The seamy paradox in Nasarawa By Rabi’u Abdullahi Anyone conversant with happenings in Nasarawa state since the assumption of office of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, the most plausible explanation for the persistent communal conflicts in the state, will be that it is sheer vendetta, mischief and deliberate attempt to sabotage the laudable efforts of the governor at pulling the state out of its inexcusable backwardness. Indeed, on account of his experience since assuming office, perhaps the best description that fits Al-Makura is to regard him as the legendry, fairy child of destiny. When he declared his intention in 2011 to contest for the governorship, very few people saw him as a serious contender. Indeed, many political observers and analysts did not give him a dog’s chance of becoming the third elected governor of Nasarawa state. The predominant belief was that it is virtually impossible for Al-Makura to realistically challenge then incumbent governor Aliyu Akwe Doma (Madaucin Doma) who was sitting “daram” on the coveted seat. Al-Makura was also regarded as a political toddler who is just cutting his teeth in politics. Thus, his ambition was ignored, and was regarded as a mere political joker who is in the race merely to entertain the electorate and those regarded as serious contenders. This perception of Al-Makura appeared to have been attested to, as he was harangued by the State Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on which platform he had first sought to contest for the governorship. But he persevered, and kept his dream alive. He decamped to the then relatively unknown Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the state. What happened afterwards is now common knowledge. Like a bolt from the blues, Al-Makura took over the political scene of Nasarawa state with the ferociousness of a whirlwind and ended the reign of the PDP. No thanks to its (PDP’s) poor governance of the state during the last four of its 12-year rule. Today, just over two years into his first four-year term in office, only incurable cynics will deny that, Al-Makura has made positive impression on the lives and psyche of majority of the people in Nasarawa state. This, he has been able to achieve because of his resolute commitment and doggedness, even in the face of meager funds. No doubt, Al-Makura has lived up to his promise of ushering in a new era of effective and responsive government, which is transparent and accountable to the people. The governor has thus far demonstrated that prudence and financial discipline are not only achievable in a democracy, but that they are tenets by which a democratic regime can genuinely engender trust, loyalty and popular support. Therefore, it is not surprising that Al-Makura has succeeded in awakening the state machinery out of the lethargy that it has been put prior to his assuming office. Today, Nasarawa state has realistically and genuinely rediscovered its path towards economic development and prosperity. The governor’s political savvy in tackling the development challenges facing the state has left his detractors and political opponents dumbfounded and vindictive. This explains the glaring orchestrated, bloody communal conflicts that bedeviled the purposeful and result oriented administration of this hardworking governor. The facts are out there for all Doubting Thomas to confirm that within this relatively short period, the Al-Makura administration has executed projects, in key sectors of the state’s economy, that will in no distant future, propel the state into catch up not only with its peers who are far ahead developmentally, but to also compete effectively with older states of the federation. Perhaps in keeping with the maxim that, “Development Follows the Road”, the Al-Makura administration made road construction one of its major priorities, such that today Lafia has been greatly transformed from a glorified local government headquarters to a modern state capital. This is evident in the beautiful architectural design of residential and commercial buildings that are sprouting from the ancient structures that had sprawled the hitherto unmotorable streets of the city. Similarly, these Grade “A” roads that have been constructed with asphalt, and standard drainages were also extended to other urban centers of the state, namely, Doma, Keffi, Akwanga, Wamba and Nasarawa Eggon. Besides, all the local government headquarters in the state have also witnessed the construction of at least one of such roads. Furthermore, the administration has embarked on massive construction of roads in the rural areas coupled with provision of electricity and potable water. Rural dwellers in the state have not been left out in the administration’s efforts at improving the lives of the people. Significantly, the Al-Makura administration has been implementing a well thought out skills acquisition programme that is aimed at promoting youth empowerment, thereby stemming unemployment, and creating wealth to mitigate poverty rate among the populace. This is being implemented through upgrading the State Relevant Technology Board and other Skills Acquisition Centres across the state. It is instructive that the upgrading of the Relevant Technology Board has enabled it to engage in the fabrication and construction of school furniture and other instructional materials, thereby facilitating the administration transformation programme of the state education sector, at minimal cost. In the health sector, the Al-Makura administration similarly rehabilitated several health facilities and a number of general hospitals in the state. Meanwhile, it also ensured the movement of the state School of Nursing and Midwifery in Lafia to its permanent site, just as teaching staff were recruited for proper training of the students who will eventually assist to provide quality healthcare services to patients in the state. Surely an in-depth assessment of development in other key sectors of the state economy, namely, agriculture, commerce and industries, land survey and survey, information, culture and tourism, will reveal the unprecedented positive development being engineered by the Al-Makura administration. Clearly, any discerning observer will agree that the recent communal conflicts in the state is one aspect of the larger ploy or antics hatched to divert the attention of, and destabilise the state government. It is surely not accidental that these conflicts are taking place in the southern part, or senatorial district, of the state, considered to be the governor’s strong political base. The obvious grand plan is to discredit the governor in his base before the 2015 governorship election. Fortunately though, to the chagrin of his detractors and opponents, Al-Makura has remained undaunted, and focused in implementing the laudable projects and progreammes of his administration; of course, to the delight and appreciation of the teeming electorate in the state. Abdullahi wrote from Nasarawa Publishing Company Ltd, Lafia.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Oct 2013 12:31:45 +0000
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