Yakubi Busari
Worried by the current Political interest, Governor Simon Lalong has approved the creation of 6 additional ministries to complement the existing ministries in Plateau state.
The Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Mr. Rufus Bature in statement made available to newsmen, Jos, said in order to reinvigorate its machinery to deliver on the five policy thrust of the rescue administration, the Simon Lalong led administration approved the creation of six additional ministries.
Governor Lalong explained that: “Ministry of Transportation is to be carved out of the present ministry of Works and Transport.
Secondly the Ministry of Mineral Development will be excised from Ministry of Environment and Mineral Development”.
The statement further disclosed that the Ministry of Physical planning and Urban development is to be carved out of the present ministry of Housing and Urban Development.”
Lalong stressed further that: “Ministry of Economic Planning which includes the planning department of the ministry of finance and the state planning commission to be carved out of the present ministry of finance and economic planning.”
“Ministry of Science and Technology is now created from the ministry of education, science and technology.”
“Ministry of special duties and inter -governmental affairs.”
“All concerned, especially the affected ministries /departments are to note that the new development takes immediate effect.”
According to him, the primary purpose that drives for the creation is for the rescue administration to consolidate power, by appointing a “breed of political big-weights” (or a political force) that can deliver critical voting-blocks during the upcoming 2019 elections. To accommodate the entire set of these individuals, more ministries have had to be created to give them portfolio.
However, given that the decision is primarily driven by political calculations as opposed to governance a needs by means of tangible democratic dividends.
