…Pledges ₦2bn for Plateau Terror Victims
By Yinka Giwa
President Bola Tinubu has declared his intention to seek re-election in 2027, insisting that worsening insecurity across the country will not deter his ambition, even as he accused political opponents of exploiting the situation to undermine his administration.
Speaking on Wednesday while receiving Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, former governors of the state and other stakeholders at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu said his “enemies” were weaponising insecurity for political ends.
“You are playing to the hand of agents, including my own enemies, who want to use insecurity to get rid of me,” the President said. “I’m a very stubborn politician. I just refuse to go. And I will campaign for my second term.”
The President’s remarks come amid sustained criticism of the Federal Government’s handling of security challenges, including killings, kidnappings and attacks by armed groups in several parts of the country.
Tinubu, however, maintained that his administration remains committed to tackling insecurity and warned that individuals responsible for instigating violence, particularly in Plateau State, would face decisive action.
“If you identify and you know the name of troublemakers, agents or provocateurs who want to continue killing or instigate killing, let us know. We will use the instrument of office to deal with them,” he said.
He also endorsed the formation of a unified peace committee made up of former Plateau governors, urging them to harmonise past reports and recommend actionable solutions to end the recurring violence.
In addition, the President renewed his call for the establishment of state police, describing it as a critical step towards addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
“Through the legislators who are here, we are going to work together to establish state police on a national scale,” he said, adding that improved local policing would help enforce laws and restore order.
As part of efforts to support victims of the crisis, Tinubu pledged ₦2 billion to assist those affected by the violence in Plateau State.
Governor Mutfwang described the meeting as historic, noting that it was the first time all living former governors of the state had come together to address the security situation.
“The coming together of the former governors has never happened before. This is the first time it is happening, and I believe that is a step we can build upon,” he said.