The Governor-elect of Plateau, Mr Caleb Mutfwtang, has said that he would not witch-hunt anybody when he takes over as governor.

The governor-elect stated this on Saturday at Government House, Jos, during a state banquet organised for the incoming administration.

He said that in areas where clarifications were required, he would handle such issues with the affected persons as a ‘family affair‘.

He promised that he would not be negligent on issues that affect the commonwealth of the state and would work towards improving the welfare of the people.

Mr Muftwang said he hoped for a new Plateau that would give a sense of belonging to its people, saying that good leadership was critical to facilitate that.

‘’Those opportuned to serve will be judged based on history,’’ he said.

He called for cooperation from Plateau people in the discharge of his duties and promised to improve areas of need in the state, including public service.

He thanked outgoing Gov. Simon Lalong for his service to the state and wished him well in his future endeavours.

In his remarks, Mr Lalong said that his administration has done its best for the progress of the state and hopes the incoming administration would record more progress.

He said his administration was fulfilled on putting the interest of Plateau first which it demonstrated in continuing with old projects and initiating and completing new ones.

‘’On the issue of peace and security, we did our best in dealing with criminality and also establishing structures and laws to avert ethno-religious conflicts that riddled the State in the past.”

Despite our efforts and substantial progress, the criminals have continued to exhibit desperation for violence as seen in the recent attacks in Mangu,’’ he said.

He hoped that the new administration would work with the citizens to tackle the security challenges and urged the governor-elect to carry all segments of society along in governance.

He restated that ensuring security in Plateau involved embracing different groups in the state, saying ‘no tribe is more superior’.

He urged Mr Muftwang to complete abandoned projects and encourage the establishment of Small Scale Enterprises in the state to attract investors to establish their businesses.

He advised Mr Muftwang to put God first in all his activities and should not be pressured by his associates, party members or religious leaders to work against the progress of the state.

He thanked Plateau people for giving him the opportunity to serve and for supporting him in the discharge of his duties while also urging them to forgive him for his shortcomings.

He said that he would continue to do everything possible to contribute to Plateau’s peace, progress and stability in any engagement he embarks on.

The goodwill messages were presented by traditional rulers, women and elder statesmen during the event.

The Jigawa command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 700 personnel for the inauguration of the state Governor-elect, Malam Umar Namadi.

The command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), CSC Adamu Shehu, said this in Dutse on Saturday.

Mr Shehu said that the personnel were deployed to all routes leading to the venue of the inauguration on May 29.

He said that the aim was to ensure peaceful transition of power in the state.

Mr Shehu advised members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements in their areas to the nearest security formations.

Mr Namadi is the incumbent Deputy Governor of the state and is expected to take over from Gov. Muhammad Badaru.

House leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa has been exonerated from charges of culpable homicide and mischief by fire, levelled against him.

Recall that the police in Kano charged Mr Doguwa with murder for allegedly killing three people during the 25 February election.

It was initially alleged that the lawmaker was involved in a violent confrontation between members of the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) that led to the killing of three people and the burning of a campaign office of the opposition party in the Tudun Wada Local Government Area of Kano.

Exonerating him of murder charges on Thursday, May 25, Kano’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Musa Abdullahi Lawan, said they have no sufficient evidence linking Doguwa to the arson attack that killed some residents of the state.

Lawan said;

“Based on the foregoing facts and observations, we cannot substantiate charges of criminal conspiracy, mischief by fire and culpable homicide against Doguwa.

“We cannot find sufficient evidence to link him with the said offences considering that we are faced with so many inculpatory and exculpatory evidence for and against him.

“The statements of those that implicated Doguwa were full of contradictions and could not find medical evidence to prove the death of the victims.

“The law is clear that the allegations that Doguwa killed people cannot be substantiated.”

However, eight to 12 suspects arrested would be charged with mischief by fire under Section 336 of the Penal Code (as amended).

The Kano State House of Assembly on Wednesday passed the State Child Protection Bill.

The bill was passed after extensive deliberations by the committee of the whole house during the plenary, presided over by Deputy Speaker Kabiru Dashi (APC-Kiru) in Kano.

After the deliberations, the lawmakers approved the third reading of the bill by the clerk, Garba Gezawa.

Shortly after the bill’s passage, the deputy majority leader, Dahiru Zarewa (APC-Rogo), said it was considered and passed after undergoing various legislative processes.

He said the bill’s passage was due to the lawmakers’ commitment to child growth and the state’s development.

“As representatives of the people, we are responsible for providing laws for good governance in the state,” he said.

Mr Zarewa commended the members for engaging relevant stakeholders who contributed to the bill.

According to him, the bill, when signed into law, will improve education and look into the activities of orphanage centres and the issue of child abuse.

The assembly also commended development partners for their support toward the successful passage of the bill.

Similarly, the house passed the Kano State Roads Fund Bill, 2023.Also speaking, the deputy speaker said the bill aimed to support the State Rural Access Roads Agency (KARARA).

He further said it would help to source funds to construct rural access roads.

“The agency, when established, will facilitate and improve the socio-economic well-being of the people, especially the rural populace engaging in agricultural activities,” Mr Dashi said.

The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, on Wednesday, May 24, said he has forgiven President Buhari.

Governor Ortom disclosed this while responding to questions on Arise Television.

Recall that President Buhari had in April apologized to aggrieved Nigerians who were not pleased with his administration to forgive him.

The President asked anyone he must have offended to forgive him.

Reacting to the President’s plea for Forgiveness, Governor Oryom has had a long battle with the Buhari administration over the unruly activities of herdsmen in his state, said;

“I have forgiven President Muhammadu Buhari. He has taken us from top to bottom, but that does not mean we should continue to hold it on him, Thank God the constitution provides four years and after four years you can go in four second term and after second term you can another person will come. So we hope that the incoming administration will provide succor, will provide health, will provide security for our people, will provide economic development , will provide peace for our people. We have suffered for eight years. He doesn’t need to go to the Niger Republic. He should stay here (in Nigeria) with us. All of us should work with the incoming administration and by the grace of God, we shall go from bottom to top,” he said

A House of Representatives member-elect for Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Philip Agbese, has condemned the recent appointments made by President Muhammadu Buhari, few days to the end of his second tenure.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart who expressed fear of the recent appointments leading to looting, said it should have been left for the new administration to handle.

He said;

“It is on record that over 20 new appointments have been made since Bola Tinubu was declared president-elect.

“Why the rush? It is clear that the current government is deliberately building up obstacles for Tinubu. They are giving room for chaos and a huge vacuum in governance, potentially opening the doors for massive looting.

“We are aware that these appointments are nothing short of political compensation for loyalists and apparently have nothing to do with competence. At a time when Buhari would have at least left a legacy by cutting the cost of governance, he is dishing out appointments like admission.”