It was jubilation and celebration all the way as Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong fulfilled his campaign promise of restoring, upgrading and creating more traditional institutions in the State as part of the efforts to meeting the agitations of the people spanning many decades.
Governor Lalong began the statewide installation and coronation of new traditional rulers in Lamingo, Jos North LGA where he presented a second class Staff of office to Emmanuel Ajik as the Adagwom Izere Jos.
Governor Lalong said the traditional Institution remains a veritable partner in development of the State particularly in peace and security. He explained that his Rescue Administration decided to follow the wishes and yearnings of the people of Izere whose Chiefdom was truncated by the last administration of Governor Jonah Jang.
He charged the Adagwom Izere to rule with the fear of God, justice and compassion as the people can only follow him if they know that he has their interest at heart.
He said “as the custodian of the culture and tradition of the Izere people, I expect you to uphold the highest virtues of decency, morality as well as be a unifying factor for all the people residing in your domain. From this moment, you cease to be just the father of Izere people or of one particular clan, tribe, denomination or religion. You are the father of all that reside in your domain irrespective of where they come from”.
The Adagwom Izere Emmanuel Ajik described Governor Lalong as an emanciaptor who has kept his campaign promise by restoring their Chiefdom, dignity and sense of belonging.
He promised to continue to support the government and mobilise his subjects to work with the administration in promoting peace and development.
At Ibaas in Barkin Ladi LGA, the Governor installed Da Luka Pagyang Pam as the Gwom Ibaas, a third class Chief where he charged him to see his role as that of a unifier rather than a sectional champion.
Lalong said his administration believes that the issue of Chiefdoms, districts, village and development areas is a constitutional right for citizens.
He said “as a lawyer, I am of the view that no one should stop any group for agitating for a Chiefdom, district, village or development area. If you dont want, that is your right, but dont stop anybody who wants from demanding for it. That is how the demands for local governments and states began and today we are witnesses to how some people have more LGAs than others.
For Lalong, people should not entertain any fear of losing their power and influence over others because Plateau belongs to everyone.
“Under my watch, no body will be treated as a second class citizen or superior to another. We are created equal by God and must learn to live together in peace and unity. Let the majority have their way and the minority their say. I will not tolerate nor support anyone trying to dominate another”.
He however warned that his administration will not hesitate to remove any traditional ruler who is found wanting.
” 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 said.
The Long Goemai of Shendam Miskom Martin Shalders III who spoke for the Plateau State council of traditional rulers said they fully endorse the action of government and they were fully carried along and endorsed all the appointments. He debunked the claims by some mischief makers who say the installations are meant to weaken some existing rulers and cheifdoms. He described Governor Simon Bako Lalong as the man who understands the feelings of his people and is ready to build peace. More traditional rulers are to be installed across the State.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham ANIPR
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
13th December 2019.