Plateau will not bow to terrorists – Mutfwang

By Taiwo Scholarstica

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has said his administration will not negotiate with terrorists, stressing that the government will continue to protect lives, communities and democratic institutions across the state.

Mutfwang made the statement on Friday during the Democracy Day celebration held in Jos.

The governor said anyone who believes violence can secure a place in government is mistaken, adding that his administration would only engage citizens through lawful and democratic means.

He said the government had taken steps to address recent security challenges in southern Plateau, including holding emergency security meetings, visiting internally displaced persons camps and strengthening collaboration with security agencies.

According to him, recruitment into the state’s security architecture is ongoing following presidential approval. He added that emergency phone lines have been established for residents to report suspicious activities, while investments are being made in technology and additional security formations to improve safety.

Speaking on governance, Mutfwang said reforms in the Plateau Internal Revenue Service had increased the state’s monthly internally generated revenue from less than N1 billion to between N3.5 billion and N4 billion.

He said the government aims to raise the figure to N10 billion monthly and is working to attract local and foreign investors to the state.

The governor also disclosed that his administration secured a N15 billion facility to clear salary backlogs inherited from previous administrations. He added that over N3 billion had been paid in pensions and gratuities through a transparent process.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, said the government remained committed to transparency and citizen engagement.

The event also featured the launch of a citizen engagement platform by Verified Conversations and Inside Plateau to improve communication between the government and residents.

The programme ended with an interactive session where residents discussed governance and development issues with the governor.