Governor Dauda Lawal has taken another step towards preparing for the upcoming local government elections in Zamfara State by swearing in Hon. Bala Aliyu Gusau as the Chairman of the Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission (ZASIEC).
The inauguration took place during the Zamfara State Executive Council meeting on Monday at the council chamber of the Government House in Gusau.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, it was disclosed that the tenure of the 14 Sole Administrators in the state’s local government councils would end on October 23, 2024. The newly sworn-in ZASIEC chairman is tasked with ensuring that elections are held in accordance with the state’s amended electoral law.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by the Chief Judge, Justice Kulu Aliyu, represented by Justice Mukhtar Yusha’u, on behalf of the Executive Council.
Governor Lawal highlighted the importance of the recent amendments to the Zamfara State Electoral Law, which were signed into law weeks ago, stating that the changes would facilitate the upcoming local government elections. He added that the ZASIEC is expected to release the election timetable soon.
“We must comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government elections,” Governor Lawal said. “With the amendments in place, ZASIEC will establish guidelines and modalities for the election, and I call on everyone to support the process.”
During the council meeting, the governor also reflected on his participation in the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), noting that the experience would contribute positively to the state’s development efforts.
Additionally, Governor Lawal directed the Secretary to the State Government to collaborate with the Deputy Governor in fast-tracking the inauguration of the Zamfara State Investment Promotion Agency (ZIPA) Board to enhance investment opportunities in the state.
On social welfare, the governor announced that Zamfara is set to commence the cash transfer component of the National Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-Cares) program. The initiative will disburse N4.9 billion to support 5,000 poor and vulnerable households, 6,000 unemployed youths and women, and 8,000 economically active individuals through various empowerment schemes.
Governor Lawal emphasized the importance of fairness in the selection process for beneficiaries, ensuring that all communities in the state are included.