Governor Mutfwang swears in 15 newly elected LG chairmen out of 17
From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has sworn in 15 newly elected chairmen out of the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.
The chairmen of Pankshin and Langtang North and local governments were not sworn in due to non-conclusion of results collation in the councils and would be swearing in a later date.
The swearing of the chairmen was held on Thursday night at the Langfield Resort in Jos, the state capital, after they were issued with their certificate of return by the chairman of the state Independent Electoral Commission, Plangji Cishak.
PLASIEC declared the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party winning 15 LGs, the results of which were declared out of the 17 LGs in the state.
While addressing the new chairmen after their swearing-in, Governor Mutfwang thanked the state Independent Electoral Commission for doing good job by conducting a credible, free and fair LG election.
He said the two chairmen for Pankshin and Langtang North could not be sworn in alongside others because his administration was determined to follow due process in the electioneering process.
“PLASIEC has done well. Even the devil at the counsel of hell knows that this election was held. I’m very proud today to inaugurate these chairmen with good conscience. Those who could not be sworn in today would be sworn in tomorrow because we have to ensure that we fulfil every requirement of the law. Whoever wins will be allowed to win, ” the governor said.
Governor Mutfwang, described himself as a strong advocate of local government autonomy, said he is committed to ensuring that local government not only remains but also becomes stronger and more effective in the state
He urged the chairmen to form a formidable team and join his administration in working for the development of the state.
“I want to thank the people for the continuous support given to my administration in its quest for a prosperous Plateau. I can assure you that we can only get better by the day, ”.
The governor also encouraged the newly elected chairmen to foster transparent governance, pledging support for a peer review mechanism to ensure that local leaders are accountable to their communities.
He assured Plateau residents of his administration’s commitment to local government autonomy, stating, “Autonomy does not mean independence; it means providing the right working environment to bring governance closer to the people” he stated.
Governor Mutfwang however urged those dissatisfied with the results to pursue legal avenues rather than taking the law into their own hands.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidates emerged winners Jos North, Jos South, Jos East, Bassa, Kanam, Barkin Ladi, Quan-Pan, Wase, Langtang South, Shendam, Riyom, Mikang, Kanke, Mangu, and Bokkos respectively.
