October 28th 2015, the people of Plateau State woke up to the news of the demise of one of the finest political thinkers and leaders of modern Plateau State, Late Senator Gyang Nyam Shom Pwajok, popularly known as GNS. Though, short, but for him, it was a race in time. The pursuit of knowledge was key vehicle that took him to stardom.

His keen insights and incisive observations on the challenges of democracy, governance and leadership in Plateau State and Nigeria in general were uncommon and widely respected. He was one of the few personalities that cared and worried about the future of our commonwealth. He defended his views with vigour, but he was always and often willing to concede when he realised that his arguments might have flaws. This ability to engage in stimulating discourses and to take criticisms with humility was one of the major qualities of my dear friend and brother- GNS.

GNS was a firm believer in vigorous and socially directed community-life, as offering the opportunity and possibility for him to serve humanity and contribute to the transformation and development of our dear state. Within the period he served in government as Director General, Research and Planning, Governor’s Office; Chief of Staff, Government House; as well as Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he demonstrated convincingly that leadership at all levels, requires a high level of professionalism and commitment of the individuals whose responsibility it is to deliver services. Mediocrity, nepotism, opportunism and the crave for privileged access to the trappings of power were vices he strongly detested until his demise two years ago.

The life and times of GNS can best be described as that of a missionary who believed in the liberating and empowering mission of the people, in the context of the fight against social injustice as a critical vehicle for self-fulfilment and self-development. No wonder, “Greater Together” was one philosophy he pursued with uncommon passion and dexterity. With his demise, as a people we lost a friend, brother, leader and strategist not only in the arena of governance but in the broader arena of intellectualism and knowledge production. Indeed, his profound and enduring influence on our state and its people will be missed.

For such a friend, brother and confidant, he made his resting place in our hearts. We owe him a duty to carry on with the struggle for a Plateau State and Nigeria that is at peace with itself. Regardless of the differences that define our individual and collective pursuits, we are Greater Together.

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GNS Pwajok: A Tribute By Dr. Chris Kwaja