Backlash forces NIPSS D-G to apologise for comment linking Berom to militia group

Prof. Ayo Omotayo, Director-General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, near Jos, on Tuesday visited the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Gyang Buba.

Mr Omotayo who visited the paramount ruler alongside his management team, also tendered apology over his recent comments on the Berom people.

The NIPSS D-G during a media interview over a recent security breach at the institute, said that a militia group existed among the Berom tribe.

The comment sparked wide-range of reactions not just among the Berom people, but residents of Plateau.

However during the Tuesday visit, the director general said that the comment was not in any way intended at casting aspersions or denigrating the Berom people.

“Your Majesty, I stand before you today not only as the director general of NIPSS, but as a stakeholder deeply connected to this community and fully committed to the peace, unity and stability of Plateau.

“I have come with a message of respect, reflection and reconciliation; I wish to respectfully address concerns arising from my recent remarks during a media interview.

“I wish to state clearly and without ambiguity that it was never my intention to attribute blame to the Berom people or to cast aspersions on any community.

“I recognise however, that my comments have been interpreted in ways that caused concern and distress; for this I offer my sincere and unreserved apologies.

“I deeply regret any unintended offence caused, and I humbly seek your understanding and that of the entire Berom nation,” he said.

Omotayo who also appealed for calm and dialogue said that the institute would continue to invest in empowering the youths, particularly those from the host community.

He said that NIPSS was working closely with relevant security agencies towards averting future security breach at the institute.

Responding on behalf of the Gbong Gwom, Dachollom Jambol, the Chairman, Berom Elders Forum, thanked the director general for the visit.

He called for an in-depth investigation into the security breach at the institute, adding that anything at the present might either be presumptuous and preemptive, and may not allow the truth to come up.

“So as a nation, we are asking that a serious panel or whatever team the government deems fit should be set up immediately to investigate the issues.

”After that we may be in a position to speak on the matter,” he said.
NAN