Nasarawa gov: I was re-elected based on competence, trust

• Says I’m still consulting on NGF chairmanship

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has said he was elected for a second term because the people trust him.

He said contrary to a story by a national newspaper there was no secret deal with Christians, traditional rulers or a section of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state before he won the March 18, governorship election.

A statement yesterday by his chief press secretary, Ibrahim Adra  said: “It is pertinent to state categorically that the Nasarawa State Governor Engr Abdullahi Sule did not at any time before or during the 2023 polls enter into any agreement or ‘secret deal’ with individuals or groups as the unfortunate headline in question tries to insinuate.

“The screaming headline is unfair and capable of misleading its readers to say the least. It is, therefore, necessary to put the issues in their right perspective as was intended when His Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule, interacted with some senior editors of newspapers in Abuja shortly after his return from a private visit to the United States.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is worth reiterating that Govrernor Sule did not enter any deal with Christians, traditional rulers and PDP ahead of the March 18, governorship election as was portrayed by the banner headline of the Sunday Sun newspaper.

“Instead, what he told the editors was that in spite of the fact that religion was allowed to play critical role during the 2023 general elections, coupled with the intense competition among the various political parties, still certain prominent Christians, as well as supporters of the leading opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), voted for him essentially because of their belief and trust in his leadership qualities.

“The intended message inherent in the governor’s remarks is that the people of Nasarawa State rose above religious sentiments to vote for him in the election.

“Achieving this feat by the governor required no deal, secret or open, as the people of the state have seen, touched and felt the impact of the administration of Engr Sule in the last four years. The deal, if any, is that Governor Sule has delivered on his mandate and the people evidently rewarded him with another term of four years as governor.”

NGF chairmanship: ‘I’m still consulting’

In another development, Governor Sule has said he would conclude his consultations with stakeholders before deciding on whether to contest the chairmanship of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).

The governor spoke yesterday during a two-day North Central Human Capital Development Regional Conference held at the Aliyu Akwe Doma Banquet Hall in Lafia.

Sule was responding to a call by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Benson Abonu, that he should join the race for the chairmanship of the NGF.

Recall that the eight-year tenure of the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, as NGF chairman and deputy chairman respectively will come to an end on May 29, hence the need for a new leadership of the forum.