Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has inaugurated a task force on the recovery of the state government’s properties allegedly stolen by officials of past governments and public servants.
While inaugurating the task force in Jos on Monday, the Governor said the move is aligned with his administration’s “commitment to transparency, accountability, and the restoration of order in the state’s property sector.”
Mutfwang who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Josephine Piyo, at the inauguration ceremony, said the government was committed to ensuring that the state’s resources were utilized for the benefit of all citizens.
He further emphasized that recovering of government properties was a crucial step towards upholding transparency and accountability in governance.
“This initiative is not about pointing fingers or seeking retribution, but rather about restoring the trust of the people in their government and ensuring that public resources are used for the common good,” he said.
The governor added that the task force was constituted with a clear mandate to identify, locate, and recover all government properties that may have been misappropriated or unlawfully acquired.
“The Task Force shall Identify all government properties, their locations, and occupants, Identify, trace, and recover all government properties that have been illegally occupied, encroached upon, and misused,” Mutfwang noted.
“It is also to ascertain how long these occupants have been occupying these properties and whether any renovations have been done within the period of their stay.
“They shall recover government-landed properties that have been illegally occupied, encroached or misused, identify instances of illegal occupation, encroachment, and misuse, and collaborate with relevant government agencies, law enforcement, and other involved stakeholders to recover Government landed properties and prosecute Persons.
“You are to explore funding sources, allocate budget to ensure financial sustainability, and identify housing demands,” he told the team.
Gov Mutfwang also urged members of the task force to carry out their duties with diligence, integrity, and impartiality, adding that their job would be instrumental in safeguarding the interests of the people of Plateau State and promote a culture of accountability and responsibility in government.
“I call upon all residents and anyone in possession of government property to support the efforts of the Task Force and to cooperate with them for the benefit of all.”
Also speaking at the inauguration,
Secretary to the Government of the State, Arc. Samuel Jatau, said that the government was committed to ascertaining that due process was adhered to in the exercise.
He added that this was to ensure the recovery of all government assets that were inappropriately acquired by individuals, groups, or corporate entities are recovered.
Chairman of the Task Force, Maj. Gen. Nansak Yakubu (Rtd), explained that the setting up of the Task Force was coming at a very crucial time when the state was being moved to greater heights.
He emphasized that the task force would carry out its duties with diligence and ensure that all government properties are recovered in a seamless manner and without intimidation.
Other members of the task force include Zachariah Diwong who is the Secretary, Alh. Jibrin Husseini, Arc. Dahoro Dachomo, DCP Adamu Usman, the Permanent Secretary of the State Housing and Asset Management, as well as Husseini Gunok.
