From Yakubu Busari,Jos
Rev Yakubu Pam, standing.
Some concerned Youths of Plateau State have accused Senator Simon Bako Lalong of having a hand in the replacement of the Executive Christian Pilgrim Commission , Rev. Yakubu Pam .
Spokesman of the concerned group ,Ezekiel Dingfa statement was made available to journalists in Jos ,
He said the concerned youths of Plateau State were alarmed at the speed with which the former governor of the state congratulated Bishop Stephen Adegbite as the Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, “replacing our very own Rev. Yakubu Pam”
Dingfa said, “What has raised significant concerns among us is the timing and manner through which former Governor Simon Bako Lalong acted, as he hurriedly and personally congratulated Bishop Adegbite on his first day in office.”
“As Plateau youths, we cannot help but question whether there was a conspiracy to remove Rev. Yakubu Pam from his position and replace him with a loyalist of former Governor Lalong.
We, as citizens of Plateau State, pride ourselves on our diversity and inclusivity. We strongly believe in the principle of fair representation and equal opportunities for all our citizens to serve and contribute to our state and national development.
That is why it is deeply troubling to witness the replacement of Rev. Yakubu Pam, a fellow Plateau citizen, with an individual who does not share the same background. While we acknowledge the federal government’s authority to make appointments, we also believe that the sentiments and aspirations of the people directly affected by these decisions should be taken into consideration.
The choice to replace Rev. Yakubu Pam with a loyalist raises concerns about fairness, representation, and the promotion of harmonious coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
According to them, the fall out from the politics of the 2023 general election cannot be ruled out of Pam’s replacement.
According the Concerned Plateau Youths, the former Governor Simon Bako Lalong’s influence in the emergence of the President Tinubu is incomparable to the dodged role played by Rev. Yakubu Pam during the campaigns at both the state and national levels. They recalled a trying moment at the national level when the Senator denied the incoming President the right to address the Plateau state delegates to the party convention until some Asiwaju die-hards in the state, a group Rev. Pam belongs, fought back.
“We urge relevant authorities to provide us with an explanation for the apparent conspiracy that led to the removal of Rev. Yakubu Pam and his subsequent replacement with Bishop Adegbite,he said, adding that, “We also want Senator Lalong to kindly explain to us why another Plateau son was removed as Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and replaced with yet another Southwesterner.”
The youths said that it was painful that Senator Lalong as DG of the Tinubu-Shettima Campaign Organization was not able to “prevent the replacement of two federal positions that two Plateau sons held. Could it be that Senator Lalong was only working for himself? Could this be another reason why President Tinubu and the APC lost in Plateau State at the polls? These and many more painful questions are begging for answers, because it appears to us that Senator Lalong is so far the Chief Plateau beneficiary of anything that has come from Aso Rock with no impact.’
“We demand transparency and accountability in all government actions, particularly those that impact the representation and empowerment of our local communities in Plateau State.
“Furthermore, we call upon the federal government to carefully consider the implications of its appointments on regional balance, ethnic harmony, and national unity. Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and it is crucial that appointments are made in a such a manner that fosters national cohesion, reinforces inclusivity and ensures all citizens feel a sense of belonging.
“As Plateau youths, we stand united in our advocacy for justice, inclusivity, and equitable representation for our people.
“We will diligently monitor the situation and engage relevant stakeholders to safeguard the best interests of Plateau State. We will ensure that our sons and daughters are given equal opportunities to serve in positions of leadership and influence, without any biases or conspiracies.”
Efforts to reach the Senator or his aide proved abortive as at press time.
