PLATEAU POLITICS: WHAT HAS CHANGED?

Politics is an interesting and intriguing power play. The game is always a puzzle to be solved or a mystery to savour. You do not get to figure out the twist and bounds with all certainty. Politics manifests the dynamics and complexities of humans. In it, is the reality of this irony: "The more you look, the less you understand!

Plateau is now witnessing the unfolding of a dramatic change of event that has left in its wake a story to be fully told another day. This story is a witness to the great possibilities of time and the audacity of change in a political ecosystem!

Those calling for the head of His Excellency, the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, during and after the 2023 electioneering campaigns, are the ones chanting praise songs today. What has changed? His defection to APC! Those calling for the head of His Excellency, the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, during the same period, are the ones leading his praise and worshiping him today. What has changed? His becoming the National Chairman of the ruling APC!

What lesson can we learn from these ironies? Politics is about alignments and realignments. In this game, you can be worlds apart in one season and be tightly together in another to win political power. Politics is also a game of expediency/convenience! When interests converge, politicians dine and wine together forgetting or downplaying yesterday's grudges! 

Whoever takes things personal while defending another person's political ambition, will risks being left alone in the market square of shame when political situations change. In polittics, your worst enemy today might be your best friend tomorrow, especially when there is a high prospect of winning together. In other words, politics is dynamic, and politicians make adjustments and readjustments in pursuit of one permanent interest: To win power! 

Power attracts; failure repels. Politics mimics, so do politicians. No politician remains in a camp just for the sack of it. When it comes to reaching a compromise, give it to politicians. A person who cannot shift ground in pursuit of a political power or solution will never be a good politician. In fact, politicians would have been the first to enter paradise if striking a compromising deal to secure power were the deciding factor/ticket!

Loyalty is virtuous, but insulting political opponents is not. Throwing insults at opponents in politics shows a lack of emotional intelligence and/or dearth of political maturity. All people of voting age are encouraged to participate in the game, but only in a manner that, when the tide changes, they could work amidst contending camps with a clear conscience because the position they took previously was the best in the circumstance.

In spite the ongoing political convergence and alignment of forces, the political balance of Plateau State is still delicate. There is a possibility of implosion within the ruling platform. A little spark political fireworks could trigger existing political faultlines which are mostly hard to manage. Everywhere in the world, political expediency is a reality, and being pragmatic in politics matters a lot, but it takes time to change the political orientation of a conservation people!

Every succeeding election cycle has a history that could be significantly shaped previous ones. And now, with 2027 general election around the corner, the political campaign 'gospel' and and the sentiments that were shouty during the 2023 elections might be revisited; however, all political players are charged or counselled to play the game with civility and decorum. Participants could support any candidate or political party without necessarily throwing tantrums as if the game were a deadly fight to finish. This is just my two cents' worth of advice!

Today, yesterday's arch political opponents on the Plateau will be meeting at a historic reception organised by the APC. The National Chairman, Professor Nentawe, will be welcoming Governor Mutfwang into the fold of the party in grand style. Their respective speeches during the unique event will once again reecho the timeless lesson that, in politics, there are no permanent enemies but permanent interests!

All said and done,

there is no better way to conclude this discourse than to state that, Governor Mutfwang has jumped ship and pitched a tent with Professor Nentawe in APC, but the politics of Plateau will peculiarly remains the same. The political culture and the political sentiment of the state which are rooted in history will largely remain the same under the proud and permanent custodianship of the people!

(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, 27th January, 2026)

Kanke LG Election: Richard Kassam Towering in the Pack

(By WALBE OGAK)

As the 2026 local government elections draw near, citizens of Kanke Local Government Area are presented with another historic opportunity to choose credible, visionary, and people-centered leadership. At a time when grassroots governance demands competence, integrity, and empathy, one name continues to stand tall among the pack — Hon. Monday Richard Kassam.

Democracy thrives when the people are given the ultimate power to determine their affairs through the election of trustworthy leaders. Among the array of credible aspirants seeking elective office at the grassroots level, Hon. Monday Richard Kassam has emerged as a compelling choice. Over the years, his positive impact on Kanke politics and community life has been undeniable. A man of unquestionable character, he has demonstrated uncommon passion, consistency, and commitment to serving his people.

Hon. Kassam is widely regarded as a leader who places the welfare and comfort of the people first. He believes that the rights and privileges of the common man must be protected and that power truly belongs to the people. His political philosophy is anchored on service, accountability, and inclusive leadership — values that resonate deeply with the aspirations of Kanke residents.

Early Life and Background

Hon. Monday Richard Kassam was born on 4th January 1979 into the family of the late Nde Kassam Wongyok of Dep Kuwang Village, Dawok Royal Family, Ampang East District of Kanke Local Government Area, Plateau State. His background reflects strong cultural values, discipline, and a deep-rooted connection to the traditions and people of Kanke.

Educational Journey

Hon. Kassam’s educational pursuit demonstrates consistency, determination, and academic excellence. He began his primary education at Kuwang Primary School, Ampang East District, Kanke LGA, and proceeded to Government Secondary School, Ampang East, before transferring to Government College Pankshin (GCP), where he completed his secondary education in 1995.

In his quest for higher learning and leadership competence, he attended Lagos State University (LASU) between 2008/2009 and 2013/2014, where he studied Business Administration in the Faculty of Management Sciences and graduated with a B.Sc. Degree (Second Class Honours, Upper Division). He also obtained a Diploma in Computer Science from Dalot Computer School in 2004, equipping him with essential ICT and administrative skills required for modern governance.

Professional Experience

Hon. Monday Kassam has accumulated rich professional experience across reputable private and corporate organizations, preparing him for effective public administration and resource management. His work experience includes:

• Sales Manager, Sabo Sau Plastic Nig. Ltd.
• Sales Manager, Golden Angels Nig. Ltd.
• Administrative Manager, Litho Packages Nig. Ltd.
• Protocol Officer, Dangote Flour Mills
• Senior Inventory Officer, Dangote Oil Refinery
• Senior Inventory Officer, Dangote Fertilizer

These roles exposed him to leadership, accountability, strategic planning, inventory control, and people management — key competencies for local government administration.

Leadership, Achievements, and Public Service

Hon. Monday Kassam has consistently demonstrated leadership and service within professional, cultural, and community-based organizations. His achievements include:

• Vice Chairman, Ngas Development Association (NDA), Lagos
• Chairman, Ngas Development Association (NDA), Lagos
• Financial Secretary, Ampang East Development Association, Lagos
• Member, Planning Committee of NDA Lagos Puusdung
• Member, Ampang East Development Association (Pangkun), among other roles

He is also the recipient of a Certificate of Award from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and was honoured with the traditional title Sardauna Matasan Arewa by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria students.

BLDR. Raphael Rume applauds Lapshak Yilwatda for distributing over 40 NIN devices across Plateau State

BLDR. RAPHAEL RUME COMMENDS MR. LAPSHAK YILWATDA GOSHWE FOR EMPOWERING PLATEAU YOUTHS WITH NIN DEVICES

I, BLDR. Raphael Rume, aspirant for Pankshin North House of Assembly, wish to express my profound appreciation to Mr. Lapshak Yilwatda Lapipee, National Convener of the Tinubu or Nothing Support Group, for his generous and impactful gesture of distributing 40 NIN devices across Plateau State. This timely intervention has greatly supported our people, especially at the grassroots, by easing access to NIN registration.

Your commitment to empowering communities through practical support reflects a deep sense of responsibility and genuine concern for inclusive development. By providing these devices, you have removed significant barriers faced by many citizens and ensured that more people can conveniently complete their registrations without unnecessary stress.

We particularly commend your vision and leadership, which continue to inspire confidence and hope among youths and community members alike. Your actions demonstrate that meaningful progress is achieved when leaders step forward with solutions that directly address the needs of the people.

Once again, on behalf of my support group, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for this laudable initiative. We pray that God continues to bless and reward you abundantly, and we look forward to more opportunities for collaboration in advancing the welfare and development of our communities.

Signed:

BLDR. Raphael Rume

Aspirant, Pankshin North House of Assembly.

Kanke LG Election: Richard Kassam Towering in the Pack

(By WALBE OGAK)

As the 2026 local government elections draw near, citizens of Kanke Local Government Area are presented with another historic opportunity to choose credible, visionary, and people-centered leadership. At a time when grassroots governance demands competence, integrity, and empathy, one name continues to stand tall among the pack — Hon. Monday Richard Kassam.

Democracy thrives when the people are given the ultimate power to determine their affairs through the election of trustworthy leaders. Among the array of credible aspirants seeking elective office at the grassroots level, Hon. Monday Richard Kassam has emerged as a compelling choice. Over the years, his positive impact on Kanke politics and community life has been undeniable. A man of unquestionable character, he has demonstrated uncommon passion, consistency, and commitment to serving his people.

Hon. Kassam is widely regarded as a leader who places the welfare and comfort of the people first. He believes that the rights and privileges of the common man must be protected and that power truly belongs to the people. His political philosophy is anchored on service, accountability, and inclusive leadership — values that resonate deeply with the aspirations of Kanke residents.

Early Life and Background

Hon. Monday Richard Kassam was born on 4th January 1979 into the family of the late Nde Kassam Wongyok of Dep Kuwang Village, Dawok Royal Family, Ampang East District of Kanke Local Government Area, Plateau State. His background reflects strong cultural values, discipline, and a deep-rooted connection to the traditions and people of Kanke.

Educational Journey

Hon. Kassam’s educational pursuit demonstrates consistency, determination, and academic excellence. He began his primary education at Kuwang Primary School, Ampang East District, Kanke LGA, and proceeded to Government Secondary School, Ampang East, before transferring to Government College Pankshin (GCP), where he completed his secondary education in 1995.

In his quest for higher learning and leadership competence, he attended Lagos State University (LASU) between 2008/2009 and 2013/2014, where he studied Business Administration in the Faculty of Management Sciences and graduated with a B.Sc. Degree (Second Class Honours, Upper Division). He also obtained a Diploma in Computer Science from Dalot Computer School in 2004, equipping him with essential ICT and administrative skills required for modern governance.

Professional Experience

Hon. Monday Kassam has accumulated rich professional experience across reputable private and corporate organizations, preparing him for effective public administration and resource management. His work experience includes:

• Sales Manager, Sabo Sau Plastic Nig. Ltd.
• Sales Manager, Golden Angels Nig. Ltd.
• Administrative Manager, Litho Packages Nig. Ltd.
• Protocol Officer, Dangote Flour Mills
• Senior Inventory Officer, Dangote Oil Refinery
• Senior Inventory Officer, Dangote Fertilizer

These roles exposed him to leadership, accountability, strategic planning, inventory control, and people management — key competencies for local government administration.

Leadership, Achievements, and Public Service

Hon. Monday Kassam has consistently demonstrated leadership and service within professional, cultural, and community-based organizations. His achievements include:

• Vice Chairman, Ngas Development Association (NDA), Lagos
• Chairman, Ngas Development Association (NDA), Lagos
• Financial Secretary, Ampang East Development Association, Lagos
• Member, Planning Committee of NDA Lagos Puusdung
• Member, Ampang East Development Association (Pangkun), among other roles

He is also the recipient of a Certificate of Award from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and was honoured with the traditional title Sardauna Matasan Arewa by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria students.

Bldr. Raphael Rume congratulates Chief Letep Dabang, “The Masquerade,” on his appointment as Special Adviser on Inter-Party Affairs to the National Chairman of the APC.

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE

On behalf of myself and associates, I, Bldr. Raphael Rume, heartily congratulate Chief Letep Dabang, fondly and politically known as “The Masquerade,” on your well-deserved appointment as Special Adviser on Inter-Party Affairs to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This appointment is a clear testament to your exceptional political prowess, strategic depth, and proven capacity for bridge-building leadership across party lines. Your years of steadfast commitment, loyalty to progressive ideals, and ability to foster unity and dialogue have rightly earned you this prestigious national responsibility.

I am confident that you will bring your trademark wisdom, resilience, and diplomatic finesse to this role, strengthening inter-party relations and further advancing the vision of the APC as Africa’s most popular and populous political party.

Congratulations once again, Chief Letep Dabang, The Masquerade.

You have made us proud, and I wish you resounding success in this new chapter of service.

Bldr. Raphael Rume. MNIOB, FNIBMFM FIMCN CIPSMN CPM CFM.

Bldr. Raphael Rume Expresses Delight Over the Appointment of Hon. Josiah Takora as Renewed Hope Ambassador

Bldr. Raphael Rume has expressed profound excitement and satisfaction over the well-deserved appointment of Hon. Josiah Takora as the Renewed Hope Ambassador for Pankshin Local Government Area.

Describing the appointment as “a round peg in a round hole,” 

Bldr. Rume noted that Hon. Takora’s selection reflects his proven leadership capacity, dedication to community development, and unwavering commitment to public service.

He further stated that Hon. Takora’s record of service and passion for grassroots empowerment make him an ideal fit for the Renewed Hope initiative, which seeks to deepen inclusive governance and sustainable development at the local level.

Bldr. Rume added that he and his associates are proud to be identified with Hon. Takora at this important milestone and expressed confidence that his tenure as Ambassador will bring meaningful impact to Pankshin Local Government and beyond.

Bldr. Raphael Rume. MNIOB, FNIBMFM FIMCN CIPSMN CPM CFM.

Dual Loyalty, Dual Harm: How Some Health Practitioners Are Sabotaging Public Health for Private Gain in Adamawa

(By Titus Isinga Innocent, KSM)

A disturbing exposé on extortion, conflict of interest, and the quiet undermining of healthcare reforms in Adamawa State.

A quiet but devastating betrayal is unfolding within the walls of Adamawa State’s public hospitals. The very professionals entrusted with healing are, in some cases, becoming agents of patients’ financial ruin and saboteurs of the state’s healthcare reforms. At the heart of this crisis lies a conflict of interest so stark it borders on the absurd: doctors and senior hospital staff are actively discrediting and draining the government facilities where they earn their salaries, all to divert patients—and profits—to their own private clinics, laboratories, and pharmacies.

The Specialist Hospital in Yola stands as a glaring example. Patients arrive seeking affordable and quality care—cornerstones of the present administration’s reform agenda. Instead, many encounter a well-oiled scheme of extraction. They are told, authoritatively, that the hospital laboratory is “unreliable” or that essential drugs are “out of stock.” The solution is always the same: go to a specific private lab or pharmacy outside the hospital.

What is rarely disclosed is that these external outlets are often owned by, or have lucrative kickback arrangements with, the very staff giving these orders.

This is not mere negligence. It is a calculated act of sabotage with three clear victims.

First, the Patient.

Already vulnerable and ill, patients are burdened with exorbitant and unnecessary costs. They pay for transport, inflated prices at designated outlets, and sometimes for substandard or counterfeit drugs. Their trust in the public health system is shattered, and their health reduced to a commodity in a side-business transaction.

Second, the State Government.

The reform efforts of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, to revitalize healthcare are being hollowed out from within. Every patient diverted is a silent vote of no confidence in the system the government is struggling to build. Critical internally generated revenue (IGR), which should maintain equipment and stock pharmacies, is siphoned into private pockets. The state invests in facilities, only for its own employees to publicly label them inadequate—creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of decay.

Third, the Ethical Foundation of Medicine.

The Hippocratic Oath is supplanted by a commercial pact. The doctor-patient relationship, built on trust, is corrupted into a vendor-customer shakedown. This “dual loyalty,” where a physician’s duty to a patient conflicts with personal financial interest, is being resolved in the most unethical manner possible—with public welfare losing every time.

Disturbingly, this is not isolated to Yola. Similar reports are emerging from cottage and general hospitals across the state, suggesting a normalized culture of corruption. The irony is brutal: these individuals collect government salaries to sustain their positions of authority, then use that authority to cripple government service delivery for personal profit. They are, in effect, paid to undermine their own employer.

The Way Forward: Breaking the Cycle

Tinkering at the edges will not suffice. This demands a surgical and systemic response.

1. Mandatory Disclosure and Audit

All public health staff should be required to declare any private medical business interests. A state-led audit must cross-reference these declarations with patient referral patterns to identify conflicts of interest.

2. Undercover Surveillance and “Mystery Patient” Operations

The Ministry of Health, working with anti-corruption agencies, should gather irrefutable evidence through monitored undercover operations.

3. Zero-Tolerance Enforcement

Where guilt is established, consequences must be severe and public: immediate dismissal, prosecution for extortion, and revocation of medical licenses by regulatory bodies. The message must be clear—this is career-ending misconduct.

4. Strengthen the Public Option

Simultaneously, the government must conduct an urgent and transparent audit of in-house pharmacy stocks and diagnostic equipment. The common excuses of “no drugs” or “faulty machines” must be pre-emptively eliminated by ensuring core services are consistently available and functional.

The Adamawa State Government now faces a critical test. Will it allow a cabal within its health sector to continue discrediting reforms and exploiting citizens? Or will it defend its vision, its investment, and—most importantly—its people?

The cure for this malignancy is not more medicine, but more courage: the courage to hold powerful, conflicted insiders accountable. The integrity of Adamawa’s healthcare system—and the credibility of the government’s promises—depend on it.