By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Apparently happy with the successful conduct of February 12 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections, the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Honourable Alabi Kolade David has said that experience so far aggregated across the rural governance since 1999 till date has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the people are not only getting more attuned and receptive to democratic experiment through the electoral process but are also taking ownership of the system as contemplated in Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution as (Amended).
Hon. Alabi said this in a statement issued by his Abuja Media Office while reacting to the outcome of the last Saturday’s FCT Area Council Elections in Abuja.
The National President thanked INEC for conducting and ensuring a rancour-free election and allowing the wishes of the legitimate beneficiaries of government at that level to decide who governs them.
He added that declaring the winners of the Council election held on Saturday, as early as Sunday, has further demonstrated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s determination to continually improve the process in line with international standard best practices.
The ALGON boss on behalf of its National Executive Council (NEC) specifically thanked the FCT Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Musa Bello, for his commitment to enthroning virile FCT through selfless service, respect for rules and his inclusive approach to governance.
He commended all the Returning Officers in the Council Elections acting professionally as unbiased umpire.
Meanwhile, Alabi used the opportunity to congratulate all the winners in the six area councils in the FCT, their victory to God Almighty and the good people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) who defied all odds to elect candidates of their choice.
He urged the winners to extend an olive branch to the losers and be magnanimous in victory to move the FCT forward as a model which Local Government Areas and Councils in the Country will always envy.
He equally welcomed all the Chairmen-elect of the Six Area Councils on board the ALGON family, which, according to him, has witnessed some progressive change that is gaining traction.
