Yakubu Busari, Jos
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State
The Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor of Plateau State, Samuel Emmanuel Nanle has reacted sharply to the views expressed in an interview granted a daily national newspaper, Friday, by George Daika, former Speaker of the state House of Assembly.
In a statement made available to our correspondent, Nanle described the interview, in which his principal, Governor Simon Lalong was described as having achieved nothing spectacular in the past two years and half, as an exercise in half truths, influence peddling and grandstanding by Daika.
He said, in part, “… It is sad that a George Daika who was replaced with a Gov Lalong as speaker after being in office for about a year in the 5th Assembly in the year 2000 can imagine being a match for someone who served seven years in that same office.
“No right thinking voter can ever take him serious as he day dreams on his gubernatorial project. A serious opposition party like the PDP which is struggling to find its rhythm would never contemplate someone who could not hold leadership for more than one year as someone to whom the serious business of governance for four years can be placed in his hands.
“In the interview under reference, Hon George Daika was quoted as saying Governor Lalong has failed. He made this vague conclusion without alluding to any issue of governance.
“… The sad part of this unfortunate statement on Governor Lalong is that several public fora of Government besides the numerous nocturnal visits of this same character always comes with praises for this same person whom has chosen to vilify him in the public domain. We would rather not mention the reasons for these nocturnal visits but we can assure the discerning heart on the plateau and beyond that it has nothing to do with giving advice for good governance, otherwise he would have been quick enough to say so. In any case the democratic space is open for everybody including even those who are day dreaming and sleep walking their dreams to offer themselves for leadership.
“Those who share in their day dreams in the PDP might be willing to join the charade but for those who know better they will stand with the Rescue Administration of Gov Lalong in consolidating on the mandate that will sustain the completion of all on going projects, the revitalisation of moribund industries, the stabilisation of education at all levels while also addressing all that pertains to the security and socio-economic well being of the citizens of Plateau.
“While Gov Lalong continues with this work for the good of Plateau, Hon George Daika can continue with his somnambulism.”
