Senator representing Plateau North in the National Assembly, Istifanus Gyang, says reconciliation, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence among the people is still possible in spite of all that has happened in the state. Gyang stated this on Thursday while while addressing his constituents from Bassa and Jos North local governments during a thank-you tour of the local government areas.
Plateau North was the worst hit by crises that bedeviled the state in the recent past and caused division among the people. The lawmaker told the people to forgive one another and live together the way they used to.
He, however, said that restitution was necessary for genuine forgiveness.
“But one thing that must be done to achieve this is to allow those who have been displaced to return to their homes.
“And that is why we will continue to appeal to government to assist the affected communities to rebuild their homes that have been destroyed as a result of the crisis,” he said.
Gyang told the gathering that he was working with his colleagues in the National Assembly and police authorities to strengthen community policing model in order to stem the tide of insecurity in the country.
He said the National Assembly on Wednesday invited the Inspector-General of Police to explain to the members the concept of community policing.
“The community policing is a strategy where some youths would be engaged by police, they will serve as special constables.
“And these special police constables are going to be embedded in these communities.
“They are going to be people in these communities that know the terrain, know the cultures and know everyone in that community and will liaise closely with the conventional policemen.
“And each community will have community police committee comprising traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth leaders and women leaders,” he explained
He disclosed that he would soon introduce an empowerment programme particularly for youths and women.
Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Jos North Local Government chapter, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi, in his remarks, said that the people of the area were proud of Sen. Gyang’s quality representation at the National Assembly.
Mrs Jumai Madaki, Women Leader, Bass Local Government, also commended the senator for his efforts at empowering the people of the constituency.
Madaki, however, called on the senator to consider more women in programmes particularly for employment.
