Plateau begins probe of Jonah Jang's administration

Public officials who served under the immediate past administration in Plateau State are expected to start appearing before an investigative commission on Thursday.

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry was recently set up by the new Governor of Plateau, Simon Lalong, to investigate eight years of financial dealings by his predecessor, Jonah Jang.

The Commission begins its hearing at the Azi Nyako Youth Centre, Dadinkowa, Jos South Local Government Area on Thursday.

Some of those expected to appear on Thursday include the state’s commissioner of finance, accountant general, auditor general, the Plateau inland revenue service, Plateau pension board, ministry of housing and urban development, ministry of works and transport, and ministry of justice.

According to rules of the commission, any person summoned may be arrested if such individual declines to appear.

“Any person summoned by the commission may be compelled through warrant of arrest if the commission so wishes,” the rule empowering the commission states.

The commission, which sits amidst tight security, has also banned used of mobile telephones during its sitting.

“Cell phone usage is not allowed in the hall during proceedings; any phone that rings will be impounded and smashed on the spot by the security agents,” the commission said.

Governor Simon Lalong on August 16 inaugurated the six-member commission under the chairmanship of Justice Stephen Adah to investigate the financial dealings of his predecessor Jonah Jang.