2011:finally IBB get home support

IBB Photo: Sun News Publishing

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Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has declared the unflinching support of his government to the realization of the presidential ambition of former military president , General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida(IBB). AKIN ALOFETEKUN, who was at the forum where the governor made the declaration reports
Governor Aliyu made the declaration during the community dialogue meeting otherwise called “Jama’a Forum”, held at the Palace of the Emir of Minna in Chanchaga Local Government Area. He maintained that it is highly important and necessary for the state to mobilize support for IBB in view of his origin and wealth of experience in the governance of the country.

He said that the state capital, Minna, is blessed in terms of human and material resources and that as home to two former heads of state, there is the need for the people of Minna and indeed, the entire Niger State to support IBB, so as to make history for the third time.

He stated that the essence of “Jama’a Forum” was to directly dialogue with the people on issues affecting their wellbeing, as well as to afford the government the opportunity to make amends on its policies and projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the people. He stressed that the forum also provides the platform for government to be transparent and accountable in view of the principle of good governance of his administration.

At the forum, representatives of the 11 wards of Chanchaga Local Government area were individually called upon to speak on some of the problems of their wards. Accordingly, some of the issues raised include supply of water, road rehabilitation, provision of clinics, establishment of junior and senior secondary schools, youths unemployment, and addressing the imbalance in political appointments.

Governor Aliyu assured that his administration will resolve the problems and that with the little resources available to the government, efforts will be made to tackle each problem in accordance with the financial strength.
While commending the local government councils for their ability to provide the dividends of democracy, Aliyu pointed out the need to continue to adequately fund the councils to improve the living standard of the people at the grassroots, stressing that the local government is the most important tier of government in view of their closeness to the people.
Insinuations were rife that the governor, who is chairman, Northern Governors’ Forum, was not supportive of the presidential aspiration of IBB, who happens to be his second cousin.
With that declaration, it has become clear that IBB may not be classified among the Biblical prophets who have no honour in their homes.