From Ron Jacob, Jos.
The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) on Tuesday announced October 10, 2018 as date for the long awaited Local Government polls in 13 out of the 17 local government of the state.
Mr Fabian Ntung, PLASIEC Chairman, who made the announcement in a press conference in his office, gave security reasons for the exemption of four LGAs believed to be PDP strong
holds.
The LGAs excluded in the forthcoming October polls are Jos North, Jos South, Riyom and Barkin Ladi.
Ntung said election would take place in Mangu, Kanke, Shendam, Quaán Pan, Langtang North, Jos East, Langtang South, Bokkos, Kanam, Wase, Bassa, Mikang and Pankshin Local Governments Areas (LGAs).
“A new date would be announced for the four affected LGAs where elections will not hold on Oct. 10; once the security report improves and necessary clearance is received, we shall no doubt hold the election in these councils.
“I wish to assure the general public that we (PLASIEC) are determined to conduct a free, fair and credible and hereby appeal to all political parties and the electorate for cooperation and support to the commission for a successful poll come Oct. 10, ‘’ Ntung solicited.
Everyday.ng reports that the four LGAs exempted from the forth coming polls are all in Plateau North Senatorial Zone where a PDP Presidential aspirant and former Governor of the state, Dr Jonah Jang, hails from.
The LGAs have also been the hotbed of killings from Fulani and local militias. More than half of the killings have been attributed to rampaging herdsmen.
Recall that the commission had on Feb. 5, 2018 postponed the LG polls, citing security concerns.