Gombe governor swears in local govt chairs, urges grassroots focus

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has charged newly elected local government chairpersons to prioritise grassroots development, strengthen security, and deliver responsive governance as they assume office across the state.

The governor gave the charge on Monday during the swearing-in ceremony of chairpersons elected in the June 27 local government elections, which he described as peaceful, transparent and credible.

Congratulating the new council leaders, Yahaya said their victory reflected the confidence reposed in them by their constituents and reaffirmed public support for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He described local governments as the closest tier of government to the people, stressing that they play a critical role in delivering primary healthcare, basic education, rural infrastructure, water supply, sanitation, agricultural support and community development.

The governor also urged the chairpersons to work closely with communities to enhance intelligence gathering and strengthen local peace-building efforts in the face of evolving security challenges.

Yahaya highlighted his administration’s Local Council Development Area (LCDA) reform as a landmark initiative designed to bring governance closer to the people and improve service delivery. According to him, the government has completed modern headquarters, harmonised staff and concluded administrative processes to ensure the effective take-off of the new LCDAs.

He said his administration inherited financially distressed councils in 2019 but restored stability through prudent financial management, enabling them to pay salaries promptly, clear gratuity arrears, and execute development projects.

The governor also credited the Joint Projects Development Agency for fostering collaboration between the state and local governments in executing projects across education, healthcare, roads, agriculture and water supply.

Yahaya urged the chairpersons to lead with integrity, transparency and accountability while placing public interest above personal considerations.

“As we approach the 2027 general elections, let your performance become the strongest campaign for our party,” he said, adding that sustained grassroots development remained the APC’s greatest political asset.

He also commended the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission, security agencies, election officials, the media and residents for ensuring a peaceful electoral process.