Charged with the mandate to restore the association back to its glory, the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria on Thursday, formally inaugurated a seven-member Committee to conduct election that will usher in new executive to pilot its affairs.
The event chaired by Hon. Abdullahi Shuaibu Maje, Chairman of the IMC in the presence of other local government chairmen, was held in Chelsea Hotel, wuse 2 Abuja on Thursday, 27th January 2022.
Maje, during inauguration charged committee members to expedite action in conducting the election.
The electoral committee members includes; Hon. Timothy Oyedokun, from Ogbomosho South LGA in Oyo State- South West, Hon. Engr. Felix Ogbonnaya Igboke from Onicha LGA in Ebonyi State- South East and Hon. Anyatuonwu Ike from Isialangwa South LGA in Abia State- South East, Barr. Fabian Ogbeche from Yala LGA in Cross River State- South South, Hon. Bakaru Adamu from Damaturu LGA in Yobe State- North East, Hon. SalisuIsah Dangulbi from Maru LGA in Zamfara State–North West, Hon. Mrs. Hassana Jezhi Bako from Kotton-Karffi LGA in Kogi State- North Central.
Speaking while inaugurating the committee, the IMC Chairman said: “Today’s meeting is very important because it involves the inauguration of the Electoral Committee to conduct election that will bring to an end what we have been going through in the last two years.
“The interim management committee was inaugurated few years ago when the General Assembly came together and dissolved the then leadership of Kolade Alabi, the LCDA Chairman and his deputy. We all know that LCDAs are not part of the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) we have in Nigeria.
“They are not recognised by either the Nigeria Constitution or by the Constitution of ALGON. And that was why the General Assembly of ALGON, comprising the Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councillors decided to dissolve that leadership and set up the IMC headed by my humble self. Ever since then, we have been from one court to the other even as I speak with you.
“Since we cannot continue this way, we decided, as part of our responsibilities as IMC, to set up Electoral Committee to conduct election to usher in new leadership from within the 774 LGAs.
“As I formally inaugurate the Committee, I charge you to conduct the election within the shortest period of time. I urge anybody from the 774 LGAs who wish to contest to get across to the Electoral Committee and do the necessary thing,” he added.
The committee chairman Timothy Oyedokun, in response assured the IMC that they will strive to make integrity their watchword in the discharge of the responsibility given to them.
“On behalf of the committee, I wish to formally accept the responsibility given to us. It is a big task you have given us, but I believe we can deliver. We intend to be transparent, follow the guidelines set by the national body as regards electioneering and more importantly, we will meet up with the deadline.
“I commend you, Mr Chairman, because you are on trajectory for an epic history today. We want to thank all the members of the IMC for making today a reality. I assure you that the confidence you reposed in us will not be regretted,” Oyedoken assured.
Meanwhile, the IMC also faulted the Association Board of Trustee chaired by Hon. Ategbero Michael Odunayo for supporting men who have illegally hijacked the association. It stated that the BOT who are supposed to act as guardians, protecting and maintaining the core values, purposes of the association are now acting as nuisance because of some peanuts.
However, the IMC further urged the BOT to assist their fight in upholding truth, transparency, tranquility, good leadership and accountability for the interest of the association.