By Yusuf A. Yusuf, Damaturu
The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) on Tuesday presented certificates of return to the 17 local government chairmen and their vice chairmen elected in the state's recent 2026 council polls, formally sealing their victory ahead of their inauguration.
Speaking at the Commission's headquarters in Damaturu, the SIEC Chairman, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammad Yabani, described the chairmen's and vice chairmen's victory as a clear validation of their dedication, character, and track record of delivering meaningful development to the people at the grassroots level.
He, however, charged the incoming council bosses to embrace continuous improvement, invoking a popular Hausa proverb, "Idan kana da kyau, ka kara da wanka," meaning even when one is already doing well, one must strive for absolute excellence.
"Your communities have reposed their trust in you; you must reciprocate this honor by doubling your efforts, pioneering more impactful grassroots projects, and driving inclusive governance in this upcoming administration," Yabani said.
The SIEC chairman attributed the credibility of the exercise to Governor Mai Mala Buni's strict policy of non-interference, which he said allowed the Commission to deliver a credible, transparent, and fair election.
"We highly commend the state government for providing the critical financial support necessary for the execution of this exercise, and most importantly, for maintaining a strict policy of non-interference," he said, expressing profound gratitude to the governor for his unwavering commitment to deepening democracy in the state.
Yabani also disclosed that the Commission had received two awards for Good Leadership, Performance, and Exceptional Achievement in Election Administration from the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations and the Visiting Journalists Association, respectively.
"I dedicate these awards to the entire commission's team; it is a victory for our collective integrity," said Yabani.
The SIEC chairman congratulated all 17 chairmen and urged them to shift focus from politics to service delivery.
"The campaign season is over, it is now time to focus entirely on governance, service delivery, and the progress of Yobe State," he said.
The certificate presentation marks the final stage of the local government electoral process in the state, paving the way for the chairmen's formal assumption of office.
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