BCDU Interim Chair Vows Fair Elections, Unity Drive for Nasarawa Bassa Community

By Jibrin Brama, Keffi

Mallam Mohammed D. Zhokwo, newly appointed Interim Committee Chairman of the Bassa Cultural and Development Union (BCDU) Nasarawa State Chapter, has pledged to oversee free, fair, and constitutional elections within six months, aiming to heal divisions and restore unity within the community.

Addressing stakeholders at Cross Love Garden, Keffi, on Sunday, Zhokwo outlined his mandate following his selection to lead the interim body until November 2025.

 Zhokwo vowed strict adherence to the BCDU constitution, promising impartiality for all candidates. "My job is not to please everyone, but to run a fair and honest election come November 2025," he declared, outlining principles of fairness, constitutional compliance, and protection of members' rights to nominate, run, and vote.

He called for dialogue with rival factions within the BCDU to "mend brokenness and heal the wounds of the past," stressing reconciliation is vital for prosperity and peace. He acknowledged the union faces "a lot of confusion and challenges," including past mistakes.

 Zhokwo committed to an active, consultative leadership style: "My role is not to sit dormant... but to expose myself... throughout Nasarawa State." He emphasized mobilizing support, neutralizing opposition respectfully, and prioritizing public opinion across generations – consulting both experienced elders and youth.

He firmly stated his committee would operate within the BCDU constitution, rejecting imposition and promising to uphold members' rights. "I will always stand for my entire Bassa people... I am for everybody, but for nobody," he asserted, dismissing "street and beer parlour talks."

The Chairman, directly countered claims that he lobbied for the position: "Frankly, I do not know how my name came up... I have neither the wherewithal nor the stomach to lobby." He accepted the role understanding the "enormity of the task" to unite the community, particularly in conflict-scarred Toto LGA. He urged critics to offer constructive solutions, not create problems.

Zhokwo framed the interim period as crucial for reflection and rebuilding "the broken/collapsed fence" of the Bassa people. He called for calm, patriotism, and collective responsibility: "Let us summon a new spirit... where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other."

He expressed faith that the community's divisions can be overcome: "Does it mean even God Almighty cannot reconcile the Bassa community... differences?" Praying for unity, he concluded: "Our diversity may be great, but the things that unite us are stronger than the things that divide us."