Some constituents of Plateau Central Senatorial District have expressed displeasure over the exclusion of the Senator representing the zone, Sen. Diket Satso Plang, from speaking during the flag-off of the Sharam–Baban Lamba Road project.
The flag-off was attended by President Bola Tinubu’s representative and APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Senators Simon Lalong and Pam Dachungyang, Rep. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, traditional rulers, and other political stakeholders.
Prof. Yilwatda, Engr. Umahi, Governor Mutfwang, Rep. Gagdi and the APC senatorial flag bearer for Plateau Central, Chief David Bitrus Barji, were among those who addressed the gathering. However, Senator Plang, the serving senator representing the district, was not given the opportunity to speak, a development that has generated reactions from some constituents.
Several constituents described the development as inconsistent with political protocol, arguing that the serving senator deserved recognition at an event held within his senatorial district.
One constituent described the development as “highly unnecessary and unfortunate,” saying political differences should not override respect for duly elected public office holders.
“We may disagree on politics, but we must not normalize actions that weaken respect for duly elected offices. Institutions must be respected and hierarchy must be observed,” the constituent said.
Another constituent, said preventing the serving senator from addressing the gathering while other political figures were given the opportunity to speak did not reflect the ideals of democratic leadership.
According to him, “Leadership is measured by humility, maturity, tolerance and respect for institutions, not by displays of power or attempts to humiliate fellow public office holders.”
He maintained that his position was based on principle rather than political affiliation, urging political leaders to promote mutual respect and strengthen democratic values.
Another constituent described the exclusion of Senator Plang as unnecessary and unfortunate, insisting that the sitting senator should have been given the opportunity to address the gathering in his own senatorial district.
The constituent argued that allowing other political office holders and the APC senatorial flag bearer to speak while excluding the serving senator raised concerns about respect for constitutional offices, established hierarchy and political decorum.
“Political differences are inevitable in any democracy. However, those differences should never lead us to undermine or disrespect duly elected officials. Respect for offices must remain constant, regardless of personal or political affiliations,” the constituent said.
The constituent further urged political leaders to uphold institutional integrity by respecting constitutional offices and due process, stressing that leadership should be driven by responsibility, unity and mutual respect rather than political rivalry.
