The Gamai Youth Movement (GYM) has elected Livinus Adi Langkwap from Kwo Chiefdom as its new President, following his unanimous endorsement by delegates of the Long Japsual of the Goemai Nation.
Langkwap was sworn into office at the Shendam Youth Centre, where members of the executive and other stakeholders charged him to unite Gamai youths, promote reconciliation and provide inclusive leadership focused on advancing the interests of the younger generation.
His emergence followed the implementation of recommendations by an investigative panel headed by the former Head of the Plateau State Civil Service, Miskoom Camillus Tsemwan.
The panel was constituted by the Gamai Unity and Development Organisation (GUDO), following a directive from the Long Goemai of the Gamai Nation, Miskoom Martin Shaldas III. This came after a petition by the Long Japsual against the then GYM President, Dominic Gani Saje, over allegations of misappropriation of funds and abuse of office.
Following its investigation, the panel recommended the expulsion of Saje from the leadership of the Gamai Youth Movement, paving the way for the emergence of a new leadership.
Administering the oath of office, Barrister Ali Zemlong urged Langkwap to uphold the oath, demonstrate integrity and always place the collective interests of Gamai youths above personal considerations.
Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Julius Attahiru, formally declared Langkwap duly elected President after his unanimous endorsement by the delegates.
In his acceptance remarks, Langkwap pledged to unite Gamai youths and work closely with GUDO, the Gamai Traditional Council and other stakeholders to promote peace, unity and development.
He assured members of the movement that his administration would be inclusive, promising to create opportunities for every Gamai youth to participate in advancing the objectives of the organisation.
The Vice President of the Gamai Youth Movement, Eric Tanko, who stepped down from the contest in support of Langkwap, pledged to support the new President and contribute to the success of his administration.
Tanko called on members of the movement to set aside personal differences and close ranks in the interest of unity and progress.
Following the election, the Electoral Committee and members of the Long Japsual presented the new GYM President to the Long Goemai of the Gamai Nation at his palace.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Long Goemai, the Kanai Long Gamai, Miskoom Alfred Shaldas, commended the Gamai youths for conducting what he described as a peaceful bye-election.
The Kanai Long Gamai, alongside members of the Shendam Traditional Council, urged Langkwap to embrace all members of the movement and his executive, stressing the importance of inclusiveness, reconciliation and collective responsibility.
The Shendam Traditional Council also gave its blessings to the new GYM President and expressed optimism that his administration would transform the organisation into a model youth movement.
The ceremony featured a colourful performance by the Gamai Masquerade group from Poeship, which entertained the gathering before accompanying Langkwap to the palace of the Long Goemai.
The peaceful transition is expected to mark a new chapter for the Gamai Youth Movement, with stakeholders calling on the new administration to sustain the spirit of unity, reconciliation and collective action in advancing the interests of Gamai youths and the wider Gamai Nation.
