By Daniel Kudayah
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has vowed to protect every part of the state from attacks and land encroachment, assuring residents that his administration would continue efforts to improve security and return displaced persons to their communities.
Mutfwang gave the assurance on Monday in Jos during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council, where he also urged party members to begin grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor said his administration was committed to protecting the state’s territory and ensuring that residents who fled their communities because of insecurity could return home.
He said, “One thing I have committed myself to is that I will ensure the protection of every inch of land in Plateau State.”
He added that the government would soon begin practical steps to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral communities.
On security, Mutfwang announced plans to strengthen Operation Rainbow with the deployment of more trained personnel.
He said a new batch of retrained Operation Rainbow operatives would be inaugurated the following week, while at least 800 trained forest guards would be deployed within four weeks.
The governor said the measures were aimed at improving security and making it possible for displaced residents to return to their homes.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for his support in addressing insecurity and improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Mutfwang urged Plateau residents to remain patient and continue supporting his administration, assuring them that the government would not abandon its responsibility to protect lives and property.
On the 2027 elections, he urged members of the campaign council to take the APC campaign to communities across the state and seek support for the party’s candidates.
He said the administration needed another term to complete projects and programmes already started.
According to him, his government would seek the people’s support to continue its development plans and take the state to a higher level.
The governor described governance as a relay in which successive administrations build on the achievements of their predecessors.
He said, “There is no government that ends everything. Every government is a relay. And sometimes you know why they put four people in a relay; that if one leg of the relay didn’t do well, the person taking over can do better, and the entire team can then win the gold medal.”
Mutfwang also declared his support for President Tinubu and the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, expressing confidence that the party would receive strong support in Plateau State.
He said the people of the state had chosen the APC as the platform through which they would pursue their political interests in 2027.
The governor expressed confidence that Plateau would support Tinubu in the January 16, 2027 presidential election and renew his own mandate two weeks later.
He also urged candidates and members of the campaign council to lead mobilisation efforts in their communities, wards, local government areas and constituencies.
Mutfwang advised the candidates to unite party members, avoid divisions and work together to achieve their political goals.
Earlier, Plateau State APC Chairman, Rufus Bature, thanked members of the campaign council for accepting to serve, describing their participation as a sign of commitment to the party.
He also called on members to ensure peaceful campaigns, urging them to present their messages with facts and honesty.
Bature said the party had no reason to encourage violence, adding that it would work towards peaceful and orderly campaigns ahead of the elections.
