Jos, Nigeria – The Governor of Plateau State, Da Jonah Jang, has directed the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) to speed up the process of drafting up a functional timetable for the conduction of the local government polls.

He gave directive while inaugurating three new members of the commission, along with two special advisers in Jos last Monday, he explained that contrary to speculations, the Government was unable to conduct the polls because of the prolonged strike embarked upon by local government workers. He added that the barrage of litigations by political parties also contributed to the delay of the polls.

He urged the commission to come up with realistic election guidelines which would be religiously followed to ensure the smooth undertaking of the polls. He averred that “We are running out of time and anxiety if rife within our people, therefore I wish to state that the commission is expected to immediately come up with the time table for the Local Government elections as a matter of urgency. I equally expect it would be one that is not unrealistic but would be followed religiously for a successful exercise.
“As men of honour and integrity, you must strive to protect your names by ensuring a free and fair exercise. Let me say this, we have a lot to learn from the electoral process at the centre.

Jang stressed that government would allow a level playing ground for all political parties and urged politicians in the state to exhibit maturity in their conduct bearing in mind the need to build on the existing peace the state is currently enjoying.
He said, “Government on its part assures level ground for all political parties while PLASIEC is guaranteed a free hand to conduct the elections.

Jos, Nigeria – The Governor of Plateau State, Da Jonah Jang, has directed the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) to speed up the process of drafting up a functional timetable for the conduction of the local government polls.

He gave directive while inaugurating three new members of the commission, along with two special advisers in Jos last Monday, he explained that contrary to speculations, the Government was unable to conduct the polls because of the prolonged strike embarked upon by local government workers. He added that the barrage of litigations by political parties also contributed to the delay of the polls.

He urged the commission to come up with realistic election guidelines which would be religiously followed to ensure the smooth undertaking of the polls. He averred that “We are running out of time and anxiety if rife within our people, therefore I wish to state that the commission is expected to immediately come up with the time table for the Local Government elections as a matter of urgency. I equally expect it would be one that is not unrealistic but would be followed religiously for a successful exercise.
“As men of honour and integrity, you must strive to protect your names by ensuring a free and fair exercise. Let me say this, we have a lot to learn from the electoral process at the centre.

Jang stressed that government would allow a level playing ground for all political parties and urged politicians in the state to exhibit maturity in their conduct bearing in mind the need to build on the existing peace the state is currently enjoying.
He said, “Government on its part assures level ground for all political parties while PLASIEC is guaranteed a free hand to conduct the elections.

He urged the newly appointed Special Advisers not to see their appointment as an opportunity for “self-enrichment or ticket to good life” but as a service to humanity.

by Jerry Ladan

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LG Polls – Jang tasks electoral body