Sani Dawop, governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Plateau, says he will strengthen local vigilante groups to tackle insecurity in the state if elected in 2023.

“Most importantly, we will improve on the capacity of our local vigilante groups and provide them with the necessary support to operate optimally, especially in intelligence gathering and early warnings,” Mr Dawop, 56, said in an interview on Sunday in Jos.

He added that he would ensure regular training, retraining, and adequate support in terms of logistics for the groups to function effectively.

The candidate, who identified security and sustainable peace as one of his cardinal agenda, said he would be strategic toward securing the lives and property of plateau residents.

He said he would take very seriously the issues of early warning, adding that such a move would elicit an early response from appropriate quarters.

“We will strategically address the issue of insecurity that has eluded this state for over two decades because once there is insecurity, forget development.

“We will redesign the security architecture of the state and ensure all stakeholders are carried along in the security administration of the state.

“Traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, youth and women groups, Non-Governmental Organisations, among others, will all be involved,” he said.

He promised to ensure maximum security for local farmers for optimal production of farm produce, adding that such would promote food security and address the looming hunger staring the nation in the face.

Mr Dawop also promised to revive the economy of the state through massive industrialisation, adding that the economy of the state had been stagnant due to the absence of manufacturing companies.

The candidate noted that the absence of manufacturing firms in the state had contributed to the high level of unemployment and poor Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

“If you go round the whole state, you hardly can find any strong and viable manufacturing company that is doing well.

“Government provides all the jobs, so we will create enabling environment for the established industries to create employment opportunities for our people.

“By so doing, we are not only reviving the economy of the state but boosting its IGR and widening the development scope of the state,” he said.

He also promised to resuscitate the falling standard of public education in the state, insisting that only quality education would ensure a better future for the younger generation.

“So, we are coming to initiate and inject new ideas toward bettering the lots of our people in critical sectors,” he said.

Mr Dawop urged residents of the state to vote ADP at all levels in the forthcoming general elections for a better and greater society.

(NAN)