Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, expressed concerns over the economic challenges facing Nigerians, attributing them to the previous administration led by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.
During the swearing-in ceremony of 22 Special Advisers and heads of government agencies at the Government House in Jos on Monday, Mutfwang asserted that Buhari’s government had left the country’s economy in a dire state for his successor, President Bola Tinubu.
He remarked, “We are currently facing a difficult period in the history of our country, and I advocate that after elections, we shift focus from politics to governance.”
Mutfwang continued, “Even though the Federal Government is led by a different party, I feel obliged to speak the truth to Nigerians. This government inherited a worse situation than what was experienced in 1999.”
Highlighting economic mismanagement, he added, “The previous administration printed money worth N30 trillion, which was distributed. Additionally, they pre-sold crude oil that was yet to be extracted. Consequently, the depreciation of the naira is not surprising.”
The governor warned of potential food riots, emphasizing the need for proactive measures. He announced plans to establish a special agro-processing zone in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, in partnership with the African Development Bank, with an investment of $300 million.
Addressing the newly appointed officials, Mutfwang stressed the importance of their roles in tackling challenges and seeking funding sources. He urged them to prioritize investment and wealth generation for the state’s development.
Furthermore, he urged collaboration among stakeholders to address longstanding issues, particularly the violence plaguing the Plateau region.
Efforts to obtain comments from former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
