North’ll negotiate with presidential candidates –Aliyu

[Mirror]

Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has disclosed that before giving support to any presidential candidate, the North would ensure proper negotiation to protect the interest of the region.

The chairman of the Northern States Governors' Forum, NSGF, also emphasised the need to fulfil every promise made to the region before election in the collective interest of all.

Aliyu, who said this during the inauguration of office complex for federal workers in Enagi, the headquarters of Edati Local Government, denied claims that he was clamouring for only presidential candidates from the North ahead 2015.

The governor explained that the region was prepared to support whoever was elected, while lampooning those criticising him so as to get favour from the Presidency in the build up to the general elections.

Aliyu also warned that the state would not accept introduction of religion into its body polity.

He said: "Here in Niger State, we do not play the politics of religion as such attitude would negate the development drive of the state and the country at large."

The governor also said in preparatory to the local government polls in 2014, he would commence a state-wide tour of the 25 councils from August to inspect all projects executed by the local government chairmen.

He said: "Edati chairman has proven that the state government does not temper with allocation to the councils, today with the projects executed."

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Edati, Alhaji Isah Kantigi, told Aliyu that the council expended N260 million to construct some projects by cutting the over head cost by 50 per cent.

National Mirror