By Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
With barely a year to the general elections in the country, a chieftain of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State, Hon. Musa Ashoms said Nigerians are more politically aware and will only elect those who provide dividends of democracy.
Ashoms who is running for the House of Representatives seat of Jos South/Jos East Constituency under the platform of the PDP said the issue of unemployment will be a top priority for him, in that people with little or no form of formal education will have something to do.
Speaking with Journalists in Jos, the State Capital, the aspirant described himself as a minority from the constituency who has been a loyal member of the Party and has contributed to it’s growth and development hence he should be given the ticket to run.
Working under the slogan ‘The Voice that You Know’, the Aspirant said he is conversant with Legislative duties as he was a councilor, leader of Jos East Legislative Council and had worked with a media organisation where he covered legislative proceedings in the National Assembly.
Ashoms further assured that if given the mandate he will bring on board quality representation that will attract government presence to his constituency.
He noted that lobbying mechanism for the Constituency ought to be step up to provide employment, youths and women empowerment through skills acquisition to address systemic poverty ravaging the people.
According to him, “Generally, we know that legislators have limited duties, but in our climes, the expectations are usually very high.
“There is lack of employment, poverty and you have to be a lobbyist to be able to bring these things to the table.
“But if given the mandate, we will lobby in the interest of the Constituency, we will bring federal presence to the Constituency.”
Ashoms who was the Special Assistant on Media and Protocol to Senator representing Plateau North, Istifanus Gyang said he didn’t joint the contest out of bitterness, but to improved the lots of the citizenry.
“I just want to appeal that our voice that have been heard here at home, should be magnified at the National Assembly so that Plateau will have robust representation.
“I have been doing it unofficially, I have had alot of engagements at the community level and I wasn’t doing that to be rewarded with this seat, but political calculation favour us because I have been loyal to the people and to the political party, the PDP and we should be rewarded to encourage others who have been loyal too”, he admonished.
Ashoms who was former Leader of Jos East Legislative Arm acknowledged that the constituency have had robust representation previously from Jos East and begged delegates to give him opportunity to contribute his quota to the people.
“I am throwing my heart in the ring not because I want to fight anybody or i am better than everybody, but because I have something special to offer. I have my people at heart and I want to be their voice,” he stressed.
Ashoms said he was optimistic of his chances as he has consulted widely and called for more loyalty and commitment to political parties.
