To respond to spiralling crime and insecurity in Plateau State, the State Executive Council has approved the procurement of 50 patrol pickup vans and 200 security motorcycles for distribution to security agencies in the state.
Briefing newsmen after the weekly State Executive Council Meeting held at the New Government House, Little Rayfield Jos, Commissioner for Information and Communication Mr. Dan Manjang said the decision was taken to strengthen the capacity of the security agencies to respond to various challenges across the State.
He said the patrol vehicles and motorcycles will be deployed across the State and utilised for the purpose of proactively tackling kidnapping, banditry and other crimes. He said there will be increased intelligence gathering particularly in the rural areas.
Manjang also said that Council approved the scrapping of Plateau Agric Mechanization and Supply Company because it doesn’t have a law establishing it and its functions have been subsumed under the ASTC. The staff according to him will be redeployed to relevant MDAs and their parent ministries.
Council also approved the report of the economic and financial sub-councils as well directed for a draft white paper on the relationship between ministries and parastatal in the execution of their statutory functions. Having an approval of 3 sub councils last week.
The Exco also approved the construction some roads in the State. They include Aliyu Makama – Muslim Pilgrims Board to Plateau Hospital Link Road; Joe Garba and Wamba Close roads to be executed through direct labour. It also approved the rehabilitation and construction of NDLEA – Zarazon-Fobur Road Phase One phase 1 road also through direct labour.
Also approved is the execution of constituency projects under the supervision of the Plateau State Road Maintenance Agency. The projects are for Bokkos, Pengana, Pankshin North, Riyom, Langtang, Pankshin South, Mangu South, Kanke, Rukuba/Irigwe constituencies to the tune of 91million naira.
Some road projects were also terminated. They include Mangu bye-pass road project of 13km that was first awarded to PW and re-awarded to Sky Technical and Construction Company. The 18.4km Mai Juju-Zandi road was also terminated and the contractor is to make a refund of N68, 870, 350.18 naira.
Commissioner for health Dr. Nimkong Lar also gave an update of COVID-19 cases with 64,894 persons tested and confirmed cases standing at 9,052. Number of persons administered with the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine so far at 40, 625.
The Commissioner for Finance Mrs. Regina Soemlat explained the finding for all the projects and procurement approved by the council.
Meanwhile, journalists in Plateau State are excited over the pledge by Governor Simon Bako Lalong to complete and commission the NUJ Press Centre Jos during the May 29 activities to mark his 6th year in office.
Governor Lalong who inspected the ongoing reconstruction of the Centre expressed satisfaction with the level of work and promised to make available resources to the contractor to enable him to complete the work.
A statement from the Governor’s office quoted him as saying, “I am here to see things for myself and ensure that the promise I made to journalists on the Plateau since assuming office is fulfilled. You have supported our administration through your reportage which has helped the people to understand our vision and support us in implementation. Today, there is peace and development in going on in different areas. I assure you that this project will be completed and commissioned so that you can have a conducive working environment”.
Commissioner for Information and Communication Dan Manjang described the passion of the Governor towards welfare of journals the welfare of journalists as unparalleled and highly commendable. He told the Governor that the reconstruction of the NUJ Press Centre has confirmed to journalists in Plateau and Nigeria that he is a man that believes in the freedom of the press and the growth of democracy.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Housing Barrister Zulfa Rimven said the work is going on according to specifications and the Governor has approved all payments for certificates of work executed. What he said remains is the issue of variation which has been submitted for consideration and approval.
Vice Chairman of the Plateau State Council of the NUJ Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo who stood in for the Chairman, Paul Jatau thanked Governor Lalong for the visit and said he has written his name in gold in the history of relationship between the media and Government.
She said the media will continue to support his administration as it delivers good governance to the people and foster peaceful coexistence