Embrace Democratic Values of Tolerance, Governor Mutfwang Admonishes On Democracy Day

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has congratulated Plateau people on the occasion of the 2023 Democracy Day celebration and urged them to embrace democratic values of tolerance, respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Governor Mutfwang, in a goodwill message to mark the day described democracy as the best form of government that focuses on improving the wellbeing of citizens and vested in the people the power of recruiting their leaders.

“Fellow citizens of Plateau State, today we celebrate Democracy Day, a day that also marks the annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections, adjudged to be the most credible and freest in the history of elections in our beloved country. I want to use this opportunity to remind the people of the state of the importance of democracy and the need to uphold its principles. Democracy is not just about elections, but also about the rule of law, respect for human rights and citizen’s participation in the decision-making process,” he said.

Governor Mutfwang enjoined citizens to continue to work towards building a society that is fair, just and inclusive, where every citizen has a voice and a stake for a brighter future.

Read Also: Democracy Has Come to Stay in Nigeria- SGF Akume

Furthermore, Governor Mutfwang added that “today, our land needs healing. Our land needs the hand of God. Our land needs divine intervention. The land has come under unprovoked attacks by invaders who are hell bent on causing pain, untold hardship and destroying our heritage. By the grace of God, we are committed to ending the mindless bloodletting across our communities. As parts of effort to curb the security challenges, we have appointed a Special Adviser on Security and Homeland Safety who is expected to bring to bear his skills and competence in providing solution to the problem. We must also acknowledge that democracy is not just about holding elections or having a government in place, but it is about ensuring that the people’s voices are heard and their needs are met, particularly their security. As a government, we remain committed to promoting the welfare and security of all citizens and residents of Plateau State.” 

He stated that he will do all within his power to offset some of the outstanding salaries of the workers owed by the previous administration so that they can resume work.

“Out of the wage bill of two point nine billion for February 2023, only nine hundred million was paid. What the state inherited in the coffers of the Plateau state government is 1.1billion. We knew we were going to start in a difficult way but we didn’t know it would be this tough. But we of the People’s Democratic Party extractions do not make excuses. We came to find solutions and we will find by the grace of God,” he added.

He thanked the good people of the State for accepting him to serve them and called for their cooperation.