December 14, (THEWILL) – Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State yesterday swore in the state Acting Chief Judge, three Commissioners, and PLASIEC Commissioners.
The governor also warned that political office holders using their positions for politicking rather than delivering services to the people will be shown the door from his government.
He said “Although you have been appointed to different offices saddled with a wide range of duties, your responsibilities will ultimately have a meeting point as they will lead to a more stable, prosperous, and democratic society. Therefore, the different oaths you have taken should give you the impetus to serve the people of Plateau State and Nigeria at large with sincerity, diligence, and determination”.
The Governor told the Acting Chief Judge, Justice Peter Mann, that he came on board at a time when there is great need for the dispensation of justice in the State and the nation at large to sustain the rule of law. Social order, he said, is under serious threat by the actions of some groups and individuals who do not want to submit to law and order, but prefer to create anarchy and perpetuate violence against innocent citizens.
He tasked him to give leadership and direction to the judicial arm of the government to enable it discharge its constitutional mandate without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.
According to Lalong, the three new Commissioners appointed to fill the vacuum created by the resignation of three Commissioners earlier to contest Chairmanship seats of their respective Local Government Councils should see their appointments as a platform for service to the people and a chance to contribute to the success of the Rescue Administration and the APC.
He said they have come on at a time when the life of the administration is gradually coming to an end, adding that they should hit the ground running to ensure that the assignment they are taking on is implemented with speed, accuracy, and accountability.
He said “while you quickly get acquainted with the vision of the Rescue Administration, you must refrain from abusing your offices and also shun any act of corruption, favouratism, and nepotism. The civil service is not a religious organization, political party or ethnic entity. You must be professional and fair to all according to the laws of the land and the oath of office you have just taken.”
He also warned those with political ambitions to refrain from using their positions for politics rather than work.
“Let me warn you against abandoning your responsibilities for politics especially now that the journey towards 2023 is drawing closer. While it is your right to engage in political activities, you should beware that the office of the Commissioner is for service, not glamour.
“By accepting to serve in the cabinet, you have inadvertently agreed to focus on delivering service to the people rather than using the time for politicking.
“However, if any of you feels he has urgency for politicking and fulfilling an ambition, you should kindly excuse us so that you do not constitute a distraction to the Governance process.
“We are at a critical time when we need to complete on-going projects and implement some others that will be our parting gifts to the people,” he said.
For the Chairman and Members of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission, the Governor said their re-appointment into office is a testimony to their credible performance during the first tenure.
He said. “Already, we have seen the result of your proactive and deliberate steps to carry along all political parties, civil society, the media, electorate, and politicians towards making sure that elections are conducted in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility”.
He advised them to always resist the pressure from political parties, candidates and their supporters or any other interest group to obstruct or manipulate the electioneering process.
A Government House Press Release indicates that those sworn in are:
Hon. Justice David Gwong Mann as Acting Chief Judge, Plateau State,
Hon. Brain Bindim Dadi as Commissioner for Housing,
Hon. Dan Philip Hirkop, Commissioner for Higher Education, and
Hon. Idris Gambo, Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development.
According to the Release, the PLASIEC members include Mr. Febian Ari Ntung, Chairman, Mr. Lamindi Tagonze Kaiwani, Hon. Joshua Pefun Ndom, Comrade Patrick Mamgin, Hajia Hafsat Hassan Amin, Adala Peter DanBenji, and Hon. James Dashan as Members, respectively.
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