by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
JOS: The Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Mutfwang, says he is proud to inaugurate the new Chairmen “with good conscience” because the election as they monitored in every nook and cranny of the state shows that the votes of the people were counted.
According to him, the era of people being declared winners of election without elections is gone. He was speaking, while swearing-in the newly elected Chairmen of 15 out of 17 Chairmen whose results were declared by the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) on Thursday evening, at Landfield Rayfield Jos.
While assuring of his commitment to make the local government system not to only remain but to become stronger and more effective, the governor, therefore, welcome them on board to join him in leading Plateau State to a new level, adding that “Together we would join hands to work for the benefit of our people.”
He further stated that, “We would make sure that we have a pear review mechanism that challenges you to give your best; and I can assure you, the people of Plateau State, that we are not going to allow the local government to be shortchanged,” said the governor.
The 17 newly elected chairmen were all elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), while the two local government chairmen, who are to be sworn-in this morning, are Pankshin and Langtang North.
Chairmen-elect of Pankshin and Langtang North Local Government Council were not sworn-in with others as their results were not submitted in time and already the swearing-in was scheduled.
“We are just trying to make sure that we fulfill every requirement of the law. So, I’m sure by tonight, all those issues will be sought out and, by tomorrow morning, the remaining chairmen will be duly sworn-in. So, there is no cause for alarm,” he stated.
Governor Mutfwang further assured of providing them with right working environment to enable them bring government closer to the people, and appreciated the support of the people of the State and the security agencies for maintaining peace before, during and after the elections.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) had earlier declared candidates of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) winners of all the 17 local government council chairmen, while the councillorship candidates had few seats from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) winning few of the Councillorship in some local government areas.