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  • Mutfwang assures citizens of fairness

    Mutfwang assures citizens of fairness

    Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness and justice for all residents, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.

    The governor stated this yesterday while receiving the findings of the Committee on Review of Employment at the New Government House, Jos.

    Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, Governor Mutfwang reiterated that Plateau State belongs to all its indigenes, emphasizing that discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation will not be tolerated.

    He noted that the committee had meticulously assessed employment processes across various Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure fairness, equity, and justice and found out lack of due process, irregularities, and the absence of involvement by the Civil Service Commission in some of the employment exercises conducted by the previous administration.

    Mutfwang expressed concern about youth unemployment in the state and vowed to address it in adherence to civil service rules.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s certificate in order, CSU deposes in court

    He emphasized the need for due process in all government activities and stressed the importance of rectifying past irregularities.

    “We must adhere to due process in carrying out government activities. From the reports, many MDAs did not follow due process, and we will ensure the right thing is done,” he affirmed.

    Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Ishaya Agaldu, highlighted several issues identified during the committee’s assessment, including rushed employment processes, sharing of employment slots, improper allocation of slots to political parties, traditional leaders, and religious bodies, as well as irregular payments to staff without proper authorization.

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  • We’ll recover lost legislative seats in Plateau, says Mutfwang

    We’ll recover lost legislative seats in Plateau, says Mutfwang

    Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has explained that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will recover the legislative seats it lost in the National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal.

    The Nation had reported that the tribunal had sacked one senator and three members of the House of Representatives. The party had equally lost some legislative seats in the state House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress (APC)

    The tribunal had, last Friday, upheld the election of Mutfwang but rejected the petition filed by the Governorship candidate of APC, Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, challenging the election of Mutfwang.

    Speaking at a victory rally in Jos yesterday, Mutfwang expressed optimism that the Appeal Court would reverse the judgment of the Justice Mohammed Tukur -led tribunal.

    Read Also: Tribunal affirms Mutfwang’s election as Plateau governor

    Mutfwang said: “Do not entertain any fear. We shall be victorious in the Appeal Court and also be victorious in the Supreme Court. And if they decide to go to the Appeal Court, God is waiting for us there and if they also decide to go to the Supreme Court, God is also waiting for us there.”

    The governor hailed the tribunal for doing the right thing and prayed to God to continue to bless them.

    “We thank Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, despite pressure to seek for his interference, which he refuses vehemently. With this singular gesture as a democrat to allow the judiciary to do their work without hindrance or interference, the president has shown himself as a true democrat,” he added

  • Tribunal affirms Mutfwang’s election as Plateau governor

    Tribunal affirms Mutfwang’s election as Plateau governor

    The Governorship Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Jos, yesterday, affirmed the election of Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the duly elected governor of Plateau State.

    Justice Sunday Olorundaosi in a two and a half judgment on behalf of the panel, dismissed the prayers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate Dr Nentawe Yilwatda.

    Olorundaosi who read the judgment on behalf of the tribunal chairman, Justice Rita Ilere-Ifijeh, dismissed the three grounds of the petitioners seeking to nullify the election of Mutfwang.

    “Ground one which was non-qualification of the candidate; the tribunal verdict is that it is status bar because it is a pre-election matter and the tribunal does have the jurisdiction to entertain it.

    “On non-compliance with the Electoral Act, there is no evidence tendered before the tribunal by the petitioners that the conduct of election of March 18, was not in accordance with substantial compliance by the first respondent, which is the INEC.

    “Third ground that the second respondent did score the majority of lawful votes cast; the tribunal is of the view that the burden of proof lies with the petitioners to provide evidence.

    “Unfortunately, they failed to do so and rely on the final result of the election declared by INEC,” he stated.

    Counsel to Mutfwang, Mr Akeledolu Kehinde (SAN) lauded the judgment delivered on the three issues that were brought before the tribunal.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tribunal affirms Mutfwang as Plateau Gov

    Kehinde said that the tribunal decided that it was not in the place of the petitioner to start stretching his neck from his own compound into another man’s compound to see what is happening there.

    “That means that the petitioner has no locus standi to challenge the nomination of the governor who is in another party from that of the petitioner.”

    PDP counsel, Mr Emeka Etiaba, in his reaction, said that what was important was that the petition had been consigned to where it belongs to.

    Etiaba said that they listened to the judgment and saw that it was diligently written and delivered.

    “So, for those who are threatening to go on appeal, everyone has his own judgment so you can go and study some more. We believe that the judges have done justice today.”

    Mr Edward Pwajok (SAN), counsel to Yilwatda and the APC said that his clients would challenge the judgment at the Appeal Court.

    Pwajok appealed to Plateau citizens and supporters to be calm and peaceful because there is  a judicial system that encourages appeals.

    “You are all aware that in Nigeria, sometimes, decisions of lower courts have been overturned in the appellate courts.”

    Thanking God and the people of Plateau for his victory, Governor  Mutfwang lauded the judiciary for administering justice in tandem with the law.

    “I want to thank God Almighty who has made this possible. I want to thank the people of Plateau State who have stood by us.

    “And I want to thank their lordships for having the heart to do according to the dictates of their conscience and according to law,” he said.

    He assured the people for Plateau of his commitment to delivering on his promises, saying that he would henceforth concentrate on shoring up the implementation of his administration’s policies and programmes.

    “We will become more proactive in the days to come and the programmes we have started, we will accelerate.

    “We will ensure that we move at the best speed so that we can deliver on the promises we have made to our people,” he said.

  • BREAKING: Tribunal affirms Mutfwang as Plateau Gov

    BREAKING: Tribunal affirms Mutfwang as Plateau Gov

    The Plateau Election Petition Trial Tribunal sitting in Jos has affirmed the election of Caleb Mannanseh Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Governor. 

    It dismissed the petition filed by Dr. Nentawe Yilwada Goshwe of the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

    Read Also: Tribunal sacks three PDP lawmakers in Plateau

    Nentawe approached the tribunal challenging the declaration of Mutfwang by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Governor of Plateau State alleging as at the time of the election, Mutfwang was not qualified to contest having not been validly nominated and sponsored by PDP, which he claimed had no structure then

    However in its Judgment on Friday, the Tribunal dismissed the petition for lacking in merit.

    Details Shortly…

  • Plateau: PDP lauds tribunal for dismissing NNPP’s petition against Gov. Mutfwang

    Plateau: PDP lauds tribunal for dismissing NNPP’s petition against Gov. Mutfwang

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Plateau, has commended the Governorship Election Tribunal, for dismissing the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate against Gov. Caleb Mutfwang.

    The party stated this in a statement on Monday, by Mr John Akans, the Publicity Secretary of the party in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Afred Dabwan and the NNPP, had approached the tribunal, challenging the victory of Mutfwang in the March 18, gubernatorial polls.

    Akans said that the decision of the tribunal had validated the victory of Mutfwang at the polls, adding that it further proved that the governor was the popular choice of plateau people.

    “The Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Jos, has upheld the victory of Gov. Caleb Mutfwang by dismissing the petition by the candidate of the NNPP, Alfred Dabwan, challenging his victory.

    “The party commends the judgment of the tribunal as sound and a validation of the decision of the majority of Plateau citizens, who voted for the governor overwhelmingly.

    “We believe that it is on the account of the governor’s sterling competence and capacity that he was elected by the people.

    Read Also: Babayemi’s faction laments victimisation in Osun PDP 

    “PDP congratulates our dear governor, and as a party, we believe that this victory has further strengthened his vision for the state.

     “It will also boost his motivation to perform his functions as vested on him by the people of Plateau and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,”Akans said

    The publicity secretary promised that the party would continue to support the governor in his bid to provide dividends of democracy to the people of the state at all levels.

    (NAN)

  • 100 days: Mutfwang on track, says PDP

    100 days: Mutfwang on track, says PDP

    The Plateau Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said Governor Caleb Mutfwang has laid a solid foundation that would place it on the path of steady growth and development.

    The party also commended the governor for his various initiatives in the last 100 days of his administration, adding that such a move was geared towards the progress of the state.

     The Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Mr John Akans, said this in a statement in Jos.

    Akans commended the governor’s efforts in addressing the myriad of security challenges facing some parts of the state, among others.

    ”The governor has demonstrated the real reason behind the idea of 100 days in office, which include key policy pronouncements, critical appointments, review and unfolding of strategies for enduring sustainable development.

    ”PDP celebrates the governor for laying a solid foundation for accelerated development in the state.

    ”Within this short period, your administration has not only restored peace, but also clearly demonstrated that the Plateau is no longer safe for criminal elements.

    ”We commend you for your proactive measures taken so far, particularly in the area of security and reformation of the civil service,” Akans said.

    The party’s scribe also lauded the governor for initiating peoples friendly policies, adding that the payment of outstanding salaries of workers and pension arrears was commendable.

    He also commended the governor for appointing young people into various key positions in the state, adding that the move had demonstrated his willingness to run an all-inclusive government.

    Read Also: Residents of Sunnyvile, Kabusa cry to Wike for help on bad roads

    “With the people’s friendly policies and the appointments made so far, starting from the Economic Transition Committee, which is clearly a demonstration of your willingness to run an all-inclusive government, thereby reducing political hostility and promoting patriotism in the state.

    ”Your relentless effort to offset outstanding salaries and pension arrears inherited from your successor has not only given the workers a pride of place, but also hope that the few outstanding months will soon be settled.

     ”Your love for the youth has no bounds as demonstrated through the various highly placed appointments of young people into governance, what a novel idea!

    ”For the first time in the annals of our dear state, about 50,000 farmers have guaranteed off-takers for their farm produce, while a window of lending opportunities have been opened for farmers and small scale entrepreneurs,” he added.

    Akans, who expressed optimism that the governor would implement his campaign promises, said the party would support the governor to deliver on the dividends of democracy to the people.

  • Governor Mutfwang bags NBA ambassador award, vows to enhance justice system

    Governor Mutfwang bags NBA ambassador award, vows to enhance justice system

    Plateau state governor, Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to establishing robust mechanisms that would expedite and streamline access to justice within the state.

    The governor stated this in a presentation at the annual general conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja where he was unanimously recognized by members of the Bar as an ambassador of the NBA.

    Mutfwang, in a statement by his spokesman, Gyang Bere, stressed the need for legal professionals to take the lead in steering the nation towards progress and development, emphasizing that the theme of the conference, “Getting it Right and Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building,” resonates profoundly at this critical juncture.

    He noted that the key drivers of effective justice access are the human elements within the justice system, from those who administer justice to those who oversee justice institutions.

    Governor Mutfwang acknowledged that his administration had taken decisive action by enacting the Law Reform Commission bill as its inaugural legislative act, aiming to facilitate fair access to justice across Plateau State.

    Read Also: Mutfwang launches Jos-Abuja flight

    He noted: “As members of the bar, we must rise to this challenge and provide the purposeful leadership that our nation desperately needs at this pivotal juncture. Our country faces multifaceted crises, and we must take stock, introspect, and redefine our position within the global community. The world has long anticipated Nigeria’s rise to leadership, particularly within the African continent.”

    The governor further emphasised that access to justice plays a pivotal role in resolving crises and combating the pervasive corruption that has hindered both the nation and Plateau state.

    Mutfwang acknowledged the paramount importance of leadership and adequate funding for justice reform.

    He said he has the vision for Plateau State to be a front-runner in implementing progressive reforms in the justice system in the years ahead.

    The president of the NBA, Yakubu Maikyau, expressed gratitude for the governor’s presence at the conference.

    He hailed the Governor for his thought-provoking presentation, which contributed substantially to the discourse on justice system reform.

    Yakubu Maikyau expressed optimism in Governor Mutfwang’s capability to articulate the concerns of the Bar before the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Nigeria Economic Council Meeting, given his competence and dedication to achieving substantive change.