Let there be peace in Nasarawa

Imploring the people of the state to collectively renew the trust and friendship that always existed between them, Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura delivered a statewide broadcast at 8am on radio and television stations. He also issued a Special Letter of Peace, which was published in newspapers on that same day. In addition to that, he […]

Imploring the people of the state to collectively renew the trust and friendship that always existed between them, Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura delivered a statewide broadcast at 8am on radio and television stations. He also issued a Special Letter of Peace, which was published in newspapers on that same day. In addition to that, he led a Peace Walk from stadium junction, along Jos road in Lafia, to the Presidential Lodge on Shendam Road. It was a carnival of sorts, as thousands of residents joined the procession.
After the seven-mile walk, the governor addressed the mammoth crowd in an emotionally charged speech, saying the reason he wanted citizens to trek with him under the harsh sun was so that they could collectively feel a little of the pains and agony which victims of the violence have been passing through. He, therefore, said there was every need for normalcy to return to the state.
In his Letter of Peace to the people, published on November 15, Governor Almakura said, “I don’t believe in the maxim: ‘If you want peace, prepare for war.’ I believe that if you want peace, always prepare for peace and you will surely have it.”
It is, therefore, surprising that a section of Eggon people called for a World Press Conference a few days later and accused the governor of “importing Fulani mercenaries” to attack Eggon villages.  
It is on record that Governor Almakura has a longstanding relationship with the Eggon. To demonstrate this, he appointed prominent Eggon people into critical portfolios of his cabinet. He has also taken massive infrastructural strides to areas populated by the Eggon.
To our Eggon brothers and sisters, I dare say that there is the need to carry out proper investigations, with the aim of gathering valid and irrefutable evidences against whoever has a hand in the various crises that have rocked the state in recent times. It is just not enough to accuse the governor.  In any case, security agencies are not asleep to their responsibilities, so I suggest that anyone with a valid evidence should report to them.
Stakeholders should also enlist the support of traditional rulers whose territories are allegedly used to hide mercenaries.  
The truth is that there is no justification for war. No country or state can grow in a war situation. It can never be a necessary evil as some say. It is time for all the warring factions to embrace peace. It is time for the Nasarawa political elite to put state and country above self-interest. There’s no need to exploit our differences for political gains that will lead to destruction of lives and property. Let us join hands with Governor Almakura to bring lasting peace to our state and the country in general.
Yakubu Lamai, Lafia, Nasarawa State.