Protest: Plateau youths present charter of demands to Governor Mutfwang

By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –

A coalition of youth from Plateau State submitted a charter of demands to Governor Caleb Mutfwang in Jos on Saturday, intended for transmission to President Bola Tinubu.

The presentation follows a series of protests led predominantly by youth in Plateau, who marched through the main streets of Jos as part of a larger nationwide protest.

Unfortunately, the demonstrations were later marred by the actions of some hoodlums who engaged in looting and vandalism, prompting the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew in the Jos-Bukuru area.

During the presentation, representative Mr. Sam Ode articulated the coalition’s requests, emphasizing the need for both state and federal government involvement.

“For the state government, we demand an immediate reduction in the cost of governance. We also seek clarification on the utilization of various palliatives and funding received from the Federal Government. Furthermore, we call for the swift implementation of the minimum wage recently signed into law by the president and a reduction in tertiary institution fees,” Ode stated.

“We further call on the state government to implement the minimum wage recently signed into law by the president and to lower the school fees at tertiary institutions.

“For the Federal Government, we urge the president to tackle corruption, revert the fuel price to ₦300, and roll back the increase in electricity tariffs,” He said.

He also called on the federal authorities to reduce governance costs, reopen all national borders and pursue judicial reforms.

In response, Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude for their peaceful conduct during the protests and assured them that he would relay their demands to the president. He pledged to foster active youth participation in his administration and emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the distribution of Federal palliatives among Plateau residents.

“We are doing a lot to boost agriculture, healthcare services, tourism, education, public transportation, sports, and the ease of doing business to improve the local economy.

“In some areas, we will need the support of the private sector to end poverty and hunger and to realise the Plateau of our dreams.

“I will transmit your demands to the president next week, but all I ask of you is to be patient and support us in achieving success.

“We will continue to provide quality leadership to the people, and I thank you for conducting yourselves peacefully throughout the protests,” Mutfwang said.