Plateau State Assembly Speaker Announces Intent to Seek Another Term

Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Naanlong Daniel, has officially announced his intention to run for a second term, receiving a unanimous endorsement from leaders and party officials in his Mikang Local Government Area constituency.

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Daniel made this declaration during a meeting with members of the Mikang Legislative Arm and All Progressives Congress (APC) officials, where he emphasized the crucial role of grassroots leaders in democratic governance.

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The Speaker described grassroots leaders as the foundation and framework of democratic governance, highlighting their experience and understanding of local dynamics as essential for sustainable development and progress.

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He expressed gratitude to God for the prevailing unity within the APC in Mikang, describing it as vital for political stability and progress in the area, and acknowledged the importance of the consultative meeting.

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The consultation, according to Daniel, aimed to seek the support, prayers, and understanding of the legislators and party leadership, whose roles he described as indispensable in shaping the future of the local government.

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Daniel noted that his journey, including his time as Majority Leader, had been marked by loyalty and sincerity, which had prepared him adequately for the speakership, and stressed the importance of experience in governance.

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He pointed out that the new harmonised Standing Rules across state houses of assembly in the federation now ensure that only returning members preside over legislative leadership, underscoring the need for continuity and institutional knowledge.

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Daniel lamented that Mikang had lagged in development for years, emphasizing that progress must be deliberate, conscious, and driven by visionary leadership, and affirmed his commitment to serving the entire local government.

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He stated, “I remain a leader for the entire Local Government, not for any particular tribe or group,” and urged councillors and party officials to embrace purposeful leadership anchored on a clear vision for the people.

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Daniel clarified that his re-election bid was not aimed at blocking anyone’s ambition but to consolidate existing gains and accelerate development across Mikang, which he said stands at a crossroads, and assured his constituents of tangible dividends.

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He disclosed that fertilisers would soon be distributed to farmers through councillors and party chairmen as points of contact, and revealed that plans are underway to drill over 25 boreholes across the four districts of the local government.

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On infrastructure, Daniel revealed that the Lifidi-Piapung to Baltep and Lalin to Garkawa road projects, facilitated through his office with the support of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, have been awarded and construction is ongoing.

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He said the roads, when completed, would boost economic activities in the area, and called for inclusive and friendly politics, warning against divisive tendencies, and reiterated his commitment to work with all stakeholders for the collective good of Mikang.

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Daniel declared, “I am a leader for everybody, I am here to seek your prayers, support, and cooperation so that together, we can move Mikang to greater heights and transform it into a tourist haven,” and received endorsement from the Leader of the Mikang Legislative Arm, Hon. Putdet Shepshal.

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Shepshal commended Daniel for his consistent and purposeful leadership, including interventions such as paying WAEC and NECO examination fees, JAMB registration, and scholarships for students across tertiary institutions, and noted that the council had backed the Speaker even during their time in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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Similarly, APC Chairman in Mikang, Peleng Caleb, and the Chairman of Ward Chairmen, Hon. Sati Yongpian, described the Speaker as a “miracle child” and a unifying figure, and collectively endorsed his re-election bid, assuring him of their full support.