Mutfwang Vows Stronger Advocacy for Plateau Amid Security, Political Challenges

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has pledged to continue defending the interests of the people of the state despite the security challenges, political battles, and economic pressures facing his administration.

Speaking on Sunday during a Thanksgiving service marking his third year in office at the COCIN Headquarters Church in Jos, the governor insisted that he would not stop speaking for the people of Plateau.

He disclosed that he almost gave up during the party primaries but was driven by a desire to unite the state and provide good governance. According to him, immediately after assuming office, attacks were unleashed on his local government area and that of the deputy governor, while court cases pursued him all the way to the Supreme Court.

Mutfwang described the Supreme Court judgment of January 12, 2024, which affirmed his mandate, as a divine rescue, adding that he escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler.

He also revealed that a prominent elder statesman from Plateau funded his entire campaign, though he declined to name the benefactor.

The governor called for an end to what he described as a destructive spirit on the Plateau, where some believe the only way to rise is to destroy others. He observed this trend in politics, the civil service, and even the church.

Outlining his administration’s achievements under the Three Pillar Policy of peace and security, good governance, and economic development, Mutfwang said his government had restored dignity to the civil service by clearing inherited salary arrears, ensuring regular salary payments, and restoring promotions.

He disclosed that over N16 billion has been paid for pensions and gratuities since 2023, covering arrears dating back to 1986, though about N60 billion is still required to clear the backlog. He also noted that over N4 billion was spent on humanitarian assistance to vulnerable residents between January and December last year.

On health, the governor said the Plateau State Specialist Hospital has been upgraded with N2 billion in modern laboratory equipment, while health insurance coverage under the Mutfwang-Care Initiative grew from 93,605 beneficiaries in 2023 to 319,429.

For education, Tuition for Plateau indigenes in state-owned tertiary institutions was reduced by 50 per cent, while scholarship funding increased by 300 per cent. He added that 200 students are currently studying in India under the Mutfwang Legacy Scholarship Scheme.

On infrastructure, the governor disclosed that not less than 500 kilometres of roads have been asphalted, with over 2,000 kilometres expected to be completed in the coming months. Water projects, including the N30 billion Langtang North scheme and the Yelwa Club Water Treatment Plant, have been revived and inaugurated.

Regarding security, Mutfwang described the situation as complex but said ongoing efforts were yielding results. He commended the President for providing clearer direction to security agencies.

Delivering the sermon, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Plateau State, Rev Dr Duncan Gomwalk, commended the administration’s posture of prayer and dependence on God, noting that significant development is taking place despite the challenges.

The governor appealed for sustained prayers and cooperation from citizens to enable the government to achieve more.