Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his commitment to democratic governance, describing democracy as the best system of government despite its imperfections and urging Nigerians to continue supporting democratic institutions.
Speaking at a Democracy Day Town Hall Meeting in Jos, Governor Mutfwang reflected on his journey to leadership, saying democracy had created opportunities for ordinary citizens to aspire to public office.
“If it were not for democracy, people like me would not be standing on this platform today. I am a beneficiary of democracy. It was democracy that gave me the opportunity to be elected at a time when I knew nobody and when the odds were stacked against me,” he said.
The governor noted that Democracy Day offers Nigerians an opportunity to appreciate the freedoms guaranteed under democratic rule, including freedom of expression and the right to hold leaders accountable.
“It is democracy that guarantees choice. It is democracy that gives you the freedom to speak your mind without fear of being arrested or harassed. It is democracy that has given us the right to gather in this hall today and demand accountability,” Mutfwang stated.
Congratulating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, members of the National Assembly, state legislators and Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day, the governor stressed the need to preserve democratic values. “I believe that democracy should be sustained at all costs, and we can only hope that the challenges we have faced thus far will be addressed and improved upon in the years ahead,” he said.
Reviewing his administration’s performance since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Mutfwang said his government had prioritised transparency, accountability, prudent resource management and sustainable development. “Over the last three years, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to building a government anchored on transparency, accountability, compassion, integrity, responsible leadership, prudent management of resources, and purposeful governance,” he said.
Addressing security challenges in the state, the governor recalled that violent attacks in Mangu, Bokkos, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bassa and Wase local government areas were among the first issues his administration confronted. He disclosed that his government had strengthened collaboration with security agencies, expanded Operation Rainbow and secured federal approval for the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards.
“By and large, our security agencies and security forces are doing a tremendous job. It is often only when they are absent that we realize their value,” he said, while commending President Tinubu for supporting efforts to address security concerns in Plateau State. “The time has come to confront these security challenges decisively, and we will continue working closely with security agencies to make life safer for our people,” he added.
Governor Mutfwang said his administration was balancing security concerns with efforts to attract investment and stimulate economic growth. According to him, investor confidence in Plateau State continues to improve despite perceptions of insecurity.
“As the chief marketer of this state, it has been my responsibility over the last three years to strike a careful balance. While we must never deny the challenges our people face, we must also recognize that if we do not grow the Plateau economy, we will remain trapped in dependency forever,” he stated.
The governor revealed that investors had expressed interest in the state’s agricultural sector, including plans for a multibillion-naira tomato processing factory. “A foreign investor approached me and said, ‘Governor, I want to buy all your beans.’ That is exciting,” he said, urging residents to project a positive image of Plateau State. “Let us not be the ones who constantly speak negatively about our own home. We are a resilient people. We believe in ourselves. We understand the value of unity and hard work.”
On workers’ welfare, Mutfwang said his administration inherited salary arrears exceeding ₦11 billion but had successfully cleared the backlog while maintaining regular salary payments. “Since then, by the grace of God, we have never failed to pay salaries,” he stated. He also disclosed that over ₦20 billion had been paid in pensions and gratuities, alongside reforms aimed at eliminating corruption in the payment process.
The governor further disclosed that Plateau State’s monthly internally generated revenue had increased from less than ₦1 billion to between ₦3.5 billion and ₦4 billion. “You cannot tax poverty. You can only tax prosperity,” he said, expressing confidence that the state could attain ₦10 billion monthly IGR before the end of his tenure.
Highlighting agriculture as a key driver of economic transformation, Mutfwang announced plans to rebrand the state’s Irish potatoes as “Plateau Potatoes” to strengthen their identity and market value.
“We have therefore agreed that what we grow should be known as Plateau potatoes. They are ours. We inherited them from our fathers and forefathers, and it is time we proudly claimed ownership of that identity,” he said, adding that efforts were underway to improve seed quality, mechanise farming operations and modernise livestock production.
The governor also outlined achievements in infrastructure, healthcare and education, disclosing that road projects were ongoing across all 17 local government areas of the state.
“There is currently an ongoing road project in every local government area of Plateau State,” he said, adding that nearly ₦5 billion had been invested in healthcare infrastructure, while over ₦15 billion had been spent on healthcare and education combined. He also noted that tertiary institution school fees had been reduced by 50 per cent, while scholarship allowances had increased by more than 300 per cent.
“We will continue to play our part in ensuring that we fulfil the promises we made to our people and meet the expectations they have placed upon us. We will not disappoint you,” Mutfwang assured.
The governor encouraged citizens to continue demanding accountability from public officials, describing public service as a sacred responsibility.
“For me, public service is a commitment I made both to God and to the people of Plateau State. I am determined to leave Plateau better than I met it,” he said.
Welcoming constructive criticism from citizens, Mutfwang added: “Genuine criticism is welcome because no governor knows everything. Whenever people raise concerns, I ask questions. I seek explanations. And when the answers are not satisfactory, I take action.”
He thanked Plateau residents for their support, prayers and engagement, expressing optimism that the state would continue on the path of peace, development and prosperity.
“By the grace of God, we will continue doing everything within our power to improve the lives of our people,” the governor said.
The event had in attendance stakeholders, people living with disabilities, women ,youths and panel discussion.
