By Kingsley Chukwuka
A youth group under the aegis of Plateau Youths for Progressive Change (PYPC) has expressed readiness to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Plateau State for the commissioning of legacy projects executed by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
Governor Mutfwang had recently hinted at the President’s planned second visit to the state, following his attendance at the burial of the mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda.
Speaking with our correspondent, the PYPC Chairman, Comrade Ezra Yakubu, said President Tinubu’s visit would afford him firsthand insight into the transformation currently taking place across Plateau, especially the judicious utilisation of the subsidy removal funds released by the Federal Government.
“The ‘New Plateau’ as transformed by Governor Mutfwang will put to rest all speculations surrounding the use of the subsidy removal funds,” Yakubu said.
He cited the Governor’s urban renewal projects and the introduction of City Metro Buses across the state as evidence of the administration’s transparent and impactful use of the funds.
Quoting the Governor, Yakubu recalled:
“Mr President, we will invite you specially for the commissioning of numerous projects in the state. We have put to good use the subsidy removal funds as received from the Federal Government,” Mutfwang had said.
According to the group, the Mutfwang administration’s efforts have repositioned Jos as a thriving and attractive city.
“Hotels in Jos are now overbooked, with visitors trooping into the state daily. This and many more are what the President will witness when he returns for an official visit,” Yakubu added.
He commended the Governor for not allowing insecurity to define Plateau’s identity, noting that the establishment of the 10-man Fact-Finding Committee headed by Major-General Nicholas Rogers (rtd.) has helped restore peace in previously troubled areas.
“When President Tinubu visits, he will see that Governor Mutfwang did not go to sleep after his election. Step by step, reform by reform, project by project, the Governor has placed Plateau on a path of recovery and renewal,” Yakubu stated.
The group further highlighted the Governor’s achievements in the past two years, including prompt payment of salaries, revival of abandoned infrastructure, road construction, school rehabilitation, hospital upgrades, and provision of potable water to communities.
“Even in the face of adversity, such as the attacks in Bokkos and Bassa, Mutfwang remained steadfast in rebuilding the Plateau and restoring dignity to its people,” the group said.
They also praised the Governor for his statesmanship during President Tinubu’s earlier visit, noting that despite political differences, he accorded full state honours to the mother of the APC National Chairman.
“Against expectations from political factions, the Governor demonstrated maturity and respect by honouring Yilwatda’s mother with a state burial,” the statement added.
