Tinubu Charges Plateau Leaders: 'Go Home, Seek Peace' to End Recurring Crises

President Bola Tinubu has issued a clear directive to stakeholders from Plateau State: cease the cycle of conflict and actively pursue peace. Speaking at the State House in Abuja, the President emphasized that lasting solutions lie within the state itself, urging leaders, including Governor Caleb Mutfwang, to revisit previous security White Papers and commit to implementing their recommendations. This interactive session, a fulfillment of Tinubu's promise to engage deeply with the state's issues, underscores the federal government's commitment to finding a permanent end to the recurring violence.

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As leaders, you must go back home, summon a leadership meeting among yourselves, take the gazette, review the previous recommendations and agree to implement the White Paper. Bring to my attention any knotty issue that may arise and bring up an implementable resolution.

The President's message was unequivocal: leaders must take ownership of the peace process. He stressed the importance of tolerance and unity, calling on stakeholders to eschew divisive narratives that fuel ethnic, religious, and farmer-herder clashes. Tinubu highlighted that Plateau State, historically known for its hospitality and diversity, must reclaim its identity as a place of peace and accommodation. His administration's assurance of commitment to the state's infrastructural development, coupled with the approval of N2 billion in relief support for victims of the Jos North crisis, demonstrates a tangible effort to address both the immediate needs and the long-term stability of the region.

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No protocols, no hindrances, we are here to speak our minds and find a permanent solution to a recurring conflict and chaos. I have heard the leaders. Everybody here is seeking peace. How do we chart our path to that peace?

From a Nigerian perspective, President Tinubu's approach reflects a desire to move beyond mere conflict management towards conflict resolution. The emphasis on leadership accountability and the review of past governmental efforts is a pragmatic strategy. While international observers might focus on the security implications, the local context, deeply rooted in issues of indigeneity, resource competition, and historical grievances, requires a nuanced and locally-driven solution. The President's call for leaders to "examine yourselves" and foster harmony is a powerful appeal to the conscience of those in positions of influence, aiming to break the pattern of violence and create a more secure and prosperous future for Plateau State.

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We all must find a way to accommodate one another. We must stop the situation where people are recruited to instigate tribal conflict and killings. I am glad that I listened to the youth.