Plateau gov swears in two returning commissioners after election defeats

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has sworn in two returning members of his cabinet following their confirmation by the Plateau State House of Assembly.

The appointees, Bashir Datti and Ephraim Gar, were inaugurated as Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy Development and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, respectively.

Both officials previously served in the Mutfwang administration before resigning to contest elective positions under the All Progressives Party. Datti contested for the party’s ticket for the Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, while Gar sought the Plateau Central Senatorial ticket. However, both aspirants lost in their respective primaries.

The swearing-in ceremony, held on Monday at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, was conducted on behalf of the governor by his deputy, Josephine Chundung Piyo, who administered the oath of office and allegiance to the appointees.

Mutfwang congratulated the commissioners on their return to the cabinet and urged them to discharge their duties with integrity, diligence and commitment to public service”, a statement issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Martha Nyam, quoted the governor as saying

He charged them to align their responsibilities with his administration’s “Time is Now” agenda, which focuses on sustainable development, accountable governance and inclusive growth.

The governor also emphasised the need to strengthen governance institutions and improve service delivery across key sectors, including water resources, energy development, local government administration and traditional institutions.

He further called for teamwork, transparency and a citizen-centred approach in implementing government policies aimed at improving the welfare of Plateau residents.

The two commissioners, who are returning members of the State Executive Council, expressed appreciation to the governor for the confidence reposed in them and pledged renewed commitment to effective service delivery in their respective ministries.