Governor Simon Bako Lalong has vowed to continue the consilidation of peace and harmony in Plateau State using dialogue, community Policing and intelligence as well as a proactive approach to dealing with criminals in the State.
Governor Lalong stated this when he received the new Commander, Operation Safe Haven, Major General C. C. Okonkwo at the Government House Jos as he takes over from Major General Augustine Agundu who has been redeployed to Abuja as Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre.
Governor Lalong praised Gen. Agundu for putting in his best to the restoration of peace in Plateau State and wished him well. He welcomed Gen. Okonkwo who is coming back to Jos for the third time in his military career having started his service at the Rukuba Barracks in the 80s.
Governor Lalong said “We welcome you to Plateau State with open arms and are happy to know that you are a son of the soil who has been here at different times. I assure you that Plateau State Government will work with you as we consolidate peace in the State. We have achieved a lot with General Agundu who came here in 2018 at the heat of crises and together we worked hard to restore substantial peace. Our Prayer is that at the end of your tour of duty, Plateau will achieve total peace and you will also be lifted like many people both the Armed Forces and other sectors who after serving in our State went to higher places”.
To the out-going Commander OPSH, General Agundu, the Governor praised him for making a lot of sacrifices to enforce the fact that there is nobody above the law in Plateau State and there is no “no go areas” in the State. He also commended the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff for supporting the outgoing Commander to carry out his duties effectively including social responsibility projects by constructing schools in Mangu-Halle and Langai as part of the civil-military relations.
Earlier, the outgoing Commander Gen. Agundu appreciated Governor Lalong for his doggednes and commitment to protection of lives and properties of the citizens of Plateau State which he said helped in making the environment conducive for officers and men of the OPSH to operate.
The new Commander Gen. Okwonkwo promised to put in his best in continuing the legacy of successes recorded by his predecessor, pledging to give the Governor all support needed to consolidate peace in the State.
