ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. MOHAMMED UMARU BAGO, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR-ELECT, NIGER STATE, AT JUSTICE IDRIS LEGBO KUTIGI INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, MINNA; ON THURSDAY, 6TH APRIL, 2023.
Senior citizens of Niger State, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, members of the Press – Good Morning.
2. Today marks another day in the history of our democracy as we usher into another step of transition in governance in Niger State. This is line with the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in tandem with Democratic best practices to which there must be a transition from a democratically elected government to another.
3. Let us therefore, once again give gratitude to Almighty Allah (SWT) for today’s opportunity to inaugurate three principal committees that reflect the desire of our in-coming administration to take off on a sound footing -the Transition, Inauguration and Secretariat committees respectively.
4. What we are doing today signifies, not only our readiness for a seamless transition from one administration to another, come 29th May, 2023 (Inshaa Allah), but also the reassurance that our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is one big family, committed to the service of Nigerlites. We must always be reminded at every stage therefore, that we have to work assiduously to meet and even surpass the expectations of the people, by the Grace of Allah (SWT).
5. At this juncture, I wish to congratulate those who have made it to the membership of the various committees mentioned. You have been carefully chosen because of the value we believe you can individually and collectively add and owing to your pedigree and capacity; as such, you are expected to bring your best to ensure you succeeded in the assignments given to you. I urge you all to put in your best, to synergise and ensure the success of your assignments.
6. Please be mindful that part of the assignment given to you is an interface with officials of the current government in a view to understanding the position of our dear state financially, economically and otherwise; and in doing so, we are expected to probe deeply the position of all government books, transactions as well as commitments therein.
7. Remember, Accountability is very important in governance, as the trust of the common man in us gave us this mandate. We have promised Nigerlites to be accountable, and responsible, to protect them and our resources, irrespective of tribe, religion or race. To achieve this, we are expected to be professional, diligent and firm. We need the understanding of all and sundry.
8. Let me also remind you that we have no excuse for failure because this is the first major outing of our in-coming administration and we cannot afford to disappoint the people, who are anxiously looking forward to what we have to offer for the improvement of their lives. Every step we take and everything we do from today onwards would matter a great deal on how we shall be rated by the people. May Allah help us in all our endeavours. Amin.
9. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, our intentions are clear not negative or personal, but in the interest of Nigerlites because posterity will surely judge us. By Allah, we have promised to be professional, honest and we shall afterwards make our finding clear to the public so that upon our exit too, we shall be judged accordingly.
10. I would also take this opportunity to reassure all our party men and women, especially those who didn’t make it to be part of this assignment that you are not forgotten. It is just unrealistic to put everyone on these committees. I assure you that at the appropriate times on this journey there would be something for everyone to partake in. In governance, there is a lot to be done and no one would claim monopoly of wisdom or knowledge. That is why we are the All Progressives Congress (APC).
11. On this note, I have the historic privilege to inaugurate the Transition, Inauguration and Secretariat committees, here charged with ensuring the smooth take off of our in-coming administration, to the glory of God and for the good of our Party and Niger State as a whole.
12. I wish to once again, congratulate you all for your nomination to serve ‘God’ and humanity. While wishing you a successful outing
