By Ahmad Tukur
A former Minister of Works, Hassan Lawal, has declined an offer to serve as the chairman of the board of the Nasarawa State College of Education Akwanga, Nasarawa State, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.
The board of the college, alongside others, was inaugurated by the governor, with Mr. Lawal absent at the ceremony.
Mr. Lawal was, however, seen at the state house on Monday, where according to sources, he came to tender his apology to the state governor, Tanko Almakura.
Mr. Lawal reportedly said he was more committed to helping the All Progressives Congress, APC, wrestle power from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the national level; a task that may not allow him put in his best at the college.
The former minister, who left immediately after his meeting with the governor, without answering any reporters’ questions, was said to have assured Mr. Al-Makura of his unalloyed support at any time.
Already, the state governor has given orders to appoint a new person as the board chairman.
When contacted, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Information, Hamza Elayo, confirmed that the minister was in Lafia in the morning.
“I saw him at the emir’s palace but cannot say why he couldn’t attend the inauguration ceremony,” the commissioner said.
At the inauguration, Governor Almakura told the gathering at the city hall, along Shendam Road, Lafia, that the various board members were appointed for their track record of experience, hardwork, and contribution to the development of Nasarawa State.
He also urged members of one of the inaugurated boards to use their experience and expertise to create job opportunities.
“I implore the members of the Relevant Technology Board to assist Government towards the attainment of its goals of reducing poverty and creating job opportunities for our people,” he said.
Eight institutions boards were inaugurated on Monday. They are Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia; College of Education, Akwanga; College of Agriculture, Lafia; Relevant Technology Board; Nasarawa Broadcasting Service; Nasarawa Investments and Property Development Company (NIPDC); Nasarawa State Water Board; and Teaching Service Commission.