The Plateau State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Simon Lalong of laying lip service to the plight of victims of attacks recent attacks in the State.
They also accused the governor of mocking survivors of attacks.
The political party through it publicity secretary, Sir John Akans, in a statement on Thursday night, said governor Lalong’s recent condolence visit to Gashis, one of the most affected communities, which inhabitants as been displaced, and, claimed 350 lives, destroyed over a dozen churches, was a bilated action by the governor.
“How could he have stood on the graves of these people and hoped that he could still have their support? Have their killers been arrested? Or was he taking condolence mesages to the dead and deserted homes?.”
The publicity secretary stressed that “Lalong would not even condemn the acts of sustained and bloody terror against his people; He would not even stay at home and mourn with his people in their critical moments; He relished instead in gallivanting and playing the Executive Personal Assistant in the Presidential Villa in Abuja – and he expects anyone to take him seriously?.”
According to Mr. Akans, governor Lalong administration has done thing positive to curtail the plight of Plateau citizens.
“A serious government that stands for the people would have already at this time of its tenure implemented reforms that address the security, poverty, hunger and other challenges facing the people.”
Here is the full text of the Peoples Democratic Party unedited.
PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY, PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER, NO 20/21 YAKUBU GOWON WAY JOS.
15th November 2018.
PRESS STATEMENT
The Peoples Democratic Party notes with sadness the shameful display of desperation by Governor Lalong to continue his bad and incompetent leadership beyond May 29, 2019.
It is most disgraceful and unfortunate that five ( 5) months after the gruesome massacre of hundreds of people and the destruction of their homes, as well as forceful occupation of their villages and towns under the watch of the APC government, it is only now that our dear governor would be visiting one of the many scenes of this dastardly crime.
Of course he had to drive through deserted routes and abandoned but annexed villages because the surviving victims are largely in Internally Displaced Camps or with relations.
It does appear he went to Gashish only to answer ‘Present’ as only unmarked and mass graves of the victims gave him a rebuking welcome. And it is in such errie environment that Governor Lalong would start his nauseating campaign for a return to office. Incredible Lalong!
How could he have stood on the graves of these people and hoped that he could still have their support? Have their killers been arrested? Or was he taking condolence mesages to the dead and deserted homes?
But then, by his undemocratic and incompetent leadership style, Governor Lalong has simply moved from being a protector and shield of the people to becoming Mourner In-Chief of the Innocent people of Plateau.
Lalong would not even condemn the acts of sustained and bloody terror against his people; He would not even stay at home and mourn with his people in their critical moments; He relished instead in gallivanting and playing the Executive Personal Assistant in the Presidential Villa in Abuja – and he expects anyone to take him seriously?
Where is his sense of constitutional responsibility and commitment to Plateau which he swore to uphold in May 2015?
Is everything simply fair to Lalong because he wants to return to Government House in 2019?
Is he really totally devoid of any form of compassion, and thus turning a preventable tragedy into a political opportunity?
Just what manner of leaders and party are we dealing with that are ruling Plateau now?
In this regard, the Peoples Democratic Party envisages a Plateau where peace reigns; where there is security of life and property, and where there is credible action on issues and not merely paying lip service to governance.
A serious government that stands for the people would have already at this time of its tenure implemented reforms that address the security, poverty, hunger and other challenges facing the people.
These could have been achieved by stregthening early warning and response mechanisms at our various communities across the state and not just by visiting traumatised communities long after the damage has been done.
But at last the people of Plateau are glad indeed with the PDP on the emergance of Distinguished Senator Dr Jeremiah Timbut Useini as the party’s governorship candidate and Dr James Dalok as his deputy.
This promises to usher in the much expected joyous daybreak to end the long dark night of the people’s captivity in their own home land.
Now is the time to lift our state and its people from the quicksand of injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood and to make justice a reality for all of Plateau people.
It will indeed be fatal for Plateau to trust this failed and deceitful leadership of Governor Lalong again by overlooking the urgency of the moment.
Our people must be safe again; they must be happy again; they must be united again.
Sir J .T. Akans ksm FCAI
Publicity Secretary