By Fatima Saka
Abuja – The Senate on Thursday confirmed the nomination of Dr. Bernard Muhammad Odoro from Plateau State as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria a development that drew commendation from Senator Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang, representing Plateau North Senatorial District.
Speaking shortly after the screening, Senator Mwadkon expressed joy and gratitude over the President’s decision to appoint a nominee from his constituency, describing the event as “a moment of pride” for the people of Bassa Local Government Area and Plateau North at large.
“Today we witnessed the screening of Dr. Bernard Muhammad Odoro, who happens to be my constituent from Bassa Local Government in Plateau North. We are very happy that someone from our constituency was found fit by the President. It was a wonderful experience to see him confirmed as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the Senator said.
He recalled that Plateau’s previous Minister, Dr. Nentawe Yelwada, who served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, was recently elevated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite the delay in filling the vacancy, Senator Mwadkon commended the President for promptly appointing a capable replacement from the same state.
“Though the ministerial slot was delayed, the President found it necessary to quickly appoint a replacement, and that speaks volumes about Plateau’s good fortune in this administration,” he noted.
North Central’s Growing Political Influence
Speaking on the North Central’s Growing Political Influence, Senator Mwadkon also reflected on the growing prominence of the North Central geopolitical zone in national appointments, observing that key offices such as the APC National Chairman, the Chief of Army Staff, and the INEC Chairman are currently held by individuals from the region.
He, however, dismissed suggestions that these appointments were deliberate compensation for past marginalisation, insisting that such political elevations were a product of divine will rather than human calculation.
“Nobody can say exactly the format used in making these selections. If something happens in your favour, thank God; if not, still thank God because your time will come. These are appointments, not elected offices, and they can change anytime,” he said.
“We should be grateful but continue to strive for greater positions, even the presidency, in the near future. It is not just goodwill but God’s will that determines who occupies any position,” he added.
The lawmaker urged leaders from the region to remain focused and united, saying the ultimate aspiration should be for the North Central to produce the President of Nigeria someday.
Peace and Humanitarian Challenges in Plateau State
Responding to questions about Plateau’s security challenges and how the new Minister might help address them, Senator Mwadkon clarified that Dr. Odoro’s portfolio as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs does not directly cover conflict resolution but focuses on supporting victims of crises and disasters across Nigeria.
“He is the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, not the Minister of Conflict Resolution. His duty is to render assistance to displaced persons and disaster-affected communities nationwide, not only in Plateau. However, since he understands the suffering of his people, I believe God knows what He’s doing by placing him there,” the Senator explained.
He pledged to collaborate with the Minister in ensuring that humanitarian interventions reach internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups within Plateau State and beyond.
“Our duty is to support him in performing his national assignment. He is not a minister for Plateau alone but for the entire country. I, as a Senator, must also lend my support wherever possible for the good of all Nigerians,” he said.
Senator Mwadkon also expressed optimism that peace is gradually returning to Plateau State through the combined efforts of the state government and the Federal Government, adding that sustainable peace is the foundation for progress.
“Anywhere there is no peace, there is no development. But with the efforts of the present governor and the support of the President, Plateau is returning to peace. We just need to continue working together to sustain it,” he stated.
Future Elections and Political Prospects
When asked whether the growing influence of APC figures from Plateau would translate into stronger electoral support for the ruling party, Senator Mwadkon took a neutral and pragmatic stance.
“When people are in crisis, they can’t go out to vote. Plateau has always been a PDP state. Having a minister or APC chairman does not automatically mean victory for the party,” he remarked.
He emphasised that performance and good governance, not political positions are what ultimately earn public trust and votes.
“Do something meaningful for the people and let them choose whom they want. Even a president can lose elections in his own state if people feel neglected. Performance, not position, wins elections,” the Senator stated.
Senator Mwadkon, who belongs to the Action Democratic Party (ADP), said his political perspective remains independent, stressing that each political party must work hard to earn public confidence.
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“I’m not in PDP, I’m not in APC, I’m not in Labour Party, I’m in ADP. So my party’s calculations are different. It depends on how each party plays its game. If they work hard, they will win,” he said.
Distinct News reports that the confirmation of Dr. Bernard Muhammad Odoro as Minister represents both a point of pride and a new opportunity for Plateau State. Senator Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang’s remarks underscore a message of gratitude, unity, and faith, that while political appointments are fleeting, collective effort and divine purpose remain the true sources of progress.
As Plateau State celebrates another son in the Federal Executive Council, its leaders, according to Mwadkon, are reminded to keep their eyes on the larger goal: securing peace, empowering citizens, and one day, producing the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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