Lalong: Plateau consensus choice for peace

BY GABRIEL IKESE

When the pressure persisted, Governor Simon Bako Lalong succumbed. He said on his declaration, “I am yielding to pressure to declare to re-contest Governorship election in Plateau State. I know several groups have endorsed me, some have printed posters as a sign of their support…”

One most interesting of the several definitions of Politics is that which defines politics as a process whereby groups of people make collective decisions. This description is clearly manifested on the Plateau in the build up to the much anticipated 2019 Governorship election in the State.

Plateau Elders and Stakeholders, Party leaders, Youths/Women groups and indeed plateau citizens as a whole had persistently pressurized the incumbent Governor, Simon Bako Lalong into submission to re-contest the forthcoming Governorship election for another term in office. The voice of the people is the voice of God. The people attested to lalong’s developmental strides, and are convinced that his credible leadership has delivered democratic dividends to the people.

The APC Party Chairman in the State, Mr. Laptep Dabang, in Jos today on Redeem 93.7 FM radio station anchored by Samson Omale reiterated the collective decision of Party stakeholders at a recent forum at Yelwa Club in Bukuru, the endorsement of the hard working Governor Simon Lalong to re-contest the 2019 Governorship election as a consensus candidate.

The plethora of calls that flooded the station during the programme shows plateau citizens are seemingly in tandem with the collective decision of the Party and affirmed their support for another mandate for Governor Lalong to complement, coordinate and complete what they referred to as the “Plateau Progress Agenda” which he initiated.

For Governor Lalong, his vision for governance is to make the less privileged; to make the people that elected him to be happy. The amiable Governor is aware that Plateau people expected true governance and quality representation. These expectations became the driving force.

It fortified his unflinching resolve to lead in honesty and truth, and to provide basic things of life such as roads, hospitals, education and develop the human capital. Most important of all is to bequeath a legacy of politically united, socially integrated, peaceful and potentially prosperous people on the plateau. These are embedded in his carefully articulated 5-point agenda which he committed to implement for the common good.

In 2015, Gov. Lalong came to the office well prepared. He brought to bear his intellectual ability, mental capacity, patriotic zeal and above all, the political will of implementing the far-reaching 5-point agenda. He is convinced, and rightly so too, that these policies will in the long run ensure unity and equitability as expected by the plural nature of the state for the continual sustenance of peaceful coexistence amongst the people.

Engaging a monumental shift from the past, Lalong adopted an open-door policy. He gave a listening ear to all shades of opinion and interest irrespective of ethnic, political or religious affiliation. Furthermore, Lalong carries the management team along in decision making as it affect policy implementation or monetary decision to enhance accountability.

Sustainable peace has been the fulcrum of Lalong’s government. Peace is the only panacea for peaceful coexistence; and peaceful coexistence is sine qua non for sustainable development in any state. Gov. Lalong believes that a society where religion bigotry and ethnicity are the order of the day cannot witness socio-economic progress and prosperity. He upholds unity as an indispensible ingredient for sustainable development.

Gov. Lalong began with a genuine effort towards a proactive, enduring and sustainable peace in the state. He created the model Plateau Peace Building Agency and developed a Roadmap to sustainable peace in the State. It was a deliberate choice aimed at enthroning peaceful coexistence.

And in spite of some unfortunate incidence of insecurity in some areas which are believed to be politically instigated, the people still acknowledged and appreciated that the Governor institutionalized peace building and reconciliation through the establishment of the Peace Building Agency. They praised him for sustained security in the state where many innocent lives had perished before his assumption in office.

Gov. Lalong’s style of administration is very unique and legendary. His astute leadership in striving for financial transparency, accountability and inclusive governance is admirable. Lalong adopted prudent management of available resources and despite the dwindling inflows that accrue to the state, he ensured funds are judiciously channeled towards priority projects that have direct bearing on the people.

Plateau is within the bracket of States with low federal government allocation but Lalong’s prudent financial management capacity became a mitigant. He maintained regular payment of salaries and pension and cleared all outstanding arrears of workers and pensioners in the state. Civil servant nick-named him the “alert” Governor because of the prompt and consistent payment alerts they received on their phones.

Gov. Lalong’s achievements are numerous and are scattered across all key sectors of the state’s economy. He deviated from what hitherto seems to be the established norms in Nigerian politics, to completing ongoing projects bequeathed to him by his predecessor. Many road infrastructures in this category were already commissioned, including the State Secretariat flyover bridge, and the Mararaba Jema – Secretariat junction road, and several others across the state.

Reports indicated also that Gov. Lalong has lived up to his campaign promises and has performed even far beyond the expectations of many who did not give him a chance because of the seeming insurmountable challenges.

Take the education sector where he accorded topmost priority. He funded and resuscitated the hitherto abandoned Plateau State University and brought it back to life with state-of-art e-library, science laboratory, road networks, students’ hostel accommodations etc. Many courses were accredited and several lecturers sponsored abroad for doctorate degrees. Same apply to state owned primary and secondary schools where massive infrastructures are being put in place.

On Human Capital Development, the Governor initiated several reforms in the civil service and settled promotion arrears and salaries accruing to staff to boost Morales. The Tourist sector is also being revamped and revitalized under Public Private Partnership with some foreign interests. Agriculture, Health, Commerce and Industry need not be over emphasized as evidence of growth in these sectors is glaring for all to see.

Governor Lalong’s antecedents and performances litters all over the state. His sincere and effective leadership in financial prudency, transparency, accountability and inclusive governance has earned him a lot of accolades, numerous awards and recognition by local and international bodies and organizations. His managerial skills were attributed to his wealth of experience garnered over the years.

Gov. Lalong’s all inclusive governance style is a trait that has gone a long way in strengthening mutual relationship among the diverse ethnic groups in the state and endeared him to the people. Today in the state, the entire citizenry including the Berom, Anaguta, Goemai, Angas, Yoruba, Hausa, Idoma, Igbo, etc, are full of praises to Lalong for his exemplary leadership qualities which have further bridged the gap of unity in the hitherto troubled state.

That explained why many groups in the State are insisting that Lalong second term bid is vital. Women and youth groups across the 17 LGAs had matched in solidarity to the Governor to assure him of their unalloyed support for continuity.

For the “VOLA” 2019 Groups, there is no alternative to Gov. Simon Bako Lalong come 2019. Gathered in Kanam LGA recently, they said, “We know that our Governor has integrity, he has wisdom and above all, he can be trusted with our collective destiny. He is a man of peace who has suddenly become a rallying point for the suppressed and oppressed. We say, TO VOTE LALONG AGAIN IN 2019 IS A TASK THAT MUST BE DONE”

Ikese is a columnist and political analyst