Zainab Abioye
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to reject ethnic profiling, religious intolerance, misinformation and retaliatory violence, warning that such divisions threaten national peace, security and economic development.
Shettima made the appeal on Saturday in Jos, Plateau State, during the 80th birthday celebration and public presentation of the autobiography of former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah Jang.
The Vice-President said lasting peace remained the bedrock of national progress, stressing that every Nigerian had a role to play in preserving unity and strengthening social cohesion.
“A people at peace is the highest achievement of any government because peace is the soil in which every other blessing grows,” Shettima said.
Conveying President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill to the celebrant, Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a nation where security drives economic prosperity and citizens can live freely in every part of the country.
According to him, sustainable development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear, insecurity and distrust.
He noted that the fortunes of communities across Nigeria are interconnected, stressing that insecurity in one part of the country ultimately affects others.
“No community flourishes in isolation. Prosperity cannot survive where fear reigns. A farmer in Riyom depends upon peace beyond his village, while 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.
The Vice-President described Plateau State as “Nigeria in miniature,” saying its diversity, challenges and resilience reflected the country’s broader realities.
He added that peace and stability in Plateau would contribute significantly to the nation’s overall development.
Shettima also condemned attempts to associate criminal acts with entire ethnic, religious or regional groups, insisting that crime should never be used to stigmatise innocent communities.
According to him, collective blame only deepens divisions and advances the objectives of criminals.
“No criminal represents his origin, his ethnic group, his religion, his language or his community. Crime has no tribe. Violence has no religion. Murder carries no mandate from any community,” he said.
He warned that when innocent people are blamed for crimes committed by others, perpetrators achieve a second objective by destroying trust among citizens.
Reflecting on Plateau’s history of violent conflicts, Shettima acknowledged that criminal elements had disrupted farming, commerce and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He, however, commended residents for refusing to abandon peaceful coexistence despite years of violence, describing their resilience as an act of heroism deserving national recognition.
The Vice-President assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to fulfil its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, while urging citizens to reject rumours, inflammatory rhetoric and revenge in favour of dialogue and reconciliation.
Paying tribute to Jang, Shettima described the former military officer, governor and senator as a statesman whose influence transcended ethnicity, religion and politics.
He said public service should be measured by its impact on people’s lives rather than wealth, power or public acclaim.
“The secret of a life well lived is neither the fortune we gather nor the power we hold. Wealth fades, offices change hands and applause disappears. What endures is the good we leave behind in the lives of others,” he stated.
Shettima also announced President Tinubu’s appointment of Yakubu Jang, son of the former governor, as Senior Special Assistant to the President.
Earlier, former President Goodluck Jonathan described Jang’s autobiography as a valuable account of leadership, integrity and patriotism, saying it offers lessons for younger generations on the virtues of patience, peace and selfless service.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang said the event celebrated Jang’s sacrifices and contributions as a military administrator, former governor and elder statesman, adding that despite criticisms over the years, the people of Plateau continued to appreciate his commitment to the state’s development.
Similarly, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia praised Jang’s leadership qualities, recalling his tenure as military administrator of Benue State and praying for continued good health and strength for the elder statesman.
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