Isiyaku Ahmed
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has called for renewed unity, mutual respect and collective leadership among people of the Middle Belt, urging them to rally behind their leaders and work together for the development of the region and Nigeria.
Mutfwang made the call on Saturday in Yola, Adamawa State, during a thanksgiving service organized to mark the 70th birthday of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.
The Governor, who joined other dignitaries at the event, described Mustapha as a quintessential leader, servant of his people, and lover of God and humanity.
He acknowledged the presence of the SGF, Senator George Akume, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by his deputy; the Gombe State Governor, represented by his deputy; and other dignitaries.
Mutfwang said it was heartwarming to witness the celebration of a leader while alive, describing the gathering as a testimony to the influence and impact Mustapha had made through his service to the people.
However, the governor expressed concern over what he described as the tendency among some Middle Belt people and Christians to constantly “specialize in running down our leaders.”
He stressed that no leader was perfect and urged the people to put aside their differences and embrace a new culture of unity and mutual respect.
“The days ahead of us call for a new form of understanding and unity. We must learn to lay aside our differences. The days ahead of us as people of the Middle Belt and as Nigerians call for renewed thinking. We must operate on a new frequency, the frequency of unity,” he said.
Mutfwang likened collective leadership to the military, where different units and departments work together towards achieving victory.
He stressed that no individual or group should be despised, noting that every contribution was important to the success of the collective.
The Governor also urged the people to distinguish between constructive criticism and actions capable of weakening their collective strength.
According to him, individuals who deliberately set communities and leaders against one another only deepen division and hinder development.
He called on leaders to lead from the front while urging their followers to support them, noting that although leaders might not be perfect, they should not be publicly humiliated or “undressed in the market square.”
Mutfwang further said Mustapha’s 70th birthday should not be regarded as a retirement ceremony but as the beginning of a new phase of leadership and responsibility.
He urged the former SGF to embrace those who may have opposed him in the past and build a broader platform for collective progress.
“Look for those who have opposed you in the course of your journey and let us come together and find a new energy to move ahead in the days to come,” Mutfwang said.
The Governor prayed for God’s continued strength, good health, and longevity for Mustapha, expressing hope that the celebration would spark a new conversation towards building a better Nigeria, a stronger Middle Belt and greater unity within the Church.
Mutfwang was accompanied to the event by prominent sons of Plateau State, including Rev. Dr. Obed Dashan, former Vice President of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN); the Rt. Revd. Stanley David Fube, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Langtang; Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Go’ar, former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and former member of the House of Representatives; Air Vice Marshal (Rtd.) Senator Napoleon Bali, former Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District; and Sir Joseph Ari, former Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
The delegation comprised individuals with extensive contributions to Christian ministry, public service, legislative leadership, military service, and institutional administration.
