The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has sworn in 6 Area Council Chairmen and their Vice-Chairmen.
Those sworn in are
1. Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido Chairman, AMAC
Hon. Lawrence Onuchukwu Vice Chairman
2. Hon. Abdulrahman Ajiya Chairman, Abaji
Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar Vice Chairman
3. Dr John Gabaya Shekwogaza Chairman, Bwari
Hon. Aminu Gumel Vice Chairman
4. Hon Adamu M. Danze Chairman, Gwagwalada
Hon. Kasimu Mohammed Vice Chairman
5. Hon. Abdullahi Sabo Chairman, Kuje
Hon. Shema Kwasu Vice Chairman
6. Hon. Danladi Chiya Chairman, Kwali
Hon. Zubairu Jibrin Vice Chairman
In his address during the ceremony, the FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Musa Bello tasked the newly sworn-in Chairmen on the need to imbibe the virtues of good governance and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
Malam Bello also called on them to be accountable to God and to the people who elected them to office.
In his words, “the temptations that come with occupying an elected public office are enormous, but you must not lose sight of the fact that you are accountable first to God and very importantly, to your people”.
He also advised the Chairmen to always ensure that public funds are used for the purpose for which they are intended.
“You must learn from past mistakes and build on existing successes. You should resist the temptation to discard good ideas or discontinue laudable projects because they are not your own and you want to initiate your own. You should know that when projects are not completed it is a disservice to the people”, he said.
Describing the FCT as the centre and symbol of national unity, the Minister also urged the Chairmen to use their position to promote the harmonious coexistence among the various segments of the Nigerian population living in their domain.
Stressing that the area councils are a part of the FCT Administration, Malam Bello called on the council Chairmen to work with political, religious leaders and traditional rulers for the overall benefit of residents and visitors to the FCT.
In a vote of thanks given on behalf of the new Chairmen, Hon. Adamu Abdullahi Candido of AMAC commended the Minister for his support for development at the Area Councils. He described Malam Bello as a unique man with the fear of God.
Candido who was re-elected as chairman for a second term was particularly appreciative of the Minister for the prompt release of allocations due area councils from the Federation Account.
He said: “This Minister does not deduct a dime from our Federation Account allocation. We get it exactly as approved and on time. This has helped us a great deal in the work that we do for our people and we are very grateful for it”.
