by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Governor-elect, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, and the outgoing governor, Simon Lalong, on Saturday night attended the State Banquet, organized to usher-in a new administration in the state.
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, held at the New Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
Barr. Mutfwang thanked God, saying, “Because there has been many doubts – 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.
He believes 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 judgment 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 endeavors, and assured Plateau State they will not fail to look after the common wealth of the State, adding, “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 improve where there is need for improvement, adding that, “We have come to add value where there is need for value addition.”
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.
According to him, he is highly honoured to welcome the incoming administration to the State Banquet, the Governor-elect who is his learned colleague, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, the Deputy Governor-elect Ngo Josephine Piyo, and all invited guests to the historic gathering.
He said, “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 8 years. At the same time, we have every reason to appreciate God for 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 fulfillment 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.
In attendance were top dignitaries, who spoke at the event. These include, Arch. Pam Dung Gyang for Plateau Elders; Chief Judge of Plateau State, Justice David Mann, the Emir of Wase, Alh. Babangida Muazu, the Co-Chairman, Prof Danladi Atu, while Senator representing Plateau North and Deputy Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, Istifanus Gyang, said the Vote of Thanks, among several party men and women.
