Barely 24 hours before the gubernatorial inauguration, Plateau State Governor-elect Caleb Mutfwang said his administration will not witch-hunt anyone, and where issues are found, they will be dealt with as a “family affair.”
He also said the season of elections is over and that it’s time to face governance.
Mutfwang stated this at a state banquet organised to usher in a new administration in the state, which was also attended by the outgoing Governor, Simon Lalong, on Saturday night.
The banquet, which was put together by the Inauguration Planning Committee, brought together Plateau elders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and party men and women drawn across political parties. It was held at the New Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
The Governor-elect said: “I want to thank God for this occasion because there have been many doubts about whether it will hold or not, but I thank God that it finally happened.
“The season of politics is a season where a lot of words are unfittingly spoken, but elections are over and it is time to face governance; we must think Plateau.
“I want to believe that going from here, we will build a new Plateau that belongs to all of us.
“All of us who have the opportunity to serve, are standing on the judgement of history, and only history will determine the type of marks that will be allocated to you, and we pray that history will be kind to us.”
Mutfwang appreciated Governor Lalong for contributing his quota to the development of the state and wished him the best in his future endeavours.
“I want to pledge before Plateau State that while we will not fail to look after the commonwealth of the state, we will not witch-hunt anyone. Where we find issues to be addressed, we will deal with them as a family affair.”
The Governor-elect solicited the support of Plateau people, particularly public servants, and assured them that he has come to “add value where there is need for value addition.”
In his remarks, the outgoing governor, Simon Lalong, advised the incoming governor to be diligent, fair, and exercise justice in dealing with citizens and be committed to the pursuit of peace.
“I am highly honoured to welcome you all to this state banquet in honour of the incoming administration in Plateau State.
“I warmly welcome the Governor-elect, my learned colleague Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, the Deputy Governor-elect Ngo Josephine Piyo, and all invited guests to this historic gathering.
“This is a day that calls for gratitude to God Almighty for the successful completion of the tenure of our Rescue Administration, which has been on the saddle for the last eight years.
“At the same time, we have every reason to appreciate God for the peaceful elections that ushered in a new administration about to take over in a few days and hours.
“As we bow out on Monday, we look back with a sense of fulfilment on how we have been able to put the people first, particularly in carrying on with inherited projects as well as initiating and completing new ones,” he stated.
Top dignitaries who spoke at the event include, Pam Dung Gyang for Plateau Elders; Chief Judge of Plateau State, Justice David Mann; the Emir of Wase, Alh. Babangida Muazu; and the co-chairman, Prof Danladi Atu.
The vote of thanks was delivered by the senator representing Plateau North and Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Istifanus Gyang.
