Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has declared open the 2025/2026 Legal Year, restating his administration’s dedication to the independence, welfare, and effective functioning of the judiciary. He also renewed his call for the creation of state police, stressing the urgent need to strengthen security across Plateau State.
The Governor, who performed the declaration on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the High Court Complex in Jos, congratulated the judiciary for a successful year and praised their integrity and collaboration with the executive arm of government.
Emphasizing the sacred role of judicial discretion, Governor Mutfwang urged judges to wield their authority with wisdom and reverence for God. “Judicial discretion is a very long rope. It can be used to rescue the vulnerable from oppression, but it can also entangle the one who misuses it. You therefore need to be guided by the ethics of your calling,” he admonished.
On welfare, the Governor directed the Accountant General to clear all outstanding entitlements of retired judges and promised to resolve the decade-long arrears of robe allowances while considering the replacement of aging official vehicles. “We will continue to look into the welfare not only of our serving judicial officers, but also of those who retire, to ensure they do not retire into misery and penury,” he assured.
In security matters, he announced the recruitment of 1,450 new personnel into Operation Rainbow to enhance Plateau’s security architecture, while reiterating his advocacy for state police. “I make bold to say that when we do have state police, we can respond faster and arrest many situations better. I urge the National Assembly not to relent in this effort,” he stated.
Governor Mutfwang further charged legal practitioners to uphold integrity and resist aiding fraudulent practices, stressing their duty as officers in the temple of justice. He pledged continued support for the health and welfare of judicial officers, urging them to approach the new legal year with renewed dedication.
In his remarks, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice highlighted progress in criminal justice, civil litigation, property recovery, and the training of judicial officers. He commended the Governor for approving the proposed ₦6 billion Judicial Office Complex.
The Chief Judge of Plateau State, Hon. Justice David Mann, described the Legal Year as a sacred moment of reflection, urging judges to remain the last hope of the common man. He pointed out the growing caseloads and called for the recruitment of more judges, modernization, and digitization of court processes, while appreciating the Governor for overhauling judicial infrastructure.
The Chairman of the NBA Jos Branch, Bar Hassan Leah, speaking on behalf of the four NBA branches in the state, and Chief Pius Akubo (SAN) for the Inner Bar, both called for stronger cooperation between the Bench and the Bar.
The event, graced by judges, magistrates, senior advocates, lawyers, members of the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria, and top government officials, marked a renewed resolve to strengthen justice delivery and uphold the dignity of the judiciary in Plateau State.
