In a recent revelation, the Plateau State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi, announced that the present administration, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has successfully settled a total of N673 million in judgment debts against the state government. Daffi revealed that these debts were predominantly inherited from the previous administration, with some dating as far back as 2002.
Speaking at a monthly ministerial press briefing held at the state secretariat in Jos, Daffi emphasized the significant achievements of the Ministry of Justice from May 29, 2023, to May 2024. Among these achievements, he highlighted the successful clearance of outstanding judgment debts, including the payment of N297 million in the case between Erapon Nigeria Ltd. and the Executive Governor of Plateau State & 2 Ors. (Suit No. PLD/J636/2022), as well as N300 million in the case between Matthew Pam Gyang & Ors. and Plateau State Government & Ors. (Suit No. PLD/J29/2002).
Additionally, during a recent press briefing at the Joseph Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos, Hon. Peter Gwom, the commissioner of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development in Plateau State, highlighted the ministry’s commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and mineral resource development. Gwom underscored the visionary leadership of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, noting significant restructuring within the ministry, including the merger of the former Ministry of Environment with the Ministry of Mineral Development in November 2023. This restructuring emphasizes the intrinsic relationship between environmental preservation and mineral resource utilization.
Moreover, the Plateau State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk, outlined the remarkable achievements of the health ministry under his stewardship in the past year. These achievements encompassed improvements in staff welfare, infrastructure, capacity building, and partnerships with both local and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Notable milestones included the payment of three months’ arrears of salaries for medical and health workers, salary structure improvements for medical doctors, and the operational commencement of the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Jos and the Federal Medical Center Wase at their temporary sites.
The commissioner of information and communication, Hon. Musa Ashoms, presided over the event, which featured submissions from various ministries, showcasing the collective efforts of the Plateau State government to address key challenges and advance development initiatives across multiple sectors.
In summary, the Plateau State government’s concerted efforts to clear judgment debts, promote environmental sustainability, enhance healthcare services, and drive overall socio-economic development underscore its commitment to delivering tangible benefits to its citizens and fostering a brighter future for the state.
