Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the Governor of Plateau State to embark on teamwork and peaceful conduct as he joins the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Vice President gave the charge on Tuesday in Jos, the Plateau State capital, when he formally received the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, into the APC as a member of the party.
Shettima told the gathering at Polo field, Jos, that President Bola Tinubu is pleased with the defection of Governor Mutfwang into the APC.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured you that your place in this party is second to none,” he said. “We are not a party in crisis. We are a party in communion with our people. We have walked this path because we believe in teamwork, in diversity as strength, and in leadership as a collective responsibility, not the triumph of one, but the success of many working together.”
Shettima said Plateau citizens have immensely contributed to the development of Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
“Plateau has also given Nigeria gallant soldiers who paid the ultimate price to keep this country whole, men who fought selflessly for the unity of our nation. From the unforgettable Colonel James Yakubu Pam to the courageous General Joseph Namben Garba, and to that remarkable generation of officers who served Nigeria across continents, in India, Sri Lanka, and across Africa,” he said.
Responding, Governor Mutfwang pledged to work for the second tenure of President Tinubu.
“I am persuaded that the people of Plateau State, with whom we have found favour, are aligned with us in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,” he said.
“The times are challenging, but I can say confidently that in my private conversations with Mr. President, I have seen his passion and commitment to repositioning Nigeria on the path of prosperity, unity, and progress.”
He stressed that, “As we say in Nigeria, it is better to follow the man who knows the road. The toughest decisions have already been taken. We are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. The eggs have been laid, and in due time, they will hatch.”
Earlier, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwada, appreciated the Presidency for the support given to Plateau people.
He said the defection of the Governor was a good omen: “We are united, focused, and ready to give direction to our dear state. Together, we will pilot Plateau State with purpose and clarity.”
He promised that the party would be fair to Mutfwang: “The motto of our party is Justice. And what is justice? Justice means social justice, equity, fairness, and equal distribution of opportunities across Plateau State—without discrimination.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima formally handed over the flag and its logo to Governor Mutfwang.
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Governor of Imo State and Chairman, Progressive Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma; and Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, attended the event.
