By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) -The Chairman, Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), Hon. Plangji Cishak, has urged the National Assembly to halt the scrapping of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC),
Cishak said what the State electoral body needs is a legal framework to function effectively.
Addressing newsmen on Thursday, the PLASIEC Chairman said the doctrine of separation of power makes the existence of SIEC imperative, adding that what is required is to bring people of good conscience on board to reinforce SIEC’s operations.
“As far as Plateau State is concerned, due process will be followed. What the SIEC needs is a legal framework to function, not to scrap it. There was a time when INEC was not the way it is today. It is the legal framework that strengthens it. So you don’t throw away the baby with bath water.
‘We are going to change the narrative in this context. His excellency was very emphatic on the credible election, and the State House of Assembly is equally not sleeping in this regard. So we have no excuse but to do what is right. We are here to change the narrative for other states to follow.
“Our desire is to make the local government election in Plateau State an example for others to follow. With this appointment, our integrity is at stake, and we are not going to tarnish our image because of parochial interests. For the election, we have to look at the legal framework, but I can assure you that the local government election will be conducted at the appropriate time without wasting time.”.
The chairman, who said the Commission was aware of the security situation in the state, pointed out that the Commission will work hand in hand with the security agencies in this regard and adhere to any early warning signal.
He mentioned that PLASIEC has commenced immediate action and readiness checks, identifying administrative operational gaps and weaknesses, and developing and implementing policies that will pave the way for free, fair, and credible elections at the grassroots.
Cishak said the goal of the commission under its watch is to establish a level playing field that instills confidence across all political parties in the state, respecting its multi-party nature and adding that PLASIEC is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that every Plateau State citizen exercises their democratic right to vote for local leaders.
“We are dedicated to nurturing democratic leadership structures at the local level, rewriting the narrative of local government elections in the state and Nigeria through transparency, fairness, professionalism, and inclusivity.
