By Umar Dankano,Yola.
Former Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority ( NPA) Umar Suleiman has joined the governorship race under the African Democratic Congress, ADC in Adamawa state.
Making his declaration yesterday in Yola Suleiman said he joined the race after wider consultations with party’s stake- holders and supporters and for him to contribute his quota in the development of the state.
Suleiman explained that as an individual the level of backwardness of the state has always been a source of concern for him and decided to change the old narrative if given the mandate by the Adamawa electorate come 2027 elections.
He stressed that despite its abundant human and material resources the state has no reason to be left behind, promising to do all it takes to redeem the lost glory of the state with the contributions of all well meaning citizens.
He noted that,his decision to join the race is also in response to the yearnings and aspirations of the people especially the common man and is borne out of patriotic desire to contribute his quota to the development of the state, taking into consideration the collective interest of people and the pressing challenges bedeviling the state.
He also assured the people of Adamawa state of his commitment to serve them with high sense of honesty, fairness and justice putting the collective interest of the state and its people at heart noting that Adamawa will not regret having him as a Governor.
According to him, his topmost agenda if elected would be ; Education, Economic Health development, Agriculture, security ,skills acquisition, youths and women Empowerments,skills acquisition, Rural Development,employment opportunities among others.
Sulaiman pledged to harness technical and vocational education which he believes will provide employment opportunities to the teeming youths in the state with a promise to revive this aspect of education that will provide the youths with skills and technical know-how to be self-reliant and contribute to the economic growth and development of the state.
“Adamawa is blessed with fertile land,water resources ,economic and agricultural potentials among other human and material resources which have not been tapped for the benefits of the state and this will be given adequate attention in his administration if given the opportunity to serve”. Suleiman maintained
He also promised to use his connections and social contacts to attract foreign investors into the state and leverage on other opportunities provided by some international organisation to build a new Adamawa state where real development and true dividends of democracy will reach the door step of every Adamawa citizen.
Our correspondent reported that the event was attended by party supporters, stakeholders, groups, friends and well wishers from the 226 political wards across the 21 local Governments in the state.