FOCUS: Dangling Choice Of Ignatius Longjan As Governor Jang’s Successor

From Agabus Pwanagba, Jos

Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau’s Deputy, Mr. Ignatius Longjan, seems to have heeded the call of his people, in the Qua’an Pan Local Government area, to contest the 2015 gubernatorial election as his posters flood the nooks and crannies of the State.

Mr. Ignatius Longjan

Longjan who is from Southern Plateau is a core loyalist of the outgoing Governor Jang since he replaced in 2011, the former DG, Dame Pauline Tallen.

But given his diplomatic background and calm disposition, Longjan is perceived in some quarters to lack dexterity of a typical Nigerian politician.

However, the luxury of the office and its attendant incentives could easily influence every occupant of the position, Longjan inclusive.

Again, another point against him might be age as he is of the same age group with Governor Jang and the Governor had always said they are grooming the younger ones to take over from them.

It would be recalled that last weekend, the People of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of the State spoke in unison – urging the Deputy Governor to contest the governorship seat.

They appealed to Governor Jang to endorse his Deputy so as to succeed him for the sake of continuity of good governance.

They further urged him to go ahead and purchase his nomination form.

The group in a communiqué signed by Stakeholders from the LGA and read by Member Representing Qua’an-Pan North constituency in the State’s House of Assembly, Hon. Joe Dawam, , said, “Our communique which contained our demand on the need for Longjan to contest has been delivered to him and I am sure he will respond positively”.

“As a matter of fact, the Deputy Governor, in response to our communique is ready to make his intention for the contest public very soon.

“Though, the call for the service of the Deputy Governor was initiated” by those of us from his Local Government, while other Local Governments in the State would “soon come up with their own demand for the man to contest”.

“From our consultation across the 17 Local Governments, the Deputy Governor is the most popular choice, people are just waiting for him to declare.

“We are also expecting Governor Jang to accept our appeal to endorse his deputy since both of them had worked closely to provide dividends of democracy to Plateau people so far”.

AFRICAN EXAMINER online gathered that despite the love enjoyed from the people by Longjan, his choice might likely be the last option for his boss and the outgoing Governor Jang.