Former Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has challenged the leadership of Niger State House of Assembly (NSHA) to ensure that dividends of democracy do not elude citizens of the state.
Babangida gave the advice when he granted audience to members of the State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Ahmed Marafa, when they visited his residence in Minna to felicitate with him on his 75th birthday.
Apparently for the fears that the Sani Bello-led administration has been enmeshed in allegations of misapplied policies and maladministration barely a year in office and possible consequences, Babangida told the Speaker to help Nigerlites by ensuring checks and balances to ensure that citizens’ rights and privileges do not elude them.
One of the rudiments of democracy that will guarantee service delivery across both urban and rural parts of Niger State, IBB argued is checks and balances and therefore urged the Speaker to make laws that will give Governor Bello the necessary push to fulfill campaign promises.
Bbangida told Marafa, “I am happy that the legislature under your Speakership and the executive are working harmoniously to ensure that citizens of Niger State reap full benefits of democracy in line with electioneering promises”.
With strict compliance to democratic principles of checks and balance by the relevant arms of government; the executive, legislative and the judiciary, Babangida said that he was convinced that the people of Niger State would have no cause to fear about the Sani Bello-led administration.
The Speaker of the State Assembly, Ahmed Marafa, had earlier told their host that they were at his residence to felicitate with him on his 75th birthday and prayed that Allah grant Babangida more strength and wisdom in his remaining years on earth.
As elder statesman, the Speaker said that the state legislature deemed it necessary to join the family, friends and associates of Ibrahim Babangida who is also one of the proud sons of the state as he attained the golden age.