by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
JOS: In a swift reaction to judgment delivered by the State High Court on the tenure of Local Government Chairmen to 4 years, the State Government has assured its citizens that governance and service delivery remains unaffected.
The judgment was delivered on Friday, March 13, 2026, by the Plateau State High Court, focusing primarily on the interpretation of Section 7(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), as it related to the tenure of local government officials, which declared 4 years’ term.
In a statement issued and signed by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, on Wednesday, it averred tat, government had taken note of the court’s decision and respected the role of the judiciary in interpreting the law.
The statement further noted that the government acknowledged the importance of judicial decisions within Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
It added that the state government was currently studying the judgment carefully, with the guidance of its legal team, to fully understand its implications.
According to the statement, the government would determine the most appropriate legal and administrative steps going forward after completing its review.
It assured that all lawful options remained open, including seeking further appellate judicial clarification, where necessary.
The government, however, clarified that the judgment did not in any way disrupt the day-to-day administration of Local Government Councils in the state.
It stressed that the delivery of essential services to the people across all local government areas would continue uninterrupted and reassured citizens that the administration remained fully committed to adherence to the rule of law.
It also reaffirmed government’s dedication to inclusive governance and the orderly functioning of democratic institutions in Plateau State.
The government urged citizens, community leaders, political stakeholders and local government officials to remain calm and law-abiding.
It called on all stakeholders to stay focused on the collective task of building a peaceful and prosperous Plateau State.
The statement maintained that the government, under the leadership of Governor Mutfwang, remained committed to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting stability in local government administration.
It added that the administration would continue to ensure that governance at all levels served the best interests of the people of Plateau State, and also pledged to sustain efforts aimed at building enduring legacies for the benefit of the people of the state.