WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE BY ELDERS AND
STAKEHOLDERS OF PANKSHIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN RESPONSE TO THE PLATEAU STATE
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PRESS RELEASE ON PRESENT STATE OF INSECURITY IN PLATEAU STATE.
DATED THIS DAY, SATURDAY 28th AUGUST,
2021.
Protocol
1.
We the elders and stakeholders of
Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria held our regular
meeting today being Saturday 28th August, 2021 at the residence of Professor
John Wokton Wade, mni residence and resolved on germane issues of State and
national concerns.
2.
After observing one minute silence in
honour of those who lost their lives during all sectarian attacks in Plateau
State, we wish to sincerely extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government
and good People of Plateau State on the recent security infractions in some
communities of Plateau state that led to unprovoked killings of innocent lives,
destructions of farmlands and hard-earned properties, thereby truncating
sources of livelihood of the affected fellow citizens. We also commiserate with
the families of the lost ones. These actions are highly unjustifiable and
condemnable, especially the most recent Yelwa Zangam in Jos North LGA massacre.
We sincerely share in their pains and sensitivity of Plateau people.
3.
It is unfortunate that the people of
Plateau State will continue to experience unprovoked attacks on our communities
by “unknown herdsmen” that will, hopefully, one day be known to the whole
world.
4.
We therefore, commend the Executive
Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong,
KSGG and all the security agencies on the Plateau for the efforts made so far
in curtailing the escalation and aftermath spiral effects of these attacks.
5.
It is to our knowledge that the
introduction of Plateau State Inter Religious Council, which the Executive Governor
has implemented and the Five Years Road Map to Peace and Security and several
other initiatives.
6.
The Governor has also tried, exceedingly
well, in the last six years to ensure that Plateau State enjoys some reasonable
level of peace and stability, despite limited funds, shortage in logistics
support, slow in security interventions and other challenges.
7.
With the unfortunate incidences that lead
to death and destruction of lives and properties of some Communities listed
above, and the tremendous and commendable efforts of the Governor and his
cabinet as well as Security Council in restoring peace and confidence, we noted
with concern the nature, quality and contents of the “World Press Conference on
the state of insecurity in Plateau State….” by the Plateau State House of
Assembly on Friday 27th August 2021. Specifically, we note the
following:
a. We
note and appreciate the right of individuals and groups in exercising freedom
of speech. We however note that in parliamentary parlance, first motions on the
floor of the House are advisory to the Executive and not an issue of ultimatum
and subject to a press conference and or release.
b. The
legislative arm should not be seen to usurp the role of the Executive at the
expense of their constitutional duties. For example, Employment and Security
matters, amongst others are known world over as the function of the Executive
and giving directive to the Local Government Chairmen to recruit vigilantes is
an affront on the executive and exercise in futility, as responsible citizens
of this country, we take exception to that.
c. Similarly,
it is worrisome and embarrassing that instead of being seen working in tandem
with the Executive, especially in this most trying period, the Press Conference
went as far as giving the Governor ultimatum of two (2) weeks to take action on
certain motions of the House.
8.
It is incumbent on us the electorates and
good people of Pankshin LGA to hold our elected representatives accountable,
given that they are sent on special constitutional mandate for the common good
and not to be combative and seen to be running a parallel government with the
Executive arm as portrayed in a recent world press conference by Hon. Philip
Peter Dasun, Chairman, House Committee on Information in the Plateau State
House of Assembly.
9.
Consequently, we the elders and major
stakeholders of Pankshin Local Government Area denounce the conduct of our
Legislators representing us in the Plateau State House of Assembly, namely,
Hon. Philip Peter Dasun, Pankshin North and Hon. Henry Longs, Pankshin South
for taking such inimical actions in a world press conference without reverting
to the constituents for input and consent.
10. Arising
from some of our germane observations on the contents and representations made
above, we, the elders and stakeholders dissociate ourselves with such tactical
and strategic blunders that clearly portray conflict of interest between the
Legislature and Executive.
11.
Gentlemen of the Press, we the elders and
major stakeholders of Pankshin LGA hope and pray that all these perennial
killings, wanton destruction of farmlands and properties shall also pass away
and Plateau State shall rise again, strong, viral and egalitarian where every
citizen will coexist in harmony and tranquility.
12.
Finally, we appeal to elders and all
Citizens of Plateau State that we join hands with the Governor to see to it
that this ill that has fallen on us be put to an end in its totality. We don’t
have any other State than Plateau. This is time for reasoning and not blame
shift. We are all brothers and sisters who should be able to resolve our issues
and avoid external people tampering with our collective interest.
13.
Thank you and may God bless our dear
Plateau State.
Long
live Pankshin LGA
Long
live Plateau State
Long
live Nigeria.
Signed:
HON. DIKET PLANG
On
Behalf of Elders and Stakeholders of Pankshin LGA
