The Co-Chairmen of the Nigerian Inter-religious Council, Rev. Dr. Samson Ayokunle (CAN President), Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Kayode Fayemi, as well as Governors of Sokoto, and Niger States on Monday 6th September stormed Jos the Plateau State capital to commiserate with the people and Government of the State over the recent attacks.
During the visit, they engaged various stakeholders, including religious, political and community leaders on how to find lasting solutions to
the security challenges of the State.
In a remark, Co-Chairman of NIREC Rev. Dr. Samson Oyakunle said they were in Plateau State in response to the recent attacks that claimed lives and properties which ruptured the peace of the State that has substantially grown over the last six years.
He said NIREC has, followed with regret, the toxic narratives
emanating from some religious and political leaders who instead of calming down
tensions, have resorted to heighten the tension. He said NIREC has resolved
to hand over such persons to security agencies for prosecution.
Sultan of Sokoto also described the visit as part of their
engagement towards promoting peace in Nigeria in fulfilment of their mandate
and resolutions at the last quarterly meeting which was held in Abuja.
He said the meeting initially billed for Jos was shifted to
Abuja following the recent unfortunate incidents. However, he said Plateau
State still remains a home of peace with attraction to people of diverse
backgrounds who generally want to live together. The problem, he said, was the
inability to halt impunity and punish criminals who use religion, ethnicity and
politics to cause havoc.
Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum Dr. Kayode Fayemi said the Governors of the 36 States are in solidarity with their colleague, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has put in a lot of effort and resources to build structures for peaceful coexistence in the State as well as supported peace and reconciliation in various parts of the country.
He said they will do everything possible to support him in
ensuring that peace is sustained on the Plateau, which is reputed for its
hospitality and attraction to people from all backgrounds.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State and Abubakar
Sani Bello of Niger State also expressed sadness over the recent attacks in
Plateau State, urging all stakeholders to come together and address the
situation and bring back the glorious days of the State. They recalled with
fond memories of their experiences in Jos many years ago, which they hoped the current generation will also experience.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha
who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the engagement said the Federal
Government remained concerned about the attacks in Plateau and has continued to
support security agencies and the State Government in putting an end to the
situation.
He said though the Government will not tolerate criminality
and the destruction of lives and properties under any guise, it is incumbent on
citizens to cultivate tolerance and love for one another, as well as fish out
criminals by reporting them to security agencies.
He expressed optimism that the efforts of the Federal and
State Governments will yield positive results with the support of the citizens.
He also assured that the Federal Government will do its best to support the
State to respond to humanitarian needs of the internally displaced persons.
Governor Lalong while thanking NIREC and the Governors for
the visit said the concern expressed and words of admonition show that there
is a determination to ensure that Plateau regains its enviable place as the Home
of Peace and Tourism.
Lalong challenged the people of Plateau State to rise
together and unite against those who want to cause divisions and hatred using
all avenues including politics.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of
Plateau State.
6th September 2021.
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