Mothers in Plateau State, under the aegis of Forum of Plateau Mothers (FPM), have commended the state governor, Simon Lalong, for enthroning long-lasting peace in the state, saying they are appreciative of his leading the way for a peaceful Plateau by supporting security agencies.
In a statement signed by its Chairperson, Barr. Mrs Rebeca Pam, and made available to Blueprint in Abuja Thursday night, FPM also applauded the Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in the state, Major General Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, saying his determination and commitment to the Plateau peace efforts has, to a very large extent, restored peace in the once crisis area.
While charging parents to live up to their responsibilities, FPM said the first line of training of any child is effective parenting and not government as “a child becomes criminal from home first before coming out to the street in most cases, so, morals must start from us as mothers”.
The statement reads in full: “We wish to applaud the executive governor of Plateau State, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong, for leading the way for a peaceful Plateau state.
There is no denying the fact that his efforts openly and covertly are paying off for the Plateau of our dream. We appeal to the governor not to relent in this noble cause no matter the distraction from some fifth columnists. We also urge him to continue to support the security agencies.
“We also wish to use this opportunity to commend one of the greatest implementers of Plateau peace road map in the security sector, the Commander of Operation Safe Haven, a special military taskforce set up to manage the internal security challenges in Plateau State, South Kaduna and some parts of Bauchi state, Major General Chukwuemeka Okonkwo and his officers and men for the exceptional role they have been playing since his assumption of office.
“Their quick response to any threat now is commendable. Their human rights records have greatly improved. Their civil military relationship has stepped up, allowing free flow of information on criminals hideouts and social vices by residents.
The unusual peace on the Plateau throughout this year is no doubt the act of God Almighty.
“We recall that before now, we were always on the streets protesting the killings of our people by gunmen, sometimes caused by the action or inaction of the security agencies. But to the glory of God, all that is in past now.
“The professional handling of the #EndSARS peaceful protest (which was later hijacked by criminals elements) by officers and men of Operation Safe Haven helped greatly in deescalating the crisis on the plateau.
“Worthy of mention is also the recent massive clamp down on some suspected cultists within Jos metropolis. This has greatly cubed the menace of these misguided youths.
As mothers, we deem it fit to commend these great icons of peace, who are making daily sacrifices for peace in our state and the nation.
“However, let’s not forget why we are here. We should all go back home and begin to carry out responsible parenting irrespective of our economic situation.
The first line of training of any child is effective parenting and not government. A child becomes a criminal from home first before coming out to the street in most cases. So, the morals must start from us as mothers.
“Instead of blaming government all the time for our failures, we must rise up and take responsibility as mothers instead of allowing our kids to become liabilities after which we start pouring our frustrations on the government.
“Finally, we urge government at all levels to quickly move to avert these imminent threats being championed by the youths.
This it must do by discharging its duties with full commitment and the fear of God. We enjoin the government to also urgently create avenues for skill acquisition and jobs for the teaming qualified youths.”
