Barau Calls for Unity, Justice and Responsible Political Participation at Jos National Symposium.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu Democracy Newsline
August 24, 2026.
JOS, PLATEAU STATE — Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has called on Nigerians to strengthen national unity, promote social justice and embrace responsible political participation as essential pathways to achieving lasting peace, stability and development in the country.
Senator Barau made the call while speaking at a one-day National Symposium on “Enhanced Political Participation and Social Justice as a Panacea for Unity and Development in Nigeria,” organised by Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) at the Saddeqa Event Centre in Jos, Plateau State.
The symposium brought together religious leaders, political stakeholders, scholars, community leaders and other participants to deliberate on issues affecting Nigeria’s political and socio-economic development. The gathering provided an important platform for dialogue on how citizens, political leaders and institutions can contribute to building a more united and just society.
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In his remarks, Senator Barau emphasised that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and that national development can only be sustained when citizens are united by a shared commitment to peace, justice and responsible citizenship.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that political participation goes beyond the exercise of voting during elections, noting that citizens have an important role to play in holding leaders accountable, contributing constructively to public discourse and supporting policies that promote the common good.
The Deputy Senate President also underscored the need for social justice, fairness and equal opportunities, stressing that leadership should be measured by its impact on the lives of the people.
According to him, leadership must ultimately be about serving the people, keeping faith with commitments and delivering on promises made to citizens. He therefore encouraged political leaders at all levels to remain accountable and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.
Senator Barau further noted that responsible leadership and meaningful citizen participation are critical to strengthening democratic institutions and fostering confidence in the political process. He urged Nigerians to reject division, intolerance and actions capable of undermining the unity and stability of the nation.
The Deputy Senate President expressed appreciation to the organisers, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah, for convening the symposium and creating a platform where important national issues could be discussed openly and constructively.
He said sustained dialogue among political leaders, religious authorities, traditional institutions, civil society and ordinary citizens would help deepen understanding and promote peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.
The senator reiterated that Nigeria’s development requires collective effort, stressing that no individual, political party, ethnic group or religious community can build a prosperous nation alone.
He called for greater commitment to the values of justice, tolerance, unity and responsible participation, saying that these principles remain indispensable to the country’s quest for peace and sustainable development.
The symposium therefore highlighted the importance of a shared national vision in which political participation is inclusive, leadership is accountable and social justice is pursued for all citizens.
Senator Barau concluded by expressing optimism that through unity, justice, responsible leadership and meaningful political participation, Nigerians can overcome their challenges and build a more peaceful, stable and prosperous nation.
“Together, through unity, justice and responsible leadership, we can achieve greater peace and development in our beloved country, the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, AUGUST 24TH, 2026)
