Enough is Enough, Dr. Bature expresses concern on the insecurity in Plateau North, and also pledges deep commitment to Empowerment

Enough is Enough, Dr. Bature expresses concern on the insecurity in Plateau North, and also pledges deep commitment to Empowerment

Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) for Plateau North Senatorial District, Dr. Jonathan Musa Bature in this interview with New Experience Newspaper promises a better deal for the people in the area of improved security, employment for the teeming unemployed youths and fairness to all constituents.

What is your motivation for contesting the position of senator representing Plateau North Senatorial district in the murky waters of Nigerian politics?

First and foremost, I have indeed witnessed the suffering of my people in the Plateau North Senatorial District. I have heard their cries arising from weak leadership, violence, kidnappings and the instability that has troubled our land.

I am fully aware of their pain and their sorrow. Therefore, I have come to rescue them from the grip of oppression and to lead them into a better land-a land of peace, joy, rest and abundance; a land flowing with milk and honey.

As I reasoned these things, I heard a clear divine direction from the Lord, saying, “Now go, for I am sending you to stand against those who oppress the people. When you bring the people out of bad governance, they will serve me in peace.”

This divine burden has shaped my life and mission as an educator, administrator, security expert, politician and proud son of Jos East, prepared for this defining moment in the history of Plateau State.

How prepared are you for this calling in terms of your roots, education and public service?

Originally, I hail from Jos East, which is part of Plateau North. I was born in the 1960s. My life has been one of service to God, my community and to Nigeria.

My early education was in Plateau State. My secondary school was in what is today known as Nasarawa State. I later gained admission into the University of Jos, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

I did not stop there. I returned to school and obtained a Master’s Degree in Law and Diplomacy, as well as Security and Intelligence at the University of Lagos, because leadership without knowledge is dangerous.

On my career in public service, I started as an Education Officer Grade VIII with the Plateau State Ministry of Education, teaching English Language and Literature at GSS Gyel.

From there, I moved into development. I consulted for MEDAL on the World Bank Water Supply Mapping Project for Plateau State.

I also worked briefly with BOBEC on revenue strategies for the Plateau State Water Board.

My passion for governance led me to the Plateau State Local Governmento Service Commission as an Administrative Officer I where I rose to Senior Administrative Officer.

I was later appointed Clerk of Bokkos Local Government Legislative Council where I served for three years with integrity.

My last place of public service was at the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) where I retired as the Chief Security Officer in the Security Department.

At what point did you decide to venture into politics?

That was in 2003 when I contested the Plateau State House of Assembly under the Alliance for Democracy (AD) after leaving the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) due to what I perceived as injustice.

I was not declared winner, but we shook the system in Jos East and the people felt our impact at that time.

Your desire to vie for a senatorial seat is a tall order. Did you suddenly come about your senatorial ambition?

Absolutely not.

I started politics at the grassroots level first as a youth leader, as clerk and as a candidate of the Plateau State House of Assembly. For decades I have worked with all the PDP governorship candidates on the Plateau.

And as such, I don’t see this as a mere ambition, but a progression and a calling.

What is your record in community service and how have you engaged with communities beyond Plateau State?

For me, service has no boundaries.

For instance, in Lagos, specifically in Ikorodu-Gbogbo Baiyeku axis, the Igbo community honoured me with the chieftaincy title of Ohamadike of Gbogbo Baiyeku.

After deep consultations with the APC, PDP and NDC, I chose NDC-a party built on fairness, inclusion and people-driven governance.

By the special grace of God, I emerged as the NDC Senatorial Candidate for Plateau North.

Why aim directly for the Senate at this point in time?

Well, that is because the moment calls for it.

I have paid my dues at the grassroots level. Now I must go to Abuja to attract federal development, laws and projects that will change Plateau North.

What inspired you to run for the senatorial seat?

I would say injustice in power sharing.

Since 1999, five out of six LGAs in Plateau North have produced senators. Only Jos North has not produced a senator. That is not democracy. That is exclusion.

I stepped forward because fairness demands it.

What do you see as the three greatest challenges in Plateau North?

Insecurity, particularly in Bassa, Barkin Ladi and Riyom.

There is also chronic unemployment as our graduates continue to roam the streets.

We also suffer lack of development in road infrastructure, hospitals and schools.

What are your concrete plans for jobs creation and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)?

My plans are simple and clear. Fix broken rural roads and market linkages for women, farmers and traders.

We will provide capital, training and access to markets for the youths in leather, agriculture and technology.

We will also develop a blueprint for agricultural value chains and organize responsible mining to create sustainable jobs.

How will women and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) benefit from your projects and programmes?

We have neglected PWDs for too long.

In my office, every empowerment programme will have a mandatory quota for women and PWDs- in grants, skills and infrastructure development.

What is your advice and message to the youths of Plateau North and to those aspiring to serve?

My message is simple-They should rise, build and Serve with Integrity.

A youth with a skill and a job will not carry a gun. Channel your energy into production, not destruction. Plateau needs builders, not fighters.

Our youths should be agents of peace and unity. Plateau North is one family.

If you were asked to name a three-point agenda for the Plateau North Senatorial District, what would that be?

Security, Job Creation, and Equity.

To strengthen collaboration for security, empower women and youth for jobs, and guarantee balanced development in the six local government areas to end 24 years of exclusion.

What would be your closing words to stakeholders and the people of Plateau North Senatorial District?

For over two decades, one local government has been left behind. That chapter must close.

Plateau North will rise together. No community will be forgotten.

Dr. Jonathan Musa Bature
NDC Senatorial Candidate, Plateau North
Married to Dr. Dorcas Daniel Bature, PhD. Blessed with children