Michael Olugbode in Damaturu
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has extended hands of fellowship to defeated opposition at the poll, and invited them to join hands with him in the task to build the state.
Buni, who had another four years mandate renewed at the last election, while receiving his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Damaturu, yesterday, said: “It is with a great sense of honour and humility that l most respectfully express my profound gratitude to Almighty Allah (SWT) for the peaceful and successful conduct of the just concluded general election in the state.
“It is gladdening that we, the people of Yobe State have conducted ourselves peacefully and maturely in both the Presidential and National Assembly elections, as well as, the Governorship and State Assembly elections, making our dear state proud,” insisting that, “We have truly exhibited that Yobe State is the home of peaceful elections built on the concept of ‘Politics Without Bitterness’ as propagated by our revered political icon, the late Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim.
“I, therefore, wish to extend our hands of fellowship and to invite you all to join us in the task of building our dear state. We will continue to maintain an open-door policy to give everyone a sense of belonging and the opportunity to contribute to the development of the state.
“It is also heartwarming that politicians and their supporters in the state have refused to give room to political violence and thuggery, which further made Yobe State a role model of peaceful electioneering for other states to copy. I thank you all.
“Now, with the elections over, l congratulate all those, who participated. Although only some were returned elected, l commend the other contenders for putting in a good contest with a passion to serve the state. I also wish to commend the opposition Political Parties and their candidates for showing interest and passion to serve our dear state through healthy politicking.
“The success of this election is therefore general, and collectively ours. I humbly dedicate this victory to Allah (SWT) and the entire people of Yobe state.”
Buni, while thanking the people of the state for reinvesting their faith, and entrusting their mandate in him again for another term of office, he promised not to fail or disappoint them, stating, “We shall be more committed to improve on the achievements recorded in the last four years, to make the next four years more fruitful and rewarding for our people.
“We shall in the years ahead, strive to strengthen the ‘Yobe first’ policy, for economic empowerment, and to have value for monies expended on government projects,” he said, while appealing for continued support of government policies and programmes in order to effectively and efficiently improve the lives of the people.
