The Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State, Gyang Bere, has clarified the motive behind the visit of Governor Caleb Mutfwang to President Bola Tinubu on Monday. He said the purpose of the visit was to acquaint the president with the escalating security challenges in the state and seek prompt intervention. In a press statement made available to journalists in Jos, the state capital, Bere addressed the misconceptions on social media about the governor’s action, emphasising that the visit was not for revelry but a sincere effort to draw attention to the security crisis.
According to him: “Prior to the Lagos visit, Governor Mutfwang had granted an interview on Channels and Arise Television, declaring his intention of going to meet with the President to solicit support over the renewed security challenges in the state. “The governor had earlier visited Mangu Local Government Area, which had been ravaged by severe attacks. Following this, he held a meeting with the General Officer Commanding 3rd Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven OPSH, issuing a directive to secure affected communities.”
Expressing dismay at criticisms on social media, Bere highlighted the governor’s proactive response to the Christmas Eve attacks by personally engaging with affected communities and strategising with security agencies. “The decision to meet with Mr. President was aimed at briefing him on the renewed violence for appropriate action,” he explained.
He further revealed that Governor Mutfwang ‘s discussions with President Tinubu and other governors yielded positive results. “Consequently, Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and security chiefs were dispatched to Plateau to assess the security situation. “Following the briefing, President Tinubu ordered security personnel to apprehend the perpetrators and mobilise relief resources for surviving victims,” he stated. Bere also affirmed the administration’s commitment to prioritising the security of lives and property in Plateau, emphasising that the welfare of the people is a foremost priority for the governor.