A Journey of Resilience and Vision
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the people of his state, emphasizing that his administration will continue to champion their interests despite ongoing challenges. During a Thanksgiving service marking his third year in office at the COCIN Headquarters Church in Jos, Mutfwang expressed his unwavering dedication to the citizens of Plateau.
“I won’t stop speaking for the people of Plateau State. We have said so many things concerning Plateau that are not in the media space. By the grace of God, we will continue to do that in the best interest of our people,” he stated.
The event attracted a wide array of attendees, including former governors, traditional rulers, church leaders, government officials, legislators, and military leaders such as Gen Martin Agwai (retd). Addressing concerns about holding the thanksgiving amid recent developments, Mutfwang emphasized the importance of gratitude, citing scripture as a guiding principle.
“There was a debate whether this thanksgiving should be held or not in spite of all that has been happening, but when we remembered the scripture that in all things, we should give Him thanks, we decided to go ahead, and we are here,” he said.
Mutfwang reflected on the obstacles he faced during his political journey, recalling how close he came to abandoning his ambitions. Despite these challenges, he remained focused on uniting the state and delivering good governance.
“Even after assuming office, the forces against us did not stop. Immediately after assuming office, a reign of terror was unleashed on Mangu, my own LGA, and Riyom, the LGA of the deputy governor. From there, there were also court cases that moved to the Supreme Court, all in an attempt to stop me.”
He described the Supreme Court judgment of January 12, 2024, which affirmed his mandate, as a divine rescue. “I escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler. If not for the Supreme Court, I was gone,” he recalled.
Mutfwang also shared unexpected support during his campaign, including a $100,000 gift from a stranger and funding from a prominent elder statesman, though he declined to name the benefactor.
Achievements Under the Three Pillar Policy
Under the Three Pillar Policy of peace and security, good governance, and economic development, Mutfwang highlighted several achievements. His administration has restored dignity to the civil service by clearing inherited salary arrears, ensuring regular payments, restoring promotions, and reconnecting government offices to electricity.
Over N16bn has been paid for pensions and gratuities since 2023, covering arrears dating back to 1986, although approximately N60bn is still needed to clear the backlog. He urged patience, stating, “We will continue to do our best. Be patient with us.”
Humanitarian assistance totaling over N4bn was provided to vulnerable residents between January and December last year, covering medical bills, school fees, and other support. The Plateau State Specialist Hospital was upgraded with N2bn in modern laboratory equipment, and health insurance coverage under the Mutfwang-Care Initiative grew significantly.
Education and Infrastructure Developments
In education, tuition for Plateau indigenes in state-owned tertiary institutions was reduced by 50%, while scholarship funding increased by 300%. Additionally, 397 classrooms were constructed, and 557 were renovated through SUBEB and AGILE, with 200 students studying in India under the Mutfwang Legacy Scholarship Scheme.
On infrastructure, over 500km of roads have been asphalted, with more than 2,000km expected to be completed in the next few months. Water projects, including the N30bn Langtang North scheme and the Yelwa Club Water Treatment Plant, have been revived and inaugurated.
Security and Unity
Mutfwang acknowledged the complexity of the security situation but noted that ongoing efforts are yielding results. He commended President Bola Tinubu for providing clearer direction to security agencies and emphasized the need to confront enemies of the state.
He lamented the loss of lives in attacks across the state and decried a culture of division. “There is a spirit on the Plateau that if I don’t destroy my brother, I cannot move forward. It is happening in politics, in the civil service, in the church and everywhere. By the grace of God, we will overcome it,” he said.
Mutfwang appealed for sustained prayers and cooperation from citizens, stating, “We need the prayers and support of the people to enable us to achieve more.”
Spiritual Guidance and Community Support
Delivering the sermon, Rev Dr Duncan Gomwalk of the Christian Association of Nigeria praised the administration’s focus on prayer and dependence on God. “Good things happen when people work in unity. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them in all. I believe that God has delivered Plateau already in Jesus’ name,” he said.
Community leaders and stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, urged citizens to support leadership. Former Military Administrator Col Bitrus Atukun (retd) emphasized the importance of patience and tolerance in governance, while CAN leaders pledged continued support for the administration.
