Fuel Subsidy Removal: Gombe govt planning palliative
……… Nigeria’ll emerge stronger
By Chima Azubuike
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has expressed optimism that Nigeria and Nigerians will emerge stronger from the current economic challenges occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy and other global factors, as the government is taking concrete steps to bring succour to the people.
Yahaya gave this indication in Kaltungo while speaking at a civic reception and turbaning of the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Njodi as the ‘Madakin Kaltungo’.
He also appealed to leaders and well-to- do individuals in the society to lend a helping hand to the needy as the relationship between those in positions of authority and the led is symbiotic in nature and reciprocal.
Yahaya further appealed to the people to be patient and support government policies and programmes in the interest of the growth and development of society.
The governor said, “No one predicted these tough times but I am happy the people have shown resilience in the present circumstances; so we are still appealing for patience and understanding because each and every one of us must do the right thing and contribute his or her own quota; government is prepared to provide leadership that is beneficial to the people.
“I am optimistic that Nigeria and indeed Nigerians will come out stronger from the present economic situation as government is planning palliative measures and interventions that will cushion the hardship being faced by the people.”
Yahaya explained that given the abundant human and natural resources in the country, the leadership has no excuse not to deliver the dividends of purposeful leadership to the people.
He, however, commended the Federal Government for giving states the authority to generate, transmit and distribute electricity, which has been a major obstacle to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Yahaya expressed commitment to delivering good governance to the people, called on the people to continue to live in peace with one another and refrain from making statements that are considered disrespectful and inflammatory, as no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of rancor.
While congratulating Professor Njodi on the honour done to him by his community, the Governor described the SSG as a trustworthy and resourceful public servant with remarkable experience.
Yahaya, therefore, expressed the hope that Njodi will continue to bring his expertise and trustworthiness to the table in the second phase of the APC-led administration.
The Governor commended the Mai Kaltungo, Engr Saleh Muhammad, for honouring the SSG with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Madakin Kaltungo, and the entire people of the chiefdom for appreciating the reappointment of the state’s chief scribe.
The Governor also used the opportunity to pay special tribute to the Chairman of the occasion and an industrialist, Ahmed Abdulkadir, for taking a keen interest in his administration’s efforts to industrialise the state through the establishment of the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, calling on him and other entrepreneurs to take advantage of the friendly business environment and invest in their home state.
In his remarks, the Mai Kaltungo, said traditional titles in Kaltungo chiefdom are only given to individuals who distinguish themselves for the good of the society for which Professor Njodi fits into the category.
The royal father thanked Yahaya for the honour done to the people of Kaltungo through the reappointment of Professor Njodi as Secretary to the State Government.
The guest speaker and vice chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, Professor Umar Pate, explained that the reappointment of Professor Njodi calls for special expression of joy and gratitude to God for making it possible and to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for rewarding hard work and excellence.
In an interview, the Secretary to the State Government Njodi expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for the privilege to serve under the Yahaya’s administration.
While promising total loyalty and commitment to the Yahaya-led administration, commended those who came from far and near to honour him.
