Former Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong has warned against politics of bitterness and division which is gradually gaining ground in Plateau State and pitching brothers against one another.
Senator Lalong while speaking at the Special Thanksgiving Service by Member Representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency Hon. Daniel Asama held at the ECWA Church Tudun Wada Jos, said the level of political bitterness particularly pushed by supporters of various political interests is worrisome and needs to be checked.
He said governance is about the people and so there should be healthy competition that encourages people to work for the interest of the citizens and deliver dividends of democracy.
Lalong cited the recent disinformation and propaganda targeted against him over the recent debate on Ranching held at the Senate where his contributions were mutilated, edited and manipulated to suggest that he is against Ranching.
He described the development as unfortunate reminding the people that he was villified, maligned and castigated over the efforts to pass a Ranching Bill through the Plateau House of Assembly where the then leadership and members politicised the matter and frustrated its passenge.
The Senator said he was therfore surprised that today, those who stood against Ranching are the ones trying to turn logic on its head by accusing him of being against the idea, a situation he said was pathetic.
He congratulated the celebrant Hon. Asama describing him as a young person with passion and commitment for service having known him for many years since his days as Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly where he worked with him as confidential secretary.
Lalong urged the Honourable Member to use every opportunity he has to make a mark not only within his Constituency, but in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
Aso speaking, former Governor of Plateau State Chief Joshua Dariye congratulated the celebrant and asked him to always keep in touch with the people on whose behalf he is functioning in Abuja.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also congratulated Hon. Asama and emphasized the need for people oriented service as a way of building a greater Plateau.
Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajjudeen Abbas represented by Hon. Ishaya Lalu congratulated the lawmaker and described him as a very resourceful legislator who has contributed to the business of law making at the green Chambers since he came into office.
ECWA General Secretary Rev. Ayuba Asheshe in a sermon read from 1 Samuel 1 where he stressed that leadership is ordained by God as an act of service and not personal aggrandisement.
While thanking God for the opportunity given him to serve, the celebrant Hon. Asama said he owes all to God and various people who have assisted him in various ways and mentored him in politics over the years.
He specially thanked his constituents for reposing their confidence in him, assuring that he will not let them down, but serve to the best of his ability.