By: Lovins Yakubu, February 08, 2023

Jiritmwa Goyit in a group photograph with Plateau State PDP Chairman,
Chris Adukuchili Hassan, some members of the state EXCO and stakeholders
after presentation of PDP flag to her being the party's standard bearer for
House of Assembly, Kanke state constituency.

With just few weeks to the 2023 General Elections, the Plateau State Chairman of the PDP Hon. Chris Adukuchili Hassan and other stakeholders have tasked the party's standard bearer for Kanke state constituency, Mrs. Jiritmwa Goyit to consider and prioritize the unity of members of the party in Kanke LGA to ensure total victory for the party in all positions.

This task was given to Goyit at the State Secretariat of the party along Yakubu Gowon way Jos on the occasion of official presentation of PDP flag to her by the state Chairman of the party on Monday.

Recall that the process for the party primary in May 2022 was marred by controversies culminating in litigation, the outcome of which was an order of the Federal High Court Jos on November 22, 2022 for a repeat primary to be conducted within 7 days. In compliance with the order, the excercise was carried out on November 30, 2022 and Goyit emerged winner.

However, because of the time table and the vigorous campaigns the party has been engaged in, the National Body of the party was able to write and sent Goyit's name to the Plateau State Chapter of the party confirming her as duly returned as elected candidate for the March 18 State House of Assembly Election to represent the good people of Kanke only last week.

Goyit in group pix with Nde David Paradang and other stakeholders of the PDP at the latter's residence

Hassan while presenting the flag to the candidate, prayed that her candidacy would bring the desired unity in Kanke stressing that with the decision from the National Headquarters of the party, all the warring factions must sheath their swords and work together toward delivering the party in all elective positions in Kanke (which the Chairman said is a traditional PDP LGA).

In their separate good will messages, former deputy state Chairman of the party, Hon. Amos Gombi and Mrs. Hanna Bugama all harped on the need for reconciliation with all aggrieved members of the party in Kanke and charged Goyit to ensure this is achieved, more so that general election is just few weeks away.

Earlier in her acceptance speech, Jiritmwa Goyit thanked the leadership of the party for toeing the line of justice and promised to be a worthy flag bearer and representative of the party.

She also appreciated her supporters for the sacrifice made in the course of the struggle. The candidate also promised to give her best to justify the trust reposed in her. Goyit however, stated she can't make it alone and therefore, made clear her intention to rely on the wisdom of elders in the party as well as suggestions and advises from stakeholders.

Also speaking at his residence, Nde David Paradang, another stakeholder of the PDP and former Plateau Central Senatorial Candidate in the 2019 Election commended Goyit for her doggedness and expressed his believe in her capacity to be a good and effective representative.

He further stated that those who stand on the path of truth and justice will never be put to shame adding that nothing will stand between them and the victory they envisaged.

In an exclusive interview with African Drum, after the presentation, Goyit said she considered it a rare priviledge to be saddled with the responsibility of leading a campaign that would steer the party to victory. "In addition, I will also be leading the reconciliation team to unite all warring factions in Kanke.

"It's actually a herculean task but my consoling point as a Christian and as a woman who believes in the word of God, I have a story to lean on and it's the story of Esther in the Bible who took the cross on behalf of her people.

"So, I will draw my strength from the word of God. I intend to also draw wisdom from the wealth of experience of elders (and you can see many of them her today).

"I shall also consult widely because we would be covering difficult terrain and we would definitely need the expertise of the people of these places".

Goyit also congratulated prospective voters who have taken the pains to register and collected their PVCs describing them as lovers of democracy. She however, posited that the final and most important thing they must do is to ensure they cast their votes.

Jiritmwa Goyit, PDP candidate for House of Assembly, Kanke state
constituency in an exclusive interview with African Drum immediately
after being presented with the flag of the party at the
Plateau State PDP secretariat Jos on Monday

Specifically, she called on the people of Kanke to actively participate in the general elections starting with the Presidential on February 25, 2023 saying, "and as a party woman, I call on the people of Kanke to cast their votes for all the candidates of the PDP because they are all competent and I am quite positive that when elected, we will deliver on our promises".