After their inauguration on Wednesday, 29 governors formally mounted the mantle of leadership in their various domains yesterday. While some took off on controversial note, others warmed their ways into the hearts of their populace even as some were absent at their duty post.
In his first official day on duty, Governor Emeka Ihedioha directed all financial institutions that have transactions with the state government not to honour any withdrawal instruction by cheques, transfers or in any form.
The governor warned that heads of government agencies, departments, parastatals, Permanent Secretaries and relevant officers would be held responsible for any breach.
Governor Ihedioha also allegedly ordered the demolition of the Akachi tower located at Naze road, Owerri built by former governor Rochas Okorocha.
In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde began his first day in office with an inter-faith prayer held at the car park of the Governor’s Office.
He also convened a security meeting for 4pm, which was attended by himself the deputy governor, Alhaji Rauf Olaniyan, service commanders in the state, including the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Shina Olukolu, and General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division of Nigerian Army, Major-Gen. Okwudili Azinta.
Makinde said the security meeting was convened to tackle security challenges in the state, especially the one posed by the power tussle between groups within National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, signed the first executive order on Refuse Management, Traffic Management and Public Works, just as he urged workers to brace up and contribute their quota to the development of the state.
A day after he took the oath of office, Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni has tied the knot with Ummi Adama Gaidam, daughter of the immediate-past governor of Yobe State, Ibrahim Gaidam.
Meanwhile, Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has promised to ensure good governance and espouse people-oriented government, capable of moving the state to the next level.
Accompanied by the HoS and his deputy, Noimot Oyedele-Salako, Abiodun moved to Block A of the Secretariat, where they went into a brief meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Civil Service Commission.
Abiodun stated that civil servants as the engine room of government must be carried along, noting that his administration will not toy with the welfare of the public servants.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum started his first day in office with the announcement of plans to kick-start construction of three fly-overs in Maiduguri, the state capital.
Zulum, who arrived the office at the Maiduguri Government at about 10am with personal aides and security details, said the first fly-over will be constructed at the crowded city centre; the Post Office area, the Customs roundabout and El-Kanemi College bus stop, to ease human and vehicular congestion.
Zamfara Governor, Alhaji Bello Mohammed, has warned civil servants against involvement in partisan politics.
Mohammed who arrived the Government House, Gusau around 10.30 am gave the warning when he met with permanent secretaries. He said he would not tolerate insubordination on the part of the civil servants.
He said civil servants ought to put effort in discharging their responsibilities, as public servants.
He later held a close door meeting with traditional rulers in the state to find solutions to the current security challenges in the state.
