With a few days to leave office, Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has upgraded the Taroh traditional stool of Ponzhi Nbyen to second class status, including 8 district heads, in Langtang South Local Government Area.
The governor has also upgraded and performed the coronation of Long Mhiship of Chip Chiefdom, Nda Sunday Dajep to second class status.
He performed the coronation and upgrade of Ponzhi Nbyen, Clapperton Durven, to 2nd class status on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at the Central Primary School Mabudi. He also elevated 8 village heads to district heads.
While performing the coronation rites, and formal presentation of Staff of Office to the Ponzhi Bnyen Governor Lalong prayed for wisdom for the newly coronated chief.
He urged the new chief to carry his subjects along including everyone in his domain irrespective of tribe, religion and other affiliations.
He said the coronation is in fulfillment of the cardinal policy of his government and promise to revive the traditional institution to give its quota in governance.
Lalong said the upgrade of many traditional stools across the state and restoration of many districts and chiefdoms show his commitment to the traditional institution in the state.
“We are tired of crisis. We should continue with peace. It is not crisis that will bring peace, rather it is peace that will bring development”.
He tasked the traditional ruler to synergize with security agencies and work for peace to promote development of his people.
Speaking at the forum, Plateau Traditional Council, represented by the Long Gamai of Shendam, Miskoom Martin Shaldas the 3rd said the day is historic in the minds of people of Langtang South, their neighbours and the traditional institution.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman Langtang LGA, Vincent Venman said the people of the local government appreciate the gesture.
The governor also performed the coronation/presentation of Staff of Office to the new Long Mhiship, His Royal Highness, Nda Sunday Dajep on second class status in Pankshin Local Government on Thursday May, 25, 2023 at Nefur Arena, Pankshin Local Government Area.
He said the coronation of the new monarch follows exit of the late Long Mhiship, Nda Wesley Mulak to eternal glory to join his ancestors.
“This created a vacuum and by the special grace of God, a successor that will take over from where the late monarch stopped has emerged and will be presented with a Staff of Office to continue with the good work that his predecessor had started. May the soul of our late Long Mhiship continue to rest in peace with the Lord”.
“My administration since coming on board had paid greater attention to rejuvenating the traditional institution so that it can contribute meaningfully in the developmental strides of the government” said Lalong.
While wishing the new monarch well, Lalong tasked him to carry everyone along and use wisdom to promote peace and unity among the people.
Lalong said he has always emphasised that the traditional institution is key to preservation of the culture of the people.
On the vacant stool of the late Ngolong Ngas, Lalong said he had done everything possible to urge the people to select a new ruler so that he can install him and give them a place of belonging but there are litigations on the issue.
He stressed that he has never interfered in the selection of any traditional ruler, and has allowed the people to choose their leader, adding there was no need for litigations.
The governor said his administration has created a good welfare package for traditional rulers so that they will be in control of security in their domain, as they complement government to work on peace.
He tasked Plateau people to embrace peace and create a good environment so that the economy will boom, and people will come into the state.
Representative of the Plateau Traditional Council, Mohammadu Muazu Babangida, commended the governor for giving the traditional institution its status and place during his tenure.
Earlier, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Sylvanus Tapgun, who conducted the coronation rites and oath of office at both events said the Governor Lalong led administration had prioritised elevating the traditional institution to give its status and place in governance.
Sons and daughters of the Taroh and Mhiship Chiefdoms paid homage to the newly coronated traditional rulers as they showcased their culture.
