Zabzugu (N/R), March 30, GNA - The Zabzugu/Tatale District Assembly on Friday failed to endorse Alhaji John Bashiru Yakubu, the President's nominee for the position of District Chief Executive. There was a tie after the first round of voting with 21 ballots in favour of Alhaji Yakubu and 21 against. The Electoral Commission conducted the election, which was supervised by Mr. Sylvester Kanyi, Northern Regional Director of the Commission.

Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, Northern Regional Minister who witnessed the election entreated the members to reconsider the Presidents nominee when they reconvene on April 4, to vote again. He said further delay in accepting the President's nominee would be holding the development of the district back and therefore entreated them to place the development of the district above their parochial interest.

In a related development the newly created Saboba District Assembly overwhelmingly endorsed Mr. David Biwiin Nyame, as the District Chief Executive for the area. Out of 20 votes cast, he polled 19 votes. Mr. Nyame is a former assembly member and also worked with the Non-formal Division of the Ministry of Education. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Nyame thanked the assembly members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged not to disappoint them. He also appealed for co-operation from assembly members, as well as the entire Saboba community.

Alhaji Idris urged the new DCE not to become a "desk officer" but to move down to the people and find out their problems and the development challenges facing the district.