Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has reiterated his administration’s resolve to confront insecurity without entering into talks with terrorist groups, insisting that governance in the state will remain rooted in democratic principles and the rule of law.
The governor made the remarks on Friday during the Democracy Day celebration in Jos.
The event was organised by Verified Conversations and Inside Plateau in collaboration with the Plateau State Government and drew participation from Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, government officials, civil society organisations, youth groups and other stakeholders.
Addressing attendees, Mutfwang stressed that his government would continue to prioritise the protection of residents, communities and democratic institutions across the state.
“Plateau will not negotiate with terrorists. We will protect our people, protect our communities, and protect democracy.
Anyone who thinks violence will give them a seat at the table of governance is mistaken.
“This government will only engage with citizens through lawful, democratic channels,” Mutfwang stated.
The governor said the state government had taken immediate steps to tackle recent security concerns in southern Plateau, including holding emergency security meetings, visiting camps housing internally displaced persons and strengthening cooperation with security agencies.
“Democracy guarantees freedom of choice, security of property, and the right to peaceful assembly.
That is why I remain a firm believer and champion of democracy. It must be sustained at all costs,” he stated.
According to Mutfwang, recruitment into the state’s security framework is currently in progress following presidential approval.
He added that emergency communication lines had also been created to enable residents to report suspicious activities.
The governor further disclosed that investments were being made in technology and additional security structures to enhance protection across the state.
“On security, we responded swiftly to the crisis in southern Plateau by convening a security council meeting, visiting IDP camps, and strengthening collaboration with security agencies.
“With Mr President’s approval, recruitment into our security architecture is underway, and we have set up emergency lines for citizens to report suspicious activities.
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We are also investing in technology and additional security formations to keep our communities safe,” he stated.
Speaking on the economy, Mutfwang highlighted improvements in the state’s revenue generation, attributing the growth to reforms implemented at the Plateau Internal Revenue Service.
He noted that monthly internally generated revenue had risen from below N1 billion to between N3.5 billion and N4 billion.
“Our target is ₦10 billion monthly. Plateau is open for business, and we are marketing the state to local and foreign investors,” he said.
The governor also outlined efforts made to address outstanding financial obligations inherited from previous administrations.
He revealed that his government secured a N15 billion facility to offset salary arrears and had disbursed more than N3 billion in pensions and gratuities.
“For workers, we inherited limited resources but secured a ₦15 billion facility to clear salary backlogs. Since then, salaries have been paid promptly.
“We have also paid over ₦3 billion in pensions and gratuities through a transparent process that eliminates middlemen,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to openness and public participation, noting that an informed citizenry remains crucial to democratic growth.
Meanwhile, Samson Omale, Convener of Verified Conversations and Inside Plateau, described the gathering as the launch of a citizen engagement platform designed to improve communication and interaction between government and the public.
The programme concluded with an interactive session where residents engaged Governor Mutfwang on governance, development and other issues affecting the state.