Looking through the Nigerian polity since the return of democratic structures in 1999, one would be faced with the uneven development among the 36 States of the federation.
One would think that age bracket, educational attainment and exposures in isolation or in mission have caused progressive attitudes in these governors, which translate into policies and projects dished out to their electorates. It appears that the younger the man, the more dividends of democracy to the people in most cases.
In the South-West, names like Babatunde Fashola (SAN) of Lagos State and his Ondo State counterpart Olusegun Mimiko come to mind. Both are middle-aged governors with sound intellectual prowess.
In the South East is Sullivan Chime of Enugu; a trained Barrister at Law, a tiger with commendable academic height to show. During his time, former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, showed how well to attract tourism and investment. Also the youthful Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and Akwa Ibom’s Godswill Akpabio, have also distinguished themselves.
In the Northern region are Nassarawa State, Tanko Almakura, (North central), Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe, Kashim Shettima of Borno and Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe from the North-East, who have done their name good with quality projects despite the security challenges. Ibrahim Shema of the late president Yar’adua’s home State, Katsina, has also in his own right made his mark.
Some of the old breed that have performed above par are Ebonyi State Governor, Martin Elechi and Governor of Plateau State, Dr Jonah Jang, who despite the civil unrest has won commendations for his developmental strides.
Adamawa is one State that yearned for a youthful individual to govern the State. Thank God we were not left behind when the wind of CHANGE came.
As our Governor-elect, Senator Jibrila Bindow takes over the mantle of leadership come 29th, May, 2015, he needs to be very careful while forming his cabinet. Our beloved State is blessed with many trained vibrant men and women, who belong to the youthful age bracket and can deliver.
The last sixteen years of democratic rule in Adamawa State were characterized by monumental blunders to the extent that only fresh blood and ideas can correct the situation.
Thus, Senator Bindow should turn around fortunes of the State through sincere Youth and Women Empowerment programmes. He must make Adamawa a State where youths can access loan facilities. This should be done through proper structuring of economic incentives via transparent system. Our mothers, wives and sisters should receive government attention, especially as it regards trade, marketing and other areas of endeavour.
Empowerment and motivation of the Civil Service, being the fulcrum of government, entitlements in salaries, bonuses and arrears should not be baits for punishment. Rather, rights that must be respected and given to rightful owners at the right time. Issues of promotion and elevation in the Civil Service should be re-introduced and earned by those who deserve them irrespective of alienations. In-service and on-the-job trainings should no longer be strange but routines in line with the Civil Service rules.
Effective Health Care delivery services should characterize our hospitals, maternity homes and clinics. The health of every citizen of the Land of Beauty’ should constitute priority of government, we should have little or few referrals in our hospitals as capacity of existing ones should be expanded with new ones built across the State to meet the health needs of the citizenry.
The Education system should receive real and pragmatic attention with the major aim of giving qualitative and functional education rather than exercise for mere political purpose. It shall no longer be a case of media propaganda, rather something that will elevate the actual need of our children to face their counterparts from other states of the federation and the globe as a village. This should be implemented from the primary all through the secondary and tertiary levels. New schools should be built to accommodate the growing needs for western and nomadic/religious education.
Roads in the State should be constructed to expand and open up the hinterlands to attract local and foreign investments. Pipe-borne water should be distributed to households to curtail the incidences of water related diseases; this drive is also to ameliorate the need that sends our people to cover far distances in search of water. The Lagdo Dam should be harnessed, to improve the generation and distribution of electricity for the comfort of our people and growth of businesses in our State. Housing should be given its rightful place with the construction of low-cost houses to be leased out under terms favourable to both the occupants and government (Public Private Partnership).
The agricultural sector should not be platform for more white-elephant projects that makes the rich, richer. Improved seedlings, vaccines for livestock and fertilizer should be made available at government controlled prices to forestall high-jacking by middle men. This should be targeted at the low income farmer as well, to reap the fruit of his/her labour. Tractor hiring services should be made more organized, fishery and poultry farming should not be neglected too.
Accountability, transparency and fairness in governance should be the watch-word of the incoming administration. Funds that accrue to the state should meet prudent management and effective expenditure. Resources should be used for what they are meant for rather than for building of dynasties. Fairness, transparency and justice for all should constitute agenda of government to give everyone a sense of belonging and peace of mind.
Peace-building and trauma healing for victims of insurgency should be given priority as it affects economically viable areas. Government should collaborate with Non- Governmental Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, amongst others in achieving this task. The incoming APC administration must also reconcile various political divides in this State.
The people of Adamawa should always remember that good things do not happen by accident but through conscious efforts and sacrifices for the betterment of young and old generations. I urged our people to give the incoming administration the maximum support to actualize the desired CHANGE they voted for during the April, 11th, 2015, gubernatorial polls.
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