Respect for public office is one of the foundations of a healthy democracy. Whether in government, politics, or public events, elected officials deserve to be treated with the dignity attached to the offices they hold.
The concerns raised by Kroos Jatau over the treatment of Senator Diket Plang during the commissioning of the Babban Lamba–Sharram road deserve attention.
If the serving Senator representing Plateau Central was indeed overlooked at an event held within his constituency, it is understandable why some people would consider it a breach of political protocol.
At the same time, public events should never become platforms for deepening political divisions.
Organisers have a responsibility to ensure that recognition is fair, inclusive, and in line with established protocol, regardless of party differences or personal relationships.
Respecting institutions is bigger than supporting one politician or another.
Today it may affect one public official, tomorrow it could affect someone else.
When protocol is ignored, it weakens the culture of mutual respect that democracy depends on.
As Kroos Jatau rightly noted, disagreements in politics should not lead to actions that diminish the offices entrusted by the people.
Plateau State stands to gain more when leaders, institutions, and democratic processes are respected by all, irrespective of political affiliation.
Ayuba Doekyil is a Digital Visibility and PR Expert, Political Communication Strategist and a Public Affairs Commentator
Email: profdoeks@gmail.com
