Following recent remarks made by Hon. Yusuf Gagdi on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, has addressed what he calls “spurious allegations” concerning the state’s infrastructure and development.

In a strong rebuttal, Hon. Ashoms debunked Gagdi’s statement, accusing him of spreading misinformation. “In his usual language, he lied to the whole world that the Federal Government has about 80% of the structures on the Plateau, while the state government is just doing about 20%. We would have ignored him, but for setting the record straight, it is important that we school him,” Ashoms stated.

Ashoms criticized Gagdi for lacking knowledge about the true state of development in Plateau State. He pointed out that, under the leadership of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, significant progress has been made in various sectors, including healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture.

“Is he feigning ignorance of the fact that we are remodelling the Rwang Pam Township Stadium for the teaming youth on the Plateau? But this young man will just come on National TV and say what he does not have the facts for because he’s an opposition figure,” Ashoms said.

The commissioner further highlighted the numerous initiatives the state government has undertaken, including responding to public health crises, road construction, and agricultural support for farmers. “Is Gagdi blind to the fact that this government, under the leadership of His Excellency, supplied 200 trucks of fertilizers to our people? Is he also unaware that we have cultivated 6,000 hectares of farmland pro bono for farmers?” Ashoms asked.

He emphasized that the Plateau State Government has worked diligently to secure partnerships with international development agencies and civil society organizations, ensuring that the people of Plateau benefit from various projects and services. “On our part as a government, we were able to pay counterpart funding that the government Gagdi had sympathy for couldn’t pay. That is why we are harvesting these projects,” Ashoms added.

Ashoms also accused Gagdi of downplaying the state’s achievements in road construction and rehabilitation.

“If you go to Building Materials, Sabon Barki, Rikkos, Zaria Road Terrace, Tafawa Balewa, and Kabong, you will see what is happening. Our people are happy,” he said, underscoring the state government’s extensive road projects.

Furthermore, Ashoms reaffirmed the Plateau State Government’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to its people, despite Gagdi’s attempts to undermine its efforts. He urged for more collaboration with the Federal Government, expressing appreciation for federal projects while calling for continued development. “When the Federal Government brings development to Plateau State, we embrace it and welcome it wholeheartedly. We’re even using this medium to ask for more,” he remarked.

Ashoms assured the public that the Plateau State Government remains focused on improving the lives of its citizens, dismissing Gagdi’s claims as baseless and intended to mislead.