Ministerial Screening: Senator Dachungyang Pledges Support to Odoro, Hails Senate for His Confirmation
By Raphael Ekpang
The Senator representing Plateau North Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang, has expressed joy over the appointment, screening, and confirmation of his constituent, Dr. Bernard Muhammad Odoro, as the Honorable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs. He pledged to work together with him in addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians, particularly in Plateau State, which includes issues of displaced persons, among others.
Speaking to newsmen in his office shortly after the screening and confirmation of Dr. Odoro, Dachungyang 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 (Thursday) 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.
Recall that Dr. Nentawe Yelwada (Plateau State), who served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs previously, 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, Dachungyang commended President Tinubu for 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 said.
Dachungyang 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. However, he dismissed insinuations that these appointments were deliberate compensation for past marginalization, 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 favor, 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.
He 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.
While fielding questions from journalists on the security challenges in Plateau State and how the new Minister might help address them, Senator Dachungyang 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.
“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.
The lawmaker 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.
