Lalong creates, upgrades new chiefdoms

FOLLOWING the recommendations of a Committee set up by the Plateau State Government to look into the controversies and problems associated with the creation of chiefdom among others, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has approved the creation, upgrading and restoration of new chiefdoms in the state.

The Governor who stated this in a broadcast to the people of the state on Tuesday said the administration recognized that the long-awaited creation of chiefdoms, districts and village areas places high premium on the desire of government to unite the people under accountable traditional institutions rather than remain ambivalent in the face of controversies.

Said he: “Accordingly, as a debt of honour to the teeming populace, government has considered and approved the creation, upgrading and restoration of new chiefdoms in the state.”

The Governor pointed out that the chiefdoms created in 2006 and gazette but were set aside by the immediate past administration without following due process and approval of the state House of Assembly have been restored.

According to him, two existing chiefdoms have been upgraded from 2nd class to 1st class status; namely, the Aten chiefdom with headquarter in Ganawuri, under Atar Aten of Ganawuri; and the Anaguta chiefdom in Jos north, with headquarter in Gwong, under Ujah Anaguta adding that three new chiefdoms have been created, namely Ibaas in Barkin Ladi, Ngas in kanke and Byan in Langtang south.

The Governor, however, said the exercise will be a continuous exercise with respect to bringing governance to the grassroots across the state and hoped that the new creations, restoration will bring greater confidence and assurance to the citizenry of a collective resolve to remain united and pursue common development goals.

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On the postponed local government election, the Governor averred that the delay in conducting the election was not deliberate adding that security issues have been hampering the efforts to carry out the exercise.

“This administration remains committed to tackling issues that tend to hinder progress. We appreciate the concerns and anxieties over the delay in conducting local government elections. The delay is not deliberate as security issues have hampered our efforts in carrying out the exercise.”

He however assured that with relative peace returning to the state, the government is extensively consulting with the security agencies adding that as soon as clearance is given Plateau state Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) would swing into action and conduct the election.

Governor Lalong also assured that his administration remains committed to the fact that all those unfortunately displaced shall be returned to their homes adding that the committee on the relocation, reintegration and resettlement of internally displaced persons recently set up has since swung into action.

He enjoined the people of the state to continue to partner with the government and work in harmony for the greater good of the state and assured all citizens that the government will not waver in its commitment to the plateau agenda, having sworn to uphold the tenets of justice and fairness.