Governor Al-Makura’s former commissioner declares for Nasarawa governorship race

Innocent Lagi, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Nasarawa State, under Governor Umaru Al-Makura’s administration, has declared his intention to run for the 2015 governorship election on the platform of the Labour Party (LP).

Mr. Lagi, who has since fallen out with Governor Al-Makura, said the latter lacks the political will to save Nasarawa from the ongoing communal crisis rocking it.

Mr. Lagi stated this on Monday at Wamba local government area of the state on during his formal declaration to contest the 2015 governorship election.

Mr. Lagi was a member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly from 2007 to 2011 and was later appointed as Attorney General and commissioner of Justice by Governor Umaru Al-Makura in April 2013.

Mr. Lagi said he wants to be governor to right the wrongs of the All Progressives Congress’ administration which he said has refused to address the demands of the electorates.

Mr. Lagi, who claimed he has never been a member of the APC even as commissioner under Governor Al – Makura, said the lack of political will is behind the non implementation of the Fola Gbadeyan-led Ombatse Commission of Inquiry.

The former commissioner also said that efforts to resolve the crisis in the state would have been successful if the representatives of various communities were part of the commission of inquiry into the Alakyo killings that indicted politicians.

“If the right thing is being done, the money spent on security in the state would have been channeled into building infrastructures for the people,” Mr. Lagi added.

He promised, if elected, to involve all stakeholders, irrespective of religious, ethnic or political affiliation, in pursuing a lasting conflict resolution strategy hinged on dialogue and mutual respect.