In a chat with Isaac Shobayo, Director General, Directorate of Research, Documentation, and Planning, Plateau State, Hon. Samuel Godongs speaks on why some of the victims of Plateau State inter-ethnic attacks don’t want to stay in IDP camps, why the terrorists concentrate on the governor’s and his deputy local government areas, and the inherited debt profile, among other issues. Excerpt:
What is being done to address the prevailing security situation in Plateau State?
Some decisions will be made to help secure the lives and property of our people. As you know, quite recently, the new GOC and commander of the Operation Safe Heaven (OPSH) moved his headquarters to Mangu, and thankfully, we are beginning to see some result in this regard. Apart from the security angle, there is the humanitarian aspect. People are IDP camps. In each camp, there are over 2,000 people and that has been quite unsettling. Our people don’t like to stay in IDP camps; they would rather stay with relatives or resign to their fate. But the government has been making efforts to cater to those who are seriously affected by these attacks. Unfortunately, the attacks have taken place during the farming season, which has great implications for food production and the wellbeing of our people. Mangu, Barakin-Ladi and Riyom local government areas are theaters of these attacks. One cannot but pray that God help the people and our people too must learn to be their brother’s keeper because if we can sacrifice some of our food and other things, it will go a long way in bringing succour to those who are suffering.
Why did you refer to the security crisis in the state as baptism of fire for the current administration?
We knew that Plateau was lagging behind on every front: the prosperity of our people, the economy, and other sectors. We desired to be beyond where we are. You came into office with the mindset of restoring hope and engendering prosperity, but instead you are burying your people. That is baptism of fire.
The local governments of origin of the governor, Mangu, and his deputy, Riyom, have been epicenters of killings since they assumed the leadership of the state on May 29 this year. Is this a coincidence or a ploy to dampen their spirits?
It is curious. For a long time, there were no problems, but after the elections, there have been killings. The hotbed of killings had always been the northern senatorial district. The central has been a bit quiet except for Bokkos; Mangu was largely insulated, but all of a sudden, this illustrious son of Mangu emerged as the governor and then he has to bury his people, likewise his deputy. I don’t think any security-minded individual would allow this to pass as mere coincidence. Knowing what we know in Nigeria, these things do not just happen by chance. I believe the governor is asking everybody to help so that we can get to the bottom of this issue.
The crisis has assumed another dimension with the destruction of farms and crops. What effort is the Mutfwang-led administration making to arrest this ugly trend?
In a hypothetical case, if your production has been diminished or halted, you could import from elsewhere. Now, you are as aware as I am that the debt burden that this administration inherited, if it were a company, it would have filed for bankruptcy. In fact, the governor is thinking of appealing to philanthropists and to international bodies to assist with food items so that the looming food crisis can be averted. The governor will use his good office to help the Plateau people avert the danger of hunger, particularly in the local governments that have been affected by this crisis. Mangu is one of the high-profile local governments when it comes to the production of maize, Irish potatoes and other crops. So, we are in deep trouble. We are praying that others around us and the international community will appreciate what Plateau State is facing.
Fuel subsidy removal has been taking its toll on Nigerians, Plateau people included. What is the state government doing to cushion the hardship brought about by the removal?
We need to take palliative measures on every front. If you look at the fuel situation, that is one sector. If you look at victims of this violence, that is another kettle of fish. We need to provide palliatives in virtually every sector. Just recently, high-powered delegations left for the headquarters of some transport outfits. The government is looking into that so that commuters, particularly within the metropolis, can receive some form of subsidy. The governor is planning to provide the victims with some items to relieve them. The government is also processing certain palliatives that would ameliorate the pains brought about by the subsidy removal. This is a government that listens. However, we are limited by the resources available to do what is needed. Governor Mutfwang will leave no stone unturned until our people are restored to the path of peace and prosperity.
The debt profile of Plateau State has been a subject of controversy between the current administration and its predecessor. Can you set the record straight on this matter?
Figures don’t lie. It is in the public domain that the last administration did not provide a lot of the required details. Extra efforts had to be made to establish the debt profile of over N307 billion. It will take us up to three or four tenures to break away from that kind of debt. They may argue, but before this administration are facts and figures. The government is in serious debt. There is a committee that is working on stolen properties. Anyone who wants to know the truth should look beyond media comments that tend to politicise and distract the people. The facts are there for all to verify.
Despite the fact that the civil servants have called off their strike, the state government still owes the workers. What is the government doing to pay them their outstanding salaries?
You did not ask me what the government did before the strike was called off. The government made efforts to source money from here and there to pay legitimately earned wages by workers, and the government is continuing in that direction until the backlog of salaries, pensions and gratuities is paid. The governor is working hard. It is his desire to usher in prosperity, peace and rule of law in the state. He has made it abundantly clear that he will leave no stone unturned until every civil servant receives their due in salary and other benefits.
What is the administration doing to improve the fortune of the state?
A lot of things are on the shoulders of the governor: restoring hope and confidence and motivating the Plateau people to be patriotic, productive and accommodating. We have been badly injured by these calculated attacks, which have destroyed our core values. With the attacks, all aspects of our society are being destroyed, including the economy and the basic value of hard work. A lot of vices are springing up. The governor has been making consultations within and outside the state, requesting that all hands be on deck to form his cabinet. Some of us have just come on board and the orientation is that we must bring Plateau back. Certain values must be restored and the confidence that the people have in the governor must be restored. The governor is using every means, including the media, to encourage our people to demonstrate the resilience and doggedness required for the stability of the state.
What steps is the government taking to reconcile warring groups in the state?
One thing that we have known on the Plateau is that the communities are not fighting one another. There are local collaborators that are aligning themselves with external aggressors. The Mwaghavul are not fighting the Berom, and neither is Berom fighting Taro. We all know that it is not farmers-herders clashes. And in terms of reconciling political differences, these attackers don’t differentiate between PDP members and APC members or members of any other political parties; they kill indiscriminately and I feel that we have an opportunity to galvanize the unity of our people. The people that are killing us don’t care about our political parties; they kill anybody they see, and I think we should be united. It is time to unite against the forces fighting against us. The season of politics is over for now. It is time for governance. We have a government in place. Those contesting (election outcomes) are in court. We have a lot to gain if we work together.
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