Governors Forum visits Plateau, calls for peace

Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, on Thursday led a delegation of the forum to commiserate with the government and people of Plateau State over the recent violence in parts of the state, which claimed several lives.

While commiserating with the families of the victims, Governor Abdulrazaq also commended the interventions of the security agencies, which prevented further escalations.

The NGF delegation was received by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, according to a statement by the Kwara governor’s spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye, in Ilorin on Thursday.

Speaking during the visit, Governor Abdulrazaq said: “On behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the people of our states, I bring you sincere words of condolences on the unfortunate events in which many of our compatriots have lost their lives.

“We call on leaders and influencers across all communities and sectors in Plateau State to join His Excellency in the task of uniting the people and restoring sustainable peace.

“Leaders, including youth leaders, should come together to speak strongly against violence of any kind. We urge that we resolve our differences through dialogue, fair negotiations, mutual respect, and perspective-taking.

“Sustainable development can be a mirage in an atmosphere of tension and violence. Plateau is full of potential, especially in agriculture and tourism. But these potentials could be affected negatively if we allow violence or threats of it to define how people see our communities.

“We commend His Excellency, the Governor, for his leadership at this critical moment. Our visit is to express our solidarity with His Excellency and the government and good people of Plateau State.

“We pray to God Almighty to repose the souls of the victims and restore peace to our communities.”