Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has said that losing three councillorship seats out of 274 to the opposition in last Saturday’s local government elections lends credibility to the just-concluded polls.
Bago made the remark while receiving the 25 chairmen-elect and their deputies, all under the All Progressives Congress, APC, at the Government House in Minna.
The newly elected council leaders and their deputies visited the Government House shortly after receiving their certificates of return from the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission, NSIEC.
While congratulating them, the governor urged them to be magnanimous and humble in victory, and to extend a hand of fellowship to their opponents.
He also charged them to work collectively and harmoniously to ensure effective service delivery at the grassroots, while assuring them of his administration’s full support.
Bago further directed outgoing chairmen to begin preparations for a smooth transition process.
On the issue of Paikoro Local Government, the governor cautioned the party against engaging in contempt of court, advising patience until the court delivers its verdict.
The APC State Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Musa Bobi, congratulated the newly elected chairmen and their deputies, and commended the governor for his unwavering support, which contributed to the APC’s success in the elections.
Speaking on behalf of the new chairmen, ALGON chairman, Alhaji Iliyasu Zakari, said the visit was to present their certificates of return to the governor and express appreciation for his support.
Some of the newly elected chairmen also told journalists that their administrations would prioritise women and youth empowerment, as well as education and other key areas, to bring about transformation in rural communities
