The Niger State Governor-elect, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, on Thursday said he would not have had the courage to contest for the
governorship, if not for the tutelage he had under the outgoing Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu.
Bello, at a formal handover ceremony, said he would remain one of the students of Governor Aliyu.
He said serving under the outgoing governor taught him a lot about governance.
According to him: “I am one of the students of Governor Aliyu.
“I thank God for the opportunity to serve as governor after the brief experience I had with the Chief Servant regarding some aspects of
life.
“Governor Aliyu has exposed me to public service and I feel indebted to him.
“Without my experience with him, I would not have contemplated vying for councillorship talk less of a governorship.”
The Governor-elect appreciated the outgoing governor for a smooth handover and take over process from one administration to another.
He then called on Aliyu to always avail himself to guide and counsel the incoming administration whenever he is needed.
He said: “I hope he will continue to guide and counsel us and hope he will not get tired of us when we call on him.”
Aliyu said he is happy that the one who is taking over from him is someone from his cabinet, adding that the transition is from a father
to a son.
He said: “This is a transition from a brother to a brother and a father to a son.
“Abubakar Sani Bello was a member of my chamber even if his stay was brief.
“Elections are over.
“Now administration must start.
“We must bury our hatchet and ensure things work out for good.”
Aliyu stated that his administration tried as much as possible to leave Niger State better than he found it, stressing that he tried to make his administration as open as they can.
Aliyu then prayed that the incoming government succeeds.
He said: “I wish you well.
“I have prayed and asked people to pray for the All Progressives Congress government to succeed.
“I pray you do better than we have done.
“May God give you the strength.”
Governor Aliyu also held a valedictory executive council meeting where he bade his council members farewell.
He said he was happy to have worked with them for the past eight years.