Niger State Governor Umar Bago has retained his deputy, Yakubu Garba, as his running mate for next year’s governorship election.
This is even as there were calls from some quarters, especially the Christian community for him to pick a Christian deputy in what they refer to as need for ‘balance, equity and fairness’.
The governor disclosed this during an extraordinary meeting of the State executive council held at the Council Chamber, Government House, Minna.
While presenting the nomination letter to his deputy, Bago used the forum to reiterate that his administration will try as much as possible to make sure that every aspect of the society is represented in his government in order to have a reflection of State character in governance.
He called on people to preach peace and desist from overheating the polity as the State is faced with a lot of challenges.
The governor equally used the avenue to address the protest made in quarters adding that all agitations are germane and fundamental as the people have the right to aspire.
Bago added that he remains committed to adhering to democratic principles and will allow people to speak out on behalf of their clans, religion, tribe, zone, senatorial district and constituencies to have equal representation in the system.
He called on stakeholders in the local government areas where there are vacant positions to nominate their choices to enable him appoint successors
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
