Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has sworn in newly elected local government chairpersons in Gombe State. The ceremony took place on Monday.
Yahaya challenged them to prioritize development at the grassroots level. He also demanded they strengthen security and deliver responsive leadership.
Local governments sit closest to the people, he noted. They must provide healthcare, education, water and farm support.
According to him, these councils deliver essential services to communities. Rural infrastructure development also falls under their responsibility.
"Let your performance become the strongest campaign for our party as we approach 2027," he told the chairpersons. The governor linked good governance directly to electoral success.
He urged them to work with communities on security issues. Intelligence gathering and peace-building efforts must improve across the state.
Yahaya highlighted his Local Council Development Area reforms as a major achievement. Modern headquarters have been completed for these new areas.
Staff has been harmonized and administrative processes finalized. This ensures the development areas can function effectively from the start.
When he took office in 2019, local councils faced financial crisis. His administration has since restored stability to their finances.
Workers now receive regular salaries, he said. Outstanding gratuities have been settled and development projects are ongoing.
"Lead with integrity, transparency and accountability," he charged them. Personal interests must never override the people's welfare.
Yahaya commended the electoral commission for conducting peaceful elections. Security agencies, officials, media and residents also earned his praise.
