Yobe to hold LG elections in February 2017

From JOE Ayaaji

As part of his resolve to ensure the presence of government at the grassroots, Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has announced his decision to conduct elections at the local government councils come February 2017.

Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam who spoke at WAWA Hall in Damaturu at the swearing in ceremony of chairmen of caretaker management committee of the 17 local governments in the state noted that his decision to conduct the election borne out of the commitment of his administration towards entrenchment of democracy at the local level just as he tasked leaders of all political parties, politicians and other stakeholders to co-operate with the state independent electoral commission (SEIC) for free, fair and credible election.

The Governor maintained that Government will closely monitor the activities of the appointees in their respective local councils with a view to enhancing performance and directed the ministry for local Government and chieftaincy affairs to ensure supervision of their projects in addition to submission of quarterly report of each council.

Gov. Gaidam also urged the re-appointed chairmen to roll up their sleeves and work hard and ensure that basic services are provided for people at the grassroots including education, healthcare delivery and water supply.

The governor also directed the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to ensure that all local government staff are enrolled in a biometric exercise within six months to further curb the menace of ghost workers.

He praised the members of the state house of assembly for the speedy confirmation of the list of the chairmen describing it as a clear manifestation of cordial working relationship between the executive and legislative arms in the state.

TGNews reports that the tenure of elected chairmen in the state expired since November 2014 just as government has since then been appointing caretaker management committees.

Those sworn in are Alhaji Kakumi Musa Bade local government, Alhaji Zannah Abatcha Bursari, Alhaji Bulama Modu Damaturu, Alhaji Baba Abare Fika, Alhaji Umar Sanda Shanga Fune, Alhaji Murima Mato Geidam, Alhaji Kyari Batarama Gujba, Alaji Babangida Ibrahim Jaba Jakusko, Alhaji Bukar Grema Waro Karasuwa and Alhaji Idrissa Mai Bukar Machinama Machina local government area.

Others are Alhaji Adamu Alabura Nangere, Alhaji Ali Maidami Nguru, Alhaji Mohammed Potiskum Potiskum, Alhaji Gidado Abubakar Tarmuwa, Alhaji Yerima Lawan Mahmud Yunusari, Alhaji Ballama A. Budu Yusufari while Mohammed Mohammed Bara who was the only new among the appointees was appointed as the chairman of Gulani Local Government area.