The Plateau State Commissioner of Police has been directed to open the secretariats of all 17 local government councils in the state by an area court sitting in Bukuru Jos South LGA and presided over by Hon. H. H. Dolnaan on Monday.
This came after a lawsuit was filed by the attorney general of Plateau State (plaintiff/applicant) against the commissioner of police of Plateau State (defendant/respondent) in suit number ACB/CV/106/2023.
After considering the Exparte Motion dated 26th July 2023, which was filed on 31st July 2023, along with the Affidavit of urgency sworn by Moses Jackke Mallan and Exhibit “A” attached to support the Written Address, the Honourable Court granted the following reliefs:
- An Interim Order, exercising its discretion, to set aside the defendant’s directive that sealed the Secretariat of all 17 Local Government Councils of Plateau State.
- An Interim Order to unseal all the Local Government Councils in Plateau State, allowing the immediate resumption of duties by the Local Government Council staff who were denied access to their various places of work.
- A further Interim Order mandating the defendant (Commissioner of Police) to instruct his men to immediately vacate the Secretariat of all 17 Local Government Councils of Plateau State. This will enable the Local Government staff, who have been barred from their duty posts, to resume their official duties without any hindrance, ensuring the smooth administration of Local Government Councils in Plateau State.
Upon hearing D. P Dusu Esq, Counsel for the Plaintiff, the Application was granted by the Court. The Court has scheduled 7th August 2023 as the return date for the mention and hearing of the Motion on Notice.
It is important to note that all 17 Local Government Councils in Plateau State have been sealed by the Police for several weeks following the suspension and subsequent removal of the Council Chairmen by Governor Caleb Mutfwang based on the advice of the immediate past 9th House of Assembly. The Police have continuously justified the sealing, stating it as necessary to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
