Plateau State Governor Dismisses Six Appointees, Suspends Assembly Commission Chair
Move targets administrative efficiency and accountability, says state government.
Jos, Nigeria — Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has removed six political appointees from office and suspended the Chairman of the House of Assembly Service Commission as part of a sweeping administrative review aimed at strengthening governance and public service delivery.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Samuel Jatau, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), in a statement issued from the state capital, Jos. According to Jatau, the decision is a deliberate step to reposition the state administration for improved performance and accountability.
The six officials relieved of their appointments include:
- Timothy Golu, Special Adviser on Strategic Communication
- Fom Gwottson, Liaison Officer for Jos South
- Nanbol Rimvyat, Liaison Officer for Langtang North
- Nannim Langyi, Liaison Officer for Langtang North
- Paul Datugum, Liaison Officer for Qua’an Pan
- Nimchat Rims, Liaison Officer for Langtang South
Additionally, Mr. Johnbull Shekarau, Chairman of the House of Assembly Service Commission, has been suspended pending further review. The SSG stated that the suspension follows conduct “deemed inconsistent with the standards of his office,” though specific allegations were not detailed.
All affected personnel have been directed to immediately hand over all government properties in their possession to the designated authorities. The statement emphasized that the move is not punitive but part of a broader effort to instill discipline and ensure that state institutions function optimally.
Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the dismissed and suspended officials for their past service, wishing them success in future endeavours. “The governor remains committed to ensuring a highly effective and accountable administration, and this exercise forms part of efforts to achieve that goal,” the statement reiterated.
The action comes amid ongoing efforts by the Mutfwang administration to reform state institutions, a common pattern among Nigerian state governments seeking to tighten oversight and improve service delivery. Political appointments are routinely reviewed in the early years of a new administration to align staff with policy priorities and performance expectations.
While the statement did not cite specific performance failures, observers note that such reshuffles often reflect a desire to address inefficiencies, eliminate duplication of roles, and reinforce the governor’s control over the executive branch. The inclusion of liaison officers—who typically serve as links between the state government and local government areas—suggests a focus on grassroots administrative coherence.
The suspension of the Assembly Service Commission chair also signals a potential oversight tension between the executive and legislative arms, though the SSG framed it as an internal administrative matter.
No immediate replacements were announced, leaving key advisory and liaison roles temporarily vacant. The administration is expected to nominate new appointees in the coming weeks, a process likely to be scrutinized for signs of the governor’s preferred governance style.
This reshuffle underscores Governor Mutfwang’s intent to pursue a leaner, more responsive state bureaucracy as Plateau State navigates fiscal and developmental challenges.
