Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has sworn in the newly elected local government chairmen who emerged winners in the just concluded local government election conducted last Saturday, urging them to use their position in service to the people who have elected them
Earlier, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state swept all the chairmanship and councillorship positions in an election that many described as marred by low turnout.
On Sunday, the new chairmen were issued their certificates of return by the chairman of the state Independent Electoral Commission, Bala Aliyu Gusau. This was disclosed in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson.
The Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission (ZASIEC) leadership was praised by Governor Lawal for conducting credible, free, and fair elections.
“This is especially crucial at this time, as local government councils, as the third tier of government, are vital in complementing the initiatives of the present administration to rescue the state from socio-economic issues and the security challenges affecting all parts of the state,” the statement read.
“Therefore, there is a need for synergy between the State and Local Government Councils to accelerate development at the grassroots levels, which, in turn, will place the entire state on the trajectory of growth and prosperity.
“I urge you to see your election as a call to service by prioritising the welfare of your people and ensuring equity and fairness in the distribution of development projects.”
He pointed out that such should be achieved by leveraging various social investment programs and other laudable initiatives introduced by the present administration to create employment opportunities for the teeming youths, make them productive, and curb the incessant crimes bedevilling the state.
He admonished them to ensure transparency, accountability, and prudence in managing public resources.
“You must collaborate with the state Government, especially in light of the provisions of the 1999 constitution (as amended). The State Government will continue to collaborate with your councils to achieve our shared goals and build synergy for the development of our dear state.”
On Sunday morning after the polls, the Chairman of Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission (ZASIEC), Bala Aliyu, announced the results.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the collation exercise in Gusau, the Commission’s chairman said that PDP candidates had emerged victorious across all LGAs, including Gusau, Kaura-Namoda, Maru, Talata Mafara, and Anka, among others.
He thanked the joint efforts of security forces, election authorities, and voters for the exercise’s success, characterizing the elections as free, fair, and credible.
Independent election monitors noted the increased security precautions that made the election run smoothly and observed a relatively peaceful atmosphere. They also applauded the polling process.
