Gombe state governor, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya said out of the N5.7 billion his predecessor, Ibrahim Dankwambo, received as Paris Club refund from the federal government in his last week in office, he left only N800 million in the account of the state government.
Yahaya revealed this to the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, who paid him Sallah homage at the Government House on Wednesday, Daily Trust reports.
He alleged that his predecessor’s administration squandered the state’s resources and left the state in “deep financial crisis, huge debt, decaying health, and education sector.”
The governor said his administration would respect and work with traditional rulers to ensure speedy development of the state.
He said he would give traditional rulers a chance to play their part in the development of the state, noting that they deserve to be respected as royal fathers and custodians of people’s culture. The governor also pledged to work hard to deliver the mandate given to him by the people of the state.
Earlier, the emir had urged the governor to work for the entire people of the state irrespective of their tribal, religious or political affiliation. The emir also called on the people of the state to support the new administration with prayers and be patient with it.
Meanwhile, the new Imo state governor, Emeka Ihedioha, on Tuesday, May 28, said he would step on toes in his style of governance.
According to Ihedioha, stepping on toes is necessary to do the right thing, adding that his government will run a focused administration aimed at addressing the disturbing issues affecting the people of the state.