Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday counselled youths in Plateau State to embrace peace and reconciliation and stop ethnic profiling, stressing that criminality has no boundaries.

This was as former President Goodluck Jonathan disclosed plans to convene a national democracy dialogue to examine the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the role of political parties in strengthening democratic governance across the country.

He said the event would hold in Bauchi later this month.

Both leaders spoke at the public presentation of the autobiography of former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah David Jang, as part of activities marking his 80th birthday in Jos.

The book, entitled From Soldiering to Politics: Here I Stand, chronicled Jang’s early childhood, service in the Nigerian Air Force, tenure as military administrator of old Gongola State, governor of Plateau State and senator representing Plateau North.

Shettima urged Plateau residents not to inherit hatred but to embrace dialogue, noting that criminals can be found in every tribe and every religion.

He warned against attributing crimes perpetrated by armed groups to an entire ethnic or religious group.

Sympathising with what he described as the unfortunate situation of Plateau youths, the vice president said: “The young men and women of Plateau have inherited baggage they did not create. They carry the grievances of a generation they never met and the quarrels of a history they never wrote.

He urged leaders in the state to continue inculcating in younger generations the virtues of love, understanding and peaceful coexistence, and appealed to elder statesmen such as Jang to continue using their moral authority and influence to guide the younger generation towards peace.

“Baba, give them your ears, your patience and the wisdom of a guardian. Those who have earned the right to be heard on this subject must continue to speak.

“Tell them what hatred costs. Show them that forgiveness is the hardest labour a strong man ever undertakes and the only virtue greater than revenge.

“Those carrying out these atrocities have no mandate from any community. They represent no religion, no ethnicity and no culture. When innocent people are condemned for the sins of criminals, we deepen our divisions and hand victory to those who profit from violence.”

He lamented that years of bloodshed had turned once-thriving communities into centres of grief and fear.

“They turned fertile lands into places of mourning. They emptied markets of laughter. They sought to replace trust with suspicion and hope with fear. Yet, even in these painful moments, the people of Plateau have refused to surrender their humanity.”

Quoting renowned author and philosopher Mahatma Gandhi, the vice president said: “The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

The vice president said those who want to destroy Plateau understand that the state occupies a unique place in Nigeria’s history and national development and is home to strategic institutions that have continued to shape the country’s security architecture and public policy.

He also paid tribute to Jang, describing him as a patriot whose decades of military and public service have left an enduring legacy of sacrifice, courage and nation-building.

Eulogising Jang, Shettima said: “Life is measured by the difference we make among our people. Office passes from one hand to another. Power is temporary, but what endures is the good we leave behind in human lives. Public office is temporary, but the impact of selfless service endures beyond political power.”

Shettima, reminiscing about his first meeting with Jang, said it was in 1994 when he was a young banker.

He prayed for God’s continued grace upon the former governor and called on Nigerians to remain united in building a country where peace, justice and security prevail over division and violence.

Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan described political parties as key to Nigeria’s future.

The former president said the dialogue would bring together political leaders, policymakers, scholars and other stakeholders to deliberate on the evolution of political parties and the challenges of navigating democracy in Nigeria.

He said: “One of the major issues to be discussed is how political parties are evolving and how Nigerians can continue to navigate and strengthen democracy in our country.”

Jonathan added that “building strong political parties and democratic institutions remained critical to Nigeria’s stability, national unity and sustainable development.”

While paying glowing tribute to Jang, he described him as a statesman whose life exemplifies faith, sacrifice, discipline and selfless service to the nation.

He said the occasion provided an opportunity not only to honour Jang’s 80th birthday but also to reflect on the values that shaped his decades of public service.

“Senator Jonah Jang has served this country in many capacities as a military officer, military administrator, senator and governor.

“His journey reminds us that leadership should not be defined by titles alone but by commitment, discipline and the willingness to serve others,” he said.

Jonathan recalled working closely with Jang during his administration, describing him as a dependable partner who remained committed to Plateau State and supported efforts aimed at strengthening national unity and deepening democracy despite the political, economic and security challenges facing the country at the time.

“I had the privilege of working with Senator Jang when I was president and he was Governor of Plateau State.

“We found him to be a dependable partner who was committed to the progress of his state and supported our collective efforts to strengthen national unity and deepen our democracy,” Jonathan stated.

Jonathan described the book not only as a memoir but also as a historical record that would inspire future generations and preserve the nation’s democratic journey.

“Books like this preserve our history by documenting the experiences of those who have lived through defining moments. They help younger generations understand the past and prepare for the future.

“‘From Soldiering to Politics: Here I Stand’ is more than a personal memoir. It is a contribution to our national history. It reminds us that leadership requires courage, patience, resilience and faith.”

Jonathan described the theme of the event, Faith, Service, Leadership and Legacy, as a fitting reflection of Jang’s life and public service.

Apart from the vice president and former President Jonathan, the book launch attracted the chief host, Governor Caleb Mutfwang. Other dignitaries included Governors Agbu Kefas and Hyacinth Alia of Taraba and Benue states respectively, former Governor Joshua Dariye and former military administrator of old Plateau State, Bitrus Atukum.

Others included former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Pauline Tallen; ministers; federal and state lawmakers; traditional rulers; religious leaders; senior military officers; diplomats; and other dignitaries from across the country.

To mark the former governor’s birthday, Shettima conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the appointment of Jang’s son, Yakubu, as a special adviser. (Saturday Sun)

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