LG Polls: Emergence of 16 women councillors excites Gov. Bagudu.
Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, on Wednesday, expressed appreciation to Kebbi people for electing 16 women as councillors in the just concluded Local Government elections in the state.
He made his feelings known during the swearing-in of 21 elected Council Chairmen held at Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi, the state capital of Kebbi.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the Kebbi State Independent Electoral Commission (KSIEC) had on Saturday, Feb. 5, conducted Chairmanship and Councillorship elections in the 21 LGAs across the state.
Bagudu said: “I am very glad, in spite of our religious conservatism, yet, we have elected 16 women as councillors in the just concluded LG elections.
“I went to Abuja, only to find out that they have only one councillor out of the entire councillors that constitute their respective councils. Therefore, we have cause to clap for ourselves.”
While saluting the people of Kebbi for their gigantic efforts, the governor assured that in an effort to establish Development Area Councils in the state, more women, youth and physically challenged persons would be appointed into the councils.
Bagudu stressed the need for unity amongst the people of Kebbi State, saying, “All we wanted is a united Kebbi not disintegrated Kebbi.”
He charged the newly sworn-in chairmen to work hard for their respective constituencies and urged them to embrace all manner of people irrespective of political leaning.
“I urge you to work hard so that those who did not elect you will say, we didn’t elect you but we are happy you are working for us,” he noted.
Bagudu appreciated the judiciary and other stakeholders including; the media, civil society organisations (CSOs), security agencies and political parties, especially those who participated in the elections.
Responding on behalf of other elected chairmen, the chairman of Birnin Kebbi local government, Alhaji Aminu Sarkin-Fada, thanked Gov. Bagudu for his support and assistance toward ensuring their victory.
He also thanked other stakeholders for their efforts in the selection and election of credible candidates to lead people at the grassroots.
The chairman promised to give the state government all the necessary support and cooperation to take the state to greater heights.
He also assured that the new elected chairmen and councillors would never disappoint Kebbi people.