Gombe gov swears in New LG chairpersons, charges them on grassroots development

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has sworn in the newly elected local government chairpersons, urging them to prioritise grassroots development, strengthen security and provide responsive leadership to their communities.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony on Monday, the governor described local governments as the tier of government closest to the people, stressing their vital role in delivering essential services, including primary healthcare, basic education, rural infrastructure, water supply, sanitation and agricultural support.

“As we approach the 2027 general elections, let your performance become the strongest campaign for our party,” Governor Yahaya told the new council chairpersons.

The governor also urged the chairpersons to work closely with local communities to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen peace-building efforts in response to evolving security challenges across the state.

He highlighted his administration’s Local Council Development Area (LCDA) reforms, saying the initiative was designed to bring governance closer to the people and improve service delivery. According to him, modern headquarters have been completed, staff harmonised and administrative processes concluded to ensure the effective take-off of the new development areas.

Governor Yahaya further said his administration had restored financial stability to local councils after inheriting financially distressed councils in 2019, enabling them to pay workers’ salaries, settle outstanding gratuities and execute development projects.

“Lead with integrity, transparency and accountability, and always place the interests of the people above personal considerations,” he charged the newly inaugurated chairpersons.

He also commended the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission, security agencies, election officials, the media and residents for ensuring the local government elections were conducted peacefully and credibly.