You risk removal for non-performance, Buhari warns govs-elect

Ahead of the May 29 inauguration of new governments at the central and state levels, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), has warned newly-elected and returning governors that failure to deliver on their campaign promises would affect their chances anytime they seek the support of the electorate to return to elective office.

Buhari stated this on Monday in Abuja at the induction programme for elected and returning governors organised by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari, Buhari reminded the governors of the need to immediately commence the delivery of the promises they made during campaigns.

He said, “One interesting development that we all saw from the last elections is that the electorate is maturing, and people are increasingly finding their voices. Any public officer who fails to either meet up with the expectations of the people or deliver on his campaign promises would be voted out in the next election. That is what democracy is about. Deliver or get shown the door out!

“With the elections now over, it is time for us to deliver the promises we made during the campaigns.

“I have always maintained that democracy is not an end state nor is it a static event. It is an evolutionary process that takes its participants on a journey of self-realisation. The process forces us to hold a mirror to ourselves, and by doing so, we are made to constantly review and improve its critical elements to ensure that we have an inclusive democratic practice that gives faith to voters.

“We must therefore be patient, tolerant and use the appropriate channels to seek redress if we believe there have been unfair practices along the way. As you can tell, I am speaking as a veteran of the process, with the scars to show for it.”

He also called on the forum to promote ideals that will address the challenges of democracy and governance in the country, adding that “The role of the sub-nationals is critical in our socio-economic development as a nation. Your proximity to the people, gives you the privilege to have an instant pulse on their needs and challenges and yours is to devise creative and judicious means of addressing the myriad of issues that confront them daily.”

He further called on the states to leverage their comparative cost advantage for the good of their various economies.

Meanwhile, outgoing Governor of Sokoto State and Chairman of the NGF, Aminu Tambuwal, has urged his colleague governors to brace for the challenges posed by unemployment and insecurity in their various states.

Tambuwal, who stated this in his welcome address at the event, said the programme was aimed at supporting the new governors in developing the essential skills for democratic governance for the implementation of pre- elections blueprints.

“Unemployment, poverty, and insecurity are difficult tasks incoming administrations are expected to face in their respective states. Building strong and viable institutions in the polity will help in tackling unemployment, reducing poverty, and ensuring the provision of security of lives and property. This is a worthy legacy to be bequeathed to our children and generations to come,” he said.