Sequel to tenure expiration of the outgoing executive council, Gombe Local Government Deaf Association, an election to pick the next crop of leaders was conducted penultimate weekend.
The exercise which took place on Saturday 25th, March 2023 within premises of Bubayero Primary School was peacefully contested.
Head of the electoral committee, Mallam Ali Isah Ya’u, in an address before commencement of the election advised contestants and their supporters on the need to maintain peace during the election.
Ya’u noted that election isn’t a “do or die affair”. He further stressed the importance of members of the association freely exercising their franchise by choosing candidates to entrust their mandate of guiding the Association’s affairs for the next four years.
Following official announcement of the election results by the Ali Isah Ya’u led electoral committee, the Gombe State Association of the Deaf (GOMSAD) Zonal Coordinator, Gombe North, Mr. Abdulkadir Turaki, made the outcomes available to INN Correspondent in the State.
The signed statement declared Mr Inuwa A. Sunusi winner of the Association’s chairmanship seat. Inuwa garnered 66 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Mr. Nura Bashir who polled 24 votes.
Mr Ahmadu Mohammed Railway polled 46 votes for the position of Secretary General to defeat his opponent, Mr. Zakariyya Mohammed who got 37 votes.
Turaki noted in the official statement that eight (8) positions were contested unopposed.
Ibrahim Magaji emerged deputy chairman. Assistant General Secretary went to Ibrahim Yusuf. Ibrahim A. Yahaya is Auditor, while Auwalu Mohammed got the post of Public Relations Officer.
Others are: Mal. Sani Buba (Welfare Officer), Ibrahim Abdullahi (Financial Secretary), Ummi Sulaiman (Women Leader) and Aishatu Adamu (Treasurer).
According to the GOMSAD Zonal Coordinator, the election is a continuation of GOMSAD’s effort to ensure the emergence of Deaf leadership at grassroot level.
Responding to the new development, Chairman of GOMSAD, Mr.Blessed Charles congratulated the newly elected executive officials and wished them success in the discharge of their duties.
Mr. Charles, who acted as an election observer, advised the new Deaf leaders to be prepared to face the responsibilities and challenges of their high offices while serving the people diligently.
He also urged the entire members of the Association, including losers to give the new chairman and his officials maximum cooperation to ensure success of his administration.
INN reports that the election was only the second in the local Association’s history since its establishment many years ago