I'll Not Fail My People - Borno Gov
From Paul Ibe and Mustapha Muhammad in Maiduguri
Governor Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno has pledged his administration's commitment to ensuring the preservation of the mandate of the people and the delivery of democracy dividends to them.
Sheriff gave the assurance while addressing teeming supporters in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital shortly on his arrival from Abuja as the Court of Appeal sitting in Jos Thursday dismissed the appeal of Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim Imam, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the April 2003 gubernatorial poll. The Borno Governorship Election Petition had in February upheld the election of Sheriff of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
The governor left Jos for Abuja immediately after the Appeal Court upheld his victory.
Arriving in Maiduguri, the governor told the visibly ecstatic crowd, who punctuated his address with cheers that his administration has finally cleared the last hurdle on the path of transforming the state.
"I will not fail you, as we have surmounted the legal hurdle that has posed a challenge in our march towards progress and development," Sheriff told the jubilant crowd that included party supporters, ordinary citizens and civil servants at the Government House, Maiduguri.
Admonishing the people of the state to be peaceful at all time and remain steadfast, the governor called for their support and partnership in the days ahead.
"Our greatest asset is you, the people. I implore you to remain steadfast at all times, as we are poised to working in concert with you to realise the fullest potentials of our state," he assured.
The governor gave thanks to God for having seen him through the legal battle and for preserving his governorship. He however promised a comprehensive briefing of what transpired at the Appeal Court after meeting with party stalwarts on July 3.
After the address, Sheriff proceeded to the Central Mosque, Maiduguri with his entourage including the Deputy Governor, Shettima Adamu Dibal, for special Jumat prayers.
Sheikh Muhammad Wabi, Chief Imam of the Central Mosque, in his sermon admonished the people to live in peace and eschew all forms of tribalism or discrimination, saying the teachings of Islam negate these practices.
Harping on the importance of knowledge to human existence and development, Wabi urged the worshippers that included state ANPP Secretary, Alhaji Adamu Yusuf and members of the state executive council not to limit themselves in the quest for knowledge.
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