Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has urged Plateau elders to join hands in promoting peace and unity within the state.
He made this plea during the inauguration of the reconstituted Plateau Elders’ Forum on Monday, held at the Banquet Hall of the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.
Governor Mutfwang, the convener of the event, welcomed a diverse audience of elder statesmen and women, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political figures from various parties.
He expressed his appreciation for the elders’ longstanding guidance and their role in inspiring the younger generation to protect Plateau heritage.
Recognizing the wisdom that comes with age, Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the wealth of knowledge and wisdom present among the attendees, whom he said are critical stakeholders in the Plateau project.
He commended their past contributions to the state’s development and sought their valuable advice on governing effectively.
The Governor expressed concern about the security challenges he inherited on assumption of office and emphasized the need for collective action and unity of purpose to address the state’s peace-related issues.
Regarding financial matters, Governor Mutfwang assured that efforts were underway to clear outstanding salaries and gratuities for public servants. He informed the audience that payments had been made up to May 2023 and that funds were secured to cover salaries up to July.
Governor Mutfwang briefed the participants on the challenges he faced upon taking office, including a higher debt burden than anticipated, and a civil service struggling to function due to financial constraints. He highlighted his interaction with the President and security chiefs, resulting in renewed efforts to tackle the security situation on the Plateau.
He lauded the commitment of the security forces, particularly the new GOC and Commander of the STF, who actively engaged in the field to bring the situation under control.
Governor Mutfwang also announced the appointment of an Abuja Directorate of Liaison, aimed at fostering collaboration between Plateau’s illustrious sons and daughters in Abuja and the state’s development initiatives.
Regarding financial support, the Governor mentioned that Plateau State had received N2 billion out of the N5 billion palliatives announced by the Federal Government. He assured the public that the funds would be directed to the poorest of the poor.
Secretary to the Government of the State, Arc. Samuel Jatau, welcomed the elders and expressed the government’s readiness to tap into their collective wisdom and experience to drive progress within the state.
Gyang Bere
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
21st August, 2023.
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