By Ummi Ismaeel,
Minna
Former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, yesterday said that he became governor prepared for inherent challenges which included criticisms of his administration’s policies.
He also said that he was happy that some of his achievements had become reference points for all Nigerlites, including those who were his biggest critics.
Aliyu made the declaration at the graduation of Trained Vocational Skills Acquisition students and presentation of trophy to the best graduating student of NYEDI Bakers’ Competition which took place in Minna.
His words: “I became governor of Niger State fully prepared that not everybody will like some of the decisions we were to take then. I was a member of House of Representatives in 1983, after that I went back to school.
“As a career civil servant I retired as Permanent Secretary before I contested for the governorship.
“After reaching the peak of my career, I understood what leadership and service is all about hence I was able to manage my critics, including those that insulted me but now see my decisions then as the best for the good of Niger state today.”
He pointed out that abuses or criticisms of any sorts over perceived wrongs done to the people by opponents were part of prices you pay as leaders and those in position of authority, adding, “You can’t take certain critical decisions and expect people not to complain, expect them to like or praise you”.
Aliyu said government and governance means more of sacrifice and service to God and humanity, pointing out that an administration whereby family members, relatives, a clique or business allies become contractors of sorts cannot achieve much for the citizenry.
The former governor who however acknowledged that his administration made mistakes, said that being humans, such mistakes could be partly due to his refusal to sacrifice the collective interests of all Nigerlites for the sake of few highly placed individuals in the state.
He challenged the over 100 graduating students, including those from the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Studies, Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna to put into practice all that they have learnt in creating jobs to become employers of labour.