Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has announced plans to recruit over 1,000 youths into the state’s community security outfit, Operation Rainbow, as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots security and complement conventional agencies.
The governor made the pledge on Sunday during a thanksgiving service at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Jos, marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year. The event was attended by judicial officers, clergy, and legal practitioners.
Commitment to Security and Justice
Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to uphold justice, security, and unity across Plateau State.
“By the grace of God, we will soon recruit over 1,000 youths who will be posted back to their communities as both the first and last line of defense, complementing conventional security agencies,” he said.
He further cautioned against individuals exploiting insecurity for personal gain, stressing that peace and unity remained critical for Plateau’s progress.
Judiciary Welfare and Independence
Reflecting on the judiciary’s challenges, the governor commended judicial officers for their resilience despite limited resources.
“When we assumed office, we met a judiciary weighed down by numerous challenges. Yet, you have remained steadfast, discharging your duties with courage and dignity,” he noted.
Mutfwang also disclosed that his administration had begun paying outstanding entitlements owed to retired judges, assuring that the process would be completed in due course.
He urged judicial officers to exercise discretion responsibly:
“Judicial discretion used judiciously serves the ends of justice. But discretion abused will weigh heavily on a man’s conscience, and he will not be able to stand before his Creator.”
Call for Unity Among Christians
The governor emphasized unity within the Christian community, describing it as a driving force for the state’s progress.
“The body of Christ is one, and what binds us together is the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross of Calvary,” he said, while appreciating the Catholic Bishop of Jos and the parish priest of St. Theresa’s for hosting the service.
Clergy and Judiciary Reactions
In his homily, Parish Priest Very Rev. Fr. Paul Pam urged Christians to deepen their spiritual lives and embrace righteousness. He prayed for Nigerian leaders, asking God to grant them wisdom to address national hardships.
“True peace anchored in Christ gives hope and direction,” he said, while commending the governor’s efforts in infrastructure and peacebuilding.
Chief Judge of Plateau State, Justice David Mann, expressed gratitude for divine preservation of the judiciary over the past year. He prayed for wisdom and guidance for members of the Bar and Bench in the new legal year.
A Vision for Plateau’s Future
Reiterating his resolve to govern with courage and transparency, Governor Mutfwang declared:
“We have no other agenda than to make Plateau better than we met it. Though there may be giants on our way to hinder, by the grace of God, we shall overcome.”
