Maikalangu Vows 80% Budget For Rural Areas After Receiving Certificate Of Return

The chairman-elect of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Maikalangu, has pledged to dedicate 80 per cent of his administration’s resources to developmental projects in rural communities, describing grassroots empowerment as the core mandate of local government.

Maikalangu made the commitment yesterday in Abuja shortly after receiving his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He was accompanied by his deputy, Yusuf Nadab, who also received his certificate.

The chairman-elect described the moment as the final bus stop of the electoral process and expressed profound gratitude to residents for renewing his mandate.

“I feel better, I feel good. Just the way everyone sitting here is happy. Today is the final day. We have gotten our Certificate of Return and we give God the glory because this is the last bus stop.

“We went out, we campaigned, we solicited votes from the people and they gave us their mandate. Here we are today with our Certificate of Return, so we give God the glory,” he said.

Outlining his priorities for the new term, the AMAC chairman emphasised that his administration would remain singularly focused on the needs of the common man at the grassroots level.

He stated that resource allocation would be strategic and based on the specific deficits of each ward.

“Anytime you talk about local government, you are talking about local people. I am going to give the rural areas 80 per cent because most of my activities dwell in the rural areas.

“Some areas need more infrastructure. If you talk about Kabusa Ward, for example, it is one of the largest wards with many rural communities that need government attention. You have to spread resources, schools here, infrastructure there so that everybody feels the impact,” he said.

In a gesture of unity, Maikalangu extended a hand of fellowship to his political opponents, urging them to collaborate with him to move the council forward. He stressed that political rivalry should not be mistaken for enmity.

“In any contest, only one person will emerge. I have performed and the people have given me a second chance. I need them. Whatever ideas they have, let us bring them together and move AMAC forward.

“We were never enemies. You will never see me insulting my opponents. We are all political friends. Everybody is my friend,” he said.

Also speaking, the vice chairman-elect, Yusuf Nadabo, described the day as joyous and assured residents of a seamless continuation of good governance.

He reiterated that projects would be tailored to the specific needs of each community, whether in infrastructure, education, or water supply.

“This is a continued government. I am coming to join my principal on a motion already, so we will build on that.

“In some wards, it is water; in others, it is education or infrastructure. Because it is local, it will be people-oriented. We will operate an open-door policy so citizens can see what we are doing and what resources are available,” he said.

Presenting the certificates at the commission’s office, the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Malam Aminu Idris, described the event as the formal conclusion of a successful and transparent electoral process.

Idris noted that the presentation covered the six area council chairmen and their deputies, as well as 62 councilors who emerged winners across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“I wish, on behalf of the Commission, to congratulate all of you for your success at the polls. I urge you to see your mandates as a call to duty to the people.

“Your election is a testament to the trust imposed on you by the people. I encourage you to embrace your mandate with a sense of duty, working tirelessly to better the situation of your constituents,” he said.

The REC expressed gratitude to stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force and various political parties, for their roles in ensuring a free and fair election.

He urged the newly elected officials to justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering inclusive and transparent governance.