Read Speech of the executive governor of plateau state his
excellency, rt. Hon. (dr) simon bako lalong, on the occasion of the 58th
independence anniversary of the federal republic of nigeria. Monday, 1st
october, 2018.
FELLOW CITIZENS,
Today marks another significant milestone in our political
history as our great country clocks 58 years of independence from british
colonial rule. This country has indeed come a long way. On behalf of my family
and the government, i congratulate all citizens and nigerians in general on
this special occasion. Indeed, we have every reason to celebrate and thank god
almighty for his benevolence and keeping us as one united nation.It is sad that we are celebrating this year’s independence
with heavy hearts, considering the recent unfortunate incidences at rukuba
road, and some areas in the jos metropolis. Some innocent citizens were
attacked and killed by agents of evil and destruction. While strongly
condemning this tragic incidence, i wish to, on behalf of the government,
commiserate with families of the bereaved; while the security agencies have
been tasked to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to justice.Government appreciates security concerns on the recurrent
violent attacks on some communities in the state. My administration also feels
deeply concerned, and have directed security agencies to continue their
tireless efforts at nipping the incidents in the bud. I therefore dedicate this
year’s independence message to the deceased and their families as well as the
unfortunately displaced citizens who have been dislocated from their homes by
senseless violent attacks, and living under various forms of trauma and
deprivations. My prayer still goes out to all the victims with the assurance
that this administration will not leave any stone unturned towards ensuring
that critical issues of resettlement are properly addressed. I am glad that the
special committee on the resettlement of displaced persons constituted by the
administration is working round the clock to ensure early return of the idps to
their ancestral homes before the end of the year, while more radical measures
are being taken to contain the situation within the ambits of the law.In the justice sector, and as part of addressing the
challenges of peace, security and good governance, we have embarked on
aggressive law reforms, and just last week i assented to three bills passed by
the state house of assembly, namely,1. The
plateau state information and technology development agency law 2018. This law
oversees the implementation of efficient e-governance policy and institutional
linkages;2. Domestication
of the administration of criminal justice law, 2018; and3. The penal
code law of plateau state, 2018, which repeals the penal code law of northern
nigeria, 1963.Signing of these laws marked another watershed in
strengthening both institutional and legal framework. The domestication of the
administration of criminal justice law and the penal code law fulfil our desire
to robustly ensure that we put an end to reigns of impunity by suspects of
terrorist crimes, farmland trespasses; emerging patterns of land grabbing;
cattle rustling and cases of pure criminality such as acts of terrorism, arson,
impersonation, girl-child, defilement and child stealing, etc.As new procedural framework, these laws will also ensure the
speedy trial of suspects with stiffer sentences to serve as deterrent, as
against the old, weak framework, with technicalities and delays that often
prolong criminal cases for years. Most importantly, criminals arrested in the
state will no longer be whisked away to abuja for trial, but promptly tried
within the boundaries of our state and given the appropriate punishments, if
found guilty.This year’s message would not be too different as i seize
this opportunity to give god the glory for enabling us to strive to meet the
accompanying challenges of development, especially as it affects our
well-being, unity and peaceful co-existence. Plateau state has, over the years,
played critical roles in the nigerian project, just as she has equally shared
in the herculean task of nation-building through the contributions of some of
her eminent sons and daughters.Our development outlook.
As we soberly reflect on the challenges and prospects of our
development over the years, the journey has been quite challenging, but with
determination we collectively kept the state going. At the ripe age of 58 years
as an independent nation, a lot is still expected of us in the crucial tasks of
nationhood and development. These can only be guaranteed if we imbibe the core
values of peace, unity, equity and justice. I therefore implore the citizens to
reflect on the issues that have slowed down our progress over the years, while
assisting in making inputs on how to further move this great state forward.I have severally, in my various state broadcasts and
speeches, presented catalogue of achievements of this administration in the
last three years, despite challenges. There is still hope for the state as we
continue to deliver on our electoral promises. As a government, we would not
shy away from our responsibility to fulfil our mandate under the 5-pillar
policy thrusts that are designed to cater for the yearnings and aspirations of
the people.Over the years, we have, as a people-oriented government,
touched on all critical sectors that moved the state forward. What is required
now, especially at the threshold of the end of our first tenure is
consolidation of the gains made so far in the areas of social services
delivery, namely, education and human capital development, health, employment,
food security and infrastructure development. Government has recently mobilized
back to site all the contractors handling the 22 rural road projects spread
across the state, which were partially stopped because of the rainy season. Let
me assure all and sundry that these projects are very dear to our hearts and
god willing, will all be completed and commissioned before may 29, 2019.In the administrative circle, recent creation and upgrading
of chiefdoms and districts are aimed at bringing government nearer to the
grassroots. Let me strongly reiterate that it is a continuous exercise aimed at
giving high sense of belonging and security to citizens of the state,
especially as it relates to creation of more village areas, districts and
chiefdoms.Once again, i assure citizens that funds accruing to us,
including the paris club debt refunds have been judiciously utilized and we
intend to sustain that fiscal discipline.Above all, in the spirit of integrity, accountability and
transparency in leadership as earlier highlighted in my 3rd year anniversary
broadcast of 29th may 2018, we shall once more unveil and present an updated
account of our score card in the critical areas of development as requested by
the people during our townhall meetings prior to, and at the inception of the
administration. This will further demonstrate our commitment to deepening good
governance and institutional reforms whereby all our efforts and achievements
are laid bare for citizens to see for themselves.The forthcoming local government elections and expectations.
Fellow citizens, let me take this opportunity to remind us
that in line with the announcement by plateau state independent electoral
commission (plasiec), all eligible and registered voters in the state will, on
wednesday 10th october 2018, file out to exercise their franchise in electing
representatives at the local government level. We also remain firmly committed
to the peoples’ yearnings and aspirations to have democratically-elected
structures at the local government level.As a government, we have ensured prompt responses to all
logistic and conditional requirements to plasiec to enable it conduct a free,
fair, credible and peaceful election in the thirteen (13) local government
areas out of the 17. I therefore charge plasiec to be diligent in the exercise
of their duty and not to let us down.I am not unmindful of the fact that this period comes with
its anxieties, expectations and electoral conducts, which require us to be
patriotic and ensure that the overall interest of the state remains paramount.
In fact, the importance of this election can best be appreciated against the
recent security challenges across the country. This long-awaited period demands
some caution and restraint. Campaigns of blackmail and calumny, characterized
by hate and subversive speeches should not be used by parties as means of
scoring cheap political points. Allowing such to dominate our quest for power
now and in 2019 would rather jeopardize our unity and cohesion. This
administration is therefore poised to use all resources at its disposal to
guaranty security, protect lives and properties as well as the sanctity of our
electoral process. All parties are equal stakeholders in the plateau project.
It is therefore incumbent on all parties to ensure the right environment for
our polity to thrive. We should play according to the rules of the game and
shun all forms of electoral vices and tendencies that would divide the state.Similarly, now that we are at the threshold of party
primaries for various offices in the 2019 general elections, i urge everyone to
vote for the aspirants and candidates of their choice, devoid of any rancor,
bearing in mind that election is only a means to an end, which is national
development. Most critical, i urge all citizens to exhibit the political
maturity, which was displayed during the last national general elections of
2015 while preserving our identity as united people.This administration remains most grateful to all religious
bodies in churches and mosques, traditional rulers, elder statesmen and women,
youths, labour/trade unions, cultural development associations and civil
society organizations for their proactive networking and constant prayers
towards genuine reconciliation, peace and stability in the state. All those
individuals and groups that have made immense contributions towards the many
successes recorded in the last three and half years are also duly appreciated.
I specially commend security agencies in the state for their doggedness towards
containing the increasing threats to our peace. Our teeming civil servants must
also be appreciated for their diligence and patriotism in rendering
governmental services to the citizens.Prerogative of mercy and state pardon.
As a mark of our appreciation and thanksgiving to god for
the guidance, protection and successes recorded, and in exercise of the powers
conferred on me as governor in section 212 of the constitution of the federal
republic of nigeria 1999 (as amended), after due consultation with the state
advisory council on prerogative of mercy, i have granted prerogative of mercy
to seven (7) prisoners, as follows: two
(2) criminal convictions of twenty-one (21) years each are now committed to ten
(10) years imprisonment each and five (5) convictions ranging from several
years imprisonments to death sentences are now committed to absolute pardon.
All these pardons are granted for reasons of good conduct, with effect from the
different dates of sentences.Finally, while thanking you all for listening and being part
of the plateau project, it is our individual and collective responsibility to
create the kind of state we desire through unity and sincerity of purpose with
one another. I wish you all happy independence celebration and continuous peace
and harmony on the plateau and nigeria in general.Long Live Plateau State.
Long Live Nigeria.
Thank you and God bless.
RT. HON. SIMON BAKO LALONG.
EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR.
Monday, 1st October 2018.