Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has ordered the 23 local government chairmen to relocate to their respective council areas, a move aimed at enhancing governance and improving engagement with local communities.
The directive was issued during a Sallah courtesy visit by the chairmen at the Government House in Sokoto. The governor believes that effective leadership at the grassroots requires physical presence and direct interaction with the people.
Governor Aliyu stressed that governing from the state capital while overseeing local government affairs is no longer acceptable. He urged the chairmen to adopt a more proactive and hands-on approach in administering their councils, with the aim of improving service delivery and accelerating development across the state.
To support this move, the state government plans to either reclaim existing official quarters or construct new accommodation in all 23 local government areas to house council chairmen and key staff.
The Sokoto State chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Abba Shehu Tambuwal, has reaffirmed the commitment of the council chairmen to align with the administration's development agenda.
The governor's decision is a significant step towards strengthening local government administration in Sokoto State.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu's directive is a long-overdue move that should be commended. However, the success of this initiative depends on the governor's willingness to follow through on his plans to provide accommodation for the council chairmen. If implemented, this move could lead to improved service delivery and a more responsive local government administration. The people of Sokoto State deserve better, and it's time for the government to deliver on its promises.
