…Receives Report on Police Brutality
The months of agitation for autonomy by the judicial and legislative arms across the country have finally paid off in Plateau State.
Recall that the agitation for autonomy for the judicial and legislative arms of government resulted in several months of industrial action by the Judicial Staff Union and the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) which grounded activities at the Plateau State House of Assembly and the judiciary.
Gov. Simon Lalong revealed this at a dinner and lecture as part of activities to mark this year’s Democracy Day at the Banquet Hall of the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.
Lalong disclosed that, prior to the clamour for the implementation of autonomy across the nation, his administration had put in place structures for autonomy and even implemented some aspects. This, according to him, included establishing the Judicial Service Commission and the House of Assembly Service Commission which he opined were “the administrative fulcrums” of the two arms of Government among others.
The governor stated that with the agreement reached on modalities for implementation, he had directed that all funds accruing to the two arms of government should immediately be transferred to them. This he added will continue to be the practice henceforth.
Said he: “Based on the arrangement, after every FAAC monthly allocations are received and Internally Generated Revenues ascertained, statutory charges and liabilities will be deducted before each arm of Government are given what belongs to them.”
The governor, who commended the Speaker of the Plateau House of Assembly and the Chief Judge of the State for their understanding and cooperation throughout the negotiations, said there is no winner and no vanquished and called on Judiciary Staff Union (JUSUN) and Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) to ensure they get back to work immediately as according to the governor, anything short will amount to absence from duty which attracts “no work no pay”.
Plateau State Deputy Governor, Prof. Sonny Tyoden, and Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Danladi Atu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Lalong administration to implement all it projects and fulfil its campaign promises to the people of the state.
Speaking separately at the banquet, Prof. Andrew Zamani, who was Guest Lecturer, and Director General of the Industrial Training Fund, Sir Joseph Ari, and acting Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) General Udaya (rtd.) applauded Governor Simon Lalong for pursuing peace and tackling insecurity which they opined had brought investment and development to the State.
In another development, the Judicial Panel of Enquiry on Police Brutality has submitted its report to the Plateau State Government.
Submitting the report, Chairman of the Panel, Retired Justice Philomena Lot, announced that they received over a hundred petitions and struck out a few, but had many petitioners appeared to make their cases.
Receiving the report, Governor Simon Lalong assured that the state government would implement all the recommendations relating to it and forward those concerning the Federal Government and its agencies.
Similarly, Gov. Lalong has tasked the newly elected Catholic Bishop of Lafia, Monsignor David Ajang, not to relent in his service to God and declare God’s salvation to the world without fear or hesitation.
The governor gave the charge while speaking at a send-off mass organised for the Bishop-elect at the Church of Immaculate Conception, Zaramaganda, Jos.
Said he: “His commitment to the Catholic Church and the propagation of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ here on the Plateau and elsewhere is very much acknowledged and appreciated. Having worked closely with him as the Chaplain of the Government House Chapel for the past six years, I can testify about his deep passion to the salvation of the souls of men.
“We therefore have to release him and pray for him as he takes on this new responsibility. My Lord Bishop-elect, as you leave us for what could be referred to in other quarters as the Next Level, we urge you to go and make us proud just like you have done over the years by providing spiritual cover for the Government and people of Plateau State”.
Lalong who acknowledged that the Church remains the beacon of hope and a place of refuge at the time the nation is going through many challenges, advised the Bishop-elect not to depend on human wisdom, power or might, but the Spirit of God and His grace.
In a sermon taken from 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 and Mark 4:26-34, the cleric said that growth, both physical and spiritual, requires deliberate efforts and choices by those involved as God blesses their good efforts.
While admonishing Christians to always choose how they spend their time and with whom they keep company as it eventually defines the level of progress they attain, Bishop Ajang thanked the congregation of CIC Zarmaganda for their love and support which he admitted enabled him perform his priestly duties and solicited for more prayers as he takes on his new assignment.
He also thanked Governor Lalong for giving him the opportunity to serve as the Chaplain of the Plateau State Government House Chapel, describing the experience as worthwhile and rewarding. The service featured thanksgiving and songs ministration among other soul inspiring presentations.