By Daniel Dauda, Jos




The Executive Governor of Plateau State and chairman Northern Governors forum, Barr.Dr. Simon Bako Lalong assured total commitment towards peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationship as he directed security agencies to deal with erring individuals or groups found engaged in crisis mongering, fake news or hate speech.

"I have directed the security agencies to deal decisively with any persons or group found to be engaged in crisis mongering and incitement or propagation of fake news or hate speech that can steer people to violence."

Governor Lalong made the assertion during a unity and peace discourse which was organized by the Plateau Peace Building Agency(PPBA).

The event is part of the PPBA week-long activity to commemorate the 2019 International Peace Day which had a theme"Climate Action for Peace: Promoting Healing,Forgiveness and Reconciliation."

According to Governor Simon Lalong who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State(SGS), Prof. Danladi Atu said it is common knowledge that our state has in the recent past experienced different episodes of violent conflicts that left us counting our losses.

"We were mired in anxiety as we watched our once peaceful state witness a wave of violence from our cities to rural areas. This is one part of history that left a bitter taste in our mouth and we are thankfully putting it behind us and ensuring it never occurs again.

"To arrest this vicious circle of violence, our administration established Plateau Peace Building Agency to promote the culture of peace and to ensure a harmonious coexistence between the diverse ethno-religious groups in the state.

"Today the PPBA is working closely with several stakeholders at home and abroad to deliver on its mandate of peace promotion through dialogue, education and advocacy. This is not only in line with the policy thrust of our administration on peace, Security and Good Governance but responds to the Agency's Five-Year strategic plan, christened the Plateau state Roadmap to peace." He disclosed.

He also confirmed that various strategies have been adopted in our search for lasting peace,"we however begin to pay attention to issues of transitional justice mechanism such as forgiveness, healing and reconciliation as these are the essential tools to achieving and sustaining lasting peace in our state.

"Inspire of the agony of the past, we can open up a new chapter based on our determination to reverse the legacies of violence. But this we can only achieve when we allow our hearts to heal, forgive and reconcile with one another."He added.

Meanwhile, the Director General of PPBA Mr. Joseph Lengmang charged parents to teach their wards culture of peace not violence, drugs or cultism.

"We need to teach our young people to become a new generation of peace, not violence and not drugs or cultism, a generation that practices compassion and services to others.

"We must show our young people that diversity can be embraced, not ignored, not feared; and that our differences of race, religion, ethnicity and indeed culture can make the tapestry of mankind even more beautiful and even more meaningful.

"This is a time for new and re-dedicated commitment to forgiving the past and moving ahead towards a new future."Lengmang mentioned.

The DG appreciate Governor Simon Bako Lalong,security agents, traditional rulers, religious leaders Civil society organizations and other critical stakeholders for their contributions towards peace building process in the state.