By Golok Nanmwa
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, on Saturday publicly acknowledged her past political differences with former Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang, declaring that she had forgiven him and moved on as the elder statesman marked his 80th birthday.
Tallen made the declaration during the celebration of Jang’s 80th birthday and the public presentation of his autobiography, From Airman to Politics, in Jos.
The event attracted Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Goodluck Jonathan, governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers and political leaders from across the country.
In what many observers described as one of the defining moments of the ceremony, the former minister said she had chosen reconciliation over resentment, insisting that the political disagreements that once strained their relationship had become history.
“Everything that happened is now history. I have come to forgive, to let go and to move on. God knows the respect I have for former Governor Jang, and I know the respect he has for me,” Tallen declared to applause from the audience.
Recalling how their political relationship began, she said she first served as commissioner before Jang later approached her to become his running mate after consulting her husband and parents.
According to her, she accepted the offer because she believed in his leadership and trusted his vision for Plateau State.
“My journey with Governor Jonah Jang is a long one. Whenever we met, he encouraged me and told me he admired my spirit and my commitment to service.
“Even when we belonged to different political parties, I stood by him because I believed in him and trusted him,” she said.
Describing Jang as “a man of destiny,” Tallen said their partnership produced electoral victory and years of dedicated service to Plateau State.
She congratulated the former governor on attaining the age of 80 and prayed that God would grant him many more years in good health, peace and strength.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described Jang as one of the founding fathers of modern Plateau State whose contributions to governance and nation-building have remained enduring.
Yilwatda said although he never worked closely with the former governor, he had admired his leadership from afar for decades.
“I first met him in 1994 and saw a man full of wisdom, integrity and passion for Plateau State. Though I never worked closely with him, I admired him as a father and leader,” he said.
He noted that Jang’s journey from the Nigerian Air Force to military administrator, governor and senator reflected a lifetime of sacrifice and service to Nigeria.
According to the APC chairman, Jang consistently stood for justice, unity, peace and the dignity of humanity, adding that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
The event also featured the public presentation of Jang’s autobiography, From Airman to Politics, which chronicles his military career, political journey and decades of public service.
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