Inauguration: Tambuwal, Yahaya, Sanwo-Olu, Matawalle, Bala Mohammed, Ugwuanyi, Abdulrazaq, Fintiri, Sani Bello, others unveil plans

Inauguration: Tambuwal, Yahaya, Sanwo-Olu, Matawalle, Bala Mohammed, Ugwuanyi, Abdulrazaq, Fintiri, Sani Bello, others unveil plans

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, on Wednesday, extended hands of fellowship to groups and individuals across the state to run a purposeful leadership and good governance.
Tambuwal made the call after he was sworn-in for second term as Sokoto State Governor in Sokoto, and expressed appreciation to the people of the state for giving him another mandate of four years.
He said different programmes, policies and projects were initiated during his first tenure, which impacted positively on  the lives of residents.
He added that all viable projects would be sustained  and  corrections made in  areas that needed alignments and assured of  continued prudence and people-centered governance.
The governor solicited public support, irrespective of political affiliation,  noting that interest in progress  of the state should be paramount.
According to him, his administration rehabilitated and constructed hospitals, schools, roads and other infrastructure across the the state aimed at uplifting peoples’ lives.
He said committee for implementation of newly approved minimum wage had  been set up, while approval for tertiary institutions and health workers salary scale was made.
He commended traditional rulers, government officials, youths, women groups, politicians, community groups and others for their support that facilitated success in the last administration and hoped to extend same in the coming administeration which had begun.
The acting state Chief Judge, Justice Sa’idu Sifawa, administered the oath of office on  Tambuwal and his Deputy, Alhaji Manniru Dan’iya.
The event was attended by Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, head of agencies, Security Chiefs, Bishop Mathew Kuka,  traditional and religious leaders, women leaders, chieftains of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), among others.
Tambuwal, who contested on the platform of PDP, in the 2019 general elections in the country defeated All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu, with 512,002 votes, while Aliyu scored 511,660, a margin of 342 votes.
No fewer than 52 governorship candidates participated in the election in Sokoto State.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has expressed readiness to work closely with traditional institutions for the peace and development of the state.
Yahaya stated this in his speech shortly after he was sworn-in as governor on Wednesday in Gombe.
“Traditional institutions are custodians of our culture, they play a vital role, we will work closely with them to restore peace and development in the state.
“We will give them chance to contribute meaningfully to the overall development in their domains.
“This administration will create the enabling environment for investors who will be willing to come into the state, make investment profitable and attractive for public and private sector.
“I will make concerted effort to enthrone a functional civil service, ensure good condition of service and create a conducive atmosphere for civil servants to work, and we are expecting you to reciprocate the gesture,” he said.
On education, the new governor said he  would improve standard by building the capacity of teachers and providing instructional material in schools.
He also said his administration would expand the Dadin Kowa water works to meet the water demand of Gombe people.
The governor said that he would create job opportunities for the teeming youths to reduce the rate of drug abuse and other social vices.
On healthcare, Yahaya promised to construct additional health facilities and provide modern equipment across all facilities in the state.
Heavy security presence pervaded the area within and around the Pantami Stadium in Gombe.
Security personnel were seen patrolling major streets leading to the Pantami Stadium and Gombe Metropolis.
Residents, who trouped out en masse to witness the occasion, were thoroughly screened while personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were seen controlling the traffic.
The 12,000 capacity stadium was filled up as supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were seen in the party’s colour dancing and celebrating within and outside the stadium.
Traditional and religious leaders were present at the ceremony including the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubabar Shehu-Abubakar III.
Yahaya, who was born on October 9, 1961 in Jekafari Ward, Gombe State, was sworn in as the 4th elected governor of the state after late Abubakar Hashidu, Senator Danjuma Goje and the immediate past governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo.
He attended Central Primary School Gombe from 1968 to 1974, Government Secondary School Gombe where he passed out in 1979, and graduated with BSC Accounting from ABU Zaria in 1983.
Prior to his election as the governor, he was an international businessman.
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State pledged to give priority attention to Integrated Rural Development as part of efforts to boost socio-economic status of the rural populace.
Ganduje made the remark shortly after he was sworn-in as the Governor of the state for the second term on Wednesday in Kano.
The state Chief Judge, Justice Nuradeen Sagir-Umar, administered the oath of office on Ganduje and his Deputy, Dr Nasiru Gawuna at Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
According to him, the measure is necessary in order to provide the necessary infrastructure such as roads for the development of the rural areas.
“This time around, we shall pursue integrated rural development for providing infrastructure for the social and economic growth of the areas,’’ he said.
He said that the state government had signed an agreement with French Government for the expansion of rural water supply across the Local Government Areas (LGAs) with challenges of water supply.
He said 63.5 million Euros would be expended in the execution of the project in addition to completing all other ongoing rural water supply projects.
Ganduje, who, expressed gratitude to the people of the state for giving him another mandate, also promised not to disappoint them.
He said that election was over, saying that as the governor of the state, “he is a father to all people of the state’’.
The event, which was conducted peacefully, was attended by thousands of people from within and outside the state.
In Lagos, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu was sworn in as the 15th Governor of the Centre of Excellence.
Sanwo-olu was sworn in at 11.15a.m., after his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat was sworn in earlier by the Chief Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke.
He arrived the Tafawa Balewa Square, with his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, to a tumultuous reception around 10.30 a.m.
The incoming governor was decked in a white attire, with a sky cap to match.
Sanwo-Olu in his inaugural speech, tagged “Awakening a Greater Lagos’’ described the day as historic and urged Lagosians to not just dream of a greater Lagos but to collectively rise up to build a Lagos of their dreams.
He vowed to, forever, remain loyal to the aspirations of the people and to the developmental blueprint that had brought success to the state since 1999.
“I shall never deviate from that which best serves the people of Lagos in our journey for progressive governance and economic development.
“The Babajide Sanwo-Olu you see today shall not change and try to become something I am not. My prayer is only that I grow and improve as your governor to implement good policies and bring the prosperity you deserve,’’ he said.
The governor said his administration had embarked on a new social contract that would be beneficial to all, irrespective of age, religion, status and ethnicity.
“Every Lagosian has a role in this government and we will on our part, certainly walk the talk in all that we will do as your elected officials,’’ he said.
Sanwo-Olu assured that he would select the best and most qualified people to hold positions in his government.
“My door shall remain open to all. I shall seek the advice of the learned, the wise, and the ordinary Lagosian, for in the common man resides much wisdom and fairness of thought.’’
He said his administration would reel out on a six-pillar development plan which would be a commitment to the yearnings of the people.
The governor said the agenda, tagged “THEMES’’, would touch on key components including traffic, health, education, economy, entertainment and security.
Sanwo-Olu’s inauguration was witnessed by thousands of well-wishers, among whom were the first civilian governor of the state, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa; Oba Rilwan Akiolu; former Deputy Governor of Lagos state, Mr Femi Pedro; wife of the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mrs Abimbola Fashola, and other dignitaries.
The governor, who was born on June 25, 1965, started his early education at Government Demonstration School, Surulere and Ijebu-Ife Grammar School, Ogun State.
For his higher education, he proceeded to the University of Lagos for a Bachelor’s degree in Surveying and Geo-Informatics and a Master of Business Administration in Management from the same university.
In 2003, he was appointed as a Special Adviser to the Deputy Governor on Corporate Matters and later, as Special Adviser to the Governor on Corporate Matters in 2004.
At 39, he was appointed acting Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget from 2004 to 2005 and became the substantive Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in 2007.
In 2016, Sanwo-Olu was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSDPC).
Speaking to reporters, Sanwo-Olu pledged to implement policies geared toward economic growth and development based on the blueprints of his predecessors in other to build a greater Lagos.
He said that to achieve these set goals, his administration has formulated a concise framework hinged on six pillars, which represents the yearning of the people of the state.
He listed the six pillars to include transportation, education, health and environment, technology, entertainment and tourism, security and governance.
“As your governor, I know where I am headed, I have been part of this progressive journey since its inception.
“I know firsthand the concerted efforts that went to planning so many of the innovations that we see and enjoy today.
“It is also my joy to continue that process, by redefining and perfecting the foundation laid by the preceding administrations.
“In this regards, I shall remain loyal to the yearnings of our people, to the developmental blueprint that has brought so much development to our dear state.
“The Babajide Sanwo-Olu train shall not change but to grow and improve as governor to implement good policies and bring about prosperity you all deserve.
“We simply adhere to the tradition of enlightened government set by those who have come before us, we owe a large debt of gratitude to those before us.
“Asiwaju led the team that created the blueprint for the progresses development and Babatude Fashola’s administration faithfully executed that economic blueprint and established the structures and institutions for progressive governance.
“My predecessor, Akinwunmi Ambode, who surged in a special manner, his efforts and his actions shall be duly remembered,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Sanwo-Olu said that under his administration only those who are most qualified and technocrats would hold positions of authorities.
The newly inaugurated governor said that he would seek advice from both the learned and ordinary Lagosians, who would be ready to give best opinions on best ways to pilot the affairs of the state.
He said that his doors would be opened to all and his ears would be opened to constructive criticisms.
Sanwo-Olu said that as part of the efforts to achieving a greater Lagos, he would run an all inclusive Lagos where both indigenes and non-indigenes of Lagos would be able to participate.
He explained that Lagos State was home to over 20 million people from across the country and so, anyone who adopts the aspirations of the state would also be adopted as an indigene.
He said that he was more focused on moving the state forward than considering where an individual hails from.
Sanwo-Olu said that Lagos was the economic hub of Nigeria and he would develop policies that would draw more attention of investors to the state, which would further boost the nation’s economy.
The Governor said that his administration would strive toward making Lagos State a top destination for tourists.
He called for the cooperation and support of everyone living on the soil of Lagos state toward achieving a Lagos of their dreams and a greater Lagos.
The new Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Bello Matawalle of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), announced that his administration will offer free healthcare services to women and children in the state.
Matawalle, 50, who made the declaration on Wednesday shortly after taking his oath of office at the Trade Fair ground, Gusau, said that the new government would be comprehensive.
“I am going to assemble an enlightened, formidable and politically experienced persons so that we take the state to better heights in the near future.
“Our women and children have gone through serious hardship in the past and we will reverse this situation for the better.
“The new administration will start with tackling the security challenges and everyone must carry live their lives within the provisions of the law.
“No one should think they will take the law into their hands and kill, kidnap, maim, or make life uneasy for others.
“We are aware that poor education, poverty, and unemployment are the causes of criminal activities and I want to plead with members of the public that within the next few weeks we will come up with practical ways of handling these starting with free education and scholarships,” he said.
He added that under his leadership, the state government would work closely with the Federal Government and other relevant bodies to improve the livelihood of the people of the state.
He appealed to PDP supporters in the state to be respectful to leaders and to the Rule of Law as “l am now a leader of all”.
Earlier in his address of welcome, Mallam Ibrahim Wakkala, Chairman of the Transition and Handover Committee of the PDP, expressed appreciation to the people of the state for their support.
Wakkala, who abandoned his principal, the immediate past state governor, Alh. Abdulaziz Yari to join a group called the G-8, said, “no one but Allah has the power to give or take leadership to or from anyone and today, Allah has again shown us this power by giving the state leadership to the PDP despite all odds.
“The success of PDP at the courts is no doubt, the result of the prayers offered by the people and goodwill of members of the G-8 group.
“We, therefore, hope that these prayers will continue for the new administration to succeed,” he said.
The event, which recorded very high turnout of people, was conducted peacefully.
The Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Bala Mohammed, on Wednesday, took his oath of office and was sworn in at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.
The Independent National Election Commission on March 26 declared Mohammed, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the winner of the Bauchi State Governorship Election after a protracted contest.
Mohammed polled 515,113 votes to defeat the incumbent governor, Alhaji Muhammed Abubakar of All Progressives Congress, who polled 500, 625 votes.
The election first conducted on March 9 was declared inconclusive and subsequently numerous controversies followed, among which was the suspension of counting of ballots.
Mohammed took the oath of office at 11.39 a.m. after his Deputy, Alhaji Baba Tela, had taken the oath at 11. 17a.m.
The acting Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Umar, administered the oath on the governor and his deputy.
The governor said after the swearing-in ceremony that he inherited a debt of N96 billion from the previous administrations.
He claimed that the immediate past administration incurred additional N40 billion to bring the figure to N136 billion.
“The unfortunate impact of this is that debt servicing will now significantly encroach on funds and short-change our cash flow.
“It means we shall be compelled to seek financial support for ambitious economic recovery plan;  the difference however is that for every naira we attract, there shall be commensurate return on investment,” Mohammed said
He gave an assurance that under his watch civil servants’ salaries would be on first line charge.
The governor said steps would be taken through a committee of all stakeholders to devise ways and means of ensuring regular payment of gratuities of workers and settle outstanding balances.
Mohammed said his administration would focus on completing on-going projects as well as executing news ones.
He pledged to involve technocrats and professionals across party lines and labour leaders to draw up agenda that would jump start the economic transformation plan of his  administration.
He commended the people for their sacrifice during the general elections, saying the doggedness of the leaders of PDP made the current change of leadership in the state possible.
Returning governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufa’i, said on Wednesday that in trying to improve the livelihood of the people, his administration would consider the interests of the populace first and leave no one behind.
El-Rufa’i, who made the pledge in his inaugural speech shortly after he was sworn-in as the governor of Kaduna State for the second time.
He added that his administration would in the next four years work toward putting smiles on people faces.
He said that the effective way to fight poverty was to ensure financial independence among the people, adding that his government would continue to attract foreign investments and improve the business climate in the state.
According to him, the goal is to provide job opportunities for the people and improve revenue generation for the state to execute people-oriented projects that will impact on the people.
“My administration will continue to put people first by providing access to quality services in education, health, and other basic social services to ensure that our people live quality lives.
“We will continue to strengthen primary healthcare services, provide drugs and routine immunisation, as well as provide free healthcare services to five-year-old children in all our hospitals.”
He also announced the extension of maternity leave for working class mothers in the state from three months to six months to promote exclusive breastfeeding, considered crucial to children’s healthy growth and development.
He explained that the move was to ensure that children were adequately cared for, well-fed and received all the nutrients they would need within the first six months of their lives.
El-Rufai said that the aforementioned steps would help reduce the prevalence rate of malnutrition among children in the state under the age of five years.
The governor noted the protracted security challenges affecting the state, but said that huge resources were being spent to strengthen internal security.
“These resources ought to have been invested in uplifting the standard of living of the people.
“Therefore, it is time we put our differences aside and work together to promote unity in our diversity, to improve the lives and security of everyone in Kaduna state.
“We must work together for the urgent need of human progress,” he said.
El-Rufa’i expressed appreciation to the immediate past members of the state’s executive council for their support in the past four years, which he said, helped to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
He called on the people of the state to give his administration the needed support for the next four years to move the area to greater heights.
El-Rufa’i was sworn-in along with Dr. Hadiza Balarabe as deputy governor, the first woman to be democratically elected in the state.
Balarabe joins Dame Paulen Tallen (Plateau), former Minister of State for Science and Technology in former president, Olusegun Obasanjo’s cabinet, and Mrs Aisha Pamela Sadauki (Kaduna – 1990 to 1992) as the first three Northern Nigerian women have been deputy governor.
In Enugu, security in and around Okpara Square, Independence Layout, venue of the swearing-in ceremony of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State was beefed up.
All security agencies in the state, including the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Security (DSS) were stationed in strategic locations..
Others are Nigerian Immigration Services, Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Army.
Men of the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) and Enugu State Roads Task Force are also on hand controlling traffic.
Security at the entrance of the venue was most fortified as officers of the Nigerian Police and NSCDC were on hand conducting search on invitees at the point of entry while police helicopter provided aerial surveillance.
The event was attended by guests from the 17 local government areas of the state and beyond, cultural troupes and Christian musical groups with the police ceremonial guard parade adding colour to the event.
Some of the dignitaries in attendance included Ugwuanyi, deputy governor, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu and former governor, Chimaroke Nnamani.
Others were the speaker of the state assembly, members of the state assembly, Chief Judge of the state, members of the clergy and others.
Outside the pavilion, traders of all kinds of wares made brisk businesses.
Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State and his deputy, Alhaji Samaila Yombe, were on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi sworn -in for second term in office by the Grand Khadi, Mukhtar Jega.
Bagudu, in his inaugural speech, assured the people of the state that the state would soon join oil producing states in the country.
“We have partnered with Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), and we have started ethanol programme in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area and other local government areas will soon join,” he said.
He explained that the fuel would not be crude oil but oil made thought scientific methods.
Bagudu said his administration in the last four years recorded huge success in health, education, electricity, infrastructure and agriculture.
“To buttress our recorded success, UNICEF, recently, reported that our immunization coverage has improved from as low as 18 percent to well over 74 percent.
“Just three days ago, the Institute of Charted Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) reported that the state is ranked number four after Kaduna, Jigawa and FCT in terms of adequacy of disclosure and due processes in the conduct of public expenditure,” he said.
“In the area of infrastructure, all the 21 local government areas had been touched with one infrastructure or the other.
“We have constructed over 410 kilometers of new roads and rehabilitated about 500 kilometers of existing roads.
“On education, the performances of our children have improved in WAEC and JAMB; as we have recruited 2,000 teachers to further support our effort of transforming the education sector.
“On electricity, we have achieved 24 hours basis power availability across the state while in agriculture, our name has gone viral in the country courtesy of Anchored Borrowers programme.
“We have achieved success in a number of commodities and rice companies are now springing up and we will achieve more,” he said.
The governor thanked the people of the state for another mandate to serve them and all those who worked together with them in the last four years.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and his deputy, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, took their oath of allegiance to serve the state for another four-year term on Wednesday in Asaba.
Okowa and Otuaro won their ticket on the platform of the PDP.
Their oath was administered by the Chief Judge of Delta, Justice Marshall Umukoro, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
Okowa signed the oath at about 10.43 a.m., while his deputy signed earlier at about 10.28 a.m.
They pledged to abide by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to deliver equitable development to the people of Delta.
There was an interdenominational service with prayers for God to direct and give the governor and his deputy wisdom to lead the people.
The colourful ceremony was witnessed by many prominent citizens of the state, including James Ibori, a former governor of the state.
In Minna, There was heavy security presence at the Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, venue of the inauguration of  Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello as Niger State governor on Wednesday.
Scores of security personnel, manning the entrance of the conference hall prevent residents  from entering the hall.
Security  personnel  comprising policemen , State Security Service and officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were seen manning strategic positions around the venue.
Some of the law enforcement officers were seen standing by Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and vans that dotted the streets around the venue.
Those coming into Legbo Kutigi International  Conference  centre for the inauguration were subjected to thorough search by security personnel.
Alhaji Lukman Abubakar,  a resident, said the attitude of oversealous security personnel  to traditional rulers and party chieftains was not right.
” How can you prevent royal fathers, permanent secretaries as well as party leaders access into the hall?
” Why did they  extend invitations in the first place ,why should our royal fathers be subjected to humiliation in the name of entering the hall?
This ceremony should have taken place in a bigger public place where it would accommodate teeming supporters,” he said.
Hajiya Rabi Musa, from Rafi Local Government Area, decried the attitude of security personnel  at the gate of the conference  hall.
She said such ceremony  should have taken place in the stadium to accommodate  more people.
Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State has made eight-point pledge that will enhance security and develop the state to greater heights in the next four years.
Masari made the pledge at his swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday at Peoples Square, Katsina.
He said: “Specifically, I will like to solemnly pledge to you on this day, our commitments to the following critical areas.
“The critical areas are: sustaining investment in education, increasing investment in agriculture, consolidating the gains of the health sector, and investment in water resources.
“We also pledge to facilitate wider political inclusion and youths engagement, entrench good governance, promote greater public-private collaboration, and bequeath secure and prosperous Katsina State.
“I submitted these pledges to you, we are committed to their realisation and I am assuring you that the hands that will be invited to join in ensuring this success are capable, dependable, reliable, competent and trustworthy.”
He said that was the only way to ensure the consolidation of the restoration gains and to guarantee quick results as the state moved to the next level.
Masari said: “I want to see a state that is secured from all manner of security threats, a state that is financially buoyant with a happy and prosperous populace.
“With my team, we hope to bequeath a Katsina State where the well-being of our people will not be measured by the rich, but the absence of poverty.
“This dream is not an impossible one, but its realisation will depend solely on how dedicated we work in the next four years and even beyond.”
Masari also commiserated with families of the bandits attack in some parts of the state, saying over 39 persons were killed and 200 sustained various degrees of injury during the attacks.
The governor said that was why the state government decided to make the event a low-key celebrations.
The government cancelled all activities lined up for the celebration to honour the victims of the bandits attack.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Wednesday took oath of office and allegiance as the seventh Governor of Kwara State with a promise that his government would be a departure from the old order.
In his inaugural address after the swearing-in,  Abdulrazaq declared to the people of the state that it is time for work.
The new governor and his deputy were sworn in by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Suleiman Kawu, at a low key ceremony inside the Council Chamber in Government House.
The new governor drove himself to the Government House in a Hilux Toyota van.
Both the governor and his deputy were accompanied to the historic event by their wives, Mrs Olufolake Abdulrazaq and Mrs Abieyuwa Tokunbo Alabi, respectively.
According to the governor, if the ‘O to ge’ mantra gave the people of the state victory at the polls, it is now time for work, “Ise ya’.
“If ‘O to ge’ got us through the struggle to the point of victory, and given the enormous task of reformation and reconstruction ahead, it is now time for Ise ya.
“As you will all agree, there is so much to be done. These range from institutional reforms and reconstruction, infrastructural development, human capacity building, social welfare and policy reforms to other socio-economic, cultural, scientific and administrative repositioning.
“It is not in our tradition to shy away from challenges. We shall engage them and find solutions,” Abdulrazaq added.
The governor also said the new administration would look into how public resources have been deployed in the past but to the extent that such inquiry would turn the page for the state in its quest for socioeconomic development.
“We all know about the now legendary infrastructure deficits, decay and deprivations that our people have endured in the past 16 years.
Now that we have put our hands on the wheel of peace, progress and sustainable development, we must redouble our efforts and show to the world that we know the difference between progress and stagnation.
“Let me state that our goal in office is not to lament over the sad past. Rather, our goal is to build confidence that a better future is possible; create an enabling environment to empower our people and communities.
“We are confident that we shall, together, make Kwara great again through prudent deployment of resources, involving the people in policy making, interrogating past decisions only to the extent that they enable us to move forward,” the governor said.
Abdulrazaq said he would welcome constructive criticism, calling on the people to own the government and look forward to a new dawn that ushers in economic growth and equal opportunities for everyone.
“In all our policies, programmes and actions, the people of Kwara shall always come first,” he said.
“Today, I invite you all to join hands with us in Government to repair and rebuild Kwara.
“I invite constructive criticism and urge you all to utilise our open door policy to communicate ideas and suggestions to us.
“What we stand for is to empower our people. Make society and life better. Strengthen family values. Improve efficiency and service delivery in our public services,” the governor said.
He promised that his government would strive to revamp education to produce the best minds that will in turn make Kwara second to none.
Abdulrazaq also pledged to promote industry, agriculture, technology and social services and open up new vistas of opportunities that will promote the common good.
The governor attributed the APC victory at the polls to the collective efforts of the people, saying the new government would therefore make the masses the focus of its policies.
“I believe we all know that the O to ge movement and victory does not belong to any single person.
“It belongs to the people of Kwara. The spirit of that movement shall always remain with us as we work to achieve our dreams,” he said.
The governor later received the handover note from the former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, who was represented by the Head of Service, Mrs Susan Oluwole.
Ahmed congratulated Abdulrazaq, urging him to trust in God to direct him in piloting the affairs of the state.
He said the outgoing administration left N5 billion in the public coffers while the state has also recently benefited from a $750 million World Bank grant for some development projects.
The newly sworn-in Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, pledged to ensure that his emergence heralded true change for the people of Adamawa.
Fintiri stated this Wednesday in his inaugural speech after taking oath of office at a ceremony in Yola.
Fintiri said that as someone who emerged by popularly vote to defeat an incumbent, he would not betray the confidence reposed in him.
“As a Government of popular consent, I am mindful of the honour and the responsibility this has bestowed on me.
“I hereby affirm and declare that hope has been restored, and true change has come to Adamawa State.
” I solemnly pledge to provide the leadership that is required to make this change work for the good of all.
“It will be a change that will balance policy and politics; a change that will eschew might over right and treat all citizens as equals,” Fintiri said.
He called for the support of Adamawa people, adding that with their maximum support, his administration would overcome challenges facing the state.
The governor warned members of a notorious gang terrorising residents of Yola, to turn a new leaf or face the full wrath of the law.
“This dispensation shall harbour no scared cows, neither will we be bullied or intimidated by disgruntled elements; we shall be fair but firm, resolute but considerate,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, out-going Governor Muhammadu Bindow, represented by his deputy, Mr Martins Babale, said his administration had done a lot in various sectors and would love to see Fintiri administration continued from where he stopped.
Fintiri, born on October 27, 1967 in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, is a graduate of History from University of Maiduguri.
He was the Speaker of Adamawa House of Assembly in 2014 and also served as Acting Governor in July 2014, following the impeachment of the then Governor Murtala Nyako.