‘We are Sick and Tired of the Killings’ – ADP Deputy Guber Candidate, Dr Mwanmut

By Jide Afolabi, Jos

The Deputy Governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party, ADP, Dr Daniel Mwanmut today, Thursday said that the state is sick and tired of the killings in Plateau state.

Mwanmut who was on campaign to Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state said that people have been displaced from their ancestral homes and now housed in various Internally Displaced Persons centres across the state.

The deputy governorship candidate while addressing the paramount ruler, Barkin Ladi LGA, Da Gwom Rwei, His Royal Highness, Edward Gyang Bot and district heads at the palace, he said that the narrative of killings in the state must stop and that was why retired Bigadier General, Jon Temlong and him are in the race.

He said, “We are sick and tired of the killings that have become the narratives on the Plateau. We have Internally Displaced Persons camps everywhere yet they are talking about peace. People have been chased out of their ancestral homes. Even those at the IDP camps are not sure when next attack is coming.

“We want to bring security and restore peace in the state. We want to work with traditional rulers, community associations and other community stakeholders to tackle issue of insecurity and that’s what we want to do differently.”

He stated that on their agenda was good governance. “Government for the people by the people. A government that will do better from the previous government. We will engage with the people when we are in office. We will be honest, open, just and fair.”

He said that the third leg of their policy is development. “Development will come if there is peace and security and good governance. No one will tell investors to come once these are available. No investor will stay where he would be killed. Investors will come back. We will take our youths off drug abuse. Our children are into social vices because they are not engaged by the government. We will empower people to be employers of labours.

“We want to rebuild Jos market and we are rebuilding it through Public Private Partnership arrangement. The market has 5000 shops with over 30 trucks patronising it daily and 4 flights comes to Plateau per day. But today, this is history. We are here to ask for your blessings and help.” He concluded.

In his response, Da Gwom Rwei, His Royal Highness Edward Gyang Bot thanked God for the peaceful Presidential and National assembly elections. The traditional leader lamented insecurity in the local government saying that, “As you have said, as you know, we have suffered a lot. I as a traditional ruler, I am a refugee in my home. This is not my palace. I have been dislodged. I plead with you politicians to play the game with peace. We wish you all the best. I know General Temlong for a very long time. I wish you well. On behalf of my colleagues, we sincerely want to give you our blessings.”

Other traditional rulers at the interactive forum were Gwom Rwei, Heipang; Gwom Rwei, Gashish; Gwom Rwei, Foron; Gwom Kwok; Gwom Sho and Acting Gwom, Gassa.

At the Barkin Ladi Club where party faithful and supporters, mostly, youths and women gathered, Mwanmut said that ADP will put an end to the killings in the state.

“We are tired and sick of all the killings on the Plateau. 18 years nothing but killings. Children and women are crying, homes burnt and family broken. Our people have been dislodged from their ancestral homes. The only business that is thriving in Plateau is funeral service. We are tired. It’s time to stand up and say enough is enough. I speak to you because my own uncle was killed in Congo-Russia while he was sitting in front of his house. Enough of this nonsense. We have come out because we want to restore peace and security on the Plateau. The people of Chad are still looking for General Temlong to help them in terms of security. People were killed and buried like chicken yet, the governor was thanking the President for bringing peace to the state when President Buhari visited the state. We came here to ask for your vote. I am not a politician, Temlong is not a politician, our words is our bond. My heart goes to the people of Gwol. You have been in the eyes of the storm. You need to hold yourself together.”

At Tahoss in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau state, the deputy governorship candidate said that the party was laying foundation for the future. “We are laying the foundation today so that our children can build on it. This is why we are sacrificing our today for the betterment of tomorrow. We want to take people out of hopelessness. We want to take our state back from destructive elements.”

He promised that if ADP is voted into power, basic amenities like water and electricity will be provided and improve tourism and provide formal and informal jobs for the populace especially, youths and women.