2023: Deputy Gov. Tyoden Declares Intrest to Contest for Governor

The Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Prof. Sonni Tyoden,

has declared his intention to vie for the governorship seat of the State in 2023 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress APC.

Tyoden who publicly disclosed his intention in Jos at Kallwa house before moving to the state APC Seceteriate in Jos, said "my fellow compatriots, it gives me considerable pleasure to share with you my aspiration to the Governor of our dear State in 2023 by the grace of God. "

The deputy Governor said he believes strongly that he has a great deal to contribute to the development of Plateau State given his experience in the enterprise of governance for nearly seven years now.

"I have been a passionate and uncompromising co- driver of the Rescue Administration ably led by Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, the Executive Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF)."

I can proudly declare that the Rescue Administration under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has redefined governance in the state and this explains the significant progress in the socioeconomic and political development recorded in the state.

Tyoden further said that his aspiration is partly motivated by the burning desire to sustain and possibly expand the frontiers of the legacies of the Rescue Administration in the state.

"It is common knowledge that Plateau State is a microcosm of the larger Nigerian society in the sense that it is characterised by the same social pluralism such as ethnic, religious, cultural and linguistic diversity. Governing a state that is as diverse as Plateau State requires one with good sense of tact, strategic and critical thinking to build robust social cohesion and harmony among the diverse social elements as a necessary precondition for sound and effective governance."

"This is what the Rescue Administration has successfully done and I hope to improve on it to bring about seamless unity and harmony among the diverse groups in the state. Once we have been able to overcome the challenge of unity and integration in the Plateau State, the foundation for good governance that will make citizens radiate with happiness and contentment is laid."

This will eliminate all sources of social frictions that have conspired to slow down the pace of development of the state.

The deputy Governor further said that his over 40 years of public service experience has adequately equipped and prepared him for the arduous task of governing the state.

"Most of my working life has been in the University system where I rose to become the Vice-Chancellor of the prestigious University of Jos between 2006 and 2011. "I came on board at the time the University community was deeply polarised along different tendencies and had nearly crippled the administration of the University.

"Through systemic, critical and strategic thinking, I was able to unite the diverse interests in the University and to give every group a sense of inclusion and belonging in the mainstream affairs of the University. With all sense of humility, I can say so far, I have been the most celebrated Vice-Chancellor of the University.

"I could not have done this alone but I provided strategic leadership towards this end. This same experience can be used to build Plateau State that is socially cohesive, politically stable, economically prosperous and culturally integrated."

He added that Plateau State has come a long way in the trajectories of development,the people have seen the good, the bad and ugly.

"The Rescue Administration that I have been part of since 2015 has been a sensitive, caring and responsive administration driven by the values of integrity, transparency, accountability, trust, and rule of law conscious.

"These ethical principles underwrite our administration and I will remain faithful to them to drive governance under my leadership. Accordingly, we will run an all inclusive government that reflects the social diversity of the state.

Youth, women and persons living with disability will be accorded the highest consideration in the composition of government."

This is to afford them two groups the much-desired opportunity to contribute to the governance of the state. Plateau State has always been known for its progressive orientation and this will be improved upon to give these special groups audible voice in the enterprise of governance, he stressed.