Date: 2003-05-30

Dr. Bukola Saraki, new Governor of Kwara State has promised that he would not tolerate any form of corruption. He promised to lead by example and urged the people of the state not to see him as a miracle worker. He promised that the civil service's dignity and credibility would be restored in the first 100 days.

Reading an eight-page speech after he and his deputy, Chief Joel Ogundeji, were sworn-in by the chief judge of the state, Justice Timothy Oyeyipo, at the Kwara Stadium, Saraki expressed gratitude to the large crowd that witnesed the ceremony.

As early as 7am, the venue was already filled with people who wanted to be part of the event to usher in the 18th governor and the fifth civilian governor of the state.

Saraki said " what we celebrate today is not a victory of a party or of individuals. What we celebrate is a beginning as well as end, a change as well as restoration. A beginning to end poverty and misery, a beginning to end ignorance and hopelessness, and a beginning to restore all that is good, bearing a sublime in our lives as one people under God."

He promised to put the account of government regularly in the public domain to ensure that government was not only transparent but seen to be so. 

"There will be zero tolerance to corruption. Today I make a personal exmple".

He promised to restore the dignity and credibility of the civil service within 100 days in office. He announced 14 day moratorium for anyone in possession of dangerous weapons of whatever make or description to hand them over to the police.

Reported by ThisDay