AN OPEN LETTER TO H.E BARR. CALEB MUTFWANG, GOVERNOR-ELECT, PLATEAU STATE || WRITTEN BY DR. SOLOMON CHOLLOM

May I use this medium to once again congratulate you on your emergence as governor-elect, Plateau state. This rare feat came not by power nor strategy; it came by divine ordination. I sincerely do not want you to miss this point!

I have decided to write to you today for two reasons: first, it is exactly a month until your inauguration as the executive governor of Plateau state; and second, it is to remind you that the next four years of your life will be entirely different from the previous years in your life and will shape the matrix of Plateau state for a long time.

EARLY DAYS

I have been impressed by your posture since your declaration as governor-elect, Plateau state by the Independent National Electoral Commission. It has been characterized by sobriety, modesty and proactive governance rooted in strategic thinking. I say this advisedly because you have remained level-headed, strategic and focused. This has been evident in your speeches which have harped on peaceful coexistence, unity and hope. Also, those who have tracked your post-election activities must have seen a proactive governor who has wasted no time in putting his foot on the pedal of governance by establishing networks with critical partners to better the state. This speaks of your vision and adroitness as a leader

This is a clear departure from the culture throwing wild and intoxicating parties with highfalutin postures to irrigate the euphoria of election victory on one hand and to rub it on the faces of opponents on the other.

While others have been on a wild goose chase for a tribunal-declared governor, Plateau people have already moved on with an INEC-declared governor.

Your Excellency Sir, permit to draw your attention to the following points. I feel they are critical to your success as you take over the mantle of leadership in the next one month

1. GO FOR COMPETENCE

The incoming administration will answer your name. It’s assessment from day one, until eternity will be against your name. I am sure you will want your name to go into the history books as one who left great legacies behind.

It is therefore important that you constitute a team based on competence and capacity to make your mark. I humbly advise that you comb the state for talents and labourers. Where possible, look beyond political divides for pillars to stand governance on.

Don’t just give appointments and leave appointees on a roller coaster ride, set targets and monitor performance closely. Be courageous enough to hire without strings and fire without strain and apology for the good of the state. This way, posterity will smile at you warmly.

2. PLATEAU PEOPLE WANT CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP STYLE AND NOT JUST A CHANGE OF LEADERS

I am sure you know that Plateau  people are disenchanted with the current style of governance in the state. They have been vocal about this and they feel you represent that change in leadership style. They want a governor that will be there for them when they cry and when they smile. They want a governor that will prioritize and dignify their welfare, unity, peace and heritage. They want a governor and government that will be at home with them and they will be at home with him; whether he is in the state or outside the state; whether he is talking with them or talking about them, they want a governor that will not betray them overtly or covertly. 

Will you be that governor?

3. YOU HAVE THE GOODWILL OF THE PEOPLE, DON'T THROW IT TO THE DOGS 

You need no one to tell you that the people are excited about your emergence as governor. The celebration of your victory was the first indication. The excitement in the air in anticipation of your inauguration on May 29th is palpable. 

Do you remember the night of your election and the rains that fell while collation was going on at different locations? Do you remember the dance and tearful prayers in the rain by youths in a collation centre in Jos North? Sir, I want you to watch those video clips again and you will see that it was not just votes that they people gave you, it was their trust, emotions and their lives.Do well not to take this delicate commodity for granted. 

I call on you to have utmost regard and respect for the citizens when you assume office in no less a manner than you did when you were asking for their votes.

I dare remind you that you are an internally-generated governor, do not be externally influenced to abandon your people for whatever appellations on the altar of politics 

4. START WITH THE END IN MIND

Your time starts ticking from 29th May, 2023 to 28th May, 2027. Don’t bother about second term just yet. Work as though it will not come and your good works will bring it to you on a platter. As you prepare your inaugural speech, ask yourself if your handover notes and valedictory speech would be greeted with cheers or jeers. It is all in your hands.

Do well not to make the exit door an eclipse zone

5. KEEP YOUR EARS TO THE GROUND AND YOUR HANDS ON THE PLOUGH

Do well to make yourself accessible to the people. Never delegate or trivialise feedback mechanisms. Keep your ears to the ground. While campaigning, you had town hall meetings across state. Don’t shut that door; don’t modify it either. Resist the temptation of hearing only from your appointees and party people, they will ruin and overrun you. Keep in touch with the people and don’t bully them to sing only your praises. Encourage them to engage you in frank talk and draw no lines against divergent views

Remember also to keep your hands on the plough always. Be discerning enough to spot out distractions and know where to invest your time and resources. Disturbing and distracting noises will be generated to silence you, opposing waves will be engineered to push you back, destructive propaganda will be sponsored to blackmail you and envious camps will be inaugurated to battle you to take your hands off the plough while time ticks away. Beware of these antics and run with your tactics!

6. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING 

Your background in the church must have conditioned you to a life of total dependence on God in both the good and bad times. While this new level may come with a new devil, a prayerful life will no doubt discomfit any devil. 

CONCLUSION 

As you march into Little Rayfield, remind yourself that you are on a mission backed by God and majority of Plateau people. Remind yourself again that you are God-ordained, internally-generated, INEC declared governor of Plateau state

Will you be that governor we have been waiting for or we should begin another search for a messiah?