In response to recent claims made by the Caleb Mutfwang-led PDP administration in Plateau State, the Concerned Plateau APC Consolidation Vanguard (PACV) has refuted allegations that the immediate past government, led by His Excellency Simon Bako Lalong, left behind a debt of 307 billion Naira. The PACV, led by Comrade Jok Samuel Camillus, has labeled these accusations as another attempt by the new administration to discredit Lalong’s government and tarnish its image.
According to the PACV, the new administration has presented fresh and unsubstantiated figures, asserting that they inherited a debt of 307 billion naira. However, the handover notes submitted by Lalong’s government indicated a debt amount of 201.2 billion naira, a figure confirmed by the Plateau State Debt Management Agency and the Federal Government Debt Management Office.
The stated debt figure comprises both domestic and foreign loans and facilities accessed by the Plateau State Government during Lalong’s tenure, including debts inherited from the previous administration under Jonah Jang. It is important to note that when Lalong assumed office in 2015, he inherited a debt burden of 222 billion naira from the Jang administration, which was diligently serviced throughout his term without resorting to misinformation or attempts to tarnish his successor’s reputation.
The PACV emphasizes that, in addition to servicing inherited debts, Lalong’s Rescue Administration successfully completed numerous abandoned projects and utilized loans and facilities to initiate and execute new projects, many of which were commissioned before the end of his tenure and are now benefiting the citizens of Plateau State.
The statement also reminds the people of Plateau State that when Lalong assumed office, there were significant challenges such as unpaid salaries (spanning over eight months), 12 months of pension arrears, and withheld wages for the “no work no pay” policy. Despite these obstacles, Lalong’s administration promptly settled these outstanding payments and continued to pay salaries until the final months of their term.
The PACV questions the intentions behind the PDP-led administration’s presentation of fictitious figures that contradict the verified data from the Debt Management Office and Plateau Debt Management Agency, figures that are publicly available for verification.
Furthermore, the committee formed by the new administration claims that they were not given the opportunity to contribute to the preparation of the handover notes. The PACV finds this narrative perplexing, as it questions how an incoming administration could be involved in preparing handover notes from the previous government. The committee’s statement raises doubts about their understanding of the transition process.
The PACV advises Governor Caleb Mutfwang to prioritize governance and address critical issues currently facing Plateau State. These issues include the persistent attacks on innocent citizens, the ongoing strike by workers due to unpaid salaries, and the disruption of governance at the local government level due to the administration’s attempts to assert control, which goes against the constitution and Supreme Court rulings.
The PACV urges the new administration to focus on delivering solutions rather than engaging in blame games, grandstanding, and political maneuvers. The people of Plateau State yearn for peace, progress, and development, regardless of the debt situation. It is essential for the government to prioritize the needs of the people during this time of transition.