MUTFWANG’S LABOUR REFORMS: BITRUS DAGWER HAILS GOVERNOR’S RECORD ON WORKERS’ WELFARE

A political stakeholder and labour leader, and the Organising Secretary Plateau Central for Mutfwang 2027, Bitrus Dagwer, has described Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, as an achiever in the area of government–labour relations, commending his administration for restoring stability and confidence within the state’s workforce.

Dagwer said the relationship between the Plateau State Government and organised labour has witnessed a remarkable improvement under the Mutfwang administration, bringing an end to the frequent strikes and industrial disputes that previously disrupted government activities and, particularly, the academic calendar of public schools.

According to him, the era when teachers and other public servants regularly embarked on strike actions, resulting in prolonged disruptions to the education of children, appears to be gradually becoming a thing of the past.

He noted that the restoration of industrial harmony has created a more stable working environment and allowed schools to operate without the persistent interruptions that characterised previous years.

“The workforce remains the cornerstone of progressive governance and a critical force behind the successful implementation of government policies,” Danger said.

He commended Governor Mutfwang for maintaining what he described as a consistent record of prompt payment of salaries since assuming office, arguing that the policy has restored confidence and significantly boosted the morale of civil servants across the state.

For many workers, regular and predictable payment of salaries represents more than an administrative responsibility. It provides economic security for families and enables civil servants to meet their daily obligations without the uncertainty that often fuels tension between government and organised labour.

Dagwer also pointed to efforts by the administration to address long-standing issues surrounding unpaid pensions and gratuities.

He said significant progress has been made in tackling inherited liabilities, while efforts are being intensified to clear outstanding arrears and ensure that retired workers receive their entitlements without unnecessary delay.

The issue of pensions and gratuities has remained one of the most sensitive areas of government–labour relations in many states, particularly for retirees who depend on such payments after years of service.

Supporters of the Mutfwang administration believe the renewed attention to these obligations demonstrates a commitment to restoring dignity to retired public servants and addressing liabilities inherited from previous administrations.

Beyond salaries and pensions, the Plateau State Government has also invested substantially in training and capacity development programmes aimed at improving the efficiency and productivity of civil servants.

Through digital reforms, targeted training and institutional strengthening initiatives, the administration is seeking to reposition the public service to meet the growing demands of modern governance.

Dagwer said a modern government cannot effectively deliver development without a skilled, motivated and technologically equipped workforce.

He argued that investments in human capacity development would ultimately strengthen service delivery and improve the ability of government institutions to respond to the needs of citizens.

Another major area identified by supporters of the administration is housing.

The Plateau State Government has acquired 90 hectares of land at Besiki for affordable housing development, while another 50 hectares has been earmarked for the proposed Federal/State Renewed Housing Estate.

The government has also paid ₦256 million in compensation to facilitate the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Miango Estate.

Efforts are equally underway to revive the Kugiya Estate through continued dialogue with landowners.

Plans are also being considered for another housing development opposite the 10 Commandments area, subject to the resolution of outstanding legal and design issues.

For supporters of the government, these initiatives demonstrate an attempt to address housing as a long-term development challenge rather than merely a short-term political promise.

Affordable housing, they argue, remains one of the major concerns facing civil servants and other low-income earners, particularly in urban centres where the cost of accommodation continues to rise.

Dagwer also commended the introduction of Metro Buses and the efforts to revive the railway transportation system, describing them as important interventions in addressing the transportation difficulties faced by civil servants, students and other residents.

Transportation costs have, over the years, placed a heavy financial burden on workers, particularly those who travel long distances daily between their homes and workplaces.

With the introduction of subsidised transportation services, commuters can now travel certain routes at significantly reduced costs.

For instance, a journey from Farin Gada to Zawan, which could previously cost as much as ₦2,000, can now be undertaken at about ₦200 through the government-supported transportation system.

The intervention, according to supporters, has also brought relief to commuters travelling through routes linking Zawan and Haipang, among other communities.

Dagwer said the reduction in transportation costs has significantly alleviated the suffering of civil servants, students and other low-income residents who previously spent a substantial portion of their income on daily transportation.

He maintained that government policies must ultimately be measured by their direct impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.

For the workers and supporters who have benefited from the improved industrial relations, regular salary payments, transportation interventions and housing initiatives, the emerging narrative is that Governor Mutfwang’s administration is placing workers’ welfare at the centre of governance.

As Plateau State continues to pursue its broader development agenda, the relationship between government and the workforce will remain critical.

And for Bitrus Dagwer, the restoration of industrial peace, coupled with interventions in salaries, pensions, housing, capacity development and transportation, represents evidence that the Mutfwang administration is making deliberate efforts to build a more stable and productive public service.

The challenge going forward, however, will be to sustain these reforms and ensure that the benefits extend to workers and residents across all parts of Plateau State.

HON. SWARGAK ALPHONSUS INSTALLED AS VILLAGE WARD HEAD

(By Walbe Ogak)

The Ngolong Lur, HRH Evangelist Nde Dominic Koplengha Wakdok, has formally inaugurated Hon. Nde Paradang Alphonsus Shwargak as Village Ward Head.

The historic installation took place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Kwal-Lur, the headquarters of Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Hon. Swargak Alphonsus, who currently serves as the Councillor representing Kabwir-Pada Ward in the Kanke Local Government Legislative Council, was formally installed in the presence of traditional rulers, political leaders, community development stakeholders, family members, friends and well-wishers.

Among the dignitaries present were the District Head of Kabwir, represented by the Ciroma; the District Head of Dawaki, Nde Gombwir Julius Dimbak; and the Village Head of Gar Pwel, Gen. HF Golit (Rtd).

Others included Nde Ngolong Wap Rong, Nde Zakka Tangshik Gombwer; Nde Ngolong Rong Defor, Nde Yalching Jan; Nde Ngolong Jaksham, Nde Justin Julius Jaksham; and Nde Ngolong Kudus, Nde Gotar Gideon.

The Chairman of Kanke Local Government Council was represented by Hon. John Kassem, while the Leader and members of the Kanke Legislative Arm were also in attendance.

Also present was Hon. Justice D.D. Longji, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Plateau State; the Ciroman Kwal, Alh. Nde Bewene Haliru Audu; and the National Chairman of the Lur Community Development Association, Hon. Nde Gombwer Kopdimma Dungbam.

The Kwal Development Association was represented by its leadership led by Nde Elisha Turbam. Other personalities at the occasion included the Hardon Lur, Alh. Salihu Daura, and members of the KopmiNen Women Group, Kwal.

The ceremony also attracted all the 17 Ward Heads of Lur, the nine Sub-Village Heads, the Information Unit of Kanke Local Government Council, as well as friends, supporters and well-wishers of the Lur Community and the celebrant.

The installation was a significant moment for the traditional institution and the people of Lur, bringing together traditional rulers, political leaders and community stakeholders in a show of unity and solidarity.

Hon. Swargak Alphonsus is expected to bring his experience in public service and grassroots representation to bear in his new traditional responsibility, working with other community leaders towards the promotion of peace, unity and development in Lur and the wider Kanke Local Government Area.

2027: KEFIANO TAKES SECURITY BLUEPRINT TO PLATEAU VOTERS

 

PDP Governorship Candidate Promises Community-Based Security, Justice, Reconstruction and Youth Empowerment.

(By Walbe Ogak) 

As the countdown to the 2027 general elections gathers momentum, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State, Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik, popularly known as Kefiano, has placed security, justice and inclusive governance at the centre of his campaign message.

In what appears to be a comprehensive political and security blueprint for Plateau State, Kefiano has outlined measures he believes can bring an end to years of killings, displacement, destruction of communities and ethno-religious tensions across the state.

Speaking on Tin City 104.3 FM Radio during the programme Mu Tau Tau Na, monitored by The Beacon, the PDP standard-bearer expressed concern over the persistent insecurity that has continued to claim lives and undermine economic and social development in several parts of Plateau State.

For Kefiano, the 2027 governorship contest is not merely about occupying the Little Rayfield Government House. It is, according to his campaign message, about confronting the fundamental issues that have held the state back for decades.

“Security of lives and property is the foundation upon which every progressive and prosperous society is built,” he maintained.

SECURITY AS THE HEART OF THE CAMPAIGN

Kefiano argued that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.

He said agriculture, commerce, education, investment and other productive sectors can only flourish when citizens are confident that their lives and property are protected.

The PDP governorship candidate identified two broad dimensions of insecurity confronting Plateau State.

According to him, one involves attacks allegedly carried out by external assailants for economic and land-related reasons, while the other is rooted in ethno-religious suspicion, injustice, hatred, unemployment and inflammatory messages capable of triggering violence.

His proposed response is a combination of security operations, community participation, justice and economic empowerment.

COMMUNITIES AS THE FIRST LINE OF INTELLIGENCE

One of the major pillars of Kefiano's campaign blueprint is the strengthening of cooperation between communities and security agencies.

He argued that local communities often possess valuable information about their environment and can play an important role in identifying suspicious movements and potential threats.

According to him, attackers sometimes exploit their knowledge of difficult terrains and hidden routes, carrying out attacks before conventional security operatives can respond.

Kefiano said his administration would strengthen grassroots intelligence and early-warning systems to enable communities to work more closely with authorised security agencies.

The campaign message is clear: security, in Kefiano's proposed model, would not be left entirely to government institutions operating from distant offices.

TRADITIONAL RULERS IN THE SECURITY EQUATION

The PDP candidate has also promised to give traditional institutions a stronger voice in the search for peace.

He described traditional rulers as custodians of their communities who possess deep knowledge of local challenges and relationships.

Kefiano said he would not relegate the traditional institution but would engage it as an important stakeholder in conflict prevention, intelligence gathering and peacebuilding.

Traditional rulers, he argued, are often among the first to understand tensions within their communities and could provide government with valuable information and advice.

MORE LOGISTICS FOR SECURITY OPERATIVES

Another major campaign promise is improved support for security agencies.

Kefiano pledged to provide operational logistics, patrol vehicles and modern intelligence-gathering equipment to strengthen the capacity of security personnel.

He maintained that the fight against modern criminality requires more than manpower.

Technology, surveillance and timely intelligence, he said, must become part of the security architecture.

“NO HIDING PLACE FOR KILLERS”

Perhaps one of the strongest messages from Kefiano's security campaign is his promise to confront impunity.

He vowed that individuals responsible for attacks on communities would be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“There will be no hiding place for killers under my administration,” is the central message of his proposed law-and-order policy.

Kefiano said surveillance and intelligence systems would be strengthened to track perpetrators of violent crimes and ensure that those responsible face justice.

For victims who have repeatedly demanded accountability following attacks, the promise represents one of the strongest components of his campaign pitch.

REBUILDING COMMUNITIES, RESTORING HOPE

Beyond stopping attacks, Kefiano said his administration would focus on rebuilding communities destroyed by violence.

Thousands of residents in different parts of Plateau State have experienced displacement following years of attacks and communal crises.

The PDP candidate said victims should not be abandoned after losing their homes and livelihoods.

He promised a programme of reconstruction and rehabilitation aimed at helping displaced families return to normal life.

Kefiano also said land disputes and allegations of illegal occupation would be addressed through lawful processes and the fair application of justice.

A FUTURE FOR ORPHANS OF VIOLENCE

The governorship candidate has equally drawn attention to children who lost parents during violent attacks.

According to him, orphaned children require deliberate intervention, education, rehabilitation and support.

He warned that leaving traumatised and vulnerable children without opportunities could create another generation exposed to anger, manipulation and violence.

His proposed administration, he said, would develop programmes aimed at caring for and rehabilitating victims of conflict.

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR INCITEMENT

Kefiano also took a firm position against religious or ethnic incitement.

He said no preacher, regardless of religious affiliation, should be allowed to use sermons or public platforms to encourage hatred and violence.

The PDP candidate maintained that anyone found violating the law through incitement should face investigation and prosecution.

According to him, the law must apply to everyone without discrimination.

JOBS AS A SECURITY STRATEGY

Kefiano's campaign blueprint also links unemployment with insecurity.

He expressed concern over the growing number of unemployed young people and argued that government must begin to look beyond traditional civil service employment.

His proposed solution is an entrepreneurship and vocational development policy.

Under the plan, unemployed youths would be identified through a comprehensive data system and provided opportunities to acquire skills in vocations and trades of their choice.

After training, beneficiaries would receive support, including starter packs and financial assistance, to establish businesses.

The programme, according to Kefiano, would be supervised by government to ensure sustainability and economic productivity.

The long-term objective is to create a generation of entrepreneurs and skilled professionals who would contribute to the state's economy.

AN INCLUSIVE PLATEAU

On governance, Kefiano is promising an administration that reflects the diversity of Plateau State.

He said individuals from different ethnic nationalities residing in the state who possess the capacity and commitment to contribute to development would have opportunities to participate in governance.

His proposed administration, he said, would draw from a broad pool of human resources made up of patriotic, innovative and economically knowledgeable individuals.

For Kefiano, Plateau's diversity should be a source of strength rather than division.

JUSTICE AS THE FOUNDATION FOR PEACE

The PDP candidate argued that Plateau State's long history of ethno-religious crises has produced no winners.

Instead, the conflicts have resulted in deaths, destruction, displacement, economic hardship and a negative image for the state.

He said the various ethnic and religious groups have become deeply interconnected and that peaceful coexistence is no longer optional but necessary for survival and development.

The answer, he insisted, lies in justice.

Kefiano pledged that his administration would address grievances fairly and prosecute anyone who infringes on the rights of others.

STATE POLICE ON THE AGENDA

Kefiano also declared his support for the establishment of State Police.

He argued that state-based policing could complement existing security agencies because locally recruited personnel would have greater knowledge of the terrain, communities and local security challenges.

According to him, a properly trained, professionally managed and adequately equipped State Police system could improve response time and intelligence gathering.

He said the ultimate objective would be a Plateau where citizens can sleep peacefully and carry out their daily activities without fear.

THE 2027 CAMPAIGN MESSAGE

As political parties prepare to intensify their campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections, Kefiano appears determined to present himself as a candidate offering a security-centred alternative for Plateau State.

His message combines security operations with justice, reconstruction, youth employment, traditional institutions and inclusive governance.

The PDP candidate's campaign is built around a fundamental argument: there can be no meaningful development without peace, and there can be no lasting peace without justice.

Whether Plateau voters will embrace that message at the polls in 2027 will ultimately be decided by the electorate.

But as the political battle for the Plateau Government House takes shape, Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik—Kefiano—is making one issue the defining theme of his campaign:

A secure Plateau. A just Plateau. A prosperous Plateau.

Tighten the feature for newspaper length

Reduce repetition across security sections

Separate reported facts from campaign claims

2027: PLATEAU PDP’S MOVES TO PUT ELECTABILITY BEFORE SENTIMENT.

(By WALBE OGAK )

As political parties across Plateau State begin to position themselves for the 2027 General Elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appears determined to confront one of the most critical questions that often defines electoral success or failure: who has the capacity, popularity and acceptability to win?

According to  the Spokeman of PDP Dr. Samaila Achigak A. Rukuba SPS. In what can be described as a deliberate political strategy aimed at strengthening the party’s chances across the state, the Plateau State chapter of the PDP constituted a special committee to undertake a comprehensive assessment of its prospects in all the 24 State Assembly constituencies.

The assignment of the committee goes beyond routine political consultations. It represents an attempt by the party to subject its electoral preparations to a careful analysis of political realities at the grassroots, particularly the popularity and acceptability of candidates within their respective constituencies.

Dr. Samaila said the committee was inaugurated in August 2026 and was chaired by the Zonal Vice Chairman of the PDP Northern Zone, Ishaku Chuntai.

Other members included Hon. Gideon Tyem, former CTC Chairman, who served as Secretary; Hon. Rindap Nansoh, the State PDP Organising Secretary; Barr. Pius Tongmakuk, the State PDP Legal Adviser; and Capt. Golen.

THE POLITICS OF ELECTABILITY

In every election, political parties face a difficult balancing act between loyalty, ambition, party interests and electoral realities.

While party membership and long-standing commitment remain important, elections are ultimately decided by voters. A candidate who enjoys internal support but lacks grassroots acceptance may become an electoral liability, just as a popular candidate with weak party structures may struggle to convert popularity into votes.

It is against this background that the PDP committee was mandated to examine the political strength and electoral viability of selected candidates across the state.

The committee was specifically directed to assess the popularity and acceptability of candidates, examine complaints from constituents concerning their capabilities and chances of electoral success, and make recommendations that could improve the party's prospects.

Significantly, the committee was also empowered to explore the possibility of recommending changes where candidates were found to be politically weak or where alternative candidates with stronger electoral prospects could improve the party's chances.

This approach signals a strategic shift towards a campaign philosophy in which electability, grassroots connection and public confidence become major considerations in the party's preparations for 2027.

FIVE DAYS OF POLITICAL CONSULTATION

For five days, members of the committee engaged in consultations and assessments across the affected constituencies.

The exercise provided an opportunity for the party to listen to stakeholders, examine political realities on the ground and identify areas where strategic intervention may be required.

Such internal assessments are increasingly becoming important in modern political campaigns.

Winning elections requires more than public rallies and campaign posters. Successful campaigns are built on accurate intelligence, effective grassroots structures, candidate acceptability, voter perception and the ability of a political party to respond to emerging challenges before they become electoral problems.

The committee's report, therefore, is expected to serve as an important strategic document for the PDP as it prepares for the 2027 elections.

PUTTING THE PARTY FIRST

The central message emerging from the exercise is that the PDP is seeking to place the collective interest of the party above individual ambitions.

Political contests naturally produce competing interests, but a party that intends to win must have the courage to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses honestly.

The decision to conduct constituency-by-constituency assessments demonstrates an understanding that political realities differ from one constituency to another.

What works in one area may not necessarily work in another.

A candidate who is highly popular in one constituency may not have the same advantage elsewhere. Local issues, community relationships, past performance, party structures and the personal credibility of candidates can all influence electoral outcomes.

The PDP's strategy, therefore, appears to recognise the importance of treating each constituency according to its peculiar political realities.

REPORT NOW BEFORE PARTY LEADERSHIP

The committee has now completed its assignment and formally submitted its report to the Plateau State PDP Chairman and the State Executive Committee.

The party leadership is currently reviewing the recommendations with a view to taking strategic decisions that will strengthen the PDP's position ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

While the final decisions of the party will ultimately emerge from the review process, the exercise has already sent a strong message about the PDP's determination to avoid complacency.

The 2027 election, political observers believe, will require political parties to combine strong candidates with effective party structures, grassroots mobilisation and a convincing message to the electorate.

For the PDP, the challenge will be to translate the findings of the committee into decisions that promote unity while also improving the party's chances at the polls.

FAIRNESS, UNITY AND INCLUSIVENESS

The State Party Chairman has assured candidates and stakeholders that the process will be guided by fairness and inclusiveness.

This assurance is particularly important because candidate selection and political realignments can sometimes generate tension within political parties.

The PDP leadership, however, insists that its overriding objective is to rebuild the party, strengthen its structures and position it to reclaim its mandates.

The party has also expressed appreciation to members of the committee for their dedication and diligence, describing their assignment as an important contribution to the PDP's strategic direction.

THE ROAD TO 2027

With the report now before the party leadership, attention will shift to the decisions that follow.

The PDP's strategy appears clear: identify weaknesses early, strengthen vulnerable areas, listen to the grassroots and ensure that the party enters the election with candidates capable of commanding public confidence.

As the countdown to the 2027 General Elections gathers momentum, political parties across Plateau State will increasingly be compelled to answer difficult questions about their candidates, structures and capacity to mobilise voters.

For the Plateau PDP, the submission of this report may represent more than the conclusion of a committee assignment.

It could mark the beginning of a broader political recalibration.

The message is unmistakable: the road to victory in 2027 will not be travelled on assumptions, sentiments or political entitlement alone. It will require strategy, unity, grassroots intelligence and, above all, candidates with the credibility and capacity to win the confidence of the electorate.

As the PDP reviews the committee's recommendations, the party's next decisions could play a significant role in determining how strongly it competes across the 24 State Assembly constituencies in 2027.

UNCLE RAY: STOP PLAYING POLITICS WITH THE SOUL OF PLATEAU PDP- Dr. Samaila Achigak A.

There comes a time in the life of every political party when silence becomes complicity.

That time has come for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State.

The recent political conduct and posture associated with Chief Raymond Dabo, popularly known as Uncle Ray, can no longer be treated with silence, diplomatic niceties or political pretence.

The PDP on the Plateau is too important, too historic and too deeply rooted in the sacrifices of its founding fathers to be treated as a political commodity to be traded, manipulated or controlled to satisfy the ambitions of individuals and external interests.

Uncle Ray must understand one fundamental truth: the PDP is bigger than him.

It was there before many of today's political actors arrived, and it will remain long after they have left the political stage.

UNCLE RAY, THIS IS NOT ABOUT CRIMINALITY—IT IS ABOUT CHARACTER

Let it be clearly understood: nobody is accusing Chief Raymond Dabo of theft or any criminal offence requiring the intervention of the EFCC, ICPC, Police or DSS.

This is not a criminal trial.

This is a question of political morality, leadership responsibility and personal integrity.

And these are matters that every serious political leader must be prepared to answer before the people.

Leadership is not just about titles, appointments, influence and access to power. Leadership is about the example one leaves behind.

There is a generation watching.

Young members of the PDP are watching how elders conduct themselves. They are watching whether political loyalty can be exchanged for convenience. They are watching whether party institutions can be weakened whenever powerful individuals find it politically convenient.

What lessons are we teaching them?

That principle should disappear when personal interest appears?

That party loyalty should be sacrificed when power changes direction?

That institutions should become subordinate to individuals?

No. That must never become the political culture of the PDP in Plateau State.

A LEGACY SHOULD NOT BE DESTROYED FOR POLITICAL CONVENIENCE

Chief Raymond Dabo has a history within the PDP. Nobody can erase that.

He has enjoyed recognition, influence and political relevance within a party whose foundation was built through the sacrifices of countless leaders and faithful members.

That is precisely why the present concerns are so serious.

Those who have benefited from the goodwill of an institution should be among its strongest defenders—not among those whose actions create doubts about its independence and future.

The PDP is not a family estate.

It is not a private political company.

It is not an extension of anybody's personal ambition.

And it certainly must not become a surrogate political structure for interests outside the party.

The people of Plateau State are watching.

Party members are watching.

History is watching.

THE FELICIA DABO APPOINTMENT AND THE QUESTION NOBODY SHOULD RUN FROM

While congratulations are extended to Mrs. Felicia Raymond Dabo, sincere questions must still be asked.

Is she the only qualified person within the broad political family?

Are there no other committed PDP members, loyal supporters, women and families who have laboured for the party and deserve similar consideration?

These are legitimate political questions.

And legitimate questions must not be treated as acts of rebellion.

The PDP was built on collective sacrifice. It was never meant to become a system where opportunities appear to circulate around a narrow political circle while thousands of loyal party members remain on the sidelines.

If fairness and inclusiveness are no longer important, then the party must honestly ask itself: what exactly are we defending?

The PDP cannot preach collective participation while practising political exclusiveness.

GOVERNOR MUTFWANG HAS MADE HIS CHOICE—THE PDP MUST MAKE ITS OWN

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has the constitutional right to choose his political party.

Nobody can take that right away from him.

But political choices have consequences.

When a political leader leaves one party for another, he has made a decision about his political direction.

That decision must be respected.

However, what must not be accepted is any attempt to maintain influence over, control or remotely operate the PDP through individuals or structures that appear to be acting as political proxies.

Let us be clear:

The PDP is not an annex of the APC.

The PDP is not a waiting room for politicians who have chosen another political destination.

And the PDP must not be transformed into a political spare tyre to be used whenever it becomes convenient.

Those who have chosen another political platform should concentrate on building that platform.

The PDP belongs to those committed to rebuilding it.

SHOW US THE LEGITIMACY—DON'T JUST SHOUT IT

One of the greatest problems in the current political debate is the reckless tendency to declare legitimacy without presenting the evidence.

Let those making claims of leadership come forward with verifiable proof.

Let them show the recognised structures.

Let them demonstrate their legitimacy through the appropriate institutional and legal channels.

Legitimacy is not a slogan.

It is not something that can be manufactured through press statements, social media propaganda or political intimidation.

Legitimacy must be rooted in due process, recognised structures and the constitution of the party.

The PDP is governed by rules.

Nobody is above those rules.

No political godfather, no former office holder and no influential individual can wake up and declare himself bigger than the constitution of the party.

Where a structure has been dissolved in accordance with party guidelines and due process, those decisions must be respected.

The era of political self-coronation must end.

THE PDP CANNOT BE HIJACKED

The PDP in Plateau State belongs to its members—not to a handful of individuals.

It cannot be hijacked.

It cannot be auctioned.

And it cannot be surrendered to external political interests.

The party has survived difficult times because ordinary members stood firm when powerful individuals abandoned ship.

That is why the sacrifices of the faithful must never be taken for granted.

The legacy of the late Chief Solomon Lar and other great leaders who built the PDP must not be reduced to a bargaining chip in today's political marketplace.

Those who built the party did not sacrifice their time, energy and resources for it to become a vehicle for personal political transactions.

ENOUGH OF THE POLITICAL DOUBLE GAME

The time has come to speak plainly.

There can be no meaningful rebuilding of the PDP where individuals attempt to play political double games.

You cannot claim to belong to one political family while working to weaken it for the benefit of another.

You cannot abandon the party politically and then seek to determine who controls it.

You cannot undermine its structures and still demand to be treated as its unquestionable authority.

The PDP must choose principle over convenience.

Those who genuinely believe in the party must stand openly with the party.

Those who have chosen another political direction are entitled to do so.

But they must also allow the PDP to breathe, organise and rebuild without interference.

TO THOSE FOLLOWING BLINDLY: WAKE UP

To those who are following political arrangements without asking critical questions, this is the time for reflection.

Do not allow yourselves to become instruments in political games you do not fully understand.

Do not surrender your political future to individuals whose interests may change tomorrow.

Political promises come and go.

Appointments come and go.

Power changes hands.

But your name, your integrity and your political history remain with you.

Think carefully before allowing yourselves to be used to weaken a party that has given many of you political identity and relevance.

As the saying goes, make hay while the sun shines—but do not lose your political conscience while chasing temporary opportunities.

KEFFIANO REMAINS OUR GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE

Let there be no ambiguity.

Let there be no confusion.

Keffiano remains our governorship candidate.

Those attempting to create confusion through parallel claims, political manoeuvres and competing narratives should understand that the future of the PDP cannot be determined through intimidation or personal influence.

The party must move forward based on its recognised structures, constitution and collective decisions.

THE FINAL WORD TO UNCLE RAY

Uncle Ray, humility remains one of the greatest virtues in leadership.

Political power is temporary.

Appointments are temporary.

Influence is temporary.

But history is permanent.

The question is not how powerful anyone appears today.

The real question is: what will history say tomorrow?

Will it say that you helped protect and strengthen the PDP when it needed its elders most?

Or will it say that you stood on the wrong side of history when the integrity and independence of the party were under threat?

This is the time for reflection.

This is the time for humility.

And this is the time to place the larger interest of the PDP above personal political calculations.

The PDP in Plateau State is not for sale.

It is not a private estate.

It is not a surrogate.

And it must never be surrendered to the ambitions of individuals or interests outside its legitimate structure.

The party belongs to its faithful members.

And Plateau PDP must be rebuilt, protected and defended—without fear, without compromise and without apology.

Dr. Samaila Achigak A. Rukuba

SPS, Plateau PDP

September 4, 2026

11 YEARS IN DARKNESS: CONCERNED IRIGWE YOUTHS DEMAND RESTORATION OF ELECTRICITY IN MIANGO

(By WALBE OGAK)

Concerned Irigwe youths in Miango, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, have called for urgent intervention to end what they described as an unacceptable 11-year electricity blackout in the community.

The youths made the demand on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, during a press conference held at the Plateau State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Jos.

Addressing journalists, spokesman of the group, Bitrus Adamu Izhi, said Miango had remained without electricity since 2015, following the disconnection of the community by the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) over outstanding electricity debts.

According to him, the prolonged blackout has severely affected the socio-economic life of the community, with farmers, students, artisans, traders, health workers and families bearing the consequences.

Izhi said that before a meeting with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in Abuja in December 2016, Miango had 682 registered electricity customers, while the outstanding post-privatisation debt stood at N51,418,095.27.

He explained that following reconciliation and intervention by NERC, the debt was reduced to N38 million as of June 2017, with the amount directed to be migrated and shared among metered individual customers in the community.

The youths claimed that consumers had subsequently remitted about N28 million, leaving a balance of approximately N10 million.

They, however, expressed concern over the emergence of the Miango Community Energy Project Enterprise, which they alleged was established without the knowledge or consent of electricity consumers in the community.

The group said the initiative emerged after the District Head of Miango, His Highness Daniel Chega, constituted a committee to mobilise residents towards settling the outstanding electricity debt.

According to the youths, the committee allegedly went beyond its mandate by establishing and registering the company, with Mr. Williams Chatalas as chairman.

Other officials named by the group were Mr. John Willy Iche, Secretary; Mr. Haruna Jibo, Financial Secretary; and Pastor Emmanuel Benedict Zamfara, Treasurer.

The group alleged that the company subsequently entered into an arrangement with JEDC to collect electricity-related payments from consumers in Miango.

It further alleged that JEDC unilaterally suspended the individual accounts of consumers and created a single account through which the intermediary company collected payments from residents.

The youths said residents initially believed that the money being collected, including funds raised through donations from concerned indigenes, was being used to offset the community's electricity debt.

They alleged, however, that the arrangement failed to resolve the situation and that the entire community subsequently remained disconnected from the electricity supply.

The group further claimed that as of May 2023, the amount allegedly owed JEDC by the Miango Community Energy Project Enterprise stood at N194,912,366.86.

The concerned youths therefore urged JEDC to explore mechanisms for recovering whatever debt it claims from the intermediary company, while allowing individual Miango consumers to settle the outstanding N10 million balance previously attributed to them once their accounts are restored.

The youths also alleged that efforts by the paramount ruler of Rigwe land, the Braa Nggwe Rigwe, Reverend Ronku Aka (rtd.), to resolve the matter were unsuccessful, accusing the committee of failing to provide an account of funds collected despite several invitations.

According to the group, the paramount ruler eventually exercised his authority to dissolve the committee following growing frustration over the situation.

The youths questioned the legality and propriety of the alleged arrangement between JEDC and the community-based company.

They asked whether JEDC had the legal authority to suspend individual customers' accounts and transfer or subcontract the collection of electricity bills to a third party without the consumers' consent, and whether such an arrangement is consistent with Nigeria's electricity regulatory framework.

FOUR KEY DEMANDS

The concerned Irigwe youths demanded that the Miango Community Energy Project Enterprise provide a comprehensive explanation of its transactions with JEDC on behalf of electricity consumers in Miango.

They also demanded full disclosure of all funds collected by the organisation from its inception as a committee and subsequently as a registered company, including details of money received, expenditures and payments allegedly made towards the electricity debt.

The group further called on the organisation to stop representing or transacting with JEDC on behalf of Miango electricity consumers, citing what it described as a lack of accountability.

The youths also demanded that JEDC immediately restore all suspended consumer accounts and discontinue transactions with the Miango Community Energy Project Enterprise in respect of individual Miango electricity consumers.

CALL FOR GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION

The group appealed to Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, to intervene urgently in the matter.

Izhi recalled that the governor had publicly expressed his commitment to restoring electricity to Miango during the previous year's annual Irigwe Cultural Day.

The youths therefore urged the governor to constitute an independent investigative committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the 11-year blackout, scrutinise the financial records of the Miango Community Energy Project Enterprise and determine whether any individual or organisation should be held accountable.

They also called for an investigation into the role allegedly played by JEDC in the establishment of the intermediary arrangement.

The group said that where wrongdoing is established, appropriate anti-corruption and law-enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force, should investigate and prosecute anyone found culpable.

PEACEFUL PROTEST PLANNED

The concerned youths also announced plans to stage a peaceful protest as part of their ongoing advocacy for the restoration of electricity in Miango.

They said the protest would be aimed at drawing public attention to the community's plight and demanding clarity, accountability and the restoration of normal electricity services.

The group expressed appreciation to individuals, organisations and non-Irigwe communities that had supported their campaign, stressing that their advocacy would remain within the bounds of peace and due process.

They also commended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Honourable Bernard Doro, and other stakeholders in Rigwe land for their efforts towards finding a solution to the crisis.

The youths, however, warned prominent personalities who had remained silent on the matter that their actions or inactions would be remembered by the people.

The spokesman said the group was relying on the media to amplify the voice of the affected community and help bring an end to what they described as 11 years of darkness and deprivation.

“We invite the press, which has proven over time to be on the side of truth and justice, to lend us a voice in this struggle to liberate our people from darkness,” Izhi said.

IN DEFENCE OF SHABUL MAZADU: WHEN POLITICAL CONVICTION EVOLVES

From Criticism to Support: Understanding the Journey Behind Shabul Mazadu’s Changing Position on Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

By (WALBE OGAK)

In recent days, social media, particularly Facebook, has been awash with posts circulating old comments attributed to Shabul Mazadu, in which he was critical of the political activities and camp surrounding Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.

While the posts are being presented by some as evidence of inconsistency, a closer understanding of Shabul Mazadu's personality, political philosophy and convictions suggests a different interpretation.

Those who know Shabul closely describe him as a man who does not pretend, sit on the fence or conceal his opinions for political convenience. He is known to speak his mind, even when doing so is unpopular or politically inconvenient.

For Shabul, political loyalty has never meant abandoning personal conviction. His supporters argue that he has consistently demonstrated the willingness to defend what he believes is right and to challenge what he considers to be wrong.

One of the defining characteristics attributed to Shabul is his unwillingness to compromise his principles, particularly on issues concerning Plateau State.

At the time he expressed reservations about Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and some members of his political camp, his position was shaped by concerns arising from previous political engagements. In particular, there were individuals around the political structure whom he did not trust because of their past actions and relationships.

It is therefore important, in assessing his earlier statements, to understand the political circumstances under which they were made rather than simply reproducing isolated comments from the past.

Political positions are often shaped by prevailing circumstances, relationships, experiences and available information. As circumstances change, individuals are entitled to reassess their positions.

The evolution of Shabul Mazadu's position is also consistent with the broader reality of Nigerian politics, where political alliances and opinions frequently change.

Across the country, individuals and groups who once vehemently opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including those who criticised the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, have subsequently become supporters of his administration and, in some cases, beneficiaries of government programmes.

This does not necessarily mean that their earlier positions were dishonest. It may simply demonstrate that politics is dynamic and that political actors can change their minds when circumstances, policies or perceptions change.

The same principle should therefore apply to Shabul Mazadu.

Shabul's current support for Professor Nentawe Yilwatda should, therefore, not automatically be interpreted as a betrayal of his earlier convictions.

Rather, it can be viewed as a position arising from a reassessment of the Professor's leadership qualities, humanitarian interventions and approach to political relationships.

Supporters of the Professor point particularly to what they describe as his humanitarian disposition, forgiving spirit and willingness to engage across political divides.

For many Plateau people who once criticised Nentawe but now support him, the argument is simple: leadership should ultimately be judged by actions and character rather than by yesterday's political disagreements.

Shabul's position, therefore, may be less about abandoning his principles and more about responding to what he now considers a different political reality.

The political journey of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda itself provides an interesting backdrop to this development.

A figure who once faced significant political opposition and criticism has continued to build a broader political profile, with supporters increasingly portraying him as a leader capable of transcending previous political divisions.

For those who now support him, his journey represents the familiar political metaphor of “the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone.”

The lesson from the unfolding political narrative is that political opinions should not necessarily be permanently frozen in time. People can disagree, criticise, reassess and ultimately support the same person they once opposed.

Beyond the controversy surrounding old Facebook posts, the more important question should be whether political actors are willing to put the broader interests of Plateau above personal grievances and historical disagreements.

Shabul Mazadu's current position provides an opportunity to reflect on the changing nature of Plateau politics. If his support for Professor Nentawe Yilwatda is genuinely based on conviction arising from what he now considers positive leadership attributes, then it should be understood within that context.

Political maturity is not necessarily demonstrated by refusing to change one's mind. Sometimes, it is demonstrated by the courage to reassess one's position when circumstances and evidence change.

For Shabul Mazadu, the message appears clear: he is not pretending, he is not sitting on the fence, and he is not selling his conscience. He is making a political choice based on his present conviction.

And in the ever-changing theatre of Nigerian politics, yesterday's critic can become today's supporter—not necessarily because principles have been abandoned, but because perceptions, circumstances and convictions have evolved.

SHALOM

Walbe Ogak 

07036573313