Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, took bold steps to reposition the state’s mining sector for enhanced revenue generation and strengthen the administration of justice by inaugurating members of the Plateau State Judicial Service Commission.
Governor Mutfwang, while opening a two-day consultative forum with key stakeholders on Emerging Reforms in Nigeria’s Mining Sector at the Banquet Hall, New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, highlighted the urgent need to revamp the state’s mineral resources.
Displaying samples of various minerals being exploited, he emphasized that Plateau State, endowed with vast natural resources, should not be counted among Nigeria’s poor states.
He expressed concern over the history of mineral exploration in the state, revealing that despite billions generated from mining activities, only about N500 million was sometimes declared as annual proceeds. The governor lamented the disparity and stressed the need for a comprehensive road map to ensure fair and transparent mining operations that benefit all parties involved.
Governor Mutfwang further underscored the importance of resource control and called on security personnel to resist the temptations posed by illegal mining. He urged them to conduct their duties with patriotism in order to ensure that the state’s resources are protected for the benefit of its people.
The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, cautioned traditional rulers against actions that diminish the value of land in the state. He described land as a crucial asset for development and called for its preservation.
He linked the country’s insecurity and health challenges to illegal mining activities and criticized the irrational manner in which some traditional rulers grant land approvals for such activities. The paramount ruler warned that the traditional council, in collaboration with the state government, would no longer tolerate these practices.
Commissioner of Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development, Hon. Peter Lamba Gwom, noted that the history of mining in Nigeria is deeply rooted in Plateau State.
He lamented that while minerals extracted from the state have contributed to the development of other nations, Plateau has been left with hazardous ponds that now serve as death traps and called for urgent reclamation.
The two-day stakeholders’ forum aims to explore revenue generation strategies in the state’s mining sector and identify opportunities for sustainable development.
In a related development, Governor Mutfwang also swore in members of the Plateau State Judicial Service Commission, urging them to be fair, just, and equitable in their duties.
The ceremony, held at the Twin Theatre, Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, was attended by legal luminaries and other dignitaries.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting justice and fairness and urged the newly inaugurated members to play a critical role in the dispensation of justice across the state. He pledged to continue appointing individuals who would help fulfill the mandate of the people and elevate the state’s judicial system to new heights.
Speaking on behalf of the members, Erasmus Cishak assured the Governor of the commission’s dedication to advancing the judicial system. He expressed gratitude to the State House of Assembly for the confidence shown in them during the screening process.
The newly sworn-in members of the commission include Erasmus Cishak, Dr. Julie Ampe, Henry Longpoe, and Simon Tsok, with the State Chief Judge serving as Chairman, alongside the President of the Customary Court of Appeal and the Grand Khadi as members.
