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| Distinguished Senator Ignatius Datong Longjan |
Plateau South Senatorial District: Longjan wins at Appeal
Tribunal, speaks on his plans for his constituents.
By Joseph A. Adudu
November 14, 2019
The Appeal Tribunal sitting in Jos on Thursday upheld the judgment
of the lower Tribunal for the National and State Assembly sitting in Jos and
affirmed the election of Ambassador Ignatius Datong Longjan as Senator
representing Plateau South Senatorial District at the National Assembly.
Barrister Peter Kefas Dandam of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP
) had challenged the declaration and return of Longjan in the February 23
National Assembly election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (
INEC ). After months of legal battle, the lower tribunal dismissed the petition
for lacking in merit.
Speaking to African Drum
after the judgment, Longjan expressed delight saying that it was victory not
just for him but victory for democracy in general and for his constituents in
particular. He called on his opponent to join hands with him to work for the
progress and development of the constituency. The Senator further lamented the
backwardness of the Southern Zone in terms of infrastructural development.
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| Sen. Longjan speaking to journalists after the judgement |
Senator Longjan decried the dearth of roads network in his Constituency
particularly, the Lafia, Ibi, Shendam Federal road which he said was
established immediately after the civil war in 1970 but has not received much
attention in terms of maintenance since then. He said that he has already
consulted his colleagues from both Nasarawa and Taraba states as well as the
other two from Plateau North and Central Districts respectively towards pushing, lobbying and making a strong case regarding the road.
" The bad nature of the Federal road from Lafia to Shendam and Ibi is
affecting three states, namely; Plateau, Nasarawa and Taraba. I have already
made consultations with my colleagues from Nasarawa, Taraba and those at home.
As a matter of fact, we are all together on this and we would make strong case
regarding the road. The road was constructed Gen. Yakubu Gowon immediately
after the civil war in 1970 but has not received much attention in terms of
maintenance since then. Today, it's completely in bad shape and has made it
easier for the operations of armed robbers and kidnappers. So, I have the
rehabilitation of that road my priority ".
The Senator added that top on his agenda is the empowerment of
youths and Women. He said that as a member of the Power Committee, he would try
as much as possible to push for the electrification of communities in the Zone.
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