From Rashidat AbdulRahman, Minna
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has called on the people of the state to vote for the candidates of All Progressives Congress (APC) at all levels to consolidate on the achievements of the present administration.
The governor stated this during the flag-off of campaigns for Niger East Senatorial District (Zone B), held in Suleja on Tuesday.
According to him, the party has credible candidates that would form a formidable team to improve on the successes recorded by the present administration.
Bello explained that his administration has continued to respond to the challenges of insecurity even as he observed that security challenges are dynamic, calling on the people to be more vigilant and expressed optimism that the 2023 elections will be successful.
The governor while commending the success of the rally said: “We had a hitch-free programme. I didn’t expect anything less.
“Security is dynamic. Everyday we are faced with different type of challenges. We try to respond to the challenges when they happen. No one can tell when and where it will happen.
“We have to be on our toes and going into elections, we have to be more vigilant and even the locals. I do no doubts in my mind that the elections will come and go without hitches”.
In his remarks, the Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, Mohammed Sani Musa, who is seeking re-election, urged the people to vote for all APC candidates, assuring that the National Assembly members from the zone will work collectively to ensure rapid development of the zone.
“We have done very well. We have realized some shortcomings and we are going to do better,” he said.
He called on the people to be patient and vigilant, as well as ensure that they run issue-based campaigns devoid of violence.
Also speaking, the APC gubernatorial candidate in the state, Mohammed Umar Bago canvassed for votes for all APC candidates and promised to carry women and youths along.
Earlier, the State APC Chairman, Haliru Zakari, and Director General of the campaign organisation, Sen. Sani Musa also urged the people to vote for the party, assuring them of good representation.
Governor Sani Bello later received the former chairman of Shiroro Local Government Area, Adamu Gogo and his teeming supporters who defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the APC.
Meanwhile, the Governor had led the APC Zone B candidates and other party stalwarts in the state to the Palace of Emir of Zazzau Suleja, Mallam Awwal Ibrahim to seek his royal blessings, support and advice.
He told the Emir that the candidates of APC for the zone and the entire state were credible candidates who would bring development to the state.
The governor added that the traditional institution and government must work together to end insecurity, maintaining that the APC gubernatorial candidate will strengthen traditional institutions if given the opportunity to serve the state as governor.
Governor Bello further used the opportunity to sympathise with the Emir over the death of the District Head of Lambata in the Gurara Local Government Area, following an attack on the deceased by some youths in the community.
He, however, explained that investigation was ongoing and assured that justice will be served.
The Emir of Suleja, while thanking the Governor for the visit, extended his royal blessings to him, reminding all the candidates that power comes from God advised them to rely on Him for victory.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of party flags to candidates of Niger East Senatorial District by the APC Deputy Chairman, North Central, Muazu Bawa Rijau.
