Each time I wake up at the break of dawn, my heart breaks
and bleeds beyond measure. This happens because of the protracted crisis
rocking the Jos University Teaching Hospital. As a believer in a just, fair and
stronger Plateau, this message is not meant to apportion blame but to seek for
solutions so we can shape and promote the destiny of our dear state. The
constant attacks and counter-attacks on the one hand and other by management,
Labour union and the general Plateau public might add salt to the injury to say
the least. Like others, I am truly disturbed and I hope my message will go a
long way in mending broken relationships and healing our deep wounds so we can
collectively usher a new dawn of mutual understanding, cooperation and unity in
diversity. First of all, permit me to register my heartfelt appreciation to my
colleagues, friends, fans and well-wishers for the wonderful and strong support
I got when I contested for the state chairman of Resident Doctors Association
of Nigeria. Albeit, I didn’t make it to represent my people but that gave me a
far-reaching and engaging experience to approach unionism and conventional
politics with dignity and a propensity to contribute in any way I can to the
growth and development of Plateau state. I am willing to make sacrifices to
ensure that Plateau state becomes better in the nearest future through strategic
partnership with the government and the governed. Albeit, my profession as a medical doctor
gives me less time to participate in politics but I don’t believe that politics
is the only medium through which we can create positive change. In any capacity,
we can make a difference and this is what we are called to do. Now, the issue
of JUTH is beyond abstract imagination. It is a problem that calls for a
greater political will and collective efforts to have the problems resolved
once and for all. The complaints, concerns and criticisms are well appreciated
and I think we can maximize them to find urgent solutions. In all honesty, I
think the unity that ought to have bound us together has a faulty foundation. We
are divided along religious, ethnic and political lines. This in my view is a
recipe for deeper problems to manifest and affect us negatively. I think we’ve
got to be united and mobilize our capacities to ensure that JUTH is delivered
out of the woods. It’s time for the youths, elders, political class,
traditional leaders and all concerned citizens to rise to the occasion and
intervene at both the state and federal level. We must bury our differences and
work together as a people with a common destiny. An injury to JUTH is an injury
to all of us. Truly, the condition doesn’t speak well. It has far-reaching
negative effect on the image of the state and by extension Nigeria. But that
does not mean that all hope is lost. Something extraordinary can be done to
remedy the situation. And this has to be done by you and I. At this juncture, I
must pay glowing tributes to the likes of Dr. Daniel Meshak, Dr. Dikkol, Dr.
Monday and others for believing in a just and better Plateau. These are
selfless leaders who have paid their dues and sowed seeds of greatness in all
ramifications of Plateau life. Truly, they have a date with history. In my capacity
as a Plateau Youth, medical doctor and ambassador of unity, I pledge my utmost
loyalty and solidarity to popular efforts that can lift JUTH from her current
challenges and place her in a position of pre-eminence. I am optimistic of a
brighter future for Plateau state. Let’s keep all hopes alive and keep the
unity we are known for stronger than ever before.
Long Live JUTH
Long Live Plateau state and
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Signed:
Dr. Longji Dakum
(Medical practitioner)
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