The Awgu Local Government Area Traditional Rulers Council in Enugu State has commended Governor Peter Mbah for what it described as the peaceful conduct of the September 26 local government elections across the state.

The traditional rulers also congratulated the chairmen of Awgu and Aninri Local Government Areas on their re-election.

The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) conducted the election across the state’s 17 local government areas, with the exercise reported to have been largely peaceful in several parts of the state.

The council’s commendation comes amid the swearing-in of the newly elected local government chairmen by Governor Mbah at the Government House, Enugu.

Uche Okolo was sworn in as chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, while Ugochukwu Nwanjoku emerged as chairman of Aninri Local Government Area.

The traditional rulers congratulated the two council chairmen on their successful re-election and urged them to use their mandates to consolidate development at the grassroots.

The council also commended voters, electoral officials and security personnel for their conduct during the exercise.

Governor Mbah had, following the election, charged the newly elected council chairmen to immediately commence work, stressing that there would be no honeymoon given the development challenges confronting the state.

He urged the chairmen to prioritise poverty reduction, education, healthcare, sanitation and agriculture, while remaining accessible and accountable to the people.

Mbah also described local government as the tier of government closest to the people and a critical partner in the state’s development agenda.

The governor subsequently swore in the 17 elected chairmen and their deputies, following ENSIEC’s declaration of the results of the September 26 election.