By Shettima Afartya
A former Professor of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Michika/Madagali Federal Constituency, Professor Ibrahim Emmanuel Vahyala, has endorsed Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri directive requiring the newly inaugurated local government chairmen in Adamawa State to reside in their respective council areas, describing the measure as essential for effective grassroots governance.
Governor Fintiri issued the directive during the inauguration of the 21 elected local government chairmen, urging them to remain in their council headquarters and focus on delivering the dividends of democracy to their communities.
Reacting to the directive in an interview, Professor Vahyala said effective administration cannot be carried out by proxy.
«”You cannot administer effectively in absentia. A chairman must be physically present to supervise projects, monitor staff, oversee public expenditure and ensure that government policies and programmes are implemented as intended,” he said.»
He explained that physical presence enables local government chairmen to closely supervise projects, monitor service delivery, oversee public expenditure and ensure that government policies are implemented efficiently.
While acknowledging that official duties may occasionally require travel to Yola, Abuja or other locations, he stressed that such engagements should not become an excuse for abandoning their responsibilities at the grassroots.
Professor Vahyala congratulated the newly inaugurated chairmen and expressed hope that they would earn the confidence of their constituents through responsive leadership, transparency and improved service delivery.
He described transparency and accountability as fundamental obligations of every public office holder, urging the chairmen to manage public resources responsibly and avoid financial mismanagement, inflated contracts and other forms of corruption.
The former university professor also reiterated his support for local government autonomy, arguing that greater administrative and financial independence would strengthen grassroots governance and enable residents to objectively assess the performance of their elected leaders.
He further called on traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, youth and women groups to support the new administrations by safeguarding public infrastructure, promoting community security and participating actively in local governance.
According to him, protecting public assets—including schools, healthcare facilities, boreholes, transformers and solar-powered infrastructure—is a shared responsibility between government and citizens.
Professor Vahyala added that development priorities should be guided by the specific needs of each local government area, noting that while some councils require improved road infrastructure, others may need greater investment in healthcare, education, agriculture, water supply or security.
On preparations for the 2027 general elections, he urged eligible Nigerians to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing the PVC as an essential instrument for democratic participation.
While acknowledging the role of social media in voter mobilisation and civic education, he cautioned citizens against fraudulent online platforms impersonating the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), advising them to rely only on official channels for voter registration and other electoral activities.
Professor Vahyala, who recently emerged as the PDP candidate for the Michika/Madagali Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general election, reaffirmed his commitment to seeking the support of the electorate and pledged to provide effective, accountable and people-centred representation if elected.
