As Plateau state’s political influence continues to diminish on the national stage, ViewPointNigeria analyses how the death of Solomon Lar deals a huge blow to the relevance of Plateau state on the national stage.

There is no gainsaying that since dawn of the administration of Goodluck Jonathan, Plateau State lost its political relevance in sensitive and critical issues of national importance. No Plateau elder can be seen to wield any influence capable of swinging national discourse to a particular course, whether in terms of national appointments or contracts. The last time any such influence was wielded appeared to be during the Obasanjo administration, when the astute and politically savvy Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu held sway for Plateau. During that time, Ibrahim Mantu was able to bring Plateau state to the limelight of national discourse, he won key contracts and projects which hitherto would not have been won had he not been in power. Examples of such included the long abandoned Panyam – Shendam road, Gindiri water dam project etc. The political career of Mantu was however prematurely truncated due to local wranglings and perhaps his bravado in declaring that he was Plateau’s lone political emancipator.

As Plateau state’s political influence continues to diminish on the national stage, ViewPointNigeria analyses how the death of Solomon Lar deals a huge blow to the relevance of Plateau state on the national stage.

There is no gainsaying that since dawn of the administration of Goodluck Jonathan, Plateau State lost its political relevance in sensitive and critical issues of national importance. No Plateau elder can be seen to wield any influence capable of swinging national discourse to a particular course, whether in terms of national appointments or winning of contracts. The last time any such influence was wielded appeared to be during the Obasanjo administration, when the astute and politically savvy Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu held sway for Plateau. During that time, Ibrahim Mantu was able to bring Plateau state to the limelight of national discourse, he won key contracts and projects which hitherto would not have been won had he not been in power. Examples of such included the long abandoned Panyam – Shendam road, Gindiri water dam project etc. The political career of Mantu was however prematurely truncated due to local wranglings and perhaps his bravado in declaring that he was Plateau’s lone political emancipator.

Prior to the ascension of Mantu, the now late Solomon Daushwep Lar was Plateau’s political arrowhead. Being a founding member of the PDP and its pioneer Chairman he wielded so much influence on national affairs to the point that most PDP primaries and elections were conducted in Jos –bringing the state to the limelight. Of note is the PDP primaries, which brought Obasanjo into power, which also heralded the new democratic dispensation and is still being quoted by all and sundry. He was also known to be the political glue and mediator, who would settle scores between political foes –for instance when Joshua Dariye (the Governor of Plateau state) had squabbles with Damishi Sango (then Minister of Sports), the late veteran politician would bring them together and settle the scores. That fatherly act prevented our politicians from making a mockery of themselves on the national stage.

Before the 1999 democratic dispensation, Plateau was lucky to have several military Generals who were the bed rock of most of the administrations. The likes of J T Useni, Joshua Dogonyaro, John Shagaya, Joseph Garba, Domkat Bali etc. Most of these Generals were part of the inner caucus of the military adminstrations and therefore wielded significant influence in national affairs. Plateau state was therefore very relevant and key to several national decisions. Tags like the “Langtang Mafia” were very apt at the time because of the political and social relevance of these individuals. Additonally, General Yakubu Gowon, the former Head of state, has also been a strong hold for Plateau state, famously mediating into the State-of-Emergency imposed on the Joshua Dariye administration –getting its suspension.

With the death of Solomon Lar, the extinguishing of Mantu’s stellar career, the retirement of most Plateau generals, the ageing of Gen. Yakubu Gowon –the question arises. “To whom shall Plateau turn to”? No vibrant and dynamic youth appear to be coming through the ranks to replace these lofty individuals. The likes of Victor Lar, Bitrus Kaze, Daniel Kutchin, Joshua Dariye, GNS Pwajok etc, all appear to be in the twilight of their national careers and have not yet garnered enough respect, confidence and approbation to earn the approval/following of their peers. Is Plateau doomed in the sea of mediocrity and none performance that no dynamic young individuals can been seen in sight?

A high number of the influential Plateau elders appear to be old and frail (most of them 70 years or older) and as such they may soon be lost just like our dear Solomon Lar (God forbid). Therefore we ask, can Plateau rise above its problems and lead again on the national stage? –we watch keenly. With a deep sense of loss, we at ViewPointNigeria say –Rest In Peace, dear veteran Solomon Lar. May God raise more leaders amongst us.

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To whom shall Plateau turn to, with the death of Solomon Lar