BY TAYE OBATERU, Jos

Security was tight in the Plateau State capital yesterday just as Governor Jonah Jang urged Nigerians to appreciate and respect one another’s cultural values and use them to strengthen the bond of nationhood rather than allow them to create division.

He said in his 51st Independence message to the people that they must love, tolerate and respect the country’s diverse cultures and values and forgive past wrongs in the spirit of the celebration.

Most residents woke up to find heavy presence of security personnel in different parts especially  along flash points like Rukuba Road, Macalanci Jumaat and Angwan Rukuba.

Although there were speculations of a planned bombing of some places in the state and an alleged plan by a Muslim sect to go to the prayer ground where there was violence during the last eid-el Fitri celebrations , security sources said the “show of strength” by the security forces was more of a preventive exercise.

Governor Jang in the statement signed by Director of Press Affairs in his office, Mr. James Mannok, commended the resilience of Nigerians since independence in the face of daunting challenges.

According to him, “in spite of the economic, social and political challenges which are phases in development, Nigerians have demonstrated a strong spirit of nationhood, thereby standing tall.”

He urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the country and her leaders and congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan and other Nigerians on the occasion.

Jang said the peace process in the state was on course and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to “honoring its covenant of bequeathing an enduring Plateau State to the next generation of leaders.”