Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has urged newly inaugurated local government council chairmen to prioritise responsive governance to ensure  sustainable  development at the grassroots.

Mr Yahaya said this on Monday at the inauguration of the 11 council chairmen and 13 local council development area (LCDA) executives.

He said the performance of the elected council officials would serve as a strong campaign tool for the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“As we gradually approach the 2027 General Elections, I urge you to redouble your efforts in delivering responsive governance at the grassroots. Let your performance become the strongest campaign for our party,” he said.

Mr Yahaya described local government councils as the closest tier of government to the people, noting that they played a critical role in the provision of primary healthcare, basic education, water supply, sanitation, agricultural supports and community development.

He underscored the importance of the local government administration in addressing security challenges through community engagement, intelligence gathering and peace-building initiatives.

The governor said his administration has created the LCDAs, to  bring governance closer to the people, improve service delivery and encourage development at the grassroots.

“Modern headquarters for the LCDAs have been constructed, staff harmonisation completed and all administrative processes finalised to ensure their successful take-off.

“The LCDA reform is here to stay. It remains one of the most transformative governance initiatives undertaken in the history of our state,” he said.

Mr Inuwa recalled that when he assumed office in 2019, many local government councils were financially distressed, with delayed salaries, unpaid gratuities and deteriorating infrastructure.

He said that the administration has restored financial stability through prudent financial management and fiscal discipline, enabling the councils to pay salaries regularly, settle inherited gratuity liabilities and execute development projects.

The governor also highlighted the role of the Joint Projects Development Agency (JPDA), describing it as a successful partnership model between the state and local government councils that fast-track roads, education, healthcare, water supply and agriculture development projects.

He urged the newly inaugurated executives to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, transparency and commitment to the welfare of the people.

“You are assuming responsibility for the hopes and aspirations of millions of citizens who have entrusted you with their mandate.

“Let your decisions always reflect the collective interest of the people rather than personal considerations,” he said.

Mr Inuwa commended the local government secretaries, who managed the council affairs during the transition period.

He also commended the State Independent Electoral Commission, security agencies, election officials, political parties, observers, the media and residents of the state for ensuring the peaceful conduct of the elections.

The governor further urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups, women and youth organisations to continue to support government efforts toward sustaining development, peace and economic growth across the state.

Also, Bappa Garkuwa, chairman of the Gombe Local Government Council, assured that they would strive towards achieving good governance at the grassroots. 

(NAN)