From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor Dr Nasir Idris has insisted that there would be no federal government appointments for selfish persons in the state except for those with a track record, proven integrity, and significant contributions to their communities. He noted that such people would be recommended for appointment into the Federal Government’s boards and commissions.
Idris, who stated this while speaking at a reception organised by family, friends, political associates, and well-wishers in honour of the newly appointed Managing Director of Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA), Alhaji Abubakar Mallam, at the Government House, stressed that the era of individuals hijacking Kebbi State’s allocation of membership of boards, parastatals, and commissions and single-handedly nominating people of their choice was over.
He said, “The delay witnessed in issuing the letter of appointment to Abubakar Mallam was caused by several attempts made by some individuals in the state and beyond to replace his nomination by all means. But I stood my ground.”
According to him, “In Kebbi and neighbouring states, nobody needs to be reminded that Abubakar Mallam has been generous, accommodating, supportive, and has undertaken the construction of schools, including Islamic ones, and provided social amenities in different parts of the state when he was in active service.”
He pledged to continue identifying selfless people who will use any opportunity to complement the efforts being made by his administration in executing viable projects and economically empowering individuals and groups. “I have identified and recommended more people from other emirates in the spirit of justice and equity for additional appointments,” he added.
In his remarks, the leader of the Zoramawa dynasty, to which both the Governor and Abubakar Mallam belong, Alhaji Ibrahim Na’Haliku (Amirul Zoramawa), described the appointment as a great honour to the entire Zabarmawa in Nigeria. He said, “With the honour and involvement of many of them in both the state and federal government’s agencies, we will mobilise both human and material resources to ensure your continuity beyond 2027.”
In an emotion-laden voice, the new Managing Director of Rima Basin Authority, Alhaji Abubakar Mallam, while presenting his appointment letter to the Governor, expressed his appreciation for the Governor’s doggedness and firm commitment in making his appointment a reality. He added that he decided to join the Governor’s camp from the opposition party when he realised that Governor Idris has good principles and a determination to serve the people of the state.
“But when I saw in you a compassionate, determined, and selfless leader, I sincerely resolved to join you in the interest of the overall development of our state that suffered serious neglect in virtually all sectors of development,” he said.
It could be recalled that, preparatory to the 2007 elections, Abubakar Mallam was requested to resign from his position as Deputy Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service and come home to contest the governorship election, in view of his contributions to community development and generous economic empowerment regardless of political and ethnic affiliations, but he was denied the ticket.