By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday urged Nigerians to reject ethnic profiling, religious hatred, misinformation and retaliatory violence during the 80th birthday celebration and autobiography launch of former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah Jang, in Jos, Plateau State. He said unity, reconciliation and collective responsibility remain essential for building a secure, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.
Peace Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Shettima stressed that lasting peace requires the commitment of government, traditional rulers, community leaders and citizens.
He said sustainable development cannot thrive where fear, insecurity and distrust dominate.
According to him, economic prosperity depends on peaceful coexistence across communities.
“No community flourishes in isolation. Prosperity cannot survive where fear reigns,” he said.
He explained that a farmer in Riyom depends on peace beyond his village, while a trader in Jos relies on roads connecting neighbouring communities.
Plateau Reflects Nigeria’s Diversity
Describing Plateau State as “Nigeria in miniature,” the Vice President said the state’s diversity mirrors the country’s aspirations, challenges and resilience.
He noted that progress in Plateau contributes directly to Nigeria’s stability.
“Plateau State is Nigeria in miniature. Its dreams are the dreams of Nigeria. Its struggles are the struggles of Nigeria,” he said.
Shettima added that every effort to strengthen peace in Plateau strengthens the entire federation.
Reject Collective Blame
The Vice President condemned attempts to blame entire ethnic, religious or regional groups for crimes committed by individuals.
He warned that such actions only deepen division and mistrust.
“Crime has no tribe. Violence has no religion. Murder carries no mandate from any community,” he declared.
According to him, criminals achieve a second victory when innocent people begin to distrust one another after violent attacks.
He urged Nigerians to reject rumours, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and embrace reconciliation instead of revenge.
Federal Government Reaffirms Security Commitment
Shettima assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue protecting lives and property.
He also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to building a country where every citizen feels safe regardless of location.
He said security remains the foundation for economic growth and national development.
“A people at peace is the highest achievement of any government because peace is the soil in which every other blessing grows,” he stated.
Shettima Praises Jonah Jang
The Vice President described Senator Jonah Jang as a father figure whose influence extends beyond Plateau State, ethnicity and politics.
He said public service should be measured by the positive impact leaders make rather than wealth or political office.
“Wealth fades. Office passes from one hand to another. What endures is the good we leave behind in human lives,” he said.
Shettima thanked Jang for his service as a military officer, governor and senator, as well as his continued efforts to promote peace.
He also announced President Tinubu’s appointment of Jang’s son, Yakubu Jang, as Senior Special Assistant to the President.
Jonathan, Mutfwang and Alia Pay Tribute
Former President Goodluck Jonathan described Jang’s autobiography as a record of integrity, patience and leadership.
He said the book would inspire younger generations to embrace peace and responsible leadership.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang praised Jang’s sacrifices as a former military administrator, governor and elder statesman.
He noted that despite periods of misunderstanding, Plateau people continue to appreciate Jang’s contributions to the state’s development.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia also commended Jang’s leadership and recalled his service as the military administrator of Benue State.
Alia prayed for God to grant the elder statesman good health and many more years of service to Nigeria.
Shettima Calls for National Reconciliation
The Vice President said Plateau’s history reflects years of violence caused by criminals who disrupted farming, commerce and peaceful coexistence.
However, he praised residents for refusing to abandon their commitment to unity despite repeated challenges.
He concluded that national reconciliation remains unfinished work and urged all Nigerians to embrace peace as the pathway to lasting development.
