Why I Want To Be Plateau Governor -Gen. Sura

                 John Sura 

Brigadier General John Sunday Sura retired, after serving his father land for the mandatory 35 years in service, has promised to serve Plateau State better than he served the nation.

He made the declaration in a media interview with a select Media Executives at his residence in Lamingo area of Jos.

In his remarks General Sura who is aspiring to be the Governor of Plateau State come 2023, said:

"Brigadier General John Sura is a retired Army officer, who retired in June 2019. Before retiring out from service, I served in different units in the Nigerian Army. I also served on outside operationschool. I was out of the country during the Liberia war, we're the second set of Military Observers that served in Sudan and I served in Western Dafur. In that place probably because of my versatility, I was appointed as a Military Observer. We were always on the field collating and also investigating and reporting to the African Unon (AU). I was also in charge of Admin deployed in three Military Observer that came to the standard of about 32 contributing countries including the government of Sudan and also the African Union and the European Union (EU). There was no report that went to the Force headquarters and the African Mission in Sudan without me going through. So, I've garnered a lot of experience on how to mitigate against insurgency. Yes, after retirement, I'm back to Plateau State. Today I'm also offering myself to offer service to the people of Plateau state".

On the issue of tackling insecurity in the state if given the mandate, the retired General said: 

"Probably, when said I have some knowledge on security, anything that you teach a child when he is growing, he will hardly depart from it or forget about it. I grew up to meet my father as a soldier. From there I went to Army Children School Shendam, and thereafter, I went to Nigerian Military School Zaria. In those days in the school, we do one day military training four days academic. So within the period again we go back to the field to also practicalized at the tender age of 13. I left the school around the age 19. Basically when we returned back to the military side of it after the school, we're posted back to work in the military and so everything about us has been military issues. Again, yes you talk about understanding the military ethics and then the operations. Wherever you worked, whatever department you worked it is a holistic thing. So you bring your different knowledge from different fields you're coming from to contribute your quota". 

He continued "Outside operations in Nigeria, the first set of Protection Force that were killed in southern Sudan, I was among the first person that offered himself to go for the rescue mission and we've gone through them by the grace of God and that seen Plateau State, there are a lot of lacunas here and there. The Arm Forces of this country and then the sister agency are doing well. I think again the political side of it, its need somebody that has an insight so that when you seat in meetings with them, you'll understand their challanes. So, when the times comes, we'll be looking at that when we find ourselves on the seat and I think there's no other better time than to have somebody like us on the seat to give peace to Plateau State". He reiterated. 

Asked to comment about the forthcoming Local Government elections in the state, 

He said "Do you say it is a squabble or somebody want to use other means to outshine others in participating in democracy. The constitution of this country says you have the right to canvass for votes and be voted for . And then there's no person that can stop you from it, but if somebody wants to use through the back door to stop another person, then it is unfortunate. I want to say this without mincing of words, I think the government of the day has not help it's self rather, it has shut itself on the ground. Because allowing PDP to contest will help the party, will help the government to understand how acceptable they are so that they can prepare in next election and also to know if they're going to be accepted by the people of the state.

In preparation for2023, Plateaunians need a leader that can speak to them. We no need shy leaders. We need a leader that can go and commiserate and rejoice with you.we need a leader that will defend Plateau State, we need a leader that will put Plateau State back on the map of Nigeria and not for self aggrandizement. We need a leader that have character because when you are empty in character, you can't give nothing from something. You can't give something out of nothing. It's not how long you've been into politics. It's how knowledgeable are you, how prepared are you and what do you think you can offer to the people of Plateau state".

In view of his outstanding performances and meriterous services,  Gen. Sura was awarded the highest award of Distinguish Service Star (DSS) which is one of the highest medals attainable in the military amongst others.