Lalong inaugurates transition committee

Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has inuagurated a 13-member central planning committee for the handover and swearing-in of the incoming government.

The committee was inuagurated on Monday in Government House, Jos.

Speaking at the event, the governor said that their assignment was to ensure a smooth transition of the democratic experience in the state on May 29.

“This 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.

He said that the members were selected because of their wealth of experience, capacity and record of achievements over the years.

He urged them not to allow personal or political sentiments to cloud their sense of judgment and contributions during the exercise.

He said that he has directed the chairman of the committee, Prof. Danladi Atu, who is also the Secretary to the State Government, to ensure that all Ministries, Department Agencies (MDAs) cooperated with them in their discharge of duties.

Lalong said that his administration was fully ready to give account of its stewardship to Plateau people, saying that all MDAs were already compiling their reports, which would be part of the administration’s handing over notes.

He warned that his administration would not tolerate any act of sabotage, disregard to directives and flagrant violation of government guidelines and regulations, saying defaulters would not be spared.

“I also use this opportunity to remind all civil servants and appointees that we have up till the May 29 to complete our mandate as stipulated by our constitution,” he said.

Responding, the chairman of the committee, assured the governor that they would perform their assignments diligently.