Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has called on religious leaders to preach peace and promote tolerance among residents of the state at all times.
Mutfwang made the call shortly after inaugurating the state’s Inter-Religious Council, on Wednesday in Jos.
The governor, who decried the spate of killings and wanton destruction of properties in the state, advised the 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 in the state.
Mutfwang, who noted that it was time to face the truth and call a spade a spade, charged members of the council to be sincerity 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 is now for us to make up our minds to put the past behind us and look forward to a glorious future,”he said.
Mutfwang, who urged members of the council to be united and discharge their duties diligently, insisted that the 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 very 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, Rev. Pandam Yamsat, the Co-Chairman of the council, 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.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some members of the council included the Emir of Wase, Alh. Mohammed Haruna, Mrs Julie Sanda, the Director General, Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) and Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state.
Other members of the council are, Bishop Benjamin Kwashi, the erstwhile Anglican Bishop of Jos. Rev. Amos Mohzo, the President, Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), among others