From Ron Jacob, Jos.
Mr David Paradang, PDP Plateau Central senatorial candidate, has said that the party’s senatorial nominees would support Lt. Gen. Jerry Useni, the Party’s governorship candidate to rescue Plateau from its woes.
Paradang disclosed this on Monday in an interview with Everyday.ng in Pankshin, said the security challenges on the Plateau require “urgent, spirited and lasting solution.’’
“Rep Istifanus Gyang and Barrister Kefas Dindam, senatorial candidates for Plateau North and Plateau South respectively and myself, will join hands with Useni in delivering Plateau State from all her woes and challenges that have brought about wanton killings, hunger and poverty.
“We are so worried about the level Plateau has degenerated to, and we are ready to work as a team, not just to rescue, but to transform the state into a safe haven for developmental strides.
“As Plateau people, we should be seen as one united people and family to fight our common enemies with all sense of responsibility, and not be divided no matter ethnicity or religious leaning, ’’ he said.
Paradang, former immigration boss, said that already the people of Plateau have found them worthy candidates to serve them, “and we will do just that if we are confirmed through the desired votes come 2019 polls.’’
He said that in a situation where the teaming youths, women and children on the Plateau were being denied some basic social needs such as healthcare, education and jobs, “is but unacceptable.’’
The former immigration boss said human development, education and healthcare as well job creation were key to his people in Plateau Central.
“I will take my victory at the primary election with all seriousness and develop the constituency with the best of my ability.
“I shall create jobs for our teaming youths through quality education and skill acquisition, that will make them self-reliant, ‘’ he pledged.
Paradang called on the people of Plateau central vote him and PDP in 2019 to enable him prove himself a worthy servant of the people.
According to him, his constituency has been lacking in federal presence in terms of projects and institutions, and he was going to do all he could to ensure that there was positive change.
Meanwhile, Governor Simon Lalong has declared Wednesday, Oct. 10 a work free day for the conduct of elections in 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) had announced Oct 10 for the conduct of local elections in the state, and had exempted four of the 17 LGAs, including Jos North, Jos South, Riyom and Barkin Ladi.
The commission advanced security challenges as reasons for exempting the LGAs, but said once security in those areas improves, elections would be conducted there without any delay.
Lalong, in a statement through Mr Richard Tokma, Acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG), said that the declaration was aimed at ensuring that the people of the state elect their council officials without any hitch.
“This government declared Wednesday, Oct. 10 work free day to enable eligible voters exercise their franchise for candidates of their choice.
“All citizens are enjoined to go about their lawful businesses and avoid anything that will fracture the existing peace in the state,’’ he warned.
Already, PLASIEC Chairman, Mr Fabian Ntung, has said that non-sensitive materials had been distributed to all the 13 LGAs and that the sensitive materials would follow soon to ensure that the election goes on successfully.