The Sokoto State Commissioner for Local Governments and Community Development, Dr Ibrahim Dade-Adare, has described the state assembly’s decision to amend the law for the extension of local government chairmen and councillors’ tenure from two to three years as a welcome development.
Dr Dade-Adare stated this while reacting to the recent decision by the state assembly to amend the law in his office in Sokoto.
According to him, the extension would pave the way for local government councils to execute meaningful projects that have a direct impact on the lives of their people before leaving office.
“During the previous administration under the administration of Senator Aliyu Wamakko, the tenure was three years, while the last administration under Aminu Waziri Tambuwal reviewed it to two years.
“And now it’s necessary, the law has to be amended to extend to three years, because within a two-year timeframe, it’s very difficult for any meaningful and impactful projects to be realised.
“That’s why it’s been decided that such laws should be amended to reflect the reality of the actions to be taken by local government council chairmen,” Dr Dade-Adare said.
He noted that local councils were created as the closest tier of government to the people and to serve the interests of the entire community for development.
“If a local government council chairman is elected to serve a two-year term, the performance expectations would differ significantly compared to a three-year term.
“A three-year term would allow local government council chairmen to perform better for the benefit of our people.
“It will give the council members ample time; two and three years are not the same, so the extension will certainly help them come up with a series of projects that they are expected to provide to the people.
“We are always in support of whatever initiatives our leaders in the present government come up with that will benefit our people. Certainly, we are in support of our leaders’ actions as they help the people, and we solidly support our leaders,” he explained.
The commissioner also assured the people of the state that the present administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu would continue to initiate and execute more projects that have a direct impact on sustainable development in the state.
“Governor Aliyu has pledged to achieve his 9-Point Smart Agenda, which he is diligently following, and we are also supporting him to achieve those goals.
“Therefore, we appeal for people to support the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration, offer prayers, and have confidence in its performance so far.
“The state government is continuously supporting areas witnessing security challenges by providing security apparatus to maintain peace and stability,” he added.
Confidence Okwuchi