Retired Major General Sarkin Yaki Bello, a highly decorated former Nigerian Army commander, trained lawyer and former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Counter-Terrorism, has commended Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, for his outstanding performance in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, human empowerment and other sectors, declaring that “there is no alternative to Kauran Gwandu.
”The retired General made the remarks when the media aides to the Kebbi State Governor, led by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK, paid him an advocacy visit at his residence in Abuja. General Bello, who said he had been associated with virtually all the governors who have governed Kebbi State in one capacity or another, described Governor Idris as a patriotic leader whose commitment to the welfare and development of the people was exceptional.
“Kaura has performed beyond expectations. The patriotism Kaura has demonstrated to us in Kebbi State, honestly, I have not seen it from any of the governors I have been associated with,” he said. He particularly praised the Governor’s approach to security, noting that the administration had consistently provided security agencies with the necessary resources, vehicles, motorcycles and other equipment to enable them effectively combat insurgency and other security challenges.
“I know that Governor Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris has procured hundreds of vehicles, motorcycles and other necessary equipment to support the security agencies in combating insurgency and other security challenges in the state,” he stated. According to him, the Governor’s interventions have contributed significantly to the reduction of insecurity and the restoration of peace and stability across Kebbi State.
He also recalled the role played by key security stakeholders following Governor Idris’ assumption of office, explaining that the Governor had engaged retired Isha Bamayi on Security matters, as part of measures to find a lasting solution to the insecurity. “You see, when the Governor came on board, he contacted retired Isha Bamayi on the issue of insecurity and Bamayi contacted me, and I nominated the present Special Adviser on Security. This has brought more sanity to the security situation,” he explained.
The retired General further commended Governor Idris for his achievements across various sectors, including road infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and human empowerment.
“Kaura has performed beyond expectations. I am impressed with his performance. He has touched virtually every sector and demonstrated quality leadership through the provision of road infrastructure, healthcare services, education, agriculture and human empowerment, among others,” he said.
He noted that the impact of the administration’s development programmes was visible across the state, particularly in Birnin Kebbi, which he said had undergone a significant transformation and facelift under Governor Idris.General Bello also singled out the Zuru-Koko Road as one of the projects that particularly impressed him. He recalled that he had previously vowed never to travel by road to the area again if the longstanding road problem was not addressed, expressing satisfaction that Governor Idris had taken concrete steps to resolve the challenge.
“Honestly, in all spheres of governance, Kaura has performed very well, and he deserves a second term,” he declared. The retired General, who commanded the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, served as a United Nations peacekeeper in Bosnia and was General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, also recalled his role as Coordinator on Counter-Terrorism, where he contributed to national efforts to address the Boko Haram insurgency.
He said his extensive experience in security and governance had enabled him to appreciate the significance of the improvements recorded in Kebbi State under Governor Idris. “Anybody who visits Kebbi State now will see the difference and judge for himself. There is no alternative to Kaura Gwandu. The people should continue to support him,” he said.
General Bello urged the people of Kebbi State, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to continue supporting the administration, stressing that sustained cooperation was essential for maintaining peace and accelerating development. He also called for patience and understanding among the people, noting that democracy requires collective support and patience for the dividends of good governance to be fully realised.
“My message to Kebbi people is to be patient. This is democracy, and I believe the dividends of democracy compare favourably with those of many other states in Nigeria. Kebbi State can beat its chest and say we have done well under Kauran Gwandu,” he said. He prayed Almighty Allah to grant Governor Nasir Idris a second term to enable him continue the development programmes he had initiated across the state, while also praying for greater responsibilities for the Governor in the future.
“We pray Almighty Allah give him a second term, so that he will continue with the good work he has started,” he said, adding that the people of Kebbi State would be happy to have had Governor Nasir Idris as their Governor. General Sarkin Yaki Bello therefore reiterated his unequivocal endorsement of Governor Idris, declaring: “There is no alternative to Kaura. ”Signed: Yahaya Sarki Special Adviser (SA), Media and Publicity Kebbi State
