Governor Dauda Lawal has tasked the newly elected chairpersons of the 14 local government areas in Zamfara on transparency and accountability.

The council chairs were elected during the Saturday council poll conducted by the Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission (ZAISEC).

During the swearing-in ceremony, Mr Lawal urged the council chairpersons to consider their election as a call to service and to deliver dividends of democracy to their respective communities.

Mr Lawal stressed that the ultimate goal of the local government system in Nigeria is to bring the government closer to the people at the grassroots.

“This is especially crucial at this time, as local government councils, as the third tier of government, are vital in complementing the initiatives of the present administration to rescue the state from socio-economic issues and the security challenges affecting all parts of the state.

“Therefore, there is a need for synergy between the state and local government councils to accelerate development at the grassroots levels, which, in turn, will place the entire state on the trajectory of growth and prosperity,” stated Mr Lawal.

The Zamfara governor added, “I urge you to see your election as a call to service by prioritising the welfare of your people and ensuring equity and fairness in the distribution of development projects. This should be achieved by leveraging various social investment programs and other laudable initiatives introduced by the present administration to create employment opportunities for our teeming youths, make them productive, and curb the incessant crimes bedevilling the state.

”This can only be achieved when you embrace transparency, accountability, and prudence in managing public resources. You must collaborate with the State Government, especially in light of the provisions of the 1999 constitution (as amended). The state government will continue to collaborate with your councils to achieve our shared goals and build synergy for the development of our dear state.”

Mr Lawal further urged the elected chairpersons to engage with their communities actively.

(NAN)