There are two narratives over the current government of APC in Nasarawa State that we have to properly situate. These narratives appear blurred because of the role the former Governor Umar Tanko Almakura played in supporting his successor which has led to some people seeing the current government as an extension of the previous one especially as the current governor had insisted on completing the projects initiated by the former and remaining loyal.
The first narrative is that Engr AA Sule inherited a perfectly governed State and that it would be a piece of cake to carry on. Without prejudice to the many achievements of Gov Umar Tanko Almakura who would be regarded as one of the best especially in the area of urbanization of Lafia and some other urban infrastructure, the current Government inherited a state with a number of issues of concern:
1. A state with a debt burden of over N90 billion including unpaid gratuities and outstanding percentages of salaries. The insistence by the former Governor that he did not leave behind any debt is untenable as records from the Debt Management Office do not lie. Nasarawa State with a sustainability index of 2.9% in 2017 also applied and received a bailout of N8.32 billion from the FGN which is being repaid today. As at today, some N500 million deduction is done on Nasarawa State allocation for debt repayment monthly.
2. The current government inherited a State where salaries and pensions were being paid in percentages and only peanuts (if ever) of gratuities were paid to retired senior citizens. We have to admit that the template used for the implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage in 2011 had placed salaries in the State civil service even higher than the FG because the increment was done across board instead of pro-rata, but the liabilities created by these actions were left behind for the current government to tackle.
3. A local government system that was reduced to merely a centre for the payment of salaries as all LGA funds were managed with direct expenditure from the joint account by the State government. There were development areas without development. LGA fund were at the disposal of the State and which used them with skewed preference to certain locations without equity to every LGA. The Western Senatorial district for instance suffered neglect.
4. There was this aggressive effort to execute or complete projects at the wee hours of the last administration. Projects that were eventually listed as completed were actually work-in-progress. The economically unviable airport in Lafia, the new school of nursing, the Nasarawa House at Abuja etc. These require a lot more resources to complete. The Lafia airport even after completion will remain a white elephant project and represents a disservice to Nasarawans.
5. Perhaps, Nasarawa State experienced some of its worst insecurity situations during the last six years. After the Ombatse crisis, the State had hardly known peace with recurrent clashes between farmers and herders, the Egbira/Bassa communal clashes, some of which have remained unresolved. Large farming communities were left at the mercy of kidnappers and marauding killer herdsmen who seemed to be enjoying institutional support.
6. Even though Nasarawa State is nicknamed the home of solid minerals, our advantage lies in agriculture, but there was not much deliberate efforts towards it. Rural roads and infrastructure that could catapult agriculture and the attendant employment generation suffered the most during the past dispensation. I can hardly remember any rural road that was done at least in the western senatorial district except perhaps Toto/Umaisha?
The second narrative or perhaps contemplation is two fold. On the one hand, some people like to see the successor dismantle the policies and projects of the predecessor as a show of being in-charge. I am certain that Engr AA Sule is well informed of any actions of the preceding administration requiring tinkering, but I suppose he may have chosen methodical and strategic approach in steering his ship toward the right course. That is wisdom! On the other hand, many people understand development in terms of “human capital development” which to them could literarily mean “stomach infrastructure”! Human capital development involves giving people the skills, tools and environment for them to use their God given talent to earn a living. Commercial Agriculture and its value chain holds the key and the actions of Engr A.A Sule so far shows that he understands this.
I think it is an act of faith and honesty for one to be grateful to God for what He has given him while working hard to earn the trust and support of the people for an additional term. Engr AA Sule is already making his mark in opening up the rural areas for commercial agriculture with the all-important Mararaba to Udege 25km road and the 15.5km Asphalt Sisinbaki-Kwarra road projects. There are MOUs being signed with investors in the area of agriculture, there is the 500 hectares land preparation for youth engagement in collaboration with CBN/NIRSAL, the recently awarded contract for the Farin Ruwa Dam for agriculture and power generation by the FG are all strategic approaches to lift the State.
In spite of the dearth of resources, the Governor is keeping to his commitment of paying 100% salaries! The LGAs need to be continually guided, supervised, reprimanded where necessary to judiciously use federal allocations and internal revenues generated to also pay 100% salaries and execute projects otherwise the financial autonomy will make no meaning.
Very importantly, many agrarian communities are becoming peaceful and conducive again for farmers because of the genuine and deliberate efforts of the Governor. We hope that the efforts being made to quell the ugly situation at the Toto/Umaisha axis will bring the needed security and safety of lives and property as soon as possible.
Criticism is an essential ingredient for development in a democracy. I also understand that in politics, if you are not the one in power, whatever is done is wrong, but we owe it to ourselves for any government to succeed because at the end, we and our people are the beneficiaries of success and the recipients of the value for our resources.
Finally, a true believer and an honest leader will give praise to God for the opportunity to serve his people whether it once or twice. I recall that at the initial stages of the electioneering campaigns, not many people imagined Engr A.A Sule as Governor, but God acts in ways beyond our contemplation. Therefore, for the purveyors of one term, I say, think again while watching the steady steps of the Engineer. Now is time to work together while not shying away from constructive criticism!
Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Aibro, works with W.H.O as a Consultant representing a Africa, erstwhile House of Reps candidate, hail from Odu electoral ward in Nasarawa LG of the State.
