Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State presided over the swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected local government council chairmen at the Government House, Sokoto.
During the event, the governor called on the newly inaugurated officials to remain dedicated to their respective constituencies and ensure constant accessibility to the people they serve.
Governor Aliyu emphasized the importance of presence within the local governments, warning the chairmen against the practice of abandoning their posts and retreating to distant locations, such as hotels, far removed from their communities.
“Gone are the days when local government chairmen would desert their domains for hotel rooms. Any local government chairman found violating these directives will face severe consequences,” the governor sternly warned.
The governor stressed the need for proactive engagement between the chairmen and relevant security agencies within their jurisdictions.
He reminded them that security is a critical component of his administration’s 9-point Smart Agenda. Governor Aliyu urged the officials to prioritize and address security challenges within their areas to maintain peace and order.
“Tackling security challenges is one of the main pillars of our 9-point Smart Agenda, so it is essential that you give the issue of security the attention it deserves,” he stated.
Reiterating his administration’s firm commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Sokoto State, Governor Aliyu called on the public to offer their continued support and prayers for the success of his government’s efforts.
In addition to focusing on security, the governor instructed the chairmen to comply strictly with the Code of Conduct Laws, urging them to improve their local councils’ internally generated revenue.
He encouraged them to find innovative ways to meet the growing expectations of their constituents, ensuring that public funds are used responsibly and effectively.
Governor Aliyu maintained a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, cautioning the newly sworn-in officials against the misappropriation of public resources.
He emphasized that any form of corruption would not be tolerated in the local government areas, underscoring the importance of good governance and accountability at all levels of administration.
In his remarks, Dr. Ibrahim Dadi Adare, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, assured the public that the ministry would organize an induction course for the newly appointed chairmen.
This course would familiarize them with the workings and functions of local government councils, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the responsibilities ahead.
The swearing-in ceremony attracted several prominent figures, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Sokoto State Deputy Governor Idris Muhammad Gobir, Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly Tukur Bala, and Deputy Speaker Kabir Ibrahim Kware.
Lawmakers from both the national and state assemblies were also in attendance, alongside former deputy governors of Sokoto and Zamfara states, Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo, Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, and Hassan Nasiha.
Additional dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, the Chief of Staff of the Government House, Aminu Haliru Dikko, a representative of Sultan Aliyu Attahiru, commissioners, special advisers, and other notable individuals.
Earlier in the day, the Sokoto State Independent Electoral Commission, led by Chairman Suleiman Aliyu, declared that the candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had won all 23 local government elections conducted on Saturday, September 21.
