Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State Today swore in The Chairman of the Langtang North Local Government Council Joshua Ubandoma Lanven and Management Committee Chairmen for Jos North, Jos South, Barkin ladi and Riyom LGAs. Charging them to work for the people honestly and diligently.
Lalong while swearing the chairmen at Government House little Rayfield
Jos ,said “We are assembled here today for the swearing in of the
Management Committee Chairmen for four Local Government Areas namely;
Barkin Ladi, Jos North, Jos South, and Riyom as well as that of the
elected Chairman of Lantang North. ”
“In fulfilment of our administration’s promise to reposition the Local
Government system in the State and ensure that the people experience
good governance, we supported the Plateau State Independent Electoral
Commission (PLASIEC) to conduct elections into Local Government offices
on Wednesday 9th October 2019, which were conducted successfully.”
“However, the elections could not hold in Jos North, Jos South, Barkin
Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas at that time due to some serious
security challenges. ”
“This situation therefore necessitated the setting up of Management
Committees to run the affairs of the Local Government areas, pending the
improvement of security for elections to hold in these places.”
“With the security situation improving, and as a good measure in the
interest of the people, Government is working hard to ensure that
elections are conducted in the affected Local Governments areas.”
“While this is being done, we have reconstituted the Management
Committees in line with the provisions of the law and in a bid to ensure
smooth governance in those areas.”
Lalong further said “As for Lantang North Local Government, the elected
Chairman could not be sworn in because of a subsisting court order. As a
law abiding government, we could not have gone against a lawful order
of the court to swear him in.”
“However, with the discontinuation of the suit by the petitioner, we no
longer have any constraint inhibiting us from swearing in the declared
winner of the election.”
“For the appointed Chairmen as well as the elected, remember that you
are to hold these offices in trust and to deliver good governance to the
people of your Local Governments with the fear of God. ”
“You are also coming at a critical time this administration took off for
the second and final tenure, where it is determined to deliver on its
promises and leave a lasting legacy. ”
“You must be part of this success and work in nexus with the State Government as your other counterparts are doing. ”
“Also bear in mind that your activities will be closely monitored to
ensure that it conforms to the three policy thrust of our
administration, which borders on Peace, Security and Good Governance;
Physical Infrastructural Development; and Sustainable Economic Rebirth. ”
He further said ” I therefore urge you to carry out your assignments
with the highest sense of responsibility and not to compromise your
positions for personal gains because you will be held accountable for
your actions. ”
“Let me reiterate that we have worked so hard to restore peace on the
Plateau. You should not engage in any conduct that divides the people or
creates tension in the state or breach the peace.”
“As a panacea in promoting Community Policing, peaceful and harmonious
co-existence, you should work in synergy with the Traditional Rulers,
the Youth and Women as well as other Community leaders. ”
“We are not unmindful of the unfortunate manipulations and unwarranted
attacks by those who have been trying to exploit the issue of the
conduct of elections in these Local Government Areas for political
relevance and selfish interests.”
“Let me reassure the good people of Plateau State that our
administration is sensitive to the yearnings of the people. As a
Constitutional responsibility, we will always put the security and
safety of lives and properties of the people above any other
consideration.”
“I wish to appreciate traditional, community, religious and political
leaders particularly members of our Party, the APC as well as other
parties for their maturity and support in building and sustaining peace
in these Local Government Areas. ”
“Please ensure the template is sustained which will make it possible to
hold elections in the nearest future as there is an on-going dialogue
with stakeholders aimed at solidifying mutual coexistence that is
necessary for development. ”
Photo credit: Josiah Jenvulu.