From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Plateau state government and the Senator representing Plateau Central senatorial zone, Diket Plang has commended the orderly manner protesters in Plateau had conducted themselves during the first and second days of the 10-day protest against economic conditions in Nigeria.
Plateau government in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, described it as a refreshing departure from the often chaotic and destructive narratives that often accompany such demonstrations.
The statement said, “It is commendable to witness citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest while maintaining a high level of discipline and respect for public property.
“Plateau state government under the leadership of His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has rightly acknowledged the right of citizens to express their grievances peacefully and lauded the protesters for choosing a non-violent approach to convey their message.
“This is a significant step towards fostering a culture of dialogue and understanding between the government and its people.
£The decision of the protesters to clean up the streets after their demonstrations is a testament to their civic consciousness and love for their community. Such actions not only contrast sharply with the destructive tendencies seen in some quarters but also underscore the potential for protests to be platforms for positive change.
“Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and his administration deserve commendation for creating an environment that encourages peaceful dissent. By fostering a climate of dialogue and responsiveness, the government has shown that it used possible to address citizens’ concerns without resorting to suppressive measures.
“We must also extend our gratitude to the security agencies for their professionalism in handling the protests. Their role in maintaining peace and order cannot be overemphasized.
Also Diket Plang, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Labour, Employment, and Productivity and Vice Chairman Federal Character and InterGovernmental Affairs, said that the leadership of various youth groups and their members in Plateau State was exemplary.
He said that the peaceful ambience of the state throughout the first and second days of protest against hunger, bad governance showed the understanding and maturity of the youths.
The Senator, in a statement, stated that the youths deserved commendation for their peaceful conduct, adding that their disposition during the protest in the state outrightly negated the earlier fear that the protest might be hijacked by hoodlums and consequently rupture the prevailing peace in the state.
“I commend the military, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps and other para-military agencies for displaying high sense professionalism during the protest.
“I thank you for your patience; your disposition has averted the much anticipated violent outcome as reported in other states. I also thank you for listening and embracing the voices of reasoning by the State Government and other stakeholders in the state. And I urged you to maintain this disposition through out the ten days the protest may last.
“The peaceful protest was exemplary; for Plateau people came out and communicated to the government and laid down their request which was well laid with a high level of maturity, sensitivity and unity of purpose in their communication to the government and it was well harmonised.
“The Plateau Stakeholders communicated with the youths and the public, and they took cognisance of this and therefore did not allow miscreants to take advantage of the protest to worsen the prevailing improved peace and security in the state. This is heart warming and encouraging.
“I want to thank His excellency Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the traditional council led by its chairman, the Joint Council of Chiefs and Emirs, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, members of the National and State Assemblies, religious bodies, and tribal and indigenous development associations for their efforts towards peaceful protest in Plateau State.”
The senator added that the efforts of the National Assembly members from the state are equally commendable, adding that all, irrespective of political affiliations, are determined to work together to improve the lots of our people of Plateau State through inclusive appropriation and lobbying for inclusivity of state in the Nigerian agenda.