The Plateau Regeneration Group has dismissed allegations that Governor Caleb Mutfwang was secretly planning to establish Hisbah in Plateau State as part of a political arrangement to secure Muslim votes.
The group described the allegation, reportedly made by Mr. Samaila Achigak A. Rukuba, as speculative, contradictory and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the group said it was surprised that Achigak could accuse the governor of planning to establish Hisbah despite the Plateau State Government’s recent public condemnation of persons allegedly operating under the name of Hisbah in parts of the state.
According to the group, the allegations were inconsistent, noting that Achigak allegedly claimed that Hisbah had been established, suggested that the Plateau State House of Assembly had secretly passed a law creating the organisation, while at the same time questioning whether such legislation existed.
The group said, “Mr. Achigak’s statement is not merely reckless; it is intellectually contradictory and embarrassingly speculative because within the same breath, he claims that the Governor has established Hisbah, alleges that the House of Assembly has already secretly passed a law creating it, and then proceeds to ask whether any such law exists.”
It argued that the state government’s position on the matter was clear, following its directive against unauthorised groups operating under the name or guise of Hisbah.
The group said rather than support efforts by the government and security agencies to prevent the emergence of unauthorised religious or vigilante structures, some individuals had chosen to politicise the issue.
It said, “This is precisely how political opportunism works: first, invent the fire, then accuse the government of holding the match.”
The Plateau Regeneration Group urged politicians and political groups in the state to desist from turning sensitive security and religious matters into campaign issues.
According to the group, Plateau residents were capable of distinguishing between genuine public concern and attempts to exploit sensitive issues for political advantage.
“Governor Mutfwang has made his position clear. The Government has categorically rejected any Hisbah operation in Plateau State, and that position deserves support, not conspiracy theories manufactured for political consumption,” the group stated.
It called on residents to disregard what it described as insinuations aimed at creating unnecessary fear and tension, urging citizens to remain vigilant and support efforts to promote peace and security.
The group further maintained that the collective interest of Plateau State should take precedence over partisan politics, stressing that no political ambition should be allowed to undermine the state’s delicate social and religious harmony.
“Plateau is bigger than Governor Mutfwang, it is bigger than PDP or APC, and it is certainly bigger than the political ambitions of any individual.
“Those who genuinely love Plateau must resist every attempt, whether from within or outside, to turn our delicate social fabric into a ladder for political advancement,” the group stated.