Zakari Haruna - Kaduna
Jos, April 3, 2024 - The All Progressives Congress (APC), Plateau State Chapter, has vehemently opposed the purported plan by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to seek a six-month extension of the tenure of the 17 Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) Chairmen and their functionaries.
Amidst speculations circulating from official and unofficial sources, indicating the Governor's intent to persuade Hon. Gabriel Dewan Kudangbena, the Speaker, and other members of the Plateau State House of Assembly to extend the TIC Chairmen's tenure, the APC has issued a firm rejection of the proposal, citing its contravention of the Constitution.
In a statement released today, the APC Plateau State Chapter underscored the constitutional provision outlined in Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the system of local governments by democratically elected Councils.
The party emphasized that any move to extend the tenure of TIC Chairmen would violate the spirit and relevant provisions of the Constitution.
Moreover, the APC reiterated that the tenure of the 17 democratically-elected Local Government Chairmen and their Councillors has not lapsed, highlighting a subsisting court order against the illegal dissolution of the duly-elected Council chairmen and the appointment of the TICs by Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Expressing concern over the potential violation of the Constitution and judgments of the apex court, the APC cautioned against using the State House of Assembly to perpetrate such illegality.
The party cited rulings by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which deemed unconstitutional any exercise of such powers by State Governors and rejected the appointment of Caretaker administrations for local governments.
Furthermore, the APC emphasized that any law passed by the House of Assembly to endorse this potential illegality would be considered void and of no effect, in line with section 1(3) of the constitution.
Affirming its commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law, the APC vowed to resist any actions by the Executive and the Legislature capable of undermining constitutional governance.
In conclusion, the APC urged the State Governor, the Speaker, and Members of the State House of Assembly to refrain from embarking on any course of action that could lead to illegality, calling for the restoration of elected LGC Chairmen and democratic governance to Plateau State.
Signed:
Hon. Nimzing Pyennap.
Asst. State Publicity Secretary.
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