Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Saturday delivered an emotional message to Plateau residents, declaring that only Nigerians, not foreign powers, can end the bloodshed tearing through communities.
Speaking at the Jos Polo Field during a massive rally welcoming defectors into the APC, Akpabio said President Bola Tinubu is fully committed to crushing the violence and rebuilding peace across the state.
“We are calling on God the Almighty to help us at the centre to bring peace to Plateau. Anybody that will rule Plateau must be committed to peace. This is the only party that cares for you.
“I stand here representing the President and to assure you that we will do everything possible to ensure you have peace. It is not people outside that will come and give you peace. It is we that must bring peace. We must live in peace with one another. Nigeria must have peace for progress to come.”
Akpabio said the killings weigh heavily on him.
“Let me assure the people of Plateau State that your concerns are going to be addressed. I cry whenever I hear the killing of a human being, whether a child or an adult.”
The Senate President reminded the crowd that Plateau’s tragedy has a long history, and cannot be ignored.
“This problem we are having now did not start today; so many people have died in Plateau. Nigeria is crying out. A lot of blood has been shed, and we are not happy. The President of Nigeria is equally not happy.
“The whole thing started in 2010. Most of the reports you are hearing, that they are using internationally, were reports prepared in 2010. At that time, I was a governor, and I know how people were killed everywhere.”
Akpabio vowed that the federal government will intensify efforts to restore peace, saying Plateau has suffered enough.
He urged the people to stand firmly with President Tinubu and the APC, insisting that progress will come faster if the state unites behind the administration.
