Committee Finalizes Report on Plateau State Crisis
The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee, tasked with investigating the recurring crisis in Plateau State, has declared its readiness to submit a final report to President Bola Tinubu. This initiative aims to address decades of violence that have resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and significant property damage across the state.
Chairman of the Committee, Wale Ahmed, shared this information during a visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, in Abuja on Thursday. Ahmed emphasized that the committee’s efforts are part of extensive consultations with various stakeholders involved in the crisis.
Ahmed highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to restoring peace not only in Plateau State but also throughout Nigeria. He stated that the committee would present its findings and recommendations to both the House and the President.
“There will be a forum where all major stakeholders, individuals, community leaders, and organizations will present their perspectives. At the end of our consultations, a comprehensive report will be submitted to the House and to Mr. President, who, as Commander-in-Chief, has shown great interest in achieving lasting peace in Plateau State and the entire country,” he said.
Insights from Stakeholder Interactions
According to Ahmed, the committee’s interactions have been revealing, uncovering both the underlying causes of the crisis and potential pathways to peace. He noted that every stakeholder met by the committee has provided unique perspectives.
“We have written to over 300 individuals and organizations and received numerous memoranda. Even the immediate past Commander of Operation Safe Haven, General Rogers, appeared before us to share his experience,” he added.
Ahmed explained that the committee would analyze all submissions to identify common themes and actionable recommendations that reflect the aspirations of Plateau citizens.
Commendations for the House’s Intervention
In his remarks, Yilwatda commended the House for its intervention, describing the crisis as one that has crippled the state’s economy and eroded public confidence. He pointed out the losses incurred due to insecurity, including the shutdown of businesses and the perception of Plateau as unsafe.
“Many now see Plateau as unsafe, and this perception has affected tourism, investment, and development. I commend the National Assembly for showing concern and for working to uncover the root causes of this crisis,” he said.
Engagements with Key Figures
The committee has so far met with former Governor Joshua Dariye, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, opinion leaders, and security agencies, among others. Ahmed stated that the submissions from these engagements would ensure the report accurately reflects the realities and hopes of the Plateau people.
Formation of the Committee
The House had, on March 31, 2024, constituted the panel to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the violent attacks in the North-Central state. The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance jointly moved by Ishaya Lalu and Dalyop Chollom during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.