New Year: Niger Governor assures citizens of better deal

Niger State Governor and Chairman, North Central States Governors, Forum, Abubakar Bello, in his New Year message, said the year just ended was tough in terms of security and economic challenges.

A statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mary Berje, stated that the governor enjoined citizens of the state to remain hopeful, assuring that the challenges are surmountable.

Bello also acknowledged declining banditry activities across troubled parts of the state, and paid tribute to the gallantry of the armed forces and other security agencies for sustained fight against the menace in the state.

The statement added that, amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2023 general elections, the governor warned against campaign of calumny and thuggery, emphasising the need for issue-based campaigns among candidates of political parties and loyalists.

The governor noted that, although the administration is winding down, government remains focused and committed to completing most ongoing projects.

He maintained that based on its performance thus far, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the most viable option for citizens ahead of the 2023 general elections.

While wishing citizens a blissful New Year, Bello prayed for the sustenance of peace and unity in the state and country, stressing that collective prosperity of a people is dependent on their unity and peaceful coexistence.

“As we enter the New Year, let us look up to 2023 with hope, remaining tolerant and committed to collective ideals that would make the new year a promising and fulfilled one,” the governor stated.