By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina
Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has congratulated the 34 Local Government chairmen in Katsina state who won last Saturday’s election. The platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Our Correspondent reports that APC swept to victory across the 34 Local Government Areas in the state during the local polls.
Governor Radda, in his congratulatory message to the new Local Government chairmen, reminded them that their victory reflected public confidence in APC.
He extended congratulations to the 34 newly elected Local Government chairmen in Katsina while hailing the peaceful and transparent electoral process “that marked the undeniable milestone in the state’s democracy journey.
“The peaceful conduct of yesterday’s elections is nothing but a show of maturity of our democracy and the commitment of our people to peaceful political participation,” Governor Radda said.
He added that the absence of electoral violence and the impressive voter turnout was a result of citizens’ dedication to democratic principles.
“The sweeping victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the local governments reflects public confidence in our party’s governance. More importantly, the overwhelming mandate validates noticeable investment we have built in the people of Katsina State and the various development projects we have initiated since assuming office,” he said.
In the Governor’s message to the chairmen-elect, Radda advocated for the importance of aligning with the state’s “Building Your Future” agenda.
“This development framework must be replicated at the grassroots level to ensure uniform progress in our state,” he explained.
Governor Radda particularly hammered on the need to sustain and strengthen the State Government Community Development Programme (CDP).
The Governor further charged the incoming chairmen to prioritise inclusive governance as enshrined in the State Government CDP. “The dividends of democracy must reach every citizen, regardless of political affiliation,” he declared.
“I urged you to uphold the party’s reputation through transparent leadership, zero tolerance for corruption and most importantly, effective utilisation of local government autonomy,” the Governor said.
The Governor, however, expressed deep appreciation to the good people of Katsina State for their staunch belief in the All Progressives Congress (APC) by repaying the positive impact made in various communities with massive votes at the polls.
Governor Radda, however, wished the newly elected officials a successful stay in office.
Governor Radda declared the establishment of an Inspectorate Department to enhance accountability and integrity in Local Government administration.
He announced plans to establish an Inspectorate Department to strengthen oversight of Local Government administration following the successful conclusion of council elections across the state.
The Governor made this known while receiving the election results from the Local Government Election Organizing Committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe.
Governor Radda emphasised the administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparent governance.
“We are preparing to amend existing laws and establish an Inspectorate Department to oversee the proper utilisation of government funds.
“This department will conduct on-the-ground assessments to ensure public resources are being used effectively and for the benefit of the people,” he added.
The Governor revealed that a Special Adviser would be appointed to oversee the inspectorate department, equipped with the necessary tools for efficient operations.
“We are committed to upholding the dignity of our state and its people. This initiative builds upon the foundations laid during the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua. When I served as the Chairman of Charanchi Local Government, we witnessed the positive impact of strong local government institutions, and we will work to restore that level of efficiency and integrity,” he reassured.
Reflecting on the electoral process, Governor Radda noted its historical significance, adding that “Katsina is now one of the first states in Nigeria to successfully implement the transition of power from one elected local government administration to another. This has never happened before in our state.
“We are particularly honoured by the participation of esteemed leaders, including former President, former governors, top government officials, and the entire Katsina community, who came out to vote and express their gratitude to God.”
He further highlighted the establishment of Community Development Programs to ensure grassroots participation in governance.
“In every town where councillors have been elected, we have formed Community Level Committees responsible for identifying key development projects. These committees will coordinate with state, local, and federal governments to ensure successful implementation of development projects and oversee the protection of government infrastructure,” he explained.
Governor Radda subsequently expressed gratitude to the Local Government Election Organizing Committee, Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission, security agencies, NGOs, international observers, and journalists for ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election.
The Governor concluded by acknowledging the overwhelming support and trust shown by the people of Katsina State, “this encourages us to continue serving with dedication and to ensure our governance remains transparent, accountable, and beneficial to all.”
Earlier, while presenting the election results to the Governor, the Chairman of the Local Government Election Organizing Committee doubled as the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, explained that all the APC candidates for the seats of local government chairmen and councillors emerged victorious with wide margins against the opposition parties.
The Deputy Governor maintained that the committee set up by the State Governor times last year had succeeded in its responsibilities, from the party primaries electioneering campaign to the actual conduct of the election proper in line with the electoral act.
Malam Faruk Jobe intimated to the governor that opposition parties who took part in the race were fully satisfied with the entire process and outcome of the election.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Sani Ahmed Daura, said the visit was to present to the governor the result of last Saturday’s election, which gave victory to all the candidates fielded by the APC.
The committee included the State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Ishak Shehu Dabai; Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Abdullahi Garba as Secretary; APC State Secretary, Barr. Sulaiman Namadi; APC State PRO and the Members of the State Electoral Commission (SIEC).