The Plateau State Peace Building Agency, PPBA yesterday summoned the State Independent Electoral Commission, PLASIEC to explain its level of preparedness for the forthcoming Local Government elections in the State.

The PPBA’s concern was on the ability of the electoral body to deliver credible, free and fair elections in the state.

This, its Director General, Joseph Lengman said was crucial to peace maintenance and sustainability before, during and after the polls.

He said the State cannot forget its 2008 LG elections which were marred by violent conflicts owing to allegations of malpractice.

Thus, the PPBA he said finds it crucial to ensure all stakeholders prepare and advise properly before the 2018 elections.

Lengman added that the agency will not rest on its oars in partnering with relevant stakeholders including PLASIEC towards ensuring that all conflict triggers are duly addressed before the polls.

The PLASIEC Commissioner, Electoral Operations, Patrick Mangim at the interface with the PPBA and other stakeholders said the commission has been fully funded and given the freehand by the state governor, Simon Lalong to deliver creditably.

He vowed to resign his position if ever intimidated to bend due process to favour any party.

He said, “I have said at different fora that whoever wins his election takes his victory home.

“That is our stand in PLASIEC regardless of the fact that we are being funded by the government.

“I have said if malpractice was the reason we were appointed, then I will rather resign and believe me if the occasion calls for it, I will.
“But thank God for the kind of governor we have, he doesn’t interfere in our activities.”

The PLASIEC Chief however dispelled rumours that the government was threatening to replace some of the body’s principal officers due to their firm stance in due process saying, “it is not true.”

The interface with the electoral body and the Peace Agency which held at the PPBA head office in Jos had in attendance representatives of civil societies, religious bodies, the media and security agencies in the state.

Participants were allowed to ask questions on critical matters regarding the forthcoming elections as the PLASIEC representative provided answers.

The forum is expected to continue in January next year focussing on the same elections with a view to perfecting the peace process in the state ahead of the polls, officials say.

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PLATEAU LG POLL: Plateau State Peace Agency Interfaces with PLASIEC to Ascertain Level of Preparedness