Gov. Caleb Mutfwang has directed the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission(PLASIEC), to conduct a credible and acceptable local government election, its Chairman, Mr Planji Cishak, said on Thursday in Jos.

Cishak made the disclosure when he led officials of the commission on a courtesy visit on the Zonal Manager of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Jos Zone, Mrs Nyisom Dore.

The chairman said that the governor, while inaugurating officials of the commission, told them to conduct elections that would be fair, credible, transparent and based on global best practices.

He pledged to carry out the governor’s directive to ensure that the people’s choices counted in the third tier of government.

According to him, the local government is the closest to the people at the grassroots, and the commission will do everything within its mandate to ensure that people’s wishes are respected.

“Looking at Plateau with divergent interests, we know the seriousness of this assignment.

“I am happy that the governor took his time to select the calibre of people seated here to carry out the assignments with every sense of responsibility.

“We have pledged that we will not soil our names as we have a bright future ahead of us.

“Towards this end, PLASIEC is conducting its needs assessment and operational activities before the declaration of the notice of election,” he said.

The chairman solicited the support and collaboration of NAN to enable the commission to deliver on its mandate.

He said that the visit was to demonstrate the seriousness and importance it attached to the role of the media.

Dore, in her remarks, described NAN as a credible news content provider that many media organisations relied on.

The zonal manager told the PLASIEC management that, as a federal government agency, NAN would always ensure fairness and balance in its reports.

“I want to assure you of something – when you talk to NAN, you talk to all.

“Your commission, particularly, is a sensitive one that even a mistake in spelling of a word or a single missing figure, can cause serious havoc.

“We know the challenges in Plateau. We recognise the sensitive nature of this state. I pledge to you that NAN will do everything within its power to ensure that you succeed.

“We shall ensure that the information the public receives is accurate, and no one is misinformed.

“We have our core mandate, our core objectives, and our style. People who subscribe to us are always quick to pick our stories.

“That’s because they know its credibility. They know that we must have done our homework and due diligence,” she stated.

Dore pledged the support and cooperation of NAN in ensuring that elections in Plateau met global standards and the expectations of the Plateau people. (NAN).