Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, on Monday inaugurated Mr Plangji Chishak, as Chairman and six other members of the State Independent Election Commission (PLASIEC).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor had on June 4, forwarded the names of the appointees to the state House of Assembly for confirmation.
Speaking at the event in Jos, Mutfwang said that the appointees were carefully selected based on their track records and experience in public service.
”This is very important and significant because today marks a new dawn in the annals of PLASIEC.
”The last two local government elections in the state were the most shameful, disgraceful and one that gave us a bad name.
”This is why we carefully selected this calibre of persons, particularly the chairman, who has been in the business of conducting election for years,”he said.
The governor, who charged the appointees to uphold the tenets of democracy through free and fair elections, said his administration would not interfere in its activities.
”I am a firm believer in the efficacy and effectiveness of the local government administration and so, we will allow the people to elect those who they want to lead them.
”This is why since we came on board, we have not misused local government funds, because we believe in having a credible leadership at the local levels.
”I want to assure Plateau people that we will raise the bar of credible and reputable local government elections; we will ensure that true democracy takes place at the local levels.
”You are coming at a time when the commission has trust deficit, I therefore, charge you to conduct local government elections in concomitance with global best practice,”he said.
Earlier, the chairman thanked the governor for finding them worthy of the appointments and promised to rebuild the confidence of Plateau residents on the commission.
”We receive these appointments with every sense of responsibility and humility.
”I want to assure you that by the special grace of God we will ensure credible elections in the local governments,”he said.
Chishak also promised that the commission would be open, fair and transparent in all its dealings.
NAN reports that members of the commission include, Theresa Kaze, Deborah Akanle, Waziri Kwande, and Ado Adare.
Others members are Audu Dorzhi, Dr Longman Pensiwan and Pam Davou, the Secretary of the commission.(NAN)
By Polycarp Auta
