Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has charged judges in the state to uphold the highest standards of integrity and fairness, reminding them that while they sit in judgment over others, they too will one day be judged by their creator.

 

Speaking at the 2025/2026 Legal Year Ceremony of the Plateau State High Court of Justice in Jos on Tuesday, Mutfwang prayed that when their own judgment comes, the judges would stand before God with clear consciences.

 

“You are in a unique position to dispense justice to victims, the society and the state, but it’s a very delicate assignment,” the governor said. “While you stand in a position to judge others, remember that you yourselves will be judged. Our prayer is that when your own judgment comes, may you stand before your creator with a clear conscience. You therefore need to be guided by the ethics of your calling, and ensure that judicial discretion is used with the fear of God and wisdom, so that in rescuing others, you yourself may not become entangled.”

 

Mutfwang commended the Plateau judiciary for maintaining credibility and avoiding scandals. “I must confess that I’m not aware of many bad stories about the Plateau judiciary,” he noted. “I want to commend you for not allowing yourselves to become the subject of public opprobrium. I hope that in this coming year, we will recommit ourselves to ensuring that the justice sector in Plateau State is second to none in Nigeria.”

 

He praised the collaboration between the judiciary and the executive, stressing that such partnership should not in any way suppress citizens’ rights. He added that the executive’s duty is to protect the state’s common wealth and ensure that development is not obstructed by those who exploit the justice system.

 

As a member of the legal profession himself, Mutfwang assured that his administration would continue to improve the welfare and working conditions of the judiciary. “We have treated with utmost dispatch all the requests brought to us by the judiciary within the limits of available funding,” he said. “Let us all renew our commitment to the progress and development of Plateau State.”

 

Addressing the state’s security challenges, the governor acknowledged the persistent threats but said his government is doing all it can to tackle them. He announced plans to recruit additional personnel into Operation Rainbow, the state’s security outfit, within the next two weeks to strengthen security. He also urged citizens to provide credible intelligence to help curb insecurity.