Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has advised outgoing Nigerian governors to avoid interfering in the governance of their states as they prepare to leave office at the end of May.
Saraki, who was also a former governor of Kwara State, made the comments at a farewell dinner for the outgoing governors held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja on Sunday night.
He also urged the 18 governors to brace up for a life after office by making necessary adjustments to play their roles in national development.
Saraki, while commending them for the services rendered to their respective states said, “When you are no longer governor, allow your successor to do their work. Go back to your families. I am sure your wives, children and grandchildren are counting the days. You are bracing up for a new phase of life which is completely different.
“Spend more time with your families. Save your money for hampers and rams because they won’t come as usual.”
The former Senate President also enjoined the newly-elected governors to start planning their exit from day one, even as he harped on the significance of self challenge for development
Other speakers at the event stressed the importance of prioritizing the welfare of the people and avoiding the temptation to personalize power.
A book entitled ‘How the States are Governed: A First-Hand Account By Nigeria Governors’ was also presented at the event.
The event was attended by past, serving and incoming governors, including Kayode Fayemi, Aminu Tambuwal, Aminu Masari, Charles Soludo, Bala Mohammed, Babagana Zulum, Dauda Lawal, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia and a host of others.
