From Yakubu Mustapha Minna
The Niger State Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has sworn in fourteen new commissioners and resolved to transform the state.
Governor Bello during the swearing in of Commissioners at the Government House, Minna, urged them to be the change agents by fighting corruption as his administration has zero-tolerance for corruption and other vices.
He further hinted that measures have been put in place to measure their performances hence should touch the lives of the people just as laxity will not be accepted and would be shown the way out if find wanting
He said “you must eschew divisive tendencies hinged on political, religious and ethnic coloration.
“For those of you who are fortunate to be returning after the dissolution of the last executive council, I feel you all need to work harder to uphold the confidence I have repose on you that warrants your return.
“And for the new Commissioners, I assume you know that you have great task ahead in supporting us to deliver on our mandate with the people who voted us.”
However, fourteen Commissioners out of the eighteen names submitted to the State House of Assembly by the governor were cleared while four still await screening and clearance.
Those sworn in include: Muhammadu Adamu for Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Nuhu Diku for Agriculture and Rural Development, Samaila Ibrahim for Youth Affairs, Zakari Bawa for Sports Development, Zakari Abubakar for Finance and Mamman Musa for Water Resources and Dam.
Those who retained their portfolios were; Haliru Zakai Jikantoro for Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Nasara Danmalam for Justice, Fatima Madugu for Education, Dr Mustapha Jibrin for Health and Health Services
Others include Ibrahim Balarebe for Works, Mohammad Mudi for Investment, Commerce and Industry, Idris Jibrin Amin for Environment and Forestry, Rahamatu Ya’Adua for Mineral Resources, Amina Gwa for Women Affairs and Social Development, Engr. Ibrahim Panti,
The governor added that Commissioner for Finance is to oversee Ministry of Planning, that of Culture and Tourism Sunday Kolo is to oversee Ministry of Information, while Commissioner for Local government affairs is to oversee Ministry of Land and Housing and Commissioner for Agriculture is to oversee the Ministry of Livestock and Fishery.
