Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has officially sworn in the newly elected Local Government Council Chairmen, emphasizing the importance of their presence and engagement within their respective localities. During the ceremony held at the Government House, the governor delivered a stern warning against any form of inaccessibility, idleness, or neglect from the chairmen. He underlined that the era when local government officials could neglect their responsibilities in favor of leisure is over, stating that any chairman found disregarding these expectations would face serious consequences.
In addition to holding firm on the expectations of accessibility and accountability, Governor Aliyu urged the newly appointed chairmen to prioritize security in their municipalities. He called for regular cooperation with local security agencies to address the pressing security challenges facing their regions. The governor reminded them that improving security is a critical component of his administration’s 9-point Smart Agenda and that addressing these issues is paramount for the well-being of the communities they serve. He emphasized that a proactive stance on security is essential and that it should garner the necessary focus from the chairmen.
Additionally, Aliyu reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the state and encouraged the community to offer unwavering support and prayers for the success of his administration. The governor also reminded the chairmen of their obligation to adhere to the Code of Conduct Laws, which guide their operations and decision-making processes. This compliance is essential for promoting good governance, and the governor reinforced its significance as a priority for the new local government administration.
Financial sustainability for local governments was another key point in the governor’s address. He directed the chairmen to develop innovative strategies to boost their internally generated revenue. This is necessary for meeting the diverse needs and expectations of the citizens they represent. Governor Aliyu stressed the importance of being financially sound to effectively serve the community, calling for fiscal discipline and resourcefulness among the chairmen to ensure sustainable development in their localities.
Aliyu’s commitment to good governance included a strong message against corruption, instructing the chairmen to uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards embezzlement or misuse of public funds. He emphasized that maintaining financial integrity is vital for restoring public confidence in local governance and improving the overall quality of life for residents. Furthermore, he called on the people of Sokoto State to remain vigilant and engaged, contributing their prayers and support for effective governance that aligns with the administration’s goals.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by a range of dignitaries, including local and state lawmakers, former deputy governors, and other key political figures. The presence of the State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Ibrahim Dadi Adare, underscored the commitment to equipping the new chairmen with the necessary knowledge and skills through an induction course. This initiative aims to familiarize them with the workings of local government, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle the challenges ahead and deliver on their promises to the constituents. On a broader scale, the recent elections resulted in the ruling All Progressive Congress winning all 23 local government positions, a significant endorsement of the party’s governance in the state.
