Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong, has asked Caleb Mutfwang, the state’s governor-elect, to continue the projects of his administration and fight insecurity.

Governor Lalong during a state banquet organized for the incoming administration on Saturday at the government house, Jos, said the new administration should work with the citizens to tackle the security challenges. He said his administration did its best to tackle insecurity, adding that criminals have continued to exhibit “desperation for violence”.

“On the issue of peace and security, we did our best in dealing with criminality and also establishing structures and laws to avert Ethno-religious conflicts that riddled the state in the past,” Lalong said. “Despite our efforts and substantial progress, the criminals have continued to exhibit desperation for violence as seen in the recent attacks in Mangu.”

He urged the governor-elect to engage all segments of society in governance, adding that ensuring security in Plateau entails embracing different groups because “no tribe is more superior”. He asked Muftwang to complete abandoned projects and encourage the establishment of small-scale enterprises to attract investors to the state. Mutfwtang, who wished Lalong well in his future endeavors, said he will not witch-hunt anyone when he takes over as governor.

He said he would handle issues of disagreement as a “family affair”, promising to not be negligent on issues that affect the welfare of the people. He said he would present good leadership which is critical to facilitating a sense of belonging to the people of Plateau.