Plateau: Political Tension Eases as Nine New Assembly Members Are Sworn-in
BY CHAMBERLAIN ODEY, JOS – Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has called for Executive-Legislature collaboration in the interest of the State as he received the newly sworn-in nine members of the Plateau State House of Assembly (PLHA) at the Government House, Jos.
Mutfwang particularly said that the citizens of Plateau State are expecting nothing less than a cohesive effort from the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary to ensure security, economic development, and overall progress.
According to watchers of politics and analysts, following the inauguration of nine of the sixteen persons, who earned electoral victory at the Appeal Court in Abuja, the development will go a long way to douse the tension that was building and mounting as judicial instruments were constraining the Speaker from performing the swearing-in.
A statement by Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State, Mutfwang officially welcomed the newly inaugurated members of the State legislature along with their principal officers, whose return to office was validated by the judgment of the Court of Appeal. The development puts to an end, the recent misunderstanding within the House.
According to the statement; “Governor Mutfwang, who hosted the members at the Old Government House in Rayfield on Friday, emphasized the importance of fostering a harmonious working relationship and enhancing collaboration among the three branches of government in the state’s best interest”.
While congratulating the newly sworn-in members and principal officers, Governor Mutfwang said; “Today brings me immense joy. I have always advocated for the seamless functioning of the three arms of government. Thus, it is gratifying to witness the House fully operational, poised to safeguard the interests of the people of Plateau State across various constituencies.
“Despite wrong accusations of obstructing the House’s inauguration, it is evident that the House is fully in charge of its affairs, and I commend you for that. Rest assured, we are committed to serving the people of Plateau State,” he said.
Mutfwang assured members of the State Assembly of his administration’s support in enhancing their capacity through training, to enable them to formulate quality legislation for effective governance in the interest of the people.
The Governor further said; “We are dedicated to collaborating effectively to advance the interests of the people of Plateau State. I pledge to lead by example in fulfilling the mandate entrusted to me by the people of Plateau State”.
He therefore urged the newly elected principal officers to work closely with the Speaker to improve the lives of the Plateau people just as he expressed gratitude to the citizens for their steadfast support and reassured them of his commitment to their welfare.
Speaking in turn, the Speaker of the State Assembly, Hon. Gabriel Dewan, pledged the unwavering support of the House in fostering a collaborative working relationship for good governance.
Dewan introduced the new principal officers, including the Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader, Deputy Majority Leader, Chief Whip, Deputy Chief Whip, Majority Leader, and Minority Whip, and assured them of their commitment to serving the people of Plateau State.
The statement further stated that the Speaker announced the extension of the tenure of the Transition Implementation Committee Chairmen of the 17 Local Government Areas for nine months.
