Gombe Swears in New Council Chairmen, Inuwa Yahaya Charges Them to Deliver Democracy at Grassroots

Gombe Swears in New Council Chairmen, Inuwa Yahaya Charges Them to Deliver Democracy at Grassroots

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has sworn in the newly elected chairpersons of the state’s 11 Local Government Areas and 11 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), urging them to prioritise good governance, accountability and grassroots development as they begin their tenure.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony on Monday in Gombe, Gov. Yahaya said the peaceful and credible local government elections held on 27 June reflected the confidence of residents in the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).

He congratulated the council chairpersons on their electoral victory, describing their emergence as a mandate from the people and a call to serve with integrity and humility.

“Your emergence is a testament to the confidence and trust reposed in you by your various constituencies. Let your decisions always reflect the collective interest of the people rather than personal considerations,” the governor said.

Alh. Yahaya emphasised the strategic role of local governments as the closest tier of government to the people, noting that they are critical to delivering essential services such as primary healthcare, basic education, rural infrastructure, water supply and agricultural support.

He also said local councils have become increasingly important in addressing security challenges through community engagement, grassroots intelligence gathering and peace-building efforts.

According to him, strengthening local governance remains central to achieving sustainable development and restoring public confidence in government institutions.

The governor defended his administration’s creation of Local Council Development Areas, saying the initiative was designed to bring governance closer to communities and improve service delivery rather than merely expanding government structures.

He said the state government had completed the construction of modern LCDA headquarters, harmonised staff and concluded administrative processes required for the councils to function effectively.

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

Reflecting on the condition of local governments when his administration assumed office in 2019, Mr Yahaya said the councils were burdened by unpaid salaries, outstanding gratuities and deteriorating infrastructure.

He attributed the turnaround to prudent financial management, transparency and fiscal discipline, saying local governments in the state are now able to pay workers promptly, settle inherited liabilities and execute development projects.

The governor also highlighted the achievements of the Joint Projects Development Agency (JPDA), describing it as a successful partnership through which the state and local governments jointly finance projects in roads, healthcare, education, agriculture and water supply.

He said the initiative demonstrates that financial autonomy and collaboration between state and local governments can coexist when guided by transparency and shared development goals.

Alh. Yahaya urged the newly inaugurated chairpersons to address the challenges facing rural communities, including insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, unemployment and poverty.

He said effective local governance remains essential to rebuilding peaceful, prosperous and cohesive communities.

“History teaches us that prosperous societies are built upon strong communities, and strong communities are sustained through effective local governance,” he said.

He called on the council leaders to govern with dedication, transparency and the fear of God while building on the achievements of previous administrations.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the governor urged the chairpersons to make their performance the APC’s strongest campaign tool.

He said delivering visible dividends of democracy across wards and communities would strengthen public confidence in the ruling party.

The governor also commended the local government secretaries who managed council affairs during the transition period, as well as the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission, security agencies, election officials, political parties, observers, journalists and residents for ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

He appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, women organisations and civil society groups to continue supporting government efforts to deepen grassroots development.

Gov. Yahaya concluded by expressing confidence that the newly elected chairpersons would justify the trust placed in them and contribute to building a more prosperous, peaceful and united Gombe State.