Administrations of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State
Hon. Joshua Sunday Riti
Position: Executive Chairman
Tenure: October 15, 2024 – Present
Deputy: Hon. Engr. Israel Auta Amabu
Notes: Hon. Riti was elected during the Plateau State local government elections held on October 9, 2024, and officially sworn in on October 15, 2024. His administration has been praised for initiating several development projects within his first 100 days in office.
Addressing security concerns was a priority for Dr. Riti. He paid a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3rd Armored Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven in Jos to collaborate with security agencies. This effort was geared towards curbing security challenges within Bassa LGA, ensuring a safer environment for residents.
In the realm of sports development, Dr. Riti hosted the kickoff of the Governor’s Cup at Kent Academy, Miango, Bassa LGA. This event was part of his administration’s efforts to discover and nurture local talent.
Infrastructure development has also been a focus. His administration renovated over 60 boreholes across the local government area, significantly improving water supply and sanitation for numerous communities. Additionally, the construction of a state-of-the-art secretariat complex is underway, reflecting Dr. Riti’s vision for a more efficient and modern local government administration.
Dr. Riti has shown commitment to youth empowerment by initiating training programs in various skills, including sewing and hairdressing, aimed at promoting self-reliance and entrepreneurship among young people.
Upon assuming office, he identified challenges in revenue generation within the LGA and promptly constituted a Task Force for Revenue Generation and Mobilization to enhance the council’s revenue base.
Dr. Riti’s administration is also dedicated to inclusivity, ensuring significant roles for women in governance. Women are expected to hold a considerable percentage of upcoming appointments for positions such as Special Assistants and Supervisory Councilors.
In January 2025, during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, Dr. Riti affirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of ex-servicemen, women, and the orphans left behind by fallen heroes in the council area. He praised the sacrifices made by military personnel and advocated for policies and programs to support veterans and their families.
Through these initiatives, Dr. Joshua Sunday Riti has demonstrated a proactive approach to governance, focusing on community engagement, security, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and inclusivity within Bassa Local Government Area.
Hon. Fidelis Adara
Position: Transition Committee Chairman
Tenure: June 2023 – October 2024
Deputy: Hon Aaron Jamo
Notes: Appointed by Governor Caleb Mutfwang as part of the Transition Committee for Plateau’s 17 LGAs. His administration served in an interim capacity pending local government elections.
Hon. Fidelis Adara served as the Transition Committee Chairman of Bassa Local Government Council (LGC) in Plateau State, Nigeria, following his appointment by Governor Caleb Mutfwang in June 2023. During his tenure, he prioritized fostering unity and peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic groups within the area. To achieve this, he engaged in consultations with critical stakeholders immediately upon assuming office, emphasizing that meaningful development is contingent upon communal harmony.
Hon. Adara also focused on staff welfare, pledging to prioritize salaries and other benefits for local government workers. Additionally, he collaborated with security agencies to address incidents of violence in the region. For instance, he condemned the alleged assassination of Yakubu Mohammed, a Fulani youth leader in Jebbu Bassa, and assured that efforts were underway to apprehend the perpetrators.
Furthermore, Hon. Adara was involved in initiatives aimed at resettling internally displaced persons (IDPs) to enable them to resume farming activities, reflecting his commitment to the socio-economic development of Bassa LGC
Hon Chindo Gona
Position: Executive Chairman
Tenure: Approx. 2021 – 2022
Notes: Chindo Gona served during a time of heightened insecurity in Bassa. He gained recognition for openly speaking about the challenges faced by local communities due to armed violence and for advocating peace and security in the area.
Hon. Chindo Gona served as the Executive Chairman of Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) in Plateau State, Nigeria. His tenure was notably marked by proactive measures in public health and security.
Public Health Initiatives:
COVID-19 Response: In March 2020, Hon. Gona demonstrated leadership by establishing a task force to enforce COVID-19 preventive measures. This initiative included distributing sanitizers across the 20 wards of Bassa LGA to promote hygiene and curb the virus’s spread.
Fumigation Efforts: He lauded the Plateau State Government’s decision to fumigate Bassa LGA, aiming to enhance public health by eliminating disease vectors such as mosquitoes and rodents. This exercise was part of broader efforts to combat infectious diseases within the community.
Security Concerns:
Addressing Insecurity: In August 2021, Hon. Gona expressed deep concern over the persistent security challenges facing Bassa LGA. He described the area as being under siege due to frequent attacks, which led to loss of lives and destruction of property. His administration collaborated with security agencies to address these issues and restore peace.
Community Engagement:
Stakeholder Consultations: Upon assuming office, Hon. Gona engaged with various stakeholders, including security operatives, traditional leaders, and community groups. These consultations aimed to ensure compliance with government directives and foster a unified approach to tackling the challenges facing Bassa LGA.
