Plateau to re-create new Chiefdoms
By; Buhari B. Bello, Jos.
Plateau State Government has inaugurated the committees on the creation of Chiefdoms, Districts, Village Areas and the review of salaries and welfare package for traditional rulers in the state.
The state governor, Simon Bako Lalong who performed the ceremony in Jos, said his government want to align with the yearnings and aspirations of the citizenry in the state.
“It would be recalled that our Government assured the people of Plateau state that the sense of value that comes from the rich historical, cultural and traditional heritage the State is endowed with, would be enhanced through the identity we give our people. The Creation of Chiefdoms, Districts and Village Areas, no doubt places premium on the desire of government, to place the people under accountable traditional institutions with the view to, promoting harmonious intra and inter-ethnic relations for peaceful coexistence.”
He said the long awaited creation of Chiefdoms, Districts and Village Areas is therefore a necessity that must be reckoned with, noting that the regime in the state is committed in reviewing the efforts of past administrations on this exercise, particularly that of the immediate past administration, which approved the Creation of some Districts, Village Areas and Chiefdoms at the twilight of its exit.
According to him, the public out-cry from that exercise is difficult for any responsible government to ignore, saying that it is the responsibility of the Committee to critically X-ray and give attention to these concerns raised to justify the confidence reposed in our government by the people.
“Let me appeal to all communities that are desirous of having any consideration in the Creation of Village Areas, Districts and Upgrading of Chiefdoms, to take advantage of this exercise by making the necessary submission, that will guide the committee in the discharge of this onerous but people centred responsibility”.
Lalong pointed out that “I must however add without mincing words, that the distortion of truth, facts and history must be avoided, because we are at the threshold of making history with this purpose driven exercise”.
Government he said will on her part ensure that the exercise is done in a transparent manner, devoid of primordial and parochial interest, adding that the sanctity of this exercise will not be tied to any channel of influence in government.
He added “for this reason only deserving communities will be considered and that as a responsible government they will continue to see to it that the exercise is reviewed from time to time.
The government promised to carry everybody along in the dynamics of a constantly changing society.
