From Jude Dangwam, Jos
The new Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has given a strong warning to criminal elements in the state that his administration will not tolerate their activities any longer.
He said the genocidal attacks of the last couple of years across the state have left deep wounds and trauma on several widows, orphans, relatives and friends, adding that the decades of bloodshed have retarded the pace of development in the state. Mutfwang started this yesterday while delivering his inaugural speech after being sworn-in at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium.
He said: “Our plans are audacious and our programmes will be transformative, but the smooth execution of these plans and programmes is predicated on peace. This is because development can only exist where peaceful coexistence thrives. It is an undeniable fact that much blood has been shed on the Plateau for close to two decades now, which has retarded the pace of our development.
“I commiserate with the families that lost their loved ones over the years and, especially the families in Riyom, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Bassa and, more recently, Mangu, where we lost over 100 innocent souls who were brutally murdered in their sleep by the most recent premeditated attacks.”
The governor maintained that, “the genocidal attacks of the last couple of years suffered by many of our communities across the state have justifiably left deep wounds and trauma on several widows, orphans, relations and friends. This has, in turn, bred hate, mutual suspicion, misplaced anger on innocent passersby, and reprisals.
“Unfortunately, this has opened the door for those who dislike our unity and prosperity to label us as hateful and unaccommodating when, indeed, our people are the victims. The time has come, and the time is now, when we must say enough is enough.”
He assured citizens of the state of having resolved to break the vicious circle of hate to brand the state negatively.
“We must break this vicious circle of hate and attacks and refuse to allow people to brand us negatively. That is not who we are. I make bold to say that no other community of people is as accommodating as the people of Plateau. All we ask for is that those who live within the borders of Plateau must agree to live with us in peace and with utmost respect for our values and traditions. Like we sang during the campaigns,
I don’t care what tribe you belong to, but as far as Plateau, you live. If, indeed, you are in love with the Plateau, you’re my brother/sister,” he stated.