Plateau state is a strategically and politically important state. 90% of its human resources are politically inclined. Its democracy is no different from ‎that of other states.

According to the then publisher of The Analyst magazine Danjuma Adamu in 1989, “Plateau state has a naturally lush green landscape, dotted here and there with beautiful mountains.” Unarguably, the state is the hotbed of Middle-Belt Politics. Almost everything nowadays on the Plateau is politically engineered. This is in view of the fact that the Independent National Electoral commission had set October 2014 for party primaries as a prelude for the 2015 general elections.

Plateau state is a strategically and politically important state. 90% of its human resources are politically inclined. Its democracy is no different from ‎that of other states.

According to the then publisher of The Analyst magazine Danjuma Adamu in 1989, “Plateau state has a naturally lush green landscape, dotted here and there with beautiful mountains.” Unarguably, the state is the hotbed of Middle-Belt Politics. Almost everything nowadays on the Plateau is politically engineered. This is in view of the fact that the Independent National Electoral commission had set October 2014 for party primaries as a prelude for the 2015 general elections.

Political parties, individuals, groups and stakeholders aren’t resting on their oars to be actively engaged in the political processes and be given relevance and a sense of belonging. The City of Jos has been flooded with campaign posters and serious day and night meetings are going on.
Indisputably, the very election that would generate ripples and that people are very much interested in, is that of the governorship. The Governor is the number 1 citizen of the state. He/she has enormous powers and enjoys tremendous privileges. The seat is indeed a coveted one. This is simply the more reason why candidates in their large numbers are jostling for the seat. Some with the true calling to serve and perform, some on the other hand to gain fame, powers and riches.

But to be in that seat, it’s not easy. This saying better corroborates my point, “uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.” one has to pay the price, spend sleepless nights, calculate with wisdom, pull resources, tour the entire nooks and crannies of the state and convince the electorate to throw their weight behind your candidacy. One needs votes from all parts of the state, North, Central, and South, Christians, Muslims, Minority, Majority, Urban and Rural, educated and illiterate. No government can be formed without the support of all the mentioned components.
But ultimately, power comes from God. He anoints and supports the candidate of his choice. One cannot make it as a politician without the comprehensive backing of God. Interestingly, in the spirit of democracy, and wider political participation candidates from the three senatorial zones have indicated there interest to be Gov. Jang’s successor next year. Some have declared their intentions and the party platforms they’ll contest under while some are still mute and still consulting to define their direction.

Quite recently, the incumbent governor Dr. Jonah Jang whose tenure would elapse next year opened up and told journalists that he has not anointed anyone as his successor from his Berom Kinsmen. He denied reports suggesting that he was working behind the curtains to file a Berom man as next Governor under the PDP and further revealed that God knows who succeeds him. Almost all eyes are on Barr. (Dr). Istifanus Gyang a very close ally and one of the pillars of Jang’s administration whether he declares or not.

Groups, youths and students are secretly wetting the ground by mobilizing in readiness for Barr. ID Gyang’s declaration. For now, his actions and inactions are unsuggestive of the fact that he likes the plum seat. However, rumours are rife at some quarters that due to his closeness, faithfulness, hard work, and unflinching loyalty to the current governor, the pendulum would swing to his direction.

Another part of the rumour has it that the current deputy governor Amb. Longjan might take the slot and be deputized by chief. ID Gyang. No matter how it plays out, Plateau people are only interested in a leader that has the capacity, potential and vision to further consolidate on all developmental strides of successive governments. Whoever takes the slot whether from North, Central or South should be a man of character, rich political credentials, will and great antecedents.

Barr. ID Gyang was born on the 4th of February 1963 at Rawuru village, Fan district in Barkin Ladi. He had his primary school at Rite Fan and proceeded to Government Secondary School, Riyom where he emerged the best all-round student in 1981. He has two degrees; B.Sc. International Studies (ABU, Zaria) and LLB, BL (Uni-Jos and Law School. He started his working career as a teacher at BECO comprehensive high school, Kwi in 1989. He joined the Plateau state civil service in 1990 as an administrative officer and was later promoted to permanent secretary. Since 2007-date, he has been the Secretary of the Plateau state security council. He was the secretary of the presidential committee on Jos Crisis in 2011 set by President Goodluck Jonathan. He has won awards of honour in many respects including Youth Ambassador for peace by the Universal peace federation for world peace among others. As a matter of fact, the battle still rages and I hope the end would justify the means.

By Satmak Dapar

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2015: Who Wears the Crown? Barr. ID Gyang? by Satmak Dapar