Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Friday dismissed as unfounded and slanderous claims that some judges received $5 million as a bribe to remove him from office.
Recall that media reports (Not Newsclick Nigeria Media) had on Thursday accused the former Governor of Plateau state and Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong of giving $5 million to three justices of the Appeal Court including Justices Elfrieda Williams-Dawodu, Akams, and Waziri to sack Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party as governor and declare the All Progressives Congress Candidate, Nentawe Yiltwatda as the winner of the 2023 governorship poll in Plateau State.
The report which was circulated in social media also said that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu had met with Lalong after a lawyers conference in Abuja on Thursday and had mandated him to deliver the bribe to the judges.
However, Governor Mutwang in a statement on Friday condemned the publication and distanced himself from the narrative.
The statement which was signed by Mutwang’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere said, “Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has strongly condemned the baseless and defamatory allegations circulated by certain individuals, accusing judges of receiving a $5 million bribe for the nullification of his victory.
“Governor Mutfwang vehemently condemned the publication and attributed it to the deliberate actions of his detractors aimed at sowing discord between him and the esteemed judges and other constituted authorities.”
Expressing his deep concern over the matter, Governor Mutfwang demanded thorough investigations by security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for the libelous publication.
“He (Governor Mutfwang) emphasised the need to ensure that these individuals face the full consequences of the law with a view to setting a precedent that discourages similar misconduct.
“Governor Mutfwang unequivocally distanced himself from the false narrative, dismissing it as mere fabrications crafted by individuals who are being manipulated as pawns by the opposition party in Plateau State.
“The Governor noted that the latest move is an attempt to tarnish the image of the PDP Government in the state, and pointed out that such malicious actions will not deter his commitment and confidence in the Judiciary.
“Reaffirming his unwavering support for the judiciary, Governor Mutfwang warned those disparaging the justices and respected leaders, to desist from their destructive activities immediately or face the severe consequences of their actions”the statement added.