A stakeholders’ meeting of Mikang Local Government Area held in Jos on Wednesday was abruptly suspended following disruptions caused by the presence of uninvited individuals, forcing organizers to reschedule the engagement.
The meeting, convened by the Executive Chairman of Mikang Local Government Council, Dr. Benard Soepding Alkali, took place at Great Links Hotel but ended shortly after it began, with only the agenda outlined before proceedings were halted.
Addressing journalists, Dr. Alkali said the meeting was intended to bring together key stakeholders, including former lawmakers, council officials, and community leaders, to deliberate on critical issues affecting the local government.
He explained that the gathering was disrupted by an influx of individuals who were not invited, creating tension and raising security concerns.
“In my wisdom as the convener, I felt it was not worth risking anybody’s life, especially considering the fragile security situation in Plateau State,” Alkali said.
He added that the meeting was designed to address issues such as the conduct of political aides on social media, appreciation of government interventions in the area, and the need for unity ahead of political activities.
Alkali also urged youths to remain calm as the political season approaches, emphasizing that elections should not be treated as a do-or-die affair.
Reacting to the development, Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, expressed dissatisfaction with the manner the meeting was organized.
He said he received a late invitation and was not involved in planning the meeting, including the selection of participants and agenda setting.
Daniel also raised concerns over the exclusion of some qualified stakeholders, noting that such actions could create the impression of bias or ulterior motives.
According to him, stakeholder engagements of such nature should ideally be held within the local government to ensure broader participation and transparency.
“We must do what will bring unity and peace among our people. It is not about individuals but about the collective interest of Mikang,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Plateau State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Caroline Panglang Dafur, said the meeting was meant to discuss key developmental issues, including appreciating government interventions and strategizing on political processes.
She assured that stakeholders would reconvene after proper consultations to ensure a more inclusive and peaceful engagement.
Chairman of the Plateau State Civil Service Commission, Prof. Paul Wai, described the disruption as unfortunate but commended the decision to suspend the meeting in the interest of peace.
He urged stakeholders to approach future engagements with openness and a spirit of compromise, especially as political activities intensify.
A community elder and retired Permanent Secretary, Mr. Vincent Nayil, attributed the disruption to heightened political interest, noting that such gatherings often attract unexpected crowds during political periods.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would be reconvened under better conditions, emphasizing the need to maintain peace in Mikang and Plateau State at large.
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed on the need for broader consultations and proper coordination before reconvening, with assurances that the issues intended for discussion would be addressed at a later date.
Despite the disruption, leaders reiterated their commitment to unity, peaceful coexistence, and constructive engagement as the state approaches another political season.
