WHEN THE SCALES TILT

By Daniel Dung
Between 2015 and 2023, Senator Simon Bako Lalong stood at the helm of Plateau State, navigating a political terrain thick with suspicion, tribal mistrust and religious undercurrents. He took the unpopular position that every resident of Plateau, irrespective of tongue, tribe or faith, deserved a fair stake in the land’s opportunities and privileges. In a just society, such a posture would be praised as statesmanship. Instead, it was weaponised against him. The charge was simple, brutal and unrelenting: “He is selling Plateau to the enemies.”

Every policy was reframed as betrayal. Every handshake across ethnic lines was painted as surrender. Even the clergy, whose pulpits should have been sanctuaries of truth and reconciliation, lent their voices to the chorus of division. It became a political inquisition. Lalong’s head was demanded, metaphorically, for the political dinner tables of those who thrived on fear and fracture.

Fast forward to 2023 and today. The political winds in the State have shifted, yet the irony could not be more profound. The very actors who condemned Lalong for his inclusivity now practice not only the same openness, but have gone even further in outreach. Suddenly, it is no longer “selling Plateau”. Suddenly, it is visionary leadership.

We also saw this same theatre play out in the build up to the last general elections and comtinues today. Those who denounced the “Muslim–Muslim” ticket as the ultimate betrayal of trust are now scrambling for a seat on the same Muslim–Muslim flight, without so much as a moment of remorse. They have not admitted they misled the people. They have not sought forgiveness for fanning the embers of fear. We told them not to yield to politics of destructive propaganda, but they refused. Today they are the first to rush toward the President and his wife. How can one hate a man yet love what he bears in his arms when passing through the land? That is not conviction. That is opportunism at its rawest.

This is where moral equivalence exposes the rot. If Lalong’s actions were treachery, then by the same moral standard, these current actions must be treachery too. If, on the other hand, what is happening today is noble and progressive, then history demands an apology for the character assassination of yesterday. Anything else is not political conviction but selective morality dressed in partisan colours.

Some may attempt to deflect by invoking whataboutism — the rhetorical sleight of hand that shifts the conversation from the present hypocrisy to other unrelated grievances. But the fact remains that societies crumble when rules of judgment change with the faces in power. Selective outrage corrodes the very fabric of civic trust.

The deeper danger is the sustained belief that Plateau can live in splendid isolation, shunning interdependence in a nation as plural and interconnected as Nigeria. Such thinking is not only ignorant, it is perilous. No state is an island. Trade, security, investment and cultural exchange require bridges, not walls. A Plateau walled in tribal and religious absolutism is a Plateau that will stagnate while others grow.

There is also the moral bankruptcy of calling for a man’s political head simply because he holds a different view of inclusivity. Yesterday it was Lalong and us his lieutenants. Tomorrow, it could be anyone whose ideas threaten entrenched comfort zones. In a democracy, dissent is not treason. To punish it is to lay the groundwork for authoritarianism by popular consent.

History is unforgiving to those who trade the long term peace of their people for the short term thrill of partisan victory. The lesson is clear: weaponising tribe, religion or partisanship for political ends will always leave the society poorer, angrier and more fractured. Plateau cannot afford that cycle again. The time to speak truth, even when it is uncomfortable, is now.

Daniel Dung Dalyop is a former Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development in Plateau State and wrote from Jos.

Police Arrest Two Suspects, Recover Locally Made Arms in Plateau

The Plateau State Police Command has arrested two suspects and recovered three locally made firearms along with ammunition in separate operations across the state.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, in a statement on Wednesday, said the first arrest took place on August 4, 2025, when a patrol team from Kaduna-Vom Division intercepted a motorcycle during a stop-and-search operation around 9:00 p.m. The rider, identified as 24-year-old Mark Ibrahim Dalyop of Sabon Layi Kuru, was found in possession of two locally made rifles while travelling from Vom to Kuru.

In a separate operation on August 11, detectives from Nassarawa Gwong Division, acting on credible intelligence, arrested 26-year-old Moses Aliyu of Fwave Chiki, Rayfield. He was apprehended in an uncompleted building at Kwanga, where a locally fabricated revolver pistol and a 9mm live round were recovered from him.

Alabo said the suspects are in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.

The Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, reiterated the command’s commitment to a safer Plateau, warning criminal elements to desist from unlawful acts or face the full weight of the law.

MUTFWANG HAILS BOT-MANG’S APPOINTMENT AS FEDERAL CHARACTER COMMISSIONER

Governor Says Appointment is a Testament to Dedication and Service

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has congratulated Hon. Pam Bot-Mang on his appointment as the Federal Commissioner representing Plateau State at the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in Abuja.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the appointment, which Governor Mutfwang described as “well-deserved” and reflective of Hon. Bot-Mang’s proven track record of dedication and service to the state and nation.

In a press statement signed by the Director of Press Gyang  Bere. The Governor expressed confidence that the new appointee would bring honour to Plateau State, citing his wealth of experience and excellent performance in both the public and private sectors.

While thanking President Tinubu for recognising a Plateau indigene for the strategic national role, Governor Mutfwang urged Hon. Bot-Mang to uphold the state’s values of justice, fairness, empathy, and tolerance in the discharge of his duties.

On behalf of the government and people of Plateau State, the Governor extended his goodwill to Hon. Bot-Mang, the Commission’s Chairman, and other Commissioners nationwide, praying for God’s wisdom, strength, and good health for them as they fulfil their constitutional responsibilities.

POBA Hails Appointment of Dr. Dawal Kwande as Acting DG of PLASCHEMA

The Government College Pankshin Old Boys’ Association (POBA) has congratulated Dr. Dawal Kwande Humphrey on his appointment as the Acting Director General of the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) by Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Pam Musa, POBA’s National President, Mr. Kenzy Ngupar, conveyed the association’s pride and confidence in Dr. Kwande’s capacity to lead the agency with vision, dedication, and integrity.

Describing the appointment as a testament to Dr. Kwande’s years of professional excellence and leadership in public health, POBA commended his unwavering commitment to competence and responsibility, both as a medical professional and as an active member of the association.

The association wished him success in his new role, expressing hope that he will continue to serve with distinction and bring pride to his alma mater.

Plateau APC Group Defends Senator Adudu, Slams “Mischievous” Social Media Attacks

By Walbe Orgak 

Plateau APC Justice Vanguard Condemns Malicious Campaign Against Senator Timothy Adudu

Jos, Plateau State — The Plateau APC Justice Vanguard has strongly condemned what it described as a “malign and senseless” social media campaign targeted at discrediting Senator Timothy Adudu, the North-Central representative at the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

In a statement issued in Jos, the group alleged that certain political actors, threatened by the achievements of others in light of recent federal appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have sponsored falsehoods to undermine credible figures for political advantage.

The group said it became aware of a “fabricated write-up” circulating online which accused Senator Adudu of incompetence, disloyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and working in isolation without involving the State Executive Council of the party. The write-up also allegedly threatened to petition President Tinubu against him.

Refuting these allegations, the Vanguard pointed to a February 19, 2025, press statement by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Shittu Bamaiyi, which commended Adudu and other legislators for their contributions to the party’s grassroots development. The statement quoted local government party chairmen praising Adudu’s efforts in supporting community projects such as school construction, clinics, boreholes, roads, and rural electrification.

On his performance at FERMA, the group said Senator Adudu had been instrumental in major road rehabilitation works, including the 125.8km Jos–Akwanga road, which had been in deplorable condition before extensive repairs significantly improved travel time and safety.

They further revealed that more road projects across the North-Central zone, including key routes in Plateau State such as Panyam–Shendam via Kerang and Panyam–Shendam through Pankshin, Kanke, and Langtang North, have been captured in the 2025 budget and await funding for execution.

The Vanguard described Senator Adudu as “a workaholic and grassroots political mobiliser” whose record of service cannot be diminished by what it called “blackmail driven by tribalism, jealousy, and hatred.”

They called on the sponsors of the “malicious” publication to desist from acts capable of sabotaging progress within the APC, and instead encourage the Senator to continue his developmental strides.

The statement also thanked President Tinubu for his numerous appointments to Plateau citizens, lauded Senator Simon Lalong and the APC State Executive Committee for effective leadership, and congratulated APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwada, on his recent elevation.

Signed:
Plateau APC Justice Vanguard

Pam Bot-Mang Appointed Federal Character Commissioner for Plateau State

The Federal Government has appointed Hon. Pam Bot-Mang as the Federal Commissioner representing Plateau State in the Federal Character Commission.

Hon. Bot-Mang, who was the deputy gubernatorial candidate to Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda in the 2023 Plateau State governorship election, is widely regarded for his commitment to public service and community development.

The appointment has been described as well-deserved, with supporters expressing confidence that he will bring his wealth of experience to bear in promoting fairness, equity, and inclusiveness in the Commission’s operations.

The Federal Character Commission is tasked with ensuring the fair and equitable distribution of public offices and resources across all states and regions of Nigeria, thereby fostering national unity and equal opportunities. Hon. Bot-Mang’s appointment is expected to strengthen Plateau State’s representation in this vital federal agency.

Political observers note that his experience in grassroots mobilization and governance will be instrumental in bridging gaps between federal policies and the needs of the people. His supporters believe that his new role offers a fresh platform to advocate for the interests of Plateau State at the national level.

APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda, Meets IHVN CEO Prof. Dr. Dakum in Gesture of Unity

The Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Dr. Sunday Patrick Dakum, has visited the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda. The meeting took place at Professor Yilwatda’s residence in a warm and cordial atmosphere.

Dr. Dakum, who also serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland, is widely recognized for his contributions to public health and community development. His visit was a demonstration of mutual respect and a shared commitment to fostering positive relationships across political lines.

It will be recalled that Dr. Dakum was the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Plateau State, where he ran a spirited campaign focused on health, education, and infrastructure development. Despite political differences, his visit underscored the importance of dialogue and cooperation for the greater good of the state and the nation.

The interaction between the two leaders is seen as a gesture of unity, signaling the possibility of collaborative efforts in the future. Both men share deep roots in Plateau State and a dedication to advancing its socio-economic and political progress.

Prof. Dakum Felicitates Plateau Speaker on Birthday

The Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum, has congratulated the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Gapyil Daniel, on the occasion of his birthday celebrated yesterday, August 10, 2025.

In a goodwill message signed by his media consultant, Shabul Mazadu, Prof. Dakum commended the Speaker’s contributions to the growth and stability of democracy in Plateau State, describing him as a three-term legislator who has played key roles in the House while empowering his constituents.

The former Commissioner for Information and Health lauded the Speaker’s proactive efforts in addressing pressing state issues since assuming the speakership, noting that his strides reflect readiness and commitment to service.

Prof. Dakum particularly praised Daniel’s recent distribution of fertilizer to constituents, stressing that such support is crucial for Plateau farmers at a time when the cost of the commodity has become prohibitive for many subsistence farmers.

He wished the Speaker many more fruitful years, sound health, and divine wisdom as he steers the affairs of the state legislature.

GRASSROOTS NEWS

The politics of Amos Goyol Gombi

By Katdapba Yunana Gobum  Innocently I have asked before now, where was Amos Goyol Gombi before he became the representative of ...