Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Sunday, inaugurated the 44 newly elected local government council chairmen, lauding the process of their emergence as “the most peaceful election ever conducted in the state.”

The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, on Saturday, conducted elections for the chairmanship and councillorship positions in the 44 local government areas of the state.

At the end of the exercise which was shunned by the All Progressives Congress, candidates of the New Nigeria People’s Party swept the poll across the councils.

Addressing the gathering at the Africa House, Government House, Kano, Yusuf, represented by the Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, commended KANSIEC for conducting a transparent and credible election.

“Despite distractions from certain politicians who sought to halt the elections for selfish reasons, KANSIEC’s thorough and foolproof work ensured a smooth process,” he noted.

Reflecting on the government’s approach to local governance, he highlighted that upon assuming office, his administration resisted pressure to dissolve the existing local councils, even though all members were from the opposition APC.

“We maintained the councils, respected their entitlements, and provided them resources that weren’t available during their own party’s tenure.

“This fair treatment of former local council members was rare, even in states controlled by their party,” he added.

A statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Bature Dawakin Tofa, conveyed Yusuf’s gratitude to Kano residents for their peaceful participation in the election and for exercising their rights in an orderly manner.

The governor directed the new chairmen to proceed to their local government headquarters to inaugurate their vice chairmen and councillors, adding that all officials should report to their offices on Monday to commence their duties.

PUNCH