The Plateau State House of Assembly has approved a reduction in the tenure of elected local government officials from three years to two. This change aligns with the amended Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) Law of 2024.
Speaking to reporters in Jos on Wednesday, Mr. Matthew Kwarpo, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, explained that the decision was influenced by the recent financial autonomy granted to local governments across the country. The amendment was introduced after careful consideration of a bill sponsored by Assemblyman Joseph Gokum (APC/Kanke Constituency), which sought to revise the 2017 Local Government Councils Law.
“The specific clause amended relates to the tenure of elected local government officials,” Kwarpo stated. “Previously, chairmen, deputy chairmen, and councillors were expected to serve for three years. The amendment now limits their tenure to two years.”
Kwarpo further explained that the decision to reduce the tenure was made to allow for a more cautious implementation of the newly granted financial autonomy. “It’s wise to start with a shorter tenure of two years to observe how the financial autonomy impacts local governance. Extending the tenure to four years in a pilot scheme with potential challenges could make it difficult to address issues effectively,” he added.
The Assembly emphasized its authority to legislate on local government matters and to conduct necessary oversight functions. Kwarpo assured the public that the amendment was made in the best interest of the state, not for any narrow or self-serving purposes.
The reduction in tenure is intended to enhance oversight and adaptability as local governments navigate the new financial landscape.
