By: Valentine Adese (JP),
The Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has firmly stated that, he has not and would never betray Plateau State or its people for any reason. He said he loves the state and has strong passion about its people’s survival and progress.
According to a Press Statement of the All Progressives Congress (APC), signed by, Hon. Sylvanus Namang, the State Publicity Secretary, dated 3rd October, 2022, Governor Lalong stated this, during the Thanksgiving service to mark the 60th birthday of the Plateau State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Rufus Bature, at the COCIN Church, Kufen in Barin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Sunday, the 2nd of October, 2022.
According to the press statement, Governor Lalong, going down memory lane, pointed out how he and the celebrant, Hon. Rufus Bature, were persecuted for standing strong in defense of the interest of the state, when they rejected the imposition of the State of Emergency imposed on the state and the illegal impeachment of the state governor.
“Apparently, referring to a statement attributed to a former governor of the state, where he has been accused of betrayal”. The statement emphasized.
Adding that, “Governor Lalong explained that, given what he along with 16 other law makers went through, including 40 days illegal detention by the EFCC in Lagos, it is uncharitable to accuse him of betrayal”.
The press statement signed by Hon. Sylvanus Namang, in part, further stated that, “Governor Lalong revealed also that, a book is being written, which will tell the secrets behind the State of Emergency and the illegal impeachment, which he refused to carry out as the Speaker of the House of Assembly.
“He therefore, advised the Church not to allow anyone to deceive them that he betrayed him.
“Adding with emphasis that, “we are not talking of an individual, but the state”.
“On Hon. Rufus Bature, Governor Lalong in his narration said that, while they served in the Plateau State House of Assembly with him (Rufus) as the Minority Leader, he saw in him the spirit of Plateau State.
“Adding that, “He was always not talking about his tribe or party, but how to uplift Plateau State”.
“He said they suffered together with the APC Chairman, as all of them, who were detained, collectively vowed to work for the interest of the state even if, it meant dying in the process.
“He regretted that, Six (6) of the lawmakers have lost their lives and God has made him Governor and he is paying for the educational pursuit of their children, which he promised to do, until such a time he cannot afford to continue.
“He charged Berom people to follow in the footsteps of the APC Chairman (Rufus), as he remains daring in the face of all odds.
“He fought for his people and said he would die with the Governor even if, he stood alone with him”. The Governor further revealed.
“He expressed happiness that, Rufus was no longer alone as through his doggedness, many Berom people have been appointed by his administration.
“He explained that, Rufus delivered the APC in 2015 and 2019 and will deliver again as the state Chairman in 2023.
“Governor Lalong reassured those, who lost their land due to the crises that rocked the local governments of safe return to their lands based on the measures taken by the state government.
“On his part, the celebrant, Hon. Rufus Bature, in an emotion-laden voice, praised Governor Simon Lalong for making him, who he is today.
“He said he made him Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), a position no person of Berom extraction had ever occupied in the history of the state.
“He appealed to his people to ensure that they do not ever remain a minority in the affairs of the state any longer.
“According to Hon. Rufus, “When I took the risk to be in the APC, I believed that, God was about to do something in my life.
“He said he has no regret for what he did in 2015, as he stood with Governor Lalong and God has made him, who he is today.
“He was full of gratitude to the Governor for his developmental strides in Berom land and the appointment of many of their sons and daughters in government at the local, state and national levels.
“Hon. Rufus Bature, was full of gratitude to his elder brother, Da Solomon Bature, who raised him and his siblings after losing their father, 46 years ago, while thanking God for the family he is blessed with”.
The Guest Preacher of the occasion according to the text was, Rev. Professor Gyang Pam, the Provost of Gindiri Theological Seminary, who is a childhood friend of the APC Chairman. He praised the celebrant for “living a selfless life”.
Taking his text from Luke 12 : 13-21, about the Parable of The Rich Fool, he admonished Christians to utilize their time on earth wisely.
The State CAN Chairman, Rev. Father Polycarp Lubo, cautioned Plateau people against divisive politics, which has stalled the socio – economic growth of the state.
He explained that, the state has lost a lot economically, due to people’s indifference towards things that will bring growth.
On his part, the press statement acknowledged that, the Chairman of Barkin Ladi, Hon. Jock Alamba, congratulated Rufus Bature, for demonstrating leadership by example, while praising Governor Lalong for doing a lot for his people especially, in the area of Peace Building.
He further thanked the Governor, for the appointments of their sons and daughters in his government and the upgrading of the Barkinladi General Hospital to a Specialist Hospital and now converted to a Federal Orthopaedic Hospital.
The Thanksgiving service was attended by political chieftains among whom were, the APC Chairmen of Nasarawa and Kaduna States, the Plateau APC Gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, APC State Exco, Member Representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Babayo Gagdi, APC Senatorial Candidate for Central Senatorial District, Hon. Diket Plang, members of the State Executive Council, Local Government Chairmen and dignitaries from all walks of life.
The occasion was capped with raising funds for the completion of the Church with greater part of the over N30m raised coming from three children of the APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who are Christians.
See some other picture from the event below:-
No comments:
Post a Comment