Publisher of Blueprint newspapers and governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, on Tuesday pledged his commitment to run an inclusive government when he is elected.
Addressing party executives during a visit to the state secretariat of the APC in Minna, Malagi said: “We will continue to give the women and youth a proper attention they deserved.
“We cannot run a successful democracy or political programme without a meaningful inclusion of women and the youth across the board. We are for the women and the youth. We believe in you.”
Describing himself as “a key player in the birth of the APC since inception”, he said, “I am standing here today before you because we all choose to be loyal, honest and excellent members of the our great party APC. We are not just only united by the same party slogan or flag, today we are a big national family. In Niger State, APC is the best political party we ever had since 1999.”
Malagi noted that the state governor, Alh. Abubakar Sani Bello, has played a remarkable role in ensuring the APC become a great party in Niger State and he thanked him for his efforts.
He also congratulated the state chairman of the APC, Hon. Haliru Zakari Jikantoro, as well as the zonal, local government and ward chairmen and executives of the party for their electoral victory and inauguration.
He described Jikantoro’s election as the chairman of the party in the state as “a new dawn for quality democracy in Niger State”, adding, “I pray that may this success become a harbinger for more success in life and politics,” he added.
Malagi told them: “The mantle of party democracy is now in your hands. We have confidence in your capacity to make the people of Niger State proud.”
He reminded the executives that he had always supported the APC in Niger State because he believed that it was “the party for the people from all ramifications.”
He said, “That’s why I’m ensuring the consolidation of its gains, payment of rent for the state and zonal offices. I will not relent in that loyal effort. I will also continue to support party activities whenever I’m reached out to.
“Mr. Chairman, we are purposely here today to congratulate you all at the same time pay a remarkable respect, give a due sense of recognition to the entire party excos because we are APC members, we are a beautiful family.
“To the well-wishers and Malagi fans who joined us here today to celebrate the victory of APC together, I say you are all welcome and I thank you for your undisputable trust, love, and tireless support.”
During the visit, the aspirant announced “a modest contribution for the progress, unity and development of the party” of N43 million and 31 buses.
Malagi said he made the gesture in order to strenghten the party in the state.
The donation was divided into 3 Sharon buses and N15,000,000 for the state party office and 1 Sharon bus plus N1,000,000 for each zonal office.
Each of the 25 Local Govermment Areas also received a Sharon bus plus N1,000,000, totalling N25 million and 25 Sharon buses.
Malagi used the occasion to condole with the good people of the state over the recent passing away of a former Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Isah Ibrahim Ladan, whom he described as “an astute technocrat”.
He sympathised with the party executives and prayed to Allah to give them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Malagi also expressed pain over the recent terrorist killings of some officers of the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NCDC) in Shiroro, saying, “May their souls rest in eternal peace.”
