A group operating under the name *Coalition of Genuine Plateau South APC Youths* has appealed to the State House of Assembly and the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, to consider zoning the Speakership position of the State House of Assembly to the Southern Zone in the interest of justice, fairness, and equity.
The group emphasized that Plateau South deserves the Speakership position as a matter of fairness.
This appeal was made in a statement issued by Ponjul Bulus on Tuesday in Garkawa, Mikang Local Government Area of the state.
The group was responding to a statement signed by Mr. Nansel Barry, which urged the state assembly members and the Executive Governor to allow the incumbent Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dewan Gabriel, to continue in office.
The group leader, Mr. Ponjul, flanked by other members of the Genuine APC Youths, stated, “We have gathered here today in our numbers to appeal for the zoning of the Speakership position to the Southern Senatorial Region of the state.”
The group further noted, “The strategic importance of the Plateau South Senatorial Region in the state’s affairs cannot be overemphasized. The region has proven to be a reliable ally, particularly in politics.”
“This has been evident in various electoral contests, including the Plateau Governorship elections and others.”
The group added, “In our quest for good governance, inclusiveness in the state’s governance structure must be ensured, as other Senatorial zones have been adequately represented.”
“We appeal for the Plateau South Senatorial Region to be included in the leadership of the State House of Assembly.”
The statement continued, “We have come today to demand that the Speakership position be zoned to the Southern Senatorial District. Failure to do so would mean that the region is excluded, especially considering that the Governor, His Excellency Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, is from the Plateau Central Senatorial Zone, while the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Hon. Josephine Piyo, hails from the Plateau North Zone. This leaves the Southern Zone as the natural contender for the Speakership position.”
The group argued that zoning the Speakership to the Southern Zone would uphold the principle of inclusiveness, which is crucial for the growth and development of Plateau State and vital for sustainable progress.
The group, therefore, urged the state assembly and the Governor to ensure that the Southern Senatorial Zone is given the opportunity to produce the Speaker.
The statement also expressed discontent with a competing group’s insistence that the Speakership should remain in the Central Senatorial District, warning that such a stance could cause disunity and erode confidence.
“The Plateau South Senatorial Zone has consistently demonstrated loyalty during and after elections,” the group added.
The group concluded by noting, “We have thoroughly reviewed the list of lawmakers from the Southern Zone, and it is notable that the region boasts credible and competent lawmakers who would excel as Speaker of the State House of Assembly.”
