Former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, has urged outgoing governors to refrain from exerting unnecessary influence on their successors after their tenure ends on May 29. Saraki, who was the former governor of Kwara State, offered this advice during a farewell dinner organized by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) on Sunday in Abuja.
As the former chairman of the forum, Saraki also advised the governors-elect not to allow those around them to instigate conflicts with their predecessors. He emphasized that once the outgoing governors’ terms conclude on June 1, they should grant their successors the space to carry out their responsibilities. Saraki emphasized that engaging in confrontations with their predecessors would be a grave and needless mistake, as the challenges ahead are far more significant and require collective efforts.
While congratulating the outgoing governors on successfully completing their tenures, Saraki also emphasized the importance of their continued involvement in nation-building. He stressed that the progress of the country requires the participation of individuals from all political parties. Saraki encouraged the outgoing governors to prepare themselves for the unique and challenging phase they will enter after leaving office and advised them to spend quality time with their families.
Furthermore, the former Senate president advised incoming governors to start planning for their legacies from the very beginning of their term. Saraki expressed his hope that they would not govern merely for the sake of holding the position but would strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of the people they serve. He encouraged them to constantly challenge themselves to leave a positive imprint throughout their four or eight years in office.
Former Gombe State governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo, echoed Saraki’s sentiments and urged outgoing governors to avoid interfering in the affairs of their successors. Dankwambo also advised incoming governors to prepare for potential investigations by anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit. He emphasized the need for the governors-elect to be prepared to provide answers to any questions that may arise.
Hajiya Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, emphasized the importance of ensuring that states work effectively for the benefit of their citizens. She acknowledged the challenges Nigeria faces but stressed that through hard work and dedication, the country can achieve greatness. Mohammed called for partnerships and deliberate policies to empower Nigerian women, emphasizing that they possess the same intellectual capacity as their male counterparts.
Former governor of Niger State, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu, advised the incoming governors to prioritize programs and projects that have a direct impact on the people. He cautioned them against succumbing to the temptation of individuals offering to assist them in looting public funds, citing the example of a former governor who now faces legal consequences for such actions. Aliyu also emphasized the importance of accessibility, reminding the governors-elect that holding the position of governor does not confer superior intelligence. He encouraged them to remain active, both mentally and physically, and seek alternative means of income generation.
The highlight of the dinner was the launch of a book titled “Common Ground (Leading Charge at the Subnational)” authored by former NGF president and ex-governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi. The book was designed to aid incoming governors in formulating and implementing their plans. Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, the current chairman of the NGF, expressed his appreciation for the outgoing governors and extended a warm welcome to the governors-elect. Tambuwal praised Fayemi for spearheading the creation of the book, noting that it would serve as a valuable resource for all incoming governors as they assume their roles.
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