PDP Senatorial Candidate, I. D Gyang To Premium On Peace/Security In The Next Legislative Assembly
By Moses Gbande
The Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for Plateau North Senatorial Seat in the forth coming general elections, Barr. l. D. Gyang says his passion to aspire to the highest law making body in the country derives from the security challenges that are peculiar to his constituency and the country at large.
Barr. I.D. Gyang who is the current member representing Barkin Ladi/ Riyom Federal Consttituency disclosed this Tuesday when he featured at a Media forum, an initiative of Corrrspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union Of Journalists, NUJ Plateau state, that creates platform for all political aspirants to reach out to the electorates on their Programes and manifestoes.
“My agenda as a parliamentarian is to focus on
giving the constituency a VOICE in the affairs of Nigeria and in particular, insist that governments at all levels must leave up to their primary constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the safety of lives and property of citizens in Plateau North in particular and the nation at large in line with Section 4(2), CFRN 1999(as amended).
” This will address the security challenges that have affected Plateau North for over two decades so as to engender lasting peace, as well as ensure that Plateau North citizens are empowered with requisite human capacity educationally and economically to gain the competence to effectively compete nationally and become active participants in the governance and socio economic structures of Nigeria”.
According to the Lawmaker, if elected as a Senator, he will build and transform Plateau North from an axis of negativity, prejudice, hostility, mutual suspicion and hate into one of peace and harmonious coexistence where citizenship and customary rights are respected and social justice domesticated.
“The priority to peace and peace building in my legislative agenda shall be two fold. First is providing a platform for sustained dialogue, reconciliation and forgiveness and the second shall address and confront threats to peace.
“It is a truism that peace is the veritable platform for the attainment of any meaningful development. We have talked so much about the need for peace. It is time to MAKE PEACE HAPPEN.
“I am aware that nothing just happens, we have to take the initiative and responsibility to make peace a reality. I am therefore committing myself more than ever before to becoming a voice for peace not only as an advocate of peace but taking appropriate steps to engage Plateau North In a renewed peace promotion and peace building Initiative.
“In the process I shall insist and voice out to the Federal and State governments to adopt and Implement the following: -Equity, fairness andjustice as the pillars upon which peace is built.
‘lnclusive and participatory governance that Will accommodate and engender STATE CHARACTER thus eliminating fears of marginalization and exclusion.
“Constructive Engagement of all stakeholders In purposeful dialogue in furtherance of a pragmahc peace process”.
He added that as enshrined the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Section 14(2) which provides that the security and well being of the people shall be the primary responsibility of government, engendering peace requires that all threats to the peace have to be addressed.
‘The quest to instill security shall therefore be a major pillar in my legislative advocacy to ensure that my voice is heard loud and clear on the necessity of enforcement of law and order In Plateau North in particular and the nation at large I shall give voice to the following:
Enforcement of law and order, Make it imposslble for anyone to get away with crime, shall place value and primacy on the safety of the lives and property of citizens.
”Security Agencies to be empowered and supported with requusnte training, personnel, equipment and technology to proactively combat crime and criminality, as well as Provide enabling environment and autonomy for the Judiciary to undertake it’s constitutional role of justice administration expeditiously”.
He expressed worries that Plateau North has suffered setbacks in recent past and have bled for long. ‘We carry wounds in our hearts. We are hurting and desperately need healing.
“I shall pursue a legislative agenda that shall advocate for the provision of a platform that Will enable our communities affected by prolonged hostility and amnesty to RESTITUTE and genuinely say SORRY to Victims of their atrocities”.
Speaking on the demographic and ethnic diversity and plurallty of Plateau North Senatorial District comprising of Barkin Ladl, Bassa, Jos East, Jos North, Jos South and Rlyom Local Governments, the Lawmaker acknowledge that he is much aware that if not properly and effectively managed, can be a source of misunderstanding, mistrust, suspicion, tention and strife.
“I am further aware that events of the past hyped on sentiment, prejuduce inherited cleavages and negativity all of which turned us against one another leadlng to open conflict and devastanng consequences’.
Nasarawa Reporters 