Former Governor of Plateau State, Chief Joshua Dariye, has blamed past leaders and elders of the state for the turbulent times the state had gone through.

Dariye said that they have not been able to harness the abundant natural and human resources to move the state forward.

He, however, said that all hopes were not lost as there is still time to make amends.

Speaking at church activities marking the second anniversary of Governor Simon Lalong in Jos on Sunday,  Dariye said that had the leaders united themselves,  Plateau State would have have  been given the direction it required to achieve greatness.

Dariye said,  “We the elders of Plateau State have failed Plateau citizens because of lack of unity, especially those of us who are former governors, but from today we will resuscitate the Plateau Elders Unity Forum starting from former Governor Tapgun, myself and Senator Jang, in order to support Governor Lalong to succeed”.

According to him the elders of the state have failed in their responsibility to provide direction for the state, saying there is need for the collective effort of all elders and stakeholders to sustain the peace that the All Progressives Congress administration has brought in the state.

He charged Governor Lalong to remain courageous and focused toward providing Leadership for the state.

“I challenge you to remain focused and courageous in your leadership, and let me tell you whosoever has governed Plateau, Kaduna and Lagos is capable of governing Nigeria perfectly”.

Governor Simon Lalong, on his part, said there was need to give thanks to God for his faithfulness for the state within two years of peace restoration in the state

He said with God Plateau State would remain a model for the Nigeria to emulate especially in peace process.

The Gbong Gwom of Jos and chairman of the Plateau State Traditional Council of Chiefs and Emirs, His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, urged Governor Lalong to set up a strategy team for the state to take position on national issues especially on the vexed issue of restructuring of Nigeria.

Methodist Bishop of Jos, Bishop Ibrahim Chindo, while taking his reading from 1Samuel 7  v 7 – 12, charged Christians to always gives thanks to God in all circumstances in life.

The church service was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers as well as National and State Assembly members from the state amongst other dignitaries.