PRESS RELEASE
The Langtang North Local Government Council has observed with concern the growing circulation of statements, commentaries and social media campaigns linking the current remand of Mr. Nansel Selnan Lar to the Executive Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Council, Hon. Pirfa Jingfa Tyem.
While the Council respects the constitutional rights of citizens and civil society organisations to express their views and advocate for causes they consider just, it is equally important that public discourse is guided by facts, accuracy and respect for the rule of law.
For this reason, the Council considers it necessary to clarify the following:
Firstly, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Pirfa Jingfa Tyem, exercised his constitutional right, like every law-abiding citizen, by submitting a petition to the appropriate law enforcement authorities on matters he considered deserving of investigation. That petition was duly received by the Nigeria Police Force and remains subject to due legal process.
It is important to state, however, that the petition submitted by the Executive Chairman of Langtang North Local Government has not been filed before any court of competent jurisdiction.
Secondly, the legal proceedings which have resulted in the present remand of Mr. Nansel Selnan Lar are matters currently being handled by the Nigeria Police Force through its statutory investigative and prosecutorial processes. Decisions relating to investigation, arraignment, applications for remand and prosecution are matters vested in law enforcement agencies and the courts, acting within the powers granted to them by the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Accordingly, it is inaccurate and misleading to suggest that the Executive Chairman of Langtang North Local Government or the Council itself ordered, directed or secured the remand of Mr. Nansel Selnan Lar.
Thirdly, contrary to some narratives currently in circulation, the Langtang North Local Government Council has never refused lawful requests for accountability or information. The Council has consistently demonstrated its commitment to openness and responsible governance by responding through the appropriate administrative channels to requests for information submitted by Mr. Nansel Selnan Lar, including seeking necessary clarifications where required to ensure compliance with the law and proper administrative procedure.
The suggestion that Mr. Lar is being persecuted simply for requesting accountability therefore does not fairly reflect the history of engagement between him and the Council. The records of the Council clearly demonstrate that his requests were acknowledged and addressed through lawful administrative processes.
The administration of Hon. Pirfa Jingfa Tyem remains firmly committed to transparency, accountability and responsible governance. These principles are not mere slogans but obligations that continue to guide the decisions and actions of this administration.
The Council also wishes to reaffirm its unwavering respect for the constitutional independence of the Nigeria Police Force and the Judiciary. As a responsible public institution, Langtang North Local Government neither interferes with investigations conducted by law enforcement agencies nor seeks to influence judicial proceedings. Once matters are before the appropriate authorities, they must be allowed to proceed strictly in accordance with the law.
While members of the public are entitled to hold opinions and peacefully advocate for causes they believe in, it is essential that such advocacy is anchored on verified facts rather than assumptions capable of misleading the public or undermining confidence in public institutions.
The Executive Chairman remains fully committed to the mandate entrusted to him by the people of Langtang North. His priority remains the delivery of quality governance, strengthening public institutions, improving infrastructure, expanding opportunities for citizens and promoting the welfare, peace and development of every community within the Local Government Area.
The Council therefore respectfully urges all stakeholders to allow the relevant institutions of government to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without undue interference or misinformation, while allowing the judicial process to run its full course.
Langtang North Local Government Council will continue to communicate openly with the public on matters within its constitutional responsibility and remains committed to serving the people with integrity, transparency and accountability.
Signed
Kum Precious
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman
Langtang North Local Government Council