Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has declared that the fear of state police being misused by governors is a “lazy argument,” stating that decentralised policing is essential to effectively tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/idrinstitute.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
In an exclusive interview, Governor Mutfwang outlined his administration’s efforts to restore peace, boost economic development, and bring hope back to Plateau residents amid persistent insecurity in parts of the state.
“Those arguing against state police say governors will misuse it. That’s a lazy argument,” Mutfwang said. “People are benefiting from the inefficiencies of the current system. We cannot overcome our internal security problems without decentralising the police.”
Governor Mutfwang noted that one of the first actions taken upon assuming office on May 29, 2023, was to convene a Security Council meeting a meeting which had not been held for nearly a year under the previous administration.
According to him, Plateau has avoided becoming a stronghold for bandits compared to other states in North Central Nigeria, though opportunistic attacks persist. He cited progress in retaking areas like Wase and Kanam, previously overwhelmed by armed groups.
“We’ve made significant progress. No local government in Plateau is currently under full bandit control,” he said, adding that Operation Rainbow, a local security outfit, has been revived and is now complementing federal security forces.
He however criticised the limitations of his powers as Chief Security Officer of the state, referencing delays in the release of innocent youths arrested in Riyom after an attack, despite his directive.
“As governor, I gave the order, but unless Abuja approves, security agencies won’t act. That’s why we need state police.”
Governor Mutfwang acknowledged lapses in enforcing Executive Order 003, which bans street trading and commercial motorcycles in Jos metropolis. He attributed enforcement difficulties to structural challenges with security collaboration, vowing to re-energize the operation.
“Each time you see something wrong, there are people benefiting from it. But we will keep working.”
Mutfwang also highlighted bold reforms in the mining sector, including an Executive Order suspending all mining activities in the state to curb illegal extraction and prevent minerals-driven violence.
“Part of our insecurity is linked to unregulated mining. Communities are attacked so criminals can gain access to deposits. We won’t allow that.”
In the health sector, the governor said enrollment in the Plateau Health Insurance Scheme increased from 93,000 to over 200,000 under his leadership. He also revived the Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency.
On power reforms, Mutfwang said Plateau is making strides following the signing of the Electricity Act into law. Two regulatory bodies have been established—the Plateau State Electricity Commission and Electricity Corporation—with several solar and hydropower projects underway.
“We’ve engaged with private investors. REA has 45 solar sites ready. NESCO is being revived, and the TCN transmission line project will soon resume. That line will connect the central and southern zones with 132kV—huge for our power sector.”
Despite ongoing challenges, Governor Mutfwang insisted that his administration’s biggest achievement is restoring hope to the people.
“I’m not just in office for the sake of it. I’m not even a politician in the conventional sense. We’ve brought back hope, and that is the foundation for development.”
“History of Rivers State Judiciary: A Compendium of Personalities on the Bench.” Authored by Ampim Gogo Blankson, Esq., Deputy Director at the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Rivers State Judiciary 💰 Cover Price: ₦20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) Bukky Law Books, Rivers State High Court Complex, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt – 📞 08034868754📞 08034729738📞 Enquiries: ______________________________________________________________________ Law Practice Kit (Second Edition) And Legal Luminaries Series 2 Unveiled 
Authored by Abdulrasheed Ibrahim, LL.M, Notary Public Law Practice Kit (Second Edition) and Legal Luminaries Series 2 📚 For Enquiries and Orders, Contact: 📞 08055476823, 📞 08164683735, 📞 08033855230 ______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
