Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for urgent and collective action to restore peace and strengthen security in Plateau State, as he received Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang alongside key stakeholders from the state.
Addressing the delegation at the State House, Abuja, the President emphasised that peace remains the foundation for development and prosperity, cautioning that continued violence would only deepen human and economic losses.
The Nigerian Leader urged the plateau State leaders to unite, set aside divisions, and take responsibility for resolving lingering conflicts within their communities.
“Leaders will go back home and summon the leadership mission. Pretend that I’m there. Or pretend that I’m absent. Because you are still going to give me a feedback. You are going to work as a one group committee.”
“Thank God all the previous governors, former governors are alive and you are here. Thank you for the respect. And call one another. Ignore the governor’s committee if you have to or you incorporate them. Take that white paper or the Gazette that you have. Go through it among yourselves and agree to implement those white papers. Any naughty issue, bring it back.”
President Tinubu directed the delegation to reconvene with a broad-based leadership engagement, comprising current and former political office holders, to review existing peace frameworks, including relevant white papers and gazetted reports, with a view to implementing agreed recommendations.
He emphasised the need for practical, result-oriented steps, noting that ineffective structures should either be reformed or set aside.
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In a significant policy direction, the President reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to working with the National Assembly to establish state police nationwide, describing it as a critical step towards improving law enforcement and addressing localised security challenges.
He further tasked the delegation, which he described as a “committee for peace,” to actively identify and resolve sources of conflict, while urging them to provide feedback on progress.
“Now, to the legislators over here, we are going to work together to establish state police on a national scale. And I believe once we have a state police, enforcement of laws and others will take care of some of these problems.
The President also called for accountability, encouraging leaders to report individuals involved in instigating violence.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to partner with state authorities and community leaders to secure lasting peace, noting that stability is essential to unlocking Plateau State’s economic potential and improving the wellbeing of its people.
Speaking at the meeting, Plateau State Governor Mutfwang highlighted that some of the issues that have been politicised are now being narrowed, expressing optimism that the state is on a path toward unity.
He noted that the coming together of all former governors marks a significant step, adding that “this is the first time all former Governors are coming together,” a development he said would strengthen collective resolve to address the challenges.