I will not tolerate any attempt to unsettle the peace of our dear state; I call on individuals or groups involved in such conspiracies to desist or face the law”
Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has warned youths in the state to stay away from anything capable of dragging them into violence.
Mutfwang, who gave the warning in a state broadcast on Monday in Jos, particularly advised the youths against being used by crisis merchants to cause civil unrest.
The governor urged the youths to resist any ploy by those he described as “enemies of the state”, to lure them into chaos, especially as the Election Petition Tribunals deliver judgements on election matters.
He maintained that the “crisis merchants” would only ruin the potentials and destinies of the youths, insisting that violence would only disrupt the progress so far achieved.
Mutfwang further called on residents to allow constituted authorities perform their duties at the tribunal without threats of any kind.
“To my dear youths, I urge you not to allow people who do not mean well to instigate you into violence.
“We must allow the lawful mechanisms of resolving grievances to come to a logical conclusion in an atmosphere devoid of threats or tension,” he stated.
The governor, who appealed for calm in all parts of the state, restated his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property.
He also assured the people of their safety and advised them to go about their lawful activities without fear of intimidation.
He warned that anyone caught undermining the peace efforts of government would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“I will not tolerate any attempt to unsettle the peace of our dear state; I call on individuals or groups involved in such conspiracies to desist or face the law.
“Security agencies are investigating various leads to track down the sponsors of crime in the state and to promptly deal with any criminal tendencies,” he added.
The governor also called on citizens to pay attention to issues that would foster peace and unity.
Mutfwang promised to uphold the principles of equity, fairness and justice in the discharge of his duties irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations.
“ I will work assiduously to leave indelible marks built on successes of the past administrations and set a new performance standard,” .he promised.
He said that as part of efforts to cushion the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy, the railway lines within Jos and Bukuru metropolis would soon be revamped to ease transportation, adding that the rail lines would subsequently be extended to other parts of the state.
The governor also said that his administration was currently rehabilitating some major roads within Jos and Bukuru areas, adding that construction of new ones would commence at end of the raining season as advised by experts.
(NAN)