Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has inaugurated 14 newly elected local government chairmen, emphasizing the importance of fairness and inclusivity in the allocation of development projects.
The chairmen, all members of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), emerged victorious in the local council elections held on Saturday, as declared by the Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission (ZASIEC).
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the old council chambers of the Government House in Gusau on Sunday, was presided over by the State Chief Judge, Justice Kulu Aliyu. Speaking at the event, Governor Lawal commended ZASIEC for organizing elections described as free, fair, and credible.
Governor Lawal stressed the critical role of local government councils in driving grassroots development and called for a collaborative approach between the State Government and the councils. He said:
> “The ultimate goal of the local government system in Nigeria is to bring the government closer to the people at the grassroots. 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 security challenges.”
He urged the newly elected chairmen to prioritize the welfare of their communities, ensure equitable distribution of projects, and leverage social investment programs to create employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. The governor highlighted the six priority areas of his administration: security, education, agriculture and food security, economic growth, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Governor Lawal also called for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, urging the chairmen to maintain meticulous financial records and periodic audits to build public trust.
“You must engage actively with your communities, establish effective communication channels, and ensure that no segment of society is left behind. Special attention should be given to vulnerable groups, including women, children, people with special needs, and the elderly,” he added.
The governor reiterated the importance of aligning local government policies with state priorities and fostering synergy for the overall development of Zamfara State.
The newly sworn-in chairmen pledged their commitment to the governor’s vision, promising to uphold the principles of fairness, accountability, and inclusive governance.
