by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has joined other Nigerians in rejoicing with the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, on Obi’s 62nd Birthday, which is being celebrated with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.
Receiving the former Anambra State Governor during a courtesy call on him at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, Governor Mutfwang also reiterated the commitment of his administration to end the current problem of insecurity in the state to deliver the desired development and progress of the state.
He welcomed the decision of Mr. Peter Obi to celebrate his birthday with Internally Displaced Persons in Mangu, and described him as a “kind-hearted man” who is determined to give hope and succor to victims of the unfortunate events in some parts of the State.
“We are highly honored for this visit that you thought it wise to come and commiserate with us. We do not take it lightly. We appreciate you for having this thought in mind and coming to be able to share in the affliction that has come upon us.
“Indeed, Mangu particularly has been in the news because it was one of the most peaceful local governments. But people forget also about Riyom, because it looks as if in Riyom now the killing has become normal, which is the local government of my Deputy.
“But whatever it is, we know that the loss of one life is painful, but to lose at the last count in the last 2-3 months, dozens of lives is a national disaster, and all we are asking is that this carnage must stop. It has to. We didn’t come into government to be burying people; we came to advance the cause of our people and, by the grace of God, this we will do.
“We are determined to work to the end to ensure that Plateau retains its status as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
“We want to thank you for your good wishes. Your presence here today means a lot to us and it will interest you to know, that your supporters on the Plateau were truly obedient,” the governor stated.
Governor Mutfwang asserted that, “Mr. Obi redefined Nigerian politics with his Obidient Movement during the last Presidential election. He shared in the commitment and passion of most Nigerians, who strive to make the country work for all, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, and geopolitical zone.
“You remain one of the reference points in good governance, and we are seeking to emulate some of the legacies you left behind in governance. We appreciate you very sincerely and, I am sure, seeing you will mean so much to the IDPs.”
The Labour Party Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, said he was in Jos to commiserate with the government and people of Plateau State over the deteriorating security challenges in Mangu and Riyom local government areas of the state.
He urged the people to remain firm and work collectively towards ending the security challenges in the State, saying that, he has come to condole with them and to support them.
“I want to appreciate you, based on how you have handled the killings in the state, which is appreciated by Nigerians, and you have done what is expected of you as a leader,” he stated.
He noted that during the campaign, he visited Bayelsa when there was flooding, and also visited IDP camps in Benue, and that he was in Plateau State to also put smiles on the faces of the IDPs.
Among top government officials, who joined the governor to receive the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party were the Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo; former Speaker and Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative Affairs, Hon. Nuhu Ayuba Abok; Chairman Plateau State House of Assembly Service Commission, Hon Johnbull Shekarau, and Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Alex Kunda.
