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Over 300 Middle Belt Leaders Pass Vote of Confidence in Governor Mutfwang
Jos, Plateau State – Leaders representing over 300 ethnic nationalities from across the Middle Belt have unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, and his deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, citing their commitment to peace, security, infrastructural development, and inclusive governance.
The endorsement came during a review meeting of Middle Belt ethnic nationalities on the Plateau, convened by Hon. Daniel Kwada, Special Adviser to the Governor on Middle Belt Ethnic Nationalities Affairs. The meeting brought together diverse groups including the Gongola People’s Forum, Southern Kaduna communities, and representatives from Nasarawa, Benue, Kebbi, Borno, Taraba, and Gombe states.
Hon. Kwada described Governor Mutfwang as “a new political leader in the Middle Belt” who carries everyone along regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation. “His projects and inclusive approach cut across all 17 local government areas of Plateau State,” he said.
Professor Abraham Dogo, Plateau State President of the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), who announced the endorsement, noted that the governor has stabilized human and capital development in the state beyond expectations. He commended the unprecedented creation of a Senior Special Assistant on Middle Belt Ethnic Nationalities Affairs, urging other governors to emulate the gesture.
Reverend Dr. Ahuche Peter Zakka from Kebbi State lauded the governor’s moral consciousness and inclusive appointments, while Dr. Emmanuel Anonduko, Secretary of the Gongola People’s Forum, praised his unity-driven governance. Anonduko pledged the group’s mobilization for voter registration ahead of the 2027 elections in support of the governor’s re-election bid.
Similarly, Solomon Sukukum, Secretary of the Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Community Development Associations (CONAECDA), commended the governor for fostering unity and giving Middle Belt nationalities a voice. Mr. Richard Audu, leader of the Nasarawa State Indigenous People in Plateau (NASITOP), cited the governor’s unwavering commitment to welfare, security, youth empowerment, and agricultural development as reasons for their endorsement.
Key achievements under the Mutfwang administration highlighted by the leaders include:
- Peace and Security: Stabilizing communities and addressing insecurity across the state.
- Infrastructural Development: Expanding roads, utilities, and public services in all 17 LGAs.
- Inclusive Governance: Ensuring diverse ethnic representation in decision-making processes.
The leaders pledged to continue supporting the governor’s policies and development agenda to sustain progress across Plateau and the wider Middle Belt.
A video has shown some members of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (the Izala sect) chanting and demanding AK-47 rifles to shoot Christian infidels in Enugu and Jos, the capital of Plateau.
In the video, a young man dressed in Izala Volunteer Corps uniform, a beige and blue beret colour, chanted, “Give us AK. Give AK. Let’s go to Enugu among infidels on Sunday while they are worshipping. Let’s open fire on them.” Several others chanted along with him in the video.
The chorus leader called for AK-47 rifles to invade churches in Jos.
Sheikh Bala Lau, the national chairman of JIBWIS, on Monday condemned the call for violence by its sect members, urging the State Security Service, the police and other relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.
A netizen, @Arojinle, said, “That’s Izala’s uniform. I hope the @PoliceNG and @OfficialDSSNG take action before we have another terrorist faction within us. One major problem is that Izala adherents are not in the North alone. They exist in Hausa-dominated microenvironments. I’ve seen their branded bus at Sabo, Ìbàdàn, several times.”
“Just watched a disturbing video of this Izala (JIBWIS) Agaji member singing a gyration song while leading his team, saying, “Give me AK-47 so that I will go to Enugu and kill infidels (arna) on Sunday while they are praying and happy. Give me guns to go to Jos and kill more infidels—that is the Sunnah, that is the training,” @Timmosion said. “You may think this is just music or a joke, but deep down, that is their true mindset. The only thing standing between them and carrying out such thoughts is the secular state and its laws.”
@Abdul_Ahmad said, “With all due respect, this is completely wrong and not part of the teaching of Islam. I’m calling the attention of the Izala 2 leadership under Sheikh Bala Lau and Kabiru Gombe to look into this matter with immediate effect so as not to produce more extremists.”
Police spokesperson Ani Iniedu did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the video.
Osun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has urged Nigerians to vote against the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 general elections, accusing the party of failing to demonstrate the capacity to manage the country effectively.
The ADC also dismissed allegations that it had failed to pay its secretariat staff for more than a year, describing the claim as an attempt by the APC to undermine its credibility and portray it as unfit to govern Nigeria.
The party stated this in a statement signed by its Osun State Publicity Secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, on Tuesday.
The statement was in response to a statement attributed to the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
“The APC’s attempt to portray the ADC as a party incapable of governing Nigeria is neither an argument based on sound reasoning nor a credible assessment of our capacity to lead,” the statement read.
ADC argued that the ruling party was attempting to divert public attention from the economic challenges facing Nigerians, including rising living costs, insecurity and mounting financial pressures on households and businesses.
“Nigerians are interested in leadership that delivers results, not an administration that issues statements condemning its opponents while struggling to convince citizens that its own record deserves another mandate," it added.
The opposition party also accused the APC Presidential Campaign Council of targeting its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, over issues surrounding salary modulation and outstanding pension obligations during his tenure as Osun State governor.
It criticised the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, and the APC for allegedly reducing Aregbesola’s eight-year administration to a single issue while overlooking its policies on infrastructure, education and other sectors.
Highlighting the administration’s achievements, the ADC said it constructed 170 model schools, comprising 100 elementary schools, 50 middle schools and 20 high schools.
It also cited reduced fees in state-owned tertiary institutions, bursary payments and assistance for medical students undertaking clinical training abroad.
The party said the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme, O-YES, created employment opportunities for thousands of young people, while road projects delivered more than 300 kilometres of township roads and 222 kilometres of rural roads through interventions supported by the World Bank and the French government under the Rural Access and Mobility Project.
On healthcare, the ADC said the administration "upgraded or rehabilitated more than nine state hospitals and 12 comprehensive health centres."
It also cited the establishment of the Osun Ambulance Service, alongside the Omoluabi Garment Factory, the O’Clean environmental sanitation initiative and projects aimed at reducing flooding.
The party added that the administration introduced social welfare programmes, including Agba Osun for older residents and O-Widow for widows, while supporting agriculture and food production.
It maintained that it would focus on policy proposals and practical solutions rather than exchanging insults with the APC.
“The time has come for Nigerians to reject political propaganda and demand accountable leadership that prioritises the welfare of the people. We urge voters to use their ballots in the 2027 general elections to decide the ruling party’s political future," it concluded.
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