Niger state governor, Umar Bago has said that it is time to work the extra mile to collectively build a better future for citizens of the state.
This was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim and made available to newsmen in Minna on Tuesday.
The statement said that the governor stated this when he received a delegation of former National Assembly Members Forum on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the state, on a congratulatory visit at the Niger Liaison Lodge at Asokoro in Abuja.
Bago, who observed that campaigns were over, said it was time to evolve strategies to improve the state.
“It is time for work, it’s going to be work unusual and bitter, some policies will be tough but we are sure if we sustain them, they will take us to the destination.”
He called for the support of all the residents of the state to enable him to succeed.
Bago pointed out that the all-inclusive policy of his administration had come to stay.
“In the spirit of a new Niger, we have to leave our doors opened, especially for people with experience,” he said.
The governor re-echoed his determination to tackle insecurity through collaboration, improved economy, social development and qualitative education.
“On security, it is on the front burner because it is not respecter of a political party, tribe or religion,
”We will collaborate with all and sundry in making sure we bring the menace to an end,” he added.
On economy, “As the largest state in Nigeria, with 76,000 sq km arable land and lots of water bodies, yet we are poor.
“It is time to reverse the trend and put us on the part of prosperity.
“The roads are bad; there is need for the state government to declare a state of emergency in this course,” he said.
The governor assured that his administration would give adequate attention to the education sector, considering its importance to human and societal development.
“Education is the bedrock of every economy. We need to give emphasis to education. We will strengthen the compulsory basic education in the state,” he said.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and former Deputy Governor of the state, Amb. Ahmed Musa-Ibeto, said their visit was to congratulate the governor and assured him of their support.
Ibeto, who is also a former lawmaker, said they considered the governor as one of them, irrespective of their political parties, hence they desired his success for the overall benefit of the state.
“When we go into the house, the party lines and all other considerations melt. So we see him as one of us.
“Now a government is in place, all we need to do is to cooperate and also give our best to ensure that the government in place succeeds
“Because essentially at the end of the day, it is the people of the state that will benefit,” he said.
