The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has told Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State to go ahead to seek re-election into office for a second term.
The Emir made the statement on Tuesday in Government House, Ilorin during Bareke, a traditional Eid homage by the monarch that dates back to the colonial years.
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari hailed the hands-on approach of Governor AbdulRazaq to the duties of his office, saying it would be good to have the Governor run for another term in the 2023 ballot.
“Governor AbdulRazaq has been hardworking. In fact he is a field man. I think he spends more time on the fields (attending to public needs) than in his office.
“May God continue to guide you, protect you and assure success for him in all his endeavours.
“I wish the Governor is willing to do another term in office. It is an individual’s right assigned in the constitution of Nigeria that the Governor that spent four years in the first term can also contest for a second term. Your Excellency, go ahead with aspiration to become a second term Governor of Kwara State,” he said.
In his reaction, the Governor commended the Emir for his fatherly roles and for promoting peace and cultural heritage of the Ilorin Emirate.
“I welcome Your Royal Highness and distinguished members of your entourage to Government House on another occasion of Bareke. This is a tradition that is rooted in history and culture. It is a testament to the excellent relationship between the traditional institution and the government. We do not take that for granted. Rest assured that this administration will always honour and respect the legacies of the House of Sheikh Alimi,” he noted.
“Your Royal Highness, our administration is committed to peace, unity, and general well-being of the largest majority of our people. And within a space of three years, we have made Kwara workers one of the best and promptly paid workforce in central Nigeria.
“Our commitment to collective good is evident across all sectors. Health indices have improved; we have upgraded facilities across the state. We have taken roads and other developmental projects to the remotest corners of our state; and we have standardized basic education. Today, unlike before, Kwara competes strongly with its peers in things that truly matter.”
