Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has tasked the traditional institution to sustain its role of maintaining peace and harmony within their domains particularly with the 2023 general elections around the corner.
Governor Lalong was speaking while presenting a Second Class Staff of office to the Rekna of Bashar in Wase Local Government His Royal Highness Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Isa.
The Governor said the traditional institution has continued to play the role of a stabilising force at all times especially during crucial national engagements such as the elections about to commence.
He said the traditional institution must not only continue to work with all segments of society for the success of the elections, but should also make the citizens know that they have a role to play in the democratic development of the country.
While congratulating His Royal Highness for ascending the throne of his fore fathers, he also appreciated the King Makers who did all that is required according to the customs and traditions of the Bashar Chiefdom to expeditiously select a successor to occupy the stool.
He said “While you discharge your duty diligently, I admonish you to be more proactive, carry your people along irrespective of creed, religion or any affiliation. Avoid tendencies that will make you a sectional leader thereby jeopardizing the sanctity of the revered stool which you are occupying in trust for your people”.
Lalong also urged him to carry everyone along and work with the Government to promote peace, development and harmony, advising him not get involved in politics but sensitise his people to participate in the political process and perform their civic duties.
On the forth coming elections, he said “For the people of Bashar and Wase Local Government in general, I want to thank you for always supporting us and voting for our party. That is why we have also reciprocated by giving you what you deserve. Let us continue this good partnership even as we head to the polls this Saturday to elect our next President, Senators and Members House of Representatives. I know you are aware that apart from Voting for your son Rt. Hon. Idris Wase for the House and myself as Senator, the big deal is to massively vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President. I have the confidence that you will do the needful this Saturday and during the elections for Governor and House of Assembly when my successor by the grace of God Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda and other candidates of our party will be massively elected. Please ensure that you conduct yourselves peacefully and shun any act that will jeorpadise the peace and progress of our State and country at large”.
Long Gamai of Gamailand HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III who spoke on behalf of Gbong Gwom Jos Da Jacob Gyang Buba used the opportunity to once again thank the Governor for paying special attention to the traditional institution since assuming office, describing him as a leader with passion for peace, security and harmony.
In a similar vein, Emir of Wase Alhaji Muhammadu Sambo Abubakar said since coming on board, Governor Lalong has paid greater attention to reviving and strengthening the traditional institution so that it can contribute meaningfully to the development of the State.
Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Idris Wase who is the brother of the new Rekna of Bashar thanked Governor Lalong for his sense of fairness, justice and equity which he said has been demonstrated in his non interference for selection of the Rekna and other traditional rulers across the State.
He recalled that Governor Lalong has so far created 285 new Districts, 36 Chiefdoms as well as restored 3 Chiefdoms scrapped by the previous administration.
Chairman, Wase Local Government as well as the Chairman, Bashar Development Association Zakari Muhammed Dalhatu said the presentation of staff of office to the new Rekna of Bashar again signifies the importance that Governor Lalong places on the yearning and aspirations of the people.
The Governor thereafter commissioned some projects executed by the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Rt Hon. Idris Wase. They include roads, schools, police divisional headquarters, electrification and bridges. They also inspected other ongoing projects still under construction.
Before returning to Jos, the Governor stopped over in Langtang to meet with APC stakeholders as part of the mobilisation for Saturday’s elections where he is vying for the seat of Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District.
He was at the Palace of the Ponzhi Tarok where he was received by the Ponzhi Zhini, Acting Chairman Tarok Traditional Council and his members.
Governor Lalong thanked the people of Langtang particularly the traditional council for standing by him since his days as Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly to his election as Governor.
Welcoming him to the Palace, Acting Chairman Tarok Traditional Council Ponzi Zhini said the council has deep appreciation and respect for Governor Lalong who has emancipated the Tarok nation by approving many graded chiefs and ensuring that progress and development comes to the land.
He prayed for him and wished him well saying because he is a child of grace who has used his position for uplifting others, there is light at the end of the tunnel for him.
At a stakeholders meeting later, the Governor once again thanked the people for supporting him and said he will continue to represent their interests when elected to the Senate where he has vast experience in legislation and representation.
He said because Langtang is dear to him, he has decided to round off his Campaign in the area and assure them that voting for him, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, and other candidates of the APC is great investment that will yield many dividends.
