In a move aimed at reinforcing local governance, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, officially inaugurated the newly elected chairmen of 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs) during a late-night ceremony in Jos on Thursday. The event, held at Langfield Resort, followed the issuance of certificates of return by Mr. Plangji Cishak, Chairman of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC).
However, the swearing-in of chairmen for Langtang North and Pankshin LGAs was postponed due to ongoing collation of results in those areas. Governor Mutfwang assured that the delay was in the interest of upholding due process, reiterating his administration’s commitment to fairness and transparency in the election process.
“PLASIEC has done an excellent job. Even the devil at the counsel of hell knows this election was credible,” Mutfwang remarked. He praised the electoral commission for conducting what he described as a free and fair local government election, in which the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) secured victories in 15 of the 17 LGAs where results have been declared.
The governor emphasised his pride in inaugurating the chairmen with a “clear conscience,” noting that the two remaining chairmen would be sworn in as soon as the legal requirements were fully met. “Whoever wins will be allowed to win,” he stated, underlining his commitment to the rule of law.
As a self-described proponent of local government autonomy, Mutfwang vowed to strengthen the role of LGAs in Plateau State, urging the new chairmen to collaborate with his administration for the betterment of the state. “I want to thank the people for their continuous support. We can only get better by the day,” he concluded.
This move signals Mutfwang’s intent to uphold integrity in governance while fostering development across Plateau State’s local councils.