Conduct Council Elections in Remaining LGAs so Citizens Can Get Democratic Dividends

The Local Government is the third tier of government constitutional created and backed by law to serve both legislative and Executive functions.

The Local Government can be described as “grassroot government” and the most closest to the people that can reach the commoners in more effective ways.
How vital the third-tier of government is cannot be overstated.

While citizens of some Local Government Areas are basking in the euphoria of the benefits they are deriving from their democratically elected Ward Councillors and Local Government Chairmen, some such as Jos South, Jos North, Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas are far from the reality of benefiting from the system as they ought to.

The constitution is clear and unambiguous on manning the Local Government Areas, which should be by democratically elected Representatives.

There is no part of the law of the land that gives power to persons not democratically elected to head administration at the third-tier of government.

While the transition Committee being appointed by the Governor to head the Local Government Areas are answerable to the Governor and do his biddings, the democratically representatives are after the collective will and interest of the people who voted unlike the earlier mentioned who only serve the interest of their employer, the State Governor.

It is in line with the forgoing that we write to urge the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) to set in motion the necessary machineries toward conducting free, fair and credible elections in the remaining local government areas in the State to elect credible persons who will pursue people-oriented leadership and provide even development.

We have information from reliable sources on the Gov. Simon Lalong intention is to renew the tenure of the present transition management committee or present new ones very soon instead of conducting Council Polls in the affected Local Government Areas.

This move will further negate the constitutional provisions which stipulates that the local government should be manned by democratically elected persons.

We wish to call on the reputable Plateau State House of Assembly to step in to save our nascent democracy by not approving the extension of tenure or appointment of new persons but insist on the conduct of election so as to get democratically elected representatives who will serve the interest of the people not vested interests.

We are convinced that the State House of Assembly will do the needful as Representatives with integrity to promote the growth and development of the affected Areas as well as strengthen the third-tier of government.

With the 2019 General Elections and Carnival being held in the affected areas, it is clear indications that insecurity no longer potent any challenge to the conduct of the elections.

We will continue to give the much needed supports to enhance peace, unity, growth and development in the State and nation as a whole.

We pray the issues raised will be properly looked into and addressed.

God bless Plateau State
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Concerned Persons, Plateau Northern Zone

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Group Urges PLASIEC to Conduct Polls in Remaining 4 LGAs in Plateau State