SOKOTO: Sokoto state Governor, Ahmed Aliyu has sworn in the newly elected 23 local government council chairmen in the state, Monday.

Candidates of the All-Progressives Congress were declared winners in the LG election held on Saturday by the state independent electoral commission (SOSIEC)

The Governor at the swearing-in ceremony warned the new council Chairmen to always be accessible to their people, adding that the state government would not tolerate the acts of inaccessibility, and laxity to work.

“Gone are the days when the local government chairmen would abandon their domains for hotel rooms in the Metropolis.

In his address, the Governor tasked the new council chairmen to live above board by ensuring dividends of democracy their people at the grassroots.

He urged them to impact positively to their communities for people to benefit from their leadership as chairmen and councillors of respective local governments.

“Any local government chairman found flouting these directives would be dealt with severely, ” he warned.

He directed the new council chairmen to ensure regular meetings with the relevant security outfits in their local government areas with a view to devising means of addressing the current security challenges in their areas.

“Remember that tackling security challenges is one of our 9-point Smart Agenda, so give security all the desired attention,” he requested.

The governor emphasized his administration’s determination to fully secure the state and called for community sustained support and prayers from all and sundry.

He also directed the new chairmen to comply with the Code of Conduct.

He further reminded them to explore more ways to improve their internally generated revenue so as to have enough funds to meet the expectations of their subjects

Dr Aliyu also warned the local government Chairmen against tempering with public funds, adding that zero- tolerance on corruption must be observed by all the 23 Local government areas of the state.

Gov. Aliyu also appealed to the people of the state to continue to offer fervent prayers for Allah’s guidance and protection for the present administration.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Community

Development, Hon. Ibrahim Dadi Adare, assured that, the Ministry would carry out induction course for the newly sworn in local governments Chairmen to acquaint them with the workings of the local government councils.

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The swearing-in ceremony was graced by the state APC leader Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Idris Muhammsd Gobir, Speaker Sokoto state House of Assembly, Tukur Bala, Deputy Speaker, Kabir Ibrahim Kware as well lawmakers from the national and state assemblies.

Others are farmer deputy Governors of Sokoto and Zamfara States, Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo, Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, Alhaji Hassan Nasiha, Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, Chief of Staff Government House Sokoto, Aminu Haliru Dikko, representative of the Sultan, Aliyu Attahiru

The swearing which was held at Government house Sokoto was attended by the Governor and top political office holders in the state.

The newly elected chairmen are expected to serve for three years in office.