Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has promised to give citizens of the state quality leadership.
He has also pledged to unite the state, ensure peaceful coexistence and improve the economic fortunes of the state through Public Private Partnership (PPP).
Mutfwang made the promise during his official inauguration and swearing in ceremony as governor of the state, on May 29, 2023, at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium, Jos.
Mutfwang who emerged governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), took over from the 8-year reign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Barr. Simon Bako Lalong.
Former Plateau Governor, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong represented by his Deputy, Prof. Sonny Gwanle Tyoden, Inspected Guard of Honour mounted by the Nigerian Police after which he performed the handing over rites to the new Governor. Governor Mutfwang received the salute and reviewed the parade.
Also sworn in at the ceremony was his deputy, Hon. Josephine Piyo, a seasoned politician administrator.
Party supporters, clad in green and white attire, filled the stadium to the brim, as the event attracted past governors, government officials, political appointees, parliamentarians, political stalwarts, party faithful, businessmen and women, and guests from within and outside the state.
After the Chief Judge of Plateau, Justice David Mann administered the oath of office, the new governor said, “It is with great pleasure and immense gratitude to God that I address you today as the 6th democratically elected Governor of Plateau State”.
He appreciated Plateau people for the overwhelming support he got that brought him into office, emphasising that his government will promote brotherhood, interreligious harmony and unity.
He said, “I therefore welcome you to a new Plateau where tribe, and faith will no longer be tools for division but rich multi coloured threads to be weaved into strong ropes that will pull us together for unity and progress”.
“Conscious of the fact that I have been elected governor by the divine will of God and the great determination of the people, I promise by word and deed, to be an advocate and practitioner of justice, fairness and equity”.
The governor appreciated the founding fathers of the state who have laid a solid foundation for its existence and promised to consolidate on their efforts to bring development to the state.
Mutfwang assured of revamping the health, education, agricultural sectors, mining and mineral sectors, sports, water sector, Information Communications Technology ICT, People with Disabilities, and collaborating with local governments on the PDP’s policy of 5 kilometers of asphalt roads in each local government headquarters, despite an inherited debt burden of 200 billion Naira.
He lamented the killings in Mangu, Bokkos, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and Bassa Local Government in premeditated attacks, calling on citizens to embrace peace for the development of the state. He further promised to equip the state security outfit ” Operation Rainbow” to augment the existing national security apparatus.
While extending an olive branch to other political parties that lost in the elections to join hands with his government to build the state, Mutfwang disclosed that he will turn Plateau to the economic hub of Northern Nigeria by creating a friendly environment and Ease of Doing Business for all businesspersons.
“We will deliberately explore Public Private Partnership as a philosophy for the development of all critical sectors”.
“We will give special attention to agricultural products in which the state has comparative advantage to address the scourge of poverty” said Mutfwang. He stressed that underperforming and moribund agricultural institutions like Agricultural Service Training Company (ASTC), Plateau Agricultural Development Programme (PADP) and the re-acquired Brewery Agro Research Company (BARC) farm among others will be reinvigorated.
Special prayers were offered by COCIN President, Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo for God’s guidance for the governor and progress of the state. There were also presentations by various traditional dance groups and artistes who entertained guests at the inauguration.
