YPP’s Rep Candidate To Prioritise Peace, Sustainable Development For Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency

The Young Progressive Party (YPP) candidate for Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Dr Danjuma Sanda, has unveiled his manifesto and pledged to prioritise peace, security and sustainable development if elected to represent the constituency in the 2027 general elections.

Sanda, who is also the chairman of Jos North LGA, made the pledged whe he unveiled his campaign manifesto in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

He also outlined plans to improve representation, strengthen security, promote economic opportunities and address infrastructural and environmental challenges confronting the constituency.

Sanda explained that there is a great need to draw the attention of the federal government to the massive ecological devastation suffered by the people of the constituency, and indeed Plateau State, as a result of several decades of mining activities.

According to him, if given the mandate, he will ensure that a strong legislation is put in place to check the environmental impact of mining activities in the constituency through remediation and where justified, compensation to affected communities.

“There are several abandoned mining ponds scattered across Bassa/Jos North, in addition to the extensive loss of farmlands and other environmental resources.

“There are also concerns about the long-term environmental and health implications associated with mining activities. Our people deserve a better deal”.

On insecurity, the YPP candidate also lamented the colossal destruction caused by years of bloodshed in some parts of Bassa/Jos North and promised to liaise with relevant stakeholders to initiate and support a comprehensive policy of reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reconciliation to heal wounds, restore confidence, and resuscitate development.

“I have always maintained that we cannot negotiate peace for the people; we must negotiate peace with them, by first identifying and addressing what went wrong in the first place.

“That way, everyone becomes an active participant in the quest for lasting peace and harmony. I do not subscribe to the argument that indolence among the youths is responsible for the persistent violence in some parts of Bassa/Jos North and other parts of Plateau State.

He insisted that people often attempt to explain crises primarily in terms of unemployment. “However, I see unemployment more as an effect than the fundamental cause of such crises.

“Indeed, crises themselves often cause unemployment because businesses, homes, and other means of livelihood are destroyed, thereby throwing more people into the streets.

“There is also a strange dimension to this issue. People who cannot afford two square meals a day can afford an AK-47.

“My view is that resources expended on acquiring weapons should instead be invested in more productive, sustainable and rewarding ventures that improve livelihoods and strengthen communities”.

The Medical Doctor further stated that if given the mandate, some of his core priorities will include bridging infrastructure gaps, fostering inter-communal peace, and expanding economic opportunities for youth and women through targeted legislative interventions and community-based initiatives.

He further promised to liaise with local and international non-governmental organisations to support the upgrading of educational facilities and promote technology-driven learning frameworks for the younger generation in the constituency.