PLATEAU GOVERNOR SWEARS IN ACTING CHIEF JUDGE, NEW COMMISSIONERS & PLASIEC MEMBERS
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has warned political office holders against using their positions for politicking rather than delivering services to the people.
The Governor gave the warning while swearing in the Acting Chief Judge of Plateau State, Three new Commissioners as well as Chairman and Members of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) at the new Government House Rayfield Jos.
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 was coming on board at a time when there was greater need for the dispensation of justice in the State and the nation at large in order 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 perpetrate violence against innocent citizens.
He asked him to give leadership and direction to the judicial arm of Government to enable it discharge its constitutional mandate without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.
For the three new Commissioners appointed to fill the vacuum created by the resignation of three Commissioners who contested and won Chairmanship seats of their respective Local Government Councils, the Governor urged them to 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 are coming on stream at a time when the life of this administration is gradually coming to an end which means 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 feel 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 your 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. The last Local Government elections conducted in September attests to the efforts you deployed to ensure that citizens exercise their franchise without rancour and bitterness”.
He advised them to always resist the pressure from political parties, candidates and their supporters or any other interest group to obstruct or manipulate you to do their bidding.
In his response on behalf of the appointees, Acting Chief Judge of Plateau State Hon. Justice Mann said they will do their best to serve the State and Nigeria with all diligence, honesty and sincerity to add value to good governance in the State.
Full list of the appointees sworn in:
1. Hon. Justice David Gwong Mann – Acting Chief Judge, Plateau State
2. Hon. Brain Bindim Dadi – Comm. Housing
3. Hon. Dan Philip Hirkop – Comm. Higher Education
4. Hon. Idris Gambo – Comm. Physical Planning & Urban Development
5. Mr. Febian Ari Ntung- Chairman, PLASIEC
6. Mr. Lamindi Tagonze Kaiwani – Member PLASIEC
7. Hon. Joshua Pefun Ndom – Member PLASIEC
8. Comrade Patrick Mamgin – Member PLASIEC
9. Haj. Hafsat Hassan Amin – Member PLASIEC
10. Adala Peter DanBenji – Member PLASIEC
11. Hon. James Dashan – Member PLASIEC
▪︎ By Dr. Makut Simon Macham , Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.