Plateau Youths Coalition Prevails on Jang to Support Governorship Zoning

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News, News From The State, Politics Monday, July 14th, 2014

From Agabus Pwanagba, Jos

As the 2015 general elections approach, a group – Coalition of Concern Plateau Northern Youths, has urged the state Governor, Jonah Jang to support the proposed zoning of the governorship slot.

In a press statement signed by the group’s Chairman, Mafeng Gwallson and made available to African Examiner in Jos on Monday, the organization affirmed it would dissociate itself from those who were agitating for Plateau North to retain power in 2015.

The statement reads: “We have decided not to be onlookers in the game, as it will amount to abuse of our youthfulness, hence we decided to come together irrespective of ethnic or religious backgrounds to speak with one voice”.

The group regretted that it was unfortunate that some elders in the state who were expected to be role models, light bearers, mentors and leaders have decided to toe this risky path of agitation for a Plateau Northern candidature, without reflecting on the collective future and togetherness of Plateau youths, who it said they were prize of the future generation.

“Youths of Plateau North who ensured the emergence of the incumbent Governor, dissociate itself from any discussion to retain power in the Northern zone after having an uninterrupted eight years tenure”.

It further stressed that, we want to remind the people of the State that we must understand that the unity and oneness of Plateau State cannot be sacrifice on the altar of few greedy individuals who do not mean well for the common man on the street.

The statement urged Governor Jang to dissociate himself from people who were bent on deceiving him to take decisions capable of blemishing his image.

The group also called on Nigerian youths to rise up and be counted among the decision makers maintaining “the era of being onlookers has passed”.

Meanwhile, the suspended Chairman of the state Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. Haruna Dabin, has denied media reports that he has resigned his position to pursue his gubernatorial ambition.

Dabin who barely four weeks ago received a vote of no confidence from the State party’s Executive Council last Friday, distanced himself from the letter purporting his resignation.

The letter reads in part, “Given the need for greater harmony in the party in the State and my desire to contest for the position of Governor of Plateau State in the forthcoming elections, I hereby give notice of my resignation in line with section 47(5) of the party’s constitution with effect from Monday, 14th, July, 2014.

“I remain loyal to our great party and would do everything lawful to promote its ideals and obligations”.

Dr. Dabin queried: “If I am to resign, will I address the letter to the National Chairman of the Party in Abuja? Whoever is behind this is just bent on throwing the Party into chaos, informing that the party’s Secretariat had been sealed by the Police.

When African Examiner contacted the state’s PPRO, DSP Emmanuel denied having knowledge of the development, but promised to call the DPO of the area and get back.