By: Valentine Adese (JP),
Rt. Hon. Johnbull Shekarau, a former Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, who later represented the good people of Mikang/Shendam/Qua’anpan Federal Constituency of Plateau State, has finally broken his silence on his ambition to represent the good people of Plateau South Senatorial District at the Upper Chambers of the National Assembly, come 2023.
Rt. Hon. Johnbull, while speaking to REALITY on his aspiration to contest for the Senate seat come 2023 revealed that, he is pushed by the desire to raise the bar of representation to a higher level in order to meet with the needs and yearnings of the people in the constituency and the country at large.
He explained that, he is the best for the Job to Prince Valentine Adese (JP) the Editor-in-Chief in an exclusive interview at his residence in Jos recently.
Rt. Hon. Johnbull Shekarau also revealed that he would be contesting under the plateform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
READ THE EXCERPT IN PART:-
I am Rt. Hon. Johnbull Shekarau am from Shendam Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
It is true that, if you go round the streets of Plateau South, you will see my posters. I have indicated my interest to run for the Senate seat of the Plateau South Senatorial District, to represent the southern zone of the state at the National Assembly in the 2023 general elections under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
WHY I AM GUNNING FOR THE SENATE:-
Yes, you can see that, the Senate is a high and very respected chamber of the National Assembly and an important arm of the Legislature.
As a legislator myself and having been groomed from the State House of assembly, to the House of Representatives, I believe I have the capacity, ability and dexterity, to withstand the punches, the challenges and the vibration of the senate. This is why I am contesting.
Again, it is on record that the southern zone of Plateau State has been having deficit on representation. We have had several senators and to my mind, they have done their best but, I have the drive to improve on what they have done.
I want to break political barriers and bring things that would make that office attractive and make the people happy over my representation and also attract things to the zone that I believe are lacking.
I really want to create a serious paradigm shift in the polity. I want to lay the foundation for a proper and effective representation and these are things my people have been yeaning for.
WHETHER I AM SCARED OF OTHER ASPIRANTS?
I cannot be worried that someone else is interested in a position that I am interested in too! This is because, it is a contest. The other aspirants are expected to bring their issues while showcase mine with attached solutions, then the people will decide.
To my mind, I feel that is how it should be. I know that some Aspirants want to contest in the coming PDP primaries, I still don’t know where they are coming from and I am sure they also don’t know where I am coming from too. But, one thing I know is that, I have the capacity and the needed drive for the office and for quality representation.
I have been in this field mark you, I know the needs of my people and the people know me. I am sure I shall emerge victorious.
So, other Aspirants are welcome to the contest. Let’s see how will present our case and manifesto and allow the people decide.
For me, there are lots I have done while serving the people, I will therefore be listening to hear what other Aspirants will tell the people concerning what their achievements are that will surpass mine and that will convince the people to make decision in their favour come the PDP Primary and the 2023 general election.
IS THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY YOUR BIRTHRIGHT?
The good thing about legislative job is the experience! Is not just a place where you come and go! I have been a member of the House of Assembly, I have been a member of the House of Representatives, I am trained and loaded with needed experiences. Records have it that some members have been at the National Assembly representing their Constituency for about six (6) times now.
Hon. Ben Lar, Rt. Hon. Idris Maje, and the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives are all heading for the fifth (5th) times are elected Representatives. On my part, I have only gone to the House once and you can see and attest to my performance within the period.
I am not trying to praise myself, but simply to say the facts. I even raised the bar during the period hence, anybody coming after me, must either exceed it or be stalled and this one of the major reasons why, I am also gunning, for the senate. I want to raise the bar!
We should have a basic minimum we cannot go below in representing us from Southern Plateau.
So, going to the senate and working with other senators will be easy. This is because I am not a new comer but rather I will use my experience to attract what is necessary and needed in the southern zone.
NOMINATION AND SECURING THE CANDIDATURE AND THE ON GOING CAMPAIGNS
People are free to campaign against me because, everybody has his/her opinion. This is why I call this a contest and that is why the majority will always have the day. So, no matter what you do in this world, people would always have different views. And no matter how brilliant, ideological, one may sound, people will always have another way of seeing it.
I know that at the end of it all, majority will tell you that, I am capable and competent for the Senate Job. So, it is not about having dissenting views because, this happens every time. Like I told somebody recently, I said, even if Our Lord comes to stand for election today against the devil, you will still see people queue behind the devil and this is very definite. This is the human phenomenon!
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