The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has said Nigeria possesses the potential to rank among the world’s greatest nations if its citizens embrace tolerance and live peacefully with one another.

He said Nigerians are bound by a common heritage, stressing that the forces uniting the country far outweigh those that seek to divide it.

Shettima made the remarks on Wednesday in Jos, the Plateau State capital, when he paid a courtesy visit to the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, Jacob Gyang Buba, at his palace.

“We are all connected one way or the other. We must, therefore, continue to live together. What binds us together supersedes what separates us,” the Vice President said.

Shettima, who was in the state for the grand reception of Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other prominent politicians into the All Progressives Congress (APC), described traditional rulers as custodians of peace and stabilising forces in society.

According to him, beyond preserving culture and tradition, monarchs play a critical role in fostering harmony among their people.

He also commended the cordial relationship between the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and Governor Mutfwang, describing the political realignment as a positive development for Plateau State.

“The National Chairman, who is an indigene of this state, made a generous statement by pledging his full support to the Governor. With their coming together, Plateau State will enjoy more dividends of democracy. That is good for the people,” Shettima said.

The Vice President expressed confidence that the realignment would further strengthen peace, stability and development in the state and the country at large.

“The National Chairman was the opponent of the Governor in the last election, but today they have agreed to work together. There can be no development without peace. With their coming together, the state will enjoy more peace,” he added.

Shettima thanked the Plateau State Government and the people of the state for the warm reception accorded him and members of his entourage.

Earlier, Governor Mutfwang commended the working relationship between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Shettima, expressing optimism that the partnership would continue to benefit the nation.

In his remarks, the Gbong Gwom Jos called for enhanced security measures to address challenges confronting Plateau State and other parts of the country.

“We appreciate the efforts of our security agencies in ensuring peace, but we appeal for more security and genuine reconciliation across the country,” the monarch said.

He stressed that both Islam and Christianity preach peace and reject violence, urging Nigerians to respect one another and live in harmony.

The royal father also welcomed the political realignment in the state, describing it as a positive development for Plateau State and the nation.

Those on the Vice President’s entourage included the APC National Chairman, Governor Abdullahi Sule, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Idris Wase, members of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, and other prominent sons of the state.