Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, says leadership is difficult, urging that leaders must endure criticisms and other abuses by members of the public.
The Governor stated this in Katsina on Thursday during a special prayer session organised by the state government to mark the two years of his administration.
In his speech, Radda highlighted the challenges of the job but assured to remain focused and honest in the discharge of his service.
According to him, the people commending the effort and commitment of his administration are more than those criticising his government.
He said as a human being, a leader must make mistakes, but the most important was that the good deeds should exceed the wrongdoing, adding that the money managed by the government belongs to the people and that government officials are merely caretakers.
“I am now caged, sometimes I find it difficult to go about my normal life, because I will be blocked.
“When I go out from house in the morning, I will not go back until bedtime
“Therefore, I always tell people that the job is difficult, it needs dedication and commitment.
“Although, anywhere we visit, the people give us a warm welcome, we are really happy with that and this gives us more courage to do the right thing.
“In such a situation, where people are hailing and saying good things about you, if you betray them, definitely God will deal with you,” the governor said.
According to him, his door is always open for advice and suggestions, saying, “due to their closeness with the people, the religious leaders should always inform him what they are hearing from the public.”
He called on them to support the fight against insecurity at the community levels, especially by fishing out the informants and drug dealers in their communities.
Radda said the event, attended by top government officials, Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders, was a moment of reflection and gratitude.
He emphasised that the occasion was not a celebration of power, but rather an opportunity to thank Allah and acknowledge that leadership is a trust, not a trophy.
The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba Faskari, stated that about 75 per cent of the administration’s goals had already been achieved.
He attributed the myriad of successes recorded within the two years to the government’s purposeful and disciplined approach.
Also, the Chief of Staff to the governor, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, revealed that over 140 experts had contributed to shaping the governor’s development plan.
He stated that the next phase of the administration would focus more on empowering people, rather than capital projects.
