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Tag: Mutfwang

  • Mutfwang bans night grazing in Plateau over recent attacks

    Mutfwang bans night grazing in Plateau over recent attacks

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has banned night grazing in all parts of the state following the spate of attacks and killings in some communities.

    Mutfwang issued the ban in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday in Jos over the prevailing security challenge in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that on April 2, gunmen attacked Hurti, Josho, Daffo, and other communities in Manguna District of the locality.

    Similarly, gunmen on Sunday attacked Zike and Kimakpa communities of Kwall District, Iregwe Chiefdom of Bassa.

    In both incidents, the attackers killed scores and destroyed many houses and other properties.

    The governor also restricted the movement of cattle on vehicles in all parts of the state as from 7:00p.m.

    He explained that the move aimed at curbing the rising security challenges in the state.

    “To restore calm and strengthen vigilance, I hereby announce that effective Wednesday, April 16, night grazing of cattle is strictly prohibited.

    “Also, transportation of cattle by vehicle is banned after 7:00p.m. The use of motorcycles is restricted from 7:00p.m. to 6:00a.m across the state until further notice,” he said

    The governor, who assured residents of the state of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, promised to support the security agencies in the state.

    Mutfwang, who also insisted that the killings were not an isolated conflict between farmers and herders, thanked President Bola Tinubu for his commitment towards achieving lasting peace in the state.

    He promised to constitute a fact-finding committee comprising of respected independent voices, to investigate the root causes of the violence and offer actionable recommendations.

  • Mutfwang suspends 2 commissioners, reshuffles cabinet

    Mutfwang suspends 2 commissioners, reshuffles cabinet

    Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has suspended two incumbent Commissioners, a Special Adviser and a Liaison Officer.

    Mutfwang announced the suspension in a statement by Mr Gyang Bere, his Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA), issued on Tuesday in Jos.

    The suspended government officials included: Mr Chrysanthus Dawam and Mrs Jamila Tukur, the commissioners for Budget and Economic Planning and that of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, respectively.

    Others affected by the suspension were: Mr Dio Lamul, Special Adviser on Rural Development and Mr Moses Sule, the Liaison Officer for Mikang Constituency of the state.

    Mutfwang has also approved a minor resufflement of his cabinet to enhance quality service delivery.

    Bere quoted the governor saying that the move would ensure effective and efficient service delivery to the people of the state.

    ”Under the new dispensation, Mr Noel Nkup, the current Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, will take charge of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

    ”Similarly, Mr Bashir Datti, the commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, has been posted to the Ministry of Water Resources and Energy,” he said.

     

  • Plateau govt. shuts down Saints Academy School after collapse

    Plateau govt. shuts down Saints Academy School after collapse

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has shut down The Saints Academy School, Jos, whose block of classrooms collapsed on Friday, killing scores and leaving many others injured.

    A visibly angry Mutfwang cited crass negligence by its owners as reason for the shut-down order.

    NAN reports that 22 persons were confirmed dead with about 145 injured when the one-storey building collapsed on the students who were writing their examinations.

    Mutfwang, who inspected the cite where the incident occurred, and visited some  casualties on Saturday, said the disaster would have been avoided if the school owners had complied with building laws.

    “It’s unfortunate that this has happened but, of course, we cannot allow the school to function. The school is hereby closed down immediately; we cannot take any further chances.

    “We need to send this message, particularly to owners of private schools, that the drive for profit must not overshadow the safety of lives.

    “We are going to carry out a technical audit of all the schools, including public schools; we are going to test structural integrity to ensure that human beings can inhabit buildings there.

    “We are going to set up a very high-powered committee to investigate this incident. We are going to bring in building professionals to investigate this and anyone found culpable will certainly face the wrath of the law,” he said

    While reiterating the recently established Executive Order 003, Mutfwang emphasised the need to conform to building laws so as to restore sanity and order to buildings and constructions within the metropolis.

    “We cannot afford this situation any longer, that is why we signed the Executive Order 003; the goal is to be able to bring order and sanity into the building sector.

    “When we insisted that some buildings be demolished, it wasn’t because we are wicked. We are concerned about the safety of lives.

    “When we see buildings on water lines, or in marshy places, we have no option than to bring them down.

    “People think that we are wicked, but we are going to go the extra mile now and make sure that violators are also prosecuted.

    “We will not just bring down the buildings at government costs, we will make sure that violators pay the cost of such demolitions.

    “It is time we told ourselves the truth; everybody must be responsible for human lives. We cannot afford this kind of mishap again,” he said.

    Mr Hart Bankat, General Manager of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), while speaking on the possible reasons for the collapse, said he suspected poor building materials.

    “Although investigations are ongoing, poor building materials were among reasons for the collapse.

    “We are going to investigate this thoroughly, but even before then, it is obvious from the rubbles on ground that very very poor materials were used here.

    “Insufficient cement mix, no gravels, you can see that the spacing from the rods and the slabs are falling down, all these show that the building wasnt properly done.

    “Those are things that will be properly investigated, but we are calling on members of the public to report such things so that such losses can be averted,” he said.

    Earlier, Mr Daramola Akindele, Principal of the school, who responded to the governor’s enquiries, said he did not see any sign that the building could collapse.

    “I inspect the school compound daily. The owner of the school is late, but it is being managed by her husband, Mr Marius Onigwe, who is indisposed now.

    “Being the administrative head of the school, I carry out a general inspection of the compound everyday. It was actually built before I came. But I didn’t imagine that something like this could happen. There was no sign whatsoever.”

    NAN reports that the governor also visited some of the hospitals into which victims of the collapsed structure were admitted.

    He also paid condolence visits to parents of the deceased students.

  • MANI IMMAN: How Muftwang has changed the narrative in Plateau

    MANI IMMAN: How Muftwang has changed the narrative in Plateau

    By Mani Imman

    It has been a year of good tiding for citizens of Plateau State since the State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang took over the reins of leadership on May 29, 2023.

    Despite the initial challenges due to the distractive court case and insecurity, the Governor remained focused on delivering on the social contract he has with Plateau citizens who voted for him overwhelmingly.

    As he clocks a year in office, citizens testify that Plateau has moved forward in the last year compared to what was obtained in the recent past. From transport to health to education, to road network, among others, the Governor has spread development to the admiration of all.

    In the transport sector, Governor Mutfwang introduced the Tin City Metro project to address the transportation needs in the urban centres with 15 units of modern MAN-Diesel buses. 20 units of Toyota Sienna vehicles were purchased and branded with security features and trained new drivers for the Jos-Abuja route. 20 units of 14-seater Toyota Hiace buses were refurbished and fully equipped with enhanced security features like; tracking devices with audio-enabled devices and launched into service.

    In the health sector, to ensure a centralized body to oversee the procurement, warehousing, distribution, and monitoring of drugs and medical supplies in the State government-owned hospitals and clinics, Governor Mutfwang revived the comatose Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Agency (PS-DMCMA) to ensure the availability, accessibility, and affordability of essential drugs and medical commodities.

    To improve the aesthetics and tourism potentials of the State, the Governor has begun revamping abandoned monumental buildings dotting the State which have become eyesores.

    He stated, “We need to do something to rescue these buildings and make sure that their dignity is restored and we also put the buildings to very effective use. We cannot allow government assets to keep wasting.”

    Insisting on the need for everyone to make the land of Plateau green through agriculture, he directed the cultivation of 900 hectares of land for farmers in Mangu, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi local government areas of the State; distributed N3.6 billion worth of fertilizer for dry-season farming. To drive the agroforestry, the administration also introduced the Coconut and oil palm plantations.

    The gains in gardening are also being harnessed as florists are engaged to expand horticulture and floriculture to increase the export potential of the State.

    With the determination to create road networks across the 17 local government areas of the State, the Governor directed the resumption of construction works across several kilometres of roads.

    There has been the remobilization and resumption of work on the 6.9km road network from the Rukuba Road Satellite Market-Tudun Wada- Sabon Gari with a spur to Mado; Wildlife Park. Work is ongoing on the 5.65km Utonkon-Nunku-Keana link road with the extension to the Akila Machunga road.

    Excited citizens appreciate the construction of a 7.14Km road network at Chwelnyap, linking to Three Container, Yan Trailer, Main Market, Sarki Street, St. Michael Street, Dutse Uku, and St. Michael’s Loop behind Baptist Church Nasarawa Gwong.

    The rehabilitation of the 24.10km road network within Jos South Local Government Area and upgrading of major slum areas within Raku Belleng, Ramun Gyel, Rohol Kak, and Gyel Bukuru totaling 13.5 km in the Jos South LGA and others are ongoing.

    In the last year, there has been a stable payment of salaries and monthly pension; implementation of Salary Table, implementation of Hazard allowance for Medical Doctors, Nurses, and Health Workers (CONMESS/CONHESS).

    Lost hope was revived as the Governor approved the payment of gratuities, Death Benefits, and Pension Arrears from 1986 to 2009 and the verification of the next phase of beneficiaries from 2010 to 2018 is ongoing while the minimum pension for retirees has been increased from N5,000 to N20,000.

    In January 2024, the implementation of the upward review of monthly Pension commenced and the implementation of Promotions has also been done to motivate staff. There is a constant payment of Checkup dues to the respective Unions. The payment of Overhead to MDAs has been restored.

    On Social welfare protection; there has been the establishment of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission to drive the processes of the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP Laws, and Child Rights Laws.

    In education, the Governor ensured Academic Courses are accredited for the State-owned institutions which include the Plateau State University, Bokkos; College of Health Technology, Pankshin; College of Nursing and Midwifery, Vom; College of Agriculture, Garkawa; College of Education, Gindiri.

    There have also been the payments for 2022, 2023, and 2024 IJMB Examinations for College of Arts, Science, and Technology, Kurgwi; settlement of 2023 and 2024 Law School Students Fees for Plateau State indigenes; 300% upward review of Scholarship for Plateau State Students studying in Higher Institutions in Nigeria.

    Through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, this administration has so far intervened in 170 schools with widespread renovation, WASH facilities, ICT equipment, and school furniture.

    There has been the renovation of 682 classrooms, drilling of 385 motorized boreholes, construction of 578 VIP toilets, and the provision of furniture, etc.

    There have also been special grants of over N100 Million which were distributed to 15 secondary schools for projects like Perimeter fences, construction of new classrooms, renovation of blocks of hostels, block of classrooms and provision of wash facilities, and in most cases, work has reached 98% completion, and some have been commissioned by the Governor.

    There has been the restoration of employment of 989 Teaching and 200 non-teaching staff to fill existing shortages in manpower in the public schools and a backlog of school fees for six years amounting to Forty Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N40,600,000=00) for Plateau State indigenes schooling at National Mathematical Centre Abuja has been paid.

    With all these and more in the offing, citizens commend the Governor’s efforts and charge him not to relent in delivering good governance to the people.

  • Mutfwang inherited N4.6bn salaries, pension arrears in LGAs – Commissioner

    Mutfwang inherited N4.6bn salaries, pension arrears in LGAs – Commissioner

    The Plateau Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, says that the Gov. Caleb Mutfwang-led administration inherited N4.6 billion salary and pension arrears from the previous administration.

    Mr Ephraims Usman, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Jos, at a ministerial press briefing organised by the Ministry for Information and Communication.

    Usman said that the ministry made the discovery during a familiarisation tour of the 17 LGAs to inspect projects and ensure that they were utilising their monthly allocation efficiently.

    The commissioner said that so far, N1.7 billion primary teachers’ arrears had been cleared.

    He also said that N1.2billion out of the more than N1.6 billion arrears of local government council employees had been paid.

    “Out of the over N1billion local government pension arrears inherited, only about N300 million is still outstanding.

    ”Efforts are however, being made to clear all the outstanding arrears of the LGA staff and their pensioners within the next few months.

    “The ministry, in collaboration with the Association Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), purchased 35 Hilux vehicles for Operation Rainbow, to strengthen the security architecture at the grassroots level.

    “The ministry also paid N200 million inherited outstanding allocation to Operation Rainbow.

    “The ministry, along with the 17 LGAs management and their labour unions, signed an agreement for the payment of wage award of N12,000 each for three months to teachers, LGA workers, and pensioners,” he said.

    Usman further said that the ministry conducted the selection and coronation of the new paramount ruler of the Ngas people (Ngolong Ngas) on first class status.

    According to him, the selection of the new paramount ruler of Garkawa (Mou Youm of Garkawa) was done on second class status, adding that his coronation would soon take place.

    He added that the ministry, in conjunction with the 17 LGAs, was working on the digitalisation of indigene forms and marriage certificates with link to the beneficiary’s National Identity Number (NIN).

  • Mutfwang condemns fresh attacks on plateau communities

    Mutfwang condemns fresh attacks on plateau communities

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, has condemned the recent attacks that occured in some communities of the state, urging absolute vigilance as government works to restore the frail security infrastructure of the state.

    He expressed this in a statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPA), Mr Gyang Bere, on Saturday in Jos

    The attacks occurred on Friday night in Kopnanle community in Mangu and Mandar Shar village of Bokkos Local Government Areas of the state recording casualties, damages to properties, with scores injured.

    While appreciating the intervention of Security Agencies in the protection of lives and property in the state, Gov. Mutfwang urged them to redouble their efforts in discharging their constitutional responsibility of protecting innocent citizens.

    He urged them to ensure the perpetrators are fished out and made to face the consequences of their actions.

    Similarly, he warned the perpetrators to desist forthwith from such dastardly acts, stressing that government is determined to fish them out to face justice.

    “These attacks are unfortunate and unacceptable, especially now that government is diligently working to restore peace and security of the state and facilitate the return of displaced persons to their homes.

    “We want to call on community stakeholders across the state to activate dispute resolution mechanisms in tackling issues of disagreement.

    P”Report without delay, early warning signs to Constituted authorities for prompt intervention.

    “We want to urge you all on extreme vigilance and the fostering of inter-community relations by residents of the state, particularly now that the rainy season is gearing up to ensure a safer and successful farming period.

    The Governor expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved families and the affected communities and prayed for quick healing of those who sustained gunshot injuries.

  • Tinubu’s government inherited a worse situation than 1999 – Mutfwang

    Tinubu’s government inherited a worse situation than 1999 – Mutfwang

    Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, on Monday, blamed the current economic situation faced by Nigerians on the last administration led by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Mutfwang disclosed this during the swearing-in of 22 Special Advisers and heads of government agencies at the Government House in Jos.

    Mutfwang said, “We are at a very difficult juncture in the history of this country and I’m an advocate that after the election you forget politics and face governance.

    “And even though the Federal Government is being led by a party other than my own, I owe you the duty to tell Nigerians the truth that this government inherited a worse situation than 1999.

    “This government inherited an economy where we simply printed money up to the tune of N30tn and shared.

    “This government inherited an economy where the crude oil we’re yet to take out of the ground had been sold in advance.

    “So, when you’re talking about the fall of the naira, it’s not rocket science. We sold our future under the last administration.

    “No wonder you’re hearing of riots today, people intercepting food on the way. We are lucky on the plateau that perhaps we have more food than many other states.

    “And I pray that the time will not come on the Plateau that we will see this kind of riot for food, but it means we must roll up our sleeves and get to work.

    “And that is why, for us as a government, when we announced one of the positions that  talked about food security, people were laughing but it is a serious issue.”

  • Plateau Attacks: Gov. Mutfwang relaxes curfew in Mangu LGA

    Plateau Attacks: Gov. Mutfwang relaxes curfew in Mangu LGA

    Following the improved security situation in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang has further relaxed the earlier imposed curfew in the locality.

    In a statement issued by Mr Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to Mutfwang on Monday in Jos, the government announced that the curfew would now run from 8:00 p.m. to 7;00 a.m,

    The governor explained that the adjustment in the timing of the curfew was made after careful consideration and consultation with the State Security Council.

    He said that it was also to allow residents resume their agricultural and economic activities, in order to continue their contribution to the overall development of the state.

    Mutfwang encouraged the community leaders, irrespective of their faith or ethnicity, to continue their strategic engagements, aimed at nurturing trust, fostering tolerance, and promoting better understanding among the people.

    While urging the residents of Mangu LGA to adhere strictly to the curfew by remaining indoors between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.,, the governor enjoined them to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

    He also called on the security personnel to fulfill their constitutional responsibility of ensuring effective enforcement of the curfew, to prevent any breach of law and order.

    While expressing gratitude over the cooperation and support received so far from all concerned, Mutfwang urged the community to maintain its collaboration with the security agencies to ensure the complete restoration of peace and order in the area.

  • Why Plateau gov, Mutfwang visited Tinubu

    Why Plateau gov, Mutfwang visited Tinubu

    Mr Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA) to Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, has clarified the reason for the visit of the governor to President Bola Tinubu.

    Bere told NAN on Saturday in Jos that the governor’s visit on Monday in Lagos was to brief the president on the security situation in the state.

    Bere was reacting to reports making the rounds in some social media handles that the governor went to Lagos to make merry while the state was under attack.

    The media aide explained that the visit was a sincere effort towards tackling the insecurity currently confronting the state.

    The Plateau state governor was in Lagos on Christmas day along with other members of the Nigeria Governors Forum.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima was also at the meeting with the governors from Kwara, Benue, Katsina, Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, Rivers, Lagos, and Imo among others.

    ”The purpose of the visit was to apprise the President of the escalating security challenges in the state and to seek prompt intervention from the Federal Government.

    ”The visit was not for revelry but a sincere effort to draw attention to the security crisis, distinct from past situations.

    ”Prior to the Lagos visit, the governor had granted interview on Channels and Arise Televisions, and declared his intention of meeting with the President to solicit support over the renewed security challenges in the state.

    ”He had earlier visited Mangu Local Government Area (LGA) which had been ravaged by severe attacks. Following this, he held a meeting with the Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and issued a directive to secure affected communities,” he said.

    Bere, who expressed dismay at criticisms on social media, said that the governor had proactively responded to the Christmas eve attacks in Bokko and Barkin-Ladi LGAs.

    ”The decision to meet with Mr. President was aimed at briefing him on the renewed violence for appropriate action.

    ”His discussions with the President and other governors yielded positive results, and consequently, Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and other Security Chiefs were dispatched to Plateau to assess the security situation

    ”Following the briefing, the President ordered security personnel to apprehend the perpetrators and mobilised relief materials for surviving victims,” he said.

    Bere affirmed Mutfwang-led administration’s commitment toward prioritising the security of lives and property in the state, insisting that the people remain the governor’s top priority.

  • Plateau gov, Mutfwang signs 2024 Appropriation Bill into law

    Plateau gov, Mutfwang signs 2024 Appropriation Bill into law

    Plateau’s Gov. Caleb Mutfwang has signed the state’s 2024 budget of N314.8 billion into law, his media aide, Mr Gyang Bere, stated on Wednesday in Jos.

    The budget is N164.9 billion higher than the N149.9 billion budgeted in 2023.

    Christened “Budget of New Beginnings’’, the 2024 budget has a recurrent expenditure component of N162.3 billion and capital expenditure of N152.5 billion.

    “As governor, this Appropriation Bill encapsulates our vision to transform Plateau into a citadel of glory.

    “We believe Plateau deserves better than what was previously in place.

    “We encountered a state of neglect in critical sectors and we are determined to lay a new foundation for a sustainable, excellent, and value-adding future.

    “This (budget) reflects a significant step toward the comprehensive development of the state across all sectors,’’ the governor said.

    He expressed optimism that the budget’s implementation would improve the living conditions of the people, and urged citizens to support the government for continued progress.

    “We are committed to pursuing development to elevate Plateau among the states in Nigeria. As we begin the budget implementation next year, Plateau will rise to greatness,’’ he said.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Chrysanthus Dawam, noted that government initially proposed to spend N295.5 billion in 2024.

    He said the House of Assembly, however, increased the budget size to ₦314.8 billion.

    Dawam added that the budget would be funded through Internally Generated Revenue of N38.3 billion, Federal Government allocation of N151.4 billion and Capital Receipts of N60.2 billion, among other revenue sources.