Governor announces March 12 for council polls

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March 1, 2016 4:04 PM

The local government elections in Sokoto state are set to hold on March 12, 2016 and the governor has promised it will be a free and fair process.

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto

The March 12 local government election in Sokoto will set new standards by being the first state to use the new voters’ card and the card reader machine at the local council level, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has said.

Speaking during the flag-off of campaign for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for Sokoto North Senatorial district held at Binji LGA, Tambuwal said both the state government and the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) have vowed to respect the sanctity of the polls and the outcome of the views of the generality of the populace to be expressed through their ballots.He said Sokoto will always strive to align itself with global best practices, adding that rather than use the power of incumbency, the state APC has been going round canvassing for votes.He urged other political parties to do the same and avoid acts that will undermine the process. The governor also commended APC supporters for the interest and enthusiasm shown ahead of the polls, saying the only way to deepen democracy in Nigeria is to ensure all local governments are ruled by democratically-elected executives.In his remarks, former Sokoto state governor and senator representing Sokoto North in the Senate, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, commended Tambuwal for the commendable manner he has steered the affairs of Sokoto since May 2015, and advised the people to always be patient with their leaders."Leadership is a difficult task. We should always be at the forefront of advising our leaders. If they don't heed our advice the first time, let's advise them again and pray for them" he added.

According to the Governor's spokesman, Imam Imam, the flags were presented to APC candidates for Binji, Wamakko, Silame, Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Gudu, Tangaza and Kware LGAs ahead of the election.

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