Mr Bala Ngilari has been sworn-in as the Governor of Adamawa State in line with a court ruling that his resignation process did not follow laid down procedure in the Nigerian constitution.
While taking his oath of office on Wednesday, Mr Ngilari pledged to preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
After the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Ngilari expressed optimism that he would be able to carry along all indigenes of the state, irrespective of their political affiliations.
He also pledged his loyalty to the President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan.
“I pledge to run an open government, transparent and an all-inclusive one that will give hope to our women, the aged and guaranty the future of our youth.
“In this regard, I invite other arms of government, in particular, the legislature and the judiciary, not forgetting the civil service, to join hands with me to achieve this notable and noble course,” he said in his acceptance speech.
A Federal High Court in Abuja had ruled on Wednesday morning that Mr Umaru Fintiri, the Acting Governor, was occupying the position illegally and ordered his immediate vacation of the Government House.
The court ordered the Chief Judge of Adamawa State to immediately swear-in Mr Bala Ngilari as the Governor of the State.
In its ruling, the court said Mr Ngilari, did not resign his position before the former governor Murtala Nyako was impeached.
The court also ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should not conduct the by-election slated for October 11.
Also, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of Nigeria, Mr Mohammed Adoke, on Wednesday called on the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) to obey the judgement of the court by suspending all the arrangements made for the conduct of a by-election scheduled to take place in Adamawa State on Saturday October 11.
