By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The sacked 17 Local Government Chairmen in Plateau State by Governor Caleb Mutfwang has described the court judgment asking the Plateau State Commissioner of Police to reopen the 17 Local Government Secretariat as mis-carage of justice.
Recall that a Plateau High Court sitting in Bukuru, Jos South on Monday ordered the unsealing of the secretariats of the 17 local government areas of the state.
The order, given by Justice H. H. Dolnaan, had followed a suit filed by the Attorney general of Plateau state against the Commissioner of Police.
Also recall that the former Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman, had ordered the sealing of the secretariats following an imbroglio that arose after Governor Caleb Mutfwang had dissolved the former elected officials and appointed caretaker committees.
Attempts by the new officials to resume duties were stoutly resisted, leading to a near breakdown of law and order.
However responding to the order asking the Commissioner of Police to unseal the Secretariat, the Chairmen addressing a press conference in Jos on Wednesday, said the Bukuru High Court does not have the jurisdiction to entertain the matter and does not have the constitutional powers to overrule the decision of the Inspector General of Police who is under the presidency.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairmen, the ALGON Chairman, Alex Nantuang, said that they were disturbed by the court order even though they want the Secretariat reopened so they can continue their legitimate duties as duly elected Chairmen.
According to him: “We are disturbed by the events that have taken place in the past 24 hours concerning our struggle against executive obtrusiveness, and disrespect for the rule of law.
“It bears repetition to state that the foundation of our democracy is rooted in observance of the rule of law. Any conduct from anyone, high or low that demeans the rule of law, constitutes a danger to our cherished democracy. It is important that we state in brevity in chronological order the events culminating in today’s press briefing.
“That on the 10th October, 2021, the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) conducted elections into the 17 Local Government Councils of Plateau State.
“That we participated in the said election by contesting for the positions of Chairmen and Councilors in our respective Local Government Areas/Councils/ Wards. We contested and won the election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
“That labouring under the real apprehension that the Governor of Plateau state might resort to underhand means to scuttle our tenure of office, we sought refuge in the court by filing an action in the Plateau State High Court of Justice , to seek the determination of the question as to whether the Governor can remove or suspend us from office.
The action so filed is Suit No: PLD/257M/ 23- Hon Miskoom Alexander Naantuan & 32 ORS. V Governor of Plateau state & 1OR. The said Originating Summons is attached herewith”, the statement reads in part.
However, despite the court order, the Plateau Police Command has refused to reopen the 17 Secretariats our correspondent reports.
