—Backs state police, seeks stronger support for military
By Golok Nanmwa
JOS — Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central Senatorial District, has described President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima on the All Progressives Congress, APC, 2027 presidential ticket as a demonstration of stability, courage and continuity in governance.
Speaking with journalists in Jos on Sunday, Plang said he was pleased that President Tinubu resisted pressure to change his running mate, describing the decision as one that would strengthen national unity and policy continuity.
“I thank God that President Tinubu has remained steadfast and retained Senator Kashim Shettima as his vice president.
That is stability at the highest level of leadership. I am proud of that decision because Shettima has been loyal, active, accessible and committed to the success of this administration,” he said.
The senator said Nigerians should be willing to make personal sacrifices in support of the Tinubu administration, insisting that the President’s vision, courage, inclusiveness and commitment to infrastructure development deserved broad national backing.
Commenting on the controversy surrounding alleged fake government agencies, Plang said the Senate would intensify its oversight responsibilities to ensure that only legally established agencies continue to operate.
According to him, the discovery has exposed the need for relevant Senate committees to thoroughly review agencies under their supervision and verify their legal status.
He also commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for recent successes in the fight against insecurity, particularly the rescue of kidnapped victims and sustained operations against criminal elements nationwide.
Plang acknowledged the sacrifices made by security personnel, noting that many officers had lost their lives in the line of duty while defending the country.
He called for increased funding, improved welfare and the recruitment of more personnel into the military and other security agencies, saying adequate manpower was critical to tackling the nation’s security challenges.
The lawmaker reiterated his support for establishing state police, describing it as a national consensus that would enhance intelligence gathering, improve community policing, and strengthen the fight against insecurity.
He said the creation of state police would enable states to recruit personnel familiar with local terrain, culture and languages, thereby improving response to security threats and complementing the efforts of existing federal security agencies.
