Nasarawa State Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura yesterday accepted to contest for the forthcoming 2015 governorship election of the state on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

Al-Makura accepted the call at the Government House, Lafia, in a low-key ceremony, due to the crises that has bedevilled parts of the state recently, with members of his cabinet and his campaign team in attendance.

He said during the acceptance ceremony: “I, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, have humbly accepted to offer myself again as a candidate in the 2015 general elections. I promise the good people of Nasarawa State that we will continue with our service to the people with due diligence, patriotism and, above all, the fear of the Almighty God.”

The governor said he was proud to come before the people of Nasarawa and ask for a new mandate on the basis of what his administration has achieved in partnership with the people of the state.

Acknowledging the fact that the past journey was fraught with challenges, such as inheriting a huge debt burden of over N30 billion as well as dilapidated infrastructure among other monumental development deficits.

“And despite the politically motivated efforts to derail the progress we have made together, we have not yielded and we will not yield in our pursuit to create a just and prosperous society; and an accountable and transparent government,” he added.

He also pledged to soon lay out the next phase of his vision, which will be built upon the accomplishments realised thus far and transform Nasarawa State into one whose economy will be less dependent upon the public sector, and rather based upon a vibrant private sector that offers good, sustainable jobs and a better future for the young people of the State.

In view of the distribution of Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) slated to commence across the state, Governor Al-Makura, has declared today (Friday), work-free day to enable workers participate in the exercise.

•Adapted from National Mirror. Photo shows Governor Al-Makura.