Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang has called on religious leaders to preach peace and promote tolerance among residents at all times. Mutfwang gave the advice yesterday in Jos shortly after inaugurating the Inter-Religious Council.
The governor, who decried the spate of killings and wanton destruction of properties, advised religious leaders to speak the truth at all times.
Mutfwang explained that the council is saddled with the responsibility of fostering peaceful coexistence and tolerance among various religious bodies.
Noting that it is time to face the truth, Mutfwang charged members of the council to be sincere and fair to all.
“The inauguration of this council is coming at a very critical time in the history of our state.
“The time has come for us to look at one another in the face and honestly tell ourselves the bitter truth.
“Plateau is the only home we have, but we have allowed it to be demoted and de-marketed by our enemies.
“I am yet to see someone who has benefited from the negativity of Plateau over the last 20 to 30 years; we have all been losing.
“So, the time has come for us to make up our minds to put the past behind us and look forward to a glorious future,” the governor said.
Urging members of the council to be united and discharge their duties diligently, the governor insisted that insecurity had hampered the growth of the state.
“Religion is a platform anywhere in the world and the time has come for us to make use of this platform responsibly; we must respect and tolerate one another.
“When we act in unity, our enemies will not have the space to create the troubles they have created; they will not find the space to destabilise us.
“How long shall we have criminals terrorise us? How long shall we allow people who do not love Plateau to continue to torment us?
“So, I plead with you all to call a spade a spade. I pray that you will be sincere with one another and talk to one another towards having lasting peace in our dear state,” Mutfwang said.
Responding, Co-chairman of the council, Reverend Pandam Yamsat thanked the governor for the opportunity accorded them to serve in the council.
He promised that the council would discharge its assignment with the fear of God and for the betterment of the state.
Members of the council include the Emir of Wase, Alhaji Mohammed Haruna; Director-General of Plateau Peace Building Agency, PPBA, Mrs Julie Sanda, and the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Reverend Father Polycarp Lubo.
Others are the former Anglican Bishop of Jos, Right Reverend Benjamin Kwashi; President of Church of Christ in Nations, COCIN, Reverend Amos Mohzo among others.
Leave a comment