By Palang Paul
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has ordered security agencies to identify, investigate, arrest and prosecute persons allegedly creating or operating a parallel authority in the state.
The governor issued the directive in a statement addressing reported activities involving individuals or groups allegedly imposing rules, restrictions or sanctions on residents outside Nigeria’s established legal framework.
Mutfwang warned anyone involved in such activities to immediately desist or face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He stressed that Plateau State operates under a single legal framework, insisting that no individual or group has the authority to assume powers not conferred on them by law.
“Plateau State has one Constitution, one legal system and one legitimate authority, and no individual or group has the right to assume powers that have not been conferred upon it by law,” the governor stated.
He further declared that his administration would not allow the emergence of any parallel authority or self-appointed enforcement body seeking to impose rules, restrictions or sanctions on citizens outside the established legal system.
“No individual or group has the authority to appoint itself the government of Plateau State. The responsibility for enforcing the law belongs to duly constituted authorities acting within the law,” Mutfwang said.
The governor consequently directed security agencies to identify and investigate persons linked to the reported activities and, where sufficient evidence establishes violations of the law, arrest and prosecute those responsible.
He also directed that persons found to be promoting, sponsoring, aiding or abetting such activities should be investigated and prosecuted where necessary.
Mutfwang further ordered security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and other lawful operations to establish the identity and activities of those involved and protect residents from intimidation, harassment, extortion and other forms of unlawful coercion.
The governor clarified that the directive was not targeted at any religion, ethnic group or community.
“The Governor wishes to make clear that this directive is not directed at any religion, ethnic group or community. Plateau State remains home to people of diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, all of whom are entitled to equal protection under the law,” the statement said.
According to the governor, the government’s concern is solely with lawful conduct and legitimate authority, stressing that every resident has the right to live, worship, work, conduct lawful business and carry out daily activities without intimidation or interference from any self-appointed authority.
Mutfwang commended residents who brought the reported activities to the attention of authorities and assured the public that his administration would continue to take credible security concerns seriously.
He reaffirmed that protecting the lives, rights, dignity and lawful freedoms of all residents remains a fundamental responsibility of government.
The governor also pledged to defend Plateau State’s tradition of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, while ensuring equal treatment of citizens and upholding the rule of law.
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