Newly Elected Chairmen Get Certificates Of Return In Niger

The Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC) has presented certificates of return to the 25 local government chairmen and vice chairmen elected in the Nov. 1 council polls.
Chairman of the commission, Malam Jibrin Imam, presented the certificates in Minna on Wednesday.
He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) won all the 25 chairmanship seats and 271 councillorship positions, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured eight counselorship seats in the election.
“The presentation of certificates signifies the official commencement of your tenure. It is now time to deliver on the pledges you made to the people during your campaigns,” he said.
He appreciated Gov. Umaru Bago, his deputy, and the Speaker of the House of Assembly for their support to the successful conduct of the election.
In their separate interviews, Dr Mustapha Jibrin, Chairman-elect of Chanchaga Local Government, commended Gov. Bago for providing an enabling environment for a peaceful election, promising to serve with fairness and accountability.
“I will rule with the fear of God, justice, and equity. We will focus on security, check the use of drugs among youths that have resulted to restiveness.
“Other areas of our focus will be youths empowerment, healthcare and education and water supply, which are major issues raised by our people during the campaign,” he said.
Similarly, Abdullahi Evuti, Chairman-elect of Lapai Local Government, said his administration would prioritise security, health, and education.
“We have already started initiatives to improve healthcare access, including a partnership with NiCARE to provide insurance coverage for hundreds of residents,” he said.
Also speaking, Alhaji Aminu Najume, re-elected Chairman of Munya Local Government, pledged to make security his top priority.
He expressed gratitude to Gov. Umaru Bago for creating an enabling environment for peaceful elections and to the people of Munya for reposing confidence in his leadership.
“Our first priority is security. The local government has been enjoying relative peace, and people now travel freely to different parts of the council.
“We will continue to work hard to sustain and improve on the peace we have achieved,”he said.
Similarly, the Chairman-elect of Shiroro Local Government, Mr Ishaku Bawa, commended Gov. Umaru for his efforts in restoring peace to Shiroro, which made the election seamless.
He assured residents of the local government of his commitment to consolidating on the gains made in the area.
“Shiroro was bedevilled by insecurity in the past, but today we are seeing relative peace through the support of the state government.
“I will work with everyone, regardless of party affiliation, to move the council forward and ensure lasting stability,”he said.