INAUGURAL SPEECH OF

ALHAJI IBRAHIM IDRIS ON MAY 29^TH, 2003

          I thank the Almighty Allah, who has fulfilled his promise by making it possible for me to stand before you as the third Executive Governor of Kogi State.  The glory belongs to Him.  I salute all the  people of Kogi State, men, women and youths, who God has used in various ways to elect me to pilot the ship of this State for the next four years.  May Allah reward each and every one of you bountifully.  The race to Lugard House which started a couple of years ago ended on April 19^th, 2003 in a free and fair election which was won and lost.  I salute my fellow contestants, especially the immediate past Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, whose Conduct was devoid of rancour and unpleasantries.  In any contest, there can  only be a winner; however this victory belongs not only to me or the People Democratic Party, but to all Kogites irrespective of party affiliations.

            I am aware that the expectations of our electorate is very high, yet my administration is very much aware that the task before us is a daunting one.  My experience during my campaign trips showed me the seriousness of the task before us.  My administration is inheriting a state whose indigenes are severely divided against itself on ethnic grounds, frustrated by a comatose economy, extreme poverty and lack of basic amenities.  The only viable industry in the State is the highly demoralized, intimidated, politicized and brutalized public service, that had remained docile for effective contribution to growth.

            Yet we shall not be daunted.  Yes, we shall not be intimidated because we have the human and natural resources to address these political, social and economic problems.  We shall not be frustrated by these problems because we individually and collectively have the will and determination to lift our people from the bondage of poverty, hunger, ignorance and disease.  Indeed we shall together restore, in no distant future, that confidence and productive spirit in all Kogites, one which has earned us respect, and sometimes envy in the past.

            My dear people of Kogi State, even when we are justifiably angered by the situation in Kogi State, we must not lose focus of where we want to get to.  On my part, given your mandate and guided by he constitution, rule of law and the fear of God, my administration shall vigorously and steadfastly work towards transforming  the  State,  within  the  corporate  entity  of  a  united  Nigeria into a

viable, sustainable and prosperous geo political economy with the wealth of the state equitably and fairly shared amongst a people living in peace and harmony, sharing common values and destiny, irrespective of ethnic and religious differences.

            To this end, I pledge to run an administration that is open, transparent, accountable, efficient and above all, humane.  A critical ally in our pursuit of good governance will be the bureaucracy.  We must therefore prepare and strengthen the public service at both the local and State Government levels, psychologically, to provide the necessary back up for my administration.  The civil service will be restructured to reflect our commitment to a transparent, accountable, corruption free services to the State.  Meanwhile, I have directed an assessment of all outstanding salaries and allowances due to all civil servants with a view to making payments, as soon as possible.  Similarly, all payments due to pensioners are being compiled for payment.

            To our royal fathers there is no need for them to be afraid.  My administration will always respect and uphold the dignity of our traditional institutions and ensure that they are insulated from partisan politics.  The injustice in our traditional institution will be addressed to ensure their relevance to their communities.  I am therefore soliciting the supports and cooperation of our royal fathers in maintaining security and promoting peaceful co-existence amongst all tribes and religions.

            In the coming days ahead, I will address the people of Kogi State to elaborate on my administration policy thrusts with specific pronouncements on some burning issues that will begin to move the state forward.   Also I will start intense consultations with all members of all sectors of the economy and society for a collective salvage mission of Kogi State.

            Finally, I want to pay tribute to the former Governor of the State, Prince Abubakar Audu, for his efforts in the State.  He has tried his best.  What is left for us  is to make a remarkable difference in all aspects of life in Kogi State.

            After all politics has to do with power that belongs to God.  Divine power in the hands of human being is justified only in view of service, never for domination and less still for personal gain and selfish interest alone.  This is my sacred pledge as Governor of Kogi State.  May God help us all.