It was an evening of reflection, and forward-looking dialogue as Senator Istifanus Dung Gyang, who represented Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency and Plateau North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, met with members of the media and social media partners.
The interaction was more than a courtesy visit it was an opportunity to revisit a shared journey, assess present realities, and speak honestly about the road to 2027.
Addressing journalists and media stakeholders, Senator Gyang expressed deep appreciation for a relationship that spans decades. From the days of the State of Emergency, through his tenure in the House of Representatives (2015–2019), and later in the Senate (2019–2023), he acknowledged the consistent role the media has played.
Before entering elective politics, he served and retired as a Permanent Secretary in the civil service another chapter that strengthened his engagement with the press.
He described the relationship between parliamentarians and the media as one rooted in shared responsibility:
- The media holds government accountable.
- Legislators conduct oversight on behalf of the people.
- Both serve as watchdogs for democracy.
In his words, the media remains the voice of millions who otherwise would not be heard.
Though out of the National Assembly for two years, Senator Gyang made it clear that public service does not begin or end with holding office.
He emphasized a core democratic truth: government has the greatest capacity to do either good or harm. Therefore, good people cannot afford to withdraw from politics—the very platform through which leadership is recruited.
Reiterating the power of the citizen, he described the “Office of the Citizen” as the most powerful office in Nigeria’s democracy. It is citizens who elect leaders and, through constitutional and electoral processes, retain the authority to remove them.
With 2027 on the horizon, the message was unmistakable: engagement in governance must be sustained, intentional, and citizen-driven.The discussion turned to the recurring insecurity in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bassa, and surrounding communities.
The challenges remain clear:
- Persistent communal conflicts
- Displacement from ancestral lands
- Allegations of land grabbing
- Deep-rooted grievances fueling unrest
Senator Gyang anchored his position on constitutional responsibility, reminding the gathering that the primary duty of government is the security and welfare of the people.
He outlined a multi-dimensional approach to tackling the crisis.
1. Constitutional Reform & State Police
Under Nigeria’s current structure, security remains largely centralized under federal control. While the armed forces and police operate nationwide, states have limited direct control over security architecture.
He argued that security challenges are inherently local and therefore require localized solutions. The proposal for state police has gained acceptance across many states, and constitutional amendments to devolve certain powers are already at an advanced stage.
Empowering states to manage security more directly, he believes, would significantly improve response time and effectiveness.
2. Community Engagement & Intelligence Gathering
“Diversity is not a liability,” he noted. “It is the mismanagement of diversity that becomes a liability.”
He called for deliberate engagement with peace-loving citizens across ethnic and religious divides, while isolating criminals, terrorists, and those who profit from violence.
Communities, he said, often know those responsible. With structured dialogue and trust-building, they can provide actionable intelligence to security agencies.
3. Strengthening the Justice System
Arrest without prosecution is ineffective. One of the major frustrations in affected communities is the recurring cycle of arrest and release.
Senator Gyang stressed the need to strengthen prosecutorial processes to ensure that offenders are properly tried and justice is served without compromise. A functional justice system, he emphasized, is central to breaking the cycle of impunity.
4. Building Community Resilience
Communities must not remain passive victims. Within the bounds of the law, structured vigilance and coordinated collaboration with security agencies can enhance protection.
State and local governments, he emphasized, must be proactive rather than reactive in safeguarding lives and property.
The conversation also shifted to Nigeria’s broader economic landscape.
He referenced the bold decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove the long-standing fuel subsidy a move that significantly altered the federation’s revenue structure.
According to him, the removal released substantial funds into the federation account, resulting in:
- Increased allocations to states
- Reduction in salary arrears across many states
- Renewed infrastructure and development projects
While acknowledging the difficulty of such reforms, he described them as decisions driven by long-term national interest rather than short-term popularity.
In his view, when policies begin to yield measurable outcomes better funding for states and improved fiscal capacity stakeholders naturally gravitate toward continuity and stability.
Despite political realignments, he affirmed that democracy remains vibrant in Nigeria. Opposition parties continue to operate, elections are conducted, and public discourse remains active.
The road to 2027, therefore, is not merely about ambition. It is about responsibility: ensuring security, strengthening institutions, empowering citizens, and sustaining reforms that promise long-term stability.
The evening concluded with gratitude gratitude to the media for their watchdog role, to citizens for their trust, and to all stakeholders committed to Nigeria’s democratic journey.
With political will, constitutional reform, strengthened justice systems, and community resilience, Senator Gyang expressed confidence that Plateau North and indeed Nigeria can overcome its challenges.
Good governance, he implied, is not optional. It is a collective duty and as 2027 approaches, that duty remains central to the conversation.
