By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Jos
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said the responsibility of restoring peace in Plateau State and other troubled parts of Nigeria lies with Nigerians and not the international community.
He stated this on Saturday at the Jos Polo Field during the formal reception of defectors from various political parties into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akpabio said no foreign intervention or external organisation can provide lasting peace and unity in the country, stressing that Nigerians must resolve their conflicts through mutual understanding and shared responsibility. He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to addressing the long-running crises in Plateau and other violent hotspots.
“We are calling on God Almighty to help us at the centre to bring peace to Plateau. Anybody that will rule Plateau must be committed to peace. This is the only party that cares for you,” he said.
The Senate President, who represented President Tinubu at the event, assured residents that the Federal Government will prioritise peace-building efforts and address the concerns of the people.
“It is not people outside that will come and give you peace. It is we that must bring peace. We must live in peace with one another. Nigeria must have peace for progress to come,” he said.
Akpabio expressed sadness over the continuous loss of lives, displaced families and traumatised communities, noting that the conflict has persisted for years.
“I cry whenever I hear the killing of a human being, whether a child or an adult in Plateau. This problem did not start today; so many people have died. Nigeria is crying out; a lot of blood has been shed and we are not happy. The President is equally not happy,” he said.
He said most of the reports widely cited internationally emerged around 2010 when he was a sitting governor, which, according to him, shows how long the crisis has lingered.
Akpabio urged Plateau residents to support President Tinubu and the APC, assuring that stability, development and progress will follow sustained peace.