THE Gombe State Executive Council, earlier today held a valedictory session to round off the life of the council. This is just as Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya inaugurated an 11- member Transition Management Committee.
In his Valedictory remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya thanked the cabinet members for their sacrifices and dedication which saw to the success of his first tenure, noting that the achievements recorded by his administration would not have been possible without the efforts of the members whom he described as good team players.
Governor Inuwa recounted that “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.
“The successes recorded are results of the sacrifice, commitment, dedication, loyalty, and above all the resilience of all of us that work in this team. And As a leader I am very proud of the good work that you did which is very visible and clear to all”, he added.
“For the errors you made personally as human beings, I learned to know that to err is human and to forgive is divine. I have forgiven anybody, not only you any other person that offended or intentionally tried to tarnish the image of this government for his selfish interest or whatever reason, I have forgiven you and I hope everybody will forgive me as well.”
The governor urged the ex-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 endeavors.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau noted that, Governor Inuwa received over 26 awards from reputable national and international organisations within his first tenure which is an indication of his outstanding leadership style and accomplishments.
He mentioned the most recent and notable awards which include 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.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to have served under Governor Inuwa Yahaya. commending the mutual relationship between his office and all other MDAs.
He also thanked Governor Inuwa for teaching them what he called the rudiments of politics. “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”, the Prof said.
He informed the governor that almost all the Ministries, Departments and gencies of the State Government have so far submitted their handover reports to his office in accordance with the governor’s directive.
He said he “constituted a mini committee that worked diligently to compile the submissions and produce an abridge report for the governor’s review and consideration.”
In his contribution, Justice Zubairu Muhammad Umar who spoke on behalf of cabinet members from Gombe North, thanked Governor Inuwa for giving them the opportunity to serve the good 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; assuring the governor of their readiness and willingness to continue serving the state wherever they find themselves.
Also in his remarks, Hon Muhammad Magaji Gettado Sa’id, Gombe Central and of course the generality of the people of Gombe State are proud to have Governor Inuwa as a leader, recounting the unprecedented development project the governor executed like the multi-billion Naira Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, revolutionary road infrastructure, and the much priority he attached to Agriculture which is the mainstay of the people of Gombe State.
Mr Audu Lauco, who spoke on behalf of Gombe South SEC members, commended the foresight of the governor in churning out policies that can continue to exist beyond this generation.
“Your policies and projects have long-term effects on the people. You always tell us that you want to do something that long after you must have left office people will remember you. And for that, Your Excellency even if you leave office today, the work you have done outlived those who have done for 16 years. And you will continue to be remembered for that. “, he affirmed, describing the governor as a detribalise leader that treat people equally without discrimination based on religion, tribe, or section.
In her short remarks, Dr. Aishatu Umar Maigari representing the female cabinet members, described governor Inuwa ‘as truly a he for she governor’, applauding his policies and programmes which she said are always pro-women.
“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”, she said.
Meanwhile, immediately after the valedictory session, Governor Inuwa also inaugurated the Transition Management Committee to handle the administrative transition of his government from the first tenure into the new government beginning from May 29.
Unveiling the composition of the committee, the governor said the team will be headed by retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Daudu as Chairman and will have other members including Malam Aliyu Kamara, Arch. Sulaiman Muhammad Puma, Amb. Edward Sarki, Permanent Secretary Budget, and Planning, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Ibrahim Jalo 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 the 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 Jalo Daudu, thanked Governor Inuwa for finding them worthy of the assignment, assuring him that they will do their best in giving a convincing report that will help in facilitating a successful transition and second tenure.