Katsina state Governor, Dikko Radda has commenced a one-month vacation starting on Thursday, July 18, 2024.
His Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday.
He disclosed that in line with constitutional provisions, the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, will assume the role of Acting Governor during this period.
According to the Governor’s spokesman, the development was announced during Tuesday’s legislative plenary by the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Nasiru Yahaya Daura.
The approval for the Governor’s vacation was granted in response to a formal letter addressed to the Speaker, which was read before the session by the Assembly Chief Whip, Alhaji Ibrahim Dikko.
In his application, Governor Radda cited Section 190 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers state houses of assembly to grant such requests from the executive arm.
Mohammed added that the constitutional adherence demonstrated the Governor’s commitment to due process and the rule of law.
Speaker Daura, while announcing the approval, extended wishes for Allah’s guidance to the Governor throughout the official vacation.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary observed that “It is noteworthy that this marks the second instance in Katsina State’s political history where a Governor has sought constitutional approval for a vacation and formal handover to the deputy.
“The first occurrence was during the late Governor Umaru Musa Yar’adua’s second tenure.
“The action aligns with Governor Radda’s consistent track record of transparent governance across various leadership positions. During his tenure as Chairman of Charanchi Local Government, he was the only local government chairman in Katsina State to formally hand over to his vice chairman for the administration of local affairs.
“Furthermore, Governor Radda’s commitment to transparent leadership extends beyond his current role. While serving as the Director General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), he also demonstrated this exemplary practice by formally handing over responsibilities during his vacations. This consistent behavior underscores Governor Radda’s unwavering dedication to accountability and good governance principles, regardless of the office he holds.
“As the vacation commences, the good people of Katsina State can expect continued good governance under the leadership of Acting Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe.”