By Comrade Prince Miaphen
In politics, criticism is normal. In fact, it is healthy. But there is a clear line between constructive scrutiny and deliberate distortion. That line has been crossed repeatedly in recent commentaries targeted at the Executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government, Barr. Jay Kay Christopher.
As someone who knows him personally, works closely within the same political family, and more importantly, lives in Jos North, I find it necessary to respond not with insults or counter-attacks, but with facts, context, and balance. Governance should be judged by evidence on the ground, not by recycled talking points or armchair assumptions.
Leadership Is Not About Comfort, It Is About Choices
From the very first day he assumed office, Barr. J.K. Christopher made it clear that Jos North would not continue with the old culture where local government resources were treated as personal allowances to be shared among a few political actors. That declaration alone unsettled many who were used to a different order. When you disrupt entrenched interests, resistance is inevitable.
What critics describe as “centralization” is, in many instances, simply fiscal discipline. What is painted as “authoritarianism” is often the insistence that public funds must be tied to verifiable projects, not scattered without accountability. Local government is not a social club. It is a tier of government with constitutional responsibility to deliver services.
The Councilors’ Narrative and the Truth
Much has been made of the so-called “symbolic” constituency allowances given to councilors. What is conveniently ignored is the economic reality facing all tiers of government, including dwindling allocations, rising costs, and inherited liabilities. Leadership requires prioritization.
Rather than throwing scarce funds into fragmented spending with no measurable impact, this administration chose to channel resources into projects that benefit entire communities – health centres, bridges, markets, security infrastructure, and power supply. That choice may not flatter individual egos, but it serves the collective interest of the people.
Councilors remain critical partners in governance, and engagement continues. But partnership does not mean abdication of oversight or surrender of prudence.
From Paper Criticism to Physical Projects
Those who claim that achievements are “invisible” can only say so if they have chosen not to look. Across Jos North, projects are not only visible; they are active and verifiable.
Primary Health Care centres in Kabong, Angwan Rimi, Babale, and Tudun Wada are being renovated and upgraded, complete with water and sanitation facilities. These are not photo-ops. These are facilities that serve thousands of ordinary people – women, children, the elderly, who rely on public healthcare every day.
The construction of the Farin Gada–Russau vehicular bridge addresses a long-standing traffic and safety challenge, especially around the busy Farin Gada market corridor. Students, traders, and commuters will benefit daily from this single intervention.
At Bauchi Road, the once-chaotic motor park is being transformed into a modern, centralized transport hub with proper layout, security posts, toilets, and shops. Cities do not grow by accident. Order, planning, and courage to confront illegal structures are part of development.
Power, Light, and Security: The Quiet Impact
In Ali Kazaure community, the installation of a 500KVA transformer brought an end to years of darkness and economic frustration. That project did not trend on social media, but it changed lives. Businesses reopened. Children studied at night. That is what governance is about.
In Tudun Wada, two brand new transformers were delivered. In Dong community, a police outpost was constructed and commissioned, strengthening grassroots security in an area previously vulnerable to crime and kidnapping. Security is not rhetoric; it is infrastructure, coordination, and presence.
These are not isolated acts. They are part of a deliberate effort to spread projects across wards, not concentrate them around political allies or loud supporters.
The “100 Days” Strawman Argument
Another recurring line is the mockery of the administration’s first 100 days appraisal. Let us be clear: referencing early milestones does not mean nothing has happened since. It simply provides a baseline to measure continuity and growth.
That 100-day period laid foundations that subsequent projects are building upon. ICT infrastructure, markets, healthcare upgrades, and security interventions. Governance is cumulative. You do not discard foundations simply because time has passed. You build on them. The documented appraisal of those early achievements remains part of the public record.
On Personality Attacks and Human Relations
Perhaps the weakest part of the criticism is the attempt to reduce governance to gossip about hospitality, generosity, or private conduct. Leadership is not a popularity contest based on who spends the most or entertains the loudest. It is about stewardship.
Barr. J.K. Christopher is not in office to please courtiers. He is there to make decisions, sometimes hard ones, in the interest of Jos North. Those who equate generosity with effectiveness should ask themselves whether they prefer a leader who shares money or one who builds clinics, bridges, markets, and police stations.
Institutions Over Individuals
Ironically, many of the critics claim to be defending democracy while attacking the very idea of institutional discipline. Democracy does not mean everyone does as they please. It means elected leaders act within the law, manage resources responsibly, and are accountable for outcomes.
Jos North today is not being run as a “personal fiefdom.” It is being run with a clear chain of responsibility. Contractors are monitored. Projects are inspected. Timelines are enforced. That is why the Chairman personally goes on inspection tours not to pose for cameras, but to ensure value for money.
Progress Is Not Always Noisy
Development at the local government level is often quiet, incremental, and unglamorous. It is a renovated clinic that prevents a maternal death. A bridge that saves commuters thirty minutes daily. A transformer that keeps a market alive. A police outpost that deters crime before it happens.
These are the metrics that matter, not the volume of press statements or the bitterness of critics.
A Call for Fair Scrutiny, Not Cynicism
No administration is perfect, and Jos North still has challenges. But honesty demands that criticism be grounded in facts, not frustration. Those calling for external audits should also acknowledge ongoing projects and completed ones. Accountability is a two-way street.
As residents, we should ask tough questions, yes, but we should also recognize progress where it exists. Tearing down every effort does not strengthen democracy; it weakens public trust.
Conclusion: Let the Record Speak
Barr. Jay Kay Christopher may not satisfy everyone, but leadership is not about universal applause. It is about direction, discipline, and delivery. On these counts, his administration has shown seriousness of purpose.
History will not judge this tenure by press releases written in anger, but by concrete structures that remain long after the noise has faded. Clinics will still treat patients. Bridges will still carry traffic. Markets will still support livelihoods. Police outposts will still provide security.
That is the real verdict.
COMRADE PRINCE MIAPHEN
is a resident and stakeholder in Jos North Local Government Area
