Tambuwal: Sokoto will use card reader for LG poll

Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto state governor, says card reader device would be used in the conduct of the local government election in the state.

He made the announcement on Tuesday in Binji local government area at the commencement of the APC campaign in Sokoto north senatorial district.

Tambuwal said Sokoto would set new standard by being the first state in Nigeria to use the new voter card and the card reader machine to conduct the local government poll.

He said that the government and the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) had vowed to respect the sanctity of the polls and the views of the electorate expressed through their ballots.

Tambuwal said the state would align itself with global best practices, adding that rather than use the power of incumbency, APC candidates had been going round canvassing for votes.

He advised other political parties to do the same and avoid acts that would undermine the process.

The governor commended APC supporters for the interest and enthusiasm shown ahead of the poll.

He said that the only way to deepen democracy in Nigeria was to ensure that local government councils were ruled by democratically-elected executives.

In his remarks, Aliyu Wamakko, the senator representing Sokoto North, commended Tambuwal for the “commendable manner” he had steered the affairs of Sokoto since May 2015.

Wamakko, who was the former governor of the state, advised the people to be patient with their leaders.

“Leadership is a difficult task. We should always be at the forefront in advising our leaders,” he said.

“If they don’t heed our advise the first time, let’s advise them again and pray for them.”