Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has lauded the youths for their peaceful conduct during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests, despite imposing a 24-hour curfew in Jos and Bukuru to curb escalating violence and looting.

In a state broadcast on August 6th, Governor Mutfwang emphasized that the curfew, initiated on August 4th, would remain in place until security reports confirm a return to normalcy. “The peaceful conduct of our people before, during, and after the nationwide protest is commendable,” he stated, urging citizens to continue upholding peace.

The governor explained that the curfew was necessary after hoodlums hijacked the initially peaceful protests, leading to chaos and destruction of public and private properties. He assured the public that security agencies were fully prepared to maintain law and order.

Governor Mutfwang commended the youths for their admirable compliance, which has been recognized by both local and international communities. He expressed optimism about Plateau State’s future, stating, “The glorious days of the beautiful and peaceful Plateau are back!”

Highlighting the challenges imposed by those fearing unity, he quoted Martin Luther King Jr., saying, “We either live together as brothers or we perish as fools,” and urged citizens to shun strife and embrace peaceful coexistence. Acknowledging the difficulties ahead, he assured that the government was actively working to alleviate poverty and foster a peaceful, prosperous Plateau.

Governor Mutfwang detailed ongoing efforts to improve public transportation, agriculture, health, and education. Notably, 20 youths per local government are being trained in modern agribusiness, and over 200 trucks of fertilizer have been distributed in partnership with the federal government, aiming for a bumper harvest this season to ensure food security.

The governor also highlighted the empowerment of micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs), providing N50,000 grants to boost economic growth and improve quality of life. “Our determination to change our story has never wavered,” he affirmed, committing to prioritize education and healthcare.

Addressing the issues of insecurity, banditry, and insurgency, Governor Mutfwang criticized past administrations for waste and mismanagement, which left the state with substantial debt and little progress. He assured that his administration was actively seeking partnerships to build an economy based on rule of law, equity, justice, and inclusion.

The governor called for patience and understanding from citizens as the government works to alleviate poverty through empowerment schemes and palliatives, in collaboration with federal and local authorities. He pledged to consider the demands of the protesters and engage in further dialogue with youth leaders once the protests conclude.

Condemning the actions of hoodlums who disrupted the peaceful protests, Governor Mutfwang praised the roles of traditional, community, and religious leaders, as well as civil society organizations, in mediating the unrest. He expressed gratitude to security agencies for their professionalism and emotional intelligence in controlling the situation.

Governor Mutfwang concluded by appealing for continued patience, peace, and lawfulness, assuring that the government was committed to addressing citizens’ concerns and restoring order in Plateau State.