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By Raymond Gukas, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has charged all Plateau people not to allow their ethnic, political, and religious differences to divide the state.
Accordingto him; “our strength is in our unity and ‘’ there is no force no matter how formidable a united people cannot overcome’’.
Mutfwang was speaking in an address at the occasion of the installation of the new Ngolong Ngas [the paramount ruler of the Ngas Nation) which took place in Pankshin town Friday.
According to him, the occasion was unique and very dear to the administration, “as we all know the traditional institution is vital to the preservation of our cultural heritage and the promotion of our co-existence as a people who share a common identity. We value the continuous maintenance of the norms, traditions, and practices that serve the greater interest of the people”.
He reminded the people that “.as you are all aware that almost a decade ago, God the creator in His divine way called home the late Ngolong Ngas, Nde Joshua Dimlong of blessed memory, to eternal glory to join his ancestors. This loss created a vacuum and by the special grace of God, a successor who will take over from where he stopped emerged in a peaceful process.
“Today, by the grace of God, he will be crowned and presented with the staff of office to continue the good works of his predecessor. Therefore, I crave your indulgence to observe one minute of silence in honor of the late monarch…May his soul rest in peace with the Lord”, he added.
The governor further stressed that “Let me say at this point that it has become very expedient for us to hold this remarkable occasion at this crucial period of our collective existence. As you are aware that a week of mourning was declared in honor of our beloved people who were gruesomely murdered during the cruel Christmas Eve attacks and the days that followed, in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas.
” Therefore, this occasion is low key and won’t involve the usual processions, glamour and celebrations, as it should be the case, in observance of the week of mourning. May their souls rest in peace and may the Lord comfort us, most especially those directly affected.
“Like I said in my New Year broadcast, the unprovoked attacks were premeditated and coordinated, considering the simultaneous nature of the attacks in several villages at the same time. They are purely, acts of criminality, insurgency and terrorism and must not be seen as farmer-herder clash which is the traditional narrative.
“As a government, we will not rest on our oars but will continually collaborate with the Federal Government until the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice. We shall prevail and Plateau will come out stronger and put these forces of darkness to shame.
“The traditional institutions have a critical role to play in strengthening inter and intra community relations which is essential for the protection of our communities against invaders. It is against this background that my administration places high premium on traditional institutions in the state because of the enormous role they play in safeguarding their domain as well as the promotion of peace, stability, and harmonious co-existence among the people.
“We are determined to give the traditional institutions their pride of place. Our solemn commitment as a government is to continually strive towards filling all vacant traditional stools in the state in line with my promise and respect for the traditional institutions.
“I am pleased to inform this respected gathering that the royalty of the Ngas Chiefdom and the Pankshin/Kanke Traditional Council has made us proud by showing a high level of decorum and good conduct during the period of transition and up to this moment that God Almighty has blessed the land with another leader to fill in the vacuum created by the demise of the late Ngolong Ngas”.
However he warned “mischief makers against needless court actions aimed at delaying or frustrating the selection and or installation of traditional rulers. We must learn to accept the will of God. I want to place on record the tireless efforts of the Ministry of Local
Government and Chieftancy Affairs in carrying out extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders before the selection process of the Ngolong Ngas commenced and concluded.
“In furtherance of the commitment of my administration to run a transparent and inclusive government, we urge all communities, villages, and chiefdoms to embrace dialogue as the only means of resolving any differences on matters that relate to the traditional stools, in order to foster peace and harmonious co-existence.
“As a government, we are determined to resolve all lingering litigations that have brought setbacks to some communities. This will enable us fill the vacant stools that are left in some parts of the state. Our desire is to move along with all communities in providing tangible development that will improve the living conditions of our people, especially in the rural areas.
To the new chief, he added that “our Royal Highness, “I am convinced that your ascension to the throne of your ancestors at this crucial period is the will of God and I have no doubt that you will bring your wealth of experience to bear. While you discharge your duty, I admonish you to be proactive, carry your people along in every decision”.
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