By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
The immediate past Governor of Niger state, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, was conspicuously absent on Monday May 29, to formally handover to his successor, Hon Mohammed Umar Bago.
He simply delegated his Deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso, to perform the statutory inaguration function.
Bello who is said to have absconded from the state the previous day, on Sunday, eve of May 29 handover day, was rumoured to have left for ‘unknown destination’ after the concluding part of the marathon State Executive Council (SEC) which lasted for three days.
The ex-Niger governor, it was further learnt, decided to make the wise choice of secretly leaving Niger state for fears of attacks from some aggrieved Nigerlites who had threatened to settle scores with him after office when he can no longer use state powers to intimidate, oppress and suppress them.
Meanwhile, the new governor, Hon. Umar Bago, has taken oath of office, warning political jobbers and all those whose closeness with him will impinge on his new responsibilities of providing selfless leadership in line with his campaign promises to steer clear, as it will not be business as usual.
Governor Bago made the declaration at the Minna Trade fair complex, venue for his inauguration. He assured the people of Niger State that top on his agenda will be to work towards securing the lives and properties of the citizenry.
“It is not going to be business as usual, but it is going to be business unusual for the betterment of the entire people of the state”, Bago said, adding, however, that the most compelling task before him is strategizing towards securing the lives and properties of Nigerlites.
The Governor also announced that his first four year term will encourage gender balancing by ensuring that women emerge Secretaries in Local Government Areas besides other responsibilities for their empowerment and self reliant.
Bago who solicited for the support and cooperation of all as he plans for a new Niger state that all will be proud of, said he has plans to take advantage of the existence of the four national hydro dams in the state; Shiroro, Jebba, Kainji and Zungeru dam to ensure 24 hours power supply to boost commerce and industrialize the state.
NIGERIAN NEWSLEADER Newspaper Correspondent reports that the inauguration had in attendance, amongst other dignitaries, a former Governor of the state, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, wife of the late former Governor, Senator Zaynab Kure and some other invited members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family in Niger state.
Others present at the ceremony which was generally peaceful, includes, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Wuse, friends, business associates and school mates from within and outside the country. NNL.
