From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has thanked the people of Plateau State for their patience, brotherly love and commitment to collaboration, describing his visit as a great pleasure and a return to a state he holds dear.
Speaking at the APC rally held at the New Stadium, Zaria Road, Jos, on Saturday, the President said the gathering was an opportunity to promote unity and strengthen cooperation among the people.
“Thank you for today. Thank you for your patience, your brotherly love and your commitment to collaboration. We are promoting unity. I am very happy to be here, and it is a great pleasure to return to Plateau State,” he said.
Tinubu noted that Plateau had experienced repeated crises and commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his efforts to restore peace and stability.
“No government can flourish in an atmosphere of crisis,” he said.
He also appreciated the governor for working with the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, describing their cooperation as a “two-engine partnership” aimed at advancing the aspirations of Nigerians, particularly the people of Plateau State.
Recalling the crises and attacks that had affected the state since 2001, the President said they had inflicted deep wounds on communities, resulting in the loss of lives, destruction of homes and displacement of residents.
He offered condolences to families who had lost loved ones and those forced to leave their homes.
“To every bereaved family, every survivor and everyone who has been unable to return to their homes, I offer my heartfelt condolences. I pray that Almighty God will console you and give you the strength to overcome your losses,” he said.
Tinubu emphasised the importance of unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, urging residents to put aside their differences and work together.
“We are one family, created by the same Almighty God. We may live in different communities, speak different languages and practise different traditions, but these differences do not make us enemies,” he said.
He urged the people to live together, farm together and work collectively to build Plateau State and Nigeria.
Recalling his previous visit to the state, Tinubu said he had witnessed the devastation caused by the crisis, received reports from the governor and seen the pain and suffering on the faces of affected residents.
He, however, said efforts were being made to restore peace and assured displaced persons that the government would support the rebuilding of their communities.
“Now is the time to rebuild. I assure those who have been displaced that we will rebuild your communities and bring you back to your ancestral homes,” he said.
The President disclosed that he had directed security agencies to take decisive action to restore peace and stability in Plateau State.
He said the government was elected to improve the living conditions of Nigerians and create prosperity, not to preside over violence and destruction.
He further disclosed that security deployment was being strengthened, coordination improved and rapid response enhanced. He added that 1,000 forest guards were undergoing training to support security operations.
“You will see them and feel their presence. They will help ensure that you feel secure in your villages and communities,” he said.
Tinubu also announced that surveillance cameras he had earlier promised had been procured to strengthen early detection, warning systems and security operations across the state.
He reiterated his commitment to working with Governor Mutfwang and other leaders to rebuild affected communities and ensure the safe return and resettlement of displaced families.
Akpabio Calls for Unity, Announces Planned Security Legislation
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said the current administration was committed to improving national security and promoting political unity through cooperation among previously opposing political groups.
He said Nigerians had an opportunity to benefit from a more unified leadership structure, noting that individuals who had previously belonged to different political camps were now working together.
According to him, the objective of the emerging political cooperation is to harmonise differences and establish a common leadership focus on national development and stability.
On security, Akpabio disclosed that the National Assembly was working on a new law aimed at addressing insecurity across the country.
He said the proposed legislation would provide a legal framework for tackling security threats and ensuring that perpetrators were brought to justice.
He further spoke of measures to be formalised through what he described as an act of covenant, aimed at ensuring long-term stability and lasting change.
Mutfwang Seeks More Federal Support for Plateau
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang welcomed President Tinubu to Plateau State, expressing appreciation for the Federal Government’s support for development in the state and requesting further assistance in infrastructure and security.
The governor acknowledged the President’s role in Nigeria’s political development and credited his administration with supporting improvements in the state’s infrastructure, education and healthcare sectors.
He said the Federal Government’s policies had helped move Nigeria towards economic recovery and prosperity.
Mutfwang also expressed confidence in the political direction of the state ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying residents were mobilising to support the current leadership.
He appealed for continued federal intervention to help Plateau State achieve sustainable development and economic prosperity.
The governor also requested assistance to complete a construction project that, according to him, had remained unfinished for 40 years and had become a source of embarrassment to the state.
He said the intention was to transform the project into an international landmark and a source of pride for Nigeria.
Mutfwang also highlighted some newly commissioned projects aimed at improving public welfare.
He announced the establishment of a new employment hub expected to provide opportunities for 2,000 young people to work remotely for companies in the United States and Europe while remaining in their homes.
The governor also disclosed that a technology hub had been established to deploy modern tools for crime prevention and security.
He said the state had recorded significant progress in intelligence gathering over the past three months, adding that the government would sustain the efforts and use intelligence to maintain peace.
Mutfwang concluded by appealing for further intervention from President Tinubu to help the state achieve full economic recovery and development.
