By Israel Adamu,Jos
Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong has presented Staffs of office to more traditional rulers in Mikang and Shendam Local Government Areas with a charge to the traditional institution to sustain the peace and security that has been attained under his administration.
Governor Lalong on Thursday began the day with the installation of the new Long Piapung, His Royal Highness Lawrence L. Nashal on Third (3rd) Class status.
He said since coming into office, he has done his best in keeping faith with the campaign promises to give the traditional institution place of pride in the governance structure of the State.
This he explained was why the Rescue Administration went back to do justice to the wrongs displayed by the past PDP administration of Jonah David Jang where Chiefdoms and Districts were scrapped with impunity and the traditional institution treated with disdain.
“To the glory of God, we have created 285 new Districts, 36 Chiefdoms as well as restored 3 Chiefdoms scrapped by the previous administration. This is in addition to installing new traditional rulers to replace those who had died and the stools were vacant. We shall continue to give a listening ear to those who have demands for Districts and Chiefdoms in line with the desire for inclusivity and emancipation”.
Lalong said Government has noted and received some complaints arising from the creation of new Districts and Chiefdoms, assuring that those complaints once received will be looked into and treated dispassionately.
In Shendam, Governor Lalong coronation and presentation of staff of office to the Five upgraded Chiefs in Shendam Local Government Area, their Royal Highnesses Long Goebou, Miskoom Kenneth Kwaptoe, (2nd Class Status); Long Mekaat, Miskoom Manu Danjuma (3rd Class); Long Pol, Miskoom Bolnaan Bawa (3rd Class); Long Manbial, Miskoom Yakubu Longshal (3rd Class); and Long Jiban, Miskoom Ali Zemlong (3rd Class).
Again, Lalong assured them that his administration will continue to give all necessary support to the traditional institution to enable it perform its duties within the governance structure.
He said “Since the coronation is coming ahead of the State and House of Assembly elections, I know that Plateau people will choose wisely by voting for the candidate of the APC Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda and his Deputy Pam Bot-Mang who have promised to sustain our legacy of fairness, justice and inclusivity. We know that a loud statement will be made when the elections are held. Without mincing words, I hope the people of the various Chiefdoms realise that the only person that will safeguard this stool and enhance it is the person that the APC is putting forward to take over from me. I cannot guarantee same from other parties especially the PDP that has the record for scrapping traditional stools illegally. I know Plateau people will not vote into office the PDP again who will come and abolish Districts and Chiefdoms like they did before we came to correct it”.
He reminded their Royal Highnesses that their installation puts a lot of weight upon their shoulders as they are required to work for the good of their people and in the general interest of Plateau State.
In his remarks the Long Gamai of Gamailand HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III praised Governor Lalong for his deep respect for the traditional institution which he said has given them the confidence and comfort to support the government in all its programmes and projects.
He expressed sadness over the blackmail propaganda fuelled by politicians who claim that the Governor has not performed despite glaring evidence of projects executed in all parts of the State including Shendam.
The Royal Father commended Lalong for putting behind him the recent setback which he said will not last long as he has a great future and role to play in the governance of Nigeria at the highest level.
Chairman of Shendam Local Government Miskoom Alex Naantuam and his Mikang counterpart promised to work with the traditional rulers in ensuring that they serve their people without fear or favour.
The newly crowded traditional rulers thanked the Governor for finding them worthy to serve their people and promised to work for the interest of all people irrespective of their backgrounds.
