement says.

Israel will also "suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined" in President Trump's Vision for Peace between Israel and the Palestinians, in which he backed an Israeli plan to annex Jewish settlements in the West Bank and the strategic Jordan Valley.

What does Trump’s Mid-East plan say on key issues?

Explainer: Israel, annexation and the West Bank

The Palestinians have warned that such a move would destroy their hopes of a viable future independent state and violate international law - a stance supported by much of the international community.

The UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash, said the UAE's recognition of Israel was "a very bold step" to stop the "ticking time bomb" of Israel's annexation of the West Bank. He said the UAE saw this as "a stoppage of the annexation, not a suspension".

Asked about Palestinian criticism of the UAE move, he recognised that the region was very polarised and he expected to hear "the usual noise". "We agonised over this," he said, but eventually decided "let's do it".

The joint statement says Israel will "focus its efforts now on expanding ties with other countries in the Arab and Muslim world", and that the US and UAE will work to achieve that goal.

The UAE and Israel will also join the US to launch a "Strategic Agenda for the Middle East", with the three leaders noting that they "share a similar outlook regarding the threats and opportunities in the region, as well as a shared commitment to promoting stability through diplomatic engagement, increased economic integration, and closer security co-ordination".

How have others reacted?

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said "it was my profound hope that annexation did not go ahead in the West Bank and today's agreement to suspend those plans is a welcome step on the road to a more peaceful Middle East".

Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi welcomed the deal while Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said the agreement could help push ahead stalled peace negotiations.

But a senior Palestinian official, Hanan Ashrawi, condemned the deal, saying the UAE had "come out in the open on its secret dealings/normalisation with Israel" and telling Prince Mohammed: "May you never be sold out by your 'friends'."

Iran's Tasnim news agency, linked to Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, called the accord "shameful". And in Gaza, the Hamas militant group called the dea

PLATEAU STATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIFIED STAFF GOT TRANSFERRED.

By Walbe Orgak

In order to repositioned the Local Government for improved performance, to boost the morale of staffs and also perform one of the cardinal objectives of creating the Local governments; that is unifying the state through staff transfer. The Permanent Secretary Plateau State Local Government Service Commission, Henry K. Lankwap, has today 27th July, 2020, announced the transfer of 7,551 Local Government unified staff to the various 17 Local Government of the State.

 

Miskoom Henry Lankwap while addressing Local Government Directors of Personal Management and the media revealed that the transfer affects 7,551 out of 10, 378 unified staffs of the Local Governments.

The Permanent Secretary said “I am indeed highly honoured to make this address today on the true position of the speculations, agitation and misleading information on the long awaited transfer of unified staff of the seventeen (17) Local Government Council which took place last in 2005”.

He said, "As you are aware, His Excellency the Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong on assumption of the duty during his first tenure graciously appointed Commission members, made up of the Chairman, two Permanent members and by law, two part time members to run the affairs of the Local Government Service Commission. On assumption, members embarked on a familiarization tour of the 17 Local Government Councils in the State to interact with its staffers where four basic demands were made to include; No work no pay, lack of promotion, lack of conversion and transfer, amongst others".

 

Miskoom Lankwap further said “immediately after the tour, they swung into action by implementing the first three demands except the issue of transfer which was delayed due to the dissolution of the full commission members in June 2019”.

The Permanent Secretary discloses that “based on the foregoing and of course the dire need for continuity. He wrote a memo to His Excellency, to allow the Permanent Secretary and Directors of the Commission carryout the exercise for staffers of the 17 Local Government Councils who have stagnated in the same station for a period of over 15 years and above, a situation which had seriously dampened their moral thereby affecting productivity in the system, His Excellency graciously granted approval to do so”.

He also also revealed that the commission also in conjunction with the following relevant agencies like; Plateau Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (PRUWASSA), Plateau Value Chain Support Project, National Social Investment Programme, State Cash Transfer Unit, Primary Health Care Development Agency and Plateau Football Association all contributed in transferring staff responsible for implementing World Bank Programmes and Projects Supported by UNICEF, EU etc.

He said “special priority was also given to those who submitted medical reports and were considered. Where there are conflicting interests from the aforementioned Agencies, the mother ministry was given priority”.

On the completion of the transfer exercise, another memo was written to the Executive Governor requesting him to kindly consider and approve the release of the transfer of the proposed unified staff of the seventeen (17) Local Government Councils, and those of the Local Government Service Commission which we are about to witness today.

Miskoom Lankwap also appreciate the full support of His Excellency and the contributions of these partners mentioned above as well as the cordial relationship with the 3 Tripartite Union and the media (Press) in the process of bringing back the lost glory of the Local Government Service in Plateau State.

 

The Permanent Secretary said in order to handle the task ahead the Directors of Personal Management are requested to constitute a committee in their individual councils for the proper documentation of all staff involved to give room for a smooth and seem less exercise in the interest of service please.

The Chairman National Union of Local Government Employee, NULGE Comrade Samson Mafuyai said they are fully in support of the initiatives but appeal to the authorities to consider those who will come with genuine appeal and also the issues of disturbances allowances should be considered.