By Israel Joel
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state yesterday said his administration would not allow anybody, no matter how highly placed to take the state back to the dark days of suspicion, violence, and outright instigation.

He made this known while speaking at the breaking of Ramadan Fast with Muslim Ummah in Plateau state held at the Government house little Rayfield in Jos.

The Governor further said that with the level of peace the state has attained, it is his duty is to ensure that citizens build on this to make Plateau the true Home of Peace and Tourism that it is.

In his words “Already, we have started reaping the benefits of peace as more and more people are coming into Plateau State to invest and live. ”

“Local and International organizations are falling over one another to hold events in Plateau State which is a clear departure from the past.

He said that this event is very unique and presents an opportunity for us to tell the whole world that we are people who have diverse backgrounds and peculiarities. Rather than glorify the narratives of hate and anger, we can leverage this kind of event to demonstrate that we respect one another despite our differences.

The Governor further said that   Since coming into office, we have maintained peace and security as our number one priority.” This is because there is no progress and development without a peaceful atmosphere. With your help and cooperation of the citizens, the Plateau Peace Building Agency has done a lot to foster peaceful coexistence in the State “.

He also stressed that his administration has continued to sustain this through dialogue, interface, and understanding.

“This helps us to anticipate any challenge and resolve it before it becomes a religious conflict which is the easiest ploy that conflict merchants and mischief-makers use to foment trouble. I commend the Inter-Religious Council which has already swung into action.”

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The Governor called on religious leaders to lead by example and avoid using the pulpit for politics and preaching hate and division.

“Government will not stand by and allow anybody to incite people against one another because of religion or other differences. The law is there to moderate our conduct.”

He also appealed to all to intensify prayers for the State and the Nation stressing that we are passing through a difficult situation with insecurity becoming very worrisome.

“Government and security agencies are doing their best but we have to encourage them and pray for them as we demand more action. Security, as they say, is everybody’s business,” He further added.

He appealed to the people of the state to continue to stay peacefully with one another always.