By POLYCARP AUTA

President Bola Tinubu has promised to rebuild ravaged communities and ensure the safe return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their original abodes.

Tinubu gave the assurance at the North-Central Presidential Campaign Rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday in Jos.

The President further promised to strengthen security operations across all troubled areas of Plateau and other parts of the country.

“I got the report from the governor, and I saw hope in the faces of our people.

” Now that we can rebuild our ravaged communities, I want to assure the internally displaced persons that we will rebuild their communities and bring them back to their homes.

“I have directed all the security agencies to take decisive action. What we should be getting is stability and prosperity, not crises.

” Our government was not elected to inflict wounds on others or to bury people. We have to lift our people from penury to prosperity,” he said.

The President disclosed that his administration had directed the reinforcement, security deployment and strengthening coordination among security agencies to improve rapid response to security threats.

“One thousand forest guards are undergoing training right now and will be deployed to Plateau soon.

“You will feel them, you will see them, and you will feel secure in your communities.

“As I promised, 5,000 surveillance cameras have already been procured. They will further strengthen early detection and early warning security operations,” he said.

Tinubu reiterated his commitment to addressing the plight of displaced persons, saying the Federal Government would work with the Plateau government and community leaders to facilitate their resettlement.

“To our displaced families, I say once again that government is working to end your suffering and bring you back to rebuild your communities.

“We will work with the governor, traditional rulers and other leaders to rebuild those communities and take you back to settle in the comfort of where you belong,” he said.

The President commended Dr Bernard Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, for his contributions to supporting vulnerable Nigerians and displaced persons.

“I appreciate the contribution of your son, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

“Doro is doing a very good job identifying the vulnerable and the neediest and stretching the hand of humanity to them,” the president said.

Tinubu urged residents of Plateau to embrace peaceful coexistence, saying the future of the state depended on unity, mutual respect and understanding among its people.

“The future of this land is shared. Living together peacefully is a necessity we must nurture with patience, fairness and mutual respect.

“I plead with you to forget whatever differences we may have. Let us work together for a prosperous country,” he appealed.

He also urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, (PVCs), and vote for the APC in the forthcoming elections.

He assured residents that the 2027 elections would be peaceful, urging them not to be intimidated by individuals seeking to cause violence.

Tinubu further promised to support the development of Plateau’s economy through improved transportation and agricultural exports, including plans to convert the state’s airport into a cargo airport.

“We are going to convert your airport into a cargo airport. From there, you will be able to ship vegetables and potatoes abroad directly.

“The economy will improve and prosperity will grow,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima, praised Tinubu for taking the courageous decisions that saved Nigeria from economic collapse.

“We were on the verge of collapse, but our President took the courage and conviction to take far-reaching decisions that have saved the economy from collapse.

“He is indeed a transformational leader, and I believe posterity will be kind to him.

“Now our economy is on a sound footing. Our foreign reserves are hovering in the neighbourhood of 60 billion dollars.” Shettima said.

The vice president said he particularly admired Tinubu for accepting responsibility for the country’s economic woes, instead of blaming his predecessors.

“Most importantly, I respect him fundamentally for one thing. A lot of leaders, upon assuming the mantle of leadership, have two options; either to continue to kick the ball down the alley or blame their predecessors.

“But Tinubu assumed the mantle of leadership took over the assets and liabilities of his predecessor,” he said.

He also urged Nigerians to support Tinubu and Gov. Caleb Mutfwang in 2027, saying the political differences that divided APC leaders in the state during the 2023 elections had been resolved.

“I urge you, beseech and implore you to rally around our great leaders. I want you to vote for our President and your governor,” Shettima said. (NAN)