By Seriki Adinoyi in Jos
Governor of Plateau State, Mr. Simon Bako Lalong has handed down the anti-corruption fight to traditional rulers in the state, urging them never to insulate public officers that are corrupt on the grounds of belonging to their ethnic groups.
He said, “In this era of the National declaration of war against corruption as championed by President Mohammadu Buhari, and domesticated passionately by our Rescue Government, you must do your part to add value to this campaign. I expect that will you employ the ‘carrot and stick’ approach in prosecuting this anti-corruption war amongst your subjects. The period of community insulation of corrupt public officers, because they belong to one ethnic group or the other is gone. Chieftaincy titles should not be used to celebrate betrayers of public trust, and for this reason, I expect to see, I expect to see in your domains, commendation for meritorious service and open rebuke for dishonourable service.”
Lalong gave the charge at the official coronation of the Agwom Izere and presentation of First Class staff of office to Dr. Isaac Azi Wakili.
The Governor, who thanked the Izere nation for the support his government had enjoyed from them, recalled that “as the Speaker of the 6th Assembly, almost one and a half decade down the line, I have completed that journey by performing the exalted function of coronating and presenting a First Class staff of office to the paramount ruler of Izere Land, to confer and confirm the necessary authority of office which the Agwom Izere holds, as custodian of the customs and tradition of the Izere nation.
He expressed confidence that Wakili would bring his wealth of experience from his military training and pastoral calling to better the lot of his subjects and the state in general, urging him to rule with the fear of God.
Member representing Jos east constituency in the state House of Assembly, Barrister Joshua Madaki told journalists that his people were happy over the coronation. He pointed out that though his people had suffered neglect and several other disadvantages due to the long absence of the traditional ruler, they were however glad it that happened eventually.
Emphasing the need for unity among the Izere nation, the newly coronated monarch said “our desire for faster progress cannot be achieved when the community is in disarray”. He therefore appealed to all sons and daughters of Izere to unite and attract meaningful socio-economic.
Wellbeing and peace.
The monarch pledged not to disappoint the people in any way in the task of discharging his duties by protecting the people and projecting their rich culture.
