Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says traditional rulers need to play a greater role in enhancing the security of their domains and the entire nation.
Governor Lalong stated this on Tuesday, while installing two second class Chiefs in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Chiefs are Chief Lot Nden, Ponzhi Kadarko Chiefdom and Alh. Muhammad Asi, Aku-Jukun of Mavo Chiefdom.
While presenting the staffs of office to the two traditional rulers after they took the oath of allegiance, Governor Lalong said the restoration of the two Chiefdoms was in fulfilment of his campaign promise and the desire to meet the yearnings of the people in the spirit of equity and justice.
He charged them to bear in mind the fact that this honour is a huge burden which must be discharged with diligence, honesty, justice and the fear of God.
He said “With the Staffs of Office in your hands, you cease to be champions of one particular clan, tribe, denomination or religion. You are fathers to all that reside in your domains irrespective of where they come from.
” Always remember that the traditional institution has played and will continue to play a significant role in the peace, unity, progress and security of Plateau State.
” These are the virtues we expect you to promote and uphold as we consolidate on the peaceful ambience we have worked hard to restore which is bringing back Plateau to its place as the Home of Peace and Tourism”.
He said any community leader or traditional ruler who is unable to assist security agencies towards arresting criminals within his domain will be held to account.
“let me warn that any traditional ruler who is found to be promoting ethno-religious hatred, injustice, disharmony or shielding criminals will not only be dethroned, but will be made to face the laws of the land” he warned.
The two traditional rulers described Governor Lalong as a rescue leader who has fulfilled the dreams of the people that have lingered for many years. They promised to cooperate with the Government and support all the programs that are targeted to improving the quality of lives of the people.
Emir of Wase Alhaji Muhammadu Sambo Haruna commended Governor Lalong for keeping to his words and making the dreams of the people in the two Chiefdoms come true.
He assured the Governor that the traditional Council will work together to support the Government in all its programmes.
