Gombe — A Board member of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Hon. Hamisu Mu'azu Shira, has commended the Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Danjuma Goje, for the establishment of a world-class international airport in the state, which would not only step up the socio-economic and commercial activities in the state but boost the tourism potentials of the North-east zone of the country.

He said there were indications that FAAN would soon take over the Airport and inject technical expertise in the running of the facility in order to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.

Speaking to THISDAY in an interview, Shira, who commended the quality of work at the Airport, said Goje has in the last six years of his administration, proved to Nigerians that "with determination, commitment, patriotism and sincerity of purpose, politicians can very well impact positively on the lives of the people in their constituencies who gave them their mandate as well as contribute to nation building. It's all a matter of political will."

"In less than six years of assuming office as governor of his state, Goje has provided an international Airport that meet international standards and safety requirements, state university, school of Nursing and Mid-wifery, vocational institutions, other infrastructures scattered across the local government areas, enhanced human capacity of the people, among others aimed at fast tracking development of the young and growing state, "he said.

"This man has set high standard for the state with the little resources from federation allocation that whosoever will replace him in 2011 must tighten his belt and be ready to maintain that standard. It is therefore imperative that in choosing a replacement for Goje in 2011, sentiment of whatever guise must not be applied at all," he said.

Shira, a former chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, enjoined the governor to continue to maintain the high quality security and safety measures evolved in running of the Airport for efficient service delivery while appealing to governments and people of the North-east sub region to increase their patronage of the services offered by the Airport.

While urging other political leaders in the region, irrespective of their political leanings to emulate the exemplary leadership qualities and performance of Goje and ensure the delivery of democracy dividends to their people he pointed out that democracy is all about good governance, rule of law and commitment towards improving the living conditions of the people who gave them the mandate.