* Mutfwang declares seven days mourning Plateau attacks victims

* Kefas frees 31 prisoners, Inuwa pardons 39

* Uzodimma, Obaseki, Ododo, Idris, Aliyu, Inuwa, others speak

By Clifford Ndujihe, Marie-Therese Nanlong, Ozioruva Aliu, Haruna Aliyu, Ben Ngwakwe & Musa Ubandawaki

AS Nigerians joined the rest of the world to usher in Year 2024, yesterday, governors assured them that the year would be better than 2023 and urged them to exercise patience and carry out actions that would boost national unity and cohesion.

Mutfwang declares seven days mourning Plateau attacks victims

In Plateau, Governor, Caleb Mutfwang announced a week of mourning from January 1 to January 8, in honour of those killed in the Christmas Eve attacks across communities in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of the state.

In a state-wide broadcast, the governor directed that flags be flown at half-mast, and urged citizens to engage in intense prayers for divine intervention in the state. He appealed to Muslim and Christian clerics to dedicate Friday 5th and Sunday 7th of January 2024 respectively for special prayers in the worship centres.

The governor who described the attacks as “premeditated and coordinated acts of criminality, insurgency, and terrorism”, emphasized that the narrative of Farmer-Herder clashes is wrong as the true situation is genocide.

His words: “I welcome you to 2024, our year of hope amid conflict, our year of deliverance, restoration and progress. We indeed ended the year 2023 on a sad note because of the many precious lives we lost including but not limited to over 400 between April and June 2023 as well as the over 160 in the recent Christmas genocide.

“These unprovoked and simultaneous attacks in different villages were premeditated and coordinated. These series of attacks on our people are a clear case of criminality, insurgency and terrorism and must be seen and handled in that manner if we must succeed in halting this wanton destruction of lives and property.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is a misrepresentation of facts to describe these needless and unprovoked attacks on our people as a Farmer-Herder clash as has always been the traditional narrative. Let us call a spade a spade, this is simple genocide! I commiserate with my dear Plateau People on these monumental killings, especially the affected communities and the families of the deceased.

“We will not rest on our oars but will tirelessly collaborate with the Federal Government to bring an end to these tragedies and bring succour to affected persons and communities.”

“As a mark of honour for the memory of the deceased, I wish to declare a week of mourning from January 1st to January 8th, 2024. During this period of mourning, flags will fly at half-mast. I urge all citizens to use these days for intense prayers to seek the intervention of the Almighty God in defending our territories and against wicked men who have risen against us.”

Obaseki decries cult-related killings

In Edo, Governor Godwin Obaseki in his New Year message condemned cult-related killings in the state, saying that security agencies have commenced investigation of the criminal activities of cult groups.

He said the State Government was “working with the office of the Inspector General of Police, we have commenced investigation, arrest and prosecution of sponsors and those who mastermind cult-related killings.

“We are committed to building on the gains made these past years. We are also taking advantage of the dry season to assist the Federal government to repair its extensive network of roads in Edo State before the next rainy season. I acknowledge the resilience, doggedness, perseverance, and indefatigable spirit of our citizens who, in the face of daunting difficulties, continue to slug it out daily to earn a living, especially amid the current harsh economic realities in our country.

The governor thanked Edo people for their support for his administration, saying: “2024 is another election year in the state. While we must be deliberate in making our choices during the polls in support of the progress we have so far recorded, we should seek for a governor who is ready to sacrifice for the common good of Edo and Nigeria, and persons who have the skills, knowledge and experience to formulate and implement good policies that will move Edo Forward.”

It’s your year of redemption, Ododo tells kogites, Nigerians

Kogi State Governor-Elect, Alhaji Ahmed  Ododo also assured Nigerians and Kogites that 2024 is their year of redemption.

In a message to Kogites to mark the New Year, Ododo said 2024 is the year the hope of Nigerians will be renewed, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s fuel subsidy removal policy was t in the interest of the nation’s economy,and  applauded  the President for his efforts at rebounding the nation’s oil refineries.

His words: “We have gone through the sacrifice period of the oil subsidy removal. From the second quarter of 2024, we will bounce back stronger and our economy will be unstoppable from that point.

“I call on Nigerians and Kogites to continue to give total support to the present administration as it is working hard to improve on the living standards of the citizenry. 2024 is a year that will herald the arrival of Nigeria on the global stage.”

The Governor-elect charged Kogites to pray for him as he will be stepping into the shoes of Kogi’s best Governor ever, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him.

He continued: “For us in Kogi State, it is a year of transition. I will be taking over from Kogi’s best Governor ever. It is a huge task to match the heroics of His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello but with God on our side, we won’t let down the flag of progress in our dear state.”

We’ll have better tidings in 2024 – Uzodimma

After a critical evaluation of the year 2023, Governor Hope Uzodimma, on his part, assured the people of Imo State that 2024 will be a lot more better than the preceding year.

He also assured that his government will exceed the 2023 performance this year

Governor Uzodimma who spoke during his New year Statewide broadcast said Imo State needs a renewed love, a renewed hope, and renewed economic growth to usher in peace, progress and prosperity for all.

Governor Uzodimma’s broadcast read in part: “My beloved Ndimo, I must admit that the year 2023 was a very challenging year in which many Nigerians battled for survival. As your governor, I shared these pains, and I did the much I could to help alleviate the challenges. But, as I said in my Christmas message, I am confident  that the reforms, which are being implemented by President Bola Tinubu, to restructure the economy are the right steps in the right direction.

“Besides, they are vital reforms that are essential for repositioning the economy for a more prosperous future. Like most reforms, the initial pains are inevitable. The good news is that there is light at the end of the tunnel. As they say, the darkest hour heralds a glorious dawn. So it is with the pains that came with these needful reforms. I am very confident that the promised glorious dawn is close enough. Thus, I appeal to the good people of Imo State to be patient because the year 2024 will surely herald that glorious dawn, and I am confident that the pains of 2023 will begin to wane in 2024…

“However, the greatest thank you I can offer to the people of Imo State is to continue to run an efficient and transparent administration with equity and justice as its banner. Working harder in the coming years, exceeding my previous efforts, will no doubt justify that confidence. In this respect, I am glad to announce that we are determined to beat our own records in governance.

“Already, the march towards the actualization of that vision has started with the 2024 budget, which I recently signed into law. Out of the budget of N592 billion, N491 billion, or 83 percent is for capital expenditure, while N100 billion or 17 percent is for recurrent expenditure.”

Idris tasks Nigerians on unity, peace

On his part, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, urged the people to sustain the prevailing peace and unity in the state and country .

According to him,people of the state must also embrace brotherliness and tranquility as they celebrate the New Year, adding that 2024 will by the grace of God bring many glad tidings to Kebbi State and Nigeria.

Dr. Idris further stressed the need for patriotism by Nigerians to enable the country to remain on the trajectory of economic growth and national development.

“Unity is a panacea for development. Nigeria’s diversity should serve as a foundation for nation-building. Our diversity is our strength. This diversity should be used to unite the country, while our demographic strength should be the catalyst to take Nigeria to greater heights,” he said.

Inuwa pardons 39 prisoners in Gombe

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has granted 39 convicted inmates serving in various custodial centres clemency in the spirit of new year based on the recommendation of the State Advisory Councils on Prerogative of Mercy.

In a state -wide broadcast on Monday in Gombe, the Governor said, 26 inmates will be granted unconditional pardon while the remaining 13 have their sentences commuted to shorter periods with the hope that the beneficiaries will turn a new leaf and embrace the opportunity to start afresh.

On national development, Inuwa pointed out that the removal of fuel subsidy, though painful, was a necessary decision despite the fact that it has resulted in a rising cost of living and economic hardship among Nigerians.

Urging all hands on deck to surmount the economic challenges, he said in Gombe “over the past 6 months, we have introduced policies like wage grants to civil servants, food and agricultural support, and other palliative measures aimed at cushioning the side effects of the resulting economic shocks. The first phase of our food palliative intervention which was rolled out in August 2023 targeted 420,000 poor and vulnerable people among us. Tomorrow, we are rolling out the second phase of our palliative food distribution programme, targeting about 90,000 beneficiaries across the state. Already a committee has been set up under the chairmanship of the Deputy Governor, with representation of various stakeholders to take charge of this responsibility.”

Aliyu advocates greater Support to tackle insecurity

In Sokoto, Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has advocated for collective action and massive support to security agencies in their fight against security challenges in the country.

The Governor made the remarks, Monday, in his new year message to the people of State and  the entire country.

He said during the year 2023 under review, Nigeria witnessed a lot of challenges, especially in the area of security, causing a serious setback in the nation’s quest for development.

He lamented that bandits’ attacks were so rampant in many parts of Sokoto State leaving many people killed, abducted and displaced in their own state.

He described armed banditry plaguing the northern states as a source of great concern that requires urgent attention from the three tiers of government.

“Our seven-month old administration had recorded a tremendous improvement in the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality in the state. so far, over 100 kidnapped victims have been successfully rescued by the military as a result of the sustained support and encouragement they enjoyed from the state government,” he said.

Taraba Governor, Kefas, Frees 31 Inmates

To usher in 2024, Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba announced the release of 31 prisoners in the state.

This decision, according to the governor, underscores a commitment to compassion and giving deserving individuals a second chance at redemption.

During a state-wide broadcast to usher in the New Year, Governor Kefas reiterated his commitment to prioritizing the security of lives and property.

He said “in the spirit of renewal and progress, I am pleased to announce that, in the exercise of my prerogative of power, we shall be granting clemency to 31 deserving inmates.

“This decision reflects our commitment to justice, compassion, and the transformative power of rehabilitation.”

While acknowledging the prevalent security challenges affecting citizens, the governor pledged to intensify efforts in the upcoming months to create a safer environment for all residents.

He said, “addressing the security challenges that have touched the lives of some of our citizens is a constitutional responsibility that we take seriously in the coming months of the year.

“We will redouble our efforts to make Taraba a safer haven for all. Together, we shall overcome these challenges and ensure that our state thrives in peace and harmony.”