President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has described Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, as a bipartisan politician dedicated to building a progressive nation with a shared commitment to prosperity, justice, and fairness for all.
Senator Akpabio made this statement on Tuesday while receiving Governor Mutfwang in his office at the National Assembly complex in Abuja. The Governor was accompanied by the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Traditional Council of Chiefs and Emirs, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, who led four high-profile traditional rulers to a public hearing on a bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Mining and Geosciences.
He likened Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the Caleb in the Bible who “came, saw, and conquered.” He asserted that due to the Governor’s team spirit, he will conquer all forms of insecurity that have hindered development in the state and pave the way for a progressive economy that will be the envy of all.
Senator Akpabio recalled his memorable encounter with Governor Mutfwang in the early days of the current administration, when he was seeking the support of his colleagues to become Senate President. He stated that their incredible discussion contributed immensely to his emergence as Senate President.
He noted that Governor Mutfwang has deeply demonstrated bipartisanship since taking office, fostering a united and progressive Nigeria, and thanked him for his immense support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in leading Nigeria for the better.
Commenting on the public hearing on the bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Mining and Geosciences, Senator Akpabio stated that the Senate will continue to be fair and just to all Nigerians.
He also expressed condolences to the Government and people of Plateau State over the collapse of the Saint Academy two-story building, which resulted in the loss of lives of some students. He said that the matter will be presented on Wednesday as a matter of urgent public importance.
Governor Mutfwang, who spoke earlier, thanked the Senate President for his support and love for the people of Plateau State. He emphasized his advocacy for collaborative work across party lines to provide good governance to Nigerians.
“Like I often say, when elections are over, governance is the next business of bringing the dividends of democracy to the people. This can be successfully achieved through synergy between the Federal Government, the subnational governments, and all other critical arms of government.
“I want to appreciate you for your tireless support to Mr. President, and to assure you that we, as governors, will work to ensure that the President receives maximum support so that he can lead the nation. He is the bus driver of the bus Nigeria. If it doesn’t go well, all of us will be affected, and we will give him every support so that he can lead us in the right direction. I believe Mr. President knows where he’s going, and I believe that at the end of the day, by the grace of God, the expectations of Nigerians will not be cut short,” he stated.
Speaking on the bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Mining in Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang said, “We believe that this bill has come at the right time and we implore you to use your good office to ensure speedy assent to the bill. I am sure that not only the people of Nigeria but the people of Plateau State in particular will thank you for it.
“This is because mining is the next economic driver in Nigeria. We in Plateau State are proud to say that the first mining institution, the first Mining Regulatory Authority set up in the Northern Protectorate in 1903, was established in Jos, and we believe that Jos is the home of mining.
“That is why, even in terms of devastation, we are the worst affected. We have the highest number of mining ponds in Nigeria, with over 700, that need to be remedied. It is only right and proper that if there is a mining institution, Jos should host it. We are ready to cooperate with the federal government to ensure that every facility needed for the take-off of this institution will be provided within the limits of our resources,” he stated.
Senator representing Plateau Central, Senator Diket Plang, who sponsored the bill, said it has passed through second reading and that there is no better place to establish the university other than Jos, where serious mining activities have taken place.
The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, who led the Emir of Wase, Dr. Muhammadu Sambo Haruna; the Mishkaham Mwaghavul, Da John Hirse; and the Agwom Izere of Izere Kingdom, Dr. Isaac Azi Wakili, thanked the Senate President for showing compassion to the people of Plateau State.
Gyang Bere
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
July 16, 2024.
October 20, 2024
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