by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Simon Bako Lalong, has flagged-off the distribution of palliatives to constituents to cushion the economic hardship as well as support them for the Easter and Ramadan seasons.
While flagging-off the distribution of palliatives in Shendam, the Senatorial District Headquarters Senator Lalong said the food items were procured as part of his intervention to assist the needy during the current economic climate.
He said the items, comprising of hundreds of bags of rice, maize, beans, millet, sugar and other household consumables are meant to be distributed to the indigent, elderly and needy constituents across the 6 local government areas of the Senatorial District.
The former Plateau State Governor assured the people of the zone that he will continue to provide quality representation and focused leadership that will bring economic prosperity and support to entrepreneurship.
Receiving the palliatives on behalf of the Senatorial zone, APC Zonal Chairman Plateau South, Alhaji Shehu Nyalum, appreciated Senator Lalong for providing dividends of democracy to the people through the palliatives and other initiatives.
He assured Senator Lalong that the items will be distributed to the grassroots, following the guidelines given.
Nyalum also said this initiative clearly shows that the Senatorial zone will reap the dividends of democracy in various ways over time under Senator Lalong.
Afterwards, the Senator proceeded to visit IDP camps sheltering people displaced as a result of communal clash between Taroh and Tehl people in Langtang North and Mikang Local Government Areas.
Lalong was accompanied by Hon. John Dafaan, Member representing QuanPan/Mikang/Shendam Federal Constituency; Hon Bulus Venman, Member Representing Langtang North/South; Hon. Joe Bukar, Plateau House of Assembly (Shendam); Hon. Naanlong Gapyil (Mikang); Hon. Alex Naantuam, FCT Civil Service Commissioner; former Commissioners Plateau State, among others. The entourage visited the IDP Camp in Garkawa where they consoled with the victims and donated food items and cash.
Senator Lalong also visited the Mouyoum of Garkawa, Rtd AIG Bashir Makama, where he condemned the violence which led to loss of lives and destruction of property.
The legislator also visited the Twangshik Yitni of Lalin, Mikang LGA Matthias Kumdong, to commiserate with him over the tragic incident.
He addressed the IDPs and appealed to them to forgive and embrace dialogue, peace and tolerance even as government and security agencies work to unravel and bring to book those behind the violence. He also made donations to the IDPs and promised to continue to represent them robustly.
Lalong also visited the Long Tehl, HRH Puntel Donald, to commiserate with him over the ugly incident.