Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has enjoined his challengers in the March 18 gubernatorial election to team up with him to move the state forward.

Yahaya, who was declared the winner of the governorship election on Sunday, was re-elected for a second term.

The governor, in an acceptance speech on his victory at the just concluded poll, on Monday, said: “As in every electoral contest, there is bound to be winners and losers. But for me, there is no victor and no vanquished.

“If the ultimate objective of all political parties and contestants is about the peace, progress, and development of Gombe State, it behooves on all of them to support us in moving our dear state forward. On my part, I’m ready to work with all stakeholders in running an all-inclusive government for the benefit of our people.

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“This victory is not Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s or APC’s victory alone. It is a victory for all citizens of Gombe State.

“The roads, hospitals, schools, and other development projects and dividends of democracy we provided over the past four years (and which we shall continue to provide) are not for the benefit of our supporters alone, but for the benefit of all citizens of Gombe State irrespective of ethnic, religious or partisan affiliations.

“It is with a heart full of gratitude, humility, and complete submission to the will of Allah that I address you today in order to express my profound appreciation for giving me the honor to serve once again as your governor for another term of four years,” he stated.

Governor Yahaya stressed that “extraordinary outpouring of support and solidarity in the just concluded governorship and state assembly elections has reaffirmed my belief in your determination to choose the politics of development and progress over that of retrogression and blackmail.”

He, however, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting smooth, peaceful, and hitch-free elections in the state.

Yahaya also extolled security agencies for their professionalism and patriotism during the elections.”

“To all civil society groups and observer missions, I want to thank you for your role in making our elections peaceful, fair, and credible. I would like to also appreciate the role played by our religious leaders and traditional rulers in promoting peaceful coexistence among our people throughout the electioneering period and beyond,” the governor added.

Shola Yemi

The Star