Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged citizens across Nigeria to stand against ethnic profiling, religious hatred, misinformation, and retaliatory acts, emphasizing that national unity is essential for a safe, inclusive, and prosperous country.
Speaking in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, during the 80th birthday celebration and autobiography launch of former Plateau Governor Senator Jonah Jang, Shettima called for a renewed commitment to peace and national reconciliation. He stressed that security and stability require collective effort from the government, traditional leaders, local leaders, and everyday citizens.
“A people at peace is the highest achievement of any government, because peace is the soil in which every other blessing grows,” he declared.
The Vice President delivered warm wishes from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the celebrant, reaffirming the administration’s goal to ensure every Nigerian feels secure across all regions. He highlighted that economic progress cannot occur where fear and distrust persist.
“No community flourishes in isolation. Prosperity cannot survive where fear reigns. A farmer in Riyom depends upon peace beyond his village.
“A trader in Jos depends upon roads that run through the towns of other men. The confidence of one state is the security of another,” he said.
Plateau as a Symbol of the Nation
Describing Plateau State as a reflection of the nation’s broader journey, Shettima noted that the state’s experiences mirror Nigeria’s collective challenges and hopes.
“While any setback in the state points to the unfinished work of national reconciliation.
“Plateau State is Nigeria in miniature. Its dreams are the dreams of Nigeria. Its struggles are the struggles of Nigeria.
“Its complexity is the complexity of Nigeria. Its fears are the fears of Nigeria. Its grief is the grief of Nigeria. Its recovery is the recovery of Nigeria,” he stated.
Rejecting Collective Guilt and Criminality
Addressing local tensions, the Vice President strongly rejected assigning collective blame to ethnic, religious, or regional groups for the unlawful actions of individuals.
“No criminal represents his origin, his ethnic group, his religion, his language, his ancestry, his village or the innocent people who bear his surname.
“Crime has no tribe. Violence has no religion. Murder carries no mandate from any community,” he maintained.
He warned that accusing entire groups gives perpetrators a broader victory by tearing down social trust.
“He destroys a life, and then he poisons the fellowship of those left behind. This is the lesson the rest of Nigeria must learn,” he added.
Acknowledging Plateau’s history of conflict caused by criminal actors, Shettima commended residents for maintaining their belief in peaceful coexistence despite past hardships, calling their stance a quiet act of heroism. He assured citizens that while the Federal Government remains committed to safeguarding lives, lasting stability ultimately relies on people rejecting rumors and choosing reconciliation over vengeance.
Tributes to Senator Jonah Jang
Paying tribute to the celebrant, Shettima described Senator Jang as a unifying figure whose impact reaches far beyond political lines or tribal affiliations.
“The secret of a life well lived is neither the fortune we gather nor the power we hold. Life is measured by the difference we make among our people.
“Wealth fades. Office passes from one hand to another. Applause is carried away by the wind. What endures is the good we leave behind in human lives,” he stated.
Shettima expressed gratitude for Jang’s military background, gubernatorial leadership, and legislative service, before announcing President Tinubu’s appointment of the celebrant’s son, Yakubu Jang, as Senior Special Assistant to the President.
Other prominent leaders also offered tributes during the event:
Former President Goodluck Jonathan commended Jang’s legacy, stating that his autobiography teaches younger generations the virtues of integrity, patience, and peace.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang honored Jang as an elder statesman and bridge-builder who remains deeply appreciated despite past political misunderstandings.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia praised Jang’s former leadership as military administrator of Benue State and prayed for his continued health and service to the nation.
