Abuja: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented certificates of return to the newly re-elected Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Maikalangu, and his Vice, Mohammed Nadabo. The presentation was made on Wednesday at the commission’s office to mark the conclusion of the February 21 Area Council elections.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Malam Aminu Idris, described the presentation as the formal conclusion of a successful and transparent electoral process. The certificates were also given to six area council chairmen and their deputies, as well as 62 councilors who emerged victorious across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Idris congratulated the elected officials and urged them to view their mandates as a call to duty for the people. He emphasized the trust placed in them by the electorate and encouraged them to work diligently to address the needs of their constituents. He also expressed gratitude to stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force and various political parties, for ensuring a conclusive election.
Christopher Maikalangu, the re-elected chairman, expressed his gratitude to God and the electorate, describing the ceremony as the ‘final bus stop’ of the election cycle. He promised to continue his developmental efforts, allocating 80 percent of projects and programs to rural communities. He emphasized the importance of focusing on local government and pledged to deliver the benefits of democracy to the rural areas.
Maikalangu addressed the diverse needs within the council, stating that infrastructure would be allocated based on the specific needs of each ward, with areas like Kabusa and Garki requiring particular attention. He also invited his political opponents to collaborate with his administration to advance the council’s development.
Vice Chairman-elect, Mohammed Nadabo, assured residents of an ‘open-door policy’ and emphasized a people-oriented approach. He acknowledged the varying needs across wards, such as water, education, and infrastructure, and promised to operate within available resources to maintain public confidence.