From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has pledged to reposition the state civil service through comprehensive reforms aimed at restoring professionalism, efficiency, and merit-based administration if elected governor in 2027.
Hon. Dan’iya, who holds the traditional title of Walin Sokoto, made the commitment while receiving a delegation of civil servants, including administrative officers, finance personnel, and local government workers, who paid him a Sallah homage and declared their support for his gubernatorial bid.
Addressing the delegation, the ADC flagbearer described the civil service as the backbone of government operations, stressing that effective governance depends largely on a competent, motivated, and productive workforce.
He noted that sustainable development cannot be achieved without a public service system that is adequately empowered and protected from political interference.
“A functional civil service remains the engine room of government. When public servants are treated with fairness, motivated to perform, and allowed to work professionally, governance becomes more responsive and development more visible,” he said.
Dan’iya expressed concern over allegations that some civil servants and local government employees had suffered career stagnation or setbacks because of their association with previous administrations.
According to him, public service should be driven by competence, integrity, and adherence to due process rather than partisan considerations.
“Government is a continuous institution, while civil servants serve the state and its people. Any administration committed to progress must recognize and reward professionalism, experience, and dedication to duty,” he added.
The ADC candidate also called for greater attention to the socio-economic challenges facing Sokoto State, particularly poverty, unemployment, inadequate healthcare, poor educational outcomes, and underdevelopment in rural communities.
Citing findings from the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI), he noted that Sokoto State was ranked among the states with the highest poverty levels in the country, a situation he said requires urgent and decisive intervention.
Dan’iya explained that multidimensional poverty encompasses not only income deprivation but also limited access to education, healthcare, nutrition, clean water, electricity, sanitation, and decent living conditions.
He emphasized that addressing these challenges must remain the primary focus of any responsible government.
“Our mission is to create opportunities, restore hope, and implement policies that directly improve the living conditions of ordinary citizens. The people deserve a government that prioritizes their welfare and future,” he stated.
The governorship hopeful assured civil servants that his administration would pursue institutional reforms, strengthen capacity-building programmes, ensure prompt payment of salaries and entitlements, and introduce policies that promote efficiency and accountability across the public sector.
He further pledged to establish a technology-driven and merit-based civil service capable of meeting modern governance demands and competing with leading public institutions across Nigeria.
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the delegation, Malam Muhammad Gumbi congratulated the ADC candidate on the successful Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and commended his consistent engagement with civil servants across the state.
Gumbi said the visit was also intended to reaffirm the delegation’s support for the ADC and its vision of building a more inclusive, transparent, and development-oriented government in Sokoto State.
He expressed confidence in Dan’iya’s leadership capacity and his ability to implement reforms that would strengthen public institutions and enhance service delivery.
The visit was attended by the ADC State Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Maigwandu, alongside members of the party’s State Executive Committee.