The Coalition for Equity and Good Governance, in collaboration with religious groups and concerned citizens, has strongly condemned inciting social media posts and inflammatory comments following the recent incident in Mangun District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State.
Speaking at a world press conference held in Jos on July 11, 2025, the coalition’s leaders—Pastor John Zakari and Salisu Abdullahi—commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his proactive peacebuilding efforts and his unwavering commitment to restoring safety and stability in the state.
Plateau Is Not a Religious Crisis Hub, Coalition Asserts
The coalition emphasized that Plateau State should not be mischaracterized as a hotbed of religious conflict. “Plateau is not a hub of religious crises, but a beacon of peace and unity,” said Pastor Zakari. The leaders stressed that the attacks on communities across the state are not faith-based but are instead systematic acts of “genocide and land grabbing,” which have displaced indigenous populations from their ancestral lands.
Mob Action in Mangun District Condemned
Addressing the recent mob incident in Mangun, the coalition described the act as “totally condemnable criminality.” While expressing concern over the unfortunate event, the group noted that such actions are often triggered by frustration and the trauma of repeated unprovoked attacks in the area.
Misinformation Must Be Ignored, Group Urges
The coalition appealed to the federal government, international organizations, and the wider public to ignore misleading narratives portraying Plateau as anti-religious. “The state is a symbol of peace and tourism, where Muslims, Christians, and other nationalities have lived together in harmony,” said Salisu Abdullahi.
Praise for Governor Mutfwang’s Initiatives
The coalition lauded the establishment of the Plateau State Inter-Religious Advisory Council, a platform designed to enhance religious tolerance and social cohesion. Governor Mutfwang was also commended for his developmental strides, which have contributed to improved investor confidence and economic growth in the state.
Security Agencies Urged to Step Up
While acknowledging efforts made by security agencies, the coalition called for more proactive measures to prevent future attacks. They recommended advising citizens against night travel and encouraging vigilance at checkpoints to help reduce security breaches.
Call for Peace and National Unity
In closing, the coalition emphasized the importance of national unity and peaceful coexistence. “We urge all citizens to refrain from divisive comments and work together to promote peace in Plateau State and across Nigeria,” the coalition stated.
The press conference concluded with a renewed call on all stakeholders—including religious leaders, civil society, and the media—to support peace building and resist the spread of harmful misinformation.
Director of the Abuja School of Social Thought and Politics, Sam Amadi, has hinted that President Bola Tinubu seems “extreme and desperate to avoid losing the 2027 presidential election.
Amadi said President Tinubu might lose and it could lead to extreme response.
Posting on X, Amadi faulted Tinubu’s political strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
He wrote: “@officialABAT strategy to avoid electoral loss in 2027 seems extreme and desperate. I believe he will lose out. But it could lead to extreme response.
“The tragedy is that the current desperation and recklessness may destroy the entire edifice of Nigerian democracy even in their failure.
“I hope there are enough patriots to step in and save Nigeria when that happens. May Nigeria survive.”
Former Super Eagles defender Mobi Okparaku has welcomed the decision to hand Eric Chelle a new contract, insisting the Franco-Malian coach now has the time needed to build a stable and competitive national team.
Okparaku believes continuity is exactly what the Super Eagles require after the disappointment of missing back-to-back FIFA World Cups.
“Eric Chelle now has the opportunity to build something special for Nigeria,” Okparaku said.
The former international explained that extending the coach’s contract will allow him to fully implement his football philosophy while assembling a squad capable of challenging for major honours.
According to Okparaku, rebuilding a successful national team takes patience, and changing coaches too frequently only disrupts progress.
“This gives him the chance to fine-tune his ideas, solve the team’s problems and build a squad that can compete for trophies,” he added.
Okparaku stressed that stability on the bench is one of the key ingredients for sustained success in international football.
He believes Chelle now has the platform to identify new talents, strengthen the squad and establish a clear playing identity for the Super Eagles.
“Continuity is what this team needs if Nigeria wants a brighter future,” he stated.
The former defender expressed confidence that, with adequate support from the Nigeria Football Federation, Chelle can build a Super Eagles side capable of challenging for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and securing qualification for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.