In this piece, Seriki Adinoyi x-rays the many deliberate and firm peace efforts of Governor Caleb Mutfwang which has now paved way for development in Plateau state.
Plateau state has in recent months enjoyed relative peace, a sharp departure from what it was known for in the past decade, in which the state was clearly identified as a tinderbox.
In these past years down to the early months of the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau state which was christened a ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’, became anything else but peace. It was either faced with communal, religious, or ethnic crisis leading to loss of many lives and properties.
At other times, criminals masquerading as herders attacked farmers, rustled cattle, kidnapped residents of some communities, and displaced others from their homes.
It was a hard nut to crack for a new Governor Mutfwang who came with firm determination to deliver the dividends of democracy to the state as contained in his campaign promises.
Mutfwang, during his campaign had promised to harness the clement climate of the state and its abundant agricultural and mineral potentials, and indeed human capital to transform it into a dream destination for both Nigerians and foreigners who seek to live, work, or do business.
However, the gale of severe security challenges that stifled investment and economic growth would not allow that. It was not just that investors had been driven back from the state, federal agencies relocated away, on-going projects were suspended, and economic stagnation ensued. This was the state of Plateau that the Governor inherited from his predecessor.
If development was going to return to Plateau state, deliberate efforts needed to be made to tackle the security challenges, return peace, and build confident of investors. This became the immediate priority of the Governor.
Mutfwang began to engage traditional, community, and religious leaders, as well as civil society organisations, charging them to take responsibility for any breach of peace in their domains. This effort paid off particularly during the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest which was largely peaceful in the state. The governor was also very proactive to have imposed curfew when criminals began to infiltrate the protest to cause mayhem.
Constant engagement of heads of security forces in the state and empowering of the forces to produce needed results was one helpful step the Governor took. By revitalizing the state owned security outfit, Operation Rainbow and deploying its personnel to remote communities in the state has helped in information gathering and monitoring of strange faces in those communities.
Recently, the state government purchased and distributed over 100 military-grade motorcycles to security agencies to ensure effective surveillance of the rural communities and curb attacks on communities. The security agencies also got raincoats and rain boots as the Governor urged them to put the items to their intended use. Presenting the items, Mutfwang said, “This is a significant day in the pursuit of bringing peace and security to the state. In the last two months, we have made some significant strides in ensuring we fish out the hiding places, the entry points of criminals into Plateau. We have the technology and the capacity to monitor the state. What we are preparing is to equip the ground response; there are places that vehicles and ordinary motorcycles don’t get to, these will be used for surveillance and to give cover to farmers. These will help to enter into the nooks and crannies of the state.”
Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the State, Mr. Samuel Jatau explained that the security agencies to benefit include the military, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency( NDLEA) and Operation Rainbow, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, among others, adding that it was the first phase as more were being expected.
To further foster community relations, strengthen peace engagements, and enhance inclusiveness in the state, the Governor recently appointed Senior Special Assistants from all major tribes domicile in the state including the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, South-South, and Middle Belt nationalities. The appointees from these tribes will bring government closer to them.
As a way of taking a firm position in ensuring that the current peace is not distorted, the Governor was said to have warned that anyone found in any way to be engaged in any action that undermines the peace in the state will not be spared.
On March 1, 2024, Mutfwang took a decisive step towards transforming the urban landscape with the signing of Executive Order 003.
Beyond government’s commitment to fostering a healthy environment, enhancing public safety, and stimulating economic growth across the state, the effort was also to clear off the suburbs that had become a hideout for criminals. It was about safeguarding Jos from degenerating into an unmanageable urban sprawl that is vulnerable to crime and social disarray.
One of his significant milestones was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Federal Government to commence services at the Federal Medical Centre, Wase, and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Jos.
This underscored the Governor’s commitment to prioritizing affordable healthcare for Plateau citizens. Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, lauded the Governor’s dedication to transforming the state’s healthcare landscape, noting the broader implications for neighbouring states and the national healthcare system.
This initiative is set to enhance healthcare access, provide intensive training for health practitioners, and reduce drug costs, thereby making healthcare more accessible and affordable for all.
Similarly, the Governor was at the Chinese Embassy in Abuja to engage on improving the state’s infrastructure. Discussions with Minister Counsellor Zhang Yi focused on road infrastructure, health, education, and agriculture. Mutfwang emphasized the positive business environment in Plateau, which has already attracted several Chinese construction companies.
His resilience and determination to bequeath an enduring legacy has fostered a culture of excellence, accountability, and transparency, leading to improved public service delivery and a better quality of life for the state.
All these could not have been possible if the state had been in chaos. Citizens can only do well by supporting the Governor’s peace and development efforts to make Plateau an enviable place.