By; SULAIMAN AHMED MISAU, Katsina.
Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari has assured that he would not shy away from the responsibility of running an efficient local government system as enshrined by the law.
Masari was speaking during the popular Hawan Bariki where he received the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmummuni Kabir Usman who paid him Sallah homage at the old government house, Katsina.
The Governor revealed that the screening of local government staff and teachers was done in good faith, stressing that presently the state government had to top up over N1.1B to effect payment of salaries in the thirty four local governments in the state.
Alhaji Aminu Masari emphasized the need for the genuine staff of local governments to assist the present administration to furnish the names of people enjoying salaries and not doing the job.
He assured that the screening exercise will continue with table payment of May salaries for local governments on Monday, next week.
The Governor expressed surprise that people were claiming that the APC administration had no achievements, adding that such people should have a rethink.
At the centre, he said the federal government had improved security situation in the land while in Katsina, the cattle rustling menace had been reduced to the barest level.
The Governor contended that there was no need for anyone to threaten the administration with the coming of 2019, stressing that he was not afraid to give financial situation of the state and the expenditure incurred so far.
He assured that his doors will remain open for people to offer useful suggestions adding that the ministry of information had been provided with funds to make available suggestion boxes at the local government headquarters.
The Governor announced that the present administration had paid N1.2B as counterpart funding to MDGs for the continuity of projects of the Agency in the state.
Similarly, the Governor said N254M was paid to Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) as counterpart funding for the rehabilitation of primary school buildings across the state.
On agriculture, Masari said the state government would soon step out as guarantor for the distribution of one thousand tractors to farmers in the state.
He said government recently launched the sale of fertilizer at a price lower than is being sold in all the states of North West zone.
The Governor also used the occasion to ask the Emir to help in mobilising people to enroll their children for both western and Islamic education.
Earlier, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmummuni Kabir Usman congratulated Muslims for achieving the feat of completing fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, adding that Muslims should remember that whatever befalls them is from their actions or inactions.
Alhaji Abdulmummuni noted that change has come to the land and assured that the new APC administration will continue to make concerted effort to bring the much needed positive change for enhance wellbeing of the people.
The Emir however called for prayers instead of condemning of the leaders, stressing that there was need for decorum in politicking.
Turning to the present administration, Alhaji Abdulmummuni reminded the Governor that the Hawan Bariki visit was for cementing of bond between the Emirate and the state government.
He therefore called for closer collaboration between the duo to improve the lots of followers.
The Emir lamented that people have amass wealth at the expense of the poor who barely eat once a day.
Alhaji Abdulmummuni asked people in the domain to avoid spreading rumours to mar the position of others and commended the Governor for the recently conclude state Economic summit which brought experts from all walks of life.
Very soon, he said there will be industrial establishments to employ youths.
He also commended the recent constitution of Elders Committee to input in various sectors of the state economy.
Highlight of the popular Hawan Bariki was the procession of Horse riders and marksmen, which added colour to the ceremony.
