Kaduna State Governor-elect, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has inaugurated the All Progressives Congress (APC) Transition Committee ahead of his assumption of office on May 29.

His spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed in a statement issued today in Kaduna that the committee consists of experienced technocrats, politicians and other professionals.

He said the committee is chaired by Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, a seasoned public servant and El-Rufai’s Chief of Staff when he was Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja from 2003 to 2007.

Aruwan also said that the Governor-elect has officially replied Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero’s congratulatory letter and further met the governor in the spirit of moving Kaduna State forward.

El-Rufai was quoted as saying in his reply to Governor Yero: “Permit me to most warmly acknowledge your congratulatory message on the occasion of our victory in the gubernatorial election. I appreciate the grace of your letter and the kind words it contains. I must also put on record that we welcome the spirit behind your phone call that preceded the letter.

“Given the short window that exists between now and the hand over, it is our intention to swiftly focus on matters of transition. The APC has established its own transition committee, chaired by our own Balarabe Abbas Lawal.”

Governor Yero had in his letter to the Governor-elect described El-Rufai’s victory as overwhelming and symbolising the collective resolve of the citizenry.

He wrote: “Your victory symbolises the collective resolve of the vast majority of our people for a united, peaceful and prosperous state. I therefore, have no doubt in my mind on your determination, resolve and capacity to transform Kaduna State into the state of the dreams of our founding fathers.

“While we continue to felicitate with you on the landmark victory, I pray the Almighty Allah to grant you good health, wisdom and courage to serve our people in the right direction.”

News Express recalls that El-Rufai, governorship candidate of APC, defeated incumbent Governor Yero with a landslide during the April 11 electoral contest.

•Photo shows Governor-elect El-Rufai.