By Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
At the One-Day Special Dialogue/Security Conference held in, Jos, the Chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee on Security Challenges in Plateau State and Beyond, Hon. Wale Hammed, welcomed stakeholders to deliberate on restoring stability in the state.
“This ad hoc committee was born out of necessity… The 10th House of Representatives under the leadership of Rt. Hon, Abass Tajudeen heard the cry of Plateau and resolved that all hands must be on deck to restore peace to Plateau the home of Peace and tourism,” Hammed said.
He emphasised presidential attention to the crisis: “This time, we have a President who will not accept excuses. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has made Plateau a personal priority.
“He has directed special security deployments, approved humanitarian interventions, and insisted that the cries from Plateau must reach the highest level and be answered with action.”
On the legislature’s role, he declared: “Where gaps exist in our laws, we will close them. Where policies need backing, we will legislate. Where communities need protection, we will empower. We will enact and strengthen laws that sustain peace in Plateau, not just today, but for generations.”
Hammed stressed that “peace cannot be enforced by guns alone. Peace must be built. And it must be built by all of us, together.”
He added, “Inclusion is not charity. Inclusion is a strategy. When people are heard, they heal. When they heal, they forgive. When they forgive, they rebuild.”
Addressing sensitive testimonies, he assured: “This Committee is ready to grant closed-door sessions to any individual or group with sensitive presentations or testimonies that can help us achieve lasting peace… Your security will be protected, your voice will be heard, and your contribution will count.”
To Plateau residents, he pledged: “The House of Representatives is not here to speak to you. We are here to work with you. This Committee will not disappear after this Summit. We will return. We will follow through.
“Speak your mind without fear, sentiments or favour; say the hard truths. Offer bold ideas… A Plateau at peace is a Nigeria at peace. And a Nigeria at peace is a Nigeria that can rise and progress.”
