25th May, 2020
The Plateau Caucus at the National Assembly has donated an undisclosed amount of money to the Plateau Government as its contribution to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase ,led the delegation that made the presentation on Monday at Government House, Jos.
Wase commended Gov. Simon Lalong for being the first to install CCTVs at the state’s borders.
He also commended the efforts of Gov. Lalong toward curbing the scourge of the Coronavirus pandemic in the state.
He prayed for more wisdom and guidance for the governor to steer the affairs of Plateau toward fast tracking its development.
The deputy speaker said that even though they were giving individual and constitutional responsibilities in interventions to stem the disease, it was still imperative for them to contribute as a group representing the different interests of the state at the National Assembly.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while on the visit, the members also presented a Toyota Hiace ambulance bus to the governor under the initiative of the the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Intervention on COVID-19 donated by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Independent Petroleum Producers group.
NAN reports that the donation by the initiative also included two ventilators, 10,000 surgical face masks, 5,000 face masks and 2,000 hand gloves.
Lalong thanked all the members representing Plateau at the National Assembly for the gesture, describing it as laudable and worthy emulation.
He also acknowledged their contributions at their constitutional levels and their efforts to sensitise and enlighten their constituents on preventive measures against the disease.
He assured that their contribution to the Plateau government COVID-19 trust fund would be put into good use, while appreciating their cooperation to ensure the well-being of Plateau people.
“We will also give you the necessary cooperation to discharge your duties at the National Assembly.
“We have inaugurated a research committee comprising of specialists in the field on alternative ways of addressing COVID-19 and other possible emergence of infectious diseases,” he said.
He said the state had also established a palliative committee which was already distributing foodstuff and other essentials to the indigents and vulnerable in the state.
The governor also said it had evacuated Quaranic Education Students (Almajiri),from Plateau to their home states as agreed by Northern Governors in order to protect them from the pandemic, saying they are being tested for the disease before taking to their homes.
He thanked the Members for ensuring Plateau benefited from the intervention of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Intervention, saying he was optimistic that the state through their influence would benefit from more Federal Government interventions.
He said business Mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote through his foundation was establishing a 100 bed capacity isolation center in Shendam Local Government Area.
NAN reports that other members of the delegation were Sen. Hezekiah Dimka representing Plateau Central, Sen Istifanus Gyang representing Plateau North, while the representatives in attendance were Mr Haruna Maitala representing Jos North and Komsol Longgap representing Mikang/Qu’anpan/Shendam constituency among others.
NAN