The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, Manir Dan'iya, has pledged to revitalise the state civil service, restore meritocracy, and implement policies aimed at reducing poverty if elected governor in the 2027 general elections.
Dan'iya made the commitment while receiving a delegation of civil servants, including administrative officers, finance officers, and local government personnel, who paid him a Sallah homage and declared support for his gubernatorial aspiration.
Civil Service as Engine Room of Government
The ADC candidate, addressing party supporters, described the civil service as the engine room of government, stressing that effective governance and sustainable development depend largely on a motivated and professional workforce. He said a strong civil service is the engine room of any performing government.
“When civil servants are treated fairly, motivated appropriately, and allowed to discharge their responsibilities without discrimination, governance becomes more efficient, and development becomes more visible,” he said.
Concerns Over Career Setbacks
Dan'iya expressed concern over reports that some civil servants and local government employees had allegedly suffered career setbacks because of their association with previous administrations. He argued that public service should be guided by competence, professionalism, and the rule of law rather than political considerations.
“Government is a continuum. Civil servants are servants of the state and not of any political party. Any administration that seeks sustainable development must build an environment where professionalism, experience, and competence are respected and rewarded,” he added.
Focus on Poverty Reduction
The ADC flagbearer said his administration would focus on tackling poverty, unemployment, and other socio-economic challenges affecting residents of the state, including access to quality education, healthcare, and rural development.
He cited findings from the National Bureau of Statistics and the United Nations Development Programme-backed National Multidimensional Poverty Index, which ranked Sokoto among the states with the highest levels of multidimensional poverty in Nigeria. According to him, multidimensional poverty extends beyond income levels and includes deprivation in areas such as education, healthcare, nutrition, housing, electricity, sanitation, and access to clean water.
“Any government confronted with such realities must channel its energy towards lifting people out of poverty, expanding opportunities, and improving the quality of life of citizens. Our priority must be to create hope, restore confidence, and provide solutions that directly impact the lives of ordinary people,” he said.
Commitment to Institutional Reforms
Dan'iya further assured civil servants that his administration would prioritise institutional reforms, capacity building, workforce development, and prompt payment of workers’ entitlements. He also pledged to build a technology-driven and merit-based civil service capable of competing with the best public institutions in the country.
Support from Civil Servants
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the delegation, Malam Muhammad Gumbi congratulated Dan'iya on the successful Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and commended his continued engagement with public servants across the state. Gumbi said the delegation visited to reaffirm its support for the ADC and its vision of an inclusive, accountable, and development-oriented government in Sokoto State. He expressed confidence in the candidate’s ability to implement reforms that would strengthen the civil service and improve governance outcomes if elected.
