By Ibrahim Aliyu, Staff Reporter
Indigenes of Zamfara State drawn from various communities across the state’s fourteen local government areas have turned out in large numbers to participate in the election of new executive members of the Zamfara State Association of Indigenes Resident in Kaduna State.
The election, which held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna State Council Complex, resulted in the emergence of Alhaji Balarabe Garba as Chairman and Mallam Sani Umar as Secretary General of the association. The newly elected executives are expected to steer the affairs of the association for the next four years.
Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Dr. Attahiru Abdullahi of Kaduna Polytechnic, while announcing the results, explained that elections were conducted for ten executive positions, while three positions—two ex-officio members and the Legal Adviser—were reserved for nomination into the executive committee.
Dr. Abdullahi further stated that Mallam Sani Umar emerged victorious in the Secretary General position, while Umar Musa and Aminu Ismail were duly elected as Treasurer and Public Relations Officer respectively, alongside other members of the newly constituted executive council.
Speaking to journalists before the commencement of voting, Deputy Inspector General of Police (rtd.), Mamman Ibrahim Tsafe, a former Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs in Zamfara State, expressed satisfaction with the impressive turnout, describing it as a strong indication of unity among Zamfara indigenes resident in Kaduna State.
He urged members to continue to uphold peaceful coexistence with host communities, noting that harmony is critical to progress and collective success.
In an interview with newsmen, the newly elected Chairman, Alhaji Balarabe Garba, pledged to prioritize the welfare and well-being of Zamfara communities living in Kaduna State.
He assured members of an open-door policy, fairness, and commitment in the discharge of his duties, stressing his determination to deliver his mandate creditably in line with the association’s objectives.
Members of the Electoral Committee included Colonel Rabiu Yandoto (rtd.), Hajiya Aishatu Maradu, and Mallam Abdullahi Musa Adarkake. The association has a total of 669 registered members, out of which 406 participated in the election.
The issuance of Certificates of Return and the formal inauguration of the newly elected executives are expected to take place at a later date, yet to be announced.