By Muhammed Ogwu, Lafia
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has elected Bello Lawal, the chairman of Kaita LGA of Katsina State, as its new National President.
Aminu Mua’zu-Maifata, whose tenure as the former national president of the association and as the former chairman of Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State has come to an end, confirmed the election in a telephone interview with our correspondent in Lafia, the state capital.
According to him, the National Executive Council meeting of the association convened in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, in the early hours of Tuesday. During this meeting, members elected Bello Lawal as the new president to lead the association.
He disclosed that all 36 ALGON chairmen were present in Lafia, where they conducted the election. After the swearing-in, he handed over the mantle of leadership to Bello Lawal, who hails from Katsina State.
In his farewell speech, the outgoing president, Aminu Mua’zu-Maifata, congratulated Lawal and urged ALGON members to extend their full support to the new leadership. He appreciated the NEC for conducting a peaceful and transparent election, expressing confidence in Lawal’s ability to steer the association in the right direction.
His words: “I have no doubt that Bello Lawal will lead ALGON to greater heights. I call on all of you to give him the same cooperation you gave me during my tenure.”
Earlier, in his acceptance speech, Lawal expressed gratitude to the NEC members for entrusting him with the leadership of the association. He vowed to build on the achievements of his predecessor and ensure that ALGON continues to advocate for the autonomy of local governments in the country.
His words: “I am deeply honored by this responsibility, and I assure you all that I will give my very best to further the cause of this great organization. With the support of every member, I am confident that we can push the objectives of ALGON to a desirable end, especially in the ongoing struggle for local government autonomy.”
The chairman of Katsina local government also used this opportunity to appeal for unity among members, stressing the need for maximum cooperation to achieve their common goals.
Meanwhile, the president of the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria (PNCON) congratulated the newly elected ALGON national president, Engr. Bello Lawal, the executive chairman of Kaita LGA council of Katsina State, praying for Almighty Allah to grant him wisdom and knowledge to lead the association effectively.
This was contained in a statement signed by Yusuf Shuaibu-Aliyu Wapa, president of the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria (PNCON), on behalf of the national executives and state leadership. The statement was obtained by our correspondent via telephone in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
According to the statement, the election of Shuaibu-Aliyu Wapa as the new ALGON president did not come as a surprise due to his track record and dedication in the areas of prudence, accountability, and transparency in financial management.
