With 2019 fast approaching, Plateau politicians are in overdrive making overtures, building alliances and re-positioning for the start of the next political dispensation. However, contrary to other political dispensations, when most aspirants were well into their 60s and 70s, a new breed of Plateau politicians in their 30s and 40s are emerging. Many of these are past activists and spearheads who played active parts in past elections, but have been disappointed by the non-changing status quo or unfulfilled promises etc.

Even though many of these youths have only modest or little mainstream political experience, they bring different dimensions to the Plateau political equation and offer fresh ideas not previous seen in the Plateau-sphere.

Below, I have profiled a few (amongst many)

1. Dachung Bagos

A former aspirant of the Jos South/Jos East House of Reps Federal Constituency seat in 2015, also the convener of Plateau G-17 and President/Founder of the Dachung Bagos Foundation.

Dachung is an astute and unrelenting activist who radiates passion, zeal and commitment for both Plateau state and its citizens. His passion is epitomised by his admirable struggle for justice and equity for victims of the Fulani pogrom in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South and environs.  This quest for justice has seen Dachung team up with many organisations including ViewPointNigeria, Plateau Speaks and a variety of NGOs in a bid bring global attention to the carnage.

A few of the activities Dachung has championed are below:

• Working with Dr. Chinan Mclean (of ViewPointNigeria) to force PLSG to squash and abandon plans to gazette large pieces of Plateau lands for the controversial grazing reserves policy. This resulted to a U-Turn by government but a cost of threats to his life, ultimately culminating with his detention by the Nigeria police.
• Spearheading the “Plateau Speaks” campaign in Abuja. Dachung coordinated hundreds of Plateau youths at the Abuja Unity Fountain to protest the killings of innocent Plateau citizens and to condemn the complicit silence of the Federal Government.
• Relief materials: Donated relief materials and food supplies through the Dachung Bagos foundation to communities decimated by Fulani attacks.
• Sponsored a myriad of editorials in Nigerian Dailies (ViewPointNigeria, The Punch, Vangaurd, The Guardian, Thisday etc) to bring global attention to the carnage in Plateau.

2019 Ambition

Dachung Bagos will likely make another challenge for the Jos South/Jos East senatorial seat –having contested it in 2015.

2. Zendi Mikuk

Zendi –a tactical academic and a shrewd business man, is currently an Assistant Registrar at the University of Jos. He spent about a decade working in the VC’s office –assisting the VC and other members of the University Management with critical assignments. And in the process has gained vast amounts of experience and insights in administration, project execution and politics.

Zendi is also one of the founding members of Plateau Intelligentsia and has been active in helping to shape policy and offering direction to the group. He is also a member of the MUPUN Think-Tank of academics, responsible for youth advocacy, governance and literacy.

2019 Ambition

Zendi will likely vie for the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam House of Representatives seat. Even though this is yet to be fully confirmed, he has expressed passion for changing the political narrative for his people. He is particularly passionate about the challenges of water, electricity, education and other basic amenities that his constituency lacks and is currently crafting a blue-print in that regard.

3. Hart Bankat

An emerging power-house on the Plateau business scene –Hart is assiduously building a business empire that cuts across many sectors of the economy. Under the auspices of “Maysu Group of Companies”, he runs a conglomerate which is staffed by youths and associates, whom he routinely mentors. His primary areas of business are large capital & infrastructure projects, construction, entertainment and contracts execution.

In the last few weeks, he along with several business partners started the first cinema in Jos –situated at Rayfield, Jos. Hart has also been a key sponsor of several high profile entertainment shows (e.g., Jos Chilling) which have featured nationally recognised artists and raised the profile of Plateau.

When ViewPointNigeria spoke to key people in Jos to gather information about Hart (during the research phase of writing this article), many described him as “a youth who is wise beyond his years” – saying they expect greater achievements in no distant future.

During the 2015 elections, Hart ran for the Pankshin North State House of Assembly seat but graciously stepped down at the behest of his mentors. He has remained a key player in the political scene, albeit at a slightly passive capacity.

2019 Ambition

Pressure has been mounted on Hart by peers, associates and constituents to contest the Plateau Central Senatorial seat. Even though he is yet to fully commit and declare his ambition –ViewPointNigeria expects that machineries will be put in place to facilitate an eventual run.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

On the female side of things –many power blocks are also emerging –worthy of note is Jirit MorgakPeter, who is also likely to feature prominently on the 2019 political scene. But there are several other ladies, who are yet to fully confirm their ambition and will be the focus of my next article.

Note: This article is only a first-pass at highlighting youth who are throwing their gauntlets into the political ring in 2019. My next article will feature other key players who are yet to confirm their plans.

by Dr Chinan Mclean

count | 1635

2019: Plateau youths who may run for office