The newly elected local government chairmen in Plateau State taking oath of office. (Credit: Directorate of Press Affairs, Plateau State.)
By Marie-Therese Nanlong
Jos – Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has sworn in the newly elected Chairmen of the 17 local government areas of the State.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau state says the election which produced the officials is illegal.
It insisted that there is an ongoing
court case challenging Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) from excluding it from the exercise.
While swearing in the Chairmen, Governor Lalong said the elections were conducted peacefully without any incident saying, “I use this opportunity to commend the people of Plateau State for their exemplary conduct, resilience and patriotism throughout the exercise. I also congratulate the Plateau Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) for conducting one of the best elections in the history of the State adjudged to be free, fair and credible.
“Despite the legal fireworks that persisted up to few hours before the polls, they were able to carry out their constitutional mandate according to law.”
The Governor described as frivolous and unfortunate the rumours and disinformation being propagated by the opposition that he sidelined the PDP from participating in the elections and urged the Chairmen to carry everyone along, saying, “From today, you have ceased to be leaders of your parties, religious or ethnic groups only. You are to work for all citizens including those who did not vote for you. Your victory is for the people and not an opportunity to settle scores with anybody or enrich yourselves.”
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However, Chairman of Kanam Local Government, Dayyabu Garga who responded on behalf of his colleagues promised that they will do their best to carry out the Rescue agenda by consulting widely and carrying along all stakeholders in running the affairs of the Local Government areas.
But the State Publicity Secretary of PDP, John Akans, insisted that the exercise on Saturday was an appointment by the APC and the PDP rejects such stressing, “The most unfortunate and disgraceful conduct of the 9th October 2021 polls, in the name of an election. This indeed is the most horrible act of fascism.”
Speaking further, Akans stated, “As a party we are mindful of the fact that the people of Plateau are looking up to the PDP to salvage them from this political despotic and oppressive leadership. It is therefore our duty to ensure that the local government election was conducted fairly in the interest of the people who deserve a voice in governance without exclusion.
“… The announcement of winners by PLASIEC yesterday and the action of governor Lalong can only be described as executive rascality. This is the worst local government election in the history of Nigeria. As a party that respects the rule of law, we are pursuing our course to participate in the local govt elections at the court of appeal. We expect that PLASIEC would have waited for the decision of the court of appeal on this matter.
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“Its surprising to see that PLASIEC that is a party to this suit and was well represented in court, announced its shameful appointees as winners when the matter was adjourned for 22nd of November 2021. This desperate act will not salvage the already sinking APC in Plateau State as it has been rejected by all and waiting to be buried in 2023.
“Governor Lalong and his election merchant team may just be grandstanding in a wild flight of fantasy just for psychological relief in order to give a false hope of judicial victory instead of uncertainty of where the pendulum of justice swings. So we advice those declared by PLASIEC as winners not to celebrate because they were not elected by the people but rather appointed by despotic leadership and this scam will lead to no where, as plateau people can not be scammed again.”
