President Bola Tinubu has directed leaders from violence-affected communities to return to their bases and immediately begin renewed peace efforts, stating that the Federal Government is ready to support genuine initiatives aimed at ending violence and restoring stability.
He gave the directive while receiving Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, political leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders on Wednesday, urging them to put aside differences and work collectively for lasting peace.
Tinubu encouraged them to revisit earlier peace recommendations and ensure their implementation, noting that unresolved issues could still be escalated to the Federal Government.
He also called for the inclusion of former governors and other key stakeholders in the reconciliation process.
“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 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 that you have. Go through it among yourselves. And agree to implement those white papers, Any nutty issue, bring it back. Now, through the legislators over here, we are going to work together to establish state police. On a national scale.
The President also restated his support for the creation of state police, arguing that decentralised policing would improve security and law enforcement.
“And I believe once we have a state police, enforcement of laws and orders will take care of some of these problems. For us to stop creating widows, widowers, orphans, there must be peace.
He added that development projects such as roads and an airport in the region would be addressed by the Federal Government.
“It is very tough to develop if you don’t have a peace. And then we, as the president, order you to go back home of Abuja. You have been appointed as the committee for peace. Go and search for it.
He urged leaders to identify those responsible for unrest and report them to security agencies.
“Look for it. Resolve any additional steps that you want the government to take. And if you identify and you know the name of troublemakers, agent provocateurs who want to continue killing or instigate killing, let us know.
“We use the instrument of office to deal with them. The path is to work with you, find a lasting peace to the problem so that you can develop and bring prosperity to the people together. It is crucial.
Tinubu further directed the state governor to take charge of renewed reconciliation efforts, suggesting that existing committees be reviewed or adjusted where necessary.
“And it’s in your hand now, Mr. Governor. Lead your people back home. Lead your people through. Forget those committees you mentioned to me. If it’s not working, it’s not working.
He also called for the inclusion of non-indigenes and young people in governance and peacebuilding processes, alongside public awareness campaigns to address discrimination and violence.
“Consider this group as the committee until you find a lasting solution. If the ones that you have chosen before now, you have to mix it and amend membership. You have to recruit more from non-indigenous into your government.
“If we have to find money to develop jingles and campaign tones that will eliminate discrimination and conflict and killings, we can develop it together and get on the radio. Listen to the youth. Listen to what they’ve said. Use them.
He concluded by expressing optimism for peace and national development.
