Plateau deserves stronger leadership – Gov candidate

The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Plateau State, Sunday Biggs, has faulted the performance of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, saying the state deserves stronger leadership capable of addressing insecurity, economic hardship and underdevelopment.

Biggs, who emerged as the PDP flag bearer after the party’s primaries held on Thursday, spoke on Friday during an interaction with newsmen at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Jos.

The PDP candidate, a kinsman of Mutfwang from the same Mangu Local Government Area, said Plateau residents had high expectations from the present administration because the governor’s emergence was a collective effort by citizens across ethnic and religious divides.

According to him, the current realities in the state indicate that many residents are dissatisfied with the performance of the government.

“People of Plateau State were joyful when they elected him as governor. Yes, he is my kinsman, but what is his performance in office? The reality on the ground shows that the people are not happy with his performance.

“Plateau is bigger than any individual. Leadership is about responsibility, not sentiment or personal attachment,” he said.

Biggs maintained that no political office holder should remain in power without performance, irrespective of where the person comes from.

He further lamented what he described as the neglect of Mangu Local Government Area despite producing the governor, insisting that the people expected more development and a visible impact.

According to him, the next leader from the area must demonstrate competence and capacity rather than rely on ethnic or political sentiments.

“This is not about kinship. It is about the pedigree and capacity of the individual to perform,” he added.

Speaking on his ambition, Biggs expressed confidence in his leadership capacity, saying he possesses the competence required to reposition Plateau State.

He acknowledged that leadership comes with challenges but maintained that, given the opportunity, he would provide purposeful governance capable of transforming the state.

Biggs also pledged to respect the zoning principle in Plateau State by serving only one term of four years if elected governor in order to complete the Central Zone’s eight-year tenure.

“This job was given to the Central Zone, and the Central Zone slot was given to Mangu. I am here to complete the remaining tenure for Mangu and the Central Zone,” he stated.

He said his administration would focus on tackling insecurity, unemployment and infrastructural deficits while promoting inclusive governance across the state.

The governorship candidate also promised to create opportunities for youths, empower women, support farmers and businesses, and improve education, healthcare and infrastructure.

“Our mission is clear: to build a Plateau that is peaceful, prosperous, united and inclusive,” he stated.

On the crisis within the PDP, Biggs insisted that the party remained united despite disagreements among different blocs.

According to him, the issues surrounding factions in the party would eventually be resolved through legal interpretation and guidance from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

“PDP is still one. The fact that some people belong to one group or another does not mean they are no longer PDP members,” he said.

Biggs called on Plateau citizens and political stakeholders to rise above division and work together for the progress of the state.

He also urged his supporters under the “BiggThingsComing” movement to remain peaceful, focused and committed ahead of the political process.

“The task ahead is enormous, but our resolve is stronger. Together, we can build a Plateau where peace reigns and every citizen can thrive,” he added.