3rd years anniversary :Governor Mutfwang celebrates God faithfulness in Governance
Yakubu Busari
The headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Jos, on Sunday 31st, May 2026 was full to capacity with dignitaries, religious leaders, traditional rulers and thousands of Plateau citizens in a special Thanksgiving Service marking the third anniversary of the “Time Is Now” administration.
The event, which attracted political leaders from across the state and beyond, became special day. It evolved into an emotional testimony of faith, perseverance and divine intervention as Governor Caleb Mutfwang explained his political journey and spiritual battles that nearly end his career in politics.
The gathering commenced with a pastoral exhortation by the President of COCIN and Chairman of the Plateau State Denominational Heads Forum, Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo, who anchored his message on Psalm 124, reminding worshippers that Plateau’s story over the past three years could only be explained by the sustaining hand of God.
According to him, the state has witnessed difficult moments characterized by insecurity, economic pressures, political uncertainties and enormous governance challenges, yet God remained faithful.
“Like the Psalmist, Plateau can boldly declare today that if the Lord had not been on our side, our story would have been different,” he stated.
Rev. Mohzo emphasized that the occasion was not merely about celebrating political achievements but acknowledging God’s faithfulness in preserving lives, sustaining leadership and granting wisdom amidst complex challenges.
He further commended Governor Mutfwang for returning to God’s altar in thanksgiving, noting that leadership is a sacred trust bestowed by God and sustained only through divine grace.
The cleric also urged citizens to continue praying for leaders, stressing that governance requires divine guidance, wisdom and strength.
Building on the spiritual reflections, Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo delivered a welcome address that highlighted the administration’s journey over the past three years.
She described the anniversary as a celebration of resilience, renewal and the indomitable spirit of Plateau people who have remained steadfast despite numerous challenges.
According to her, when the administration assumed office in May 2023, it inherited significant economic and structural difficulties that required urgent reforms.
She explained that through discipline, accountability and prudent management of resources, the government had gradually restored confidence in governance and public institutions.
The Deputy Governor pointed to the regular payment of salaries and pensions, implementation of the new minimum wage, rehabilitation of roads, investments in healthcare, education, agriculture, tourism and youth empowerment as evidence of the administration’s commitment to rebuilding Plateau State.
She further noted that efforts to strengthen community-based security initiatives and improve public transportation systems were already yielding positive results.
While acknowledging that challenges still exist, she expressed confidence that the state was firmly on the path of recovery, stability and sustainable development.
However, the defining moment of the thanksgiving service came when Governor Caleb Mutfwang mounted the podium to deliver what many described as his most personal and emotional public address since assuming office.
Reflecting on his emergence as governor, Mutfwang recalled how the people of Plateau State elected him on March 18th , 2023, before he was sworn into office on May 29th of the same year.
Barely days after taking office, he said, violent attacks erupted in Mangu Local Government Area, his own local government, creating widespread fear and uncertainty.
According to the governor, the crisis coincided with intense legal battles challenging his electoral victory, forcing him to govern while simultaneously defending his mandate in court.
The legal contest eventually moved from the tribunal to the Court of Appeal before culminating at the Supreme Court.
“On January 12th , 2024, the Supreme Court affirmed our mandate. Looking back today, I can boldly say that if not for God, I would not be standing here,” he declared.
The congregation erupted in applause as the governor repeatedly returned to the theme that defined the day’s thanksgiving, God’s unfailing faithfulness.
‘Money Failed, God Prevailed’
In one of the most dramatic moments of his testimony, Mutfwang recounted the fierce battle for the PDP governorship ticket.
He revealed that enormous financial resources were deployed by opponents during the primaries, making many believe his ambition was doomed.
Yet, against all expectations, he secured victory.
“That day, I witnessed the fulfillment of scripture. Money failed, but God prevailed. If it was about money, I would never have emerged. Yet God made a way where there seemed to be none,” he said.
The governor described his emergence as one of the clearest demonstrations of divine intervention in his political journey.
As the congregation listened attentively, Mutfwang disclosed that he also faced intense spiritual pressures before assuming office.
According to him, individuals approached him with promises of supernatural assistance, claiming they could facilitate his success through unconventional spiritual means.
He said he rejected such offers, choosing instead to place his trust entirely in God.
“I have never paid for prayers and I was not about to start. My confidence was in God alone,” he stated.
The governor revealed that despite threats, predictions and spiritual intimidation, divine grace sustained him throughout the transition period.
Mutfwang explained that despite political distractions and security concerns, development never stopped across Plateau State.
He highlighted ongoing road projects, transportation reforms, water schemes, healthcare improvements and social intervention programmes implemented under his administration.
The governor recalled emotional moments when communities that had gone decades without basic amenities finally received government interventions.
One such moment, he said, was commissioning water projects in communities where residents had lived for nearly twenty years without access to potable water.
He admitted shedding tears upon witnessing women celebrate the arrival of clean water after years of hardship.
‘The Joy of Ordinary People Keeps Me Going’.
Governor Mutfwang said the gratitude expressed by ordinary citizens remains his greatest motivation.
He narrated how women danced in communities illuminated by solar-powered streetlights and how vulnerable families benefited from government-funded medical and educational support.
According to him, the administration spent billions of naira assisting citizens in need, including the payment of medical bills, school fees and humanitarian support.
“Many of those beneficiaries do not know me personally, and I may never know them. But whenever I hear their stories, I find renewed strength to continue serving,” he said.
Moving beyond governance, the governor passionately appealed for unity among Plateau citizens.
He lamented what he described as a destructive culture of internal rivalry, bitterness and unnecessary divisions that have hindered collective progress.
According to him, Plateau’s future depends on citizens seeing themselves as one family regardless of political, ethnic or religious differences.
“I don’t care where you come from. If you love Plateau, you are my brother and my sister. The future we seek can only be built together,” he declared.
The governor emphasized that unity remains the strongest weapon against insecurity, underdevelopment and social fragmentation.
On security, Mutfwang acknowledged the pain caused by recurring attacks and loss of innocent lives across parts of the state.
He described the security situation as complex but expressed optimism that recent improvements in coordination among security agencies were beginning to yield positive outcomes.
While mourning victims of violence, he reassured citizens that his administration would continue to advocate for stronger security measures and lasting peace.
He equally commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies for efforts aimed at restoring stability in troubled communities.
As the thanksgiving service approached its conclusion, Governor Mutfwang described the story of his administration as “progress against all odds.”
He maintained that despite political opposition, court cases, economic constraints and security challenges, Plateau State has continued to move forward.
According to him, road projects are currently ongoing across virtually all local government areas, while additional interventions are being planned to ensure no community is left behind.
He assured citizens that his administration would continue to manage available resources prudently while prioritizing projects that directly impact the lives of the people.
The service concluded with prayers for Plateau State, its leadership and the nation.
Among dignitaries present were former Governor Sir Fidelis Tapgun, former Military Administrator Atuku ,Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, APC State Chairman Hon. Rufus Bature, Senator Diket Plang, traditional rulers, former ministers, federal and state lawmakers, church leaders
