Sokoto ADC governorship candidate vows to revitalize civil service as his NDC counterpart seeks stronger security measures
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya (Walin Sokoto), has reaffirmed his commitment to restoring the dignity, efficiency, and professionalism of the Sokoto State Civil Service if elected Governor in the 2027 general elections.
Hon. Dan’iya made the pledge while receiving a delegation of civil servants comprising administrative officers, finance officers, and local government personnel who paid him a Sallah homage and expressed support for his gubernatorial aspiration.
Speaking during the visit, the ADC candidate emphasized the critical role of the civil service in governance, policy implementation, and service delivery, noting that no government can achieve sustainable development without a motivated, productive, and professional workforce.
According to him, “A strong civil service is the engine room of government. When civil servants are treated fairly, motivated appropriately, and allowed to discharge their responsibilities without discrimination, governance becomes more efficient and development becomes more visible.
“Any administration that seeks sustainable development must build an environment where professionalism, experience, and competence are respected and rewarded,” he stated.
The ADC gubernatorial candidate further argued that government attention should be focused on addressing the socio-economic challenges confronting the people of Sokoto State, particularly poverty, unemployment, access to quality education, healthcare, and rural development.
The ADC candidate assured civil servants that his administration would prioritize institutional reforms, capacity building, workforce development, prompt payment of entitlements, and policies designed to enhance efficiency and professionalism across the public sector.
He further pledged to create a civil service that is technology-driven, merit-based, and capable of competing favourably with the best public service institutions across Nigeria.
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the delegation, a senior civil servant, Malam Muhammad Gumbi, congratulated Hon. Dan’iya on the successful Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and expressed appreciation for his consistent engagement with public servants across the state.
He stated that the delegation was also at the candidate’s residence to reaffirm its support for the ADC and its vision for a more inclusive, accountable, and development-oriented government in Sokoto State.
Malam Gumbi expressed confidence in Hon. Dan’iya’s capacity to implement reforms that would strengthen the civil service and improve governance outcomes across the state.
The visit was witnessed by ADC State Chairman Hon. Abdullahi Maigwandu and some of the State Exco.
Meanwhile, the Governorship Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Sokoto State, Dr. Shamsudden Aliyu Haido, has called on the Sokoto State Government to prioritize security.
Dr. Haido expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in several parts of the country particularly in rural communities where the residents continue to face threats to their lives, livelihoods, and properties.
According to Haido, the long-term solution to insecurity lies in restoring security and ensuring that citizens can return safely to their communities and resume their normal lives.
“The people of Sokoto need security more than they need money and bags of rice.
“What our people are asking for is protection. They want to sleep with their eyes closed, cultivate their farms without fear, and move freely within their communities,” he said
Dr. Haido noted that the growing number of internally displaced persons across parts of the state reflects the urgent need for stronger security measures and a more coordinated response to the activities of bandits and other criminal elements.
He lamented the hardship being faced by displaced families, many of whom have lost homes, farmlands, livestock, and other means of livelihood as a result of repeated attacks.
He added that continued dependence on relief materials would not solve the underlying challenges confronting affected communities.
The NDC candidate urged the state government to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, community leaders, and local vigilante groups to improve intelligence gathering and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities.
He further called for increased investments in security infrastructure, rapid response mechanisms, and support for victims of violence to facilitate their safe return and reintegration into their communities.
Dr. Haido also extended his condolences to families who lost loved ones during the attacks and prayed for the quick recovery of those injured. He assured displaced persons that their plight would remain a priority in his political engagements and advocacy efforts.
