From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Emir of Zuru Maj-Gen(rtd) Muhammad Sani-Sami, Gomo II has revealed that about 19,000 households were impoverished in Zuru Emirate as a result of bandits’ attacks.
The emir stated this during his courtesy visit to the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris, alongside his Council of Chiefs and District Heads at the Government House.
He told the governor that they were at the Government House not only for a congratulatory visit, but also to re-affirm their solidarity, loyalty and support to the new administration. The emir, who expressed optimism that the governor, as a technocrat and a seasoned unionist, would be a blessing to the entire state, said he had no doubt that the governor would bring positive changes to the state.
He said: “We believe you will bring to bear your experiences and leadership to build a better and more prosperous Kebbi State, to put an endless smile on the faces of people of Kebbi, given your track records of achievements.
“We hope the issue of insecurity in the Zuru emirate, lack of good roads and other infrastructure will be among your priorities when you settle down. The current security situation in the area has been so alarming, our farmers are being chased out of their farmlands.
“Over 19,000 households had been impoverished and displaced by banditry, which posed a threat and continuous decline in agricultural production and businesses in the state.
In his response, Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, who assured the emir that he would consult with tradition rulers and major stakeholders in the state before awarding any contract to avoid misplacement of priority, said he would do his best to restore peace in the Zuru Emirate.
The governor said: “We will consult with traditional rulers before embarking on any project to avoid misplacement of priority in project execution, and we want to run an open door policy that will carry all manner of people along.
We want to execute projects that have direct bearing with people. We don’t want a situation where the government will execute a project that is not the priority of people.
“Everybody knows that Zuru are not lazy people, they are brave people who always stand on their feet. Farming remained one of their major sources of income, but security challenges are dragging the business backward. We will do everything possible to restore peace in the land,” he assured.
The governor said his administration is committed to tackle the issues of insecurity head-on, particularly in Zuru emirate, to enable people not only go back to their farms, but also comfortably sleep with their two eyes closed. Idris assured people of the state that his administration would not victimise anybody for not supporting his gubernatorial ambition during the 2023 general elections.
He said: “Despite the fact that you stood firm to ensure our victory as a leader, yet, we knew some people refused to vote for us. However, being a teacher, I have forgiven everybody, including those who voted for us and those who didn’t vote for us.
“Everybody should come forward and contribute his quota on ways to move our people and our dear state forward. I have made some promises in your emirate and by the grace of God Almighty, we are going to fulfil the promises.”
While appreciating the emir for the visit, the governor noted with satisfaction that the monarch was the first traditional ruler in the state to personally pay a congratulatory visit to him.