APC not responsible for the challenges we are facing now – Lalong

Plateau State governor, Simon Bako has exonerated the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) from blame for the current economic challenges facing citizens of the state.


The APC-led government in Plateau State encouraged citizens to continue to make necessary sacrifices and adjustments, to be able to cope with the current situation, which he considered temporal.

Gov Lalong stated this at Government House, Rayfield Jos, while swearing-in his first set of special advisers to strengthen his administration.

The special advisers are Mr. Patrick Dariem, Finance and Investment, Mr. Daniel B. Manjang, Media and Publicity, Mr. Nanven Nimfel, Political Affairs and Mr. Luka Madaki, Agriculture and Rural Development.

Gov Lalong said, “May I use this opportunity to plead with our people to continue to keep an abiding faith with our government; the times are no doubt hard, and the reality of the adjustments we have to make are no doubt tasking.

“We are not responsible for the challenges we are facing now, but as a responsible government, we are committed to fixing it. This however demands patience, because just like for every seed planted, there is a waiting gestation period before the harvest. We are doing our best to ensure that the wealth of opportunities and resources we have identified are fully exploited, so that we can improve the quality of life of our citizens.

To the four Special Advisers, Gov Lalong said, “I wish to task the newly sworn-in advisers to know that the administration of this oath of office is to publicly showcase the premium government places on the responsibilities of your office. You are under oath to advice me sincerely, without fear or favour, let or hindrance. The exigencies of your duties, coming on board a year after our assumption of office, will demand you come up to speed with the activities of government at a meteoric speed.

The governor reminded the new advisers that their inputs will reflect in the positive action his government will be taking for the citizenry.

Meanwhile, the governor has cut the cost of land administration in the state by 50% to encourage citizens to document their landed properties, using the newly established Plateau State Geographic Information System (PLAGIS).

Commissioner for Land, Survey and Town Planning Barr. Festus Fuanter made this known in a meeting with stakeholders held at Hill Station Hotel, Jos.

According to Barr Fuanter, “The state governor, Simon Lalong has graciously approved a downward review of the land title processing rates by 50% to encourage land owners to regularise their title documentations, using the state Geographic System.

He said, “The problems of complex land administration which we inherited has severe adverse effects on the economic fortunes of the state and also impacted negatively on the professional disposition of most of the critical stakeholders.

“The launch of the PLAGIS was considered as one of the highest points of the administration of the present administration, which led to the registration of over 4,000 applicants who could not document their title in the past.

Not satisfied with the rates of applicants, “the ministry made an appeal to the governor to subsidies the process.

“This is because a lot of applicants were discouraged from processing their land titles due to sharp practices of staff in the past, a fraud that is no longer possible with the launch of the PLAGIS.”

The state governor, Simon Lalong flagged off the issuance of certificate of ownership (C of O) to the first 4,000 applicants.