Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, on Friday strongly refuted claims that a cluster of judges had accepted a $5 million bribe to oust him from his position, as alleged.
The accusations, which surfaced on Thursday, implicated former Governor Simon Lalong and Minister of Labour and Employment, alleging their involvement in manipulating the 2023 governorship poll results.
Reports claimed that three Appeal Court Justices, Elfrieda Williams-Dawodu, Akams, and Waziri, were recipients of the alleged bribe, aiming to declare the All Progressives Congress Candidate, Nentawe Yiltwatda, as the winner.
The narrative further suggested that Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, met with Lalong after a lawyers conference in Abuja, tasking him to deliver the bribe to the judges.
Governor Mutfwang, in response, issued a strong condemnation of the allegations and distanced himself from the narrative.
Signed by Gyang Bere, Mutwang’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, the statement conveyed that
“Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has strongly condemned the baseless and defamatory allegations circulated by certain individuals, accusing judges of receiving a $5 million bribe for the nullification of his victory.
“Governor Mutfwang vehemently condemned the publication and attributed it to the deliberate actions of his detractors aimed at sowing discord between him and the esteemed judges and other constituted authorities.”
Expressing deep concern, he called for a thorough investigation by security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for the “libelous publication.”
“He (Governor Mutfwang) emphasised the need to ensure that these individuals face the full consequences of the law with a view to setting a precedent that discourages similar misconduct.
“Governor Mutfwang unequivocally distanced himself from the false narrative, dismissing it as mere fabrications crafted by individuals who are being manipulated as pawns by the opposition party in Plateau State.
“The Governor noted that the latest move is an attempt to tarnish the image of the PDP Government in the state, and pointed out that such malicious actions will not deter his commitment and confidence in the Judiciary.
“Reaffirming his unwavering support for the judiciary, Governor Mutfwang warned those disparaging the justices and respected leaders, to desist from their destructive activities immediately or face the severe consequences of their actions” the statement added.
