Amanze Chinonye
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has renewed his call for the creation of state police as a critical measure to curb persistent insecurity in the state and across Nigeria, while dismissing speculation that he plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking when members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) visited him at Government House, Rayfield, Jos, Mutfwang said Nigeria’s worsening security challenges require reforms beyond the capacity of federal forces.
He commended President Tinubu for backing the idea of state police and urged the National Assembly to accelerate legislative work on the proposal.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“When we do have state police, I am sure we will be able to respond better and address many situations faster,” the governor said. “I therefore wholeheartedly lend my voice to this call, and I’m glad Mr. President has also joined those calling for state police. I urge the National Assembly not to relent in this effort.”
As part of Plateau’s own security strategy, Mutfwang announced plans to recruit 1,450 additional personnel into the state security outfit, Operation Rainbow, within the next two weeks. “By God’s grace, we will be bringing in 1,450 fresh personnel to augment security in the state,” he said. “We are not shy of our responsibility to provide security for our citizens. We have not shirked this duty and we will not.”
The governor also highlighted ongoing initiatives such as frequent State Security Council meetings, the establishment of a modern Security and Information Centre, and a fact-finding committee whose report on insecurity will soon be forwarded to the president and security agencies for implementation. “The report will not gather dust; we will take action based on its findings,” he assured.
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On politics, Mutfwang dismissed rumours of an imminent defection from the PDP, describing his commitment to the party as unwavering. “You want to know where I will be by 2026? By the grace of God, I will be where I am,” he said. “My politics is dictated by God and the people of Plateau State. And I believe there’s an alignment between God and the people of Plateau State. The worst fear people had about the PDP is gone. The party is back on its road.”
He also pointed to the peaceful conduct of recent local government elections in Jos North as evidence that his administration’s peace-building efforts are gaining ground. “For the first time in the history of this state, we conducted the most peaceful local government election in Jos North communities,” Mutfwang said. “We’ve tried to ensure dialogue and understanding, and that’s what we are building on.”
NGE President Eze Anaba, who led the visiting editors, praised the governor’s peace initiatives and the revival of the state-owned Standard newspapers, urging him to sustain efforts to end violence in the state. “Despite all the noise some harrowing, some discomforting, some distressing Plateau State is still standing, forging ahead,” Anaba said.
Mutfwang’s renewed advocacy underscores the urgency of adopting state police as armed attacks continue to claim lives across Plateau and other states. Supporters argue that local policing would allow faster responses and more accountability, while critics warn of potential political misuse.
For Plateau, where recurring violence has displaced thousands and disrupted livelihoods, the governor’s push signals growing pressure on federal lawmakers to act on a reform many now view as essential to restoring public safety.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
