Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has urged all communities and Chiefdoms in the State to always adopt dialogue, negotiations and reconciliation in handling all Chieftancy matters in order to consolidate on the peace and security of the State.
Governor Lalong said this in Dengi during the coronation of His Royal Highness, Alh. Mahmud Maikano, the Ra’an Jahr, a Second class traditional ruler of the Jahr Chiefdom in Kanam Local Government Council.
Lalong said the traditional institution is very important to the peace and development of the State and should therefore set the example for peaceful coexistence through dialogue in resolving all disputes involving kingship.
He said “as I have always emphasized, the Traditional Institution is vital to the survival of our cultural heritage as it forms the bedrock of our coexistence. As a people who share common and unique identity, the continuous maintenance of the norms, traditions and culture of the Chiefdom must be safe-guarded in the greater interest of the people. You are aware that my administration since coming on board has paid greater attention on reviving the traditional institutions so that it can contribute meaningfully in the development of the State particularly at the grassroots level. This we believe will engender social cohesion and promote peaceful coexistence among our people”
Lalong said that Government expects all communities to embrace dialogue as a means of resolving any differences relating to Chieftancy maters within their communities in order to foster unity and development.
“Let me therefore use this opportunity to again remind those Chiefdoms who have not been able to resolve their differences to elect new traditional rulers, that they are denying their people many windows of opportunities. While Government has no intention of imposing any traditional ruler on the people, it is worthy to mention that the Government is disappointed that the efforts to fill the few vacant stools in the State are being frustrated due to lingering litigations among the Royal Class. Nevertheless, we will continue to do our best to ensure that where vacant stools exist, necessary steps are taken to resolve the issues” he said.
He admonished the Royal father to be proactive and carry his people along irrespective of creed, religion, economic, political or any other affiliation and also avoid tendencies that will make him become selfish or sectional in his judgments.
Chairman of the Jahr Development Association Chief Amos Gizo said the Chiefdom is happy with the installation of the Royal Father who is the symbol of unity and brotherliness of the various communities in the Chiefdom.
He said the installation of the Royal father by Governor Simon Bako Lalong marks another phase of the emancipation of the people since the days of Chief Solomon Lar. This he said the people highly appropriate and will reciprocate by ensuring they maintain peace and support Government activities at all times.
Chairman of Kanam Local Government Alh. Dayyabu Garga said the coronation is another testimony to the fulfilment of the promise by Governor Lalong to give the traditional Institution its rightful place in governance.
The Long Gamai Miskoom Martin Shaldas and the Emir of Kanam Alh Mohammadu Muazu Mohamamdu described the installation of the Ra’an Jahr as another moment of joy for the Plateau State Council of Traditional Rulers and the people as he is fulfilling his vow to ensure that people are emancipated and given a sense of belonging.
Earlier, the Governor had joined the Minister of Women Affairs Dame Pauline Tallen for the commissioning and handing over of Gishare Talbushi flood erosion control project in Dengi with a 75 metre bridge linking many communities within the Local Government as well as Bauchi State.
The Governor praised President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the project through the Ecological Fund Office and ensuring that funds were provided for its completion.
