Progressive Group Calls for Micro Zoning of PYC Chairmanship to Bokkos

The Progressive Group for Equity and Justice (PGEJ) has called for the chairmanship position of the Plateau Youth Council (PYC) to be micro-zoned to Bokkos, highlighting that the Local Government Area (LGA) has never produced a PYC chairman. This appeal was made by Comrade Joel Golbe, the group’s North Central Coordinator, during a press briefing in Jos.

Traditionally, the PYC zones the chairmanship position to different regions to ensure fairness and equity. Currently, the position is zoned to the Central Zone. Many critical stakeholders within the PYC are advocating for this position to be micro-zoned to Bokkos, as other LGAs within the zone have previously held the chairmanship.

Last week, the PYC constituted its Electoral Committee, which will oversee the upcoming elections. This has sparked discussions on the appropriate micro-zoning of the chairmanship. Advocates argue that following the tradition of micro-zoning will promote unity and fairness. This tradition previously saw the chairmanship micro-zoned to Bassa in the Northern Zone during the last elections.

Anonymous stakeholders within the PYC have stressed that micro-zoning to Bokkos would ensure a smooth election process, as it aligns with the principles of fairness and equity. “The only simple way of getting the PYC election done smoothly is to micro-zone it just the way the last election was micro-zoned to Bassa because of fairness, equity, and justice,” said one stakeholder.

Civil society groups and political observers within Plateau State have echoed these sentiments, asserting that micro-zoning the chairmanship to Bokkos is the just and fair course of action. They commend the PYC for its decision to zone the position to the Central Zone and urge them to further consider Bokkos for the micro-zoning. “If this is done, then fairness, equity, and justice will be served to Bokkos,” said a civil society representative.

David Meshack, a youth activist, has expressed concerns over potential disruptions to this tradition. He notes that the Mwaghavul Youths, despite holding significant political positions such as the Governor, Senator, and House of Representatives members, are pushing for the chairmanship. “Bokkos Youths are watching closely, and this shouldn’t be how things are to be done,” Meshack stated. He advises the Mwaghavul Youths to support the micro-zoning to Bokkos, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the long-standing gentleman’s agreement and ensuring mutual support between the LGAs.

The call for micro-zoning to Bokkos is seen as a move to uphold the democratic principles of equitable power distribution, which has historically maintained peace and unity among Plateau Youths. As four out of the five LGAs in the Central Zone have already produced PYC chairmen, Bokkos is viewed as the rightful next recipient of this opportunity.