Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has declared that his administration will not negotiate with terrorists, vowing instead to protect residents and democratic institutions in the state.
Mutfwang made the declaration on Friday during the state’s Democracy Day celebration held in Jos.
The event was organised by Verified Conversations and Inside Plateau in partnership with the Plateau State Government and was attended by Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, government officials, civil society groups, youths and other stakeholders.
Speaking on security, the governor said his administration remained committed to safeguarding lives and property 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.
He said the government responded swiftly to recent security challenges in southern Plateau through emergency security meetings, visits to internally displaced persons camps and increased collaboration 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 him, recruitment into the state’s security architecture is underway following presidential approval, while emergency lines have been established for residents to report suspicious activities.
The governor added that the state was investing in technology and additional security formations to improve safety across communities.
“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. We are also investing in technology and additional security formations to keep our communities safe,” he stated.
Reflecting on his administration’s performance, the governor said reforms in the Plateau Internal Revenue Service had increased monthly internally generated revenue from less than N1bn to between N3.5bn and N4bn.
“Our target is ₦10 billion monthly. Plateau is open for business, and we are marketing the state to local and foreign investors,” he said,
He added that his administration had secured a N15bn facility to clear salary backlogs inherited from previous administrations and had paid over N3bn 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.
The Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, said the government remained committed to transparency and citizen engagement, adding that informed citizens were essential to sustaining democracy.
Also speaking, the Convener of Verified Conversations and Inside Plateau, Samson Omale, said the event marked the launch of a citizen engagement platform aimed at strengthening communication between government and the people.
The event featured an interactive session during which residents engaged the governor on issues relating to governance and development in the state.
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