Yobe commission hands certificates to 17 newly elected council chairmen

The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission has presented certificates of return to the 17 chairmen elected in the state’s local government election and their deputies. The presentation took place in Damaturu on Tuesday, following what the commission described as the peaceful conduct of the September 26 local government poll across Yobe. YOSIEC chairman Ibrahim Yabani urged the newly elected council leaders to shift their attention from political campaigns to governance and effective service delivery.

He said the campaign period had ended and that the officials should now focus on the progress of the state. Yabani called on the chairmen to build on existing achievements, pursue higher standards and initiate projects with a direct impact on communities. He also urged them to promote inclusive governance and improve the welfare of their constituents.

The commission chairman said the councils should reciprocate the trust placed in them by voters by redoubling their efforts. He added that even councils already performing well should continue seeking improvement. Yabani attributed the successful election to support from the state government and what he described as Governor Mai Mala Buni’s non-interference in the electoral process.

He commended the government for providing financial support while maintaining that policy. He also said YOSIEC had received awards from the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations and the Visiting Journalists Association for its leadership, performance and achievements in election administration. Yabani dedicated the awards to the commission’s staff, describing them as recognition of the team’s collective work.