A group, the Plateau Initiative for Growth and Development (PIGD) has defended Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as strategic rather than an act of betrayal.
The group also called on the elite class in Plateau State to help explain the governor’s development agenda and political realignment to the grassroots.
Key Highlights:
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Nengak David, the group said the governor remains committed to his “ReBuild Plateau” agenda aimed at restoring peace and driving development across the state.
According to the group, Gov. Mutfwang’s priority is to stabilise security in troubled communities and use peace as a foundation for economic growth, agriculture, education, healthcare and infrastructure development.
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The statement said it was unfair for political actors to interpret the governor’s decisions through partisan sentiments without considering the broader interest of Plateau State.
“Governor Caleb Mutfwang has not lost focus. He is on course. His first duty is to secure Plateau, restore peace to troubled communities and then build an economy that can work for farmers, traders, students, workers, investors and ordinary families,” David said.
PIGD urged traditional rulers, professionals, religious leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders to counter misinformation by helping residents understand the governor’s agenda.
“The elite class must not abandon the grassroots to rumours, bitterness and partisan propaganda. Those who understand the issues must explain clearly that the governor’s ‘ReBuild Plateau Agenda’ is about peace, development and the long-term interest of our people,” the statement added.
Defending Gov. Mutfwang’s exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the group attributed the move to the internal crisis within the opposition party.
“The governor did not leave the PDP because he no longer loved the people who supported him. He left because no serious leader will build the future of a state on a platform consumed by endless internal crisis,” David stated.
PIGD also rejected claims that the APC is hostile to Plateau interests, insisting that the governor’s decision was taken in the best interest of the state.
“It is wrong to present the APC as an enemy of Plateau. Governor Mutfwang loves Plateau too deeply to move the state into a political house that means harm to its people.
“His decision must be judged by its purpose, and that purpose is to protect Plateau’s future,” the group said.
The group called for unity and constructive engagement among Plateau residents, urging citizens to support the governor’s peace and development initiatives.
“This is not the time to inflame emotions. This is the time to support peace, development and the ReBuild Plateau project,” David added.
