Leadership (Abuja)
Mansur Sani Malam
6 November 2009
Kano — Despite the recent controversy generated by the proposed $40 million ECOWAS fund loan, Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has explained that he won't be deterred by critics , as he takes no decision without prior consultation with the legislature.
Disclosing this on a special radio programme aired in Kano, Governor Shekarau revealed that he always sees the futility of employing executive fiat in taking high profile decisions, emphasizing that democracy, without consultation is akin to dictatorship.
He further stated that since his administration came on board six and a half years ago, there was never a time a decision was unilaterally taken, adding that he considers the functions of every arm of government as imperative to the sustenance of a genuine democratic dispensation.
On how the issue of the loan came about, he said it is a matter that was thoroughly discussed with all the legislators in the House of Assembly before it was debated on the floor of the House.
The governor stated that he is unruffled by those opposed to the loan knowing that, the idea was mooted with good intentions, adding that his government is poised to do what has become absolutely necessary, since it is in line with the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
"Making proper consultations, before taking any decision is one of the cardinal thrusts of my administration. There was never a time the executive arm of the government sent a bill to the legislature or proposal or sought permission for something, without debating the issue at a separate location with all the 40 legislators in attendance.
"It is after such extensive deliberation that issues come to the floor of the House".
He also maintained that, "With regards to the issue of budget amendment bandied about, we drew the attention of all the 40 legislators to what we are up to and pin-pointed where little adjustments should be made. The sole purpose of seeking the amendment is to enable us establish an Independent Power Plant for the benefit of our people," he said.
Shekarau also insisted that no single legislator was kept in the dark as to the good intention of the state government on building a befitting Independent Power Plant and wondered why legislators in the opposition are crying wolf where there is none.
He reiterated that the backlash from the opposition in the state legislature is tantamount to a breach of trust, dismissing the threat of court action as an ideal platform that will afford the state government an opportunity to prove its case beyond any reasonable doubt.
The governor added that taking loans from ECOWAS fund is not without justifiable premise, saying that establishing a high profile Independent Power Plant for the state at this material point in time, has become absolutely imperative.
Shekarau then called on those opposing the laudable initiative to have a re-think, as the state government is hell-bent on doing what is right, affirming that nothing would stand as a clog in the wheel of government's intention to serve the people.
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