Rescue administration would continue to give Plateau people a sense of belonging – Lalong

I am committed to good governance

By Golok Nanmwa, Jos

Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong on Thursday said “The Rescue Administration’s core mandate is to give to the good people of Plateau State a sense of belonging, harmony, unity and purpose through the guarantee of Peace, Security and Good Governance, which is key in its five policy thrusts.”
Lalong made this known in his speech while speaking at the presentation of first class staff of office to the Ujah of Anaguta his Royal Highness, Pozo Joro Magaji at the Rwang Pam township stadium in Jo’s.
Lalong said “It is my great pleasure to address you today on this auspicious occasion of the installation and presentation of 1st Class Staff of Office to the Ujah of Anaguta, His Royal Highness, Pozo Joro Magaji.”

This official assignment is one that gladdens my heart, because it offers the opportunity to share in joyful celebration with the Anaguta Nation, whose people are known for their cosmopolitan sense of accommodation, tolerance for all shades of humanity and rich cultural values.

It is on this note that in my Special Broadcast of 14th August 2018 I reiterated government’s commitment in addressing the issue of creation of Chiefdoms, Districts, village Areas and review of salaries and welfare packages for traditional rulers in the State. Accordingly, Government considered and approved the upgrading and restoration of new chiefdoms in the State, which saw the Ujah of Anaguta’s stool upgraded to a 1st(First) Class Status.
Let me emphasize that my interest in the creation of chiefdoms and the recognition of traditional institutions is to give communities in the State a pride of place, based on the peculiarities of their ethnic identities. On occasions like today, I have always emphasized the popularly accepted adage that the culture and tradition of a people is their unique way of life and the foundation upon which they build their orientation for sustainable community life. This should not be taken lightly because what the people give to the larger society is a reflection of the value of what they have been nurtured with under strong Traditional leadership.

On this note, and on behalf of the good people of Plateau State, I heartily congratulate His Royal Highness, Joro Magaji on your well-deserved upgrading, installation and presentation of First Class Staff of Office as Ujah of Anaguta of the Anaguta Chiefdom.I have no doubt in your integrity and commitment to lead your Council of Chiefs for a stable and peaceful coexistence of the people of Jos North and its environs.

I wish to further call on all the people to cooperate and support His Royal Highness in his effort to provide purposeful leadership and direction in his domain and the State in general.

The Traditional Institution is today more empowered to promote greater national, social, political, and economic development. This is contrary to some conservative thoughts that the institution is old-fashioned.

In the light of this, and as a call to duty, let me affirm in very strong terms the following fundamental issues related to your critical roles both as Paramount Ruler and Chairman of your Traditional Council:

1) You are the Custodian of Our Culture, History, And Religious Values, which are essential ingredients of building unity and harmony. You must jealously protect and uphold these ideals in view of our varied dialects and ethnicity in the State.

2) You should play great role in mobilization of your subjects, especially the Youth in Education, Commerce, Agriculture, etc.

3) You should be a strategic and effective mediator in Alternative Disputes Resolution, particularly on Land and Boundary issues, mutual co-existence, etc in concert with your Council of Elders. You are therefore expected be proactive in monitoring, and as much as possible, pre-empting violent attacks, communal crisis, criminal tendencies, etc.

4) You are to play critical role in community policing, since you know your terrains and virtually every member of the community. In carrying out your tasks, you are to uphold truth and advise on different matters of interests.

Above all, with the recognition and empowerment accorded you, government will hold you responsible for failure to exhibit duty of care to your subjects and the society in general.

These solemn charges also apply to all and sundry in the traditional institution. I therefore expect that these new creations, restoration and regrading across the State will bring greater confidence and assurance to the citizenry of a collective resolve to remain united and pursue common development goals.

On a final note, let me state that leadership comes from God through instrumentality of Mankind. I therefore call on all Citizens to join in sincere prayers to our Creator for strength, good health, wisdom and soundness of mind for His Royal Highness to succeed in all ramifications, particularly in engendering unity, peace, justice and development amongst the various ethnic nationalities in Jos North and Plateau State in general.

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Rescue administration would continue to give Plateau people a sense of belonging – Lalong