Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has sworn in the new council chairman of the Lapai Local Government Area of the state, Hon. Mohammed Musa Kiripko.
Swearing in the new chairman during the state executive council meeting at the council chamber of Government House, Minna, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, urged the new council chairman to carry all members of the local government legislative council along.
He reminded him that his elevation was done in accordance with the local government administration laws in the state, and as such, he should also follow the same due process to get his deputy.
"By the grace of God, today the Honourable Mohammed Musa Kirikpo is the substantive chairman of Lapai Local Government. This process is in accordance with our constitution and local government administration laws in the state.
"This does not stop here; you have created another gap by your movement to this new position. I want you to follow the same process in nominating who you want to succeed you as vice chairman of the council. You have the power to nominate, but the council legislators must approve it for it to stand," said the governor.
While congratulating the new council chairman on his elevation, the governor also advised him not to allow the power of leadership to intoxicate him, urging him to be fair and just to all.
The Governor also asked him to do his best to bring development to Lapai Local Government Area and the state by extension, adding that he should key into the present administration programmes and policies.
The new council chairman, in an interview with Government House Press shortly after his inauguration, promised to move Lapai Local Government forward.
He said that having been part of the regime of Hon. Mu'azu Jantabo, he will follow his footstep to bring development to the local government, adding that because revenue generation is very key to the actualization of his dream, he will harmonise all the revenue sources of the local government area.
Hon. Musa Kirikpo also solicited the support and cooperation of all stakeholders in Lapai Local Government Area to move the local government to an enviable height.
The Chief Justice of the state, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, represented by Her Worship, Hafsat Abdullahi Bawa Wuse, administered the oath of office and that of allegiance to the new council chairman.