The Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon Governor Simon Lalong has debunked reports circulating that parts of Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Bokkos LGAs have been carved out for the controversial “Grazing Colonies” concept.

In a press release signed by his Special Assistant on Media Affairs, Mr Dan Manjang, the Governor debunked the insinuations as the figment of the imaginations of the authors.

He regretted the mis-truths and rumours being peddled on social media, as only seeking to divide and not unite.

Clarifying, he said “cattle colonies are not in the imagination of the Governor” –which in our (ViewPointNigeria’s) opinion, gives relief and assurances that the idea as put forward by the Federal government may not be implemented in the exact manner prescribed.

ViewPointNigeria however notes that the attendant questions about – what type of policy Plateau will implement, how it will differ from contentious colony concept, how it will be implemented, where it will be implemented, when it will be implemented etc remains unclear.

Undoubtedly, It is critical that PLSG clarifies these questions as a matter of urgency, to reduce apprehension, uncertainty and to stop citizens from guessing and peddling rumours.

The full text of the press release is below:

=================================================================================

DIRECTORATE OF PRESS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, PLATEAU STATE PRESS RELEASE

The attention of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has been drawn to the news making the rounds, particularly in the Social Media that “parts of Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas have been carved out for the creation of colonies for cattle, in fulfilment of his promises to the Fulani who have pressured him, to either cede those areas or he faces the other side of their viciousness which may cost his aspirations”.

The Governor herein after state unequivocally that this thinking is not only the figment of the imagination of its authors, who want to make political capital out of it, but false, malicious and highly mischievous.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has and does not contemplate such action and he further call on all good citizens of Plateau to bury such imagination of these elements bent on throwing the State into confusion.

Cattle colonies are not in the imagination of Governor Lalong. Consequently, the Governor urge all peace loving citizens of Plateau State to discountenance such mischievous information but to gravitate towards issues that unite us rather than those that divide us.

Signed

Dan Manjang Special Adviser,

Media and Publicity

26th January, 2018

count | 220

Gov Lalong debunks false claims that Riyom, B/Ladi & Bokkos designated for Cattle Colonies