Zamfara State Lead Representative, Dauda Lawal, has declared that the local government elections in the state will be taking place soon, following recent amendments to the state’s electoral law.
The Lead Representative made this known on Monday during a meeting of the state’s Executive Council, underscoring the significance of conducting vote based elections at the local level in accordance with the Supreme Court’s recent decision.
At the Council meeting, Lawal likewise introduced Bala Aliyu Gusau as the Chairman of the Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission, portraying a key step in his administration’s preparations for the upcoming local council polls.
The meeting was convened at the government house, Gusau, Zamfara State Capital.
As indicated by him in a statement by the Lead Representative’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, the ongoing leadership, made up of the 14 sole administrators, will end on October 23, 2024.
Lawal featured the fact that he had recently endorsed amendments to the Zamfara State Electoral Law, which relate to the impending local government elections.
He said, “Based on the Supreme Court’s recent judgment, we need to conduct elections in our local government councils.
“With the signing of the amended law, the State Independent Elections Commission will announce the election timetable as soon as possible so that we will have democratically elected local government councils in Zamfara State.”
He further instructed, “The Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission is to come up with guidelines and modalities for the elections, and it is expected that we all will give the necessary support and cooperation towards the success of the exercise.”
The assertion likewise noted that during the Executive Council meeting, Lawal informed members about his recent participation in the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting, portraying it as a valuable experience.
He communicated optimism that it would bring about positive results for his administration’s continuous efforts to enhance the lives of the people of Zamfara.
Also, during the meeting, Lawal ordered the Secretary to the State Government to team up with the Deputy Governor to immediately inaugurate the Zamfara State Investment Promotion Agency Board to guarantee its successful operation.
“The Governor also informed the council that the state is ready to commence the cash transfer component of NG-Cares, a program aimed at supporting vulnerable individuals in the state,” the statement added.
The Governor made sense of the fact that, “The transfers will support the vulnerable poor, unemployed youth, and women across the 14 Local Government Areas of the state. A total of about N4.9 billion will be expended on the project.”
He additionally provided subtleties, saying, “The beneficiaries will include 5,000 poor and vulnerable households; Labour Intensive Public Workfare (LIPW) for 6,000 unemployed youths and women; and Livelihood Support Grants (LG) for 8,000 economically active youths and women.”
The Lead Representatives concluded by stressing, “The principle of fairness and justice must guide the nominations for all peoples in our constituencies.”
