Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle has sworn-in Senator Hassan Mohammed Nasiha as the new Deputy Governor in the state.
This followed the impeachment of the former Deputy Governor, Mahdi Aliyu Gusau by the State Legislature earlier on Wednesday.
The State Assembly , then received a letter for the nomination of a new deputy governor and immediately screened him.
READ HERE: Zamfara Deputy Governor, Mahdi Gusau Impeached
Upon screening, the new deputy governor took the oath of office at the Government House.
Speaking at the swearing in ceremony, Governor Matawalle said the decision to immediately swear-in a new Deputy Governor became imperative in order to end the long vacation of absenteeism from that office so that the constitutional duties of a Deputy Governor in the state can now be effectively performed.
He said a Deputy Governor must be vibrant, honest and loyal to the goals of the administration.
He said that after wide consultation, Senator Nasiha was selected as he best qualifies for the position.
He reminded the new Deputy Governor that he was coming at a time when the state requires committment and out-of-box solutions to its mounting Security problems, economic and social challenges.
“We are grateful to Allah for guiding us to arrive at this critical decision at this crucial point in our political history. Going by the pedigree of the new Deputy Governor, most especially his excellent record of political accomplishments, his excellent interpersonal relations, his accessibility, and closeness to his political constituency, I am confident that His Excellency, Senator Hassan Nasiha is not just the right person for this enviable position but also someone that will deploy his vast experiences in our relentless pursuit of building a new Zamfara State.
“While I congratulate you for attaining this feat, let me remind you that you are taking over this onerous responsibility at a time when Zamfara State, more than any time before, needs the services of competent and capable hands to join ranks to address our myriad of challenges. As you know, the most formidable challenge before us is that of more than a decade-old banditry.
“Almost 26 years since the creation of Zamfara State, we are still confronted with many issues of development that require planning and proper channelling of resources to address.
Apart from the blueprint drawn for the development of the State during the first administration of Jibril Bala Yakubu, the State’s development has virtually remained without a roadmap. This is what informed our decision to inaugurate a committee to draw a Development Plan that will guide the development of the State in the next 25 years.
“As my lieutenant, your role in the implementation of the plan and other government programmes is vital.
“As a Deputy Governor, your role as defined by the constitution is to assist the Governor in discharging his functions. You are to also perform other responsibilities as might be delegated to you by the Governor. You should therefore be ready for all the challenges associated with your new responsibility.
“At this juncture, let me commend the State House of Assembly for staying true to the course of democracy at this critical moment in our political journey. As true democrats, they acted swiftly within the boundaries of the law to salvage our democracy and save the State from the incompetence, insubordination, and carefree attitude of the immediate past occupant of the office of the Deputy Governor.
“I call on the good people of our dear State to extend their usual prayers, support and cooperation to the just sworn-in Deputy Governor for him to perform as expected.
“As you assume office, I pray to Allah to guide you in the course of discharging all your functions with ease and a high sense of responsibility.”
Senator Nasiha was sworn in by the Chief Judge in the state, Justice Kulu Aliyu, OFR, was also separately sworn in with the Holy Quran, distancing himself from bandits and banditry in the state.
In his acceptance speech, the new Deputy Governor affirmed his loyalty to the Governor and his administration.
He also said he would employ all that is in his powers to ensure that the Government and people of Zamfara state succeed.
The 62-year Senator Nasiha is the current Senator representing Zamfara Central and was the immediate caretaker Chairman of the APC in the state.
He has immediately assumed office.
