In the interest of equality, Alphonsus Komsol, a former member of the House of Representatives (APC-Plateau Shendam, Quaan-Pan, Mikang Constituency), has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to name a new minister from the Plateau Central Senatorial Zone.
Komsol wrote an open letter to the President highlighting the need to solve several concerns in Plateau State immediately, especially those related to equity, fairness, inclusion, geopolitical balance, and ethnic representation.
Komsol emphasized the political environment while highlighting the need for the president to take into consideration the appointment of a minister from the Plateau Central Senatorial Zone in order to ensure equity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and to support the party’s success in the state. Komsol was the Secretary of the Presidential Campaign Council’s (PCC) Contact and Mobilization Committee, North-Central Zone; Plateau Coordinator, Independent Campaign Council for Asiwaju; and Member, APC’s Election Planning and Strategic Committee.
He stated, ” “Your Excellency, I would like to suggest in all honesty and with all sincerity of purpose and intention, that you should do everything possible to ensure that you appoint the next minister from the Plateau Central Senatorial Zone.
“The reason for my selfless suggestion is not far-fetched: It is noteworthy that Simon Lalong is from Plateau South Senatorial Zone, which has produced six ministers since 1999, namely Pauline Tallen (twice), Fidelis Tapgun and his sister, Josephine Tapgun, Solomon Dalung and, lately, Lalong.
“However, Plateau Central Senatorial Zone has produced just 1 minister (Bagudu Hirse) since 1999. Paradoxically, this is a zone that usually returns some of the highest votes for the APC in virtually all elections since the formation of our party about 10 years ago!”
Komsol stressed the significant electoral support the Central Zone has consistently provided for the APC over the years, despite its underrepresentation in ministerial appointments.
Citing the Zone’s influential party financiers and key APC figures, Komsol asserted that their dedicated support merits consideration for the ministerial appointment, aligning with the President’s well-known capability to identify and reward staunch political loyalists.
He wrote, “Your Excellency, I write to you with a deep sense of both passion and compassion, driven by pure patriotism, with a good intent for our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), your government, Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
“This is especially against the backdrop of your glaring strong will in governance, which has so far in record time, engendered notable reforms across all sectors, including infrastructure and human resource development.
“To this end, Mr President, I emphatically and unequivocally implore you to please kindly do the needful, do your utmost and do justice to the raging controversy over the next ministerial slot for Plateau State by giving it to Plateau Central Senatorial Zone.”
He emphasized that the choice of Plateau State’s ministerial seat will have a major influence on the APC’s unity and political stability in the area, and he asked President Tinubu to show bravery and concern for geopolitical factors.
The former congressman urged for an inclusive strategy that gives justice and fairness top priority when it comes to political appointments, expressing trust in the President’s ability to lead and recognizing his history of forming alliances for the advancement of the country.
Talks on Lalong’s successor have already underway following the contentious Court of Appeal ruling that declared him the winner of the Plateau South Senatorial Zone and forced him to quit in order to join the Senate.
According to reports, Lalong nominated people in the past, which sparked conflict and opposition among Plateau APC members.
