Gov Lawal Inaugurates Zamfara electoral commission chairman

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has officially inaugurated Hon. Bala Aliyu Gusau as the Chairman of the Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission (ZASIEC), marking a key step in preparations for the upcoming local government elections. The inauguration ceremony took place on Monday during the Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chamber in Government House, Gusau.

In a statement released by Sulaiman Bala Idris, the Governor’s spokesperson, it was revealed that the tenure of the current Sole Administrators overseeing the 14 local councils would end on 23rd October 2024. Governor Lawal emphasised the urgency of the election process, citing the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on local government elections.

“Following the Supreme Court’s judgment, we are required to hold local government council elections. I recently signed the amended Zamfara State Electoral Law, and the Independent Electoral Commission will soon announce the election timetable. We are committed to having democratically elected councils in place,” said Governor Lawal.

He further urged all stakeholders to provide the necessary support for the success of the elections, directing the State Independent Electoral Commission to establish guidelines and modalities for the exercise.

During the Executive Council meeting, the Governor also reflected on his participation at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), expressing optimism that the engagement would yield positive outcomes for the people of Zamfara State.

In addition, Governor Lawal tasked the Secretary to the State Government and the Deputy Governor with the immediate inauguration of the Zamfara State Investment Promotion Agency (ZIPA) Board. The board, once operational, is expected to drive economic development initiatives within the state.

The meeting also highlighted the commencement of the cash transfer component of the NG-Cares programme, targeting vulnerable populations across the state. Governor Lawal announced that N4.9 billion would be allocated to assist 5,000 poor households, 6,000 unemployed youth and women through Labour Intensive Public Workfare (LIPW), and 8,000 economically active youth and women via Livelihood Support Grants (LG).

Governor Lawal stressed that fairness and justice must guide the distribution of these benefits across all constituencies in Zamfara State.