Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has charged the new Aku Uka, His Royal Highness Manu Ishaku Adda Ali Matakhitsewen to govern his people with the fear of God and work hard for peace of his kingdom to be sustained.
Governor Lalong gave the message during the installation and presentation of Staff of Office to the Aku Uka by the Governor of Taraba State, Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku in Wukari.
Lalong described the installation as a unique moment that will linger in the minds of the people because the last time this type of event took place was in 1976 when the late Aku Uka was crowned.
Congratulating the new monarch for ascending the throne of his fore fathers at a time when there is a greater need to foster development, peace and progress of the land, Governor Lalong commended the king-makers for conducting a selection process devoid of rancour and bitterness.
He said “Being alive to witness this special event calls for thanksgiving to God and appreciation to the ancestors for giving us this rich and vibrant culture that we continue to uphold”.
“I therefore bring you the goodwill and warm felicitations of the government and people of Plateau State with whom Taraba State and indeed the Kwararafa Kingdom shares very close affinities.”
He expressed confidence that the selection of the Aku Uka will not only usher in a period of greater prosperity within the kingdom, Taraba State and Nigeria at large but will make him work towards addressing the challenges that the nation faces particularly in the area of security and crime.
He said for such challenges to be brought under control, it requires the support of the traditional institution, and expressed hope that the royal father will do everything possible to ensure that he mobilizes his subjects to rise against crime in whatever form.
Said Lalong: “Using your wealth of experience and the influence of your office, it will be very important for you to also work with the government and non-governmental organizations towards ensuring that job opportunities are created particularly in entrepreneurship and agriculture that are synonymous with the Kwararafa Kingdom”.
“We look forward to you leading your subjects towards reviving the spirit of hard work, resilience and excellence that is known in Kwararafa Kingdom”.
“Already, the Northern Governors Forum has submitted its proposal to the National Assembly to find a suitable role for the traditional institution in the constitution. We desire to see our royal fathers play a greater role in governance as it used to be in the pre-colonial and colonial times so as to be able to confront the challenges we face today”.
“I know his Royal Highness will continue to play the role that his predecessor played within the Northern Traditional Council and the nation at large,” he said.
Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku while handing over the Staff of Office to the new Aku Uka said the ancient Kwararafa Kingdom still remains a reference point for civilization, arts, culture and innovation which still resonates with its sons and daughters all over the world.
He disclosed that the new monarch emerged through a free and fair process that was decided by the king makers without any interference from the government.
Governor Ishaku charged the Royal Father to work assiduously in mobilizing his subjects towards promoting development in education, agriculture, health and infrastructure. He also assured him of the support of the government.
The Taraba Governor also used the occasion to warn traditional rulers against involvement in partisan politics and arbitrary sale of lands as well as allowing illegal mining in their domains.
Former Minister of Defence, Rtd.Gen. Theophilus Danjuma said the event is a special moment for the people of the Kwararafa Kingdom who are known for hard work, unity and pursuit of excellence.
He frowned against the level of insecurity in the country manifesting in kidnapping, banditry and terrorism which he said must be tackled immediately to save the nation.
Danjuma said the people must be involved in their protection and also work with the security agencies to confront criminals whose main aim is to destroy Nigeria.
Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar in his remarks said that task before the new Aku Uka is enormous and calls for commitment that is built on vision, fairness and justice.
He advised his colleague never to allow politicians distract him from serving his people justly and honestly, as doing anything contrary to his calling and the wishes of his ancestors will not bring progress to the land.
The Aku Uka in his remarks thanked the people for supporting him to ascend the throne of his forefathers.
While pledging to be a father to all, the royal father promised to work in the footsteps of his forefathers who toiled to build a kingdom that embraces diversity, peace, unity and progress.
