By Golok Nanmwa, Jos
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has casted his vote at the ongoing local government elections in the State.
Speaking after the Excercise at Pushin ward 1 polling unit 003 in Ampang West Mangu Local Government Area of the state, the Governor described the process as smooth and seamless.
“As you all can see, I just cast my votes for the position of local government Chairman and Councillor position. As I drove through from Jos through Barkin-Ladi to Mangu I could see enthusiastic voters.
“What we have assured people is that their votes will count and am glad the process is going on fast and seamless in fact faster than the BVAS machine that we used in general elections. I very am confident before long the queues will disappear and Accreditation is going on smoothly I am also confident before the end of today, Plataeu State Independent Electoral Commission PLASIEC would have tidied up the process and the results will be announced, “he said.
Responding to questions on possible challenges from the exercise the Governor said “In any human arrangement it is not impossible not to have hiccups but the good thing is that people are going about the exercise with freedom. When you provide for transparency it reduces tension. We could have some hitches, but none has been reported to me and so far. Am hopeful as we receive reports across local government it would be reports of hitch free exercise.”
On the use of the newly introduced Voters Verification System VVS, the Governor said it was a good and commendable initiative.
“The smooth use of the Voters Verification System has taught me that we must not be static about the use of any technological platforms we must continue to keep evolving and look out for the best. I believe accreditation is at the heart of any transparent election. Once accreditation is done seamlessly and people cast their votes and they know those votes will count am sure our electoral process will continue to evolve with integrity”, the governor said.
For the local government autonomy and how it would shape his administration the Governor said he was simply obeying the constitution.
“I have always advocated that Local Government should be run by elected officials and so we are just taking the right step in the right direction. Am glad we have been able to comply with the constitution and comply with the Supreme Court judgement. Now that we have the choice of the people in charge of the Local Government the technocrats will compliment them so that the administration can effectively discharge their mandate be an elected position.
Governor Mutfwang further called on citizens of the State to come out en mass, to cast their votes for their preferred candidates even as they remain law abiding.