Stories by PETER TITLE
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has distanced his administration from an open letter purportedly addressed to President Bola Tinubu by a faceless group known as the ‘Plateau United Front (PUF)’.
The letter, signed by one Sargwak Haruna, sought to create controversy around the President’s planned visit to Plateau for the burial of the mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
In a statement signed by Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, the publication was described as mischievous, ill-motivated and unrepresentative of the feelings of the majority of the people of Plateau State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Government of Plateau State dissociates itself entirely from this ill-conceived publication, which does not represent the views of the Governor, the Government, or indeed any patriotic Plateau citizen committed to peace, unity, and mutual respect,” the statement read.
The Governor’s office said the tone and content of the letter betrayed the desperation of its sponsors and fell far below the civil and respectful manner in which Governor Mutfwang engaged with the Presidency and other eminent Nigerians.
“It must be emphasised that Governor Mutfwang has consistently acknowledged and appreciated the remarkable interventions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Federal Government in seeking lasting solutions to the insecurity that has bedevilled Plateau State,” the statement continued.
It added that Mutfwang remained committed to sustaining cordial ties with the Presidency in the interest of Plateau and Nigeria, stressing that any attempt to sow discord between the Governor and the President was “dead on arrival.”
Describing Mutfwang as a bridge-builder, the statement noted that his appreciation of the President’s appointment of Plateau citizens into key national positions was well documented.
The Governor, it further said, had also extended a hand of fellowship to peace-loving Plateau indigenes serving at the federal level, urging them to prioritise unity and service above partisan interests.
“We therefore urge the general public to disregard the malicious fabrications contained in the so-called open letter,” the statement added, calling on security agencies to investigate and expose its authors and sponsors.
Governor Mutfwang and the people of Plateau, the release concluded, looked forward to warmly receiving President Tinubu whenever he visited the state.
…. Preaches unity, evengelism beyond church walls
Christians have been urged to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to all corners of the world, as many people are still living in darkness.
The call also stressed the need for unity in advancing the gospel, with the reminder that “a house divided against itself will certainly fall,” while there is strength in unity.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State made the charge Sunday while serving as Guest Preacher at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Regional Church Council (RCC), Abuja Combined Fellowship and Fundraising, held at COCIN, Garki Area One, in the Federal Capital Territory.
The governor reminded Christians of God’s unending love and urged believers to embrace peace and unity as exemplified by Jesus Christ.
He challenged the congregation to live lives that reflect the character of Christ, noting that COCIN had produced many respected individuals who have not only contributed to the growth of the body of Christ but also influenced governance and national development.
Taking his texts from John, Psalms and 3 John, and preaching under the theme, ‘The Cry of Christ for Unity’, Governor Mutfwang emphasised that the true measure of the gospel’s growth is not in the multiplication of church buildings but in effective evangelism that wins souls into the kingdom.
He called on COCIN members to emulate the sacrifices of early missionaries who left their comfort zones to spread the gospel now freely enjoyed.
“The only thing that pleases God is when we continuously seek peace and unity with one another and refrain from the pull-him-down syndrome,” he noted.
According to him, “It is good and pleasant when God’s people dwell together in unity. If the gospel must advance, we must stop fighting one another and allow the Spirit of God to bind our hearts.”
Mutfwang further urged citizens of Plateau and the Middle Belt to love one another and remain united for the progress of the region and Nigeria at large.
Welcoming the Guest Preacher, the RCC Abuja Chairman, Rev. Shadrach Yusufu Panle, expressed delight at his presence.
He said that though the worshippers came from different Local Church Councils (LCCs), they were united by their love for Christ and their desire to follow His teachings and know Him more.
Our correspondent reports that the combined fellowship and fundraising attracted dignitaries from all walks of life.
The programme was organised to support the purchase of land for Local Church Councils, the construction of the RCC secretariat and a Church Guest House.