Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has cautioned officials of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), his political appointees and supporters of the party, against trading words with members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Engineer Sule laid down the caution while distributing utility vehicles to security agencies, Commissioners and selected members of the judiciary, at the Government House, on Monday.
According to the Governor, it has become necessary to caution his political appointees to henceforth exercise restraint in what they say or do in defense of his administration following security information urging all political parties in the state to be cautious of what they say so as to sustain the viable investment atmosphere in the state in the interest of development.
Engineer Sule also urged officials of the party in the state to exercise restraint in their response to the opposition.
“I call on you Mr. APC Chairman to find an opportunity to talk to our people and I am also using this opportunity to talk to government officials. Let us try as much as possible to restrain ourselves from what we say. I know, in most cases, we try to respond to what the opposition says. I also know it is very difficult sometimes to restrain ourselves because – somebody said something that you have to respond. But I am begging you in this particular period to try as much as we can to restrain ourselves,” he said.
Engineer Sule pointed out that, as the ruling party in the state, they should be wary of creating an impression that is capable of discouraging investors coming into the state.
Presenting 20 brand new KIA behicles to commissioners, 2 Toyota Prado Jeeps to the Grand Khadi and President, Customary Court of Appeal as well as 5 Hilux and 1 Toyota Sienna to security agencies, the Governor said the gesture was aimed at strengthening the appointees commitment to service and as well help security agencies in their task of crime prevention in the state.
“Distribution of vehicles for us, is not for pleasure. It is for work – so, vehicles are meant to be tools that are required for our workers.
“I thank the security agencies for their continuous support and the good works they continue to do.
“On the part of Commissioners, I thank you all for your patience. I know a lot of you have been using your own personal vehicles in carrying out government work. Some of you have been using vehicles belonging to ministries in carrying out your responsibilities which shows a lot of efforts and commitment on your side ” The Governor asserted.
He equally appreciated the Grand – Khadi and President, Customary Court of Appeal for their patience and understanding having waited so long to receive their official vehicles.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the recipients, State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, thanked the Governor for the gesture, assuring that the vehicles would be put to use judiciously.
It would be recalled that Engineer Sule has approached the Court of Appeal to reclaim his mandate after the governorship election petition tribunal upturned his election in favour of the candidate of the opposition PDP.