Kaduna Swears In Bajoga As Deputy Governor

Nuhu Bajoga was sworn-in today as the new Deputy Governor of Kaduna State by the state Chief Judge, Justice Rahila Cudjoe, at Hassan Usman Katsina House, Kawo, Kaduna.

The swearing-in followed his confirmation by the state House of Assembly on Thursday.

The former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Yero, was sworn-in as the governor on 16 December, following the death of Governor Patrick Yakowa in a helicopter crash in Okoroba-Nembe, Bayelsa state.

Yero said at the swearing in ceremony that he was convinced that the ambassador's patience, articulation and sensible leadership would help in moving the state forward.

According to him, the combination of the old and the young had also contributed immensely to his working relationship with the late Yakowa.

'Yakowa was older than I am by 20 years and I tried as much as possible to obey him and not to create problem for him.

'That gave me the idea that anybody that is going to be the deputy governor has to be somebody that is older than I am and has more experience than I have.

'This will benefit the good people of the state because they say age is an experience and I know that with the experience of Bajoga and his age, we will be able to work together and respect each other,'' he said.

He reiterated his commitment towards peace, unity and development in the state, and urged the people to support them, as well as pray for them in order to enable the government to achieve its mandate.

Yero assured the people that he would have a cordial relationship with his deputy, understand each other, work together, and be patient with each other.

'I assure you that we will have a good working relationship. I as the head and he being my number one adviser, I will do as much as possible. I know what the office of the deputy governor is and will try as much as possible to improve from where I left it,'' the governor said.

He said: 'Anyone, who thinks he can come in between us, it is better for him to advise us to do the right thing, rather than seeking to divide us.”

Bajoga pledged to discharge his duties to the state according to the 1999 Constitution, as he would be emulating the late Yakowa by fostering friendship and enhancing cooperation across the ethnic groups and religions.

'I intend to justify the confidence reposed in me as I will promote harmonious working relationship based on mutual cooperation.''

He noted the expectations of the youths and women, and said he would endear himself to them by discharging his duties to the best of his abilities.

'I appreciate the series of views expressed by various strata of our society and interest groups in the course of filling the vacuum that was created in the office that I have now been called upon to occupy.

'I see this as a positive development, which will serve to enrich our democratic culture and ideals.

'And so rather than diminish my enthusiasm to serve our people, it has awakened me to the enormity of the challenges ahead of us and the need to give my best.

''Bajoga appealed to the people to exercise more patience, eschew bitterness and promote issues that will unite them all.

'The security challenges that stare us in the face demand from us patience, sacrifice and tolerance,'' he said.