Mr Titus Bise, Chairman, Mangu Local Government in Plateau, has advised Mr Tetmut Gambo, the new District Head of Kombun, to flush out social miscreants and drug addicts from his domain.
“Drug addicts and dealers in illicit drinks, especially the gin called ‘goskolo’ are in your area; we want you to adopt measures to rid the districts of these vices,” Bise said in Mangu, during the coronation ceremony of the new monarch.
He said that the vices had affected youth’s capacity to contribute to societal growth, and regretted that energy that should be deployed into productive ventures was being wasted on drugs.
“Our farms are yearning for attention; our schools are there to prepare our youths for a better future, but these noble engagements do not appear attractive to the youths; we cannot grow as a society if we do not arrest these vices,” he said.
He urged the district head to work toward peace and unity, and advised him to work steadily with security agencies and other stakeholders toward a prosperous society.
In his remarks, Mr Nelson Bakfur, Chairman, Mangu Traditional Council, advised the district head to respect the opinions of the people and operate an open door policy.
“You are the choice of the people, chosen out of several contestants; try to listen to your people and respect their opinions.
“You should uphold justice and uprightness. You must also strive to be a role model and mentor,” he said.
The First Class Chief implored the new traditional ruler to “talk less and listen more”, stressing that his job was a difficult one that required wisdom and tact.
Plateau Governor, Simon Lalong, in his remarks, said that traditional rulers would always be held responsible for any breach of peace in their communities.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Sonni Tyoden, advised community leaders to initiate developmental projects to augment government efforts.
“I noticed that the road leading to this community was started by the district head, who reigned from 1907-1936. Other leaders should emulate that,” he said.
The governor promised to construct roads to open up rural communities so that economic activities would flourish, and enjoined traditional rulers to organise cultural festivals to promote their rich cultural heritage. (NAN)
MAA/ETS