Apparently satisfied with the major role Plateau is playing in Nigeria’s political and economic scene, Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has advised crisis merchants not to disrupt the peace the state enjoying.
Likewise, a university don, Prof. Dakas C.J Dakas has tasked leaders in Plateau to manage their diversity in constructive ways to bring about development to the state.
They both made the call Monday February 6, 2023 during a symposium and state banquet held at Government House, Jos as part of activities to mark the 2023 Plateau Day of Forgiveness and Reconciliation.
Presenting a paper with the theme: “Plateau State in the Comity of States: The Journey So Far”, Dakas urged leaders and stakeholders in the state to realise that with over 53 ethnic groups, there should be inclusiveness and tolerance of each other for peaceful coexistence to thrive.
The don advised that it is only through actions and activities that foster harmonious coexistence that there would be peaceful coexistence and development in the economy and other sectors of the state.
“There is no meaningful development without peace” the paper pointed out, urging the state government to employ proactive measures in addressing insecurity in the state”.
He highlighted that education is a critical tool that can be used to enlighten Plateau people on the implications of insecurity even as he stressed that clerics who ignite tensions and cause conflicts through their inciting speeches should be held accountable.
Dakas congratulated the state for the commemoration of Plateau Day and advised citizens to see it as a period for the state to reflect on its progress and challenges.
“Plateau people should resolve to work together for the state progress,” he said noting that already the state government had created an enabling environment for investors through its One Stop Centre , which was established to handle bureaucratic bottlenecks, and the state has prospects of achieving more in peace building, through empowering youths with opportunities to discourage them from being engaged by crisis merchants.
“Vibrant labour force will prevent a perpetual vicious circle of dependents,” he said.
Similarly, Governor Lalong in his remarks at the forum said he was glad that Plateau State has played and is still playing a key role in the political process in Nigeria with landmark records and references in virtually all sectors.
He said despite the numerous challenges and setbacks encountered in the course of the journey to statehood, there is so much to celebrate and look forward to with hope and optimism. He pointed out that the role his administration has played in the past 8 years has made peace and security a cardinal priority.
He praised his administrations birth of the Plateau Peace Building Agency as the implementing agency for reconciliation and the healing process which he described as an affirmation of their commitment to building a state that is inclusive, free of violence, mistrust and general instability.
“We are happy that our efforts today are yielding positive results considering the fact that life has substantially returned to all aspects of the state and economic activities are in full swing. Indeed, the benefits of peace are very evident with the influx of people into Plateau State for national and international conferences, tourism and leisure as well as residency”.
“Hosting this year’s Plateau Day and Day of Forgiveness and Reconciliation therefore brings so much hope, optimism and a sense of fulfillment to the people because we have reset Plateau on the path of growth and prosperity. We shall continue to count on the cooperation of the citizens and the goodwill of our friends within and outside the country as well as our local and international partners”.
He gave special tribute to Plateau’s founding fathers and leaders who at various times made sacrifices to lay the foundation of a great Plateau. According to Lalong: “We shall never allow their sacrifices to go in vain nor mortgage the future of our children for any consideration”.
“I assure you that Plateau shall continue to be home to every law abiding Nigerian and foreigner who is willing to obey the laws of the land and live in peace with the people while respecting their cultures, traditions and sensibilities. The only people who are not welcome to Plateau are those who have criminal intentions or seek to incite people against one another”.
“We have vowed never to allow crises merchants masquerading under religion, ethnicity, or politics to once again derail our development for their selfish ends. Even as we get closer to the general elections, our determination is to sustain an enabling environment for the people to exercise their franchise freely and decide those that will govern them.
Also in his contribution to the Paper, one of the discussants, retired Brig. Gen. John Temlong called for the strengthening of criminal justice in the state, to address lawlessness in the state.
