I’ll still count on IBB, Abubakar’s wisdom to succeed – Niger gov
By Wole Mosadomi
Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger state has said that he will still count on the wisdom of the two former Heads of State, Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar to propel the state to a success, saying, “If I fail, it means you have failed and if I succeed, it means you have made me to succeed”.
In his speech delivered at the inauguration ceremony as the re-elected governor of the state at the Trade fair complex, Minna Sunday, the Governor noted that the state is blessed with brilliant and talented people and he will expect them to join hands with him to move the state forward.
Casting his mind back to the rigours of the just concluded elections, Dr. Aliyu said while it may appear tough to win the peoples’ trust for the fourth time in politics, “It is even tougher when you are asking for a second chance, and the burden of accountability is heavier once you have been given a second chance to correct your earlier short-comings”.
He described his second tenure as a sacred trust between him and the people and promised to uphold the mandate towards moving the state to an enviable one.
Dr. Aliyu said now that the elections are over, there should be no excuse to continue to harbor ill-feelings and animosities towards one another especially if everyone is really concerned with the development of the state.
He however advised all those with grievances with regards to the elections to exercise their full constitutional rights by peacefully going to the tribunals if they so wish, adding however that, “An individuals’ right stops where the other persons’ rights begins and so we should always promote mutual respect and understanding to make Niger state a haven of peace, tranquility and prosperity”.
The Governor promised to use the renewed mandate to maintain and improve on the standards attained in Education, Agriculture, Health, Infrastructural development, Culture and Tourism among others.
He promised to put the people at the centre of governance and that the Ward Development Projects initiative so that they are not only made to participate in governance at the micro level but to encourage then to take care of themselves properly and to do things according to their own understanding and aspirations.
The oath of office was administered on him and his Deputy Alhaji Ahmed Musa Ibeto by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Jibrin Ndajiwo amidst tight security.
