The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has urged residents to continue to play their role in deepening democracy by actively participating in the electoral process, which he noted had improved over the years.
In a goodwill message to commemorate Democracy Day in the state, Governor Yahaya noted that democracy had come to stay in the country, and called on the people of the state to get involved and remain steadfast as major stakeholders in the process of governance.
The statement signed by the Director-General of Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, noted with delight, the successful conduct of party congresses and primaries, and called on the people of the state to exhibit the same maturity in the 2023 electioneering process.
The governor urged the people to take advantage of the opportunity of the continuous voter registration, especially those who are just attaining voting age and those that had not registered previously, to obtain their permanent voter cards in order to be eligible to exercise their rights and contribute to nation-building.
Yahaya noted that the 23 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria had ushered in sustainable development in Gombe State, which had helped in improving the lives of the people.
He paid glowing tributes to both the past and present leaders of the state, noting that their efforts ensured that Gombe remained one indivisible entity.
Yahaya said, “For us in Gombe State, there is no denying the fact that democracy has ushered in a period of sustainable development for our dear state. Three successive civilian administrations have come and gone, paving the way for our administration.
“Let me use this opportunity to pay tribute to our past and present leaders, who have contributed to deepening our democratic experience and strengthening our political culture”.
Governor Yahaya also called on the citizenry to rededicate themselves to nation-building, remain united, and frontally confront problems with total commitment and prayers, adding that the task of nation-building is a collective responsibility.
He urged the citizenry to appreciate the state’s diversity through understanding and recognising the interests of various ethnic and religious groups as well as promoting brotherhood and respect for one another.
The governor also reassured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to continually prioritise their well-being through the provision of socio-economic infrastructure, ensuring peace and security, law and justice as well as providing equal opportunities for all.
“To this end, we shall continue to engage all stakeholders in order to give our people a sense of belonging. We will also remain focused to ensure the full actualization of our vision for the creation of Gombe State, which is to build a prosperous, peaceful, and all-inclusive state for all its people.
“Our objective is to build a broad developmental consensus for our dear State, one that is built on a foundation of shared ownership and collective responsibility. In this regard, we are meticulously implementing our novel 10-year Development Plan as a roadmap for the transformation of the state that aligns with Sustainable Development Goals as set by the United Nations”, he assured.
He said the cumulative effect of his administration’s prudence and leadership character is the coming of various development partners to the state with remarkable results to show.
Yahaya added, “Gombe is now the best state in the ease of doing business in Nigeria and has been adjudged the safest and most peaceful state. It is now clear that the Jewel in the Savannah is now set on the path of a new dawn and the impact of our transformational leadership is gaining traction within three years of our stewardship”.