Caleb Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to democracy by refraining from interference in the gubernatorial election dispute in the state. Mutfwang expressed his appreciation during a “thank you” visit to Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Friday.
Last week, the Supreme Court affirmed Mutfwang as the duly elected governor of Plateau under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The court faulted the Court of Appeal for voiding Mutfwang’s election.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Governor Mutfwang emphasized the significance of President Tinubu’s “non-interference” in the governorship dispute, stating that it has strengthened Nigeria’s democratic principles. He revealed that the President faced considerable pressure to influence the outcome of the Supreme Court judgment but chose to exercise restraint, allowing the judiciary to carry out its functions independently.
Mutfwang stated, “I came to see the president purposely to say a very big thank you to Mr. President for keeping democracy alive in Nigeria. If he does not exercise restraint in the exercise of his power, he can intrude into the judicial arena and the judiciary will not be allowed to perform its function.”
He went on to praise President Tinubu’s statesmanship and democratic credentials, highlighting that the President’s decision not to interfere is a credit to the maturity of Nigeria’s institutions.
During the visit, Mutfwang also discussed the security situation in Plateau with President Tinubu. The governor provided an update on the relative calm in the state at the moment and informed the President about ongoing efforts by security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators of recent incidents during the Christmas period.
Mutfwang expressed his commitment, in collaboration with the federal government and international donor partners, to mitigate the pain of families affected by the violence and internally displaced individuals. The governor assured that his administration is taking proactive measures to prevent further occurrences of needless bloodshed in the state.
