Newly reelected Governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi Sule has been sworn-in for another term of four years in office.
Engineer Sule renewed his mandate with the people of the state after taking his oath of office during a colourful ceremony at the Lafia Square, on Monday.
While highlighting the achievements of his administration in the past four years, the Governor assured of his resolve to sustain accelerated growth, increase economic opportunities and prosperity, social inclusion and improve the quality of lives of the citizenry.
He emphasized that, during the next four years, the goal of his administration will be to sustain increase in productivity by leveraging on competitive advantages of the state, towards achieving inclusive economic growth and socio-economic transformation, which would continue to translate into substantial improvements in the quality of lives.
Engineer Sule commended the people of the state for their steadfastness, especially during the electioneering campaign, in the face of efforts by detractors to disrupt their collective sense of mission and cohesion.
“This is why I commend your steadfastness in shunning and standing against all the provocations intended to divide our people for selfish political gains.
“I urge you all to remain steadfast and to be on your guards. We cannot afford to do otherwise, because the prize of liberty is eternal vigilance,” he stated.
He however extended his hands of fellowship to all those that contested under other political parties, to join hands with his administration in its determination to move Nasarawa State forward.
“The election has come and gone, the task ahead of us now is the supremacy of the security and welfare of our people,” the Governor added.
Engineer Sule used the opportunity of the event to show appreciation to the immediate past president of the country, Muhammadu Buhari, for his services to the nation and particular love and affection for Nasarawa State.
According to him, the immediate past president amply demonstrated these in his appointment of sons and daughters of Nasarawa State into federal positions and the numerous transformative projects cited in the state.
“In this connection, we profoundly appreciate the expansion and dualization of Abuja-Keffi-Lafia-Makurdi highway; the completion and commissioning of the Loko-Oweto bridge; the commencement of Farin-Ruwa Hydro Power Project and take-over of Lafia Cargo Airport among several others,” he said.
In the same vein, the Governor welcomed the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the former Lagos State governor as a tested leader and patriot whose commitment to the overall development of Nigeria is outstanding.
“We have no doubt that his antecedents and past achievements in the development of Nigeria will be brought to bear in his present leadership for the benefit of all Nigerians. As we assure Mr. President of our loyalty and support at all times, may the Almighty Allah grant him more wisdom and the capacity to lead Nigeria to greater heights,” he stated.
He congratulated his deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, for making history as the first Deputy Governor of the state to be sworn-in twice, describing him as a loyal team mate.
The Governor also appreciated members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, as well as the state judiciary without whose support his administration could not have recorded by his administration.
“The developmental strides witnessed in the past four (4) years could not have been possible without the cordial and complementary working relationship among and between the three arms of Government in the State.
“Let me therefore specially express my profound appreciation to the Honourable Speaker, Principal Officers and Members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, as well as the Honourable Chief Judge on behalf of the entire judiciary for their support, understanding and partnership and timely dispensation of administration of issues under their respective constitutional purview,” he added.
Engineer Sule thanked the people of the state, particularly traditional rulers, for standing with his and for electing him for another term in office, stressing that with their votes, the people have given vent to his administration’s renewed resolve to foster a new and better Nasarawa State.
“Let me in a special way thank the electorate of Nasarawa State. You graciously and resiliently came out in your numbers to support our great party, the APC before and during the electioneering campaign. Through the powers of the Almighty Allah and your votes, you have ushered us into office today for another tenure in the service of our State.
“I consider your free minded votes as an affirmation of our stewardship of the past and an endorsement of our determination for the future, to continue to focus our vision, creativity, energy and preoccupation with developmental and harmonious governance,” he stated.