From Gyang Bere, Jos

Vice Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kashim Shittima has said their administration will fight poverty, unemployment and ensure there is peace in Nigeria if elected into office in 2023.

Shittima disclosed this on Saturday during the coronation and presentation of 1st Class Staff of office to His Royal Highness, Da. John Putmang Hirse, the Mishkaham Mwaghavul, held in Mangu, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Da. Hirse succeeded Da. Nelson Andok Bakfur who passed on in December 2021 when District Heads of Mwaghavul nation met on the 15 June, 2022 and selected him as the new Mishkaham Mwaghavul.

Shittima called on all ethnic groups that migrated from the Lake Chad basin to do everything within their power to maintain their cordial relationship for their growth and development.

“What bind us together is superior to anything. We need to maintain our relationship; we need peace in this country so that we will harness the potentials of our people. We will fight against poverty, unemployment and ensure education for all.” He stated.

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong who performed the coronation and presentation of staff of office, said the certificate and the staff of office is an essential instrument that will defend and protect him and the Mwaghavul nation.

He urged him to work closely with the Local Government Council to provide security and tackle all criminal activities within his domain.

Said Lalong “ I have always emphasized that the Traditional Institution is vital to the survival of our cultural heritage as it forms the bedrock of our coexistence. As a people who share common and unique identity, the continuous maintenance of the norms, traditions and culture of the Chiefdom must be safe-guarded in the greater interest of the people.

“You are aware that my administration since coming on board has paid greater attention to reviving the traditional institution so that it can contribute meaningfully to the development of the State particularly at the grassroots level. This we believe will engender social cohesion and promote peaceful coexistence among our people.

“Let me warn that the isolated attacks in parts of Mangu, Wase, Bokkos and other Local government areas, including cases of kidnappings and destruction of farm crops ready for harvesting will be dealt with severely. I have been sufficiency briefed by the security agencies and have equally directed them to take the fight to the criminals who must be flushed out of the State at all costs.

“This is more so when we are approaching the yuletide period where there is heightened need for security. I assure the citizens that their security remains topmost priority and we will never surrender our State to criminals.”.

The Shehu of Borno was represented by Prof. Andrew Haruna and equally called for peace and unity of the people.

In his acceptance speech, the 4th Mishkaham Mwaghavul, Da John Putmang Hirse said that his people both at home and in the diaspora will unite to support him in the task for which he has dedicated his life to.