The Plateau State House of Assembly has voted to shorten the tenure of elected local government officials from three years to two, a decision driven by the recent changes in the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) Law of 2024.
At a press conference in Jos, Matthew Kwarpo, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, explained that the initiative stems from the critical financial autonomy recently granted to local governments nationwide.
“This amendment emerged after thorough deliberation on a bill sponsored by Joseph Gokum (APC/Kanke Constituency), aiming to revise the 2017 Local Government Councils Law.
“The specific clause we amended addresses the tenure of elected local government officials,” Kwarpo clarified.
“Chairmen, deputy chairmen, and councillors were previously tasked with a three-year term. Now, that tenure is reduced to two years.”
Kwarpo further elucidated that the decision to cut the tenure aims to facilitate a cautious approach in implementing the new financial autonomy, allowing for observation and adaptation.
“It’s prudent to begin with a two-year term to gauge how this financial independence transforms local governance. A longer tenure could lead to complications that might hinder effective responses to emerging challenges,” he remarked.
The Assembly reiterated its legislative authority over local government affairs and its commitment to diligent oversight.
Kwarpo reassured the public that this amendment was crafted for the overall benefit of the state, rather than for any narrow or self-serving interests.
