MUTFWANG RESTORING DIGNITY OF NGAS TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION — BILIWER

(By WALBE OGAK)

The Secretary of Plateau Central Zone Like Minds for Caleb Mutfwang 2027, Godwin Biliwer, has described the installation of the Ngolong Ngas as one of the most commendable and significant steps taken by Governor Caleb Mutfwang since assuming office as Executive Governor of Plateau State in 2023.

Biliwer said the development has not only restored the dignity, pride and relevance of the traditional institution in Ngasland, but has also strengthened cultural identity, unity and cohesion among the Ngas people.

According to him, the Ngolong Ngas stool has historically played a critical role in the socio-cultural and political development of the Ngas nation, but its influence was weakened and largely absent during the previous political dispensation.

He noted that Governor Mutfwang, immediately upon assuming office in 2023, demonstrated his commitment to restoring the traditional institution by ensuring the installation of the Ngolong Ngas, describing the decision as a bold and historic intervention.

“For long, Ngolong Ngas has played a key role in the socio-cultural and political development of the people, which was lacking in the last political dispensation. But now, that dignity and relevance have been restored,” Biliwer stated.

Biliwer also commended the construction of a state-of-the-art palace for the Ngolong Ngas, describing the project as another major demonstration of the Mutfwang administration’s commitment to restoring the dignity and prestige of the traditional institution.

He noted that the palace, which is said to be almost 90 percent completed, will provide a befitting edifice for the Ngolong Ngas and further reinforce the importance of the traditional institution in the cultural and socio-political life of the Ngas people.

“The construction of a state-of-the-art palace, which is almost 90 percent complete, is highly commendable. It shows that Governor Mutfwang is not only interested in installing the Ngolong Ngas but is also committed to providing the institution with the facilities and environment befitting its status,” he said.

He said the restoration of the Ngolong Ngas institution has provided a rallying point for the Ngas people, creating an avenue for greater unity, peaceful coexistence and stronger community leadership.

Biliwer further commended Governor Mutfwang for recognizing the strategic role traditional institutions play in governance and grassroots development, stressing that traditional rulers remain important partners in promoting peace, mobilizing communities and preserving cultural values.

He said the administration’s support for the traditional institution has renewed confidence among the people of Plateau Central, while also strengthening the relationship between government and the grassroots.

According to Biliwer, the installation of the Ngolong Ngas and the construction of the palace represent more than physical or ceremonial achievements, but important steps towards restoring the historical and cultural identity of the Ngas people.

He maintained that Governor Mutfwang’s intervention would remain one of the notable achievements of his administration, particularly because it has provided the Ngas people with a central institution capable of fostering unity and coordinating the interests of the people.

Biliwer therefore urged the people of Plateau Central to appreciate and sustain the gains recorded under the Mutfwang administration, saying the governor’s commitment to traditional institutions, grassroots engagement and inclusive governance deserves continued support ahead of the 2027 elections.

NEMEL PEOPLE CELEBRATE KAYE FOUNDATION FOR SUPPORT TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED

Beneficiaries Receive Food, Clothes and Educational Materials

(By  Wukaska Bako Gowon)

The people of Nemel Community have commended the Kaye Foundation for its humanitarian gesture towards the less privileged in the area.

The appreciation followed a distribution exercise where the Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Mr. Albert Kaye, alongside his wife, Mrs. Magdalena Albert Kaye, gave out food items, clothes, and learning materials to vulnerable families and individuals.

The event, held at Gwam Nemel Primary School, drew large crowds and was met with loud applause from beneficiaries and community leaders, who described the intervention as timely and impactful.

Speaking during the distribution, Mr. Kaye said the foundation was established to give back to society and to put smiles on the faces of those in need.

He noted that supporting the less privileged is a responsibility that all well-meaning individuals and organizations must embrace, especially in difficult times.

In her remarks, Mrs. Magdalena Albert Kaye encouraged women to be supportive partners to their husbands and to shun idleness.

She urged them to engage in meaningful ventures, skills acquisition, and small-scale businesses that will improve family livelihoods and contribute to community development.

“Women must support our husbands, train their children well, and avoid idleness. Hard work brings dignity and progress to every home,” she said.

Community leaders and beneficiaries who spoke at the event praised the Kaye Foundation for remembering the poor at this critical time.

They described the gesture as one that promotes unity, love, and social responsibility, and prayed God to continue to bless and strengthen the foundation to do more.

The programme ended with prayers, songs of appreciation, and the distribution of items to hundreds of beneficiaries.

The Kaye Foundation assured that it will sustain the initiative and extend similar support to other communities in the near future.

IT WAS ABOUT COMPETENCE, NOT CREED” – TRUSTA FAULTS JINGIR OVER TINUBU’S MUSLIM-MUSLIM TICKET

(By WALBE OGAK)

The Trust Tinubu Again Support Group (TRUSTA) has criticised recent remarks by Sheikh Yahaya Jingir concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to run a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, describing the comments as a misrepresentation of the President’s intention.

In a statement issued in Abuja on August 14, 2026, the group said the 2023 presidential election was not a contest of religious superiority but one in which Nigerians across religious, ethnic and regional divides exercised their constitutional right to choose leaders they considered capable of delivering good governance.

According to TRUSTA, President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were elected on the basis of competence, experience and political expediency, rather than as an attempt to impose a particular religious agenda on the country.

The group argued that three years into the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the emphasis of the Federal Government has been on governance and policy implementation, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, economic reforms, security, employment and national development.

TRUSTA further accused Sheikh Jingir of continuing to deploy rhetoric capable of deepening religious and political divisions in the country.

The support group recalled comments attributed to the cleric during the 2023 election period, alleging that similar statements contributed to the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) loss of the Plateau State governorship election.

It described the alleged continued rhetoric as an attempt to distract Nigerians from the administration’s development agenda and undermine efforts toward nation-building.

The group maintained that political and religious leaders have a responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence and national unity, particularly at a time when the country is confronted with security and economic challenges.

“It is irresponsible, unpatriotic and unethical to weaponise religion and deliberately polarise Nigerians along faith lines,” TRUSTA stated.

The group called on political and religious leaders across the country to refrain from divisive narratives and instead support policies capable of improving the lives of Nigerians irrespective of their religious, ethnic or regional backgrounds.

TRUSTA said the ultimate measure of any government should be its performance and impact on citizens, rather than religious identity.

The statement was signed by Hon. Stephen Bond, National Coordinator, Trust Tinubu Again Support Group (TRUSTA).

3 YEARS VS 7 YEARS: MUTFWANG HAS EARNED HIS PLACE AT THE ELDERS’ TABLE” – WAPLANG

(By WALBE OGAK)

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the Plateau Central Zone for Mutfwang 2027, Peter Waplang, has dismissed attempts to compare Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s performance with that of governors of Nasarawa and Bauchi states, saying it is unfair to measure 3 years of work against 7 years of administration.

Waplang, in a statement on Monday, described such comparisons as “politically misleading” and a sign that the Mutfwang administration has made a strong impression in a short time.

Reacting to claims that neighbouring governors have performed better, he said the assessment misses the point.

 Comparing Governor Mutfwang with governors who have spent seven years in office is, in itself, an acknowledgment that he has started well,” Waplang stated.

According to him, within just three years, the Mutfwang government has recorded significant progress in infrastructure development, public service delivery, and strategic interventions across Plateau State.

Citing an African proverb, Waplang said Governor Mutfwang’s work has earned him recognition beyond his years in office.

_“When a child washes his hands clean, he will dine with the elders.”_  

That is exactly what is happening. The governor’s pace and quality of delivery have placed Plateau on the same table with administrations that have been in office twice as long.

He stressed that leadership should be judged not by the number of years, but by the impact, speed and effectiveness of projects.

“The reward for hard work is more work, and the confidence of the people is earned through performance,” he added.

Waplang maintained that the achievements of the last three years provide a strong foundation for sustained development and confirm that Plateau State is on the path of purposeful and transformational governance.

He said the growing confidence of citizens in the Mutfwang administration is proof that the government is delivering on its promise to rebuild Plateau.

Mutfwang 2027: Plateau Central Like Minds Unveils 5 LG Coordinators to Drive Grassroots Campaign

(By WALBE OGAK)

A political support group in Plateau Central Senatorial Zone, *Plateau Central Zone Like Minds for Caleb Mutfwang 2027*, has inaugurated coordinators across the five local government areas in the zone ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The appointments, Chairman central planning committee Peter Waplang said, are aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation and consolidating support for the second-term ambition of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

In a statement released in Jos, the group listed the newly appointed Local Government Coordinators as:

1. *Hon. Solomon Duku* – Bokkos Local Government Area 

2. *Philemon Majam* – Kanke Local Government Area 

3. *Enoch Sekyen Bakyil* – Pankshin Local Government Area 

4. *Andrew Sokyes Samuel* – Mangu Local Government Area 

5. *Mallam Chindo Dunu* – Kanam Local Government Area 

According to Chairman central planning committee Peter Waplang the coordinators were carefully selected based on their track record, grassroots influence, and commitment to the ideals of the Mutfwang administration.

“The mandate of these coordinators is to deepen mobilisation, sensitise our people on the achievements of Governor Mutfwang, and ensure that the dividends of democracy get to every community in Plateau Central,” a statement from the group read.

The group added that the structure would serve as the engine room for voter education, issue-based campaigns, and community engagement ahead of 2027.

Political observers note that the emergence of support groups this early signals that the 2027 contest in Plateau is already gathering momentum, with Governor Mutfwang’s administration expected to campaign on the basis of peace-building, infrastructure, and good governance.

Members of the _Like Minds_ group maintain that Plateau Central remains firmly behind the governor, citing what they described as “visible projects and inclusive governance” across the zone since 2023.

They expressed confidence that with a united front at the grassroots, the APC and Governor Mutfwang will secure another landslide victory in the zone in 2027.

The coordinators are expected to immediately commence consultations with traditional rulers, youth groups, women organisations, and other stakeholders in their respective LGAs.

The group further pledged to remain non-violent and issue-focused in its mobilisation drive, saying the goal is to “sustain peace and deliver development” to the people of Plateau Central.

Rume’s Legacy continues to resonates as University of Jos Students Honour Him with Award of Excellence

 (By WALBE OGAK)

In a development that reinforces his growing grassroots appeal and long-standing investment in education, Bldr. Raphael Rume has been honoured with an Award of Excellence by the Pankshin North Constituency Students Association (PANCSA), University of Jos, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to community development, consistent support for student initiatives, and dedication to expanding educational opportunities for young people in Pankshin North Constituency and beyond.

The award was presented during the association’s 2026 Cultural Day celebration held on Saturday, 8 August 2026, at the Malam Adamu Lecture Theatre, University of Jos, where students, alumni, community stakeholders, and invited guests gathered to celebrate the cultural heritage of Pankshin North and honour individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the constituency’s development.

For many political observers, the recognition is more than a ceremonial honour. It reflects the increasing resonance of Rume’s educational interventions among young people, particularly students who have benefited directly or indirectly from his scholarship support, educational assistance programmes, and youth-focused empowerment initiatives. The award places education at the centre of his public service profile and highlights a reputation built around investing in human capital rather than short-term political patronage.

PANCSA said the award was conferred in appreciation of Rume’s sustained commitment to educational advancement and his consistent engagement with students across the constituency. The association noted that his contributions have inspired many young people to pursue academic excellence while fostering a culture of community responsibility and leadership.

Receiving the award, Bldr. Raphael Rume expressed gratitude to the students for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to expanding access to education and creating opportunities for the next generation. He urged students to remain focused on their academic pursuits, embrace integrity and discipline, and prepare themselves for leadership and service.

The honour adds another layer to Rume’s public profile at a time when education, youth empowerment, and grassroots development are becoming increasingly influential factors in Plateau State’s political landscape. As political realignments continue across the state, recognition from a constituency-based student body signals the importance of youth engagement and educational impact in shaping future political narratives.

For supporters, the award is a validation of years of community-oriented interventions. For analysts, it is a reminder that educational investment remains one of the most enduring forms of political capital in Plateau politics, where credibility is often measured by visible impact on the lives of ordinary people.

Why APC may lose Pankshin North and Kanam (Kantana) State House of Assembly constituencies

(By WALBE OGAK)

The internal dynamics within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State could pose a significant challenge to the party’s electoral fortunes in some State House of Assembly constituencies, particularly Pankshin North and Kanam (Kantana).

Political observers have pointed to the growing strain in the alliance between the Blue Cap Legacy Group and the Green Cap Mutfwang movement. What was widely viewed as a marriage of political convenience appears to be under pressure, with disagreements over candidate selection and political influence reportedly creating divisions among party stakeholders.

Although the leadership of the coalition, including APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and Governor Caleb Mutfwang, is said to be focused on mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s and Mutfwang re-election, tensions at the grassroots level could affect the party’s performance in the area of legislative contests.

In Kanam (Kantana), the controversy surrounding the replacement of Dayyabu Garga has generated considerable political debate. Garga is widely regarded by his supporters as a long-standing APC figure with a strong grassroots network. His temporary departure from the party and subsequent return at the governor’s appeal had strengthened perceptions of his political relevance. The decision to replace him, critics argue, could alienate sections of the party’s support base if not properly managed.

In Pankshin North, concerns have also been raised over the emergence of a candidate some party members consider unpopular.- a person that list election twice cannot defeat a person that won from the opposition party. Opponents of the process have questioned the manner in which the candidate emerged, and the growing popularity of Rt. Hon. Dewan is seen by some analysts as a serious challenge to APC’s electoral prospects.

Historically, Pankshin North has been one of the more competitive constituencies in Plateau politics, with the PDP maintaining a strong presence. If internal grievances within the APC remain unresolved, smaller opposition parties such as the YPP could potentially benefit from divisions within the ruling party.

Ultimately, the APC’s chances in both constituencies may depend less on the opposition’s strength and more on its ability to reconcile internal factions, rebuild confidence among party loyalists, and present candidates capable of unifying the grassroots ahead of the elections, which is considered an uphil task.