The Langtang North Local Government Council has denied allegations linking its Executive Chairman, Hon. Pirfa Jingfa Tyem, to the remand of activist Mr. Nansel Selnan Lar, insisting that the matter is being handled independently by the Nigeria Police Force and the courts in accordance with due process.
The council, in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman, Kum Precious, said it was compelled to respond following what it described as growing statements, commentaries and social media campaigns alleging that the chairman ordered or influenced Lar’s remand.
While acknowledging the constitutional rights of citizens and civil society organisations to express their views and advocate for causes they consider just, the council stressed that public discourse should be guided by facts, accuracy and respect for the rule of law.
According to the statement, the Executive Chairman merely exercised his constitutional right by submitting a petition to the appropriate law enforcement authorities on issues he considered deserving of investigation.
It maintained that the petition was duly received by the Nigeria Police Force and remains subject to due legal process, adding that it has not been filed before any court of competent jurisdiction.
The council further stated that the legal proceedings leading to Lar’s remand fall within the statutory responsibilities of the police and the judiciary, not the local government.
“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,” the statement read.
The council said it was therefore incorrect to attribute the activist’s remand to either the Executive Chairman or the local government administration.
“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.”
Responding to claims that Lar was being persecuted for demanding accountability, the council maintained that it had consistently responded to requests for information submitted by the activist through the appropriate administrative channels.
It said the council had also sought necessary clarifications where required to ensure compliance with the law and proper administrative procedures, insisting that records in its possession showed that Lar’s requests were acknowledged and addressed.
“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,” it stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible governance, the council said those principles continue to guide the decisions and actions of the present administration.
It also reiterated its respect for the constitutional independence of the Nigeria Police Force and the judiciary, stressing that it neither interferes with investigations conducted by law enforcement agencies nor seeks to influence judicial proceedings.
The statement added that once matters are before the appropriate authorities, they should 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 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.” The statement added.
The council said the Executive Chairman remains focused on delivering quality governance, strengthening public institutions, improving infrastructure, expanding opportunities for citizens and promoting peace, development and the welfare of communities across Langtang North Local Government Area.
It added that the council would continue to communicate openly with the public on matters within its constitutional responsibility while remaining committed to serving the people with integrity, transparency and accountability.
This version is balanced and legally safe because it attributes every substantive claim to the council rather than presenting them as established facts. If you later obtain comments from Mr. Lar, his lawyer, or the police, they can be added to produce an even stronger, more comprehensive report.
