It is an open secret that Plateau State, the once cherished home of peace and tourism before the advent of Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration, has been ravaged by conflicts, communal crises and unprovoked herders’ attacks. The state experienced its share of strife. Hardly could a day pass by without the report of killings recorded. Such unpleasant news became the new normal. It wasn’t the question of either people would be killed in cold blood, on their farmlands, ambushed or not, it was the question of which community and innocent law-abiding souls were going to fall prey of the blood tasty killers
Plateau state, a plural state consisting of over 56 tribes is considered a potent conflict breeding ground by many conflict managers. They alluded this potency to where various ethnicities, religions, and cultures intersect, but the Mutfwang’s administration saw the immense possibilities for unity and harmonious living. The government understands that peaceful coexistence helps foster social cohesion, which is important for the functioning of any society because when people work together, irrespective of their regional and religious differences, they build trust and break down barriers, leading to a more inclusive society
The monster of disharmony, conflict, crisis and chaos that was almost establishing a base in the state prior to May 2023 threatened to extend its tentacles into the early life of this current administration where scores were killed in Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Bokkos. But with the relentless struggle for lasting peace and the determination of the TIME IS NOW mantra of Gov. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang led administration to transform Plateau State from conflicts to camaraderie, chaos to companionship, the government stamped out these vices for good before it could rise it ugly head again and stagnant our march to socioeocomic transformation
A trailblazer he is, Gov Mutfwang through words and actions presents the real spirit of a peacemaker and a true Plateau son who is hospitable and accommodating; his words are full of diplomacy, empathy and assurance, his actions full of thoughtfulness, his calmness speaks volumes of his tranquillity and flexibility. His physical appearance is a character of hope against conflict and violence.
With deliberate intention of breaking the vicious circle of violence and entrenching peaceful coexistence in return, Gov Mutfwang brought on board the State Security Advisory Committee headed by the sagacious military general cum political field marshal, Distinguished Sen. AVM (Rtd) Napoleon Binkap Bali and the best hands who are not only experts in security issues but are men of noble characters and integrity.
From the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba to Gen GG Shippi (Rtd) to DIG Vamyil (Rtd) and other committee members with the committee’s secretariat well manned by Arc Samuel Jatau, the choice of the members can best be described as a product of deep thought. These men, together with Barr Mutfwang have only one thing in mind – to ensure the absolute return of peace in the state without recourse to media hype
Gov Mutfwang, against the projection of conflict managers, through constructive dialogue, collaborative governance, and community involvement, has built a Plateau where differences are celebrated rather than used as points of division.
In a time where social media and sensational news stories dominate the information space, Governor Mutfwang instead, opted for achieveing peaceful coexistence in absolute quietness. Deliberately focused on his target of fostering harmony on the Plateau, the governor’s genuine efforts at maintaining harminoius living and rebuilding Plateau through peaceful coexistence have been purposely kept unnoticed amid the noise of media sensationalism.
The act of stabilizing the state in silence in itself is wisdom that has consolidated on the peace of the state and eliminated mutual suspicion amongst the citizens. Unlike in the past where stakeholders’ meetings are publicized and made headlines, probably to score cheap political goals and potray the government as working towards entrenching peace, the Time Is Now mantra adoption of new strategy of working in silence has encouraged all stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue and actions that promote enduring peace.
Mutfwang’s administration prioritises dialogue and understanding over conflict and division. Consistently in total silence without the usual media frenzy, the government holds regular stakeholders’ meetings where various groups and communities share their grievances and work towards solutions collaboratively under the supervision of Plateau Peace Building Agency
A case in hand was a recent peace initiative led by Governor Mutfwang at Rukuba Barracks where he brought together different ethnic groups who have historically found it difficult to communicate with the Minister of Defence physically present. This proactive approach executed in absolute quietness builds trust and eliminate mutual conspicion, leading to a safer Plateau for all.
The government, through the Plateau State Peace Buidling Agency effectively headed by Dr Julie Sanda, a quintessential peacemaker whose wealth of experience on both the national and international stage has seen her mediated between warring factions, trained peace advocates up to the United Nations level and researched on lasting solutions to crises that initially seem perpetually unending has equipped young individuals with the necessary tools to navigate a multi-ethnic society while promoting understanding and tolerance. Series of trainings have quietly taken place at various locations across the state where emphasis were laid on highlighting acts of kindness, understanding, and collaboration. One thing that can not be taken away from Gov Mutfwang is his topnotched leadership recruitment ability and desire of ending the vicious circles of conflicts, unprovoked attacks and seemingly coordinated ethnic cleansing.
Mutfwang’s government through the Peace Building Agency ensured the active participation of civil societies, communities and organisations that focus on conflict resolution and peace advocacy. This participation has empowered youth and community leaders that have taken actions that promoted unity and understanding.
The quiet yet impactful efforts of Governor Mutfwang towards establishing peaceful coexistence on the Plateau is worthy of commendation. The atmosphere of peace, love and unity being entrenched by the Time Is Now mantra will in no distant time lead to rapid socio-economic transformation
Plateau residents and security agencies are also worthy of applause for supporting and collaborating with the government in its peace initiative but must continue to sustain the advocacies that uplift peace initiatives, challenge divisive rhetoric, and work towards a future where Plateau is a symbol of unity amidst diversity as rightly captured in our slogan – Home of Peace and Tourism.
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