Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has taken steps to address the hardship facing citizens by engaging the #EndBadGovernance protesters in Jos. At a town hall meeting with a coalition of youths, he reassured them of his commitment to addressing their demands, emphasising that the state could only achieve the dividends of good governance when citizens support the government and work collaboratively.
Mutfwang explained that his entry into politics was driven by the desire to rectify the societal wrongs highlighted by the protesters, which include the high cost of living, hikes in electricity tariffs, and the lack of quality healthcare and education services. He noted that these challenges were part of what motivated his decision to serve in public office.
The governor outlined several measures his administration had taken to alleviate the economic strain on Plateau citizens, including initiatives to support micro and small businesses. He also pledged to enhance agribusiness opportunities to create more employment for the youth, as well as signing into law the electricity bill to enable the state generate its energy.
Mutfwang highlighted the Federal Government’s intervention, which included about 29,000 bags of rice and sorghum distributed to schools, orphanages, and other vulnerable groups.
He assured the youths that his administration would continue to uphold transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, by ensuring that every penny received is accounted for in the public interest.
Expressing gratitude for the peaceful nature of the protests, Mutfwang described the youngsters as progressive and dynamic individuals committed to improving the standard of living in the state.
Responding, representatives of the protesters, Ishaya Durkwa, Mildred Bakwo, and Sam Odeh, outlined their demands and commended the governor for his exemplary leadership, the security agencies for their civility, and the demonstrators for their commitment to ending bad governance.
Spokesman of the coalition later presented a charter of demands to the Mutfwang.
Their demands include end to subsidy scams and review of pump price of petrol to a range belowN300 per litre .EQUALLY, the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), lreti Kingibe, has advised President Bola Tinubu to immediately map out strategies to address the legitimate concerns of protesting Nigerians.
In a statement yesterday, she extended her “heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones during these demonstrations.” The lawmaker observed that over 20 innocent Nigerians were killed during the protests when security agencies shot at protesters and onlookers, including children, during the procession.
According to the statement, journalists also suffered various injuries with their vehicles riddled with bullets, while some were arrested and taken to undisclosed locations.
Such actions, she stressed, are counter-productive and do not contribute to resolving the issues at hand. Kingibe assured FCT residents that she will remain a steadfast advocate for their needs and concerns in the Senate.