Sen. Jonah Jang, the former governor of Plateau, has said that he wrote his autobiography to correct some public misconceptions about his personality and tenure as governor.
Jang said this during the public presentation of the autobiography titled “Airman to Politics: My Life”, on Saturday in Jos.
He explained that the book had provided an opportunity for him to document and leave behind a truthful account of his journey, adding that the move would help future generations understand the value that guided his journey in life.
“To be honest, writing an autobiography was never my intention. I was content to leave my life story to history and to those who know me.
“However, my son, Yakubu, persistently encouraged me not to allow important aspects of my life’s journey to be lost.
“His insistence eventually convinced me that perhaps it was time to document my experiences for posterity and for the younger generation to learn from.”
According to Jang, this book, therefore, is my attempt to leave behind a truthful account of my journey so that future generations, especially my children, grandchildren, and young Nigerians, may understand where I came from, the values that guided me and the lessons that shaped my life.
“Another important reason for writing this autobiography is that, over the years, many assumptions have been made about me, my decisions and actions.
“Some have been based on incomplete information, while others have unfortunately created misconceptions and controversies that continue even while I am still alive,” he said.
Jang, who said that as governor, people had misunderstood him, insisted that the autobiography would provide proper context to some of his decisions and actions.
He said that like many who have served in public office, he often found himself misunderstood, and hoped the book would not be seen as settling scores or attacking anyone.
According to him, it is an honest effort to place events in their proper context, explain the circumstances under which certain decisions were taken, and present the facts as I experienced them.
“I believe history is best served when those who participated in it tell their stories truthfully and with humility,” he explained.
Jang thanked former military President, Ibrahim Babaginda, for supporting him throughout his military career.
He also thanked former President Goodluck Jonathan, for being a dependable political ally and President Bola Tinubu, for providing quality leadership to Nigerians.
Jang also thanked Gov. Caleb Mutfwang for putting together the event in his honour and moving Plateau to the pinnacle of glory.(NAN)
