*Mangu traditional ruler says he has no preferred guber candidate
By; BUHARI B. BELLO, Jos
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship Candidate, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda on Friday morning, received a tumultuous welcome from the people of Mangu Local Government Area in continuation of his citizen engagement tour.
Nentawe in company of his wife Martina, running mate Pam Botmang and his wife Clara, as well as APC stalwarts began the tour of the area with a visit to Mangun, Gindiri and Mangu towns.
In all places visited, the people amidst traditional dancers, turned -out in their hundreds to give the APC governorship candidate a befitting reception.
Nentawe visibly elated by the reception accorded him while addressing the people separately, said he considers himself a son of Mangu Local Government Area because he is married to a Mwaghavuul daughter and that his father attended Pastor’s Collage while he passed through Boys Secondary School both in Gindiri.
The governorship candidate stated that like a true son of the soil, he owes the people of the area a debt of gratitude and as such, will do everything to protect and promote their interests.
He disclosed that his decision to join the governorship race was borne out of the burning desire to change the sad narrative about Plateau, which fundamentally revolves round insecurity, poverty as well as ethnic and religious disharmony in the state.
According to him, the state is richly endowed with natural and human resources, but lacks political will and an all encompassing template to deal with the challenges confronting the state.
Nentawe disclosed that if elected in his first two months in office, he would send four executive bills for the setting up of the Plateau State Electricity Regulatory Agency,the Solid Development Agency, Security Trust Fund and the Vulnerable Economic Trust Fund, as well as amend the edicts establishing the Operation Rainbow and the Peace building agency.
He further disclosed that if the new agencies become operational and with the re-enforcement of the Operation Rainbow, the problems of insecurity, disunity will be solved and by extension, the state will be rich through enhanced economic activity.
The APC governorship Candidate said because he came well prepared for the job, he wants the people of Mangu local government area to place their trust in his hands for a better future and the generation next.
In their contributions, leaders of various interest groups assured that they will not be swayed by sentiments or ethnic agenda to decide who to vote as governor of the state.
According to them, they consider Nentawe as one of their sons and as such, would massively support him to actualise his dream of becoming governor of the state.
Nentawe had paid courtesy call on the Mangu traditional council, where the Miskaham Mwaghavuul Mr John Hirse on behalf of the natural rulers, said they don’t have any preferred candidate for the governorship race.
He urged Nentawe and Caleb Mutfwang of the PDP to first of all, see themselves as brothers, adding that in any race, there is bound to be a winner and loser.
Responding to a question raised by the Miskaham Mwaghavuul on what he will do on the role of traditional rulers if elected, Nentawe said he will partner with members of National Assembly to ensure that the Constitution is amended to define the role of traditional rulers.
Nentawe further disclosed that representatives of traditional rulers would be appointed on the boards of trustees of the security and Operation Rainbow to enhance their roles in governance.
Spokesman for Generation Next Campaign Council, Shittu Bamaiyi said Nentawe was presented with gifts by some organisations as according to them, they are signs of good omen to come his way.
