I will bring banditry to an end in Sokoto – Gov. Aliyu pledges

By Jude Opara, Abuja

The governor of Sokoto state, Ahmed Aliyu has reassured that his administration will drastically reduce banditry in the state, if not eliminate it totally.

Gov. Aliyu gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja, when he received the Integrity Transformative Leadership Award from The Nigeria First Integrity Group, in collaboration with the All Progressives Congress (APC) Stakeholders Forum.

However, the governor who was represented by the state Commissioner for Local Government, Ibrahim Adairi, said he would need the cooperation of all to achieve the task.

He also reassured that his administration would continue to deliver on electioneering promises made during campaigns.

Earlier in her remarks, the Director General of the Nigeria First Integrity Group, Maryam Danjaki, described the governor as a shining example of dignity, humility, diligence, courage, and a man with love for humanity who has positively impacted the lives of the less privileged.

Ms Danjaki explained that the governor was given the award in recognition of his impact on education, infrastructure, and human development in the state; adding that his approval of 25% of the state’s budget for the state’s education sector was above many international benchmarks and should be commended and emulated.

“There are other areas of development where he has made an impact, and these include human capacity, infrastructural, and agricultural developments.

“His life is a testimony of integrity and humility. Comparing his achievements with the state’s past governors shows how well he has done for the people of the state.

“We are happy to identify with him, and we pray that other governors in the north will copy from him,” she added.

The event was attended by Sokoto state lawmakers, traditional rulers, APC stakeholders and other dignitaries from across the country.