The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya has dissolved the Executive Council during a valedictory session to round off the tenure of the council.
In his Valedictory remarks, Governor Yahaya thanked the cabinet members for their sacrifices and dedication, which saw to the success of his first tenure.
He noted that the achievements recorded by his administration would not have been complete without their efforts.
“Preparatory to the coming of the government, during the campaigns and the elections in 2019, we worked as a team with the majority of you here participating directly as a result of which we shared the same vision. That made it possible for me to bring you into government. And I would like to say that you did not disappoint me and did not disappoint the people of Gombe State. You have done very well and impliedly, this government did very well,” Governor Yahaya said.
He urged the former Executive Members to be steadfast, committed, and loyal to the course on which they all stand, wishing them God’s guidance and success in their future endeavours.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Jatau, noted that over 26 awards were received by Governor Yahaya, from reputable national and international organisations within his first tenure.
This according to Dr Jatau, is an indication of the Governor’s outstanding leadership style and accomplishments.
He mentioned the most recent and notable awards including the Presidential Awards as the best state in the ease of doing business in 2021 and 2022 consecutively, the Pro-Labour Governor Award 2022 by the Trade Union Congress, Most Improved State In Rural and Urban Infrastructural Development 2022 by Business Day Newspaper among others.
Similarly, the Secretary to the Gombe State Government, Professor Ibrahim Njodi commended the mutual relations between his office and all other ministries, departments and agencies.
Professor Njodi also thanked Governor Yahaya for teaching them the rudiments of politics.
He said; “We thank you so much, your Excellency for the vision, the passion, the courage, the commitment, and the resilience with which you lead us all.”
Professor Njodi informed the Governor that almost all the Ministries, Departments and agencies of the state government had so far submitted their handover reports to his office by the governor’s directive.
“Constituted a mini committee that worked diligently to compile the submissions and produce an abridged report for the governor’s review and consideration,” he stated.
Also, the Commissioner for Justice, Zubairu Umar, who spoke on behalf of the cabinet members from Gombe North, thanked Governor Yahaya for allowing them to serve the people of Gombe State.
He specifically extolled the Governor for establishing good leadership, based on the principle of hard work, integrity, respect, accountability, fairness, and the rule of law.
The Commissioner of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Muhammad Sa’id, from Gombe Central said the people in his area and indeed the people of Gombe State were proud to have Governor Yahaya as their leader.
He recounted the developmental projects embarked upon by the Governor in his area, such as the multi-billion Naira Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, revolutionary road infrastructure and the priority he attached to Agriculture, which is the mainstay of the people of Gombe State.
Similarly, the Commissioner of Information, Mr Audu Lauco, who spoke on behalf of Gombe South State Executive Council members, commended the foresight of the Governor in churning out policies that continue to exist beyond this generation.
He said; “Your policies and projects have long-term effects on the people. You always tell us that you want to do something that would stay long after you must have left office so that people will remember you. And for that, Your Excellency even if you leave office today, the work you have done outlived those done for 16 years ago. And you will continue to be remembered for that. “
He described the Governor as a detribalise leader that treats people equally without discrimination based on religion, tribe, or section.
In her short remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Aishatu Maigari, representing the female cabinet members, described Governor Yahaya ‘as truly a-he-for-she governor’, applauding his policies and programmes which she said were always pro-women.
She said; “Your Excellency, when you came in 2019, Gombe was at its lowest ebb; we were at zero, and in 2023 we are heroes. Gombe is leading the whole of the Northern Region. By 2027, inshallah we are going to be superheroes.”
Immediately after the valedictory session, the Gombe State Governor also inaugurated the Transition Management Committee to handle the administrative transition of his government from the first tenure into the new government, beginning on May 29.
Unveiling the composition of the committee, the governor said the team would be headed by retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Daudu as Chairman and will have other members including Mr Aliyu Kamara, Mr Sulaiman Muhammad Puma, Amb. Edward Sarki, Permanent Secretary Budget, and Planning, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Ibrahim Ali; Permanent Secretary General Duties, Mr Eranus Mamman; Dr Sani Adamu Jauro, Mr Luth Edward, Ahmad Usman Shanu, and Dr Muazu Shehu who will serve as Secretary.
The terms of reference of the committee include among others: obtaining the end-of-term report, identifying challenges faced by various ministries and departments, and making recommendations for improvement of the performances of MDAs to enable the effective and successful commencement of the next tenure.
“I believe the committee members can deliver on their assigned duties and responsibilities,”the Governor maintained.
Responding on behalf of other members of the Transition Management Committee, the Chairman, Dr Ibrahim Daudu, thanked Governor Yahaya for finding them worthy of the assignment.
He gave the assurances that they would do their best in giving a convincing report that would help in facilitating a successful transition and second tenure.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
