On June 10th, 2024, the Victoria Gowon Hall at the New Government House in Little Rayfield was abuzz with anticipation as Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang inaugurated the newly appointed Chairman and members of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC). This event marked a significant milestone in Plateau State’s commitment to enhancing the integrity and efficiency of its electoral processes.
Governor Mutfwang’s speech was a powerful and hopeful message about the future of electoral integrity in Plateau State. He began by acknowledging the past challenges faced in local government elections and expressed confidence in the new PLASIEC team:
“Today marks the beginning of the driving out of the demons that plagued Plateau over the years. The last two cycles of local government elections on the Plateau were the most shameful, most disgraceful, and most absurd, giving Plateau a bad name.”
He highlighted the meticulous selection process of the new team, particularly praising the new Chairman, Hon. Plangji Daniel Chishak:
“We are lucky to have found a man who has been in the electoral sector all his life, who has also held sway with integrity. And he is not too old, he is not too young.”
Governor Mutfwang emphasized his belief in the effectiveness of local government systems and the importance of bringing governance closer to the people. He assured the audience of his administration’s commitment to maintaining transparency and fairness in the electoral process:
“Our desire is to play the global space, even though we are operating locally. So, let me congratulate you and wish you a very successful tenure. And hope that your names will be written in gold.”
The Newly Appointed Members of PLASIEC
1. Hon. Plangji Daniel Chishak – Chairman
2. Hon. Theresa Kaze – Member
3. Mrs. Deborah Akanle- Member
4. Hon. Ado Audu Adare – Member
5. Hon. Waziri Kwande – Member
6. Hon. Audu Dorzhi – Member
7. Dr. Longman Godfrey Pensiwan – Member
8. Barr. Pam Davou – Secretary
Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed members, Hon. Plangji Daniel Chishak expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them and assured Governor Mutfwang and the people of Plateau State of their commitment to transparency and due process:
“Your Excellency, I want to assure you that by the grace of God, we will follow due processes. We will do a readiness check to see that any virtue in the local government election will be conducted within the period as specified by the law.”
He further emphasized the importance of engaging all stakeholders and maintaining openness in their operations:
“People will see transparency, we will engage all stakeholders, we will be open, will not operate in secrecy, will interface with other international organizations.”
Hon. Chishak also assured that the new commission would uphold global standards and ensure that past electoral malpractices would not be repeated:
“That shameful act, by the grace of God, will not repeat itself again. Democracy has come to stay, and by the grace of God, processes must be followed.”
The inauguration of the new PLASIEC team marks a fresh start for Plateau State’s electoral processes. With a mix of experienced elders and passionate younger members, the commission is poised to restore credibility and integrity to local government elections. As they settle into their roles, the people of Plateau State look forward to a new era of transparent and fair elections, driven by a team committed to upholding the highest standards of democracy.
