TRIBUTE TO OUR WORLD BEST CHAIRMAN OF JOS SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL DA. HON. JAMES DUNG HARUNA (2004– 2007)
Good Night to a colossus, Pathfinder and a trailblazer, the very best to have presided over Jos- South Local Government Council. What a privilege and great honor to have worked closely with you under oath to God and the people to faithfully and selflessly serve the very interest of the masses at the grassroot.
Under your leadership, we paid 90% backlogged of 16 months salaries arrears of workers, inherited from past administrations and cleared up salaries and liabilities of past Executive and Legislative Arms. Contractual liabilities of various contractors were also settled.
In 2005 having set the Council in the right footing and on track, Da. J. D Haruna’s Administration introduced payment of salaries on or before 25th of each month with the aid of WEMA Bank of Nigeria PLC Jos Branch. Payment of Counter part Funding for FADAMA TWO PROJECT for our teaming masses to benefit and also the establishment of Drugs Revolving Funds for effective delivery of Primary Health Care in P.H.C Department.
Still yet, in addressing the needs and meeting the yearnings of our people, the Administration constructed the Bukuru Bye pass to decongest and ease movements of vehicle and for security concerns in Bukuru metropolises. The administration also introduced the Wards Development Projects, which witnessed massive and rapid growth and development across Jos South Local Government Area, with Constructions and Renovations of Health facilities, Schools, Town Halls, Bridges and Box coverts; Electrification and Installation of Transformers, Grading of fedder Roads, Provisions of bore holes, Wells, extension of Tap water and construction of school desks amongst so many other people oriented projects.
With your exit, memory reminds us how we worked tirelessly to provide adequate and accurate data for effeccient planning and to press home our demands against 0% percent allocation to the Local Government Council. That singular act led to the increase in our monthly Allocation Revenues from the federal account by Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission, obviously the rewards and gains of a determined leader.
Under your pragmatic leadership and watch, we established the Conflict Resolution and Peace Management Center through A Bye Law no. 4 2005 with the consultancy of Barr. Ali Aku which became the first of its kind in the history of Local Government Administration in Nigeria. We equally passed several Bye Laws to address the socio-economy development of the L. G. A, such as;
A Bye Law for the Management of Parks and Markets, Collection of Revenue and A Bye Law on Tenetment Rates which if carefully harnessed and effectively implemented, Jos South L. G. A can survive on its own, discharging her obligations even without Revenues Allocation from Federation Account.
In the light of the positive impact of your leadership, with so much achievements recorded to your credit, one can only make an attempt to itemize. Little wonder, you were Nominated, Assessed and Awarded as one of the Best Chairman in Nigeria in 2006 by The Senate Committee On State and Local Government Council.
Indeed Dara, you were focused and humble; you epitomized unity and love. A visionary, and a fountain of knowledge and wisdom with so much charisma. Your legacies are indelible on the sands of time. Your carefully thought out plans for the peace, prosperity, growth and development of Jos South, Berom Nation, Plateau State, Nigeria and humanity would never be forgotten but greatly missed by all and sundry. As proteges, we make a commitment to continue from where you stopped by the special grace of God.
Surely, you walked upon the earth as a colossus, you print your name in gold in Jos-South not just as a politician, but as a patriot. You set an honourable path for the political and socio-economic development and prosperity of Jos South for the generation yet unborn. Dara J. D will be daily missed in time, but Heaven has gained… Live on Sir, till we all meet at Jesus feet to part no more.
Dara, pol tyang…
RT. Hon. Ayuba Jagaba Pam
Former Leader, Jos South
On behalf of my colleagues (2004–2007)
Freelance Reporters 