Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria has the potential to become one of the greatest nations on earth, stressing that lasting peace and mutual tolerance among citizens are the keys to unlocking that potential.
Shettima said Nigerians share a common heritage that outweighs ethnic, religious, or political differences, urging citizens to focus on what unites them rather than what divides them.
“We are all connected one way or the other. What binds us together supersedes whatever separates us,” the Vice President said on Wednesday in Jos, Plateau State.
He spoke while paying homage to the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, HRH Jacob Gyang Buba, at his palace.
The Vice President, who was in the state for the grand reception of Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other political leaders into the All Progressives Congress (APC), described traditional rulers as critical pillars of peace and social stability.
“They are not just custodians of our cultural heritage. They are respected leaders who help uphold society by preaching peace among their subjects,” he said.
Shettima also praised the growing political harmony between APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and Governor Mutfwang, describing the realignment as a positive development for Plateau State.
“The APC National Chairman, an indigene of this state, publicly pledged his full support to the Governor. With this unity, Plateau State will enjoy greater dividends of democracy. That is good for the people,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the realignment, the Vice President said the collaboration would strengthen Plateau State’s image and help sustain peace and stability.
“The National Chairman was the Governor’s opponent in the last election, yet today they are working together. There can be no development without peace. Their coming together will translate into more peace for the state,” he added.
Shettima thanked the Plateau State government and residents for their warm reception and hospitality during his visit.
Earlier, Governor Mutfwang commended the cordial working relationship between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Shettima, noting that it continues to benefit Nigerians.
In his remarks, the Gbong Gwom Jos called for enhanced security measures and genuine reconciliation to address ongoing challenges in Plateau State and across the country.
“We appreciate the efforts of our security agencies, but more needs to be done. Nigerians must respect one another and live in peace. Islam and Christianity do not support violence or insurgency,” the monarch said.
He thanked the Vice President, the APC National Chairman, and the Governor for the political realignment, which he described as a welcome development for both Plateau State and the nation.
Shettima’s entourage included APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Idris Wase, members of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, and other prominent indigenes of the state.
