The Director General of the Plateau Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA), Engr. Dominic Datong Gwaman, has delivered a firm and scathing response to Femi Fani-Kayode over his recent criticisms of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
Datong described the comments made by the former Minister of Aviation as “misguided and divisive,” accusing him of using sensitive national issues to remain politically relevant.
He pointed out Fani-Kayode’s hypocrisy, referencing an old tweet where he openly supported Israel’s military actions, only to now condemn the country and those who associate with it.
“You once urged Israel to march into Gaza and annex it. Now, in 2025, you call Israel a terrorist state. This contradiction only confirms your ever-shifting narratives,” Dr. Datong stated.
He also highlighted Fani-Kayode’s inconsistent political journey—jumping from APC to PDP and back—describing it as a desperate pursuit of attention rather than ideological conviction.
Datong emphasized that Nigeria maintains diplomatic relations with Israel and that it is well within the governor’s right to engage with any nation that the federal government recognizes.
“Your attack on Governor Mutfwang for hosting the Israeli Ambassador ignores the diplomatic norms of our country,” he stressed. “Would you then accuse the Nigerian government itself of betrayal for hosting the Israeli embassy in Abuja?”
In one of the more poignant moments of his response, Datong condemned Fani-Kayode’s comparison of violence under former Governor Lalong to that under Governor Mutfwang as “insensitive and reckless.”
“Every life lost is sacred, and comparing tenures in the face of human tragedy is beneath any responsible public commentator,” he said.
He criticized the former minister’s unverified claims that foreign nations, including Israel, were fueling violence in Plateau, calling such statements inflammatory and dangerous.
“If you have credible intelligence, report it to the DSS. Wild accusations only fan the flames of chaos,” Datong warned.
He also tackled the religious undertone of Fani-Kayode’s allegations, describing them as divisive and harmful to interfaith harmony in Plateau State.
“Governor Mutfwang has always made it clear that the violence is not about religion but about unprovoked attacks on innocent communities,” Datong reiterated.
On the call by Fani-Kayode for the governor to “take matters into his own hands,” Datong called it a call to anarchy and a clear disregard for constitutional order.
“Suggesting that the governor arm communities is both unlawful and dangerous. The constitution gives control of security to the federal government,” he noted.
Datong urged Fani-Kayode to stop exploiting sensitive issues for clout and instead support efforts aimed at unity, peace, and progress in Plateau and Nigeria.
“Your statements do not help. Governor Mutfwang is committed to lawful governance and peacebuilding. We must rise above toxic politics,” he said.
