The immediate past governor of Kwara state, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has thanked the people of Kwara state for giving him the mandate to serve as their Chief executive over a two (2) term tenure, spanning eight (8) years. In the same vein, he also thanked his predecessor, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki for giving him the opportunity to ascend to the position.
He also congratulated the new governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, and urged him to have faith in Allah in the face of numerous potentially daunting aspirations. He also urged the new governor to continue from where his administration has stopped and complete ongoing projects, so that Kwarans can benefit from it.
Below is his full speech:
HANDOVER SPEECH DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, ALHAJI ABDULFATAH AHMED, IMMEDIATE PAST EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KWARA STATE AT THE SWEARING-IN OF ALHAJI ABDULRAHMAN ABDULRAZAK, AS THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KWARA STATE ON MAY 29TH, 2019.
COURTESIES
Let me start by thanking the Almighty Allah for making it possible for us to witness this momentous event in the history of our dear state, Kwara.
On that note, I also offer the most profound gratitude to Allah, The Beneficent, the Merciful for the unique blessing conferred on me to serve this great state in the last 16 years, first as a member of the state executive council and, crucially, as Chief Executive of the state for two terms.
In the same vein, I offer my deep felt gratitude to the great people of Kwara State who gave me the mandate to manage the affairs of this state for eight years and to my predecessor, leader and Senate President, His Excellency, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki for providing me with the opportunity to ascend to these positions.
At this juncture, I once again congratulate the governor-elect and my successor, His Excellency, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazak as he becomes 7th Executive Governor of Kwara State.
As you take over the reins of governance in Kwara State from me, I pray that the Almighty protects, guides and provides you with the wisdom and the means to meet the high expectations of our people.
Your Excellency, there is no doubt these aspirations are numerous and potentially daunting, but I encourage you to have faith that the Almighty Allah who has favoured you with this leadership will help you. I also call on you to leverage the resourcefulness of our good people in your quest to elevate Kwara State to the next level.
As I have said at other fora, and keeping in mind that governance is a going concern, I urge you to continue where we stopped and complete the numerous ongoing projects initiated by my administration so that the people can reap the benefits.
In the light of this, Your Excellency, I am pleased to inform you that just yesterday the state government received about N5b revenue inflow in the form of tax refunds from the Federal Government.
I am also delighted to announce that Kwara State, through our diligent efforts, is among the 21 States that met the eligibility criteria for the World Bank’s State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability Program for Results (SFTAS) 2018.
This feat qualifies Kwara State and the other qualifying states for access to a $750 million performance grant which I am sure will boost state finances when received.
Finally, I thank and commend the government’s and incoming administration’s transition committees for a job well done in midwifing a smooth handover and inauguration.
My dear Kwarans, I am leaving office as your Governor, but I will remain with you in spirit, praying that all you seek for our state, yourself and families come to pass in our lifetime.
May Allah continue to bless our dear state, elevate its people and uphold the peace and harmony with which he has endowed us.
Thank you, and God bless you.