Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
The Progressive Youth Movement, (PYM), Toto local government chapter, has kicked against claims that the area has immensely benefited from the present administration in Nasarawa state.
Reacting to a statement allegedly credited to the government, the Progressives, in a statement released on Friday in Toto, faulted such claims that it has done a lot for the marginalised people of Toto local government, saying the area deserves dividends of democracy.
Coordinator of the movement in Toto local government, Comrade Yahaya Idris Ahmed, in a statement, frowned at the issue of tackling insecurity being limited to Toto alone.
“Insecurity is now a national phenomenon and the resources sunk into such security project has not been on Toto alone. Banditry armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country has been the responsibility of governments to tackle.
“What of other skirmishes along Benue/Nasarawa border? Is that Toto too.
The mobile police unit and military super camp sent to Toto only succeeded in demobilising the local vigilantes from contributing to the fight against criminals.
“Instead of pursuing the kidnappers, they threatened the volunteers, who are ready to combat the marauders, thereby paving ways for kidnappers and bandits to accelerate their operations unhindered.” He said
According to the group it was when the special task force of military was drafted to the area that the terrorists were flushed out of Ittu forest.
The statement also wondered how the people of the area will be benefiting from a yet to kick start project, while nothing is on ground as far as the businesses said to have been brought and who are the beneficiaries.
Ahmed, who agreed that floor mills will come to assist in employment, doubted if it will be for only Toto people, are these the only things Toto deserve?
Though the government believes that “too much” has been given to the entire people of Toto local government, we wish to use this medium to inform you that it is only Toto LGA in Nigeria that has no electricity, the group lamented.
They complained that rural roads are now impassable like Ugya – Katakpa, Umaisha – Dausu, Kuru – Shafan Abakpa and Ukya -Chiji – Gate roads and needs urgent attention in view of their importance in agriculture and commerce.
On the Governor’s claimed that he supported Toto son to be Speaker,
“The area is being drawn backward by forces close to seat of power simply because they have facilitated their son to be Speaker of the House. Was he not elected from his constituency? Was he not also democratically elected as Speaker of the House? Was he only appointed?.
“Is it only Toto LG that has political appointees?. Why is it that other local government areas, despite multiple appointees, projects, infrastructure and socio-economic amenities are provided for them?” . The Youths stated.
The Progressive group therefore noted though development needs time and patience including budgeting and distribution of resources, does not mean that only Toto people should be singled out for unlawful exclusion as a sacrifice for the growth of other parts of the state.
“Imagine, the budget meant for 13 local government areas of the state and because of the blind and massive support given by the people of Toto to enthrone the Governor, they are now marginalised excluded and even discarded.” The statement concluded.
