Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state, North-East Nigeria, has continued his re-election campaign rally with a stop at Dukku and Funakaye local government areas of the state.
While in Dukku, Governor Yahaya visited the Emir of Dukku, His Royal Highness Haruna Abdulkadir Rasheed, who extolled the policy directions and visionary initiatives of the governor which, he said, had turned Gombe into a model for other states and agencies to emulate.
The Emir applauded Governor Yahaya’s zeal for development, while expressing satisfaction with the keen interest and attention the governor had given to the people of Dukku, specifically appraising the afforestation project of the Yahaya-led administration in the area.
“It is still fresh in our memories that Dukku was the first place you chose to flag off your Afforestation Project, the 3G, which has positively impacted on the lives of our youths and helped in mitigating problems of climate change and other environmental problems, not only here in Dukku but in the whole state,” Governor Yahaya said.
In particular, the Emir of Dukku praised the North-East Development Commission for undertaking the ongoing road construction from Gombe Abba to Kirfi, attributing it to the effort and intervention of Governor Yahaya’s efforts.
“I also went round the places where the dredging works were being undertaken and I can confidently attest to how happy and appreciative these people are about the projects,” said the Emir of Dukku.
He called on the people of Dukku to reciprocate the gesture for more development projects in the area, by giving him the opportunity to serve them again in another four-year term.
The Emir also used the opportunity to confer on Governor Yahaya the traditional title of ‘Garkuwa Babba’ of Dukku.
Governor Yahaya appreciated the warm reception and the honour given to him by the royal father and the entire Dukku emirate.
“When re-elected, I would consolidate on the unprecedented first term gains of my administration for a consistent and sustainable development across board.
“I promise to continue providing responsible leadership that will take the state to enviable heights.
“I am optimistic that the APC would have a resounding victory in the forthcoming elections owing to the track records of achievements of the party’s administration in Gombe state and Nigeria.
“People can attest to our good leadership, policies and projects which are clear testimonies of our strong commitment towards providing responsible leadership that will propel Gombe state to greater heights.
“All the projects we executed in this local government area and beyond were done in fulfillment of our campaign promises, because of the trust between us and the people; the trust that we will never betray,” he promised.
The governor stressed the need for peace and harmony, maintaining that no meaningful development will be achieved without peace. He appealed for prayers for peace and progress of the state and the country, especially at this critical time that electioneering campaigns are at their peak.
The director general, Gombe State APC Campaign Council, Mr. Zubair Muhammad Umar, was confident that the APC had presented competent candidates who would continue to provide responsible leadership, which the state and the country needed.
Governor Yahaya in Funakaye
While in Funakaye, Governor Yahaya promised to build on his administration’s modest achievements, saying the APC presidential candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will consolidate the positive gains of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Governor Yahaya said Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, would bear all the hallmarks of true, progressive and pan-Nigerian leaders with the wherewithal to build on the positives of the Buhari administration and enthrone a system that encourages industrialization and socio-economic development.
He described Tinubu and Shettima as thoroughbred leaders and cosmopolitan politicians with a penchant for sustainable development and enduring legacy.
The Governor’s campaign rally took him to 10 political wards of Funakaye local government area to shore up support for candidates of the APC at all levels ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The wards visited by the well-received campaign train included Bajoga East, Bajoga West, Bage, Ashaka/ Magaba, Jinllahi, Ribadu, Kupto, Tilde/ Bodor and Tongo.
He told thousands of supporters at the various campaign grounds that the APC at both the national and sub-national levels remains unwavering in its commitment to build a verile Nigerian society for the social and economic benefits of all.
Governor Yahaya also highlighted that in the last three and half years, his administration had substantially delivered on its campaign promises, leading to the construction of road networks across the state, the renovation and remodeling of hospitals and primary health care centres as well as the repositioning of the education sector for effective service delivery.
“My government has utilized the available resources to expand infrastructural development and advance sustainable economic growth via reforms and the establishment of the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park.
“My administration has equally completed township roads awarded by the immediate past administration in Bajoga and executed the Kwanar Bapparu junction bridge through a joint project funding system,”Governor Yahaya stressed.
In Bajoga, the Headquarters of Funakaye local government area, Governor Yahaya told the Emir of Funakaye, His Royal Highness Yakubu Muhammad Kwairanga, that he was at his palace to seek for his guidance and blessings for his re-election.
The governor informed the traditional ruler that his administration would continue to accord the traditional institution the respect and required recognition to promote peace and security for sustainable development.
Responding, the Emir of Funakaye thanked Governor Yahaya for his visionary disposition and political sagacity towards initiating policies and programmes that have positive impact on the lives of the ordinary man.
The royal father assured the governor that the people of Funakaye Emirate will continue to stand in full support and solidarity with his second term ambition, given his incredible performance in the last three and half years.
The senator representing Gombe North senatorial district, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali along with other stakeholders within the zone, called for a united front among supporters of the APC for an overwhelming victory in the forthcoming general election.
Other political stalwarts across the 10 political wards of the local government area shared the same sentiment when they appealed to their kith and kin to stick with the APC for sustainable development.
Edited by Amaka E. Nliam