Gov. Mutfwang Installs New Long Pan

…Pledges Justice, Unity, Completion of 61km Roads

Our Correspondent

Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has installed His Royal Highness Miskagam Jerome Goewam Leklak II as the new Long Pan of Pan Chiefdom and presented him with the Staff of Office, restoring the stool to First-Class status.

The installation was performed on Wednesday at the Ba’ap Mini Stadium, Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area.

Governor Mutfwang said the event was more than the coronation of a traditional ruler.

“This is not merely about the installation of a traditional ruler, but represents the restoration of a cherished institution, a common identity and a revered symbol of unity that has for generations bound the people of Pan together,” he said.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions across Plateau State as partners in governance, peacebuilding, cultural preservation and community development.

“From the outset of our administration, we have made the restoration, strengthening and repositioning of the Traditional Institution a key priority,” Mutfwang said.

The governor added that government would continue to fill vacant stools through processes that respect the law, customs and peculiarities of each community.

He commended the people of Pan Chiefdom and the Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area Traditional Council for the maturity and peaceful conduct demonstrated during the transition following the death of the late Long Pan, His Royal Highness Miskagam Emmanuel Dabang, on May 8, 2025.

Addressing the new monarch, Mutfwang urged him to lead with wisdom, humility, fairness and courage.

“Let your reign be defined by the ability to unite rather than divide, to heal rather than reopen old wounds, and to build bridges where differences exist,” he said.

The governor called on traditional rulers across the state to strengthen community relations, provide credible local intelligence and work closely with security agencies.

“Security, therefore, must be treated as a collective responsibility,” he said.

Mutfwang also cautioned against drug abuse and indiscriminate leasing of community and ancestral lands for mining. He said government was developing modalities to ensure that the Federal Government, State, host communities and legitimate landowners derive appropriate benefits from mineral resources while protecting the environment.

The governor made a fresh commitment to the development of the Southern Zone.

“We will see to the completion of 61km Dokan Tofa-Ba’ap-Kurgwi and Jibam-Dokan Kasuwa Roads and ensure that the Southern Zone is connected to reliable electricity,” he declared.

He said the investments would unlock the economic potential of the area, stimulate commerce, create opportunities and improve living standards.

Earlier, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ephraim Gar, said the Mutfwang administration had demonstrated commitment to repositioning the traditional institution as custodian of culture, norms and traditions.

He commended pan-stakeholders, kingmakers and the Royal Family for ensuring a speedy emergence of a successor.

In his goodwill message, the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman, Plateau State Traditional Council of Chiefs, His Majesty Da. Jacob Gyang Buba, represented by the Mishkaham Mwaghavul, Da. John Putmang Hirse, congratulated the new Long Pan, saying his ascension was a call to service anchored on character and proven record.

He urged him to deploy his experience to foster unity among the diverse people of Pan.

Receiving the Staff of Office through the Miskagam Doemak, Cosmos Dakyap, the new Long Pan, Miskagam Jerome Goewam Leklak II, expressed joy at the privilege to serve the Pan people and pledged unflinching support to the Time is Now Administration.

He drew attention to the vulnerability of the Pan people to banditry and terrorism, appealing for an operational security command as a buffer along the Qua’an-Pan – Mangu to Nasarawa corridor where assailants infiltrate the state.

The Council Chairman of Qua’an-Pan LGA, Hon. Christopher Audu Manship, congratulated the monarch and appreciated Governor Mutfwang for creating an enabling environment for the selection and presentation of Staff of Office.

He lauded the Governor for initiating road projects and appealed for fast-tracking of the Jibam-Qua’an-Pan Road.

Governor Mutfwang later commissioned the remodelled Long Pan’s Palace at Doemak and the newly constructed Snakebite Treatment Centre at Doemak.

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