Gov. Mutfwang Swears in Three Commissioners and One Special Adviser
By Peter Azi
JOS — It was a moment of joy and celebration at the Victoria Gowon Hall, Government House, Jos, as Hon. Ishaku Maren, Prince Miaphien, Prof. Gloria Samuel Kanari, and Major General Bala Samuel (Rtd) took the oath of office as Commissioners and Special Adviser to the Governor.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by thousands of supporters who came to show solidarity, including students from various tertiary institutions. The students carried placards and posters, especially for Prince Miaphien, a former NANS National President.
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Hon. Ishaku Maren was once SUG President and a Lecturer at Plateau State University, Bokkos. In 2023, he was elected Member of the Plateau State House of Assembly and served as Majority Leader. He also served as Liaison Officer to the Governor from Bokkos LGA.
Prince Miaphien is a youth leader and former student union leader with wide grassroots appeal.
Prof. Gloria Samuel Kanari is a Professor of Clinical Psychology from the University of Jos. She hails from Bassa Local Government Area.
Major General Bala Samuel (Rtd) brings decades of experience in security and public service to the cabinet.
The event, initially scheduled for 2:00 PM, commenced after 6:00 PM. Dignitaries from far and near graced the occasion, including Dr. Mrs. Abiodun, Special Adviser to the President on Community Engagement, North Central.
Delivering his address, Governor Caleb Mutfwang said the event could ordinarily have been postponed, but its significance demanded that it hold.
“We have just 9 months left, and with preparations for elections underway, we must maximize the remaining period to deliver more dividends of democracy to our people,” the Governor said.
He also informed the gathering that his administration has reorganized ministries. Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries will be assigned new portfolios to improve efficiency.
“More appointments are coming soon. These will include Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, and Special Assistants, all geared towards bringing government closer to the people,” he added.
Governor Mutfwang used the occasion to address rumors on social media.
“I never promised to share positions when I joined the APC. The positions we are talking about are APC positions. We have not shortchanged anyone.
Out of 24 House of Assembly candidates that emerged, 16 are from the legacy group while 8 came with me from the PDP.
The time has come for us to kill the dichotomy between ‘Governor’s Group’ and ‘Legacy Group.’ Some people claim we had a 60/40 sharing agreement. It never happened, and it will not happen,” he stated.
The Governor directed all newly sworn-in Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries to conclude all formal handovers on or before Wednesday next week.
He also decried the unfortunate attacks in the state between Monday night and Tuesday morning, describing them as a setback to security efforts.
“My administration is leaving no stone unturned to protect the lives and property of the citizens of Plateau State,” he assured.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 21ST AUGUST, 2026)
