The Senator representing Plateau Central, Hon. Diket Plang, has addressed brewing controversies regarding the authorship of key developmental projects in his constituency. Speaking in a detailed interview, the lawmaker dismissed accusations of “taking credit for others’ work,” specifically regarding the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Kanke establishment bill and the dualization of the Akwanga–Jos–Gombe Road.
Speaking during an interview, Plang explained in detail the legislative processes behind the two projects, stressing that his actions were transparent, documented and carried out in collaboration with other lawmakers and stakeholders.
FMC Kanke
Addressing claims surrounding the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Kanke, the senator clarified that the process of creating new federal medical centres is governed by existing laws, which require amendments rather than the introduction of entirely new standalone bills.
According to him, the law establishing federal medical centres already exists, and any new FMC must be accommodated through an amendment or repeal of the earlier law to allow for additional centres.
“Establishment bills can either be fresh bills or repealing bills. Since there is already a law establishing federal medical centres, what you do is repeal or amend that law to include new requests,” Plang explained.
He disclosed that several senators submitted requests for FMCs across the country, prompting the Senate leadership to consolidate them into a single amendment process rather than repealing the law repeatedly.
Plang stated that his own bill for FMC Kanke successfully passed second reading as the Federal Medical Centre Amendment Bill, 2025 (SB 728), sponsored by him and read on February 25, 2023.
“When it comes to records, the second reading is there. My name is attached as the sponsor. That bill has gone through the necessary stages. It is purely my bill,” he said.
He added that during the final legislative stage, the Senate opted to repeal and amend the law collectively to include all pending FMC requests nationwide, a move that should not erase individual sponsorships.
Plang appealed for support rather than skepticism, emphasizing the importance of an FMC in Kanke due to its strategic location and the healthcare needs of surrounding communities in Plateau and neighbouring states.
“A Federal Medical Centre is not just a general hospital. It is a tertiary health institution with consultants. For people in Kanke, Tafawa, Belewa, and even parts of Bauchi and Southern Plateau, this facility will go a long way in solving critical medical challenges,” he said.
He urged the public to verify claims through National Assembly records, noting that each FMC request has a clearly identified sponsor.
“If we did it, it should be acknowledged. If you check the records, you will see the names attached to each Federal Medical Centre. Mine is clearly there,” he stressed.
Akwanga–Jos–Gombe Road: How the Legacy Project Emerged
On the Akwanga–Jos–Gombe Road, Plang traced the project’s history back to 2018 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, when the dualisation of the road was approved alongside the Keffi–Akwanga–Makurdi Road.
He explained that the Akwanga–Jos–Gombe project, awarded at about $1 billion when the exchange rate stood at ₦333 to the dollar, later stalled after the contractor failed to meet funding conditions tied to a Chinese financing arrangement.
By the time he assumed office and investigated the matter at the Ministry of Works, Plang said the exchange rate had soared to about ₦1,500 per dollar, pushing the project cost to over ₦1.3 trillion—an amount he said was unrealistic within the ministry’s budget.
“It was impossible to take ₦1 trillion out of the Ministry of Works’ budget for one road, given competing national needs,” he noted.
As an alternative, the senator said he was advised to explore the Petroleum Tax Credit Scheme, under which projects could be funded by entities like the NNPC and recovered through tax exemptions.
Plang further explained that the road was not initially part of President Tinubu’s three flagship legacy road projects, prompting him to move a motion in the Senate urging the inclusion of the Akwanga–Jos–Gombe corridor to ensure equitable infrastructure development for the North-Central and North-East regions.
He revealed that although his motion was initially stepped down, it later merged with a similar motion sponsored by another senator, following standard legislative practice.
“I collapsed my motion into his so that we could carry the prayers together. One of the prayers was the inclusion of the Jos–Akwanga–Gombe Road as a legacy project, and it was approved by the Senate,” he said.
Plang stated that following Senate approval, a formal communication was sent to the Minister of Works, reflecting the collective resolution of the National Assembly.
He said the effort paid off, as the road now appears as the fourth item under President Tinubu’s legacy projects.
“I can say my own was taken. The other extensions were not. That is why today you see Akwanga–Jos–Gombe as part of the President’s legacy projects,” he said.
While defending his role, Plang was careful to acknowledge the contributions of Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, whom he described as instrumental in lobbying the Ministry of Works.
“Anytime I went to the ministry, they would tell me the governor was there, pleading for the Jos road. I must thank the governor for his efforts,” he said.
He emphasized that legislative motions require sustained advocacy to succeed, noting that credit for the project should be shared among all stakeholders who spoke with one voice.
“The credit goes to all of us. If I move a motion and nobody supports it, it may not go anywhere,” he said.
Plang disclosed that the Minister of Works recently engaged the contractor following renewed discussions, assuring that the project would be awarded imminently.
He added that under the legacy project framework, the road would be expanded to six lanes—three on each side—rather than the initial dual carriage design.
Political Climate, APC and Inclusivity
On the current political climate, the senator expressed confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the party as inclusive and capable of accommodating diverse interests.
He attributed the influx of politicians into the APC to what he called the inclusive leadership style of President Tinubu.
“This government has space for all of us. People are joining APC because of inclusivity,” he said.
Plang dismissed fears that post-primary grievances could fracture the party, expressing optimism that the APC would remain united ahead of the 2027 elections.
He urged political actors to prioritize service, unity and national interest over personal ambition, quoting the national anthem to emphasize brotherhood beyond ethnic, religious or political differences.
“Our prayer should be that Nigerians trust themselves more. Leadership should be about service to humanity. If we provide good governance, inclusivity and development, people will naturally believe in us,” he said.
The senator concluded by calling for cooperation across party lines and institutions, stating that sustainable development depends on collective effort rather than individual credit-taking.
