ENGR (CHIEF) JIMMY CHETO: SUNSET AT DAWN- SEN DIMKA
The death of Engr (Chief) Jimmy Cheto has robbed the state of yet another political gladiator. My heart is pained by this loss, coming on the heels of the deaths of other high profile personalities lately.
Engr Jimmy Cheto, became a household name in Nigeria when he held sway in the FCDA as a Director in the Infrastructure Department, where his commitment to developing the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja was legendary.
In the course of his life journey, Chief Cheto ventured into politics to help bring his administrative acumen to bear in the governance of the state. In the course of that, he availed himself to, persons, communities and associations lending in various ways assistance.
While mourning his passage, I pray that the Lord will comfort his family, friends and associates and indeed the state for this irreplaceable loss.
SENATOR HEZEKIAH AYUBA DIMKA, Senator representing Plateau Central Senatorial District and Chairman Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics
A former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant in Plateau State, Engr. Jimme Zingtim Cheto has reportedly died.
Jimmy reportedly died on Saturday morning from yet to be ascertained circumstances.
The Executive Chairman of Langtang South, Hon Nimchak Samson Rims in a press release, said, “I wish to announce the sudden demise of Engr. Jimmy Zingtim Cheto,THE JARUMIN LANGTANG who passed away after a protracted illness, Jimmy Cheto was a great plateau son and father,an astute politician, community leader, a philanthropist and an Engineer to the core, the demise of Engr. Jimmy Cheto is indeed shocking and sad.”
“Life is indeed a transition and all mortals must surely take a bow one day according to God’s design plan for everyone.
“Jimmy Cheto has answered the call of his ancestors. On behalf of my family, Langtang South Local Government, Langtang South Traditional Council, I pray that God will comfort the immediate family, the Taroh nation, Plateau state and Nigeria as a whole. We have lost another patriot on the plateau.”
Engr Jimmy Cheto was an aspirant for the seat of the Governor in Plateau State in 2006, 2011, 2015 and 2019. He was knocked out at all attempts at the Party Primaries.
He was however rated as a community developer, activist and philanthropist.
Jimmy is also reputed as one of the brains behind the construction of the modern FCT (Abuja).
No Official statement has however been received from family about the reported demise of the reputed politician.
GOVERNOR LALONG URGES CITIZENS TO ENCOURAGE THE ARMED FORCES.
Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Friday 15th January 2021 led other dignitaries to lay wreaths at the tomb of the unknown soldier located at the arcade by the Joseph Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos.
Addressing the event attended by top Government officials and security heads in the State, Governor Lalong praised members of the armed forces for their sacrifices in protecting the territorial integrity of the country and intervening in domestic security.
Lalong said the sacrifices of the fallen heroes must not be left to go in vain as they gave their all for the security and safety of the citizens.
He said “let us continue to support our armed forces who are still in active service through every means as they deserve our love. We should avoid condemning them over challenges that could arise in the cause of their duties. They are slefless and have done alot to restore security in many areas particularly in Plateau State. We are grateful for their contributions and continue to pray for their souls to rest in peace”.
Lalong assured that the State Government will continue to support members of the Nigerian legion and their families through empowerment and related programs.
He also appreciated all security agencies and their families who continue to collaborate with the State Government in consolidating the peace and security of Plateau State.
Prayers were also offered for the repose of the souls of those who died in the service of the nation.
The Governor later attended a reception at the Rhino Officers Mess of the Maxwell Khobe cantonment, Rukuba barracks.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 15th January 2021
‘WHY CRY MORE THAN THE BEREAVED?’ PLATEAU APC TAUNTS PDP ON LG WORKERS MINIMUM WAGE SETTLEMENT.
Again, a certain factional Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Plateau State going by the name John T. Akans came up with another of his usual attention-seeking rant in a press statement on 11th January 2021 purpotedly castigating the APC led administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong (aka Governor alert) over the minimum wage protests by “local Government employees”.
In his diatrite, the factional spokesman again exhibited his compound ignorance, mischief and unknown to him, finally revealed the real “SPONSORS” of the supposed protests by “local government employees” which his PDP faction invented in continuation of its desperation to discredit Governor Lalong and the APC over the implementation of the new minimum wage in the State.
All along, we in the APC had suspected that the sponsored protests were political gymnastics aimed at causing chaos in the State for the benefit of some vested interests, but the PDP factional publicity Secretary has confirmed to all that his faction of the party (or perhaps the whole of it) was behind this failed expedition.
If not to save face that their sponsored protesters were finally dislodged and the mission deemed a failure, how can he refer to those who blocked strategic roads, causing enormous hardship to motorists and putting the fragile economy of the State into danger as “peaceful, law-abiding” Plateau Local Government workers? Or can he explain why for about a month his so-called peaceful protesters locked out the entire workforce of the State from the State secretariat over a dispute that has no relationship with State Government workers? Does he know the implications of loosing precious man hours and the economic consequences for the business of the State?
His “peaceful and law abiding” protesters did not stop there but criminaly engaged in house-to-house harassment, intimidation and threatening of Government officials and their families. They were at the residence of the SGS, Head of Service, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Information and Communication and a host of others terrorizing their innocent children, wives, babies and nursing mothers and issuing all sorts of threats.
Curiously, these supposed “Local Government employees” did not for one day protest in front, or shut down of any of the 17 Local Government Secretariats in the State where they are supposed to direct their grievances. Neither did they visit the residence of any Local Government Council Chairman either in their LG headquarters or in the State capital. They were not even on strike which is the widely known avenue for aggrieved workers to withdraw their services in protest. What does the PDP factional spokesman take the people and Government of Plateau State for? Dumb or undiscerning? Does he think they public share the quality of their thinking and actions?
Now, Mr. Factional spokesman needs to explain who was providing the sumptuous meals, music, liquor and perhaps drugs to the protesters who were desparate in instigating another round of disturbance in the State which the wise and gentle Governor Simon Bako Lalong (aka Governor alert) refused to buy. Had he fallen for their antics, it would not have been only the exposed PDP faction that would be lamenting today, but they would have rented others to join them in playing the wailing script of condemnation just to get relevance whcih they lost long ago. We are wiser than this!
The PDP has been sulking ever since their attempt to disrupt the bye election for the Plateau South Senatorial District failed woefully. That is why they have turned their gun powder on anything that looks like an achievement of the Lalong administration by adopting their worn out and unintelligent tactics of lies, mischief, propaganda, fact-twisting and crying more than the bereaved. The people of Plateau State are not fools and can no longer be taken for a ride by a party they rejected and ejected from governance since 2015 which keeps using crude methods to return to relevance. They are disgusted that the PDP knew that they had no chance of winning the Southern Senatorial bye election and resorted to unleashing their sponsored thugs who blocked strategic roads including those leading to the southern zone in the days leading to the elections. They blocked Anguldi in Bukuru, Mangu, Shendam, among others even on the eve of the elections. All the time, they were chanting war songs, harrasing innocent citizens, raining curses and insults at the APC and Governor Lalong with the hope that it will give them electoral victory. They failed woefully because the people of the southern zone did not buy their lies. Today, Prof. Nora Dadu’ut is in the red chambers of the National Assembly as the people’s choice.
Of couse the sponsored protesters touched the tiger’s tail when they refused to vacate the arcade by the State secretariat for members of the Armed Forces to commence their rehearsals for the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance day parade and wreath laying. The armed forces are not politicians and would take none of it. They stood their ground depsite the attack by the supposed “peaceful Local Government protesters” of the PDP who even shot a soldier. At the end, many of them were arrested and after profiling, it turned out that majority were not Government employees nor even citizens of Plateau State. The real sponsors of the protests were now exposed and shamed. Yet, these are the people that the over zealous factional spokesman of the PDP referred to as “peaceful employees” seeking legitimate entitlements. Shame!
To save face therefore, the factional spokesman of the PDP engaged in his usual incoherent and pedestarn attacks on Governor Alert Lalong and the APC by alleging brutality against his “peaceful protesters” who in actual sense exhibited to everyone that they were anything but peaceful. To the public, they were “disruptive thugs” who wanted to cause chaos in the State but were largely ignored despite their provocative actions. The NURTW whose members suffered untold hardship and loses showed great restraint by not responding to the uncivilised blocking of roads for weeks.
Now, here is the summary of the facts amd verdict of the matter for you to take home Mr. Factional spokesman of the PDP. 1. Governor Lalong did not hold LG new minimum wage. 2. He has fulfilled his promise to be among the first to start to implementing the minimum wage (to State employees) in the country even when others with more money than Plateau are yet to implement. The process will soon be completed after the full negotiation is done with. 3. The Governor could not have negotiate for local government councils which are a separate tier of government and have their constitutional financial autonomy. He was prevailed upon by the genuine LG employees (not sponsored thugs) and the Chairmen to advice them, which he did albeit reluctantly. At the end they had to settle within themselves. 4. After the rigmarole and incitement by the PDP, the genuine Local Government employees sat with their Local Government Chairmen and resolved the matter (Check with ALGON and the unions for details please). 5. Governor Lalong did not brutalise any Local Government employee on peaceful protests. Rather, some thugs dared the armed forces and had to be arrested. Even if the Governor had ordered the arrest of the protesting thugs, he was in order as that is his constitutional responsibility, to maintain law and order as well as protecting lives and properties in Plateau State! 6. The Plateau State Government never asked the court to stop the agitation of Local Government employees for the minimum wage. Rather, it asked the court to order the employees to respect labour principles of negotiation (which the genuine workers did). 7. Local Government Autonomy is real in Plateau State. Governor Lalong has broken the jinx by doing what PDP Governments in the State refused to do in 16 years. It is another goal for the silent achiever. If you have facts to the contrary, bring it out than engage in your usual empty and unintelligent propaganda. We also challenge the factional PDP spokesman to prove otherwise. 8. Till date, Governor Lalong remains the darling of workers because he has kept faith with their wages and entitlements. He cleared all the 8 months arrears, no work no pay and others left behind by the PDP. He is also paying pension and gratuity which the PDP never contemplated even in the time of abundance. He has promoted thousands of civil servants with some getting promotions four times which were all denied them during the PDP era. He re-engaged about 2, 500 primary school teachers sacked by the PDP. Similarly, he re-engaged 100 PRTV staff that were sacked by the Government of the PDP. Factional spokesman, please keep off this area because the Lalong APC Rescue Mission has demystified your party’s incompetence and wickedness in this area! If the name Governor ALERT hurts you, you may have to bear it for a very long time because it is a name “earned” based on evidence and testimony of Plateau State workers. It is not one of those cheap things that politicians of the PDP scramble to buy all over the place just to get a false sense of acceptance and to massage their ego. Stop deceiving yourself because talk is cheap. We will like to caution the factional spokesperson of the PDP to stop playing politics with the salaries and wages of civil servants. His party did so in its 16 years sojourn and the consequences are before everyone to see. Governor alert Lalong believes in the biblical injunction that says “a worker is entitled to his wages” and remains determined to ensuring that no employee in Plateau State is denied his sweat.
Finally, and most critically, the factional spokesman should avail himself elementary courtesy on use of language and speech to people and the offices they hold and also strive to write intelligently his own script, rather than concocting (or being handed over) badly articulated lies to dumb on the public in the name of opposition. Governor Alert Lalong is very busy. Please dont distract him because he is busy working for a greater Plateau. Not everything is politics and this is how not to seek cheap political popularity and and sympathy of regaining lost relevance please!
Signed: Bashir Musa Sati State Secretary, APC Plateau State. 15th January 2021.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM MOURN MAI TANGALE/ FORMER MILAD, KONTAGORA
The Northern Governors Forum has commiserated with the Government and people of Gombe State over the death of the fifteenth Mai Tangle, Dr. Abdu Buba Maisheru II.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a message condolenced the people of Tangale Kingdom over the sudden death of the Paramount ruler which he described as a monumental loss to the nation.
Lalong said the first class ruler was very instrumental to the development of his Chiefdom and Gombe State and also played a great role in the promotion of peace and unity in the State.
He said “as the Chairman of the Northern Christian Traditonal Rulers, late Dr. Masheru was a man of faith who advocated for godliness and championed inter-faith dialogue towards advocating for harmony in the north and the nation as a whole. The value he placed on education saw his subjects acquiring knowledge and contributing to Gombe State and the nation in various capacities”.
Similarly, the Northern Governors Forum has commiserated with the family of Col. Aminu Isa Kontagora, former Military Administrator of Benue and Kano States who died recently.
Governor Simon Lalong on behalf of the Forum described the death of the former military officer as a great loss to the nation.
He said the deceased contributed immensely to the development of the States he administered, the Nigerian Army and the country as a whole. Even in retirement, he continued to serve his community and the nation in various ways.
While urging members of his family to accept his demise as the will of God, he asked them to find solace in the good works of the deceased who lived a life of sacrifice and dedication for the betterment of humanity.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 14th December 2021
BIRTHDAY FELICITATION TO THE BARADEN BOGGHOM, ENGR SILAS BUBA BY RT HON YUSUF GAGDI
The member representing Pankshin Kanke and Kanam federal constituency and chairman house committee on Navy, Rt HON Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (Danmalikin Kanam) join friends, family, well wishers and associates to felicitate with the Baraden Bogghom Nation, Engr Silas Buba Director East Operations FERMA on the occasion of his birthday.
The community development acumen, sincerity, forthrightness and spirit of brotherhood are what endeared Engr Silas to all those who come in contact with him.
The honourable member cherish the brotherhood of his elder brother Engr Silas and pray to God to increase in him more of such positive virtues to the benefit of Kanam, Plateau, the nation and humanity at large.
He prayed for God’s continues happiness, blessings and protection in good condition of health as he keeps on adding more years.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission Rev Yakubu Pam has expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the Government and good people of Gombe state over the death of HRM, Mai Tangale of Biliri, Gombe State, Dr. Abdul Buba Maisharu who passed onto glory on 10th January,2021 at the age of 72 years.
In a condolence letter signed by the NCPC Head of Media & Public Relations, Mr. Celestine Toruka to the Government and good people of Gombe State, Rev. Pam affirmed that Gombe State and Nigeria has lost a rare gem and and a detribalized Nigerian. He noted that the late Mai Tangale would be greatly remembered for his peaceful disposition; and for being an apostle of inter faith harmony.
The NCPC boss further noted that the late 1st Class Traditional Ruler died when his services and wealth of experience were most needed.
He averred that as the former Chairman of the Gombe State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, HRM late Mai Tangale piloted the affairs of the Board with deep sense of service and humanity. He prayed that the Lord would grant his soul eternal rest and grant his family and the Government of Gombe state the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
*Says allegation baseless, intended to discredit the outfit.
Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), an internal military task force in Plateau State, has denied the report linking it to the death of two youths in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The youths identified as Jerry Bitrus, 28, and Joseph Davou, 32, respectively, were reportedly killed last Sunday, by gunmen in the area.
A media report had quoted locals accusing personnel of OPSH of complicity in the act which has drawn condemnations from citizens and politicians alike in the state.
But reacting to the allegation, the military outfit insisted that it has nothing to do with the death of the youths, explaining that rather, its personnel on patrol were drafted to the area on receipt of a distress call about the incident.
To this end, it has advised the general public to disregard the allegation which it described as baseless in its entirety.
The OPSH, while exonerating itself of the development, accused some mischievous persons from the area of trying to discredit the military outfit.
In the response contained in a statement, titled:”Re:Condemnations Trail Killing of Two Youths in Riyom By Gunmen “,signed by its Media Officer, Major Ibrahim Shittu, the OPSH maintained that:”These concocted lies were intended by the authors to set the public, especially citizens of the state against OPSH which has worked assiduously with other stakeholders to ensure peace and security in the state especially during the Yuletide season despite several threats of attacks.
The statement read in full:”The attention of the Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) has been drawn to a report on news medium, alleging killing of two youths by gunmen in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“The report which claimed that more facts have emerged on how the gunmen killed the two young men on Sunday around 7.09pm, quoted some locals accusing men of Operation Safe Haven of been responsible for the attack and killing of the victims, identified as Jerry Bitrus, 28, and Joseph Davou, 32, respectively.
“Having gone through this report and allegations made, we wish to dissociate our men from this act in its entirety. This allegation is not only false, mischievous and baseless but also aimed at discrediting the operation.
“These concocted lies were intended by the authors to set the public, especially citizens of the state against OPSH which has worked with other stakeholders to ensure peace and security in the state.
“To set the records straight, we wish to state that on Sunday,January 10,2021, the Commander Sector 6 of Riyom General Area was called by the youth leader of Ghoss to inform him that two (2) persons were shot by unknown gunmen. Following the information, he swiftly mobilized his troops in conjunction with the Police Riyom Division to the scene. On their arrival, they met the two victims who were incapacitated and bleeding profusely. A close examination by the team showed that one was already dead while the other one was evacuated to K Vom Christian Hospital in company of some youths; unfortunately, he later gave up the ghost.
It is pertinent to state that the Riyom Police Division in the area were duly informed of the development and they recovered the corpses of the victims.
“The Member of the Plateau State House of Assembly representing Riyom Constituency, Hon Timothy Datong, having heard of the development, called the Commander Sector 6 where the incident happened and he was briefed accordingly.
“It is however sad that some mischievous persons are accusing personnel of OPSH of the killings.
” You will recall that based on the threats to that general area during the Yuletide season, OPSH increased its deployment which served as deterrence to those planning to attack the area.
” Troops have also continued to maintain security even after the New Year celebrations. This was appreciated by community leaders and stakeholders. One wonders why same troops will kill anyone who is not a threat to the security of law abiding citizens.
“We wish to say that these baseless allegations will not deter the troops from carrying out their duties. They will continue to be diligent and professional while carrying out their assignments.
“OPSH will continue to operate professionally within its mandate in Plateau State and across its Joint Operational Area.
“Members of the general public are therefore, advised to discountenance the false and baseless allegations in its entirety.”
Much noise is being made about who vies for what in the 2023 general elections.
As much as the present set of elected leaders are not quite halfway into their 4-year mandate, means 2023 elections is farfetched.
However, any discussion regarding the next election becomes more audacious any time the name ‘GAGDI’ is mentioned. This is rightly so for obvious reasons.
The emergence of Gagdi in 2019 had taken a lot of political analysts and gladiators by surprise. Many had written him off as a pretender in the contest. Not because he lacked the capacity to emerge and deliver his mandate as the representative of the good people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, but basically due to primordial considerations.
His ethnic group is one of the minorities in the constituency and his religious belief as a Muslim, placed him at a disadvantaged position to win the election, especially with the ethnic and religious sentiments been propagated during the electioneering process and both the entire PKK and within Kanam, his home Local Government.
Though not unmindful of the disadvantages enumerated above, Gagdi was convinced of his electoral victory because of his believe in God as the only Giver of power to whom He pleases, and the dogged electioneering campaign he had embarked upon; touring ALL the electoral wards in the constituency more than twice to meet the electorate and give them convincing reasons why they should vote for him.
The result of that robust electioneering outing is now history, by the grace of God. And the report card of his 19 months of his stewardship as the member representing PKK, has been quite commendable.
He has left even his worst critics in awe of how he has been able to achieve so much in a short time, even as a first term lawmaker at the National Assembly.
Gagdi’s commendable performance has made him a household name in the politics of Plateau state, and a factor in the political permutations for 2023.
There is no denying the fact that Gagdi is the youngest politician in Plateau State with the largest support base that cuts across ethnic and religious divides. Well educated, with his PhD in view in Security and Strategic Studies and cosmopolitan in his nexus of friendship.
This explains why his political detractors are having sleepless nights guessing his 2023 ambition. But what they don’t know about Gagdi is that he is NOT the inordinately ambitious type.
In a meeting with his over 50 aides at his residence in Rayfield few days ago, Gagdi told them in unequivocal terms that he is more interested in participating to choose a better governor for Plateau State from the central zone, than returning to the National Assembly. He said he is willing to lay down any thought of contesting election in 2023 to support a credible gubernatorial candidate from the central zone who would perform commendably well when elected.
This statement was not merely political, but a product of a deep seated patriotic thought.
It is true that nobody was ever elected twice as rep member in PKK. It is also true that 3 different members from Kanam- Rev. Wuyep Labar, Pankshin- Leo Dilkon and recently Golu, from Kanke had vied for second terms, but were defeated.
That is to say, it is within their rights to vie for reelection, subject to the approval of the electorate of PKK.
So, what difference will it make if Gagdi seeks reelection to the House of Representatives and subject himself to the litmus test of the electorate? It is his inalienable right to seek reelection, as much as it is the electorate’s rights to either vote for him or reject him.
Politics is a game of choice, hence nobody must foist his choice and bias on others. Everybody must be allowed to exercise their rights to the extent permissible by extant laws.
If Gagdi decides to seek reelection to the House of Representatives in 2023, he would not have done anything wrong; either to the existing electoral laws or the unwritten zoning arrangement in PKK.
The exigencies of available contestable positions in the PKK in 2023 will determine which local government gets what, and the slot of Kanam local government, if any, or any other Local Government will be determined by the entire people of PKK not by one group, clan, Church or Mosque.
If the people of PKK decide that somebody else, not Gagdi, should gun for the contestable position available in the power equation of PKK in 2023, we know Gagdi as a loyal son of Kanam and PKK, will abide by that decision without ill feeling.
So, those who have busied themselves finding reasons why Gagdi should not contest PKK in 2023, should tell their preferred candidates to be ready to defeat Gagdi at the polls, should the 2023 permutations warrant him to seek reelection.
RT. HON YUSUF ADAMU GAGDI: THE UNPRECEDENTED AND UNEXPECTED QUALITY REPRESENTATION
By Kankimes Alghazali Mohammed
The world is full of aspiring political leaders but sadly, very few live up to the leadership ideals. In fact, many political leaders seem to severely lack some of the most important leadership qualities, such as integrity and accountability. It is no coincidence that for many people, the word “politician” has such negative connotations! However, history – and present day – shows us that there are still a few who come close to the leadership ideals and who are good examples of an effective political leader.
One of the factors that determine growth and development in a democratic government is based on the quality and the commitment representatives elected to coordinate the political affairs of the electorate.
An ideal democracy thrives with quality representation of the people at all levels of government. This is reflected through the level of interaction in the representations and the electorate as well as the impact the legislature has on the quality of life of the people.
In countries where democratic government is obtainable, the feelings, desires and needs of the people are transmitted to the executive through elected representatives.The representatives are most often men and women with proven integrity and who have the interest of the masses at heart.
In Nigeria there are elected representatives who serve as Councillors at the Local Government level, House of Assembly members at the State level, House of representatives members and Senators at the Federal level.
If these representatives perform like their counterparts in better democratic climes there would be massive development in the country and the people would complain less. In most advanced countries, where democratic government is driving force to growth and development, quality representation either in the parliament or congress, is always a significant factor on which the electorates take seriously in assessing those seeking political offices.
In life’s amazing symphony, the story of Rt. Hon.Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, by his sweet chords and actions, gives a meaning that is both mythical and sublime. His streaks in contemporary PKK and Plateau state are no less profound by whatever definition and often likened to different interpretations of an elephant by the six Hindustan blind men which show how limited human faculties can be when describing enigmas that defy rationality.
This is why he has been typecast aptly as the “The Detribalized Emancipator” who has not lost touch with home for the liberation of the downtrodden from underdevelopment, poverty, unemployment and insecurity. Essentially, Gagdi is both an enigma and a role model for aspiring development enthusiasts, the youths, politicians, businessmen and women.
In the public sphere, not limited to Nigeria alone, perception plays a crucial role in the way we react to issues or do things daily. The image we portray either of ourselves or the environment is therefore very important to the response we get from others within social contexts. In other words, it is imperative to portray oneself in a certain light for others to take one’s actions seriously. This is what is referred to as branding in political cycles.
One man who by his dance of fate and training understands the underpinning principle of being in public glare selflessly and who premises his actions towards the ideals of effective leadership and good governance is Rt. Hon. Gagdi, former Deputy Speaker of the 8th State Assembly on the Plateau and now member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, chairman house committee on navy and member of 18 other committees in the national assembly; the voice of the people from Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam to represent them on a fast lane to greatness.
His rise to prominence is not by sudden flight. He has really crossed the Rubicon: as a student unionist, State party exco and personal assistant to political office holders born to a humble family of late Mallam Adamu Gagdi, he held several responsibilities before venturing into politics. The man is simply a technocrat in leadership to do the needful as his contributions to the development aspirations of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal constituency are unexpected, unquantifiable and unprecedented.
In his calling, he has made unquenchable history by challenging a status quo that allegedly brought underdevelopment to the doorsteps of his people shamelessly as a fashion. When he made bold to confront the mess, it was a case which his opponents who were used to the recklessness considered as “dead on arrival”. But Gagdi armed with his resilience and determination changed the narrative and today, PKK is heading to greatness.
So intrinsic are Gagdi’s offerings. More like well-tuned harps, or the nice pitch of violins in listening ears, his strides call people’s attention to the hope they inspire in the collective psyche. His caper over Plateau State’s sphere has left enduring cadences. The very reason he was elected for the first time by the electorates in 2019, the summation of which has been variously described as unexpected ‘quality governance like never before’.
The desire to be an outstanding breed, quite distinct from others, inspired his super-curiosity and love for new challenges. This undergirds his stance to always give back to the society where his roots are traceable. The desire to contribute his quota to the development of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam in Plateau State and Nigeria has since become enduring covenant between him and the Almighty God.
Rt.Hon. Gagdi is a selfless politician who doesn’t only take stock of the needs of the populace but also find means of putting smiles on their faces with uttermost satisfaction and praises to Allah. He set the right example for those coming after him and it is clear to see that he takes responsibility for his position of a role model.
He is now widely acknowledged as a steady contributor to the socio-economic and political development of Plateau State and struggling to find a convenient space for the state on the political map of Nigeria in such an unprecedented manner never experienced before.
This is why the people are rising in larger numbers to receive him everywhere he goes with interest and such interaction affords the people an opportunity to shower praises on their illustrious son. In most of the communities he visits, the people become so excited and express their unalloyed support to have him re-elected in 2023 now that he has been adjudged an icon and garrison commander in Plateau Central politics.
His actions and deeds in government in just less than two years and practical unbroken connection to his root clearly describe his quality of leadership never witnessed before and little wonder even people from other climes are yearning for continuity of the unprecedented leadership beyond just PKK.
A call that no doubt is achievable if quality representation, hardwork, integrity, doggedness, selflessness and determination counts in our democracy.
Gagdi is scoring high goals as a Federal legislator in manners that even his fiercest detractors and critics cannot wish away.
The funniest thing about Gagdi’s political detractors, critics and power mongers is that most of them are already sinking and failing with gross incapacity to discharge their current duties.
Those who belong to the clan of achievers live the idea that inspires them to dedicate their existence, efforts and souls to its execution. Success in life is not for those who run fast, but for those who keep running and always on the move.
Kankimes Alghazali Mohd writes from Kanam L.G.A of Plateau State(Princekam75@gmail.com)
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