LGA Appointments: Reverse your Decision, Plateau Youths Warns Lalong

By Jide Afolabi, Jos

Coalition of Plateau State Northern Youth Groups has condemned the appointments of Transition Management Committee Chairmen in four Local Governments in Plateau state warning governor Simon Bako Lalong to reverse the appointment immediately.

The group in a press conference held today in Jos, the state capital called the appointment “reckless abuse of democracy” said that the governor was biased to have appointed candidates of the ruling party at the October 2018 Local Government Elections.

Comrade JK Chris Esq. who spoke on behalf of the group said that the group received with great shock and consternation, the further suspension of democratic processes and illegality in the appointments.

He said:
“That the appointments of the flag bearers of the ruling party’s candidates at the October 2018 Local Government Elections are the new level of bias and injustice.

“That the appointments with particular reference to Jos North ridicules and is an insult to the God-Given heritage of the autochthonous peoples of Jos North LGC and exposes their heritage to jeopardy and bargain.

“That the appointment lacks neutrality and sensitivity as it has pitched the government of the day against equity and reason”.

Members of the group carried different banners and placards with different inscriptions like “We Now Have Peace. Lalong Conduct Elections in Northern zone Now”, “Gov. Lalong: Conduct Election in Northern Zone Now!!! Allow us to Elect Who We Want”, ” Gov. Lalong, Stop the Illegality in Northern Zone and Conduct Election in our LGAs. Plateau is Peaceful”, and “We are Peaceful People” among others.

The group demanded “that unfortunate appointment be reversed forthwith and replaced by Director(s) of Personnel Management (DPMs) while elections are duly organised and conducted in no distant time in accordance with the spirit and letter of the law and democratic ideals.

“That in the alternative of those appointed who are flag bearers of the ruling party in the state be replaced with neutral persons or non-flag bearers.

“That what belongs to the autochthons of Jos North LGC be duly given them and not be mortgaged for any favours or political aspiration whatsoever of under whatever guise.”

While feeding questions from journalists, the group said that it is a nonpartisan coalition and not sponsored by anybody rather, “we want elections conducted because the appointment is not fair to other candidates from other parties.”

Chris, however, called on youths within Plateau North to demonstrate retrain and not to resort to violence saying that the group will continue to dialogue and consult with relevant stakeholders to resolve the anomaly.