‘No one is Indispensable’, Lalong Warns New SGS, Chief of Staff

By Jide Afolabi, Jos

Plateau State governor, Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong has warned the newly sworn-in Secretary to the Government of the State, SGS, Prof Danladi Abok Atu and the Chief of Staff, CoS, Hon Noel Kuryil Dongjur that no one is indispensable.

Lalong made the warning when the duo took the oath of office today, Tuesday, at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos stressing that his government was committed to its three-point policy thrust anchored on Peace, Security and Good Governance; Physical Infrastructural Development; and Sustainable Economic Re-birth.

The governor also warned politicians to stop flocking his house or lobby for Commissioner appointment saying that he has compiled the list already. “Don’t send traditional or religious leaders to me. I want to work with those that I know personally. I have compiled the list already.” he warned.

Lalong warned that he would not condone poor performance and negligence saying that no one is indispensable.

“As it always said, no one (including myself) is indispensable. Therefore, we will not tolerate anyone who undermines the Government’s efforts or flagrantly disregards directives. Poor performance, dereliction duty, non-chalance or outright sabotage are not acceptable and will not be appreciated nor tolerated.”

The governor reminded the appointees that their offices were not a license to self-aggrandizement nor self-enrichment or any personal gain but about “service to our people and ensuring that this administration delivers on its mandate and leaving lasting legacies for our beloved State”.

The governor noted that he was confident that the appointees would bring their “wealth of experience, vast knowledge and spirit of patriotism and selfless service as you coordinate the running of government activities and programmes”. He urged the appointees to lead by example and ensure discipline is maintained saying that they should see their appointment as an opportunity to serve the state.

Lalong appreciated the people of the state for the confidence “they have reposed on us particularly in the last elections where they again demonstrated their trust in our Rescue Stewardship by massively voting myself and His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Prof Sonni Tyoden for another term”.

He noted that the electorates have discharged their obligation by voting him into the office to continue with the Rescue Mission promising to deliver dividends of democracy with utmost ‘sincerity, integrity, vision and dignity’.

Many dignitaries graced the occasion including Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt Hon Ahmed Idris Wase who was accompanied by more than ten other members, the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs and former Deputy Governor of the state, Dame Pauline Tallen, Deputy Governor, Prof Sonni Tyoden, and Deputy Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly who led other members to the event.

Others are the hief Judge of the State, Grand Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, heads of security agencies, local government chairmen, heads of government agencies, traditional and religious leaders, All Progressives Congress leaders, elder statesmen, and teeming supporters.