GOVERNOR MUTFWANG REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE, SECURITY, AND PEACE AT NEW LEGAL YEAR SERVICE, ANNOUNCES RECRUITMENT OF YOUTHS INTO “OPERATION RAINBOW”

Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the judiciary, improving security, and fostering unity across the state. He made the pledge on Sunday, September 14, 2025, during the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Jos.

The solemn service, attended by members of the judiciary, clergy, and legal practitioners, marked the formal opening of the judiciary’s calendar year. Governor Mutfwang described the occasion as a moment of thanksgiving and renewal, declaring, “The God who has kept us this far will sustain us for the days ahead.”

Reflecting on the challenges confronting the judiciary, the Governor commended judicial officers for their resilience in the face of 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.

He assured that deliberate steps are underway to improve the welfare of retired judges: “We have taken concrete actions to ameliorate their situation by beginning the payment of their outstanding entitlements. Though the process is ongoing, it has commenced and by God’s grace, it will be completed.”

Addressing judicial officers, Governor Mutfwang underscored the sanctity of their calling: “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,” he cautioned, urging them to uphold integrity in all decisions.

On security, the Governor announced a major recruitment drive for the state’s community-based security outfit, Operation Rainbow: “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, stressing the need to resist those who profit from insecurity.

Governor Mutfwang further emphasized the unity of believers in Christ as a binding force for Plateau’s progress. He expressed gratitude to the Catholic Bishop of Jos and the parish priest of St. Theresa’s for hosting the service, adding, “The body of Christ is one, and what binds us together is the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross of Calvary.”

He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to serve with courage and transparency: “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.”

Delivering the homily, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Pam, Parish Priest of St. Theresa Catholic Church, underscored the importance of a vibrant spiritual life for Christians, noting that it brings peace and purpose. He prayed for Nigerian leaders, asking God to open their eyes to the hardships confronting the nation and to guide them toward solutions for the liberation of mankind.

Rev. Fr. Pam highlighted that true peace anchored in Christ gives hope and direction, urging believers to align their lives with God’s will to enjoy His abundant blessings. He encouraged them to shun wickedness and selfishness, embrace righteousness, and reflect God’s love for humanity.

The cleric also commended Governor Mutfwang for his remarkable infrastructural development, commitment to peace and unity, and interventions across all sectors of the economy, assuring him that God would reward his efforts.

In his remarks, the Chief Judge of Plateau State, Justice David Mann, expressed gratitude to God for preserving the legal community throughout the last legal year. He prayed for divine protection, guidance, and wisdom for members of the Bar and Bench as they commence the new legal year.