Lalong Charges Traditional Rulers To Shun Partisan Politics

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has tasked traditional rulers to shun partisan politics and concentrate on uniting the people by sustaining peace in their domains. 

Lalong spoke on Saturday at the installation and presentation of first class staff of office to Da John Putmang Hirse as the new Mishkaham Mwagavul, Mangu Local Government in the state.

He warned traditional rulers who want to use them to create division, acrimony and violence in their domains for their selfish political interests to desist from such actions. 

Lalong while congratulating the Miskaham Mwagavul for ascending the throne of his forefathers said the new traditional ruler has a very enviable record of service within his community, Plateau State and Nigeria which gives anticipation that he will excell in the onerous assignment. 

"Let me advise His Royal Highness and all other traditional rulers to be careful of their conduct and utterances during the political season.

"You must remain apolitical and demonstrate that you are fathers to all.

"Resist every attempt by politicians to drag you into their scheming, maneuvering and desperation to get power using ethnicity, religion and other sentiments.

"Pray for them and admonish them to convince the people and play by the rules of the game.

"Anyone who chooses to leave his duty and dabble into politics will have himself to blame."

The Governor said while his administration has no intention of imposing any traditional ruler on the people, it is worthy to say that the Government is disappointed that the efforts to fill some vacant stools in the State are being frustrated due to lingering litigations among the Royal Class.

However, he said he will continue to do his best to ensure that where vacant stools exist, necessary steps are taken to resolve the issues.

"I must remind you that although I have no part in the emergence of any traditional ruler, I have a duty and powers to remove anyone found to be working against the interest of the people or the state.

"Those who are privileged to occupy these positions must carry out their assignments based on trust and transparency.

"No traditional ruler should be a tyrant to his people to take sides with those who are working against the welfare and well-being of the people" he said.