Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has revealed that an unknown donor gave him $100,000 just days before the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary. He described the gesture as divine intervention. The governor also credited the Supreme Court judgment of January 12, 2024, with saving his administration from collapse.
Supreme Court Victory and Thanksgiving
Speaking at his third anniversary thanksgiving service in Jos, Governor Mutfwang reflected on the emotional journey of his mandate. He said, “I escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler. If not for the Supreme Court, I was gone.” The ruling reinstated him as governor after a legal challenge to his election. He recalled that market women gave away goods for free in jubilation following the verdict.
$100,000 Gift Before Primary
Governor Mutfwang disclosed that three days before the PDP governorship primary, an unknown donor handed him $100,000. “Three days to the primaries, somebody I had never known in my life gave me a gift and said, ‘Don’t open it until you get home.’ When I opened it, it was $100,000,” he said. He further revealed that a prominent elder statesman from Plateau State funded his entire campaign, though he withheld the benefactor’s identity.
Humanitarian Assistance Worth N4 Billion
The governor highlighted his administration’s humanitarian efforts, stating that over N4 billion was spent between January and December last year to assist vulnerable residents. The funds covered medical bills, school fees, and other forms of support. “From January to the middle of December last year, we spent over N4 billion assisting Plateau people,” he said.
Infrastructure and Healthcare Achievements
Governor Mutfwang listed several achievements, including the installation of solar-powered street lights and the commissioning of water projects such as the Bukuru scheme, which restored potable water after nearly two decades. He also noted healthcare improvements, including a 50% reduction in the cost of X-ray services in general hospitals and significant upgrades at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital.
Security Challenges and National Support
Addressing insecurity, Mutfwang described the situation as complex but noted progress by security agencies. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing clearer direction in tackling threats. “The body language of the Commander-in-Chief is becoming clearer by the day. Security personnel now understand that enemies of the state who threaten the sovereignty of the country must be confronted,” he said. Despite these efforts, he lamented the loss of lives in attacks across the state.
Call for Unity Among Plateau Citizens
The governor warned against division and hostility among citizens, stressing that development requires unity. “There is a spirit on the Plateau that if I don’t destroy my brother, I cannot move forward. It is happening in politics, in the civil service, in the church and everywhere. By the grace of God, we will overcome it,” he said. Governor Mutfwang thanked Plateau residents for their prayers and support over the past three years and pledged to remain committed to improving welfare, security, and development across the state.
