In a state broadcast on September 18th, 2023, His Excellency, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Executive Governor of Plateau State, provided a comprehensive update on the political developments in the state. The governor addressed both the challenges faced by his administration and the progress achieved since taking office.
Governor Mutfwang expressed his deep gratitude to the people of Plateau State for entrusting him with the responsibility of governance. He pledged an unwavering commitment to work tirelessly for the collective good and progress of the state..
The governor acknowledged the daunting challenges that confronted his administration upon assuming office, including heightened security issues, an overstaffed civil service, salary arrears, a substantial debt burden, and the deteriorating state of the capital, Jos.
Despite these challenges, he emphasized his administration’s determination to focus on solutions rather than dwelling on past issues.
Key highlights from the state broadcast include:
Security Challenges:Governor Mutfwang reported a significant reduction in daily attacks on the state’s citizens. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and various security agencies for their support in addressing security challenges. He also mentioned the cultivation of approximately 900 hectares of land in attacked communities.
Civil Service and Salary Backlogs: Efforts were made to restore due process in the civil service, correct employment irregularities, and address questionable appointments. The backlog of salaries has been cleared up to July 2023, with payments for August in progress.
Infrastructure and Sanitation:Significant progress has been made in road maintenance across Jos-Bukuru metropolis. Road renewal projects are planned for the dry season to ensure the durability of constructed infrastructure. The Jos metropolis has also witnessed improvements, with the removal of refuse heaps and monthly sanitation exercises encouraged.
Governance and Accountability:Governor Mutfwang urged citizens to constructively engage with government institutions as his administration refocuses them to provide better service. He pledged to uphold principles of equity, fairness, and justice, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious affiliations.
Economic Initiatives:Efforts to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal include the reactivation of rail transportation within the Greater Jos Master Plan, covering key locations within Jos-North and Jos South. A 5-billion-Naira palliative received from the Federal Government will be distributed systematically after consultations to ensure the most effective deployment and support for the disadvantaged.
Political Developments and Peace: The Governor emphasized the importance of maintaining faith in the democratic process and avoiding unnecessary tensions generated by recent political developments. He called for calm, restraint, and nonviolent dispute resolution mechanisms.
Youth Empowerment: Governor Mutfwang cautioned the youth against being incited to violence by individuals with unexplained wealth. He urged them to reject leaders who promote destabilization and focus on constructive paths.
The governor concluded by appealing for unity and collective action in rebuilding a prosperous Plateau State, promising to leave indelible marks and set a new performance standard for successive leaders.
The state broadcast underscored the commitment of the Plateau State Government to peace, progress, and good governance, calling on all citizens to join in the journey towards a brighter future for the state.