By Able Daniel

LAFIA—The Forum of Former Councillors in Nasarawa State, yesterday, endorsed the candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, for the April governorship elections.

The group, which comprises former councillors across the 13 local government from various political parties, who were sacked after the administration of former Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma, and have embarked on legal battle to take back all their accrued allowances since their disengagement, have reposed confidence on Maku who have always supported them over the period in the legal battle.

In a communiqué read by the chairman of the forum and former Speaker from Awe, Hamisu Abubakar, in Akwanga after an interface with APGA governorship aspirant, echoed the need for Maku to be elected to restore the peace and unity of the state once upheld, when he was the deputy governor of the state.

He expressed optimism that if Maku is elected, the state would be returned to its peaceful state and pave way for the sustainable development of the state.

The group, however, called on all people in the state to wave aside any political party affiliations and elect a candidate who has vast experience that would restore the harmony and peaceful coexistence the state once enjoyed irrespective of religion and ethnic diversity.

It said: “Labaran Maku is a man with an undaunted record both in and outside the state. He is a tested and trusted politician who believes in the unity and prosperity of Nasarawa state.

“He has never been known to have failed in all the position he handle. Lets give him a chance this time again.”

Responding, Maku thanked the forum for their gesture and assured that if elected all their unpaid outstanding moneis since their disengagement will be paid them.

He urged the forum to see Nasarawa State beyond any political party, saying himself was fully in PDP, but now in APGA because it is not all about political party but the person who will restore peace and reunite the people.

He called on the group to remain focused in their pursuit for their right and the wellbeing of the state because according to Maku “we cannot take leave from our state to another state; we must work towards returning the state from the ruin of political, religious and ethnic sentiment.”