2015: In Plateau, who succeeds Jang?
As the tempo of the contest increases, with the time table released first by INEC the umpire, then by the political parties, politicians from all works of live have devised various strategies by which they intend to win first the nomination to become the flag bearer of their parties and then for the governorship election. […]
As the tempo of the contest increases, with the time table released first by INEC the umpire, then by the political parties, politicians from all works of live have devised various strategies by which they intend to win first the nomination to become the flag bearer of their parties and then for the governorship election. These strategies range from trying to cajole party supporters to pitch their tent with them, to outright blackmail and whipping of ethnic sentiments. There is seldom any focus on issues and strategies that will build on what the incumbent Governor Jang has done in the past 7- 8 years. The strongest of such arguments is that no Berom person should succeed Governor Jang.
That Plateau North Senatorial District should not contest the 2015 elections. Abuja is awash with visits by lobby teams to stop Jang from determining who succeeds him. Yet in the political history of Plateau State, there was never a time when the political class came up with the decision to zone the Governorship or rotate that position among the 3 Senatorial districts. It has always been whoever can, let him try.
Jang has been accused severally of promoting a Berom agenda. Yet when the issues critically examined, what Jang has tried to do throughout his tenure is to promote fairness among the different groups especially using the Local Government Councils as units of representation. The Beroms are in 4 LGAs of Jos North, Jos South, Riyom and Barakin Ladi. They are also found in 2 electoral wards in Mangu and 1 electoral ward in Jos East. And in both LGAs they have at different times contested and won elections as councillors and have also been appointed as councillors long before the Jang era. May I add also that there are Beroms in both Bokkos and Bassa LGAs as well. So if you have 17 items to share, there is no way you will give only one item to the Berom because they are just a tribe.
What is baffling however is the hate campaign which unfortunately has been lifted to a very ridiculous level by persons who feel they must become governor by all means. Instead of canvassing support in a way and manner that will build consensus and forge greater unity, the State is being exposed to divisive tendencies that will do no one any good rather it will further fragment the different ethnic groups and weaken the bond of togetherness.
Are those trying to prevent the candidacy of Sen. Pwajok strangers to Plateau State, or why are they playing the ostrich? It is in this Plateau, that at some point in time there were 6 persons who at different times but almost in succession served as cabinet ministers in Nigeria and the heavens did not fall. Late Gen Joe Garba, Gen. Shagaya, Gen. Domkat Bali, Gen J T Useini, Late Chief Ezekiel Yusufu, Late Chief Solomon Lar, all of them Tarok from Langtang North LGA, have held one cabinet position or the other on behalf of Plateau State, the heavens did not fall because they are from the same tribe and LGA. Late Chief Solomon Lar, Prof Mary Lar his wife and Barrister Beni Lar his daughter all served Nigeria as Minister, Ambassador and Presidential aide, respectively all members of one family. Mr Fidelis Tapgun served as governor, minister and an ambassador and his younger sister was also appointed Minister to represent Plateau State. Again I ask is it because there were no other Plateau people to serve?
How far can the campaign of calumny and hate against Governor Jang and the Beroms be pushed? Interestingly, those in the fore front of the campaign either have Berom grandmothers, mothers, wives, nephews or nieces, including sons and daughters born to them by Beroms. If the Berom are that bad and cannot rule, then why allow the Berom blood flow through (contaminate?) your off springs? And as I write, many more marriage contracts are being signed between the Berom boys and girls with boys and girls from other tribes in Plateau and beyond, making the argument for strong tribal stances on issues very fluid in the near future.
Or is it the towering performance of Governor Jang that is sending shivers into the spines of some people that they cannot imagine another Berom governor coming to raise the stakes of performance higher and making Plateau a state to be reckoned with not just nationally but globally?
Michael wrote from Abuja