I COMMEND LALONG'S COVID-19 PREVENTION MEASURES AND URGE THE PALLIATIVE COMMITTEE TO BE FAIR TO ALL-PROF SHENI

In an exclusive interview with the Group Managing Editor and team of the NewsGate Magazine ,the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Plateau State University Bokkos, Prof Doknan Decent Danjuma Sheni, spoke on the on going COVID-19 scourge, the possible ways to ameliorate it,his aim to be a different politician, his dream to represent Plateau South Senatorial District and his efforts at turning the Plateau State University Bokkos into a globalised institution,amongst many other issues.

Do Enjoy the Excerpts:

Newsgate Magazine: Sir, may we know you?

Prof. Doknan Decent Danjuma Sheni: My name is Prof. Doknan Decent Danjuma Sheni former Vice Chancellor, Plateau State University, Bokkos.

Newsgate Magazine: Sir, we are in a very serious situation globally, where the COVID-19 is ravaging all over the world. The Governor of Plateau State in view to taking the issue seriously, has taken a number of measures to ameliorate the spread of the Virus, what is your comment on his effort to reduce the crisis in Plateau State thus far?

Prof. Doknan Decent Danjuma Sheni: I first must commend the efforts of the Government of Plateau State, particularly,the Governor for the strong stand he took against the COVID-19. He quickly took proactive measures  and did everything possible so that we do not have an index case but unfortunately, you cannot control everybody, having only one case compared to other states that have so many. He blocked the borders, campaigned against COVID-19 and informed people to keep washing their hands, staying at home, don't go out and he announced a lockdown. We are very proud of our Governor. I am very happy for the stand he took and in addition he also fumigated the state.He got some money from the banks which he immediately utilized. And I want to commend some Local Government Council Chairmen,particularly the Chairman of Langtang North LGC who quickly locked down his Local Government Area.Immediately you reach  the Langtang North border, you step out of the car and your temperature will be taken before you move in. And in addition he fumigated his Local Government and the action was well done and commendable.

In  additionour Governor did so well by pursuing for a testing center and the equipment to be brought.Now we have one in Vom, which is an effort worth complimenting. Let us obey what the Governor is telling us. In addition I like the effort being made by the Government so that palliatives are given to people, however, I wish the timetable will be published in the papers so that people will know which Local Government; which area they are going to; when they are going and also the time so that it could be a little more organized. What we heard in the news whether its true or false on Zaria road is not the best image that would be created and I'm sure that if they keep to their time table they will be able to reach the target population. As for me my prayer is that for us in the Southern Senetorial Zone,we hope that the palliative measures reach us all because Jos people are really hungry, we have to do something to assist them. For the fact that some of them are farmers they are still not able to go to the farm and no exchange of goods and they do not have the resources to buy food and even the food they have is finishing so there must be a moderation in the kind of lockdown that is done. I heard the Government said for farmers they could go to their various farms and I know it's a killer virus humans have to eat to survive so we have to combine efforts, we should relax the lockdown and allow some free movement at certain times of the day and it would help some people.

Newsgate Magazine: Sir, what is your comment about the CCTV cameras that the Governor bought and installed in the border areas? How do you see it and what is your advice to people from other  states that are prone to come in?

Prof. Doknan Decent Danjuma Sheni: The installment of the CCTV cameras was a unique move by the Governor, I have not read in the papers that other states are doing so we may be the only state doing so and  I think that is a very good action to take. The few people arrested at our borders and put in isolation centers shows the efforts the Government is putting and people should rally round and support the Government for this action  which is commendable. I know a lot of people have been put in Mangu,Heipang and Shendam which have isolation centres ,which is very good, if we can have same at the Zaria road which is a busy road,it willbegreat. Northern Governors have asked for more money, they are stressed and they have a lot of pressure on finances but our Governor has done well in terms of this Covid 19 and I think, I need to thank him personally for the efforts he has put thus far.

Newsgate Magazine: As the immediate past VC of the Plateau State University Bokkos, what nostalgic feelings do you have about the University?

Prof. Doknan Decent Danjuma Sheni: Well, as a former Vice Chancellor, I find it difficult to detach myself totally from the University because I have put a lot of effort there and the pleasant persons that I worked with. The admissions was all over the State, where we admitted qualified students Local Government by Local Government, where we used the University to unite Plateau State. When I took over there was no accreditation, the courses where not recognized,  the first set could not graduate  even the second set couldn't go for NYSC, but when Lalong came to power we had a combined graduation for the first and second set, we could secure the borders of our land and put new buildings in place and now we have what we call a University. My prayer is that my successor and those who will come, will build a foundation so that the University will be known and revered globally.

Newsgate Magazine: Sir, what is your call to the people of Plateau State Southern Senitorial Zone as it partains to this COVID-19?

Prof. Doknan Decent Danjuma Sheni: There are several things, one is that I am not a traditional politician as Nigerians call it. The reason I decided to enter politics is that so many people feel that some of the traditional politicians have disappointed them, the moment they get elected you wouldn't see them till the year of the next election and where the promises are not kept but failed. Some of us have been watching from the sides and pointing fingers but I think people of integrity, purpose and genuine concern and love have joined the politics.We are going to be criticised by the masses,so that legislation and promise keeping will become reality. As this pandemic is ravaging the world, my call to the Plateau Southern Senetorial Zone is that we should be clean and know that God is not the alter of fear, he does not give us the spirit of fear. God wants us to have hope, faith and if we maintain our beliefs we will live in good health.  We should keep praying and take the measures the Government has put up. And I am sure we will come out stronger.