For the record, I write this piece devoid of any party affiliations or partisance. And so to begin, let me state that this article should serve as a clarion call to all teaming Plateau youths to wake up from their slumber and take their destinies into their hands. I also hope that it serves as a vehicle to prick the consciences of our current political elders/leaders.

I recognize that some might question the reason I put up pictures of only PDP elders, contradicting my above claim of non-partisance. Well, my reasons are as follows:

1. The recent imbroglio arising from the planned PDP EXCO elections which has generated so much debate.
2. Apart from D T Sango, all the others are representing Plateau state at the federal level.

Now permit me to start, by reminding you about how Plateau state used to be a major player in the political machination of Nigeria at the National level. Today however, the case is totally different. Over the years, our leaders have only been considered worthy of positions of lesser importance.

Consider this, aside the water resources ministry (Sarah Ochekpe) and the minister of state for  Information position of (Dasuki Nakande), we have largely been doled out the inconsequential ministry of youths and sports –and I ask, what have we gained from it? Nothing…….look at the comatose Zaria road stadium. None of the past leaders saw fit to complete this great project. So I ask the rhetorical question – what benefit has Plateau obtained from the patronage by FG?

Considering the above, I plead with Plateau youths (whether PDP or APC) to close ranks and think about what the future holds for us.

Check out Ahmed Bola Tinubu, who is younger than J D Jang, D T Sango and J T Useni and was a governor colleague to J C Dariye in 1999. Today, Tinubu is the national leader of the South West –meaning his influence goes beyond Lagos state.

How about Bukola Saraki? Saraki has risen above Kwara and is now a key power bloc in Nigeria. Now consider that this fellow has such influence at the lowly ages of 50 something and you will marvel at how far ahead he is of our current leaders.

Now I ask the question: how many times have we seen our senators actively engaged on the senate floor? Our senators appear unconcerned about what pertains their zones or state but rather their family and friends.

Now let’s highlight the achievement of these elders

1. D T Sango was minister in 1999. He became chairman Nigerian Copyright Commission 2006. Moved on to become board member of the Intergrated Water Resources Management Agency 2009. With all these, where or what institution has he erected personally which should have help the state employment wise?
   2. J C Dariye: a two term governor and now a serving senator. His achievements are that he largely built up and empowered people as opposed to capital projects. As for personal investment in the state, well, I am not aware!
2. J D Jang: Military Governor of Benue and Gongola states. Two term civilian Governor and now a serving senator. Has a poultry which at least helps in reduction of unemployment. Other investments in the state remain unknown.
3. J T Useni: Governor of the old Bendel state and subsequently minister of FCT. Investments include Tim Tali rice mills, Tim Tali Travels, Tim Tali University and lots of other investment in the state.

Be mindful that as a governor of the state, whatever you initiated during your tenure is the right of the citizenry and therefore obligatory so it is not a basis for my applause.

What am I trying to point out? I want Plateau youth to begin to ask the question – which of these Plateau elders have invested time, money or resources in our dear state?

Unfortunately today, many youth have the mentality of short term benefits, which is why we prefer to be tucked underneath the wings of politicians who cannot be counted on the national stage. So, the key question remains – what stops our politicians from participating in national politics like Ibrahim Mantu is doing? Look at Fayose (a youth), Wike (a youth) – these guys are making headlines all the time, but here in Plateau –most of the elders don’t garner much respect on the national stage and they only strive to bar and lock out Plateau youth from actively participating in politics.

This makes me ask the question –is age simply a number?

The bottom line

Plateau is losing relevance on the national stage, with no lobbyist who can bring development. I wonder what our national quota at the federal character commission both in terms of appointments and employment is.

A few weeks ago, thousands of Plateau Youth went for aptitude test at the Jos Electrical Distribution Company, a subsidiary of Aura Energy. The chairman of the firm is (Mohammed Garba Noma – a Bauchi indigene, the same for the CEO, Alh. Tukur Modibbo. Most of the people invited for the interview were from outside Plateau (as you can imagine) –and I shall let you guess how many Plateau people were shortlisted for that –even though they had better qualifications.

• With how Plateau citizens are severely disadvantaged – cast your minds to when the Jos Electrical Distribution Company was privatised during Goodluck Jonathan’s regime, was it that we did not have elders/leaders who could bid or partner together to acquire this? Where are all those who stole our commonwealth, where have they hidden these monies?
• Unity FM, the new FM station in Jos is owned by former Minister Dasuki Nakande (a Kano native) who has been able to give the Jasawa of Jos North a solid voice and has given good employment to many within his community.
• Look at NASCO, COCA-COLA and other companies on the Plateau. Do they observe their social responsibilities to their host communities? No – they rather employ us as casual labourers while the white collar jobs are reserves for others outside the state. All this happened under the watch of our leaders/elders who prefer to divide and rule us.

It is time for us to close ranks, resurrect PYC and fight for our rights.

By Bong Vwong Naanle

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Why do Plateau leaders not have relevance beyond Plateau? – Bong Naanle