Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has advised the incoming Governor, Umar Bago to ensure transparency and accountability in his administration as they are key to ensuring good governance.
Governor Sani Bello gave the advice during the inauguration lecture for Umar Bago and Yakubu Garba held at the Idris Legbo Kutiigi International Conference Hall, Minna with the theme “Addressing the challenges of Socio-economic Development at Sub National Level in Nigeria”.
He said transparency and accountability will help him gain support and confidence of the people.
The Governor announced the award the state just received on accountability index awarded by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) for coming 5th and 4th in 2020 and 2021 respectively.
He also enjoined the incoming Governor to form a formidable team of people that share in his vision so as to succeed, adding that priority should be given to training and retraining of staff of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
While sharing his experience, the Governor said viewing governance from outside is different from being in government, and advised the next administration on staff training and retraining.
“Theoretically, it adds up, but physically it doesn’t. You need to build a formidable team as a leader and once that team is not on the same page, you find yourself doing a merry-go-round.
“I want to advise the incoming Governor to invest in the training of staff of MDAs that are to implement most of your programmes”‘ he advised.
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello appreciated Nigerlites for all their support to his administration and urged them to accord same to the next administration for the betterment of the state.
The Chairman of the occasion and Former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso commended the incoming administration for seeking knowledge and advice from technocrats and those that have been in politics and governance to enable them learn from their experiences to avoid mistakes.
He said “this is an opportunity for the incoming Governor of Niger state and his team to go stronger in areas of strength so that they can do better”.
The Chairman of the occasion also called on the Niger state Governor elect to focus and invest in education, stressing that its one of the best priority areas that would yeild results in runing his administration and also ensure that he kicks the ground runing on assumption without wasting time.
He also advised him to make efforts in continuing in building the state where his predecessor stopped.
In his remarks, the Governor-elect, Umar Bago said assured of his administration’s readiness to operate an open door policy thereby emphasizing that advice and directions from individuals will be welcomed.
He expressed optimism that this administration will surpass expectations.
Former National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Attahiru Jega in his keynote address dwelt on the need for good democratic governance both at the state and national levels.
Prof. Jega who attributed the challenge of the prevailing insecurity in parts of the country to bad governance, said there was the urgent need to review the structure, mechanisms and processes of governance.
He also advocated increased use of technology to strengthen the nation’s democratic process.