Ethno-religious crisis: Lalong threatens to dethrone erring traditional ruler

Plateau state governor, Simon Lalong, said his ladministration will decisively deals with any traditional ruler found promoting ethno-religious hatred, injustice, disharmony or shielding criminals in the state.


He warned that traditional rulers must deceased from partisan politics.


Lalong made the statement Friday while installing and presenting of 2nd Class Staff of Office to the Adagwom Jos, of Izere Chiefdom in Jos North Local Government, His Royal Highness, Ada Emmanuel Azik.

“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 cautioned.


He said as father to all, “I expect you to be apolitical and refrain from taking sides with political interests who are known to be behind most of the crises we experienced in the past.”


Lalong said meeting the traditional yearnings of the people, is a major catalyst for the guarantee of security, peace and good governance.


He said traditional rulers must bear in mind the fact that their Staff of Office is a huge burden that they must discharge with diligence, honesty, justice and the fear of God.


“We believe that meeting the yearnings of the good people of Plateau State for memorable occasions such as this, creates the sense of communality and is a major catalyst for the guarantee of security, peace and good governance,” he said.


According to him, beyond the jubilation and pageantry, Mr. Ada Azik, must bear in mind the fact that his Staff of Office is a huge burden that he must discharge with diligence, honesty, justice and the fear of God.


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.”

Lalong admonished Mr. Ada Azik, to see himself as not just the father of Izere people or of one particular clan, tribe, denomination or religion rather, “You are the father of all that reside in your domain irrespective of where they come from.”


“This we expect you to promote and uphold as we consolidate on the peaceful ambience we have worked hard to restore which is bringing back Plateau to its place as the Home of Peace and Tourism. We cannot afford to go back to the dark days of violence and insecurity,” he cautioned.

Lalong also admonished the traditional ruler to work hand in hand with relevant government establishments, security agencies and other stakeholders in maintaining peace in your domain at all times.

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