BY CHAMBERLAIN ODEY, JOS – The Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has sworn-in Acting Chief Judge of the State, and three new Commissioners, warning that political appointees using their positions for politicking rather than service delivery to the people will be shown the exit door from his government.
Also taking their oath of office were Commissioners appointed to serve in the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC).
Addressing the new appointees, Governor Lalong said though they were appointed to different offices with a wide range of duties, their responsibilities will ultimately have a meeting point, leading to a more stable, prosperous, and democratic society in the state.
“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”, he said
The Governor informed the Acting Chief Judge, Justice Peter Mann, that his appointment comes at a time when there is greater need to dispense justice and sustain the rule of law in the State and the nation at large.
He noted that social order was under serious threat by the actions and inactions of some groups and individuals who are not conforming and submitting to law and order, but prefer to create anarchy and perpetrate violence against innocent citizens.
The Governor therefore tasked him on giving leadership and direction to the judicial arm of government in discharging its constitutional mandate without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.
Governor Lalong also urged the three new Commissioners 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.
The threesome were appointed to fill the vacuum created by those that recently resigned to contest Chairmanship seats in their respective Local Government Councils.
He said coming on board at a time when the administration is gradually winding down, they must hit the ground running to ensure the assignments at hand are implemented with speed, accuracy, and accountability.
According to the governor; “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, favouritism, 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, saying; “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 feels 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 PLASIEC, the Governor said their re-appointment testifies to their commitment and credible performance during the first tenure.
“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”, he said
Governor Lalong charged them to always resist the pressure from political parties, candidates and their supporters or any other interest group to obstruct or manipulate the electioneering process.
Responding on behalf of all appointees, the Acting Chief Judge, Hon Justice Peter Mann, promised to put in their best in serving the State and Nigeria with all diligence, honesty, and sincerity as value added to good governance in Plateau State.
A Government House press statement listed those sworn-in as Hon. Justice David Gwong Mann – Acting Chief Judge; Hon. Brain Bindim Dadi – Commissioner for Housing; Hon. Dan Philip Hirkop -Commissioner for Higher Education; and Hon. Idris Gambo – Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development.
It also indicated that the PLASIEC team include Mr Febian Ari Ntung – Chairman; while Mr Lamindi Tagonze Kaiwani; Hon. Joshua Pefun Ndom; Comrade Patrick Mamgin; Hajia Hafsat Hassan Amin; Adala Peter DanBenji; and Hon James Dashan will all serve as Members.
