Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, on Friday, restated his support for a single-term tenure for governors, arguing that it will promote productivity and enhance governance.
Bago stated this while swearing in newly elected local government chairmen, vice-chairpersons, commissioners and board members at the Hauwa Isah Wali Multipurpose Hall, Government House, Minna, the Niger State capital.
He lamented that he would have taken stricter actions against some government officials if not for the upcoming election, noting that a single-term system would allow leaders to act more decisively without political pressure.
The Governor said, “I am an advocate of a single term for governors because unfortunately we are back politically. Everything in Nigeria is being full of politics. It is unfortunate!
“There were things I would have done today but I am deferring it to after election. I have to sack some people who are not useful but I cannot because of election. They have failed their examinations severally; they cannot be promoted but they are burdens on the system. If it were a single term; I would have been more decisive than who I am today.”
Bago described the swearing-in of the new commissioners, council chairmen, vice-chairpersons, and board members as the beginning of the second phase of the New Niger agenda.
He urged them to support his administration in delivering on its campaign promises.
The Governor also called on residents to unite against insecurity and help build a society where people can live comfortably regardless of tribe, religion or origin.
Among those sworn in were 30 commissioners and 25 newly elected local government chairmen, alongside their vice-chairpersons and board members.
State Chief Judge, Justice Halima Abdulmalik, represented by Justice Maimuna Abubakar of the State High Court, administered the oath of office and allegiance.
Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, described the inauguration as a renewed commitment to serving the state and advancing the New Niger Agenda.
Usman noted that the incoming commissioners, board members and elected LG chairmen had undergone an eight-day retreat to prepare them for the tasks ahead.
The SSG added that the state remains committed to strengthening security and reviving the agricultural sector.
