After facing a torrent of backlash and condemnation following his recent remarks, in which he tagged the Berom people as militias, the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Ayo Omotayo, has tendered an apology to the Berom Nation and the people of Plateau State in general.
Omotayo had gotten into trouble last week during an interview on Arise TV following a series of attacks on the institution where about four people including security personnel were killed and in the heat of the interview, he had described the attackers as “Berom Militias”, a remark that drew the anger of the indigenes including the lawmaker representing Jos North in the National Assembly, Sen. Pam Dachungyang, the Berom Youth-Moulders Association, BYM, political figures, traditional and religious leaders, youth groups and the general public who felt the comment was derogatory and an insult to the Berom ethnic group.
Following the barrage of condemnation, the NIPSS DG, on Monday, June 6th, retraced his steps and apologized for the remarks, which he claimed were taken out of context.
In the apology letter addressed to the traditional ruler of the Berom Nation, His Royal Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, Omotayo expressed regret over what he described as the misunderstanding generated by his comments.
He stated that his intention was not to disparage or blame the Berom people or associate them with the attack on the institute. According to the DG, his remarks were made while responding to questions during a rapidly evolving security situation and merely referred to reports and speculations already circulating in the public domain.
“I neither intended to attribute responsibility for the incident to the Berom people nor to suggest the existence of any organised militia associated with the Berom Nation,” Omotayo stated.
He, however, appealed to the traditional ruler to convey his sincere apologies to the Berom people for any offence or distress the remarks may have caused, while also reaffirming his respect for the Berom Nation, describing the people as one of the institute’s principal host communities with whom NIPSS has maintained a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship over the years.
The Director-General further noted that the institute had continued to implement several community-based programmes aimed at empowering young people and strengthening its relationship with host communities.
“The initiatives include annual summer coaching classes, ICT and digital skills training for youths, mentorship programmes in secondary schools, support for girl-child education, and other community development projects.
“These initiatives reflect my enduring belief that the well-being of our host communities is inseparable from the success and stability of the Institute,” he stated.
In conclusion, Omotayo appealed to all stakeholders to remain calm and avoid actions or statements capable of escalating tension while security agencies continue investigations into the attempted attack on the institute.
“NIPSS is committed to promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and constructive engagement with all host communities,” he added, pledging the institute’s continued support for initiatives that promote unity, security, and sustainable development.
NIPSS DG tenders apologies to Berom Nation over militia remarks