By Hamidu Sabo
Katsina
Katsina state governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has said that his administration has so far recovered over 1,800 cows and sheep from cattle rustlers within the last five months.
Masari, who spoke yesterday at the swearing-in ceremony of 13 new commissioners, said all the recovered cows had been handed over to the rightful owners.
He said the state government spent about N400 million to provide logistics to police and army who are currently fighting cattle rustling at Rugu Forest.
Masari said the war against cattle rustling in the state was yielding positive result as many cattle rustlers were arrested and prosecuted by different courts.
The governor who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to end cattle rustling in the state within shortest time, called on community leaders to assist security agents with vital information towards achieving the set goal.
He used the occasion to warn political miscreants (kauraye) to stop terrorising innocent people especially within the metropolitan areas in Katsina state.
He said government would decisively deal with anyone of them found to be disturbing the peace.
On the appointment of the new commissioners, Masari said they were selected based on merit and their posting to ministries was based on their educational qualification and experience.
He reminded the new commissioners on the need to sacrifice themselves to serve people diligently, warning that any one of them who failed to perform would be sacked.
He said two more commissioners would soon be appointed in addition to the thirteen appointed.
Masari identified education, agriculture, mineral deposit, health and water supply as priority sectors of his administration.
The governor appealed for prayers and support from people of the state to enable his administration deliver all campaign promises.
Among commissioners sworn in and assigned with portfolio include Professor Halimatu Saadiya Idris, for education ministry, Mustapha Mohammed Kanti Bello, Ministry of Resource Development and Abdu Habu Dan Ilum for sports and Social Development Ministry.
Others include Hamza Sulieman for Ministry of Environment, Hamza Mohammed Borodo, Information Ministry, A.U. El-marzuq, ministry of justice, Abdulkadir Zakka, ministry for local government, and Muntari Gambo Abdulkadir, fiance ministry.
Similarly, Salisu Gambo Dandume was posted to ministry of water resources, Mariatu Bala Usman, ministry of health, Abubakar Saddiq Sada, ministry of lands, Tasiu Umar Dandagoro, ministry of works, Abubakar Yusuf, ministry of commerce.
