Information available to us indicates that Hon. I D Gyang (the Honourable member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom in the House of Representatives) has moved for a bill to alter the first schedule to section 3 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to reflect the proper (and native) name of Barkin Ladi.

The motion by I D Gyang seeks to substitute and replace the current name i..e, “Barkin Ladi” with its native name “Gwol” in paragraph 31 line 1 of the constitution.

In his submission, I D Gyang argued that “being in the National Assembly is by virtue of the mandate that was bestowed on me by my constituents in respect of which I have the onus to canvass their views, aspirations and expectations.

“Placing the quest for this name change Bill in perspective requires reference to colonial history when mineral resources including Tin & Columbite were pillaged from my constituency and the greater part of what today constitute Plateau State for the development and advancement of Great Britain leaving behind devastated lands, unclaimed mining ponds and wasted mines fields and the sale of the reversionary rights of host communities from expired mining leases by successor mining companies (acts for which we intend to press for reparations).

“The period also witnessed the distortion of the history of host communities whose original names were substituted as in the instant case of ‘Barikin Ladi’ whose native and aboriginal name is ‘Gwol’. This constitution alteration Bill seeks to correct the error of history and is held very dearly by my constituents as it answers to their deep seated yearning and long held aspiration”.

“The Bill successfully passed through Second Reading on the Floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday 17th May 2016 and was referred to the Constitution Alteration Committee for further legislative action. I appeal to all Nigerians, Plateau people in particular to support my constituents towards the actualization of this historic Bill by making their voices heard during the Public Hearing by the Constitution Review Committee of the National Assembly”. 

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I D Gyang sets gear in motion to change name of Barkin Ladi to native name Gwol