Jos — Ostensibly overwhelmed by last November's violent clash in parts of Jos North local Government Area of Plateau State, Governor Jonah Jang has pleaded with past leaders of the state to join hands with him to find lasting peace to the tproblem of the state.

Addressing a stakeholders meeting,, he stressed that the state "is today facing a wakeup call" because every citizen of the state is challenged and there was no pretence about that.

Except for the absence of former Governor Joshua Dariye, Ibrahim Mantu, Damishi Sango, Jeremiah Useni and a few others, the pioneer national chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and first civilian Governor of the State, Chief Solomon Lar, led other eminent leaders of the state to the meeting.

Governor Jang told his guests that his administration was facing a trying moment, adding that it was his turn today, but tomorrow would be someone else's turn.

According to him, " our development, economically, politically and socially has been threatened. Our unity as a people is under trial. Plateau State is no more the same suggesting that this challenge must be faced head-on if the state will regain its glory".

The governor said he wept for the state he knew quite well, because "every day our politics widens this divide even in the face of threats to our oneness" insisting that the time to accept the change was now.

In addressing the change, he noted that unity hardly comes easy and the people in the state should understand this and to stand by that, and as such, all should join hands with him, especially when the state will celebrate its 33 years of creation this month.

The government, he added, will continue to ask "for your prayers and support" while efforts continue to bequeath a better future for the state and its coming generations.

Others in attendance include former Governor Fidelis Tapgun, former Minister of Defence, General Domkat Bali, former ECOMOG Commander, Joshua Dogonyaro, second republic Deputy Senate President, John Wah Pam and former Military Administrator of Delta, Col. J. D. Dungs.

Also in attendance were Action Congress governorship candidate in the state, Peter Gyang, his ANPP counterpart, Victor Lar, Senator Cosmas Niagwan, Lumumba Dah Ade, and Senator Silas Janfa, PLACIMA president and others.