Plateau State: Lalong Swears In Seven New Commissioners

Less than eight months to the end of his administration, Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, on Tuesday swore in seven new commissioners in the state.

The governor also carried out a minor cabinet reshuffle which saw three commissioners moved to other ministries

Lalong, who performed the swearing-in ceremony at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, said the appointment of the new commissioners became necessary to replace those who resigned from his cabinet to pursue their political careers.

The new Commissioners were Prof. Barnerd Matur (Higher Education), Hon. Peter Akujah Inbutuk (Physical Planning and Urban Planning), Mrs. Cecilia Mermwakat Yilkorah (Culture, Hospitality and Tourism), Chief Benjamin Zoyong Jang (Science and Technology), Mr. Tehlkuk Naanlep Pingwai (Lands and Survey), Hon. Elisha Bitrus Shehu (Environment) and Hon. Daniel Dung Dalyop (Youth and Sports).

Lalong, who congratulated the new appointees, said they were recognised and identified to serve the people of Plateau State because of their achievements, records of service, as well as support to the APC-led Rescue Administration over the years.

He said, “You are coming on board at the twilight of this administration when we have just about 8 months to complete our mandate. Indeed, you are coming into office at the time that is most crucial as we tidy up our projects and programmes to complete the fulfillment of our campaign promises.

“This means that you have to hit the ground running and catch up fast to enable you effectively deliver. While we are continuing with ongoing projects and carrying out new initiatives, the largest attention of the Government at this time is devoted to the completion of projects which will be commissioned in the coming months.

“Already, we have many of them that are fully completed and others almost completed in various sectors ready for commissioning. I expect that you will liaise with the bureaucrats in your MDAs to ensure that you get acquainted with the progress so far”.

He charged the new Commissioners and most especially the old ones to do more in propagating the administration’s achievements through the media, community, and social platforms.

The Governor also warned them against working against the interest of the APC and the people of the State.

“You should remember that you have been brought into Government at such a crucial time to serve and not be served. This appointment is not a promotion to self-aggrandisement or a window for corruption, mismanagement or waste of public resources.

“Anyone found to be working against the public interest or at cross purposes with the mandate and vision of the Rescue Administration will be shown the way out. You must project our party the APC at all levels as anything short of that will not be accepted,” Lalong warned.

On the cabinet reshuffle, Hon. Victor Lapan was moved from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to Works, while Hon. Gyang Musa moved from Science and Technology to Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.

Similarly, Hon. Dan Hirkop was moved from Higher Education to Budget and Economic Planning.