Sola POPOOLA
Niger State Governor-elect, Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago has promised to operate an open and media friendly administration.
Hon Bago also assured the people of Niger State, particularly, the opposition of his readiness to welcome constructive criticisms geared towards common good of the state .
He gave this assurance while hosting members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),Niger State who came to identify with him on his electoral victory.
The incoming governor also pledged to sustain the existing cordial relationship with the media urging it to join hands with the incoming administration to bring the desired transformation to the State.
Bago hinted that his administration would operate an open door policy, adding that, “we would welcome constructive criticism, stressing that “Our doors are opened to all, please keep us abreast of issues and happenings in the state. Do not be judgemental but also listen to us”.
” The media especially the Correspondents Chapel of NUJ will come with us the day we will move the Madalla market. We will however not impede on fundamental human rights of citizens during the exercise “.
“You are welcomed to a new Niger state. I want to thank you the media for doing your best in your support. I want to assure you that we will partner with journalists especially the Correspondents Chapel”.Governor-elect said
The governor-elect also used the occasion to unfold some agenda of the incoming administration ,stressing that security of lives and properties would be accorded utmost priority .
According to him, whatever would endanger the lives and properties of the citizens within and outside the state shall be promptly addressed.
Citing the case of Madalla market situated along the Zuba – Kaduna road, near Zuma Rock in Suleja local government area of Niger, Hon Bago hinted that the market would be relocated “because it has consistently endangered lives and properties of the citizens “.
Earlier, chairman Corredpondents , Comrade Mustapha Yakubu Bina said the Chapel is ready to partner with the new administration for the growth and development of the state.
While congratulating the Governor-elect for the well-deserved victory, Comrade Mustapha assured of objective reportage of government activities, saying, “we are ready to work in partnership with you in ensuring the peace and rapid development of the state”.
Recall that the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, University of Abuja,who was the Returning Officer for the Governorship Election in Niger State, Professor Clement Alawa had announced that Hon.Muhammad Umar Bago of the All Progressives Congress(APC) as the winner of the poll .
Bago garnered 469, 896 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Hon . Isah Liman Kantigi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 387, 476 votes.
The Labour party Candidate, Mr Joshua Bawa came a distant third position with 3, 415 votes while, Ibrahim Yahaya of the New Nigeria Peoples Party(NNPP) came fourth with 3, 378 votes.
The APC Governorship candidate won in 21 out of the 25 local government Areas of Niger State, while his PDP Counterpart won in four council areas namely Edati, Mokwa, Lavun and Gbako local government Areas.