THE governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, swore in seven new commissioners on Tuesday, less than eight months before the end of his term.
Three commissioners were transferred to different ministries as part of a minor cabinet reorganization that the governor also conducted.
The appointment of the new commissioners, according to Lalong, who officiated the swearing-in ceremony at the New Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, was required to replace those who left his government to pursue 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 that due to their accomplishments, records of service, and long-term support of the APC-led Rescue Administration, they were recognized and identified to serve the people of Plateau State.
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 urged the former Commissioners, particularly, to do more to publicize the administration’s accomplishments on media, community, and social platforms.
The Governor also admonished them not to work against the APC and the people of the state’s.
“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.
Hon. Victor Lapan was transferred from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to the Ministry of Works, and Hon. Gyang Musa was transferred from the Ministry of Science and Technology to the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.
In a similar manner, Hon. Dan Hirkop was transferred from budget and economic planning to higher education.
