Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has sworn in the newly elected chairmen of the state’s 21 local government areas, urging them to prioritise grassroots development and deliver the dividends of democracy to their communities.
Speaking during the inauguration at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Yola, Fintiri charged the council chairmen to provide transparent, accountable and people-centred leadership.
The oath of office and allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of Adamawa State, Justice Hafsat Abdurrahman.
The governor commended the Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC) for conducting what he described as a peaceful and credible election, noting that his administration has successfully organised four local government elections within seven years.
Fintiri reminded the chairmen that they had entered into a social contract with the electorate and must justify the confidence reposed in them through effective service delivery.
“You have a responsibility to deliver the dividends of democracy to your people. One day, you will stand before your Creator to account for how you discharged the responsibilities entrusted to you,” he said.
He also urged them to manage public funds prudently, remain accessible to residents and work closely with traditional rulers and development area administrators to address local challenges.
“The era of absentee chairmen is over. You were not elected to stay in Yola,” the governor added.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated chairmen, Yola North Local Government Chairman, Ibrahim Jimeta, thanked Governor Fintiri for ensuring a level playing field that produced free and fair elections.
He pledged that the new council chairmen would implement people-focused programmes and build on the governor’s development agenda to improve the lives of residents across the state’s 21 local government areas.