February 3, 2009
Since 1999 when Nigeria joined other nations under democratic norms there were a lot of expectations from the citizenry seeking for rapid transformation, and development after decades of military misrule of our country. Alas, the yearnings and aspirations of the Nigerian society that were ravaged by abject poverty, diseases and corruption of a highest scale by those in authority makes the aspirations of people that are eager to a meaningful development hanging in the balance.
Despite efforts through legislations and appropriation of funds to the 3-tiers of governments, the expectations of Nigerians in the current democratic dispensation is not far from the old traditions of civilian governments of the usual rhetoric’s of providing “portable water, electricity and good roads. But since our independence in 1960 the political will and patriotism of leaders to graduate from the old slogan of providing basic necessities continued to prevail day-in-day-out.
Today diseases especially malaria, typhoid and lack of maternal care are killing innocent children and women prematurely, and yet those in authority especially Executive and legislators primary concerned, is to create wealth that for life, according to their thinking will cater for them and their immediate families.
Kaduna State is the nerve centre of Northern Nigeria, and indeed the pulse of the nation. The state that once became a focal point in terms of development due to focus and dynamism of the late sage, Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna of sokoto) the Premier of Northern Nigeria of former administrative headquarter of northern Nigeria is now reduced to antique buildings and colonial designed roads. Although the duos of Alh. Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa and Alh. Ahmed Makarfi has successfully initiated and executes projects that torched the lives of many from urban to the rural populace.
Surprisingly, the goodwill enjoyed by previous administration ranging from military to civilian administrations is squandered by the government. The eleven point agenda of Sambo’s administration is reduced to mere pronouncement and failed promises. Even the millions of naira spents by the office of special adviser (media) to the governor, Umar Sani tagged “Keeping promises” on all television channels within kaduna has became “cheating promises” with only speeches, pronouncements and juicy contracts awarded to either expansion of government house or to consultants that are paid huge sums of money for projects that are un-realistic in the next 15 years.
For the records the free medical care for pregnant women and children has become a gimmick, that a common paracetamol cannot be found, inspite of 70 million naira set aside every month by the government. Worst still the recently 50 million naira monthly allocation for the purchase of malaria drugs at designated government hospitals cannot be traced. It is amazing that the free and compulsory education with a purpose of providing free uniforms and text books for pupils is again a pronouncement that only 2% of the primary pupils are enjoying. why, setting aside 840 million naira in name of reforming local governments , while pupils sits under dilapidated classrooms that in most cases no chairs.
It is no longer a story that Governor Namadi Sambo’s style of spending public funds lavishly for his comfort. Available records show that he spent over 600 million naira to renovate office of the governor and official lounge. Amazingly, instead of the governor to use the resources available from the federation account to built and repair roads, the governor went ahead and awarded a contract worth 3.2 billion naira for a new office complex of the governor to Julius Berger. Is this a priority? Do Governor Namadi’s mentors really meant good for him? Let governor Namadi Sambo wake up and assume full leadership and control of a once vibrant kaduna state from the clique of hang-around and charlatans that are deceiving him so early with 2011 election without concrete executed projects. Yet the government of Namadi Sambo discovered another Goldmine in the name of KADAGAMES or National sports festival coming up on the 15th February 2009.KADAGAMES for Namadi Sambo and associates became a conduit pipes for diverting millions into their pockets. The Deputy Governor Mr Yakowa has judiciously utilised his fortune from KADAGAMES with magnificence Tavern Hotel along Gwamna Road Kaduna.
Like Brutus said to Caesar “…… Beware of idles of March…..” Also, Governor Sambo, should be aware of power hangers around him; the likes of Hussein Jalo, Umar Sani, Sa’idu Abdullahi Adamu and Audie Mohammed. As the Hausa saying goes; “gani ya kori ji” (seeing is believing), it is a fact that Jalo and Umar Sani are criss- crossing the local governments areas dashing 100,000 naira per electoral ward to youths in the governors name for 2011 election project. Is this a priority to you? Something must be done and surely it is not too late.
Governor Sambo it is right time for you to understand that, the heavy-weight politicians that contested the primaries with you are very much solid on the ground to give you yet another fight for the slot of governorship in 2011 and the earlier you embark on reconciliation and also to reach out every corner of the state the better for you to cross the hurdles. It is a fact that, your government lacks committed advisers, spokespersons and the powers you gave to your commissioners are too much that at the end will land you to the EFCC net. That is why your strategy on embarking so early on 2011 without due consultation with Southern Kaduna people the king makers and loyalists to your predecessor is surely on a false note.
Haruna Mustapha, BZ 90, Kerawa Road
Sabon-Gari Tudun-Wada
Kaduna.
e-mail:[email protected]
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