Plateau State governor, Simon Bako Lalong, has inaugurated the Central Planning Committee for the Handing Over and Swearing-in of the incoming government which will take over from his Rescue Administration on 29th May 2023.
While performing the ceremony at the Victoria Gowon Hall, new Government House Little Rayfield Jos, the governor assured that he will hand over to his successor in a seamless and rancour-free manner.
While thanking the citizens of Plateau State for their active participation in the political process and conducting themselves responsibly, the governor said the Central Planning Committee whose membership is drawn from the out-going Rescue Administration, is expected to be joined by members to be nominated from the incoming government to work out details of programmes for the Handing and Taking Over of the affairs of the state in an orderly, smooth and coordinated manner.
He said “The committee is expected to work painstakingly, cooperatively and in one accord for the success of the transition programme. As always, the work of the committee should result in the staging of a transition programme that will be one of the best in the country. This will in effect give the incoming government an opportunity to start on the right footing and with fewer challenges. The SGS is further directed to liaise with the governor elect to nominate members from his side to join the committee to carry out the assignment”.
The governor also directed the secretary to the government of the state, to ensure that all MDAs give total support to the committee in ensuring that it carries out the task before it. He urged the committee members to work together without allowing personal or political sentiments to becloud their sense of judgment and contributions during the exercise.
The governor appealed to the citizens to continue to be law abiding and shun all acts that will cause a breach of peace.
“We should all realise that the elections are over and the business of governance is about to end for the Rescue Administration and to commence for the incoming government. Therefore, there is no need for over-heating the polity with political statements, unsubstantiated speculations, insinuations and rhetoric that appear to cast aspersions on the government, civil servants and other appointees.”
Lalong also warned politicians to refrain from going about making bogus claims that are misleading and capable of creating tension in the state. He assured that at the right time, his administration shall put its record on the table for posterity to judge because it has nothing to hide.
“May I also use this opportunity to remind all civil servants and appointees that we have up till the 29th of May 2023, to complete our mandate as stipulated by our constitution. As such, we shall not tolerate any act of sabotage, disregard to directives and flagrant violation of government guidelines and regulations. Anyone found to be involved in such acts will not be spared and should blame himself for whatever consequences that might follow” he warned civil servants and appointees.
Chairman of the Committee and Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, assured that the committee will work hard together with the nominees from the incoming government, to carry out the assignment to the best of their ability.
The committee members are:
- Prof. Danladi Atu SGS – Chairman
- Hon. Noel Donjur COS – Member
- Engr. Sunday Hyat mni HOS – Member
- Hon. Brian Dadi COMM. HOUSING- Member
- Hon. Chrysanthus Ahmadu – COMM. JUSTICE
- Dr. Mrs Regina Soemlat – COMM. FINANCE
- Hon. Sylvanus Tapgun – COMM. LG & CA
- Hon. Dashe Arlat Dasogot – Chairman PSIRS
- Prof. John W. Wade mni -DG Research
- Engr. Jaafaru Wuyep – PMRDO
- Mr. Paul Sheku – DG Debt Management
- Mr. Joel Dimka – DOP
- Mr. Peter Wuyep -PS Policy – Secretary
. . . Swears In New Judges, Says I’m Leaving Behind Robust Judiciary
Plateau State governor, Simon Bako Lalong, says he is leaving behind a robust and vibrant Judiciary which is capable of meeting the needs of the people for justice delivery.
The governor said this while swearing in 5 new Judges of the State High Court and a Judge of the State Customary Court of Appeal, at the Victoria Gowon Hall, new Government House Little Rayfield Jos.
He said so far, 25 Judges have been appointed during his tenure, and he has been one of the few governors to grant autonomy to the Judiciary which has assisted the Judicial system to work better.
He said the new High Court Headquarters complex which God willing, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari will soon commission. Similarly, the Multi-Door Courthouse which has also been completed, will also be commissioned and used for Alternative Dispute Resolution.
While congratulating the new Judges on their appointment, he said there is no doubt that the appointments are based on merit and in recognition of their excellent service to the State and Nigeria over the years.
He reminded them that the task before them is enormous and the expectations of the citizens are very high. This he said is why they must demonstrate total dedication and commitment to the assignment for the peace, progress and stability of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
“As Judicial officers, I do not need to remind you that your calling gives you the rare privilege of making decisions that affect the lives of the people and sometimes bordering on life and death. This means that you must never take this assignment lightly or allow frivolous considerations to influence you. Consider this duty as a Public Trust given to you by God to represent him in the affairs of men.
Endeavour to stay true to your Oath of Office and discharge your duties with the fear of God and without fear, favour, affection or ill-will. Failure to do so will not only erode your integrity, but also put the entire society on the path of chaos and anarchy. When people cannot get justice, they may be forced to resort to self-help and other unconventional means to resolve issues. This will not augur well for the well-being of the society”.
He told the new appointees that they were coming on board at a time when the nation is in a process of transition from one administration to another both at the state and federal levels.
This, he said, gives them the opportunity to help build democracy and rule of law in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
“My Lords, it is also proper for me to remind you that the 2023 general elections are over and the battle now shifts to the courts. At times like this, there is high tendency for enormous pressure to be mounted on Judges by politicians who want to get underserved advantage at all costs. I know you have the capacity to resist attempts to corrupt, confuse, intimidate or blackmail you towards participating in unethical conducts. Please stay focused on the oath you have taken and discharge your duties according to the laws of the land and the dictates of the legal profession.”
Responding on behalf of the new Judges, Justice Mary A. Izam assured the governor that they will carry out their duties with the fear of God and serve justice to all manner of people without affection or ill-will.
The new Judges are:
- Justice Mary A. Izam (HIGH COURT)
- Justice Ashakabu Suleiman Wase (HIGH COURT)
- Justice Charles Donglong (HIGH COURT)
- Justice Shikamma Kassam Shehu (HIGH COURT)
- Justice Nanle Titus Komak (HIGH COURT)
- Justice Jettei P. Tutie (CCA)
