…Hail Tinubu’s initiatives
Less than 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Benue State on a peace mission, there are indications that Benue State which had recently witnessed mindless killing of innocent citizens will begin to enjoy peace.
This is as George Akume, the secretary to the government of the federation and Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state have begun a process of rallying the community leaders to check further attacks.
BusinessDay gathered that George Akume, and Alia, have set up mechanism that will come up with a Committee of Key Stakeholders to restore peace in the State.
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Akume, in a statement on Thursday, assured that he will work with all the key stakeholders to implement the President’s directives of Wednesday, to restore lasting peace in the state in line with the directives.
Recall that President Tinubu had issued specific directives, asking the Governor to amongst others, immediately appeal for voluntary blood donation for victims of the attacks, to save more lives.
Tinubu also directed the office of the National security Adviser NSA, to embark on campaigns to promote tolerance, national cohesion, amongst others
President Tinubu directed the SGF to coordinate the formation of a committee of key stakeholders to fast track the process of restoring enduring peace in the affected parts of the State in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Committee will comprise former Governors of the State, the Tor Tiv, Och’Idoma, the SGF as well as other key stakeholders,
Tinubu gave a template for the selection of the all inclusive stakeholders committee to include both indigenes and non- indigenes, serving and former Governors of both Benue and Nasarawa States, as well as work out plans for Land to establish ranches In Benue.
President Tinubu noted that the yoke is on their leaders and stakeholders, especially with the Governor.
Tinubu also charged leaders of the state to immediately began the process of “turning the tragedy Into economic prosperity”
The President also expressed disappointment with the way the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of the Police, IGP handling insecurity in the State, and wondered ” why no arrest has been made?”
“Police, I hope your men are on alert to receive information. How comes no arrest has been made? I expect there should be arrest of those criminals”
Speaking to other arms of the security operatives, Tinubu directed officials of the National Intelligence Agency NIA and the Department of State Security DSS, to ” retune Information Channels and let’s have tangible intelligence, so that this will not occur again.”, adding that” we need to keep our ears to the ground. Let’s get to those criminals. Let’s get them out.”
The SGF commended the President’s courageous initiative to witness firsthand the incessant conflicts faced by the State and to reaffirm the government’s dedication to resolve the ongoing conflicts.
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“During his visit, Mr. President engaged with key stakeholders at a townhall meeting where crucial matters towards nipping the lingering killings in the bud were ironed out in order to restore peace in the State.
Akume said the committee will meet with President Tinubu in Abuja to fashion out workable modality to end the killings
He added that achieving sustainable peace requires a united effort. He therefore assured Mr. President of his unwavering commitment to adhere to the tenets of his directive to work hand-in-hand with all stakeholders—local communities, civil society, security agencies, and traditional rulers, to develop and implement comprehensive strategies that address root causes, promote reconciliation, and foster long-term peace and stability in the State.
