The Plateau Concern Youth Groups have strongly criticized Shitu Baimaiyi, Acting Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, over what they describe as an “envy-driven” attack on key commissioners in Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration.
In a statement released on Friday, the group denounced Baimaiyi’s remarks targeting the Commissioners of Information and Communication, Water Resources, Education, Agriculture, and Works. They described his statements as baseless and aimed at discrediting the progress made by the administration.
“We wouldn’t have bothered responding to Baimaiyi’s baseless claims, but we want to set the record straight,” the statement read. “His attack stems from envy of the credible performance of Governor Mutfwang’s administration, especially in these key ministries that have been instrumental in driving the state’s development.”
The group particularly defended the Commissioner of Information and Communication, Hon. Musa Ashoms, praising his professionalism and strong relationship with journalists in the state. They contrasted his approach with what they called Baimaiyi’s “habit of abusing Plateau leaders in the name of publicity.”
They further accused the APC spokesman of tarnishing the party’s reputation in the state. “Unfortunately for Baimaiyi, he assumed the role of spokesman at a time when the APC’s influence in Plateau has significantly declined. The broom can’t sweep again in Plateau State,” the group stated.
Addressing Baimaiyi’s reference to former Governor Jonah David Jang, the youth groups criticized what they called a lack of respect. “Our esteemed Plateau elder, Da Jonah David Jang, has made invaluable contributions to the state and the nation. It is unacceptable for Baimaiyi to reference him casually in his statements,” they said.
The statement also highlighted the recent visit of the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, to Plateau State, where Governor Mutfwang was crowned NIPR Patron. According to the group, the NIPR President commended the professional capacity of the Commissioner of Information and the Director of Press, further disproving Baimaiyi’s allegations.
“As a group, we warn Baimaiyi to desist from blackmailing and undermining the commissioners of Works, Education, Information, Agriculture, and Water Resources. Instead, he should commend Governor Mutfwang for the transformation Plateau State has witnessed in just one and a half years,” they said.
The group reassured Plateau residents of the administration’s commitment to delivering good governance without bias.
Signed:
- Comrade Dung Chomo, Chairman
- Nanpan John, Secretary
- Abigail Chohu, Coordinator, Northern Zone
- Yilji Bako, Coordinator, Central Zone
- Ponzing Karnap, Coordinator, Southern Zone