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Tag: Simon Lalong

  • APC postpones presidential campaign rally in Oyo indefinitely

    APC postpones presidential campaign rally in Oyo indefinitely

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has postponed its presidential campaign rally scheduled for Tuesday in Ibadan indefinitely.

    The party’s Publicity Secretary in Oyo State, Mr Olawale Sadare stated in Ibadan on Monday that the decision was taken by the Gov. Simon Lalong-led Presidential Campaign Council in view of current realities in the nation.

    “We need to allow President Muhammadu Buhari to work around the situation and ensure that normalcy returns, particularly as it concerns fuel and currency notes crises.

    “At Oyo APC, we were convinced that it was necessary to go ahead with the event in order not to play into the hands of some antidemocratic forces who do not want the general elections to hold,’’ it stated.

    The party expressed regret that current cash crunch and its effect on the populace, fuel scarcity and hike in the pump price of petrol compelled it to take the decision.

    “We regret to announce the indefinite postponement of our presidential rally earlier slated for Tuesday. The decision was taken in consideration of the prevailing challenges facing the nation,’’ Sadare stated.

    He added that a new date for the rally would be announced in due course, while assuring that the APC would host its presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in no distant future.

    The party appealed for calm among its loyalists and assured that the party would be victorious at the forthcoming general elections.

  • Gov Lalong begs for forgiveness as Plateau marks Forgiveness Day

    Gov Lalong begs for forgiveness as Plateau marks Forgiveness Day

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau State pleaded with residents of the State on Sunday to forgive government over the current hardships being experienced by the cashless policy and fuel scarcity.

    The governor made the plea at an interdenominational service at St. Monica Catholic Church, Jos, to mark the 2023 Plateau Forgiveness Day.

    He said that the situation had been of concern to governors who were having series of meetings with the president to address the situation.

    “On behalf of all of us, we apologise for the pain being inflicted on the society and we ask for forgiveness,’’ the governor said.

    Lalong prayed that the Federal Government would look into the hardships and review the policy.

    He said the Plateau Forgiveness Day celebrated annually on Feb. 7 was conceived as part of efforts to continue the restoration of peace.

    It was also conceived to remind the younger generation that the state is home of peace, hospitality and tourism, he added.

    The governor explained that the day was marked to strengthen peace processes, using the Plateau Peace Building Agency to coordinate its initiatives.

    “The Day of Forgiveness which was unveiled and launched by Mr President in 2018 has since then been implemented by the Plateau Peace Building Agency.

    “We established it as the first in the country with the sole responsibility of coordinating and implementing all our efforts towards removing toxic narratives, crisis merchandising, violence and tackling root causes of disharmony and intolerance.

    “The day is to appeal to our conscience and take us to the path of forgiving the past, and looking ahead to the future that will be devoid of ugly experiences,’’ Lalong said.

    He thanked the Church for supporting him in the discharge of his duties and for preaching forgiveness which is one of its pillars, stressing that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but of strength.

    He dispelled rumours that many villages had been taken over by herdsmen.

    “I can say authoritatively that there is no report on my table that any village has been taken over,’’ he said.

    The governor added that the Anti-Land Grabbing Law of 2020 was enacted to prevent such situation and urged communities to report such attempts instead of going to social media to politicise it.

    In his remarks, the Catholic Archbishop of Jos Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Audu, thanked the governor for conceiving the Forgiveness Day and urged him to legislate it for continuity.

    He advised the involvement of stakeholders, especially those in the rural areas affected by insecurity, to achieve the objectives of the Forgiveness Day.

    The archbishop urged Plateau people to vote for credible persons irrespective of their parties, saying that only the action would ensure good governance.

    Audu in his homily also urged Christians to be the light of the world, and to make positive difference wherever they found themselves.

  • Gov. Simon Lalong to return missionary schools to owners

    Gov. Simon Lalong to return missionary schools to owners

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau, has promised to return missionary schools in the state to their original owners.

    Lalong made the promise when the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Jos.

    In a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Dr Makut Macham, on Sunday in Jos, Lalong said that the missionary schools would be returned to their original owners as soon as the committee set up to look into the matter submitted its report.

    He thanked the association for picking the state to host its 14th National Conference, and commended the members over their contributions to the growth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    The governor also commended them for their efforts in raising leaders, who had made impact in different fields.

    Earlier in her remarks, the National President of the Association, Dame Esther Uduehi, thanked Lalong for his commitment to service and his efforts towards changing the negative narrative of the state.

    According to Uduehi, since the governor assumed office as governor of Plateau, he has made the state safe and attractive for tourists and investors, and has improved the lives of the people through laudable projects and programmes.

    She urged him to sustain the tempo for the remaining part of his administration, so as to leave an enduring legacy for the people.

    Uduehi also appreciated his devotion to the Catholic Church, and constant involvement in activities that related to the propagation of the gospel.

    Special prayers were conducted for Lalong by the association during the visit.

  • Lalong commends security agencies over rescue of kidnapped victims

    Lalong commends security agencies over rescue of kidnapped victims

    Plateau state Gov. Simon Lalong has commended security agencies for rescuing 10 persons kidnapped by bandits in Bashar, Wase Local Government Area.

    The governor gave the commendation in a statement by his Spokesperson, Dr Makut Macham, on Monday in Jos.

    He said that the agencies worked in collaboration with the vigilante and hunter groups for the success of the operation.

    He said that the prompt action of the agencies ensured that all the kidnapped persons and other stolen items were recovered.

    Meanwhile, Lalong also directed security forces to immediately confront attackers threatening the lives of people in villages around Bokkos Local Government Area, describing the recent spate of attacks as unacceptable.

    “The attackers must be fished out and not allowed to go unpunished.

    “On 8th October 2022, gunmen attacked Kuliyas Village in Butura, Bokkos killing 4 persons including the village head.

    “This is coming after other reported isolated killings in other villages of Follo, Karara, Bokkos, and Mangor as well as the kidnap of some students at All Nation’s Academy who were eventually rescued by security forces,” he said.

    Lalong also decried the level of criminality being perpetrated, saying it must be addressed holistically by security agencies in collaboration with the traditional and community leaders through the structures of community policing and vigilante groups.

    He warned criminals that his administration would not allow them to return the days of darkness to the state under any guise.

    The governor sympathised with the families of the victims and assured them that those behind the attacks would pay for their actions.

    He also called for vigilance among the residents and timely dissemination of intelligence to security agencies for pragmatic action to prevent such attacks.

  • VIDEO: Shettima, Lalong, Oshiomhole, others receive Tinubu at the airport

    VIDEO: Shettima, Lalong, Oshiomhole, others receive Tinubu at the airport

    Vice Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 elections, Senator Kashim Shettima on Thursday received Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presidential candidate of the party as he arrives in the country from the United Kingdom (UK).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Shettima, who is the Senator representing Borno Central District in the National Assembly and Former Governor of Borno State, was joined by the Director General (DG) of the APC presidential campaign council, Governor Simon Lalong to receive Tinubu.

    They were joined by former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomole and other political associates to receive the APC presidential candidate back to the country.

    Watch video below:

    Recall that Tinubu had two weeks ago left Nigeria for the UK as parties commenced campaigns for the 2023 elections. This stirred reactions. Critics claim his absence when political campaigns have kickstarted suggests there might be issues. Others claim the former Lagos State governor was on a medical visit to the UK.

  • APC postpones kick-off of presidential campaign indefinitely

    APC postpones kick-off of presidential campaign indefinitely

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has postponed the kick-off of its campaigns earlier scheduled to hold on Wednesday, September 28.

    The Director-General, of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, September 27.

    According to him, the adjustment of the timetable and schedule of activities is in order to accommodate growing interests shown by various political tendencies in being party of the campaign council. He mentioned that a new date for the kick-off would be announced soon.

    The statement reads “Recall that we had earlier earmarked a peace walk and prayers for Wednesday, September 28, 2022, to  officially kick-off our campaigns for the 2023 Presidential Elections. We had also announced that the members of the Campaign Council report at the Campaign Headquarters on that day to collect their letters of appointments.

    “However, due to the expansion of the list to accommodate more stakeholders and interests within the APC family, we have decided to adjust the time-table of these activities in order to ensure everyone is on board before activities officially commence. Consequently, the activities earlier announced for the 28th of September will no longer hold.

    “As the ruling and most attractive party in Nigeria, we understand the sacrifices and understanding of our teeming members who are more than willing to volunteer themselves for this great task ahead. It also shows the enormous love that the party members have for our candidates.

    “A new date and time-table of events will be announced soon”.

  • What Bishop Kukah means for Nigeria – Northern Governors

    What Bishop Kukah means for Nigeria – Northern Governors

    The Northern Governors Forum says the contributions of the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, to the development of democracy are significant in sustaining national unity and empowerment.

    The forum eulogized the cleric in a statement by its Chairman, Gov Simon Lalong of Plateau to mark his 70th birthday. The statement was issued by Lalong’s spokesperson, Dr. Makut Macham on Wednesday in Jos.

    The statement said that the Northern Governors acknowledged his contributions to addressing Nigeria’s challenges in education, the justice system, administration, and in eradicating poverty.

    According to it, they also thank him for his contributions to ensuring sustainable peaceful co-existence through his various advocacy and sensitization at different fora.

    “Bishop Kukah has played a critical role in advancing Nigeria’s democracy and promoting credible, violence-free, and acceptable elections as the Convener of the National Peace Committee headed by Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar,” they observed in the statement.

    It said that they also noted his contributions in steering national discourse and engagement through his foundation — The Kukah Centre.

    “The forum commended him for his love for humanity and speaking against injustice and oppression.

    “The forum lauded his passion and determination to mentor the youths on their role as future leaders of the country, by inspiring them to look beyond Nigeria’s current challenges and work for a better nation.

    “The forum and Nigeria at large shall continue to benefit from his wealth of knowledge, experience, and wise counsel,” they noted in the statement.

    It said that the forum wished him many more years of God’s blessings, good health, and protection.

  • Pope: Your apology has been accepted – Catholic Archbishop tells Gov Lalong

    Pope: Your apology has been accepted – Catholic Archbishop tells Gov Lalong

    Archbishop Matthew Audu, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos has said the apology of Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State over his recent comment on the Holy Father, Pope Francis has been accepted.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Archbishop Audu disclosed this on Tuesday in Jos at the opening mass for the 2022 General Assembly of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos.

    Audu said that the church encourages its members to go into politics to make a difference and stand for truth, justice and fairness at all times.

    ”Since our President has accepted your apology, so goes with all of us Bishops, but let this be a sincere apology and not that you are buying time.

    ”Yes, we encourage Catholics to go into politics to a make difference, but where you cannot make a difference, learn to say no. As a leader, learn to consult widely before taking any critical decision,” he said.

    Audu advised Nigerians, particularly Catholics to desist from making unpalatable statements against the governor and urged them to pray for him at all times.

    On the APC Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, the archbishop advised politicians to desist from actions that would further tear the country apart.

    Recall that Lalong had recently said that the Pope endorsed his appointment as the Director General of the presidential campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The comment didn’t go down well with majority of Catholics and Christians alike.

    But, Lalong, who was at the event as Special Guest of Honour, said that his comment was misconstrued to be disrespectful to the Pope.

    The Governor, who said he was human and could make mistakes, sought for forgiveness from Catholics all over the world over the comment.

    ”I have apologised, I hope my apology is granted and I’m forgiven. I feel very fine now and as we go forward I will be more careful.

    ”Anytime I make mistakes, I don’t feel ashamed to seek for forgiveness and this is why in the Catholic Church we go to the priests for confession every Saturday. I’m not perfect and I will not be afraid of making mistakes,” he said.

    Lalong, however, thanked the Catholic Church for playing key role in achieving relative peace being enjoyed in the state, urging the church not to relent in supporting government’s policies and programmes.

    He urged politicians to unite and work toward the progress and development of the state, insisting that such unity was needed for growth of the state.

    ”May I appeal to my colleagues, my brothers and sisters in politics, to take a cue from the example displayed by the Catholic Church by closing ranks and seeing ourselves as God’s workers.

    ”That way, we can see Plateau and Nigeria as God’s field and building where we can all play our roles in fulfilling His purpose.

    ”Speaking for myself, I can say that my roots as a Catholic have shaped my thinking in this regard and enabled me to see governance as a duty to serve the people irrespective of their differences and affiliations.

    ”Love, justice, fairness and equity are my principal considerations at all times when decisions need to be taken, particularly difficult ones,” Lalong said.

  • 2023: Gov Lalong recants, apologizes to Catholic Church over Pope gaffe

    2023: Gov Lalong recants, apologizes to Catholic Church over Pope gaffe

    Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has explained how he emerged as the Director General of the campaign organisation of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu.

    Lalong said that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, his appointment was not a compensation to the Christian communities in the North for losing out on the vice presidential slot.

    Addressing journalists in Abuja as part of efforts to showcase his achievements in office and denounce the widely held view that he was chosen to lead the APC campaign because of the issue surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the party, Lalong said it was the Progressives Governors Forum (NGF) that chose him because of his strategic position as its chairman.

    Narrating what actually happened, the governor said that after the candidate of the party nominated his running mate, the APC governors met him to discuss the way forward.

    He said the governors told Tinubu that they fought for the presidency to move to the South and expected to be consulted on the vice presidential candidate and director-general of the campaign council.

    “They all agreed that I should lead the campaign because I am the chairman of the NGF and also because I was the one who took them to the president to argue that presidency must go to the South. So I am seen as a rallying point. It was not part of religious consideration,” he said.

  • Gov Lalong clinches APC senatorial ticket for Plateau South

    Gov Lalong clinches APC senatorial ticket for Plateau South

    Gov Simon Lalong of Plateau, has clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC), ticket to contest for the Plateau South Senatorial District seat in the 2023 General Elections.

    Lalong emerged unopposed at the primary election, held on Saturday, at the Zonal Headquarters of the senatorial district in Shendam Local Government Area (LGA), of the state.

    In a press release on Saturday in Jos by the governor’s spokesperson, Dr Makut Macham, Lalong thanked members of the APC in the zone for giving him their mandate, saying he will not disappoint them.

    The governor was announced winner by the chairman of the election panel, Hon. Titi Oseni, who said Lalong got 335 out of the 340 votes, while five were invalid.

    He promised he would use his experience as a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, governor and lawyer, to attract development opportunities to the zone and the entire state.

    The governor thanked the Plateau legacy group for purchasing the senatorial nomination form for him to contest, while urging party members to remain steadfast ahead of the general elections.

    He expressed confidence over APC’s victory, not only for the senate, but for all other elective offices.

    Lalong assured Plateau people of the party’s commitment to the acceleration of development in the state.

    He also thanked the APC in Plateau for the peaceful conduct of all its primary elections, as well as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for effective monitoring of the exercise.