The countdown to 2015 is continually gathering momentum. New developments, burning issues, topical events are taking Centre stage of Plateau politics. Also, wranglings, crisis, disagreements and skirmishes are gradually showing up.
No matter how good or bad a candidate is, the person is bound to face stiff opposition at some quarters. At this delicate period in Plateau political life, even the political saints are not left out of the imbroglio and are constant victims of harsh words, slander, defamation, wild allegations and dirty languages used by the electorates.

Quite recently, following the endorsement of Sen. GNS Pwajok to vie for the governorship seat of Plateau state by the redemption team led by Dr. Jonah Jang, the social media appears to be awash ‎with the use of uncharitable words, attacks and counter-attacks as well as undemocratic approach to critical social issues. Indeed, if words were weapons of destruction and could kill, Baba Jang and Sen. GNS Pwajok would have gone to their early graves by now.

The countdown to 2015 is continually gathering momentum. New developments, burning issues, topical events are taking Centre stage of Plateau politics. Also, wranglings, crisis, disagreements and skirmishes are gradually showing up.
No matter how good or bad a candidate is, the person is bound to face stiff opposition at some quarters. At this delicate period in Plateau political life, even the political saints are not left out of the imbroglio and are constant victims of harsh words, slander, defamation, wild allegations and dirty languages used by the electorates.

Quite recently, following the endorsement of Sen. GNS Pwajok to vie for the governorship seat of Plateau state by the redemption team led by Dr. Jonah Jang, the social media appears to be awash ‎with the use of uncharitable words, attacks and counter-attacks as well as undemocratic approach to critical social issues. Indeed, if words were weapons of destruction and could kill, Baba Jang and Sen. GNS Pwajok would have gone to their early graves by now.

As a keen follower of political trends on the Plateau, I noticed that the declaration for governorship by candidates from Central Plateau and Southern didn’t raise as much dust as it is the case now in view of the endorsement of Sen. GNS Pwajok as, i.e., baba Jang’s successor. This is happening largely because GNS Pwajok is from the same DU district, Local Government and Senatorial zone with the incumbent governor and not because GNS doesn’t have the good leadership skills, wherewithal and pedigree to serve as a governor, far from that. Infact GNS Pwajok is sound, brilliant, bright, politically experienced, eloquent and has what it takes to consolidate on the achievements of the redemption team.

When Governor Jang recently told the world he was determined to hand over to a youth after prayerful consultations, he wasn’t mincing words and that appears to be coming to fruition. The truth is that the emergence of GNS Pwajok as a governorship aspirant would not in anyway stop and politically liquidate other candidates, No! It’s a free political world and everybody has the right to vote and be voted for. Who then works hard and wears the crown afterwards becomes ultimately, the lucky one. His candidacy shouldn’t be a threat and be seen as a development in bad taste. Let’s hope for the will of God to be done and equally conduct ourselves with decorum, courtesy and care.

Quite frankly, I’m deeply ashamed and disappointed in the kind of words used on leaders by our people. We are a politically sophisticated and matured people. We can choose to change governments and leaders through peaceful and pro-democracy efforts. Certainly, not by violence, crisis and wild verbal attacks. If we engage in this kind of unhealthy politics, then it shows clearly we are still standing on the wrong side of history. Victor an Australian-based Ship captain once said that ” perhaps there should be a revolution of ideas that leads to change and development.” constitutionally and democratically, Sen. GNS Pwajok has the right to seek for any elective position provided he meets the requirements and under any political party he sees fit.

The ball is now in the court of the masses to either elect him or not, but not to be ranting like crickets and be crying wolf. We can’t grow politically and development wise if we continue to put primordial, ethnic and self-serving interests above unity, peace, equity, justice and progress. As a youth, GNS Pwajok has paid his dues and contributed his quota to Nation-Building in many areas. He once was a lecturer at the Plateau state Polytechnic and then UniJos respectively in the department of political science. His fate wasn’t in teaching and God paved way for him to be appointed director of research, planning and documentation during Governor Jang’s first tenure. He was then moved to Chief of staff when Gov. Jang won his second tenure and then elected as a senator of the federal republic of Nigeria in 2012 following the death of Sen. Gyang Dantong. Recently, he designed a youth and Women Economic empowerment scheme which benefited over 1000 of his senatorial youths and women held at the Polo field. The gesture went a long way in tackling some of the most depressing problems his constituents are facing.

By and large, the political arena is embroiled in crisis and the polity remains heated. Many are developing strategies to counter and tackle the candidacy of GNS Pwajok and some went extra miles to posit that PDP would teeter on the brink of failure if a Berom person emerges the flag bearer.

Power as a matter of fact comes from God. He anoints and blesses. He supports and gives wisdom and grace to accomplish challenging tasks. If GNS is God’s candidate, no gargantuan effort or forces can pull him down. For now, let’s pray fervently for peaceful 2015 general elections and wait patiently for who the pendulum would swing to. It could be APC, PDP, APGA or a least political party. The next Governor could be Goemai, Taroh, Berom, Mwaghavul, Ngas or any other person depending on who God wants. Indeed the clock is ticking. The end would justify the means.

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GNS PWAJOK: A POTENTIAL SUCCESSOR? by Satmak Dapar