History they say, is repetitive. If one does not learn from the mistakes of the past, then he/she is bound to repeat same in the future.

In Dariye’s first few years in office (i.e., between 1999 – 2000) he was celebrated as a young dynamic leader. By the end of 2001, when subvention dropped and he started struggling to pay workers salaries the good fortune he previously enjoyed all fizzled-out. The situation further took a turn for the worse when the Jos crisis of September 9th 2001 happened. Dariye who was hitherto hailed as a vibrant and dynamic leader became the most hated villain in the state. Many tagged him “the worst thing that had happened to Plateau”. 

History they say, is repetitive. If one does not learn from the mistakes of the past, then he/she is bound to repeat same in the future.

In Dariye’s first few years in office (i.e., between 1999 – 2000) he was celebrated as a young dynamic leader. By the end of 2001, when subvention dropped and he started struggling to pay workers salaries the good fortune he previously enjoyed all fizzled-out. The situation further took a turn for the worse when the Jos crisis of September 9th 2001 happened. Dariye who was hitherto hailed as a vibrant and dynamic leader became the most hated villain in the state. Many tagged him “the worst thing that had happened to Plateau”. They said he was inept, corrupt, bigoted, diabolic and deluded. Even Jonah Jang at the time, joined in the vilification of Dariye, saying he was immensely corrupt, wicked and inhumane for not paying worker’s salaries. Dariye was vilified in all directions – the Hausa/Fulani called for his head because of the Jos crisis, civil servants called for his sack because of his inability to pay salaries, Plateau natives called for his impeachment because they said he was not executing any projects. He was absolutely loathed and hated.

Today, the story is different! Dariye is the most popular politician on the Plateau. No politician in the entire state can match his appeal or goodwill. He is now hailed as the master tactician of our politics and a great emancipator. This is rather ironic, considering the same Plateau people called for his head a few years ago, even saying that Mantu was right in getting Obasanjo to declare a State-of-Emergency. The same people who danced and celebrated the imposition of the State-of-Emergency are now his staunchest supporters. How ironic……

Moving on to Jang: When Jonah Jang was elected in 2007, Plateau people were so ecstatic about his victory, saying it was a timely break from the “wicked” administration of Joshua Dariye. Civil servants dance along the corridors of J D Gomwalk secretariat – singing “Baban mu ya ci zabe, Allah ya ji adduwan mu”.

From 2007 to early 2011, Jang was hailed a hero for his hard stance against Northern imperialism. He expanded several road networks in and around Jos. He set out to build the first overhead bridge around Gada biyu. He moved the Jos North secretariat from its location close Masallacin Juma’a to its current location not far from Gada biyu. He refused to attend Northern Governor’s meetings in Northern states, instead asking that it be rotated amongst the states. Jang was hailed a hero by many Plateau people.

By late 2011 and early 2012, Jang’s good fortune was already in decline as he started struggling to pay civil servant salaries (akin to Dariye, whom he harshly criticised). Also at the same time, many began accusing him of nepotism and tribalism because of what they construed as lopsidedness. They drew facts ranging from political appointments, to contract awards and location of projects as evidence that he was running an exclusive government. Jang denied these vehemently, saying that he was running a government which was strictly in the interest of Plateau. By 2013, the animosity toward Jang peaked, allegations of ethnic bias heightened and suggestions were made that he intended to hand-over to one of his kinsman. Jang denied all such suggestions, maintaining firmly that he was seeking divine guidance from God. By late 2014, when he anointed GNS Pwajok as his candidate of choice – he lost the goodwill of most people. As I write this article – I can’t think of anyone more vilified and hated on the Plateau than Governor Jonah Jang. This is a man who was once the darling of everyone on the Plateau – the man whom many danced and sang for when elected. This begs the question – how can Plateau people change so quickly and so consistently?

And so I repeat my opening statement – “History they say, is repetitive. If one does not learn from the mistakes of the past, then one is bound to repeat same in the future”

To that extend, let me say that I see the same adulation being showered on Simon Lalong and to an extend GNS Pwajok by their teaming supporters. Being branded the “reclaimer of Plateau” or one who will emancipate Plateau from the shackles of ethnic bias etc. Well, I guess if this article has made any point clear, it is the fact that – the nature of Plateau politics is such that the people who appear to be your staunchest supporters can very quickly turn against you. Thus, politicians needs to take all adulation from supporters with a sense of humility, sober reflection and deep realism that, the fortune could one day change – and sometimes quickly too.

But importantly, without being in office, it is easy to have harsh words for your predecessor, but once in the office – the reality becomes clear. Like Dairye found out when he occupied the position held by Col. Mohammed Mana, and Jang found out when he assumed the position, occupied by Dariye. So care needs to be taken with regards what words one chooses to use on your predecessor.

That said, as Jang leaves office, one thing is a fact – history will be kind his legacy. Even though he is loathed and hated at the moment, like Dariye (whose political stocks soared after he left office) and more recently Goodluck Jonathan (who went from “villain number one” to “number one statesman” in a matter of days) – you can be sure, that these same people will soon be referring to Jang as the best thing that happened to Plateau. Once the new Governor – whether it be GNS Pwajok or Simon Lalong begins to struggle with salary payments, these people will quickly turn on him – calling for his head, whilst praising Jang.

There is no doubt that Jonah Jang has made lots of mistakes in his 8 years in Government. The biggest one being the jettisoning of the zoning arrangement in favour of his choice. By doing that Jang succeeded in polarising the entire polity in a way that we have never seen before. The once formidable front shown by Plateau people was broken with that unpopular decision. Will this sole act derail his legacy? That remains to be seen……but the question remains, should we remain fixated on that mistake and vote in anger? Or shall we consider the pedigree of the choices before us? This makes me remember the saying – “The Bitterness of Poor Quality remains Long after the Sweetness of cheap choices is Forgotten”.

The two candidates – Simon Lalong and GNS Pwajok are two credible candidates and Plateau is lucky to have them. But they present and represent two different propositions to Plateau. Vote wisely…..

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The Next Governor of Plateau Needs to Know this