The birth of ‘DVD Movement’ in Plateau State took everyone by surprise. A philosophy conceptualized by people of like minds few years before the retirement of the principal behind the movement, was an idea which time has come. Shortly before his retirement after years of service to the nation, friends and admirers who are witnesses to his tremendous contributions to the socio-economic development of the country began to harvest ideas on how such meritorious service could be extended to his home State, Plateau after retirement. And giving a shot at the governorship slot became a ready opportunity and option to actualize this ambition.

Consequently, the emergence of this movement heralded the collective thinking that represent the voices of advocates who for long have been yearning for a people-centered governance leadership in Plateau State. A movement that is today seen as a pressure group set out to convince the man behind the scenes to aspire for the topmost leadership position in the State.

The David Victor Dimka (DVD) Movement has today become a slogan and sing song that drives the aspiration and thinking of a personality called David Victor Dimka. The retired Comptroller of Customs who after a meritorious service in the Nigeria Customs Services decided to respond to this clarion call by seeking the mandate of Plateau people both at home and in the diaspora to extend the same selfless service which had placed him in an enviable position while in service.

Therefore, his journey into the political landscape is a conscious step informed by his unequalled pedigree which has endeared him to so many people both within and outside Plateau State. His footprints in the Nigeria Customs Service as an excellent administrator and a dogged fighter against human rights violations speak volume. This is in addition to his humane attitude which earned him so much admiration and respect from people who cut across different strata of the Nigerian society.

His contribution to the national economy while in service has remained a case study for officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service. Indeed, he left an indelible mark which till date, has become a reference point for the command and structure of the service as a self-made personality within the service with high level of due diligence and administrative capacity.

These attributes were the secret behind the robust relationship he was able to establish with the low and mighty drawn from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds in Nigeria. Through their goodwill, his foray into the Nigerian political landscape came with much ease, placing him above the mire. His support to humanity and building blogs of relationships across the country have remained legendary to them.

A critical analysis has revealed that the emergence of DVD Movement on the Plateau has broken barriers of ethnicity and religion, and has continued to build bridges of commonalities and collective interest among the people of Plateau State and the nation at large.

Today, the wind is fast blowing and sweeping across the nooks and crannies of the State with a high intensity of buying-in of elders, men and women, youth, tribal and religious groups, professional, development and market associations. The expression of support by these groups and individuals have continued to soar and remain uncommon to the admiration of so many well wishers in and outside the State.

Unravelling the secret behind this enviable status, one is quick to attribute it to the standards set by his late father who himself was a politician of high repute and a religious believer. The late D.D Dimka (of blessed memory) even though rose to the highest pinnacle of the Nigerian politics, he also contributed immensely to the growth of the Church in Plateau State having served the Church of Christ in Nigeria (now Church of Christ in Nations) in various capacities before he passed on.
Such virtues helped built the character and mindset of the leader of the DVD Movement (David Victor Dimka) who today remains a household name in community development and service to humanity. Principles of equity, fairness, justice, and service to humanity have remained his guiding principles in dealing with people and he does that with utmost precision and diligence such that one often wonders how his inner mind works in such a quick succession.

As we move towards 2023, it is our collective prayers and hope that the people of Plateau State will see in David Victor Dimka (DVD) the dynamism that is required of a leader, the zeal and willingness to serve, and a man ready to restore its past glory and move Plateau State beyond the present status of an enviable State.

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DVD Movement: Cutting Across Ethnic and Religious Barriers – Boniface Kassam