Tension as Plateau moves to dissolve councils

By Taye Obateru

Jos – THE planned dissolution of local government councils, including those whose tenure have not expired, by Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State is generating disquiet with some of their constituents threatening to go to court over the matter.

The governor had, last week, called the council chairmen to a meeting where he informed them of his plan to dissolve the councils come Friday and allegedly challenged those whose tenure was yet to expire to go to court if dissatisfied.

Chairmen of four local governments, who assumed office after winning their respective election petitions at various times, have between eight months and two years to spend in office.

Therefore, the decision of the governor is being given political interpretation because they snatched the seats from Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, members.

In its reaction to the development, a body known as Plateau Renaissance Group said the governor’s plan is contrary to the law and earlier assurances by him that they would be allowed to complete their tenure.

In a statement by its leader, Chief Ambadu James, the group said: “In view of the fragile peace in Plateau State, Governor Jang should, in the interest of the electorate who elected the council chairmen, allow all those whose tenure has not expired to complete their tenures.

“Cutting short any democratic tenure is a serious political miscalculation that any leader accountable to the electorate should avoid.

”The governor should maintain his democratic credentials by keeping the chairmen in office till the end of their tenures.”

Contacted on the issue, Plateau State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Yiljap Abraham, said the state government would not engage in any illegality.

He added that detailed explanations on the matter would be given at the appropriate time.