Twenty-one local government chairmen elected in the 13 July Local Government Council polls in Adamawa State have been sworn in to office.
Their swearing-in ceremony took place after they were declared winners by the Chairman of the Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC), Mohammed Umar, on Sunday, 15 July 2024.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who presided over the swearing-in ceremony at Mahmud Ribadu Square on Monday, said in his speech that it was a source of pride for the PDP and a testament to the good work the party is doing in the state to conduct election three times in five years in office as Governor.
He commended the ADSIEC for conducting a credible election that upheld democratic principles in Adamawa.
Governor Fintiri urged the Local Council Chairmen to discharge their duties responsibly and maintain an open-door policy. He also cautioned them to shun corruption and all its tendencies.
"The people you just swore to serve today have become not only wiser but bolder. They will follow their money and ask questions, demanding answers. They expect performance and insist that every penny meant for their development is used properly," Governor Fintiri warned the local government council chairmen.
"This means you must shun corruption and all corrupt practices. You must be accountable and responsible to the people as their leaders at all times," he added.
Governor Fintiri boasted that his government had conferred financial autonomy on the Local Government Councils before the Supreme Court judgement.
"With the Supreme Court judgement, the debate over financial autonomy for local government councils is officially over. However, as a government in Adamawa State, we are five years ahead of the judgement," Governor Fintiri said.
"We conferred financial autonomy on the local government councils long before the Supreme Court made its recent pronouncement."
Governor Fintiri called on the chairmen to use the resources at their disposal to improve the lives of the people. He also solicited the people's support for the elected council chairmen, as his government is determined to provide them with the necessary assistance.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Barr. Awwal D. Tukur, highlighted the importance of local government as the level closest to the people. He stated that Governor Fintiri's administration is making significant efforts to build and strengthen the local government structure.
Suleiman Gangkuba, Chairman of Toungo LGA, speaking on behalf of the 21 elected local council chairmen, said their election would not have been possible without the developmental strides of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri in the state.
He said the commendable projects undertaken by Governor Fintiri convinced the electorate to vote them into office. He assured of their commitment to working in line with the policies of Governor Fintiri's administration.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Balthiya Wesley, Senator representing Adamawa Northern zone, Sen. Amos Yohanna, and PDP Chairman, Adamawa State chapter, Barr. A.T. Shehu, congratulated Governor Fintiri for conducting peaceful and credible local government council elections in the state. They also advised the elected Chairmen to work for the benefit of their people.
The Chief Judge of Adamawa State, Hon. Justice Hapsat Abdulrahaman, administered the oath of office and secrecy to the elected local government council chairmen.
2. Fufore: Shuaibu Babas (PDP)
3. Ganye: Farouk Mohammed (PDP)
4. Girei: Adamu Umaru Dala (PDP)
5. Gombi Mark Ishaya (PDP)
6. Guyuk: Barr. Kassah D. Shalom (PDP)
7. Hong: Inuwa Usman (PDP)
8. Jada: Salihu Mahmud Sa’o (PDP)
9. Lamurde: Bulus Daniel (PDP)
10. Madagali: Simon Musa Shashi (PDP)
11. Maiha: Abubakar Mustapha (PDP)
12. Mayo Belwa: Umar Nashong (PDP)
13. Michika: Dan Biyu Paul Tumba (PDP)
14. Mubi North: Musa Hassan (PDP)
15. Mubi South: Hamidu A Jingi (PDP)
16. Numan: Innocent Koto (PDP)
17. Shelleng: Abubakar Musa Abba (PDP)
18. Song: Idris Yahaya (PDP)
19. Toungo: Sulaiman Gangkuba (PDP)
20. Yola North: Jibril Ibrahim (PDP)
21. Yola South: Salihu Usman Malkohi (PDP)