The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission on Tuesday presented certificates of return to the 17 newly elected local government chairmen and their deputies.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event followed the peaceful conduct of the September 26 local government election across the state.

The YOSIEC Chairman, Dr Ibrahim Yabani, while speaking at the occasion in Damaturu on Tuesday, urged the newly elected council leaders to shift their attention from politics to governance and effective service delivery.

He said, “The campaign season is over now. It is time to focus on governance, service delivery and the progress of Yobe State.”

Yabani urged the chairmen to build on their achievements, pursue excellence and initiate more impactful development projects at the grassroots.

The YOSIEC chairman also charged them to reciprocate the trust reposed in them by their constituents by promoting inclusive governance and improving the welfare of their communities.

He added that “your communities placed their trust in you; you must reciprocate this honour by redoubling your efforts, initiating impactful grassroots projects and promoting inclusive governance in the new administration.”

He stressed the need for continuous improvement, urging even councils already performing well to strive for greater achievements.

Yabani attributed the successful conduct of the election to the support provided by the state government and what he described as “Gov. Mai Mala Buni’s policy of non-interference in the electoral process.

“We highly commend the state government for providing the critical financial support necessary for the conduct of this exercise and, most importantly, for maintaining strict policy of non-interference.”

He disclosed that the commission had received two awards from the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations and the Visiting Journalists Association in recognition of its leadership, performance and achievements in election administration.

“I dedicate these awards to the entire YOSIEC team; they represent a victory for our collective integrity,” Yabani said. (NAN)