Governor Simon Lalong has counselled Plateau’s traditional leaders to be cautious of their conduct and utterances ahead of the March 18 governorship and state assembly elections.

The governor made the call during the coronation of the eighth Long Piapung of Piapung nation, Miskoom Lawrence Nashel, on Thursday at the TRCM school, Pianpung, in the Mikang council area.

“While I admonish His Royal Highness and all other traditional rulers to be careful of their conduct and utterances during the political season. I urge you to continue to support us by ensuring that those to take over from us have our vision and will sustain our legacies,” he said.

The Plateau governor tasked leaders to maintain peace and security in their domain while working with state and non-state actors.

He said even though he does not intervene in the selection of traditional rulers in Plateau, he can remove those working against the interest of the people or the state.

“Those who are privileged to occupy these positions must carry out the assignments based on trust and transparency. I expect that you will, in turn, shun any act that oppresses the people or puts undue pressure on them,” said Mr Lalong.

He congratulated the Long Piapung and urged him to work for the good of his people and in the general interest of Plateau. 

Jacob Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos and chairman of the Plateau Council of Chiefs and Emirs, thanked Mr Lalong for creating 285 new districts and 36 chiefdoms in the state.

(NAN)