Plateau: Lalong’s ex-Chief of Staff under pressure to step down

By Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos 

The bye-election of Plateau Southern Senatorial zone has gathered momentum with pressure mounting on the immediate past Chief of Staff to Governor Simon Lalong, John Dafaan to step down from the race.

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Dafaan is said not to be viewed as an anointed candidate for Governor Lalong, who seems to have preferred a University of Jos Professor, Mrs. Ladi Nora Dadu’ut, as his anointed candidate, political speculators have said.

Drumming support for the Governor’s Candidate, a group under the aegis of Coalition of Plateau Patriotic Groups, encouraged Dafaan to withdraw from the forthcoming bye election.

Coordinator of the group, Ezekiel Zet, who spoke in a statement said Dafaan, who is known for peace and unity should dialogue with critical stakeholders from the zone to conclude on his ambition.

Zet said the idea of the dialogue is to ensure unity of purpose and to promote internal democracy. 

“Given the current situation in the country, dialogue should be encouraged on the Plateau as the state can do without unnecessary heating up of the polity.

“We call on the various interest groups to continue on the path of dialogue for the peace and progress of the State.

“We advice Dafaan not to fail to seize the opportunity to show that he is a democrat who is ready to make personal sacrifices in the interest of the party and the people of the State.

“The people of Plateau South and indeed the entire Plateau would appreciate the sacrifice made by Dafaan, and this would greatly enhance his standing in the State as a selfless political leader who is ready to lead by example”, the statement said.