Tag: simon lalong

Again, Lalong And Family Test Negative To COVID-19

A file photo of Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong.

 

 

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, members of his family, his closed aides have all tested negative to coronavirus (COVID-19) for the second time.

The governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Makut Macham, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

He explained that Governor Lalong and his household took another test as a result of the recent cases recorded within his cabinet, such as a commissioner and his Chief of Staff testing positive for the disease.

Macham noted that the governor and members of his family subjected themselves to another test on Saturday, having taken the test earlier in April which all turned out negative.

In his reaction, Governor Lalong said, “I have continued to encourage people to subject themselves to COVID-19 test which is very important for us to determine the magnitude of the disease and level of the spread, in order to curb the further spread and treat people before they get to critical stages.

“Submitting myself and family to another test was, therefore, necessary as part of leadership by example and also responding to the recent cases of one of my commissioners and Chief of Staff who were confirmed positive.”

The governor, who reiterated that COVID-19 was not a death sentence, advised the people to always take personal responsibility for their health and the health of others.

According to him, this can be achieved by adhering to the guidelines put in place to fight the disease such as the mandatory use of face masks, social distancing, hand washing, and use of sanitisers.

Governor Lalong revealed that so far, the testing capacity in Plateau has increased as more people were being tested daily at the NVRI Laboratory in Vom and the TB Reference Laboratory at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.

He added that efforts were being made to have the testing also conducted at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, stressing that about 6,000 people have been tested in the state as of July 5.

The governor, therefore, directed continued enforcement of compliance to COVID-19 guidelines, particularly in public places, warning that violators would be sanctioned accordingly.

He also warned against stigmatising infected persons, insisting that unless the disease was demystified, it would be difficult to overcome.

Plateau Commissioner Tests Positive For COVID-19

A file photo of Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong.

 

The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Abe Aku has tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

This was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dan Manjang.

Following this development, Governor Simon Lalong directed all members of the State Executive Council to undergo COVID-19 tests and thereafter isolate themselves.

Aku explained that based on the governor’s directive, specimens of the commissioners are to be taken and forwarded to the COVID-19 Laboratory at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom for testing.

Meanwhile, the state government has asked members of the public to be guided by unnecessary visits to members of the State Executive Council while they are in isolation.

This is to prevent the possible spread of the disease and to show leadership by example after Governor Lalong and his family have carried out the test earlier where all of them tested negative.

 

COVID-19: Plateau Bans Movement Within State

A file photo of Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong.

 

The Plateau State Government has banned all movements within the state in order to curb the community spread of COVID-19.

In his address on Thursday, Governor Simon Lalong said the move is part of his administration’s efforts in tackling the virus following the only confirmed case in the state.

The governor noted that ban on movement from local government to local government in the state as well as the ban on all entry and exit points to the state is in continuation of total lockdown imposed on residents.

READ ALSO: Ramadan: Taraba Govt Distributes Food Items To Muslim Communities

“In addition to the total lockdown which closed movement in and out of the State, and in order to curb community spread of COVID-19, Government has decided to close all intra-State borders with effect from 4th May 2020.

“Consequently, there shall be no movement from one Local Government to another even during the period when the total lockdown is relaxed, except for those on essential services as earlier enumerated.

“The total lockdown which resumed midnight Sunday, April 26th 2020, shall be relaxed from Midnight of Thursday 30th April 2020 to Midnight of Sunday 3rd May 2020 to enable people again re-stock their homes. Thereafter, the total lockdown will resume on Monday 4th May 2020,” he said.

Governor Lalong noted that the three-day window permitted by the state government will enable citizens to restock their homes ahead of the continuation of the lockdown Sunday midnight.

COVID-19 Index Case: Lalong Asks Plateau Residents Not To Panic

A file photos of Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong.

 

 

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has urged residents to remain calm following the confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state.

He made the appeal in a statement on Friday by the Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr Ninkong Lar Ndam.

Hours after the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announced the index case of the disease in Plateau, Governor Lalong asked the residents not to panic.

He urged them to continue to imbibe good personal and respiratory hygiene, social distancing, and avoid crowded places and stay at home.

READ ALSO: Plateau Records Index Case Of Coronavirus

The governor also called on the residents to be vigilant and report any suspected case to the appropriate authorities.

He asked them to assist the government in enforcing the border closure directive which he said was one of the key measures adopted to curb the spread of the disease.

According to the health commissioner, the COVID-19 test was conducted on one suspected person who came into Jos, the state capital from Kano on Friday last week.

He said the patient was quarantined following his arrival and upon exhibiting symptoms, the nasal and oropharyngeal swab were taken and sent to the NVRI Vom Laboratory for COVID-19 testing.

“Sadly, the result which was released on Thursday, 23rd April 2020 returned positive, thereby making the patient the state index case.

“The patient has since been isolated and is a stable and good medical condition,” the statement said.

Ndam revealed that the State Surveillance Team immediately commenced contact tracing to investigate the case further and institute other public health measures to curb the spread of the disease in the state.

Plateau Killings: Lalong Orders Arrest Of Community Leaders As Death Toll Hits 22

A file photos of Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong.

 

 

Death toll has risen to 22 in the killings in some communities in the central zone of Plateau State.

Governor Simon Lalong confirmed the casualty figure on Tuesday when he met with the community leaders at the Government House in Jos, the state capital.

While appraising the security situation before it gets out of hand, he stated his displeasure with the efforts of the security agencies and the role of leaders in some of the communities that have been under severe attacks recently.

READ ALSO: 13 Killed In Fresh Plateau Attack

The governor decried the latest attacks where gunmen invaded Ruboi and Marish communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of the state.

During the unfortunate incident, at least 15 people were killed and five others injured with several buildings destroyed.

 

Governor Lalong read the riot act at the meeting and condemned the activities of those he called elements who were bent on taking the state back to the dark days of chaos.

He, therefore, ordered the arrest of community leaders in the affected areas until the suspects involved in the various attacks were produced.

The Commissioner of Police in Plateau, Mr Isaac Akinmoyede, was among the stakeholders present at the meeting.

In his briefing, he cautioned the community leaders against instigating members to take up arms in situations that would have been resolved amicably and not to harbour criminals in their domain.

The meeting held two days after Channels Television reported that 13 were killed in an attack by gunmen on Kwatas village also in Bokkos Local Government Area of the state.

According to police authorities in the state, the assailants suspected to be herdsmen attacked the village on Sunday night while five others were left critically injured.

Kwatas is a community located close to the Plateau State University in the central zone of the state.

PHOTOS: Uzodinma, Lalong Present As Osinbajo Chairs NEC Meeting

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, Osun’s Gboyega Oyetola and Ondo Governor, Rotimi Oyetola at the National Economic Summit at the Presidential Villa on January 23, 2020.

 

 

The first National Economic Council (NEC) meeting of the year has taken place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the meeting took place on Thursday with governors of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, Plateau State, Simon Lalong and Benue State, Samuel Ortom in attendance.

Other governors in attendance were Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, and Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, were absent but were represented by their deputies.

See photos below:

Buhari Congratulates APC, Ganduje, Lalong Over Supreme Court’s Verdict

File photo of President Muhammadu Buhari.

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Supreme Court judgement that upheld the election of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State and Simon Lalong of Plateau State on Monday.

The President felicitated with the APC National Executive Council, National Working Committee and all members for what he described as their loyalty and consistency that translated into many victories, “particularly the politically strategic states, Kano and Plateau, after tough legal challenges”.

“I am glad this tortuous journey has ended in favour of the party and our governors,” he said, in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu.

“APC won the states and has proved it in court. It would have been a major blow if strategically important states like Kano and Plateau are lost.”

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Supreme Court Upholds Simon Lalong’s Election As Plateau Governor

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While congratulating all the APC governors whose elections were affirmed by the Supreme Court, the President urged electorates and politicians to strengthen the country’s judicial processes by always seeking redress in court.

“It has now become standard procedure for the opposition to challenge any poll or judgement that does not return its candidates.

“Election is good when they win. The opposite is the case if someone else emerges. But that is not the way it works. Democracy is not only about who wins or who loses, but also about the process. In disparaging every unfavourable result or judgement, they disparage the entire system.”

Appeal Court Upholds Lalong’s Election As Plateau Governor

Court of Appeal, Jos Division.

 

The Elections Petition Appeal sitting in Jos, Plateau State capital on Friday upheld the election of Simon Lalong as the duly elected Governor of the state.

In the lead judgement delivered by Honourable Justice Adumein Otisi, the appeal of Jeremiah Useni and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was dismissed for lack of merit and align with the Election Tribunal decision affirming the elections of Governor Simon Lalong.

READ ALSO: ‘It’s Benue Peoples Victory,’ Ortom Lauds Appeal Court Verdict

The sum of N200,000 is also awarded as cost in favour the Governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Plateau State Election Tribunal had earlier in October upheld the election victory of Lalong.

Justice Halimat Saleeman, in a unanimous decision of the tribunal threw out the petitioner’s case on the grounds that the petition is weak along the line of law and therefore cannot sway justice to the side of the petitioner.

Tribunal Ruling: Buhari Congratulates Ganduje, Lalong

President Muhammadu Buhari with Governors Simon Lalong (Plateau), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), and David Umahi (Ebonyi) in Abuja shortly before travelling to South Africa on October 2, 2019.

 

 

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday congratulated Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State and Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State on the affirmation of their victories in their respective State Governorship Election Petition Tribunals.

The President celebrated with the two governors in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, following their victories at the Tribunals.

President Buhari, who travelled with the two governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to South Africa on a State Visit, extended his goodwill to the duo shortly before departure from the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

He described the verdict of the Tribunals as a victory for democracy, commending the people of Kano and Plateau States for maintaining the peace.

RELATED
Tribunal Upholds Ganduje’s Election Victory
Governorship Election: Tribunal Upholds Lalong’s Victory

The President also thanked the people for allowing the due process of law to prevail and respecting the role of the judiciary in a democracy.

With the elections and tribunals now behind, he urged the governors to unite their states by focusing more on inclusive and accountable governance.

President Buhari also asked them to ensure that all APC programmes targeted at improving the welfare of Nigerians were fully implemented in their states.

He gave assurance that the Federal Government would continue to work with states to create economic growth that benefits everyone, as well as security for human lives, investments, and the environment.

Northern Governors Adopt FG’s Livestock Transformation Plan

Chairman of Northern Governors Forum and Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong.

 

 

Governors of the 19 Northern States have adopted the Federal Government’s National Livestock Transformation Plan.

The governors also resolved to implement the entire roadmap of the plan in all member-states.

They made the resolution during an emergency meeting of the Northern Governors Forum which held on Thursday at the Government House in Kaduna State.

READ ALSO: Buhari Will Defeat Atiku At ‘World Court’, Says Oshiomhole

Chairman of the forum and Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, disclosed this to reporters at the end of the meeting which lasted several hours.

Governor Lalong explained that the forum adopted the plan with hopes that it would address both economic and security challenges posed by the incessant conflicts between herders and farmers in the country.

He also called on state governments that were not included in the pilot scheme of the plan to key into it.

The increasing clashes between farmers and herders have recently become worrisome especially in wetland areas of the middle belt, north-central, and southern part of the country.

Violent conflicts between the two parties who are prominent stakeholders in the country’s agricultural sector have escalated in recent times and spreading southwards, thereby threatening Nigeria’s security and stability.

As part of the Federal Government efforts to tackling the crisis, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, inaugurated the National Livestock Transformation Plan On Tuesday at the Gongoshi Grazing Reserve in Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The government believes the plan, which is to be implemented in seven pilot states of Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara, will develop Nigeria’s livestock sector and also reduce the incessant conflicts between herders and farmers.

With the launching of the programme in Adamawa, the governors at Thursday’s meeting noted that that the stage is set for all northern states to key into it.

Although the resolution of the meeting sounded unanimous, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, represented by his deputy, Benson Abounu, said his state would only implement the plan if its conforms with the Benue laws on ranching of animals and the anti-open grazing laws.

Plateau Election Tribunal Reserves Jugdement In Suit Against Lalong

FILE PHOTO: Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong

 

The Plateau State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has reserved judgement in a petition filed against Governor Simon Lalong and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The tribunal reached the decision after all the parties involved in the suit presented their submissions for the final written addresses and outlined their various positions in respect of the petition.

READ ALSO: Tribunal Sacks Dino Melaye As Senator, Orders Fresh Election

Leading counsel to the petitioners, Mike Ezekhome during the tribunal on Friday urged the tribunal to make a consequential order sacking Governor Simon Lalong from office and in his place order for the swearing-in of the second runner up, Jeremiah Useni.

According to the counsel, this is owing to the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to follow its guidelines in the conduct of the 2019 Plateau State Governorship Elections.

He argued that Governor Simon Lalong was not qualified to contest the said elections.

Counsels to the respondents, INEC, APC and Governor Lalong, after the adoption of their written addresses urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition since it has not been proven by the petitioners.

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Halima Suleeman in the ruling after the submission of parties in the petition says that the date for judgement in the petition would be communicated to all parties in due course.

The petition challenging Lalong’s victory was filed by Jeremiah Useni and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Plateau State Governorship Election Petition had seventy-seven witnesses which appeared for both the petitioners and respondents. The petition involves disputes across 742 polling units with several documents and exhibits presented during proceedings.

Simon Lalong Emerges Chairman Of Northern Governors Forum

Plateau Governor Simon Lalong Re-Elected For A Second Term
A file photo of Plateau Governor, Simon Lalong.

 

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has emerged chairman of the Northern Governors Forum for another four years.

He was elected by his colleagues during the meeting of the Northern Governors Forum which held in Kaduna on Friday.

At the meeting which is the forum’s first of the year, the governors also agreed to set up a joint financial institution that will galvanize rapid socio-economic development within the region and enable it attain some degree of financial independence.

READ ALSO: Northern Governors To Meet Buhari Over Insecurity In Region

The governors also resolved to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari over the security challenges in the region.

The meeting of the northern governors which later went into closed door, is expected to receive briefing on the security situation across states as well as submissions from officials of the northern Nigerian development company on the successes made in the areas of oil exploration in the lake chad basin, as well as reviving the collapsed Kaduna textile factory owned by the 19 northern states.