The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has sworn in the 44 newly elected local government chairmen, all from the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), following their victory in the recent local government elections on Saturday. In his address, Yusuf urged the chairmen to manage resources prudently and ensure effective grassroots development, emphasizing the critical role of local governments in delivering democratic dividends.
The governor also stressed the need for cooperation with the Judiciary, security agencies, civil service and traditional rulers to transform their respective areas.
Yusuf explained that the present administration focused on improving the lives of the constituents in the areas of health, education, water supply and agriculture, among others.
He said, ” We have made giant strides in the areas of education through the provision of basic learning materials and a conducive atmosphere for learning.
”To this end, you are expected to align with the state government’s vision and work towards achieving our development goals.”
According to report the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Haruna Daderi, administered the oath of office to the newly elected chairmen.
The election, conducted by the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), proceeded after the Kano State High Court ruled in favor of the electoral body, dismissing attempts by several political parties to halt the process. Justice Sanusi Ma'aji, who presided over the case, affirmed that KANSIEC, under the Constitution, is empowered to conduct, supervise, and oversee elections in all 44 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.
The elections took place under tight security, with local vigilante groups and the Kano Road Transport Agency (Karota) providing safety at polling units, following a court order restricting the Kano State Police Command from participating in the process. This restriction had come as part of the legal wrangling surrounding the elections, involving KANSIEC and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside 13 other political parties.
The Kano State electoral body through the commission’s Chairman, Prof. Sani Malumfashi, earlier on Sunday issued certificates of return to both the newly elected local government executives and legislative members.
Malumfashi also noted that the commission has the mandate to issue the certificates, while urging the newly elected LG chairmen and councillors to discharge their duties effectively.
“By the requirements of the electoral processes, the commission is still saddled with the responsibility of issuing certificates of return to the elected chairmen and councillors as the legitimate leaders of their local government areas. The commission has the mandate to do that.
Speaking to the newly elected chairmen and councillors while issuing the certificates, Malumfashi said: “They are now charged with the responsibility of attending to the official needs of their respective LGAs."
