The defection of Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is already producing positive results for the state, according to the Chairman of Bassa Local Government Area, Dr Joshua Sunday Riti.
Riti stated this on Wednesday while receiving stakeholders from Kwall community at the council secretariat. He maintained that Mutfwang’s decision to join the ruling party was strategic and aimed at advancing the interests of Plateau State.
He noted that since the governor moved from the PDP to the APC in December 2025, Plateau had witnessed increased federal attention and the attraction of more projects.
He said, “We want to thank His Excellency, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for taking the bold and strategic decision to join the APC. That decision is already yielding results for Plateau State.”
“Just a few weeks after the defection, Mr President approved the construction of the Akwanga-Jos road, which has been a nightmare for our people for many years. That is a direct benefit of aligning with the centre.
“Just recently, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the dualisation and construction of the Mararaban Jama’a–Mangu–Kanke–Langtang–Shendam–River Ibi Road (a 400-kilometre superhighway) linking Plateau and Taraba states following a request made by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
“The route connects Mararaban Jama’a through Mangu, Kanke, Langtang, Shendam (in Plateau State) down to River Ibi in Taraba State.”
Riti listed other developments he attributed to the state’s new political alignment, including Federal Government approval for the recruitment of 1,000 Plateau youths as forest guards to strengthen security. He also pointed to renewed plans for road projects connecting Plateau and Taraba states.
He said, “Before now, we were in opposition and it was difficult to get federal attention. But today, because we are now in the same party with the federal government, doors are opening. More projects are coming, more appointments will come, and Plateau will benefit.”
The development comes as the Plateau State Government continues to pursue major infrastructure projects across the state.
Among them is the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the 41-kilometre Bisichi–Fan–Mangu Halle Road, which Governor Mutfwang flagged off on Wednesday.
The governor said the project would improve connectivity across the three senatorial districts of Plateau State while making the movement of people, goods and services easier.
Riti urged residents of Bassa Local Government Area and Plateau State generally to support Governor Mutfwang and President Bola Tinubu, saying such support would enable them to deliver more dividends of democracy.
“Politics is about development. The governor has shown that his defection is not about personal interest but about the progress of Plateau. We in Bassa LGA are fully behind him,” he stated.
The Bassa chairman also assured the Kwall stakeholders that his administration would remain committed to improving security and development across the area.
The stakeholders, led by Daniel Chaka, explained that their visit was to appreciate Riti for the development initiatives recorded in their communities.
Chaka said Kwall and other parts of Bassa Local Government Area had experienced visible development since Riti assumed office.
They highlighted grassroots development, infrastructure, peacebuilding, welfare, human capital development and residents’ wellbeing as major areas of focus under the “Rebuild Bassa” agenda.
Community leaders, APC representatives and other stakeholders from across Bassa LGA subsequently passed a unanimous vote of confidence in Riti and encouraged him to sustain his efforts.
In his response, Riti expressed appreciation to the stakeholders for their visit and recognition of his administration’s achievements.
He appealed for continued unity and cooperation from residents, assuring that his administration would maintain an open-door policy for all stakeholders in the local government.
Meanwhile, Governor Mutfwang on Wednesday formally commenced the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the 41-kilometre Bisichi–Fan–Mangu Halle Road.
The project is expected to serve as an important link across Plateau’s three senatorial districts while improving the movement of people, goods and services.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Fan District, Mutfwang explained that the road was initially awarded in December 2012 to Eighteen Engineering International Construction Company as a surface-dressed road built on a laterite base.
He said the project had now been upgraded to a full asphalt road because of increased traffic demands and the deteriorating state of the existing infrastructure.
According to the governor, the comprehensive reconstruction demonstrates his administration’s commitment to providing durable infrastructure capable of serving both current and future generations.
“Upon completion, this road will reduce travel time, improve road safety, facilitate access to markets, healthcare facilities, schools and other essential services.
“It will also complement other strategic road projects of this administration, including the Foron–Bakin Kogi–Kadunu–Gindiri Road, further strengthening connectivity across Plateau State,” he said.
Mutfwang further disclosed that President Tinubu had granted full approval for the construction of the Mararaban Jama’a–Mangu–Kanke–Langtang–Shendam–Ibi Road.
He described the approval as another indication of the Federal Government’s commitment to developing Plateau State.
The governor thanked Tinubu for his support, goodwill and friendship towards the people of Plateau, saying cooperation between the state and Federal Governments was creating new opportunities for infrastructure development, economic expansion and improved livelihoods.
He also commended residents of Fan and Barkin-Ladi for their cooperation and willingness to provide land for development projects.
Mutfwang assured them that his administration would continue to implement programmes aimed at improving their livelihoods.
He added that the government was exploring the introduction of modern greenhouse agricultural systems, which require less land but can produce higher yields, as part of efforts to boost agricultural productivity and create sustainable economic opportunities for rural communities.
The Commissioner for Works, Dr Cletus Shurkuk, described the Bisichi–Fan–Mangu Halle Road as an important economic and social corridor.
He said completing the project would improve connectivity, stimulate economic activities, create opportunities and raise the quality of life of residents in the benefiting communities.
The Chairman of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, Hon Stephen Pwajok, and the Da Gwom Rwai of Fan, Da Iliya Dashwai, commended Mutfwang for initiating the project and pledged the continued support and cooperation of residents.
They also assured the contractor that host communities would cooperate to ensure the project was completed according to specification and within the agreed timeframe.
The Site Engineer of Eighteen Engineering International Construction Company similarly assured the state government and residents that the company would execute the project in line with the agreed specifications and timeline.
Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s determination to provide durable and impactful infrastructure capable of contributing to Plateau State’s long-term economic transformation.
