How an "Airman to Politics" memoir united rivals and called a state to peace*
By Fwangsun Adamu
In a hall filled with political rivals, traditional rulers, and clergy, one message cut across party lines on Saturday, Plateau needs peace, and elders must lead the way.
The occasion was the 80th birthday and autobiography launch of Senator Jonah David Jang, former military officer, two-term governor, senator, and now elder statesman. The book is titled “Airman to Politics: My Life.”
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What was meant to be a personal celebration became something bigger: a rare moment where Nigeria’s Vice President, a former President, a sitting Governor, and the APC National Chairman shared one stage to honor a man from the opposition.
WHEN RIVALS BECAME TRIBUTE-BEARERS
Vice President Kashim Shettima came representing President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Former President Goodluck Jonathan came representing the PDP era Jang served in. Governor Caleb Mutfwang came as Jang’s political son. Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, APC National Chairman, came as a longtime admirer.
That mix told its own story about Jang.
Shettima described him as a leader defined by “sacrifice, courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace.” But he didn’t stop at praise. He issued a challenge.
“I challenge the elites of Plateau, all seated here, to rally together and bring enduring peace to the state,” the Vice President said. “Plateau possesses enormous opportunities. With the right mix of leadership, innovation and unity, Plateau can become a model of national cohesion.”
Then came the surprise: the announcement that Hon. Yakubu David Jang, the Senator’s son, had been appointed Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu. Applause filled the hall. In Plateau’s often-divided politics, it was read as both recognition and bridge-building.
“POSITIVELY STUBBORN” FOR HIS PEOPLE
Former President Jonathan kept it personal. He recalled working with Jang during his presidency and called him a “dependable ally.”
“Senator Jang is positively stubborn whenever he believes a decision is in the best interest of Plateau people,” Jonathan said, drawing laughter. In Nigerian politics, “stubborn” from Jonathan is high praise. It means principle over compromise.
Governor Mutfwang went further back. He said long before he entered politics, Jang was his model. A private conversation with the elder statesman in 2016, he revealed, shaped how he governs today.
Mutfwang pointed to tangible legacies: the New Government House in Little Rayfield, which he called “one of the finest government complexes in Nigeria.” He also made a national appeal that Jang and the late Chief Solomon Lar be recognized for their roles in NADECO, the pro-democracy movement that helped end military rule.
APC Chairman Yilwatda, who has never worked directly with Jang, called him “a towering figure of integrity, a man of deep faith.”
THE BOOK: NOT TO SETTLE SCORES
For Jang himself, the day was about memory and truth.
“This autobiography was not written to settle scores,” he told the crowd. “It was written to preserve an accurate account of my life and public service for future generations.”
The book, reviewed by broadcaster Seun Okinbaloye as “a man’s argument with history,” traces Jang’s journey from a boy in Du, to Air Force officer, to governor, to senator.
Jang used the moment to thank three presidents who shaped him: IBB, Obasanjo, and Jonathan. He singled out Jonathan for three things: appointing a Grade A Minister from Plateau, refunding money spent on federal roads, and creating Operation Rainbow, the state security outfit.
Then he turned philosophical.
“Public office, wealth and fame are temporary,” Jang said. “Character, faith, service to humanity and a relationship with God remain life’s greatest treasures.”
His charge to young Nigerians: embrace Christ early. Earthly titles fade, he said. Salvation doesn’t.
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR PLATEAU
Plateau has spent two decades trying to heal from cycles of ethno-religious violence. That’s why Shettima’s call for elites to “rally together” landed hard. That’s why having CAN’s Vice President Rev. Dr. Stephen Panya Baba, the Emir of Kanam, and former Minister Dame Pauline Tallen all in one room mattered.
Jang’s story is Plateau’s story: military, democracy, conflict, reconciliation. At 80, he is asking the next generation to choose dialogue over grievance.
As the event ended, dignitaries kept returning to one line from the book. Leadership, Jang wrote, is not about how long you stay in office. It’s about what remains after you leave.
On Saturday in Jos, what remained was a full hall, an unveiled book, and a collective reminder that peace in Plateau will not build itself.
