Why 2024 will be better, governors tell Nigerians- Governors reassured Nigerians that 2024 would be better than 2023 as they rang in the new year alongside the rest of the world. They also advised people to be patient and take steps to strengthen national unity and cohesiveness.
Why 2024 will be better, governors tell Nigerians
Mutfwang announces seven days of mourning for victims of the Plateau attacks
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau declared a week of mourning from January 1 to January 8 in remembrance of the people who lost their lives in the Christmas Eve attacks that occurred in the local government areas of Barkin-Ladi, Mangu, and Bokkos.
The governor ordered flags to be flown at half mast and urged people to pray fervently for divine intervention in the state during a statewide broadcast. He urged religious leaders, both Christian and Muslim, to set aside Friday, January 5, and Sunday, January 7, 2024, respectively, for special prayers at their places of worship.
The governor stressed that the story of the Farmer-Herder conflicts is false because the real scenario is genocide, characterizing the attacks as “premeditated and coordinated acts of criminality, insurgency, and terrorism.”
His words: “I welcome you to 2024, our year of hope amid conflict, our year of deliverance, restoration and progress. We indeed ended the year 2023 on a sad note because of the many precious lives we lost including but not limited to over 400 between April and June 2023 as well as the over 160 in the recent Christmas genocide.
These unprovoked and simultaneous attacks in different villages were premeditated and coordinated. These series of attacks on our people are a clear case of criminality, insurgency and terrorism and must be seen and handled in that manner if we must succeed in halting this wanton destruction of lives and property.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is a misrepresentation of facts to describe these needless and unprovoked attacks on our people as a Farmer-Herder clash as has always been the traditional narrative. Let us call a spade a spade, this is simple genocide! I commiserate with my dear Plateau People on these monumental killings, especially the affected communities and the families of the deceased.
“We will not rest on our oars but will tirelessly collaborate with the Federal Government to bring an end to these tragedies and succour to affected persons and communities.”
“As a mark of honor for the memory of the deceased, I wish to declare a week of mourning from January 1st to January 8th, 2024. During this period of mourning, flags will fly at half-mast. I urge all citizens to use these days for intense prayers to seek the intervention of the Almighty God in defending our territories and against wicked men who have risen against us.”
Obaseki condemns cult-related murders
In his New Year’s greeting, Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki denounced cult-related killings in the state and announced that security agencies have started looking into the illegal activities of cult groups.
“working with the office of the Inspector General of Police, we have commenced investigation, arrest, and prosecution of sponsors and those who mastermind cult-related killings. he stated, referring to the State Government.
“We are committed to building on the gains made these past years. We are also taking advantage of the dry season to assist the Federal government to repair its extensive network of roads in Edo State before the next rainy season. I acknowledge the resilience, doggedness, perseverance, and indefatigable spirit of our citizens who, in the face of daunting difficulties, continue to slug it out daily to earn a living, especially amid the current harsh economic realities in our country.
The governor thanked Edo people for their support for his administration, saying: “2024 is another election year in the state. While we must be deliberate in making our choices during the polls in support of the progress we have so far recorded, we should seek for a governor who is ready to sacrifice for the common good of Edo and Nigeria, and persons who have the skills, knowledge and experience to formulate and implement good policies that will move Edo Forward.”
It’s your year of redemption, Ododo tells kogites, Nigerians“Kogi State Governor-Elect, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo also assured Nigerians and Kogites that 2024 is their year of redemption.
In a message to Kogites to mark the New Year, Ododo said 2024 is the year the hope of Nigerians will be renewed, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s fuel subsidy removal policy was t in the interest of the nation’s economy,and applauded the President for his efforts at rebounding the nation’s oil refineries.
His words: “We have gone through the sacrifice period of the oil subsidy removal. From the second quarter of 2024, we will bounce back stronger and our economy will be unstoppable from that point.
“I call on Nigerians and Kogites to continue to give total support to the present administration as it is working hard to improve on the living standards of the citizenry. 2024 is a year that will herald the arrival of Nigeria on the global stage.”
The Governor-elect charged Kogites to pray for him as he will be stepping into the shoes of Kogi’s best Governor ever, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him.
He continued: “For us in Kogi State, it is a year of transition. I will be taking over from Kogi’s best Governor ever. It is a huge task to match the heroics of His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello but with God on our side, we won’t let down the flag of progress in our dear state.”
Uzodimma – Better news is on the way in 2024
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State gave the people of the state an assurance that 2024 would be far better than 2023 following a rigorous assessment of the previous year.
He further promised that this year’s performance by his administration will surpass that of 2023.
In his remarks during his New Year’s Statewide Broadcast, Governor Uzodimma stated that Imo State need a revitalized love, a revitalized hope, and a revitalized economy in order to bring about peace, advancement, and prosperity for everybody.
Governor Uzodimma’s broadcast read in part: “My beloved Ndimo, I must admit that the year 2023 was a very challenging year in which many Nigerians battled for survival. As your governor, I shared these pains, and I did the much I could to help alleviate the challenges. But, as I said in my Christmas message, I am confident that the reforms, which are being implemented by President Bola Tinubu, to restructure the economy are the right steps in the right direction.
“Besides, they are vital reforms that are essential for repositioning the economy for a more prosperous future. Like most reforms, the initial pains are inevitable. The good news is that there is light at the end of the tunnel. As they say, the darkest hour heralds a glorious dawn. So it is with the pains that came with these needful reforms. I am very confident that the promised glorious dawn is close enough. Thus, I appeal to the good people of Imo State to be patient because the year 2024 will surely herald that glorious dawn, and I am confident that the pains of 2023 will begin to wane in 2024…
“However, the greatest thank you I can offer to the people of Imo State is to continue to run an efficient and transparent administration with equity and justice as its banner. Working harder in the coming years, exceeding my previous efforts, will no doubt justify that confidence. In this respect, I am glad to announce that we are determined to beat our own records in governance.
“Already, the march towards the actualization of that vision has started with the 2024 budget, which I recently signed into law. Out of the budget of N592 billion, N491 billion, or 83 percent is for capital expenditure, while N100 billion, or 17 percent is for recurrent expenditure.”
Idris gives Nigerians peace and togetherness tasks
Nasir Idris, the governor of Kebbi State, asked the populace to maintain the current peace and unity in the state and nation.
He says that as the state celebrates the New Year, its citizens should also embrace peace and brotherhood. He also says that, with God’s grace, 2024 will offer Nigeria and Kebbi State a lot of good news.
Dr. Idris emphasized once more how Nigerians must maintain their sense of patriotism in order for their nation to continue on its current path of economic prosperity and national development.
“Unity is a panacea for development. Nigeria’s diversity should serve as a foundation for nation-building. Our diversity is our strength. This diversity should be used to unite the country, while our demographic strength should be the catalyst to take Nigeria to greater heights,” he said.
Inuwa pardons 39 prisoners in Gombe
In the spirit of the new year, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has, on the advice of the State Advisory Councils on the Prerogative of Mercy, granted clemency to 39 convicted prisoners incarcerated in various detention facilities.
The governor announced in a Gombe state-wide broadcast on Monday that 26 prisoners would receive an unconditional pardon and the remaining 13 would have their sentences shortened in the hopes that the recipients would accept the chance to start anew.
Regarding national growth, Inuwa emphasized that although it was difficult, the decision to remove the fuel subsidy was important, even if it has caused Nigerians to face increased living expenses and financial hardship.
He stated at Gombe that “over the past 6 months, we have introduced policies like wage grants to civil servants, food and agricultural support, and other palliative measures aimed at cushioning the side effects of the resulting economic shocks. The first phase of our food palliative intervention which was rolled out in August 2023 targeted 420,000 poor and vulnerable people among us. Tomorrow, we are rolling out the second phase of our palliative food distribution program, targeting about 90,000 beneficiaries across the state. Already a committee has been set up under the chairmanship of the Deputy Governor, with representation of various stakeholders to take charge of this responsibility.”
Aliyu advocates greater Support to tackle insecurity
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has pushed for widespread assistance and coordinated action to be taken by security authorities in the nation’s battle against security threats.
In his annual letter to the citizens of the State and the nation, the governor made these statements on Monday.
He claimed that Nigeria faced numerous difficulties in the year 2023 under review, particularly in the area of security, which significantly hampered the country’s efforts to progress.
He bemoaned the fact that bandit raids were so common in Sokoto territory, killing, kidnapping, and uprooting a large number of people within their own territory.
He said that the three levels of government must act quickly to address the serious issue of armed banditry that is afflicting the northern states.
He said “Our seven-month-old administration had recorded a tremendous improvement in the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality in the state. so far, over 100 kidnapped victims have been successfully rescued by the military as a result of the sustained support and encouragement they enjoyed from the state government.”
Taraba Governor, Kefas, Frees 31 Inmates
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba announced the release of 31 inmates in the state to welcome in 2024.
The governor claims that this choice demonstrates a dedication to compassion and providing worthy people with a second opportunity at salvation.
In a televised state-wide New Year’s message, Governor Kefas reaffirmed his dedication to putting people’s safety and property security first.
He said “in the spirit of renewal and progress, I am pleased to announce that, in the exercise of my prerogative of power, we shall be granting clemency to 31 deserving inmates.
“This decision reflects our commitment to justice, compassion, and the transformative power of rehabilitation.”
While acknowledging the prevalent security challenges affecting citizens, the governor pledged to intensify efforts in the upcoming months to create a safer environment for all residents.
He said, “addressing the security challenges that have touched the lives of some of our citizens is a constitutional responsibility that we take seriously in the coming months of the year.
“We will redouble our efforts to make Taraba a safer haven for all. Together, we shall overcome these challenges and ensure that our state thrives in peace and harmony.”
