Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has raised concerns about attempts to disrupt the peace in the state.
He claims that individuals seeking to incite violence have brought in outsiders from neighboring states to cause chaos in Jos during the recent “End Bad Governance” protests.
In a broadcast addressing the current situation, Governor Mutfwang praised the youths for their peaceful conduct during the protests.
He noted that their behavior has earned admiration from across Nigeria and internationally, showcasing the return of peace to Plateau State.
The governor emphasised that the state’s history of strife was not a reflection of its true nature, but rather the result of external forces seeking to undermine its unity.
He expressed confidence in the resilience and peaceful character of the Plateau people.
“I am glad we have decided to live as brothers because that is who we are, irrespective of our diversity. This is our moment and opportunity to chart a new course for ourselves as we confront the common enemy of poverty, the bottom line of our collective anger. As you know, I am a man of very humble beginnings without any arrogant human credentials to be your governor.”
The Governor mentioned that despite the unnecessary impediments, the state government has used every opportunity at its disposal, both locally and internationally, to seek wisdom and partnerships to build a Plateau economy based on the rule of law, equity, justice, and inclusion.
He expressed confidence that the state investment in agriculture will soon yield the desired results and lay the necessary foundation for the Plateau economy and therefore appealed for more patience and understanding.
“While focussing on the intermediate and long-term strategies, we know that families are going through difficult times. That is why we have, in conjunction with the federal government and local governments, made efforts to reduce the suffering by administering some palliatives.
“We will continue to seek more effective ways of procuring and administering these palliatives to some of the most vulnerable groups, irrespective of political persuasion or involvement. I promise to do all in my power to alleviate your sufferings and make life better for all citizens.”
Governor Nutfwang implored the youths to suspend the protest to add value to their thinking and plans for poverty alleviation since the government does not possess a monopoly of wisdom, adding that the state will meet with various leaders of the youth group for dialogue as soon as the protests are over.
He stated that the more they continue with the protests, the greater the likelihood of being hijacked by sponsored criminals and hoodlums, like what was experienced from Sunday evening.
“Based on the intelligence at our disposal, we know the lawful protests have been infiltrated by criminals who were waiting for an opportunity to loot shops, attack, and rob innocent citizens of their hard-earned belongings. We even saw the display of foreign flags by some of these criminally minded intruders.
“So as a responsible government, we had to take proactive steps to prevent further acts of criminality; thus, the 24-hour curfew we imposed on Jos-Bukuru metropolis starting from Sunday midnight.”
Governor Mutfwang therefore warned that the government will not tolerate actions that will disrupt the peace and security of the state and urged individuals and groups planning to cause unrest to reconsider their actions as the security agencies are on high alert to address any such threats decisively.
