(1) For the benefit of our readers, could you tell us your reaction, when Baba Jang told you that he would endorse you as his potential successor in 2015. Were you surprised? Elated? Shocked?

I was immensely humbled when the proposition was made by Baba Jang. I never considered myself worthy of filling such big shoes that he would leave behind! So when he told me, I received the news with mixed feelings of gratitude to him for the immense vote of confidence on me and cautious apprehension because of what I know the realities and challenges of the office to be. I’d clarify that statement, by saying that for a lot of people (who are far from the seat of Government), the office appears glamorous and inviting, but the realities and demands of the office could be far from that -which is what makes me cautiously apprehensive about the massive responsibility thrusted on me, but also in awe of how the Governor has been able to navigate the difficult waters of governance and achieve so much, even in the light of the challenges which have plagued Plateau.

(1) For the benefit of our readers, could you tell us your reaction, when the Governor told you that he would endorse you as his potential successor in 2015. Were you surprised? Elated? Shocked?

I was immensely humbled when the proposition was made by the Governor. I never considered myself worthy of filling such big shoes that he would leave behind! So when he told me, I received the news with mixed feelings of gratitude to him for the immense vote of confidence on my person, but also with cautious apprehension because of what I know the realities and challenges of the office to be. I’d clarify that statement, by saying that for a lot of people (who are far from the seat of Government), the office appears glamorous and inviting, but the realities and demands of the office could be far from that -which is what makes me cautiously apprehensive about the massive responsibility thrusted on me, but also in awe of how the Governor has been able to navigate the difficult waters of governance and achieve so much, even in the light of the challenges which have plagued Plateau.

From the inception of this administration, I have been a student of Redemption Agenda and I consider what has been achieved by this Governor as truly supreme –so for him to find me worthy of carrying further his legacy, leaves me short of words to describe how I feel. But I must say that I am truly humbled, by this vote of confidence and it would be a privileged to serve Plateau and its noble citizens. But I must point out that what he has done is in line with his long standing views of handing over to someone of the younger generation –as opposed to another senior citizen.

Through the entire process, I was aware of the storm such an endorsement will cause in Plateau, because of the geographical nuances of our politics. But I have come to accept this decision whole heartedly given that it has come after sober reflection and prayers. To that extend, I understand the complexities of such an endorsement and the impact it would have on our politics, but that does not faze or intimidate me because power comes from God. Plateau State has over 4 million citizens, so for a decision like this to fall on one person, people are bound to react the way they have –so it is unsurprising.

(2) What qualities of yours, do you think has endeared you to the Governor and made him chose you?

The Governor is a man of impeccable wisdom and foresight -with a fine eye for detail. He watches closely how one executes assigned task, but not just that, also how honourably and sincerely those tasks are executed.

In the early days of my working relationship with him, he entrusted me with small assignments/tasks. I executed those as diligently as I could and that opened up opportunities for larger assignments/task.

An opportunity then opened up for someone to work closely with him as his Chief of Staff -and he asked for me to step up. That role presented rare insights into his philosophy and what his modus operandi was -I learned immensely from the close working relationship, because of the high standard of delivery he demands.

Following that, I was then given the mandate of representing Plateau North in the Senate. But through all of this, I cannot say it has been my ability or anything that has endeared me to the Governor or allowed me to be thrusted into positions of greater responsibility –all I can say is that God has been at the centre of it all. He has constantly favoured me and had is countenance shine on me.

(3) The Governor has staked his legacy and integrity on you with this bold endorsement, how does this make you feel -Pressure?

Like I said earlier –this humbles me in a way I cannot describe! To know that I was under close examination/assessment and that I have ultimately been found worthy of being entrusted with this massive responsibility, makes me speechless.

As you can imagine, anyone who attempts to sustain his legacy, tries not to make a wrong move by entrusting his/her legacy on someone who would ultimately scuttled the gains which have already been scored by reversing key policies.

The Governor is a prayerful man -as well as being immensely gifted with rare social intelligence to read people’s character -so he ultimately depends on God for divine guidance and leadership and then deciphers what is around him using his great sense of judgement.

I have been part of the redemption agenda from the beginning –I was schooled in the Governor’s school of thought with regards governance and how to make a state thrive and flourish even under financial constraints. So I feel confident that what has been done in the past 7.5 years can again be replicated over the next few years going forward.

You’d recall that when we started, the state was in massive debt and there was hardly anything in the state coffers because money was a big challenge. You’d also recall that the Plateau State Government was treated with so much contempt and disdain, because of the challenging security situation which was in the state.

At that time, the Federal Government was at loggerheads with PLSG because of our resolute stand on security. Today however, a very cordial relationship exist with the top and the Governor is even being celebrated with a National Merit Award because Nigeria is waking up to the reality that the standard of governance in Plateau State has been improved beyond expectation. This is what I term a true turn-around and people regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity need to recognise this.

(4) You’ve seen and heard the reaction of people on social media about your candidature –what are your thought on this?

The reactions are nothing new. It was the same reactions when I was nominated to vie for the senate seat following the unfortunate events that led to the seat being vacant –so hardly surprising. At that time, people said the Senate was not meant for young inexperienced people, that it was only meant for older and more mature citizens who had distinguished themselves in national service and that I would not fit in etc. My opponents during that election fitted that pedigree of being mature with distinguished careers, they included a Former Deputy Senate President, a Former Governor etc –but as God would have it, I won.

I guess what that election demonstrated was that preconceived notions can be challenged and beaten squarely. Never be held back because people tell you, that you are not good enough or that you cannot do something. Only God can make that assertion, no human being holds the key to ones destiny so be bold and confident in your decision. To that end, my humble suggestion to all-and-sundry is that we should rise beyond primordial sentiments and judge people by the content of their character and not by some irrelevant criteria which are archaic.

I have been a student of the redemption agenda from the inception of this Government and I have been schooled in the overall programmes and philosophy of the redemption agenda –I can deliver progress to Plateau state, just like this Government has done. I appeal to Plateau people, especially the youth to begin to see things beyond the prism of ethnicity, tribe etc and dwell on performance, efficiency and quality. That is what would make us excel together.

(5) With several Southern and Central politicians on the other side threatening to gang-up with regards you candidacy, how do you intend to woo them to your side?

A lot of the statements made by these politicians have been unfortunate. Some have been by people whom I have a lot of respect for. All I can say is that, I can understand their position, but as I said earlier, when God proposes man cannot dispose. Unity is not a one way traffic –we all have to reach out to each other to find an agreeable position. We must put the interest of Plateau ahead of our individual interests, we must sacrifice for the common good of all. These are the true tenet of democracy and good leadership.

As much as I will appeal to these people, my ultimate goal is also to reach the youth because they hold the key to the tussle going forward. The youth have a bigger stake in our politics because the future is theirs, we must not allow politicians to turn us into ethnic champions by dividing us -we must unite and secure our future together. If we want to see a Plateau of our dreams and we all need to be on board to make that happen.

This is the first of a series of interviews to be held with GNS Pwajok over the next few weeks -stay with ViewPointNigeria as we bring the follow-on interview next week.

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GNS Pwajok (Interview) – I fully understand people’s reaction to my candidature –but I’d rather be judged by the content of my character and what I can do for Plateau and not based on my ethnicity or where I come from