by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, says the traditional institution is unique and very dear to his administration.
While speaking recently at the Coronation and Presentation of Staff of Office to the new Ngolong Ngas, His Royal Highness Nde Jika Golit, as First-class status, at the Pankshin Township Stadium, Jos, Governor Mutfwang noted that, “As we all know, the traditional institution is vital to the preservation of our cultural heritage and the promotion of our co-existence as a people, who share a common identity.
“We value the continuous maintenance of the norms, traditions, and practices that serve the greater interest of the people.
He explained that, “Almost a decade ago, God the Creator, in His divine way called home the late Ngolong Ngas, Nde Joshua Dimlong (of blessed memory), to eternal glory to join his ancestors.
“This loss created a vacuum and, by the special grace of God, a successor, who will take over from where he stopped, emerged in a peaceful process.
“Today, by the grace of God, he will be crowned and presented with the Staff of Office to continue the good works of his predecessor and, therefore, I crave your indulgence to observe one minute of silence in honor of the late monarch.”
While congratulating the new Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors, the governor said that, “His selection by the kingmakers, through a peaceful and rancor-free atmosphere, is worthy of emulation by other ethnic groups in the state.”
According to him, “It has become very expedient for us to hold this remarkable occasion at this crucial period of our collective existence, as you are aware that a week of mourning was declared in honor of our beloved people, who were gruesomely murdered during the cruel Christmas Eve attacks and the days that followed, in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas.
“Therefore, this occasion is low-keyed and won’t involve the usual processions, glamour and celebrations, as it should be the case, in observance of the week of mourning. May their souls rest in peace and may the Lord comfort us, most especially those directly affected,” he said.
While recalling his New Year broadcast, the governor reiterated that, “The unprovoked attacks were premeditated and coordinated, considering the simultaneous nature of the attacks in several villages at the same time.
“They are purely acts of criminality, insurgency and terrorism and must not be seen as Farmers/Herders a clash – which is the traditional narrative.
“As a government, we will not rest on our oars but will continually collaborate with the Federal Government until the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice, and we shall prevail and Plateau will come out stronger and put these forces of darkness to shame.”
He explained that, “The traditional institutions have a critical role to play in strengthening inter- and intra-community relations, which is essential for the protection of our communities against invaders.
“It is against this background that my administration places high premium on traditional institutions in the state because of the enormous role they play in safeguarding their domains as well as the promotion of peace, stability, and harmonious co-existence among the people,” he stated.
The governor further explained that, they are determined to give the traditional institutions their pride of place, and their solemn commitment as a government is to continually strive towards filling all vacant traditional stools in the state, saying, “in line with my promise and respect for the traditional institutions.”
He said, the royalty of the Ngas Chiefdom and the Pankshin/Kanke Traditional Council has made them proud by showing a high level of decorum and good conduct during the period of transition and up to this moment that God Almighty has blessed the land with another leader to fill in the vacuum created by the demise of the late Ngolong Ngas.
Governor Mutfwang noted that, “this action is, indeed, worthy of commendation and should be emulated by all communities in the state.”
While warning mischief makers against needless court actions aimed at delaying or frustrating the selection and/or installation of traditional rulers, the governor urged them to learn to accept the will of God.
“I want to place on record the tireless efforts of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in carrying out extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders before the selection process of the Ngolong Ngas commenced and concluded,” he noted.
He assured to run a transparent and inclusive government, and urged all communities, villages, and chiefdoms to embrace dialogue as the only means of resolving any differences on matters that relate to the traditional stools, in order to foster peace and harmonious co-existence.
“As a government, we are determined to resolve all lingering litigations that have brought setbacks to some communities. This will enable us fill the vacant stools that are left in some parts of the state.”
“Our desire is to move along with all communities in providing tangible development that will improve the living conditions of our people, especially in the rural areas,” he said.
Gov Mutfwang stated that, the coronation of the new Ngolong Ngas is the first traditional function that he is performing since they entrusted him with their mandate to lead them.
He urged other communities, who are delaying the process of selecting their traditional rulers, to resolve their differences and come in one accord to forge a common interest.
While saying that, he is convinced that the new Ngolong Ngas’ ascension to the throne of his ancestors at this crucial period is the will of God, Mutfwang said he has no doubt that the new Ngolong Ngas will bring his wealth of experience to bear.
“While you discharge your duty, I admonish you to be proactive, carry your people along in every decision,” Mutfwang said, and also charge the new Ngolong Ngas to work day-and-night in the interest of his people to preserve the sanctity of the revered stool, which he is occupying in trust for his people. “I have no iota of doubt, that you will not jeopardise the confidence the people have in you,” Mutfwang said.
He charged all Plateau people not to allow ethnic, political, and religious differences to divide them, saying, “Like I have often remarked, our strength is in our unity, and there is no force – no matter how formidable – a united people cannot overcome.
“Let me use this medium again to thank the people of Plateau State for observing this week of mourning and to particularly thank the Muslim and Christian Clergy, who are organizing their followers to pray for the intervention of God Almighty in our State. I urge us to continue in prayers. God will give us victory.
“I urge you all to accord the new Ngolong Ngas the required support as he discharges this royal mandate for the benefit of the land and the interest of the state,” the governor stated.
Also speaking, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, while congratulating the new Ngolong Ngas, gave a reminder that, the Traditional Council will meet next week officially to welcome him into the Council.
He urged politicians to stop meddling in issues that concern traditional institutions and said once the ruling house is confirmed as Gazetted as well as the kingmakers, the process of the selection of the traditional ruler should be allowed without interference.
Also speaking, the Transition Implementation Committee Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Area, Hon. Samuel Go’ar, praised the boldness of Governor Mutfwang for allowing the process of the selection without interference.
He said, “As Ngas Nation, we are very proud that today our foundation as a people is being fortified against the erosion of our value system, which has suffered neglect, owing to the absence of a paramount leader. We are now confident that our bidding as a people shall henceforth be with recourse to our collective interest.”
The new Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, thanked Governor Caleb Mutfwang for giving the Ngas Nation a leader, and pledged to carry everybody along during his reign to promote peaceful coexistence in the area.