By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Plateau Citizens Peace and Unity Movement has clarified that Brig.-Gen. Gakji Shipi (rtd), Special Adviser on Security and Homeland Safety to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, was quoted out of context regarding his recent comments at a one-day sensitisation programme on peace and peaceful coexistence held at Sharna Palace, Jos.
The event, which brought together Fulani men and women from several local government areas, was sponsored by the Senior Special Assistant on Fulani Affairs to the governor.
In a statement jointly signed by Mankam Langnap and Alhaji Abdullah Umar on behalf of the group, they stressed that Shipi’s remarks were misrepresented.
“As a group, we want to make it clear to the public that General Shipi was quoted extremely out of context,” they stated.
According to them, Shipi had referred to all participants, including the Fulani, as stakeholders in the Plateau peace process. He particularly urged them to seek ways of addressing the ongoing attacks in the state.
Speaking in Hausa, Shipi told the gathering that since the Fulani claim to be ‘yan kasa (citizens or long-term settlers), they should resist attempts by outsiders to incite them to commit atrocities against their own people.
He also encouraged the Fulani community to enrol their children in schools, stressing that education is vital for the development of their community, the state, and the nation at large. He further urged them to embrace peaceful coexistence.
The group added that Shipi had emphasised Governor Mutfwang’s commitment to inclusive and accountable governance, noting that the governor is carrying all stakeholders along in efforts to ensure lasting peace in the state.
“General Shipi is dedicated to his duties as Special Adviser to the governor on security. He is working with all stakeholders to ensure the governor’s mandate of achieving lasting peace in Plateau State is realised,” the statement read.
The group passed a vote of confidence on Shipi, urging him to remain focused and continue to discharge his responsibilities diligently. They also called on Nigerians to disregard what they described as a deliberate attempt by detractors to misrepresent his comments and discredit his office.
