February 07, 2022
By Abu Maigoro
Plateau state have rotated governorship to all the three senatorial districts in the past 22 years. They have all tested and enjoyed the two-term rule of back to back tenure. This simply mean Plateau people have settled themselves in the power rotation game with no zone marginalised or denied it’s mandate. However, the 2023 elections should be a time of reflection of what had transpired in leading the people under democratic government rather than emphasizing on zoning and the fact that all zones have taken their turn and the people have been the worst hit in the celebration of mediocrity in governance with the rotation formula.
We have witnessed this rotational arrangement with good faith, hoping that it would have given the opportunity for inclusive government, co-operation, peace and political stability to reign with the neutralisation of the domination of majority over minority but today we are worst of with the margin of our disunity wide, marginalisation within minorities turned acrimonious with all the disadvantages undoubtedly the reasons why we are stagnated and underdeveloped. Rotations have deprived us of the common sense of electing competent hands simply because we want to shift and favour the socalled zoning instead of allowing the space open to all quality persons the opportunity in the light of our present challenges to define the kind of leadership for us. This turn by turn arrangements have paved ways for continue failure and corruption. And it has deliberately limit the performance of competent opposition to check mate the affairs of government in Rayfield.
Should we continue with this turn by turn in 2023 governorship elections or we should just do away with it and go for competent person without minding any affiliation? This critical question may trigger serious brouhaha from people of Plateau central district but the competent hand that is needed for the job must not be compromised. Currently, more than 60 aspirants from the central part of Plateau have shown interest on posters under different political parties all vying to succeed Gov Lalong in the next general elections.
As a matter of fact, it will be a perilous error if we continue doing the same thing thinking we will get different results. We need different approach in governance, we need to reflect and reconsider who would succeed Gov Lalong based on competence, credibility and capacity. The era of rotational leadership is long passed. Our maturity in democracy is enough for Plateau people to realize the danger of the primitive way of selecting a candidate based on turn by turn. The unfortunate thing is that this generates impunity and nepotism which always comes with its destructive tendencies and uncontrollable emotions about turn by turn mantra.
However, whoever emerges as the candidate must draft a manifesto that would exploit the potentials of Plateau to meet up with the current realities and challenges. The tin city must answer and take its place in agriculture, tourism, commerce and industry with the maximum intention for revival. The mining, the educational sector, the health sector, the ICT must be given priorities in the light of new living. The man for this job must have absolute cognition and enthusiasm to transform Plateau state to be among the best and one stop hub-destination. And for us to get it right, we must look beyond turn by turn arrangements and adopt intellectual civility in choosing the right person for the job. The earlier we put a stop to turn by turn, the better for all of us because the future is shining and full of hope for the inheriting generation.
Abu Maigoro writes from Abuja can be reached via abumaigoro@yahoo.com
