The Governor-elect of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has said that his government would bring to book those connected with electoral violence leading to the killing of nine members of the All Progressives Congress in the just concluded elections.

In his acceptance speech after receiving his Certificate of Return yesterday in Kaduna, El-Rufai said the decision would discourage politics of violence in the state and Nigeria as a whole.

He said regardless of the status of the culprits, his government would not look back in the effort to bring sanity into electoral process and comply with the tenet of the rule of law.

He also commiserated with the deceased while he wished the injured, still recuperating in hospital, a quick recovery.

“I thank all those who made it possible for this day to happen, and commend the leaders and supporters of both the APC and PDP who ensured that the peace accord we signed before the elections was observed in most of the state.

"That is a reflection of the new Kaduna we want to build – a place where whatever differences of opinion that we may have are resolved peacefully, with mutual respect and dignity. It also reinforces my conviction that human life is too valuable to waste simply because of political differences or ideological affiliations,” he said.

El-Rufai emphasised that appointments and nominations into his government would be primarily on the basis of integrity and determined strictly by competence, capacity and capability.

He also promised to lead a listening government and be decisive in implementing agreed agenda for change, adding that the government would reform education and healthcare, local government, the public service and lead the processes that would create jobs and economic opportunities for the people.

According to him, “the APC takes seriously its responsibility to build a harmonious society in Kaduna State. We are committed to fostering a secure, peaceful environment that gives the confidence to all the residents of the state to make the most of their talents. We will uphold the rule of law and the equality of concern for all citizens. We intend to work with all communities in Kaduna state without fear or favour. We are all equal partners and stakeholders in this state. There will be no discrimination in Kaduna State on the basis of gender, ethnicity or religion.”

However, he pleaded for patience, sacrifice and support in his effort to reform the state institutions and instil a culture of probity that insists on value for money and ensures that government procurement occurs at the most cost effective level and encourages personal responsibility.

“We will do whatever is humanly possible to favour the promises in our manifesto, the Kaduna Restoration Programme that we have published, circulated and discussed with diverse constituencies of the state. Our commitment to transparency will be manifest as we reform the public sector to be an efficient deliverer of services,” he said.

El-Rufai also confirmed the congratulatory messages and letter he had received from the incumbent Governor Yero and Vice President Namadi Sambo, thanking the duo for putting the interest of the state above partisan politics by the acts.

“I hope to meet with Governor Yero as soon as possible to begin consultations on the transition process to ensure that the machinery of government does not suffer between now and when the new government takes office,” he said.

Photo shows El-Rufai

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