A Don, Prof. Dakkas Dakkas, has tasked Plateau leaders on managing diversity in constructive ways, to fast track development in the state.
The former Dean of Law, University of Jos, made the call in his presentation titled: Plateau State in the Comity of States: The Journey So Far, at a symposium on Monday at Government House Jos.
The symposium, which was followed by a state banquet , was part of activities to mark the Plateau Day and the 2023 Forgiveness Day.
He said that the leaders should take into cognizance that the state had more than 53 ethnic groups , which should be involved in governance.
He said that such consideration would foster harmonious coexistence, and shore up development in the state.
He expressed concern that conflict entrepreneurs used the diversity of the state , to create unrest in the state.
“There is no meaningful development without peace,” he said.
He urged the state government to employ proactive measures in addressing insecurity in the state , stressing that education was a critical tool to enlighten Plateau people on the implications of insecurity.
The professor of constitutional law, said that clerics should be held accountable on speeches they make to ignite tension in the society.
He said that the commemoration of Plateau day should be a period for the state to reflect on its progress, challenges and chart a way forward.
“Plateau people should resolve to work together for the state progress,” he said.
Dakkas urged Plateau residents to vote for credible leaders that have good character and competence in the forth coming elections for progress.
He noted that the state had created an enabling environment for investors through its one stop center, established to handle bureaucratic bottlenecks.
He added that the state had prospects of achieving more in peace building, through empowering youths with opportunities to discourage them from being engaged by crisis merchants.
“Vibrant labour force will prevent a perpetual vicious circle of dependents,” he said.
Similarly, one of the discussants, a former Vice Chancellor of Federal University Gashua, Prof. Andrew Haruna, said that having mutual respect for culture among various ethnic groups in the state could foster peaceful coexistence.
Gov Simon Lalong said that his administration was determined to ensure that the labour of the founding fathers of Plateau would not be in vain, through the establishment of the Plateau Peace Building Agency.
He described Plateau as an accommodating state and a miniature Nigeria, saying “anyone is welcome to Plateau but just respect our culture”.
