The Jahr Patriotic Forum has disowned a controversial letter recently addressed to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang over the security situation in Kanam Local Government Area, describing it as politically motivated and offensive to the values of the Jahr people.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday at the NUJ Press Centre in Jos, former Kanam LGA Chairman, Dr. Dayyabu Garga, who represented the Forum, said the authors of the letter acted without mandate and used inflammatory language uncharacteristic of the Jahr community.
“We are not contesting the intent of the letter, but we are flabbergasted by the language employed,” .
“The Jahr people are known to be humble, polite, and level-headed. It is embarrassing to see a letter to the Chief Executive of the State filled with ultimatums, insults, and threats.”Garga stated
He specifically took issue with the claim that “we are no longer needed in Plateau State,” describing it as baseless and provocative.“That is a political statement with no evidence whatsoever,” he said.
“We have been an integral part of Plateau since pre-colonial times. No government has ever attempted to expel or disenfranchise us”.
The Forum also dismissed accusations that Governor Mutfwang has neglected Jahr Chiefdom in his security efforts.
“To say the Governor has never mentioned the insecurity in Jahr is a blatant lie. He has been one of the most proactive leaders in the North-Central, tackling terrorism, kidnapping, herdsmen attacks, and other threats with commitment and energy.”
Garga warned that the language in the letter amounted to an incitement and questioned the role of the Jahr Development Association’s caretaker committee in sponsoring such a move.
“What kind of leadership is the caretaker committee offering when they incite the people against government?” he asked. “We are law-abiding and enlightened people. We urge them to stop heating up the polity.”
The Forum called on the traditional ruler of the Jahr people, the Ra’an Jahr, to immediately dissolve the caretaker committee and constitute a new one with a clear timeline for elections.
“This committee has overstayed its welcome,” Garga said. “We appeal to our Royal Father to act now and restore proper leadership.
While expressing concern over rising insecurity, the Forum also reaffirmed its confidence in the current administration.
“We appreciate the Governor’s efforts in confronting criminality. But like Oliver Twist, we ask for more,” Garga added. “We will continue to support the state government and provide whatever information and logistics are needed to secure our communities.”
