The Inspector General Of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, on Thursday, ordered the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Bartholomew Onyeka, to immediately seal up all the 17 local government secretariats in Plateau State.
It could be recalled that local government chairmen across the 17 council areas of Plateau were suspended by the outgone 9th House of Assembly in the state, following their inability to submit their financial reports, since the assumption of office, which saw the appointment of Caretaker Committee Chairmen by the current administration.
The Plateau Police Command in a statement by its spokesman, Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP Alfred Alabo, on behalf of the CP, Bartholomew Onyeka, said the action became necessary, as a result of tensions around the leadership of the local government areas, and the possible threat that supporters and local government chairmen are posing to critical infrastructure, lives and properties in the state.
Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has appealed to the citizens to remain calm over the lawful changes in the local government system in the state.
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Governor Mutfwang in a statement, signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, appealed to the citizens to remain calm and resist any form of provocation, as the government is taking lawful steps to return the local government system to a sound footing, for massive development at the grassroots.
He noted that the task of building a united and secure Plateau is a collective one, and the government is making frantic efforts to address the current happenings at the local government level.
The Governor reassured Plateau State citizens, that the security of lives and property remains the topmost priority of his administration, as it is the foundation that gives birth to all forms of growth and development.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)