From Gyang Bere, Jos
The Youth Wing Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Plateau State has renewed it support for the Plateau State House of Assembly over the two weeks ultimatum issued to Governor Simon Lalong to defend Plateau people against terrorists.
He said Plateau youths shall resist any attempt to disorganised the Plateau State House of Assembly and impeach the Speaker, saying until the executive and the legislature established strong synergy in defending Plateau heritage, the villagers will continue to suffer terror and untold hardship.
Chairman YOWICAN, Plateau State, Pharm. Markus Audu Kanda made the call on Wednesday in Jos during a press conference held at the CAN Secretariat Jos and said the ravaging insecurity in Plateau is unacceptable and must be addressed with utmost sincerity.
‘YOWICAN reiterates its support to the clarion call made by the legislature as the full complement of the representatives of the people and do confirm that the protection and welfare of the Plateau people is the duty of government.
‘The government at all levels in the state should be palpably seen to rise to the occasion for this is primarily the duty of every government and we sincerely hope the government will be sincere and committed to the protection of the people and her heritage, especially against Invaders and Jihadists that have seemingly found comfort and encouragement in the previous silence and care-freeness of the government suggested by its body language and silence.’
Kanda, who called for tolerance and peaceful co-existence in the state, commended Governor Simon Lalong for taken drastic measures following the order of the House in addressing the plights of the Yelwa Zangam community and Jebbu Miango where over 250 lives perished.
‘These attacks are highly condemnable and unacceptable by every human line of thought as no one has the right to take the life of another. We continue to call on all Plateau citizens to eschew violence and promote peaceful coexistence.
‘We have noticed with a glimpse of joy the measures taken by the State Government recently in concert with the clarion call made by the Plateau State House of Assembly, to speak in defence of the Plateau people and this is indeed highly commendable and we do hope to see more of this synergy going forward, to ensure that lost hope of the citizens is rekindled and sustained.
‘The government of Plateau (all arms) in good synergy will always do greatly and achieve better things for the Plateau citizens as can be seen in the synergy between the Executive and Legislature in the establishment of Mobile Police Barracks in Shendam and Garshish, Air Force Base in Kerang, Peace Building Agency, Peace Watch Tower in Dutse Uku and Inter-Religious Council among others.
‘This is aside from enacting the Anti Land Grabbing and Anti Kidnapping Laws including the Autonomy Laws to grant the arms of government full and independent expression of their statutory powers. We encourage this display of tact and understanding in governance for the greater interest of Plateau State.
‘We call on the state government to as a matter of urgency set up a committee (if that has not been done) to take stocks of the level of destruction of crops, lives and properties in all the troubled parts of Plateau especially Jos North, Jos South, Jos East, Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs in order to garner and provide adequate relief materials for the victims to prevent famine, hunger and starvation.
‘It should also reconstruct or renovate houses destroyed and ensure the victims are peacefully resettled in their communities with adequate security measures to forestall possible future attacks. In this wise, we draw the government’s attention to the existence of illegal occupants of houses and properties in such communities as some marauders proceeded to occupying the lands and properties of their victims.’
He added: ‘We call to the attention of the Plateau State Government the rumours taking turns on perceived impeachment of the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and intimidation of the Honourable members, by whatever means possible for the measures taken by the House under his leadership in the defence of the interest of Plateau people.
‘Plateau Youths shall resist strongly any attempt to disorganise the Plateau House of Assembly. We believe that the governor means well for the people and will not allow himself to dance a strange dance at a time the Plateau Spirit of Unity and brotherliness has been revived.’