Bldr. Raphael Rume felicitates with Hon. Chief Letep Dabang on his birthday anniversary

BLDR. Raphael Rume, Aspirant for the Pankshin North State House of Assembly, has joined family, friends, and well-wishers to celebrate Chief Letep Dabang on the occasion of his birthday anniversary. He described the celebrant as a respected leader whose contributions to the community and Pankshin North at large have been invaluable.

In his message of felicitation, Rume acknowledged Chief Dabang’s commitment to peace, unity, and development, noting that his wisdom and leadership continue to inspire many. He praised his dedication to the progress of the people and his unwavering support for community growth over the years.

While wishing Chief Letep Dabang long life, good health, and continued prosperity, BLDR. Raphael Rume prayed that the celebrant will be blessed with more years of service, strength, and divine guidance in his leadership journey.

BLDR. RAPHAEL RUME ASPIRANT PANKSHIN NORTH STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

Was Plateau state created in 1967 or 1976? my thought.

Walbe OGAK 

The celebration of Plateau State’s fiftieth anniversary has sparked renewed conversations among historians, political scholars, the media and citizens, particularly regarding the state’s true age. While many acknowledge that J.D. Gomwalk served as the first military governor of the defunct Benue-Plateau State from 1967 to July 1975, questions continue to emerge as to why Plateau State is marked as fifty years old rather than fifty-nine. The debate reflects deeper reflections on history, identity, and the political evolution of the state within Nigeria’s federal structure.

Benue-Plateau State was created in 1967 during General Yakubu Gowon’s military administration as part of a nationwide restructuring of Nigeria into twelve states. Gomwalk governed this larger entity, which encompassed both present-day Benue and Plateau. However, this political arrangement was not permanent, as subsequent state creation exercises reshaped Nigeria’s administrative map, leading to significant structural changes that affected the identity of the region.

In 1976, under the administration of General Murtala Mohammed, Benue-Plateau State was split into two separate states: Benue and Plateau. It was from this moment that Plateau State, as it exists today, officially came into being with its own distinct political and administrative identity. Therefore, while governance in the region began earlier under Benue-Plateau, Plateau State as a standalone entity only started its journey in 1976.

As Plateau State marks fifty years, the milestone is not a denial of its earlier history but rather a recognition of its distinct existence since separation from Benue. 

The anniversary should serves as a moment to honor the past, celebrate progress, and reflect on the state’s political evolution — from a shared administration under Gomwalk to an independent and vibrant Plateau State within Nigeria’s federation.

Walbe OGAK

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FER TOWN REMEMBERS BANKAT AS BLDR. RAPHAEL RUME FELICITATES WITH FAMILY

Fer Town in Pankshin Local Government Area came alive over the weekend as families, friends, clergy, and political leaders gathered for a  Five (5) years memorial thanksgiving Mass in honour of the late Dah  Clement T. Bankat.

The solemn ceremony, held at the St Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Fer Town, was presided over by the Bishop of Pankshin Diocese, Most Reverend Michael Gokum, who served as the chief celebrant. In his homily, the Bishop extolled the virtues of the late Bankat, describing him as a man of faith, integrity, and community service whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.

Among dignitaries in attendance was Bldr. Raphael Rume, an aspirant for the Pankshin North State House of Assembly, who joined the family and well-wishers in paying last respects to the deceased. The Plateau State Governor was represented by the Secretary to the Government  of the State  (SGG), Arch. Samuel Jatau.

Also present at the event were Chief Kefwano, Cyril Semwam, several commissioners, top government officials, and prominent politicians, including Rt. Hon. George Daika and Istifanus Mwansat, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan among others.

The occasion also featured a fundraising exercise in support of the ongoing roofing of the church building, with generous donations made by attendees.

The thanksgiving Mass concluded with prayers for the repose of the soul of the late  Clement T.  Bankat and his bereaved family.

Courtesy Visit: Rume Felicitates with FUEP Registrar, Harps on Continued Collaboration.

Bildr. Raphael Rume, who is aspirin for Pankshin North State House of Assembly, has paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Longtong G. Yadok, popularly known as “Long T,” the first substantive Registrar of the Federal University of Education, Pankshin (FUEP).

The visit, which took place at Mr. Yadok’s office, was both congratulatory and fraternal, reflecting a relationship that spans over three decades. The two associates, who grew up together in what was then the Federal College of Education (FCE) quarters—now FUEP staff quarters—reminisced on their longstanding bond.

Speaking after the meeting, Rume described Mr. Yadok not just as a friend but as a brother, emphasizing the depth of their relationship and shared history.

He noted that the visit was intended to formally congratulate the Registrar on his achievements, offer prayers for his continued success, and strengthen their collaborative engagement for the benefit of the institution and the wider community.

Mr. Yadok appreciated the gesture, commending Rume for his support and commitment to fostering unity and cooperation among those who had lived in the institution.

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE ON PLATEAU STATE @ 50 By Bldr. Raphael RUME

On behalf of myself, my family, and my supporters, I heartily congratulate the Government and good people of Plateau State on the momentous occasion of its 50th Anniversary. This Golden Jubilee is not just a milestone in years, but a celebration of our rich history, shared heritage, and collective journey as a people bound by resilience, diversity, and a deep sense of community. Plateau State has, over five decades, remained a symbol of unity in diversity and a pillar of national development.

Since its creation in 1976, Plateau State has contributed immensely to the political, economic, and socio-cultural growth of Nigeria. From the historic city of Jos, renowned for its tin mining heritage, to the various local governments that make up our dear State, Plateau has produced outstanding leaders, professionals, and citizens who have made remarkable impacts at home and abroad. This anniversary offers us an opportunity to reflect on our achievements and appreciate the sacrifices of our founding fathers and past leaders.

While we celebrate, we also remember that Plateau State has faced its share of challenges, including periods of tension that tested our unity. Yet, our people have consistently demonstrated courage, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to peace. This resilience remains our greatest strength and a testament to the enduring spirit of Plateau people.

As we mark this Golden Jubilee, I call on all sons and daughters of Plateau to renew their commitment to peace, justice, and inclusive development. Let us work together to build a future where our youth are empowered, our communities are united, and our state continues to thrive as the true “Home of Peace and Tourism.” Happy 50th Anniversary, Plateau State!

BLDR Raphael RUME. MNIOB FNIBMFM FIMCN CIPSMN CPM Aspirant Pankshin North House of Assembly.

Yilchini Jan Bida, Celebrate Plateau state @50

Plateau State has been described as a beacon of culture, resilience, and national contribution as it marks its 50th Anniversary since creation in 1976.

In a goodwill message to commemorate the Golden Jubilee, Chief Yilchini Jan Bida joined Nigerians in celebrating the milestone, noting that the state has remained a vital meeting point of diverse peoples, faiths, and traditions bound by a common aspiration for peace and progress.

Chief Bida recalled that since its creation, Plateau State has played a significant role in Nigeria’s development, particularly through Jos, the historic Tin Mining City that contributed to the country’s early industrial growth. He also highlighted the state’s rich cultural heritage and its strategic importance in the nation’s political, economic, and social landscape.

He paid tribute to past and present leaders of the state, including elder statesmen, technocrats, legislators, jurists, traditional rulers, and faith leaders, whose contributions, according to him, have strengthened governance and national unity.

The goodwill message also acknowledged the role of traditional institutions in preserving culture and fostering peace, as well as the contributions of faith communities, academia, and civil society in promoting dialogue, tolerance, and responsible citizenship.

While recognizing that Plateau State has faced periods of conflict and challenges to its unity, Chief Bida commended the resilience of its people, stating that their unwavering commitment to peace has remained a defining characteristic of the state.

As Plateau marks this historic anniversary, he called for reflection, reconciliation, and renewed dedication to inclusive governance, justice, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.

Chief Bida expressed optimism that the next 50 years would further strengthen Plateau’s reputation as the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” while also promoting excellence in tourism, education, and agriculture.

He concluded by congratulating the government and people of Plateau State on the Golden Jubilee and prayed for continued unity, stability, and shared prosperity.

Defections by Proxy? When Political Heavyweights’ Children Choose the Ruling Party

(By WALBE OGAK) 

In Nigerian politics, symbols often speak louder than formal defections or fiery press statements. Beyond the headline-grabbing moves of political actors themselves, a quieter but far more intriguing pattern is emerging: the political choices of the children of opposition heavyweights—and the questions those choices now raise about the future of opposition politics ahead of 2027.

Take Blessing Onuh, daughter of former Senate President Senator David Mark. Senator Mark is not just a veteran opposition figure; he currently serves as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party positioning itself as a serious opposition platform. Yet his daughter is a serving member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a known political ally of Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State. The contrast between father and daughter’s political homes is striking.

In a similar vein, Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, is also a member of the House of Representatives under the APC in Kaduna State. This is noteworthy, especially given that El-Rufai senior is a founding member of the ADC, a party increasingly associated with opposition realignment. While his son remains firmly within the ruling party, his father is helping to build an alternative political structure outside the APC.

Perhaps the most politically symbolic development came recently from Mustapha Atiku, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, one of the most consistent challengers to the APC at the presidential level. Two weeks ago, Mustapha formally joined the APC. A week later, he declared publicly that no party or individual can stop President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from winning the 2027 presidential election. The statement sent shockwaves through political circles, not because of who said it, but because of whose son said it.

Adding to the growing list is Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who recently registered as an APC member in Ogun State. Her move further reinforces a pattern that is becoming difficult to dismiss as coincidence.

Taken together, these developments provoke an uncomfortable but necessary question within Nigeria’s evolving political landscape: if leading opposition figures are anchoring or founding opposition parties like the ADC, why are so many of their children pitching their tents with the ruling APC? And, more pointedly, whose children are being lined up to populate the opposition ranks?

Whether these choices reflect personal convictions, generational pragmatism, or a sober reading of where power currently resides, they reveal a deeper undercurrent in Nigerian politics. As the older generation builds opposition platforms and coalitions, the younger generation—often with privileged access to political insight—appears to be hedging its bets elsewhere.

As 2027 approaches, the message from these “defections by proxy” is hard to ignore: Nigeria’s political contest is no longer just about parties and personalities, but about legacy, succession, and where the next generation believes the future truly lies.