Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has come under fire following a recent speech to citizens, where he outlined his administration’s achievements. Critics argue that the governor’s claims are disconnected from the reality on the ground, highlighting several key areas of concern.
One major point of contention is the governor’s assertion that training 20 young people per Local Government Area (LGA) in modern agriculture represents a significant advancement in food security. Critics have pointed out that this initiative effectively amounts to training just one person per state ward, questioning the impact of such a limited approach on the broader agricultural sector.
The governor’s commitment to the rule of law was also called into question. In his speech, Mutfwang emphasized his adherence to legal principles, but critics noted several actions that allegedly contradict this claim. These include the unilateral removal of democratically elected officials at the Local Government Councils (LGCs), the dismissal of Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) officials, and the termination of young people employed by the previous administration. Additionally, the abrupt removal of the Vice-Chancellor of Plateau State University (PLASU) without the consent of the Governing Council was cited as another example of the governor’s disregard for legal processes.
Furthermore, the refusal to swear in members of the House of Assembly, in defiance of a Court of Appeal judgment, was highlighted as a significant violation of the rule of law. Critics also pointed to the removals of Provosts, Rectors, Registrars, and Bursars from five state-owned tertiary institutions, questioning the legality and fairness of these actions. They argue that these decisions undermine the rules governing these institutions and contribute to an atmosphere of arbitrary governance.
In terms of infrastructure, the governor’s claims of significant investments in the transportation sector were met with skepticism. Critics questioned the tangible impact of these investments, particularly in reducing transportation costs or meeting the actual needs of the people. They also noted the lack of major projects in the state’s 15 LGAs, aside from some road patching in Jos North and South.
The administration was further criticized for what was described as unprecedented poor governance, despite receiving substantial financial inflows. Observers pointed out that no previous government in Plateau State has had access to such significant resources, yet the state continues to grapple with widespread poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and a general decline in living standards.
The article expressing these concerns was authored by Makut Alfred Mashat, a social crusader and advocate for good governance. Mashat’s critique highlights the growing dissatisfaction among citizens with the current administration’s performance.
