Politics

Kano gov to LG chairmen: Manage resources prudently, fast-track grassroots development

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has charged the 44 newly elected local government chairmen in the state to manage their resources prudently and fast-track grassroots development.

The chairmen, all from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), won seats in Saturday’s election conducted by the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC).

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Haruna Daderi, administered the oath of office to the new chairmen.‎

A woman, Sa’adatu Salisu, from Tudun Wada Local Government area, was among the chairmen.

Governor Yusuf emphasised the importance of prudence in governance to meet the desired objectives of providing democracy dividends at the grassroots level.

He encouraged the chairmen to replicate the state government programmes in their areas and assured them of support for development.

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.”

Governor Yusuf emphasised the importance of the election in conformity with the Supreme Court judgment affirming the financial autonomy of the 774 Local Government Councils in the country.

“Today, we have 44 duly elected chairmen across the LG and 484 newly elected councillors. I congratulate the leadership and management of Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) for a thorough and for the good job done in spite of unnecessary distractions by politicians who tried to stall the process for their own selfish interest,” the governor said.

He urged the chairmen to discharge their duties effectively and efficiently to deliver the trust reposed on them by the electorate, just as he advised them to lead with the fear of Allah and be guided by the oath of office they swore to as they will give account of their actions and inactions before their creators in the hereafter.

“As you may be all aware, in July, this year, the Supreme Court of Nigeria had delivered a landmark judgment affirming the financial autonomy of all the 774 local government councils in the country as a committed proponent of democracy and the rule of law.

“Our administration immediately swung into action by activating the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, KANSIEC for the conduct of the LG polls as guided by the extant law and also proceeded with the dissolution of the Interim Management Committee.

“You may equally recall that when this administration took the mantle of leadership of the state, we resisted the temptation to dissolve the then existing LG council we inherited, even though all of them were from the opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC). Not only did we preserve them, we never denied them any of their entitlements.

“Let me also thank the good people of Kano State for coming out en masse to exercise their civic duty peacefully and orderly manner devoid of any rancour.”

Kola Oyelere