Kano Governor-elect Advises Colleagues on Dwindling Revenue

The Kano State governor-elect, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, has advised his colleagues on the need to cut cost of governance when they assume office to enable them meet their responsibilities to the electorate.

Ganduje gave the advice yesterday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola, saying the step was necessary in view of the dwindling revenue from the Federation Account

“I think it is necessary that they (incoming governors) reposition, as business is no longer as usual with the present economic reality.

“My advice to my colleagues is to block leakages for optimum utilisation of what is on ground.

“There must be some element of political and economic fasting; I think we should learn how to fast before the month of Ramadan,” Ganduje said.

He said that some states needed to cut the benefits of political office holders and enhance their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) alongside other measures, to be able to pay salaries and meet their obligations.

Ganduje said Kano, under his administration would exploit its population, value of land and growing businesses among others to boost its local revenue.

Thegovernor-elect, whoiscurrently the Deputy Governor of the state, said his administration would also ensure continuity of Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso’s programmes.

“Continuity is one of the problems facing Nigeria’s development at all levels of government; in Kano, I want to assure the people that continuity is indispensable,” Ganduje said.

On the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), Ganduje said his emergence was timely and all Nigerians needed to do was to be patient with him and accord him the needed support to deliver.