Governor Shema, who took over the governorship of Katsina State from former President Umaru Yar'Adua in 2007, is due to step down on May 29 after having run the affairs of Katsina State for eight years. Like his predecessor, Governor Shema did not borrow a penny from any bank, which led to him being awarded The Sun Outstanding Performance Exit Award over the weekend.
Speaking at the event which held in Lagos, Mallam Ribadu said it was a well-deserved award as Governor Shema is the only governor to be leaving office with no debt overhang for his state. He added that Governor Shema had been his friend and his classmate while they were in the university.
Mallam Ribadu said: “He is not just a friend but a brother and a classmate. We started in Ahmadu Bello University the same day in 1980 and we have remained friends up till now.
"I am standing here on behalf of the class of 83 of the Ahmadu Bello University and class of 84 of the Nigerian Law School. We know Ibrahim as a very intelligent person and the best in our class and as someone who was very very meticulous and detailed in whatever he was doing. "
Praising his classmate, Mallam Ribadu added that over the last eight years, Governor Shema has changed Katsina State dramatically and also does not owe his workers any salary arrears. According to Mallam Ribadu, Governor Shema has left behind a lasting legacy and the future remains very bright for him.
“He is the only governor that is going to leave the office with no debt behind and he has paid all salaries of the workers of his state. We want to thank you for making us all proud and may God continue to be with you," Mallam Ribadu added.
Katsina State, which is also the home state of president-elect General Muhammadu Buhari, has been ruled by Governor Shema's People's Democratic Party since 1999. In the last election, however, the All Progressives Congress won there for the first time and former speaker of the House of Representatives Alhaji Aminu Masari will take over as governor on May 29.
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