GOVERNOR LALONG BIDS FAREWELL TO INTENDING CHRISTIAN PILGRIMS; URGES THEM TO PRAY FOR NIGERIA

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has asked intending Christian Pilgrims to the Holy Land to devote time in praying for the peace and progress of the State and the nation at large as they prepare for the spiritual exercise. 

The Governor was speaking at a farewell ceremony for intending pilgrims from Plateau State to the Holy Land held at the Government House Chapel Rayfield Jos. 

Lalong said Christian Pilgrimage to the Holy Land is an exercise that carries a lot of significance not only to those participating but to the Christian faith and society at large. 

Lalong said "Dear intending pilgrims, you are embarking on this spiritual exercise at a time when our nation is in dire need for prayers as we conclude the general elections. Please pray for Plateau State and Nigeria that we will have a smooth transition and also experience more stability, prosperity and happiness. You should also ask God to give our leaders and indeed all Nigerians the wisdom to unite and deal with the myriad of security and economic challenges we face today. It is very important that you present our nation before God and solemnly reflect on your role as believers towards building a better Nigeria.  Indeed, when we turn to God with a sincere heart, our land will be healed. Please pray earnestly for Plateau and Nigeria while you are there. Those who are coming into office in a few months need Gods guidance and direction".

He also reminded them that Pilgrimage is not a jamboree or an exercise for frivolity. It is a deeply spiritual exercise that connects people to the Christian faith by offering them an opportunity to see, feel and touch some of the accounts rendered in the Holy Bible. It also enables them appreciate the spirit and letter of the Word of God from historical perspective to present age.

The Governor warned that any intending pilgrim that is caught trying to abscond will be made to face the full wrath of the law as Government will not take it lightly with those who attempt to bring the name of Plateau State and Nigeria to disrepute.

Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board Very Rev. Fr. George Goshi Gorap praised Governor Lalong for his consistent sponsorship of pilgrims to the Holy Land saying from 2015 to 2023, about 4,570 pilgrims and officials performed the exercise from Plateau State with many sponsorship themselves and Government supporting the officials.

He said the Board is working in harmony with the NCPC to ensure that the exercise goes smoothly. 

Chairman of the Board Rev. Koppah Shitkuum also commended Governor Lalong for not only enhancing Pilgrimage exercise in the State but also working hard to restore peace and and security in Plateau State. 

In an exhortation, Rev. Dachomo reading from 1Peter 2:11-12 urged the pilgrims to take the exercise seriously and focus on renewing their relationship with God since they are pilgrims on earth looking forward to eternal life with Christ Jesus. 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 

13th March 2023.

HOPE IN THE HORIZON FOR PLATEAU

(Modest Thought with Ayuba Yilgak'ha, March 13, 2023; loisayuba420@gmail.com; Sms: 07116181263)

As a plateau son, I have never felt this proud. I felt proud because I saw hope in the horizon through those who offered themselves and have been nominated as candidates in the forthcoming governorship election in the State. From the murky waters of politics comes the silver linen and pearl of hope for our dear state. Is anyone in double or at a lost as to what I meant? Please, come with me as I represent what I may prefer to call percieved or manifest hope that has uniquely visited Plateau in recent time.

On Saturday, March 11, 2023, I listened to three front line gubernatorial candidates who were guest at Rhythm 93.7 FM. It was a special political Radio programme which followed that fateful day with so much pride but practically confused too. Those who might have come face to face with how difficult it can be to make an objective (not subjective) decision from very similar options will understand my delimma shortly.

The gubernatorial candidates were Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda of the ruling APC in the state; Hon. Barr. Caleb Mutfwang of the main opposition PDP and Dr. Patrick Sunday Dakum of the LP. A computer Engineer; Legal luminary and Medical Doctor respectively. These are practically resourceful and professional gentlemen in their own rights.

It was a very rare appearance on any radio programme but the special guest all shown up and after introducing the guests, the real business of the day began with the Radio anchor, Mr. Samson Omale asks them relevant questions which, I believe, were scientifically and professionally simulated and each of the candidates began to speak.

When the first to speak, spoke, I told myself, hey, there goes the governor; then the second followed and I said, our governor is here too. Interestingly also, when the third spoke, I saw a governor in him as well. That was when my confusion really began!

As the well respected candidates responded to second, third and subsequent questions, I became even more convinced that in speech, at least, all of them are most qualified to govern Plateau State. One might be tempted to say this is the best chance for Plateau State to have any of these candidates as its governor. The only concern, however, will be whether or not they will match their rhetorics with action when elected governor.

Plateau state has got peculiar problems which require both short and long time solutions. Some of these problems, in no particular order include unproductive civil service orientation that needs to be changed towards entrepreneurship; poor state of infrastructure which needs upgrade expansion and automation; intermittent ethno-religious and violent political crises require urgent but lasting solution; poverty and unemployment which must be reversed; human capital deficiencies that mist be improved; tourism potentials that are grossly under exploited; weak and contracted Internally Generated Revenue base which must be fixed; urban congestion, dirty and disturbing environmental contradictions amongst others. Whoever scaled through as governor will have these perennial problems to contend with. This mean that the task ahead is harculean.

With the challenges outlined above hanging in the balance, it can be seen clearly that leadership is not luxury. It's huge burden and practically about selfless service which can be personally unsettling to any serious minded leader. Whoever must fix the problems of Plateau State should be pitied because they are not casual but existential threats which require unusual courage, strategic and deliberate actions to fix. Those who know the length and breath of responsibilities involve in leadership often foot-drag until they are persuaded with cogent reasons to offer themselves!

The political leader Plateau State need at the critical moment must be a visionary, charismatic, pragmatic and courageous person with sound political will to minimise our threats and drive the process of realising our great potentials as a people through appropriate policy frameworks and laws. It has to be a leader that rewards excellence and hardwork on the one hand and punishes indolence and crime in a most decisive manner!

Because our challenges are multifaceted and daringly evolving, they must be compositely diagnosed and frontally confronted strategic efforts with the view to fix them with determined energy and attention. Since we live in the 21st century, we must explore 21st methods and solutions which are characteristically digital and automation compliant.

The leader (governor) must harness the experiences of past leaders of the state. This is with the view to avoid boop traps  that limited performances while consolidating on their most cheering legacies toward making the state a better one.

I strongly feel a good mix of the Generation Next agenda of Dr. Nentawe; the time is now philosophy of Hon. Barr. Mutfwang and the consolidation blueprint of Dr. Dakum will ultimately advance the cause of a new Plateau. In other words, whoever wins the governorship in the state should consider it a priority to acquire and harmonise the blueprints of all the candidates towards building an enviable plateau where we can all be proud of in the community of states. 

Their excellencies Dr. Patrick Dakum; Hon. Barr. Caleb Mutfwang and Dr. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda have told us in one and categorical frequency that they are for the unity, progress and prosperity of plateau State. Therefore, we must key into this family consensus or commitment to order our respective campaigns in a fashion that reflects this onerous motivation!

Those marshalling political propaganda as campaign strategy in the manner we are witnessing in the last few weeks are wrong and should stop it; those using character assassination as a weapon to outdo others are also wrong, avoid it. Only issue based campaigns are good enough for Plateau people whose trade in stock is rational gentlemanism!

Perhaps the unethical political horse ridding which has snowballed to shameless political propaganda and character assassination in Plateau state is triggered by politics of zoning which makes futuristic political projectors to feel uncomfortable with a situation where failure to clinch the seat will ultimately mean waiting for decades to try again. Zoning has shortrun stabilizing effect but technically longrun distabilising effect too. In other words, the seeds of discord sworn courtesy politics of zoning which is synonymous with politics of desperation in this clime has to be reviewed to through the chance open for interested but credible persons to try their luck. 

Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention. There are no perfect systems, methods or arrangements by which nations thrive but what nations normally do when confronted with problems is to go for what works in promoting greater stability and development concurrently. A commanding debate on the stability and development benefits of our subsisting zoning arrangements or otherwise of it is being proposed, going forward. The wisdom of our living or death heroes/heroines who brought the practice of zoning for us is commendable but times are changing and there is need to fashion a new order that will take care of contemporary dynamics and threats to corporate peace in our collective heritage: Plateau. Who will even bother if our leaders are equitably transformative? 

By grand design, Plateau people are peaceful people. The very fibre and heritage of the people is peace, tourism and hospitality. Anything to the contrary is counterfeit and the residents know this. Therefore, we must keep within the promise of our callings as children of God and sustain our most cherished orientation which is centred on love, faith and unity of purpose in God and the the good of humanity.

While crystalise and eulogize our governorship candidates, let is not lost sight of those gunning for house of assembly representation from various state constituencies. Our representative democracy is three (3) arms structure, namely, the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. We do not elect members of the judiciary but are appointed by the executive with the understanding that they will function independently and impartially in interpreting laws. The president, governors and charmen of local governments are elected to function as executives while the legislature is composed of counsellors, house members and national assembly members (Senate and representative members) at their respective levels. 

Each of these arms at each level of government are independent and interdependent and are to serve as checks on one another under what is known as separation of power and the principle of checks and balances as propounded by a French political philosopher, historian, judge and man of letters, Baron de Montesqueau. Therefore, the house of assembly hopefuls are critical stakeholders and so must be scrutinised to ensure those our votes will go to for that matter have the requisite capacity to represent well without being 'rubber stamp' agents in the house of the people and house of necessary actions! 

Best wishes to 'the idea whose time has come' be he Mutfwang, Dakum or Nentawe. There is only one seat for grab at Little Rayfield for the faithful service of Plateau people. We cannot all be governor at the same time. If anyone does not make it today, tomorrow is another chance. The excuse Plateau people will not take is for anyone to be graciously favoured with the coveted seat of governor and then the favoured person failed to deliver. 

There is anxiety in every camp but let us take it easy, folks. 'The best laid plans can go so wrong' as Sidney Sheldon will put it and heaven shall not fall. There is life after the electioneering campaigns and with one of these three living assets of plateau as governor. May peace, unity and progress never elude us. God forbid failure of leadership in this state, Nigeria and the world at large!

BABA JANG PREPOSTEROUS OUTBURST AT JAY FM.

 

Walbe Orgak

It is a common saying that what an elder sees while sitting down even if a youth climbs an Iroko tree he
will not see, therefore, the younger ones in this part of the world have been taught to Respect and learn from elders, and for them to succeed in life they must listen and absorb from their decades of wisdom.

However, the outburst of Baba Jang at Jay FM recently seems to be redefining my perception of elders.

True to be told Baba Jang is a household name and role model for modern Plateau after the likes of JD Gomwalk and Baba Lar; he became governor when all hopes seemed to have been lost and transform the state to some level of exceptional development.

But sadly, the once respected elder at Jay Fm speaks to the whole and casts aspersions on governor Lalong, simply because, he is supporting a different gubernatorial candidate, is Dara telling us that he is no longer our father? Considering his age, wisdom, and exposure Instead of him being a rallying point for all the contestants, he is creating a boundary between; should fighting break out amongst them who will bring them to the round table? One would be wondering and asking myself why and when will Plateau elders see Plateau State beyond politics and keep a long uniting legacy for the generations to come.

One would have thought that by now Dara should have been seeing all Plateau people as his brothers and sisters and children as an elder statesman and a former governor and senator. Moreso, he could have learned from his mistakes of 2015 and is willing to correct them by uniting all Plateau people regardless of ethnicity, religion, or denomination.

Those of us who witnessed 2015 can testify that there was a great growing division across tribal and ethnic lines that was deliberately created with the imposition of GNS Pwajok of blessed memory on the Plateau,  it was indeed devastating and alarming.

There was a total lack of sensitivity and disregard for the feelings of over fifty ethnic groups in the state by Baba Jang, who arrogantly considered bringing in a Berom to succeed him after spending eight years in office. That was devilish discriminatory.

However, the Plateau people responded accordingly, and in the name and spirit of the Plateau project governor, Lalong was elected. And now at Jay FM Jang would be telling Plateau people that they brought in the wrong person as a Governor. How? This shows that #Baba Jang has not repented or learned from his mistakes, and if given the chance he will repeat them again, no wonder, he single-handedly brought Caleb Mutfwang and Piyo against a lot of people's wishes in the PDP and disregards other Christian denominations.  The COCIN COCIN ticket of the candidates shows a lack of sensitivity and wisdom in carrying everybody along.

Baba Jang's outburst that Lalong did nothing in eight years shows how desperate he is in trying to shamelessly discredit or defamed Governor, Lalong, at least he has completed over twenty projects he met unfinished, also erected the overhead bridge in British American junction following are some of the projects: Completion of Mararaban Jama’a-British America Junction Road inherited from the previous administration, Completion of Secretariat flyover bridge inherited from the previous administration, Completion of Bukuru Kugiya, Angwan Doki road, Jos South, Construction of British American Flyover and Dualisation to Lamingo Junction Roundabout and installation of street lights, Constructed ultra-modern Plateau High Court Headquarters Complex Jos, Remodeling, Construction and Fencing of Magistrate Court West of Mines Jos, Construction of Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre Jos, Construction of Shendam Bye-pass, Internal Road Networks and Bridges,

Others are Remodeling and Construction of NUJ Secretariat Complex Jos, Installation of street lights across the Jos-Bukuru Metropolis (over 90km), Construction of Rantya Road network Jos South LGA, Construction of Wild Life-Rafiki Junction-Miango Road, Reconstruction of 40 township roads within Jos-Bukuru road, Rehabilitation and asphalting of 29 urban roads under Operation Zero Potholes, Construction of Longvel-Yelwa-Mato Junction-Taraba border road, Constructed Kalong Bridge and road approaches, Shendam LGA, Construction of Mangu-Gindiri-Lere Road with spur to Tongzong-Chanso & Gindiri Schools, Mangu LGA,  Ongoing Construction of Federe-Fobur-Angware Road (27km) Jos East LGA, Construction of Rukuba-Miango-Farin Lamba with Spur at Dochai and School of Accountancy, Construction of Europharm, Diye, Dakwol & Zarmaganda-Mazaram Road Network, Construction of Jos-Maza-Angware Road (10km) Jos East LGA, Ongoing Construction of Langtang-Garkawa-Yelwa-Shendam road with spur to Lalin (70km),  Completion of Dualisation of Old Airport-Rayfield-Government House with Spurs to Giring and Chang’opyang Jos South LGA amonst numerous others.

For an elder statesman who is supposed to be a rallying point for all should descend so low in the name of politics, does not speak well for the growth and development of the state and the country.  While, others are struggling to be relevant at the national level, our own to remain in the local level

He blame Lalong for bad Governance but Lalong was not seen appointing his brothers or children as baba did, Yakubu Jang held two positions during his father's regime, commissioner of special duties and also land and survey, it is alleged that Yakubu Jang company supplied blocks for the construction of the new a government house, what about the 10 billion that his administration claimed to have spent on the construction of the Zaria road stadium? What happens to Sure-P money today that needs to be accounted for? We can go on and on and on?

What about the welfare of the people, Lalong paid the inherited salary arrears of 8 months and also paid 4 months of withholding wages under the no-work-no-pay policy by the Governor Jang administration.

Lalong has a reputation for paying salaries every month and which earned him the name “Governor Alert” by the workers, received an award of excellence for the welfare of workers from the Joint Unions of State Owned Tertiary Institutions in Plateau State (JUPTI), Up-to-date in payment of pension to retirees, received Award by the National Executive Committee of NULGE for good governance and prompt payment of salaries including 4 months no work, no pay for Local Government Workers in Plateau State.

Governor Jang should note that nobody owns the copyright for mischief or propaganda, no matter how hard he tries to trick Plateau into thinking that a donkey is a Carmel, they will always see a donkey no matter how hard he tries to weep up sentiments, the new generation will always obediently remain focus and united, for to us it is not your religion, language or denominations that matter, it is your capacity, credibility, and intelligence that matter. Walbe Orgak

I delivered my polling unit for Tinubu, Hon Komsol berate his critics

I DELIVERED MY POLLING UNIT FOR TINUBU, HON KOMSOL

Hon. Komsol has taken a swipe at his critics who have taken to social media

Alleging that he has not worked for the success of President-Elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he said, instead of them burying their heads in shame for their disgraceful failures to deliver, they are busy looking for a scape-goat, noting that he has delivered his polling unit for Tinubu.

His reply to the critics read:

  RE- Komsol and Tallen worked against Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The attention of the Hon. Member representing Shendam, Qua’anpan, and Mikang Federal constituency, Hon. Komsol Alphonsus Longgap has been drawn to an allegation making the rounds on the social media platforms by a so-called group operating under the aegis of concerned APC youths in Shendam Local Government of Plateau State, alleging that the Hon. Console and the Minister of women's affairs Dame Paulen Tallen worked against the president-elect Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in entirety, thereby calling on our dear president-elect to ignore any form of congratulatory message coming from the Hon. Komsol.

 The Hon Member describes the attitude of this group members as unpatriotic, baseless unethical, and a means to cause division among the Hon. member and the President-elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu who hold the Hon. Komsol in high esteem. And owing to the fact that the Hon member is an ardent member and has continued to be a devoted member of the party even when all odds were against him.

It baffles the Hon member, why this allegation at this moment when party faithful are supposed to be happy, but the answer is simple, their inability to work for the success of the party at their own various level has brought about this jealousy.

How can someone who worked tirelessly from the inception of the presidential campaign team, which saw the Hon Komsol being appointed as the secretary of the PCC north central zone as well as the state coordinator independent campaign council Plateau state, and national level turn out to work against the party? The Hon member cannot be so callous as to turn against the presidential candidate during the campaign not to talk of now.

The allegation from the group about the anti-party by the Hon Member is yet another baseless and laughable allegation by some disgruntled element who are not happy with the fact that the Hon. Komsol has indisputably proved his loyalty to the party and to the president-elect during the just concluded Presidential election that saw the Hon member delivering the All Progressives Congress at his level and also canvassing for votes across the local Government in the state for the President-elect.

The question to be asked is, did all the so-called members of this group in Shendam work for the progress of the APC both at the Presidential as well as the national assembly elections at their various levels? if YES, where is the evidence, and if NO who then will we say worked against the party? If the same man the claimed worked against the APC party delivered his party at his own level and some level around him, that means the allegation is false and baseless.

for the avoidance of doubt may we remind the so-called group and whoever their sponsors may be, that as a result of the unwavering support and loyalty of the Hon Komsol to the President-elect, before the party primaries, was what led to the internal fracas that led to the leadership of the state party stealing his mandate to represent the people of his constituency during the primaries conducted, it was no news that mercenaries were hired to make sure every necessary steps is taken to prevent the Hon. Member from securing the party's ticket.

It is pertinent to note that the Hon Komsol despite not securing the ticket to represent his party at the primaries never relented in participating in any party activity as well as contributing to the development of the party at all levels for the success of the party as claimed by the group, even with the internal forces against him within the party at the state level, the hon Member still stood his grounds in the party encouraging his constituents to remain party faithful and committed to the course of the party while pointing out that the ALL progressive Party is the only party that has made him who he is and therefore remains the winning party, the question again is  “ how can this same person work against the same party he encourages others to remain faithful and committed to?

Where was this so-called APC concerned group when Hon, Komsol,  Dame Paullen Tallen, Chief Amos Gizo, Hon Dasuki Nakande, and other well-meaning APC faithful were working tirelessly day and night for the success of the party and the president-elect Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, both at the state, local and national level.

 Hon. Komsol Alphonsus Longgap is flabbergasted by this allegation, describing it as baseless and the work of some mischievous group of elements aimed at causing confusion in our dearly beloved winning party and also aimed at causing division between the Hon Member and the president-elect over the years have enjoyed a cordial relationship with one another. The member describes this allegation as just the figment of the imagination of the group.

Hon Komsol is calling on all party faithful, the people of his constituency, Shendam, Qua’anpan, and Mikang Federal constituency, the people of Plateau State, and most importantly our dear President-elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ignore this disgruntled set of people who are bent on causing harm to our dear party, especially at this point when all party faithful are supposed to be happy for the victory of our dear esteemed party and to again call on the so-called group to redirect their steps and channel their strength towards looking for a better way to work for the victory of the party this coming Gubernatorial election instead of the unpatriotic character exhibited by the group.

The Hon Member wishes to congratulate the President-Elect Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his recent victory at the just concluded Presidential election and congratulations to the progressive congress party APC.

Long Live Shendam, Qua’anpan, and Mikang Federal Constituency.

Long Live Plateau State

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,

Long Live APC

  J M DAKAS

Media Aide to the Hon Member

It was a referendum against Gov. Lalong and APC's abysmal failure and inept leadership by Plateau People - Johnbul Shekarau

 It was a referendum against Gov. Lalong and APC's abysmal failure and inept leadership by Plateau People - Johnbul Shekarau

By James Bernard

Reactions and the mixed feeling continue to trail the February 24th Presidential
and National Assembly elections, in an interview with pressmen the Former Deputy Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly and Member, National House Representative, representing Shendam, Qua-Pan, and Mikang Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon Johnbull Shekarau has described the failure of Governor Lalong to be elected as a senator as a rejection by his people owing to his poor and incompetent leadership, noting that it is a referendum against the failure of the APC government, the people are suffering and they need people that will come and alleviate their suffering, he added.

Reacting to the conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections, he said, it is either the INEC was not prepared or its officials deliberately manipulate the system to favour the APC, noting that given the numerous complaints of irregularities of bypassing of the BVAS, Failure to upload results on the INEC portal amongst other protests are disheartening.

Rt. Hon. Johnbul noted that he believed the announced presidential elections are not the true reflections of what transpired at the polls, he urged INEC, and Tinubu to Harken to the call by Nigerians and renounce the announced results and go back to the polls.

He, however, commended the doggedness and resilience of the Plateau PDP for checkmating the rigging machine of APC in the state, this inform the success of the party in the state.

He said 11 March will provide another opportunity for INEC with a defining moment to make, amend and provide Nigerians with free and credible elections.

He lamented the use of religion in choosing leaders, noting that some rejected Atiku and voted for Tinubu to prove that a Muslim–Muslim ticket is possible and others opted for Peter Obi as a Christian, it is only Atiku that got his votes from true Nigerians who did not vote based on religious or ethnic sentiments, but competence and credibility.

He called on CAN and other religious bodies to form a political platform or wing that will advise them appropriately on how to tackle political matters.

DIKET PLANG TOWERING IN THE PACT

 DIKET PLANG TOWERING IN THE PACT

By Walbe Orgak

One of the utmost ingredients of the democratic system is that it gives the opportunity for
people to determine their own affairs

Through qualitative representation and 2023 is providing us with yet another opportunity to choose credible leaders and one such leader is DIKET SATSO PLANG.

HON. DIKET SATSO PLANG is an astute politician and a gentleman who has attained prominence through a sheer dint of hard work, resilience, and forthrightness.

Diket Plang’s accomplishments in all ramifications are well deserved, looking at his past records and the monumental achievements within and outside public life are commendable, and his sternly immense attainment, unquestionable character, and the uncommon passion for good governance he exhibited in his previous assignments have earned him the confidence of the people.

He is a gentleman of inestimable ingenuousness as he blends with both the high and the low in society without selectivity. It is this unchanged resourceful spirit in him that steered him to continue seeking ways of serving humanity wherever he found himself.

Hon Diket Plang’s accomplishment as a member Plateau State House of Assembly representing Pankshin North Constituency, where he exhibited uncommon representation, thereby engraving his name on the annals of Plateau politics. His resilience and passion for youth and community development is colossal.

Hon Diket Plang hails from Takkas Fer District of Pankshin Local Government Area and was born on 12th November 1966. Married to Professor Janet Punyir Plang-nee Mangvwat and they are blessed with children.

The young Diket has traversed in life through the absolute vigor of steadfastness’, assurance, and optimism for a better future; he meandered through challenging terrains and harrowing rough edges of life to reach the limelight.

In order to prepare him to face the reality of this modern-day era, his parents sent him to LGED Primary School, Takkas in 1974 where he obtained his First school Leaving certificate in 1982 he then proceeded to the prestigious Boys Secondary Gindiri from 1980 to 1985 where he was drilled and moulded in character and knowledge, having obtained his GCE and been equipped with the spirit of GOSA’s “light and Truth” he was ready to confront the academic world with alacrity and dexterity.

Gaining admission to study Applied Physics at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University of Technology, Bauchi was a dream come true for him and a delight for his parents and community; for to them Diket represents a potential future assured generation.

In order to catch up with the trend in the 21 century of academic opportunities in 2013 to 215 he enrolled in the National Open University for Post Graduate Diploma in Criminology and Peace Studies. As a man of resilience and unrelenting who always utilized any opportunity available to him, he is currently studying Post Graduate Diploma in Mining Engineering at the Nigerian Institutes of Mining and Geosciences Jos.

DIKET SATSO PLANG has consistently left an indelible mark in the sand of time where

ever he found himself, he was the Head Boy of the Boys Secondary School Gindiri 1984/85 session, and at the same time he was the President of the Fellowship of Christians Students, at ATBU he was the treasurer of the Plateau State Students Association between 1989 and 1991 and was also Chairman Gindiri Old Students Association ATBU Branch.

The young, astute DIKET SATSO PLANG’s early days when he graduated were indeed full of activities, in the spirit of paying back as an appreciation and not forgetting where he started; his first point of call was to offer himself to teach Mathematics and Physics at Boys Secondary School Gindiri in 1989 and then left to Alhassan Secondary School Sherada Kano, he later came back and taught at Lankuk Memorial Secondary School Pankshin and Government Secondary School Fer in 1993. During his National Youths Service Corp, he was posted to Army Day Secondary School Bukavu Barrack Kano.

In order to explore more horizons to develop himself to better the lives of his people, he continued to explore all opportunities available to him, in 1996 he got employed and was posted as the Stationed Manager at Kabo Air Limited, Aminu Kano International Airport, and Jeddah International Airport, Royal Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia.

As a gentleman of greater potential In between 1997 and 1998, he was branch manager, at Unity Life, and Fire Insurance Lagos, and from 1998 to 2002 he was Educational Sales Representative in North-West while working for West African Book Publishers Limited Lagos.

Diket Plang’s tranquillity in a moment of upheaval and travail knows no bounds, a meeting with him could be highly interesting; at least, he could entertain any discussion on any subject matter under the sun with a gentlemanly mien. But not when the discussion veers toward the issue of community or rural development. However, if by any chance these issues crop up one is likely to witness a change of countenance, a blend of gloom, and the desire to be given the opportunity to help in whatsoever ways; for his desires have always been we must do something to help.  

It was this blazing desire that pushed him to join politics and contested for the councillorship position in 1996 and was expressly returned elected by the people of Fer Ward; since then; like a mustard seed, he continued to grow from strength to strength and “Diket Plang” became a household name and a reference point when people are talking about “dividends of democracy”.

Indeed a goldfish has no hidden place, Diket Plang’s accomplishment did not go unnoticed as he was appointed Chairman Pankshin Local Government Council in 2002 and in 2003 he was appointed Personal Assistant (PA) to the Executive Governor of Plateau State His Excellency, Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye. When it was time to appoint a credible person to oversee NAPEP activities in the state in 2004, President Olusegun Obasanjo found a worthy coordinator in the person of Diket Plang and when appointed he diligently served as NAPEP coordinator until 2007 when he was appointed as Commissioner of the Plateau State Executive Council.

From 2008 to 2011 he was appointed as Special Adviser on inter-governmental affairs of the Plateau state government.

Diket Plang once again 2011 tested his popularity and acceptability he contested and was elected as a member Plateau State House of Assembly Representing Pankshin North. Because of his credible contributions and soundness, he was appointed House Committee Chairman on Information and was a member of several other committees such as Education, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Youth and Sport, Welfare and Appropriation.

Diket Plang is a recipient of several merit awards and recognitions from some reputable and notable organizations and institutions; such as Holy Cross Church Pankshin for his outstanding contribution to the development of Pankshin 2013, PADA-outstanding projects all over Pankshin District in 2013, POSA award for the up liftmen of Government Secondary School Pankshin 2013,  SUG Plateau state students Union most outstanding Legislator of the year 2012, MOFOYE award of Excellency-outstanding contribution to Health, Education, and Environment to the people, Nigerian Society of Engineers Jos Branch Distinguished award for infrastructural Development on the Plateau among others.

Hon. Diket credentials in politics are colossal, he has been an advocate of community development; this principle makes him participate in various developmental associations and groups where ever he found himself. His contact with a diverse group of people across the world, country, and state has exposed him to the realities in rural areas in regard to developmental initiatives. This humble and industrious statesman and politician, has consistently utilized all opportunities available to him to impact people around him. The experience he acquired makes him believe that the essence of life is to render service to humanity to the best of his capability, over time this has been his guiding principle, and where ever he found himself he upholds close contact with the people.

Diket Plang is very much aware of the significance of politics as the key to the socio-economic-political liberation of the people; hence, his decision to enthusiastically partake by seeking elective political office.

Diket Plang is a team player, community mobilised, and philanthropist. With these sterling qualities and credentials trailing him, the Senate shall be his stepping stone, and he remains the best choice.

For the past ten years Diket Plang as the National Secretary Takkas Development Association has continued to tirelessly explore ways of addressing some of the challenging needs of his people.

Diket Plang appointment as a Board Member at Plateau State University Bokkos has been described as a round peg in round holes considering his track records in providing excellence and ideal ideas on issues; certainly, his appointment will make a difference.

As 2023 approaches our society is in an insatiable search of a front-runner with demonstrated track records of humanity, a philanthropist, a leader who is selfless and would sacrifice all it takes to alleviate the suffering of the people, a trailblazer who would be the forthright vocal voice of the masses, a leader who is conscientious, hardworking and patriotic and above all a leader who is a friend to all and a team player, a companion, a calm humbled and a gentleman- such a trailblazer is DIKET SATSO PLANG.

 DIKET SATSO PLANG A POLITICIAN PER EXCELLENCE

Walbe Orgak

Arguing with some politicians’ serving as a councilor or member House of Assembly is not enough for
the provision of the dividend of democracy to be felt, but Hon. DIKET SATSO PLANG has proven that Men make history and real men engrave their names in the hearts and minds of their people. This astute grassroots politician has continued to prove that for him every endeavor is an opportunity to make an impact on humanity no matter how small the task is.

Just as the goldfish has no hidden place, this quintessential personality caught the attention of many followers, informing the massive support he is getting from people.

Casting a cursory look into Hon. DIKET SATSO PLANG's impactful sojourn as a councilor and member house of assembly has shown that he is an individual who feels the welfare and comfort of the people comes first, a unique fellow who feels that the right and privileges of the common man must be accorded him, for a brother who feels power comes from the people and they deserve the best from leadership. His loftier-than-life image as well as his legendary humble and self-effacing nature has momentously endeared him to the heart of the people of his community as well as those that had come in close contact with