Governor Mutfwang & the signs of the times

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By Chris Gyang

These are indeed curious and interesting times in the political metamorphosis of Nigeria. And this is even more so for Plateau State, which occupies a very strategic and central place not only in the Middle Belt, the geographical North, but Nigeria in its entirety.

For those who may not know, the leading opposition party in Nigeria was birthed in the salubrious and calm confines of Jos, the Plateau State capital. This is an entity that boasts a rich political pedigree that matches any of its past and present counterparts in Nigeria. From pre-colonial times to the current political dispensation, Plateau State has always stood tall. This land has produced reputable leadership icons and has played defining roles in shaping Nigeria’s political and overall history. The illustrious archives remain till tomorrow.

Yet, by the circumstances of current national socio-political permutations, Plateau State has once again found itself at the centre of reckoning. And this is because the steps it takes at this critical moment will have profound implications for the direction and nature of the political trajectory of the North, the Middle Belt and Nigeria as a whole.

This explains why, in the past few months, Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s decision—whether to follow the path of his fellow PDP governors in other parts of the country—generated enormous doubt, controversy and, in some quarters, even bad blood. But that debate has finally been put to rest. And for good reason and cause.

The decision, now clear, is driven by a cause that is as selfless as it is rooted in the collective interests of the Plateau people, the Middle Belt and, most significantly, Nigeria’s democracy. Those who fear that defections are inherently inimical to democratic growth may need to have a rethink once they understand the deeper, more altruistic reasoning behind the governor’s well-considered decision to leave the PDP for the APC.

In all honesty, what is the state of the once vibrant PDP—the party that meritoriously midwifed Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation? Sadly, that same party which was once the pride of Plateau State, Nigeria and even Africa’s democratic aspirations—the pride of the Black race—has been gradually torn apart by internal, self-serving interests. These forces have reduced it to a shadow of its former self. Sad.

To be frank, with the tattered condition of the PDP today, what conscious and discerning politician and leader —one who genuinely wishes to remain relevant to his people, whom he holds dear to his soul and seeks to patriotically champion—would choose to remain aboard such a fast-sinking ship?

At some point, leadership demands a stoic leap of faith born out of obvious necessity. When Governor Mutfwang found himself at that difficult crossroads, he had to act. And, obviously, he has acted most decisively. Who wouldn’t?

And the prevailing sentiment across Plateau State is that a governor, who enjoys overwhelming support across party divides—especially given his visible strides within just 2 years + —must take his people to a safer political turf if that progress is to gain greater traction, leverage and sustainability. Would anyone truly fault such a people-centred leader for leading his people out of the woods?

By all calculations and indications, Governor Mutfwang is simply reading the hand writing on the wall. Any leader who chooses an alternative path under such circumstances would be gambling recklessly with the future of his people, the Middle Belt and Nigeria at large. And the last time we checked, Caleb Mutfwang is no such man.

In good conscience, what leader would not feverishly strive to steer his people away from such tempestuous waters?

Certainly, leaders who fail to read the signs of their times inevitably fail. And ,quite frankly, it is better for a leader to take a bold decision—willy-nilly—than to take none at all. This, precisely, is the wisdom behind the governor’s move, which the majority of Plateau believe is the best course of action that will ultimately serve their collective interests, aspirations, strengthen the Middle Belt and contribute to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

The discussion continues.

Gyang, General Manager of Plateau Publishing Corporation, publishers of THE NIGERIA STANDARD Newspapers, writes via [email protected]