Start Preparing for A Happy Exit In 2015, Niger State Gov Aliyu Tells Jonathan

Two days after declaring that President Goodluck Jonathan did sign an agreement with ruling PDP governors to serve serve for a single term in office, Niger State, Babangida Aliyu has again opened another frontal attack on Mr Jonathan whom he advised to do all he has to do now so that he can vacate the presidency a happy man in 2015.

Aliyu had at the weekend stirred the single tenure controversy which dust is yet to settle. Speaking yesterday on behalf of the Governors Forum at the opening of a two-day presidential summit on Water, the outspoken  governor said now is the time for President Jonathan to start preparing for a happy exit in 2015 by devoting more time and resources to work for the people.

"And I do know that the combination of Patience, Goodluck, Namadina and Dauda who is the Senate President, I believe we will be able to deliver so that by 2015, when you combine these, we will be able by 2015 really walk away happy and people happy with us", he declared.

Aliyu urged governments at all levels to do more on projects that will have lasting impact on the lives of the citizenry. His words: "Is it not possible also that in terms of water, agriculture that we should be able to institutionalize by law that people who do not get them can take government to court. If we do that, then we will be able to emphasize what is needed. Many of us who have gone to say give education priority, give health priority,  give agriculture priority, people will say that you are not performing because the result is not immediate.

"They prefer to see a building even if nobody enters, a sky scrapper; that is their concept of development. No. Development is about the people and we must all join hands to help the people. I really believe that with this summit we will be able to come with implementable policies."

Also speaking at the summit, Senate President, David Mark said: "I agree entirely with Governor Aliyu Babangida because I still represent Niger State in so many other areas that if a state fails to provide water to her citizens, the citizens should have the right to sue the government. I agree entirely with you.

"But let me also emphasize here that it is my conviction and I have said this time without number that the provision of water to houses and to people for drinking portable water is the responsibility of state government and local government.

"Therefore, if a man in Niger State doesn't get water in his tap, I believe that he has every right to sue Governor Aliyu Babangida. And I hope that before the end of his tenure and indeed, everybody in Niger State, it is my wish will get pipe borne water in homes".