PRESS STATEMENT

28/10/24


IN SUPPORT OF DR. NENTAWE YILWATDA: A CALL FOR UNITY AND SOLIDARITY BEYOND POLITICS By Hon Solomon Samuel BadungJos Chairman Plateau State Northern Zone House of Assembly Aspirants 2022



The Plateau Northern Zone House of Assembly Aspirants for the 2022 primaries election in plateau extends their heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda on his appointment as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. We regard this moment as a profound honor for the people of Plateau State, embodying a renewed hope for representation and service at the highest levels of government.


In a spirit of gratitude, the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) recently expressed its blessings for this appointment, recognizing Prof. Yilwatda as a source of pride and responsibility for Plateau.

Their unified praise is mirrored by numerous community groups, NGOs, and leaders from Plateau State, who view this as an opportunity to uphold the values and aspirations of our people.


Dr. Yilwatda’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a recognition of his exceptional dedication, professional accomplishments, and unblemished record in public service. The President’s confidence in selecting Prof. Yilwatda—a person of international standard in artificial intelligence and other fields—is a gesture that transcends politics. It speaks to his commitment to appoint individuals who possess both expertise and a profound commitment to humanitarian values.


Regrettably, a small group led by one T.N Timkat who also contested for house of assembly in the 2022 primaries but face rejection by his people has attempted to disrupt this honor through divisive language, arguing against this appointment without justifiable reasons. Their stance, questioning Prof. Yilwatda’s suitability, ignores both his contributions and the collective interests of our people. We question the legitimacy of their motives and remind all that Prof. Yilwatda’s selection is a step forward, rooted in competence, not narrow-minded considerations of gender or personal biases. 

It's surprising that Mr T.N Timkat who tried everything possible to be compensated by the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in plateau but failed is now the championing cause that will disrupt the unity and what all plateau wish and prayed for nearly a year.

Before now Plateau State has lacked a federal ministerial representative and the appointment Prof. Yilwatda’s did not only fills this gap but also provides us with a trusted advocate for the state at the federal level. President Tinubu’s decision aligns with the longstanding calls from Plateau citizens for inclusion at the national level. To question this decision after urging the President to appoint a Plateau minister reveals an inconsistency that only weakens our collective standing.


In times of division, we must rally around what unites us: the development and well-being of Plateau State. We call upon all, regardless of political affiliation or background, to stand in solidarity with Prof. Yilwatda. His record speaks for itself, and his commitment to the service of Plateau State and Nigeria is beyond question. Let us respect the collective wisdom that guided this appointment and commit ourselves to a path that places Plateau’s interests above all else.


In conclusion, we, the Plateau Northern Zone House of Assembly Aspirants of 2022, stand resolutely with Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda. His appointment is a milestone for Plateau State, and we are confident that he will serve with distinction, integrity, and dedication. We urge all Plateau citizens to embrace this moment as a chance to come together, set aside differences, and move forward in unity for the benefit of our state and our nation.


SIGNED

Hon Solomon Samuel BadungJos 

Chairman Plateau State Northern Zone House of Assembly Aspirants 2022