Governor of Sokoto State
In 1999 he was elected governor of Sokoto State on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and was reelected for the ANPP in 2003. In March 2002, a Sharia court in Sokoto State freed a 35-year old woman Safiya Hussaini, who had been sentenced to death by stoning after being found guilty of adultery. Nigeria's justice minister declared Sharia unconstitutional. Attahiru Bafarawa, however, said the Sharia states would not adhere to this declaration.
Under the Bufarawa administration the state made significant improvements in the quality of roads. Schools were upgraded, and enrollment greatly improved due to assurances that all pupils would be taught morals and Islamic religion. The government built over 70 mosques. The water supply was improved through construction of boreholes.
While he was governor, five separate petitions alleging abuse of office, money laundering and official corruption were written against him by individuals and corporate institutions. In October 2006 a task force headed by Nuhu Ribadu of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) issued a report listing assets owned by 15 state governors that had not been declared on an official register as required by law. Gov. Bafarawa was accused of failing to declare a N200 million property in London which he acquired when he took office.
Read more about this topic: Attahiru Bafarawa
Famous quotes containing the words governor of, governor and/or state:
“[John] Brough’s majority is “glorious to behold.” It is worth a big victory in the field. It is decisive as to the disposition of the people to prosecute the war to the end. My regiment and brigade were both unanimous for Brough [the Union party candidate for governor of Ohio].”
—Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822–1893)
“[John] Brough’s majority is “glorious to behold.” It is worth a big victory in the field. It is decisive as to the disposition of the people to prosecute the war to the end. My regiment and brigade were both unanimous for Brough [the Union party candidate for governor of Ohio].”
—Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822–1893)
“Alas, why would you heap this care on me?
I am unfit for state and majesty.
I do beseech you take it not amiss,
I cannot nor I will not yield to you.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)