Plateau probes past council chairmen
From CHRISTIANA GOKYO, Jos

A commission of inquiry to investigate the finances of former local government council chairmen in Plateau state has been set up.
The state commissioner for information and communications, Mr. Sylvanus Namang disclosed this
yesterday while briefing newsmen shortly after the weekly executive council meeting at the Government House, saying the decision is in line with the resolution of the state House of Assembly which set up a committee to investigate activities of the past council chairmen.
He said the council resolved to sponsor a bill in respect of the gazzetting of the new districts and chiefdoms created by the immediate past administration.
The commissioner pointed out that the meeting which was presided over by the state governor, Chief Michael Bot-Mang, and also deliberated on the state of affairs of the Jos International Breweries, directed the commissioner of industries and the special adviser on economic planning to look at the strategies of restructuring the company and put it on the path of viability.
Mr. Namang said the council also took a look at the state of affairs of the state Polytechnic recently closed down as a result of students’ demonstration on power supply.
He attributed the blackout being experienced at the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat to some burnt cables and assured that efforts are being made to restore normal supply.
The commissioner said the council also advised government officials against double stands and manipulations, stressing that the administration would not want its cause derailed.
On security, the council reiterated government’s commitment to protecting lives and property but warned that anybody who wants to test its will, will be decisively dealt with especially traders returning to the terminus areas.
Mr. Namang said the council expressed appreciation over the concern and support of the people of the state through solidarity visits, adding that various committees have been set up for effective mobilization towards the successful flagging-off of the state PDP gubernatorial campaign slated for tommorrow at the Polo Field.
He said that education secretaries recently appointed will also be sworn-in tommorrow.