Appointment of new traditional ruler in Plateau stirs conflict

The National Executive of Pan Development Association (PDA) in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State has expressed sadness over the recent events in the community particularly over the selection and announcement of a new traditional ruler, Long Jan.

Speaking at a press conference, PDA National President, Mark Dachi, said they viewed the move as an attempt to set in motion events, which if allowed to unfold, and not addressed, might  hamper peaceful coexistence.

• Southern Kaduna: Atyap chiefdom sets up committee to identify conflict triggers
• Edo, Ondo: INEC, parties bicker over ‘conflicting’ court rulings

“The abuse of our tradition and heritage as a people, by the wrongful and mischievous attempt to project the idea that the Long Jan is a Goemai monarch is a clear misrepresentation and distortion of the noble and respectful historical facts.

“We have noted with dismay provocative congratulatory messages sponsored by one Miskoom Abubakar Gayam, for himself and the so-called Namu Chiefdom Community Development Association (NCCDA).

“The abuse of our tradition and heritage as a people by the wrongful attempt to project the Long Jan stool as a Goemai monarch resulted in crises in 2005/2006, the self-exile and the death of the last Long Jan, Alhaji Umar Suleiman Allahanana in 2009.

“It is, therefore, against this background that we the indigenous Kofiar Pan people view with consternation the attempt to set in motion events which if allowed to unfold and not addressed immediately, may hamper peaceful coexistence,,’ he said.

He called on the government to warn Gayam and the Namu Chiefdom Community Development Association (NCCDA) to desist from calling Jepjan a Geomai land because similar insinuations and provocative messages triggered the unfortunate Namu crises of 2005/2006, leading to wanton destruction of lives and properties.

“When you deny your roots, you lose your rights and privileges. An alien ruler cannot be foisted upon our people. Therefore, Pan people will never recognise ‘Miskoom’ Safiyanu Allahanana as Long Jan. Pan people hereby resolved that Allahanana lacks legitimacy for defying his father’s Pan ancestry,” he added.