Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has inaugurated a Task Force on the Recovery of Government Property in the state. Mutfwang said the inauguration of the task force aligns with his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the restoration of order in the state’s property sector.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, while inaugurating the Task Force, said the government is committed to ensuring that the state’s resources are utilised for the benefit of all citizens. He emphasised that recovering government properties is a crucial step towards upholding transparency and accountability in governance.
He added that the Task Force has been constituted with a clear mandate to identify, locate, and recover all government properties that may have been misappropriated or unlawfully acquired.
He said: “This initiative is not about pointing fingers or seeking retribution, but rather about restoring the people’s trust in their government and ensuring that public resources are used for the common good.
“The Task Force shall identify all government properties, their locations, and occupants, identify, trace and recover all government properties that have been illegally occupied, encroached upon and misused. Also, it will ascertain how long these occupants have been occupying these properties, and whether any renovations have been done within the period of their stay.
“They shall recover government-landed property that has been illegally occupied, encroached or misused, identify instances of illegal occupation, encroachment, and misuse, and collaborate with relevant government agencies, law enforcement, and other involved stakeholders to recover government properties and prosecute persons.
“You are to explore funding sources, allocate budget to ensure financial sustainability, and identify housing demands,” he said. He urged members of the task force to carry out their duties with diligence, integrity, and impartiality, adding that their job would be instrumental in safeguarding the interests of the people of Plateau State, promoting a culture of accountability and responsibility in the government.
“I call upon all residents and anyone in possession of government property to support the efforts of the task force and to cooperate with them for the benefit of all,” he submitted.
Earlier, the Secretary to the state government, Samuel NanchamJatau, in a remark, said that the government is committed to ascertaining that due process was adhered to in the exercise, and the recovery of all government assets that were inappropriately acquired by individuals, groups, or corporate entities are recovered.
