Governors in North Central/Middle Belt States Are Working to Raise the Bar of Good Governance, Says Governor Mutfwang

March 03, 2024

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has said that he and his fellow governors in the North Central and the Middle Belt regions of Nigeria are committed to raising the bar of good governance in their respective states for the benefit of their people and the nation at large.

Towards this end he has resolved to put the people's interest first in his democratic journey because he owes his mandate to them, and that doing so will build the confidence and trust of citizens in government.

Governor Mutfwang, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues from the North Central, was the guest of honour at a banquet organised by former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

He said: "Those of us who have been opportune in the history of our nation to serve in the public service have no option but to raise the bar in providing good governance and I am glad that I am standing on the shoulders of giants, who have performed creditably and excellently in service delivery to this nation."

He reemphasized that the present crop of governors in the North Central and the Middle Belt are working assiduously to change the narrative of their respective states for good, by implementing policies and programmes that will enhance the welfare and well-being of their citizens.

Governor Mutfwang called for bipartisan approach, networking, unity and doggedness in governance in order to navigate the current economic challenges confronting the country and improve the living standards of citizens.

He said the honour by the former Head of State was a great privilege and a source of encouragement to him and his colleagues to put in their utmost best in transforming their respective states and lifting their citizens out of poverty.

The former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, in his remarks, appealed to the governors, elected representatives and political appointees to promote the wisdom of good governance and foster growth and development in the areas of health care delivery, food security, education, infrastructure, and security, among others.

He encouraged the governors to build peace, security and community harmony, and urged them to promote the culture of integrity and uphold the rule of law with emphasis on due process and accountability.

He said: "You should be leaders of integrity. I appeal for fairness and provision of basic needs, especially food and healthcare. Let me also appeal for the restoration of good neighbourliness with emphasis on social care for each other."

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, in his goodwill message, said the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a tough but necessary decision taken to improve the country's economy and the living condition of citizens.

He appealed to Nigerians to be more patient with the government as deliberate efforts have been taken to address the current hardship in the country, such as the provision of palliatives, social intervention programmes, and economic stimulus packages.

The first Lady, Sen. Remi Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Senate President, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, congratulated the governors for their achievements and urged them to continue to work for the unity and progress of the country.

The Banquet was also put together in honour of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), His Excellency Nyesom Wike, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Governor of Benue State; Dr. Agbu Kefas, Governor of Taraba State; Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, Governor of Niger State.

Others are Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Governor of Nasarawa State; Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State; Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Governor of Kwara State and Chairman Nigeria Governor's Forum, Ahmed Usman Adodo, Governor of Kogi State, and General Christopher G. Musa, Chief of Defence Staff among others.