The sincerity of state government in upholding the democratic dividends to the people of Gombe State had been pronounced as the Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has promised free,fair and credible forthcoming local government councils elections.
Speaking on Thursday on the statewide broadcast, the Governor lamented that election is the most important pillar of any democracy and It was the strongest political mechanism through which people could select their leaders in an atmosphere of freedom and fairness hence It is the demonstration of popular will that makes democracy a government of the people, by the people and for the people.
According to the purposeful Governor, his administration came to power through the historic elections of March 2019 and they have not relented in the determination to deliver democratic dividends to the people through the provision of people-oriented programs and policies.
He said the evidence is clear for all to see as Gombe State is on the path of sustainable progress and an all-inclusive development trajectory.
” As the third tier of government and the one that is closest to the grassroots, our local governments deserve the highest priority. Therefore, the decision on who governs them and how they should be governed is a matter of great priority. It is my sincere hope that the upcoming elections will usher in competent and trustworthy administrators who would help us manage the affairs of our local governments and indeed, our dear State.”
“In line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), we constituted the State Independent Electoral Commission for the purpose of conducting Local Government Elections in the State. Accordingly, we appointed capable and honorable individuals to run the commission. At the same time, we provided the Commission with necessary financial and institutional support in order to conduct a successful Local Government election”.
In order to fulfill its mandate, the Governor pointed out that Commission has drawn up activities and concluded all arrangements to the Election on Saturday 19th December, 2020 where Chairmen and Councilors of all our 11 Local Government Areas and 114 electoral wards would be elected to manage the affairs of our people.
The Governor further said ,”it is worthy of note that the election process does not just start and end with voting on the election day. It is a process that starts with registration of political parties, expression of interests, selection of candidates, election proper, swearing-in and possible post-election litigations. So far, we are satisfied with the conduct of GOSIEC in the provision of a level-playing ground to all political parties”.
He added further that as part of their responsibilities to ensure peaceful elections and they have mobilized security agencies to ensure voters and election officials are accorded the necessary protection to vote in peace and tranquility.
He warned that his administration has zero tolerance for violence or any election-related crime and therefore called on all stakeholders to desist from any act that would endanger the lives and property of the people, adding that ” no political ambition is worth the blood of any Gombe citizen and my administration will deal decisively with any troublemaker no matter how highly placed”.
He urged various political parties and their agents to conduct themselves and play the game according to its laid down rules and regulations.
” Elections, like every other contest, must have winners and losers. It is not a do-or-die affair. At the end of the process, every side should respect and accept the will of the people and move on. On our part, we have provided the enabling environment for free and fair participation in the electoral process to all political parties, in line with laid down constitutional provisions. I am confident that the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission will conduct the election with a remarkable degree of professionalism, fairness, equity and justice”.
” As you are aware, there is a resurgence of Covid-19 infections across the country. We are closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds. I therefore urge voters, election officials and the general public to comply with the relevant Covid-19 protocols during and after the elections”.
Inuwa lamented further that irrespective of the outcome of the local government elections on December 19, he stressed that the ultimate winner is Gombe State and its people who are desirous of good governance and are committed to its progress.
The Governor noted that ” as part of the measures to ensure a peaceful and successful election, Government has declared Friday a work-free day in order to enable our people return to their various local government areas for the election. We are also putting restrictions on all non-essential movements on election day in order to ensure enhanced security and safety,” adding that “these regulations are in our collective interest. I therefore call on people to abide by them and cooperate with election and security officials”.
He expressed happiness for their unprecedented support so far and the tremendous successes recorded by the administration which would not have been possible without their untiring support and prayers as well as appeal to all eligible voters to come out en masse and cast their votes without any fear of intimidation.
He implored the traditional, community and religious leaders to continue to preach for peaceful co-existence amongst the people before, during and after the elections and also called on the press to conduct themselves with utmost professionalism, avoid fake news and desist from spreading unverified information that may be capable of disrupting the much-cherished peace and stability that Gombe State is known for.
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