Hon Alex Ladan Harps On Policy To Improve , Repositioning Economic, Security Of Plateau State

Yakubu Busari

Ahead of the People Democratic Party, PDP, primaries election of the successor of Governor Simon Lalong Plateau State, the aspirants of the various political parties have been making promises to win the hearts and votes of the people of the state.

The race for the governorship seat of the state currently being run by the All Progressives Congress (APC)  the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ,Hon Alex Ladan has confidence in repositioning the state to be more united to achieve the economic potential of the state.

In electioneering campaign promises, Hon Alex Ladan harped more on the unity of oneness with assurance to focus on serious security concerns compounded by the threats by groups and the general politics of the state.

The PDP aspirant focuses on five key areas in his manifestoes: gender and inclusion; governance; security; economic growth and climate change. The choice of these focal areas is informed by current realities: the high levels of insecurity in the state, the deficit of good leadership, and the declining economy.

On security, Mr Alex Ladan has promised to improve security through modernized security systems and improved community policing.

He  promised to expand the economy of the state by harnessing entrepreneurship. He also plans to improve governance and bring a sense of democracy to the grassroots. To do this, he plans to restore local government autonomy within six months of assuming office by removing the Joint Account Committee(JAC) and granting traditional leaders autonomy in finance.

Hon Ladan also has plans to improve human capital development of which improved inclusion would be a by-product.

PDP   manifesto did not mention plans to improve the quality of life of persons with disability. However, he promised to improve gender inclusion through women empowerment, girl child education, and women in governance.

He has promised to allocate up to 25 per cent of his appointments to women, as against the 35 per cent recommended, starting in the first year of his administration. He plans to increase the percentage in subsequent years, according to the  manifesto.

He promises that if given the mandate his  administration is open and accountable through data-driven decision making, responsiveness, accessible governance and continuity of good initiatives.

He promises to address climate change in the state, tackle erosion problems and focus on opportunities in the waste management value chain. This solution, he hopes, would perform the dual function of solving a major problem and creating jobs in the process.

To tackle growing insecurity in the state, Mr Alex Ladan promises to maintain and improve on the community-led vigilante activities in the state. Additionally, he promises to build consensus with traditional rulers, youth groups, and other key stakeholders to ensure speedy and effective conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Ladan also promised to create economic growth and opportunities for all. This he hopes to do by boosting manufacturing; large-scale agricultural production; innovation; trade and commerce; all with a focus on empowering women and the youth. His promises include revitalising moribund industries; exploring new opportunities, running data-driven governance based on facts and economic development; and eventually building the most economically competitive subnational economy in Nigeria by 2025; and increasing Nominal GDP by over 100 per cent by 2025.