As permutations and political pacts/alliances continue to be made ahead of the 2015 gubernatorial polls. Fresh facts emerging from Jos suggests that the Former Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Prof. Lognmas Sambo Wapmuk may be at advanced stages of oiling his campaign machineries. The Shendam born former ITF boss is now showing strong interest in running for the gubernatorial seat, despite his earlier stance debunking such insinuations.

As permutations and political pacts/alliances continue to be made ahead of the 2015 gubernatorial polls. Fresh facts emerging from Jos suggests that the Former Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Prof. Lognmas Sambo Wapmuk may be at advanced stages of oiling his campaign machineries. The Shendam born former ITF boss is now showing strong interest in running for the gubernatorial seat, despite his earlier stance debunking such insinuations.

Even though no zoning arrangement exist in the state, there has always been the spirit of fair trading which allows each zone to produce the next governor, as such many people believe the Southern zone may currently be due such fair trade. Wapmuk is reportedly very close to Governor Jonah Jang and being from such a zone, it may not be far-fetched if he ends up being one of the front runners for the position. That said, there are several other strong contenders from the zone, who may not be easy to brush aside. Top of the list remains the current Deputy Governor, Mr Ignatius Longjan –a man who worked both as one of the Governor’s trusted aides (as Chief of Staff) and then subsequently as Deputy Governor. So, if the Southern zone becomes the favoured area for the seat, it may end up being a hotly contested race with several candidates in contention.

Back to Prof. Wapmuk and his time as the DG of ITF, sources in Jos have confirmed that whilst running the ITF, he faced stiff opposition from some notable Directors at the institution, who attempted to thwart his efforts and political ambition. Of note was his recent sack from the ITF about 1 month ago, which many attributed to the clandestine and secret workings of several Directors within ITF, who reported him to authorities as someone who was already campaigning for Governorship whilst still serving as ITF boss. These individuals have perpetually accused him of dishing out contracts without following due process, to his cronies, whom they claim may ultimately fund his campaign. There is no evidence of such wrong doing, and none of the allegations have yet to be proven, but as the election hots up a lot of allegations are being thrown around.

Being an intellectual and an academic, Prof. Wapmuk brings something different to the political scene. Especially in the area of thought leadership and education, which Plateau state desperately needs. And having been the head of the ITF, the experience of running such a large organisation would enhance his steering of a complex state like Plateau. His name has always been a household name on the Plateau, but not necessarily on the political scene, but rather on the professional/academic capacity.

And so to my usual rethorical questions: Do academics make good administrators? Do they make good politicians? These are questions, the electorate must answer.

Meanwhile, there are insinuations that the Senator representing Plateau Northern Senatorial Zone at the National Assembly, GNS Pwajok may be lined up as the possible Deputy Governor. Investigations reveal that if not for the unwritten fair trading arrangement in Plateau, Senator GNS Pwajok would have been Gov. Jang’s preferred candidate, given his immense intellectual capability, forthrightness and servitude. GNS Pwajok has all along been groomed by the incumbent as a future Governor of Plateau, because of his unique abilities but the current political situation in the state appears not healthy for such calculations. With such permutations, it may suggest that Governor Jonah Jang may end up in the senate, where he would hold forte for Good luck Jonathan, as he has always done.

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Prof. Wapmuk 2015: Contender or Pretender for the Rayfield Government House.