How Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi’s Eight-Year Stewardship Transformed Umaisha/Ugya, Toto LGA and Nasarawa State — A Detailed Response to Dr. Umar Ayuba
By Yahaya Idris
Supporters of former Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, have responded to criticisms by public commentator Dr. Umar Ayuba, presenting what they described as a comprehensive account of the former Speaker’s achievements during his eight-year stewardship representing Umaisha/Ugya State Constituency.
The response followed a Facebook post by Dr. Umar Ayuba titled “Where Is Former Speaker Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi?” which generated widespread reactions across social media.
Leading the response on Saturday, media practitioner and publisher Yahaya Idris Toto outlined numerous constituency projects, empowerment initiatives, legislative interventions and developmental programmes executed by the former Speaker between 2015 and 2023.
According to the statement, Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi was inaugurated on June 9, 2015, as a member representing Umaisha/Ugya Constituency before emerging as Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly.
The group maintained that his tenure was defined by people-oriented programmes, infrastructure development, education support, rural electrification, security enhancement and employment opportunities.
First 100 Days: Early Interventions
Supporters recalled that within his first 100 days in office, the former Speaker initiated several programmes aimed at strengthening both governance and grassroots development.
Among the interventions listed were:
Donation of six vehicles to APC Ward Chairmen across Umaisha/Ugya Constituency.
Distribution of six motorcycles to APC Ward Secretaries.
Construction of ten boreholes across the six electoral wards to improve access to potable water.
First Anniversary: ₦14 Million Empowerment Programme
To commemorate his first year in office, Balarabe Abdullahi reportedly rolled out empowerment programmes worth approximately ₦14 million.
The interventions included:
Donation of two speedboats with engines to riverine communities.
Distribution of six Sharon buses to youth groups, women associations, APC executives, JNI, JIBWIS and other community organisations.
Scholarships of ₦20,000 each to 50 indigent students under the Balarabe Education Support Programme.
Second Anniversary: Women, Youths and Students Benefit
Supporters further disclosed that during his second anniversary in office, the former Speaker invested over ₦16 million in constituency empowerment.
The programmes included:
Distribution of 700 wrappers to women.
Donation of 65 sewing machines.
Cash grants of ₦30,000 each to 100 women.
Scholarships for another 100 students.
Distribution of refrigerators and generating sets to women leaders across the constituency.
Infrastructure Development Across Umaisha/Ugya
Beyond empowerment, the statement highlighted several infrastructure projects facilitated by the former Speaker.
According to the supporters, these include:
Rehabilitation of the 48-kilometre Toto–Umaisha Road.
Installation of 150 solar-powered street lights in Umaisha.
Provision of 35KVA electricity transformers to improve rural electrification.
Facilitation of the Mobile Police Command in Toto.
Construction of classroom blocks across several primary schools in Umaisha, Ugya, Shege, Kokoto, Dausu, Katakpa and Kuwa.
Education and Human Capital Development
The supporters argued that education remained one of Balarabe Abdullahi’s strongest priorities.
Apart from scholarship programmes, they noted that he sponsored payment of WAEC and NECO examination fees for many students, facilitated admissions into tertiary institutions and supported educational infrastructure across the constituency.
Employment Opportunities
The statement also claimed that more than 345 youths secured employment through the intervention of the former Speaker.
The beneficiaries were reportedly employed in:
Civil Service
Health Sector
Educational Institutions
State University
Security Agencies
Teaching Service
Traditional Institution Reforms
One of the major legislative achievements highlighted was the actualisation of the Ogye Chiefdom.
According to the supporters, the legislation restored traditional leadership after over 14 years without a paramount ruler, paving the way for the appointment of district and village heads across several communities, including Kuru, Ohizi, Abaza, Ugya, Shafa-Kwato and Adadu.
Personal Humanitarian Support
Beyond public projects, the supporters stated that Balarabe Abdullahi consistently rendered personal assistance to constituents through:
Medical bill payments
Educational sponsorship
Vehicle donations
Religious pilgrimage sponsorship
Financial assistance to vulnerable families
Community development support
Response to Criticism
The supporters insisted that public office holders should always remain accountable to the people, but argued that criticism must equally be balanced with verifiable recorAchievementsl ng to them, the former Speaker’s eight years in office produced measurable achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, employment, rural development and legislative reforms that continue to impact Umaisha/Ugya Constituency, Toto Local Government Area and Nasarawa State.
They urged members of the public to assess political leaders based on documented evidence and their contributions to society rather than social media narratives.