Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, on Wednesday warned the newly sworn-in interim council chairmen of the 23 local government councils in the state to be wary of elements of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), whom he said would only want to pull them down. “PDP is a virus that God has saved Nigeria from; don’t fraternise with PDP elements in your local government areas, work with APC elements so that we can bring about the needed development,” El-Rufai said.

He asked them to work with change elements who are committed to making Kaduna State great again and to be good ambassadors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in their respective areas, working for the grassroots in line with their party manifesto.

The Governor, who spoke during the swearing-in ceremony in Government House, Kaduna, warned the new LG chairmen not to engage in religious and ethnic sentiments while performing their duties, adding that they should unite the people of the state. He urged them not to disappoint the people and to endeavour to provide good leadership for the residents.

While congratulating them on their appointment, El-Rufai also said that he commiserated with them because they are coming on board at a time when the resources of government are dwindling and in spite of that, they are expected to perform and change the face of their council areas.

He reminded them that a new tax code is now in force in the state and the era of multiple taxation is over, stressing that only officials of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Services are expected to collect taxes and remit what is due to each local government. The Governor warned that anyone person caught collecting revenue in cash would be prosecuted and sent to jail.

El-Rufai said the local government will soon witness a reform as some services are better delivered at that level, mentioning adult education, fire service and maintenance of abattoir, among such services.

•Photo shows Governor El-Rufai.