State Governors and other political leaders have ushered in the new year with renewed promises of a better life for majority of Nigerians.
In his new year message, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar urged all elected leaders in the country to, in 2012 “attend urgently to the basic needs of voters with a view to sustaining popular faith in democratic governance”.
The ex-VP in a statement signed by his media office in Abuja, said leaders in the country have no excuse for the untold hardship Nigerians are experiencing.
According to him, “When elected leaders abandon the people, alienation sets in and ultimately making the voters to develop apathy towards democratic governance and resentment towards the leaders. The people see their votes as an investment to better their future”.
Governor? Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State acknowledged the security challenges in the Country, but called on all Nigerians to work in synergy to tackle the problem.
“For our beloved country, the times are certainly hard across all spheres of governance. In particular, the deficits in the security of lives and property and the management of our diversity have attained levels that give renewed cause for grave anxiety.
At this juncture, the Nigerian nation, not one particular religion or ethnic group is under attack. We must respond as Nigerians and rise as a people to face the challenge, united by a common resolve to defend our collective security and the integrity of the polity”, he said.
Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam in a statement yesterday, pledged a better Benue and better Nigeria in 2012.
The Governor who spoke while commissioning a Government House Chapel, urged the indigenes of the state to embrace spirituality and peace and restated his promise to make life better in the new year for the people of the state.
In his New Year message, the Governor of Osun State, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola told the electorate in the state to expect a mega performance in 2012.
He said besides free education for students at the primary and secondary levels, the teachers should expect better welfare schemes in the year.
“Apart from free education programme at the primary and secondary levels, this administration has made remarkable achievements in the educational sub-sector. Our administration will continue to give the deserved attention to the welfare of teachers in 2012”, he pledged.
The Governor also promised to improve service in the health and the improvement of health infrastructure.
The Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sullivan Chime in a good will message also promised an enhanced performance in the year 2012.