Of Gov Aliyu’s Independence Day speech
By Yakubu Musa
Governor of Sokoto State, Dr Ahmad Aliyu, a team player, on Independence Day, described collective actions as the only plausible panacea to banditry and other forms of security challenges facing the state and Nigeria in general.
The governor stressed the need for people in the state to complement the efforts of the federal and state governments in protecting life and property of people of the state.
He said his administration has, since assumption of office, spent huge sums of money in providing security in the state.
This is quite true because when his administration came on board, the monthly allowances given to the security operatives deployed in flash points had stopped, and he has since restored that and even increased the amount.
The Sokoto State Governent equally procured 100 vehicles which were distributed to the security outfits in the state in order to checkmate the activities of bandits in the state added.
Governor Aliyu’s administration had also set up a Community Guard Corps with a view to complementing the effort of the conventional security outfits in protecting the lives and property of the rural communities.
All these milestones were part of his modest efforts to redeem the pledge he had made to guarantee the safety of life and property of Sokoto people.
The governor expressed optimism that with the present measures being taken by the federal and state governments, the security challenges confronting the nation would soon be surmounted.
He, therefore, called on all Nigerians to collectively join hands with the governments at all levels so as to get the country out of the current security quagmire and other challenges that have become bottlenecks to Nigeria’s development.
The governor, while congratulating Nigerians on the vountry’s 64th Independence Anniversary, charged the people not to forget the nation’s founding fathers’ struggles which led to the attainment of Nigeria’s independence from Britain in 1960.
He also paid glowing tributes to the nation’s fallen heroes for the sacrifices they had made in making the country an indivisible nation.
As an optimist and true nationalist, he further appealed to his compatriots for the need for them to always ensure that Nigeria’s unity is preserved, protected and not compromised, reassuring that there is always light at other end of the tunnel.
Governor Aliyu stands out among Nigerian state governors due to his exceptional and unique leadership style. One of the reasons is that he prioritizes good governance and the wellbeing of his constituents. This may not be unconnected with his background in finance and accounting which has equipped him with the skills to effectively manage state’s resources and ensure accountability and probity.
Within this short period that he assumed office as the chief executive officer of Sokoto State, he has achieved milestones in all aspects of people’s lives and public service. Some of his notable achievements and qualities that make him stand out include effective leadership.
He has demonstrated a commitment to breaking the cycle of poor governance in Sokoto State, showcasing a leadership style that prioritizes the needs of his people. The people of Sokoto, especially the voiceless and the downtrodden form the centre of his governance.
With experience as a cashier, auditor, and accountant, Governor Aliyu has leveraged his financial expertise to drive growth and development in the state. In all his plans and actions prudence and probity comes first.
Similarly, he has urged local government chairmen to prioritize security within their jurisdictions, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of his people and residents in Sokoto State irrespective of ethnicity and religion.
Governor Aliyu who has adopted a number of measures to promote accelerated rural development by extending infrastructure to all local government areas, supporting rural communities, is on course and is achieving his aims.
This highly educated state executive always takes informed decision about economy and governance. He takes all who matters along when dealing with state issues. As a holder of a doctorate degree in Business Administration, he has demonstrated his dedication to personal growth and state growth and development.
In all, Governor Aliyu’s unique blend of financial expertise, unique leadership skills, and commitment to inclusive governance and public accountability makes him an exemplary figure among Nigerian governors in the 36 states of the federation.
Yakubu Musa writes from Sokoto, Sokoto State